George and Jess Podcast

It's getting very weird across the pond... speculation as to the whereabouts of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, are increasing. After a British Mother's Day photo was redacted from the newswire internet sleuths and the public are questioning Kate's wellbeing.

Jon Jamieson is today's guest. He's talking about setting your spring fitness goals and how much you can accomplish in 8-12 weeks before summer. There are also some exciting upcoming events at JP Fitness.

For the firs time since 1998, Minnesota State University Mankato is getting a bold, new look. With any rebrand - the people have thoughts. We're talking about the new look and what people are saying this morning. Plus, Ribfest's 2024 lineup has been announced.

Jess has been sharing about her 75 Day Personal Style Challenge on Instagram. Today, she's giving an update at almost 1/3 of the way through the challenge. Here's how it works: no shopping for 75 days, document your outfit each day and pay attention to how you feel in the clothes you're wearing. The goal is to learn about what you like and how you want to dress - which is your unique personal style. We're also chatting about Oscar fashion from Sunday evening's awards. You can find Jess' challenge at @jessb_styleology on Instagram.

Friday, March 8th marked International Women's Day. On today's podcast, we're talking about its origins. Also, recognizing the women in your life and the impact they've made.

More and more people are talking about 'homesteading' - most not full on homesteading but those skills that lead to being self sufficient. Growing and harvesting your own food, having livestock, baking bread, sewing. We're talking about this 'trend', if you will. Are we influenced to have interest in these skills or is it an instinct in us that is telling us we should learn?

The number of women entering the skilled trades is growing. This week is National Women in Construction Week so today's conversation is perfect timing. We're talking about the skilled trades, the hurtles women face in the industry and why so many people are considering pivoting to a career in the trades.

The CEO of Kellog's Cereal has taken a lot of heat recently for suggesting that American's who are struggling to afford groceries should eat cereal for dinner. Now, people on social media are calling for a boycott of all Kellog's products - which isn't as easy as it sounds. We're talking about boycotts of products and why they don't always work.

Nick Schmitz from Straight Up Outside LLC is our guest today. Nick and his wife Annie are raw milk dairy farmers outside of Lake Crystal. Hear how he went from school teacher to dairy farmer on today's episode. Nick also talks about the health benefits of raw milk (sorry, there's a wait list for Nick's) and organic farming.

Thanks to social media and home improvement shows, interior design trends are changing as quickly as clothing trends. The problem is interior design tends to be much more expensive - and permanent. We're talking about why this is happening and if it will prevent people from doing renovations.

If you got a shout out in the song 'Mabo Number 5'...congratulations, you have a granny name now. Yep, Ashley, Amanda, Jessica...according to gen Z these are the new 'granny names'.

On today's Cosmic Country Rewind we have a variety of topics for you including the upcoming Academy Awards and George's review of the movie Oppenheimer. We also check in with Jess' personal style challenge and the Tik Tok video that has five million views and counting calling out the 'Millenial uniform'.

Solastalgia is a word that describes a form of emotional or existential distress caused by environmental change. It is best described as the lived experience of negatively perceived environmental change. It's the homesickness for a climate or environment that is gone. As much as we have loved the warm weather this winter - it's hard not to feel like something's missing.

Famous men are in their power bag era. Athletes, actors and musicians have all been spotted carrying large - very expensive bags as part of their daily 'look'. It has Jess making an observation - none of the men in her office carry much into work each day, while she and her female colleagues seem to schlep endless luggage, totes and backpacks each day. Is the power bag the answer? George says nope.

Neuralink, one of Elon Musk's companies, has successfully implanted a brain chip into a patient who from all accounts has fully recovered and is now able to move a mouse cursor with only their mind. We're talking about rapidly advancing technologies and how they will affect our ever-changing world.

Beyonce released two country singles during the Superbowl, one has reached the top position on the Billboard Hot Country chart. Plenty of country radio stations and fans shared their outrage that Beyonce would dare release a country single - the same fans who didn't have a problem when Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Carrie Underwood were on the pop charts? Possibly. It comes to down this phenomenon known as 'selective outrage'. We're talking about why it's ridiculous in today's Cosmic Country Replay.

Multi-generational homes are when family members from multiple generations live together. Like young adults living with their parents or grandparents. According to some staggering statistics, Millennials and Gen Z individuals aren't leaving the nest. Financial strain and health issues are the top two reason, join us this morning as we discuss.

We're live on Cosmic Country Radio every weekday morning, we've heard your requests for a daily podcast again so we're bringing you the best of both worlds! Clips from the previous day's morning show will be available here. Today we're talking about the decline in socialization over the last 40 years and why it's detrimental for our wellbeing.

The things we do for a hit of dopamine, right? This morning we're talking about finding what lights you up (it's different for everyone) and pursuing that thing. Be it a hobby or a job or something else. Jess has been enjoying figure skating since last fall and finally took the plunge and signed up for lessons. We're also talking about social media (the dopamine rush that scrolling your phone can give you) and how to avoid the feeling of missing out or needing to 'keep up' with everyone else's highlight reel.

Have you been to a thrift store lately? If so, chances are you've seen a lot of young adults under 30 combing the racks for a treasure. Thrifting and secondhand shopping is huge, we sharing some observations and reasons behind the surge in thrifters.

Is there something you've always wanted to do or try or a place you've wanted to go? Now is the time to take aligned action toward making that dream a reality. We watched the Paris Haute Couture fashion shows this weekend. Jess has always dreamed of going to a runway show. So, while a Paris runway may not be in the cards, we're thinking Kansas City Fashion Week is totally doable. The point is to identify the thing you've been thinking about doing or trying and then take steps to make it a reality. Fashion week, mountain climbing, stand-up paddle boarding. How can you make it happen for yourself this year?

The first major astrological transit of 2024 occurred on Saturday when Pluto moved into Aquarius. This is big news in astro-nerd circles. We're talking about what that means on this morning's pod. Rest assured if you felt the wild energy this weekend, you weren't alone. Also, the NFL's playoff weekend full of 'shocking finales'... is it all scripted? And we revisit the 'Mob Wife Aesthetic' discussion from last week with a treasure Jess found at the thrift store this weekend.

If you can't keep up with social medias changing 'aesthetic trends' - you're not alone. According to social platforms the low key, no makeup, neutral look made popular by GenZ over the past year is out. Replacing it is 'Mob Wife aesthetic'. Think New Jersey. Gold chains, nails, makeup, leopard print and fur. Obviously - wear what you like regardless of the trends, it's just fun to check in on what the young adults under 30 have up their sleeves next :) We're also talking about the young woman who designed and created Taylor Swift's custom Chiefs puffer coat for Saturday's playoff game.

Nicole Panko, Owner + Founder of Heat Salon and Ember Wellness Studio is our guest today. She is here to talk about finding ways to prioritize your wellness in the new year. Including the Prioritize You challenge going on right now at Heat Salon and Ember Wellness Studio. Tune in to find out more about the benefits of red light therapy and infared saunas plus Yoga class offerings at Ember! Sign up for the Prioritize You challenge and get rewarded for making your self-care a priority in the new year.

Maybe you've seen it in your feed. The un-dining room, the undone dining room, the library dining room. Apparently we're bored with our boring old eating spaces. We're here for this dining room rebrand. Jess is sharing her plans for the current den in our house today - things are coming together nicely for the 'den-ing room' update. We're happy to be back with our new podcast format today. Each Monday, you'll catch new podcast episodes diving deeper into one of our radio topics from the week prior. You can also catch us each weekday live on our streaming radio station Cosmic Country Radio.

There's something about creating something. Going from something that didn't exist to a 'living and breathing' thing is nothing short of amazing. And when you do it 100% on your terms - it's even more incredible. Today was are so thrilled to unveil to our most loyal listeners: Cosmic Country Radio. George's 'big secret project' is out in the world and it feels so good. Cosmic Country Radio is an internet radio station. It's cool and fresh and new. It's hand-selected music and lifestyle programming just for you. And the show that started it all 'George & Jess in the Morning' is back live starting on Monday morning at 5:30am. How do you listen? On our website (link above), on the Live 365 app and on the Cosmic Country Radio app (coming soon!). Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for being on this (sometimes wild) ride with us and spending time with us each day. The podcast will remain on a weekly basis. We are so excited for you to hear this 'cosmic collision'.

Does it make us sound old when we say 'the years keep going by faster'? Even if it does, it's the truth! This year truly flew. We're reflecting on how our second year without alcohol differed from our first as we approach 2 years of alcohol-free living on December 26th. We aren't a sober living podcast especially as time goes on because not-drinking has just become a part of our lives - we rarely think about it anymore. But, when these milestones approach it's easy to think back to how your life has changed and we like to offer support to anyone who is considering taking a break from drinking. We also talk about Taylor Swift being named Time Magazine's Person of the Year.

Don't blink, the holidays will fly and we will be inundated with 'new year, new me' messaging. Try to brace yourself and make a plan now that truly aligns with your wellness goals. We're talking about some cool things that we think are going to be big in 2024 in the fitness and wellness space including new class offerings at JP Fitness.

Do you struggle to get in the holiday spirit without snow? Depending on what part of the country you're in, the weather hasn't been very 'Christmas-y'. We're also sharing a family Christmas surprise that's joining our family next week

Happy December! This morning we're talking about a slow holiday season. How we're celebrating in low stress ways and choosing holiday traditions that fit our life right now and what we're skipping (looking at you, Christmas cards). Plus, we're reflecting on past traditions and memories of gifts we loved as kids. The holiday countdown is on, join us for a reminder to find the joy in what works for you.

We're quitting New Year's resolutions this year and resolving to find our purpose instead. Former President Jimmy Carter was asked about living a fulfilling life and his advice was to 'find your purpose'. We know we KEEP teasing George's big project but this is not a drill - it's almost ready. After battling through a litany of technical issues, it's ready for the world! This all contributes to the conversation about finding your purpose. :)

Physics and spirituality. How's that for some heavy lifting on a Tuesday? More specifically we're talking about Astrology and Astronomy. George has noticed an uptick in interest in Astrology even in his feed. We're talking about the surge in interest and how the upcoming space travel may have an impact on the popularity of Astronomy and Astrology.

Have you heard of the term 'social battery'? It's the amount of time you can spend in social situations before you're spent. The amount of charge in everyone's battery varies. What is needed to recharge is also different for everyone. We're talking about social batteries especially during the holiday season. We hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday!

This is our last pre-Thanksgiving episode and we're focusing on what we're grateful for - with a few detours. :) Who doesn't like their gratitude with a side of discussion about hormonal changes and youth hockey? (It's a bit of a wild ride this morning). We are so grateful for you for joining us every day on the podcast, exciting things are coming and we can't wait to tell you more!

Happy Thanksgiving week! We hope this is a short, restful and peaceful week for you. We're talking about the upcoming holiday and 'shopping season' surrounding it. Remember when Black Friday was one day? With retailers competing for holiday spending dollars, Black Friday deals will carry on for weeks. We're talking about it this morning.

More and more young families are embracing changing familial dynamics including not doing things the way they have always been done. We're talking about holiday traditions and why we're celebrating 'Friendsgiving' this year. Plus, Jess' grandma shared some wise words with her about trying to be 'everywhere' during the holidays.

Jess is a serial 'club-starter'. Book clubs, wine clubs, tea clubs, craft clubs... you name it, she loves to create community. Her latest dream is a figure-skating club. Hear about her vision and imagine what kind of club you'd like to be part of. If it doesn't exist - create it! Plus, hear what George bought on the silent auction at the school fundraiser and learn why our winter is going to be spent ice skating and playing chess.

The time has come for us to replace our mattress. It's probably past time, but we keep avoiding it. Saying things like 'it's good enough' or 'it's fine'. George points out quality sleep is one of the pillars of wellness along with nutrition and exercise. So, why are we feeling bad about replacing our mattress? It's a mindset, right? Telling ourselves things are 'ok', when we know they aren't. Well, we'd love your suggestions for mattresses - I'm sure making this decision will take 3-5 business years. :)

Jon Jamieson, owner of JP Fitness, is our guest today. Jon is talking about staying committed to your routine this holiday season. He offers tips and encouragement for sticking to your plan. Jon is also sharing details on the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!

If you've been listening to the podcast for awhile, you may have gathered that George is a logical science-minded guy and Jess is a bit more...mystical. She's been taking an astrology class and today George has some questions about the practice. She doesn't let his skepticism get her down (he is a Scorpio Rising afterall...) :)

We're explaining Tik Tok's 'Bird Test' - that some say can help you determine if you're compatible with someone (romantically or platonically). Plus, we're talking about immediate indicators when you meet someone if you 'click' with them.

Holey? Holy? Ya know, underwear with holes in them. Anyway, George apparently has a hard time parting with his undergarments that are well past their expiration date. We're talking about other things we struggle to get rid of or replace. Plus, it's Election Day! Make sure you exercise your right to vote in any elections in your area today!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house! We put up our decorations this weekend and let me tell you, when it got dark at 4:45 on Sunday evening, it helped. We're also talk about why Jess decided to upcycle old decorations rather than buy new decorations this year. Recapping a busy weekend today on the pod and preview of tomorrow's school bond referendum for ISD 77.

What used to be an unpopular opinion is slowing turning more mainstream. The holiday season begins after Halloween. Yes, retailers would love you to shop early and often. But, beyond that, if you are someone who finds joy and nostalgia and comfort in the holiday season, why not spend two months enjoying those feelings? We're talking about decorating early and how the Christmas creep feels for us.

We are joined by a very special guest today, Nicole Panko, owner of Ember Wellness Studio. Ember is located in Old Town Mankato at 613 N. Riverfront Drive, Nicole is on today sharing more about her personal journey to creating Ember and diving into the offerings. It's also her birthday today! We're talking midlife, self-discovery, self-care and more!

Reflecting on the weekend's sad news of Matthew Perry's passing. He once told Hoda Kotb from The Today Show that when he dies he didn't want the show mentioned first, he wanted his advocacy for recovery to be the first thing he was remembered for. Also, a frigid Halloween is upon us in the Midwest, best wishes on your evening trick-or-treat, tomorrow, they release Mariah Carey.

Ken Burns' new docuseries 'American Buffalo' is now available on PBS. We watched it this weekend and it is incredible. We're sharing our thoughts on the series. Also, the weather is changing and it's almost 'the holiday season' the stores are changing their displays and for some reason this year it feels comforting to see the holidays take over the retail space.

There is so much happening in the world right now and it seems like so much has changed since 2020. We're reflecting this morning on the changes in our lives and in the world while also pausing to recognize all that is currently happening in the global landscape.

We're both sentimental little babies when it comes to our kids' stuff - which has led to saving tons of stuff. Can you relate? Neither of us have a lot of our stuff from our own childhoods so maybe that has led to us hanging on to toys, books, clothes and blankets (and pretty much everything else). How do you decide what to keep and what to part with when it comes to kids' keepsakes? We're also talking Halloween and some of our own favorite costumes growing up.

Young couples are asking for help with the down payment on a home on their wedding registries. We're talking about the so-called 'American Dream', how challenging it is to afford all housing and if young people actually want to buy homes. Plus, George is coming around to the T-Swift T-Kelce romance...

Wallet Hub has released its annual ranking of stressed out states and Minnesota tops the list as the least stressed out state in the country. The report uses a combination of indicators to draw its conclusions like unemployment rates, rates of divorce, and financial stressors among others. Read the full report here.