We chuckle as we get started on our first episode of 2025. We use our time together to laugh about Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart, and funny holiday sweatshirts. We then dive into reflections on what it was like for us to start the podcast in 2024, and unpack the lessons we've encountered in our first year of podcasting.

We set intentions for our podcast in 2025 to niche ourselves as the "ANTI-ADVICE" podcast. Instead of chasing quick fixes promoted by wellness culture, Hannah + Jane emphasize the power of lived experiences, personal connections, and embracing the gray areas of life. Listeners are encouraged to critically evaluate the advice they encounter, trust their instincts, and cultivate their own truths.

We also announce our 2025 plan to showcase and donate to various causes and non-profits each month - for each 5-star rating we gain on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, we will donate $5 to the cause, and for each written review, we will donate $10 to the cause.

Our January cause is Urban Peak!

In this heartfelt conversation, Meghan Rubenstein, creator and community maker of Sakala Community, takes us on a journey through her personal and professional evolution, shedding light on the powerful impact of community and inclusivity. Meghan begins by reflecting on her own path to sobriety, a journey marked by self-discovery, resilience, and a deep commitment to healing.

Central to the discussion is the creation of Sakala, a unique community space that Meghan envisioned as a sanctuary for connection, authenticity, and support. She explains how Sakala was built on the principles of inclusivity and empowerment, and how it strives to be a place where people can feel seen, heard, and valued. Meghan speaks about the importance of leadership in shaping Sakala, offering insights into the ways in which intentional leadership can foster a thriving, compassionate community.

As Meghan walks us through the innovative business model behind Sakala, she emphasizes its commitment to accessibility and healing. The model isn’t just about financial success, but about creating a sustainable ecosystem of care that values the emotional and spiritual well-being of everyone involved. She addresses the challenges and rewards of leading a community with such diverse needs, highlighting the importance of being intentional, empathetic, and open to growth. Ultimately, this conversation paints a picture of Sakala not just as a physical space but as a living, breathing movement for change.

Resources:

Learn more about Sakala + get on Sakala's monthly newsletter - https://www.sakalacommunity.com

Follow Sakala on IG: @sakalacommunity

Human Design - https://www.myhumandesign.com

Gene Keys - https://genekeys.com

Anna Nichols - https://www.spiritualbusinessincubator.com

Learn more about the hosts + the podcast:

arewehappyyetpodcast.com

grittherapy.com

alchemytherapyandwellness.com

Join us for this honest and vulnerable conversation with Carly Schaller, therapist, adventurer, small business owner, and puppy momma.

Carly shares her journey of pursuing a marketing career in New York City, inspired by her mother’s success as a powerful corporate leader, while also grappling with the impact of being raised by her father, an empathetic journalist who struggled with alcoholism. She explores how these two contrasting influences shaped her career path, personal growth, and sense of self.

We work to bust myths and misconceptions and share some therapy real talk about panic, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and OCD. We discuss medications, and normalize anxiety, particularly existential anxiety around big triggers like health, death, and belonging. Carly describes how travel, adventure, and nature can be not only transformative, but are imperative for our wellbeing.

We are also so lucky that Carly's company Loona Seeds is offering a 10% discount for Are We Happy Yet? listeners. Use discount code HAPPY10 on your next order.

We also talk about:

-personal experiences with medications for anxiety and OCD

-nature, and the impact of being outdoors on mental health and overall wellbeing

-travel and adventure as a tool for growth

-cultural experiences around happiness, and contentment

Connect with Carly:

https://www.grittherapy.com/our-team

https://www.loonaseeds.com

Learn more about the podcasts and hosts Hannah + Jane

arewehappyyetpodcast.com

grittherapy.com

alchemytherapyandwellness.com