Imperfect Strangers

…and we're back! Welcome to season 7 of your favorite podcast you almost forgot about because these MFs were gone so long we bet you thought there were Problems In The Relationship. See what we did there? Fear not, stranger-friends! The brand is strong! (This was our crap attempt at clickbait. Literally no one thought there were problems, LOL). On this episode of Imperfect Strangers, Melissa and Justin explore a new app to bring them closer in their marriage after an argument. On the second half, Amanda chaperones a field trip to Washington DC and based on the children's behavior within the first hour, she has “ragrets.” If you're here and you're listening, thanks for waiting. We appreciate you. This is the part where you reply, “No problem!” Get it? Because there are no problems in the relationship. Yeah OK, we'll stop. Enjoy. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

Amanda and Melissa reflect on the making of this podcast and their subsequent warm and fuzzy friendship as they hit their sixth season finale and 120th episode. This has been a really great run-on sentence. Melissa and Amanda also answer listeners' unresolved questions from previous episodes. *CONFETTI* A little post-script to say rest in power to the legend DJ Casper, creator of the iconic Cha Cha Slide. He passed this week and we found out while editing the episode, looking for the sound clip we included here. That song is a gift. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

Man, we feel like women! Don't listen to this episode if you haven't seen Barbie yet. Amanda and Melissa unpack this pretty pink masterpiece. Spoilers ahead. Highly recommend. Also, Melissa here with a NY Times Correction: Justin Beck would kill me if I didn't correct the official record to say that he never wore a puka shell necklace while singing at me with an acoustic guitar between any college years 1995 through 2000.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

Melissa tells Amanda about how she and Justin attended a town meeting to make a noise complaint and as it turns out, it was the perfect date night. Something something something about trees, hence Lorax. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

The ladies recap their weekend spent together as Melissa became bat mitzvah, including their quick trip to the gorgeous TWA.Warm fuzzies and too-long hugs all around. Ewwww. *hearts emojis* This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

Melisser is busy busy busy with her upcoming bat mitzvah service and guess who's coming? Amander! Melissa is verklempt, actual and genuinely honored. The Hebrew word for friendship is chaverut and wow, what a beautiful and long way these two have come. Elsewhere in this episode, Amanda explains All Duggar Everything to Melissa. Basically, the girls are saying do religion this way. Not that way. Yeah, it's not lost on them how the theme of this episode ended up. We're living in a simulation anyway though! Enjoy. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

To celebrate the third birthday (WOW) of Imperfect Strangers, we invited Andy Bellatti of Astrology With Andy to read the birth chart of this show. This podcast is a hardcore Gemini, a sign known for communication and curiosity — a perfect for a show about two strangers getting to know each other. If you want to find out more about astrology or learn more about yourself by getting your or your business's birth chart ready, look up Andy on IG at @astrologywithandy.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

On the eve of Mother's Day, Melissa implores you to get a Cadbury egg-shaped vibrator with arms for that special lady in your life. Amanda urges you to protect ya neck with wasp spray, but also swords, machetes and motion sensor lights. If the previous paragraph wasn't weird enough, this episode takes a weirder, XXX rated turn when these two, always late to a viral moment, discover passages from 50 Shades Of Grey. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4988804/advertisement

Melissa and Amanda discover the subreddit called Xennials. Hypercolor. Cabbage Patch Kids. Serendipity books! Also, Melissa blames everything bad that happens on perimenopause. Also, men are Mars; women are superior.

…and they're back after scrapping multiple bummer recording sessions before finally arriving at this new episode. Melissa is still on the mend from an actual fortnight of sickness, laryngitis and everything. Amanda performed a MAJOR solid by editing out at least 12 minutes' worth of Melissa's wretched coughing. If only there was a way for Amanda to edit out the start of her entire 2023 because so far, this hasn't been her year. Also, enjoy a deep dive on the latest flesh-eating street drug Tranq. Happy Imperfect Strangers New Year which starts on 4/20, hey yay ayee yay, smoke weed every day (if you have a medicinal license to do so because we are parents and this is the Internet).

Ever the studious ones fearful of disappointing others, the ladies sit down to record while Amanda is sick with a sore throat. Amanda discusses her hesitation in taking any kind of medication which makes Melissa crazy — just do the drugs! That said, Melissa is an insomniac who 100% cannot be trusted with Ambien.

Shabbat Shalom! This episode is out of control. The friendship has reached a dangerous level of familiarity. We're talking imaginary prison barbers, shitty legs, suppositories. And half of that is just Melissa telling Amanda about very awkward times where she was recognized from that reality show. Then! Be prepared to feel seen, foggy-headed people out there! The ADHD IS ADHD'ing.

Amanda's 16-year-old dog Cocoa died. Thug down. Melissa's husband sold his 22-year-old business. Thug down. Might need Kleenex for this one but not for long. After the musical break in the middle, join Melissa for a night out at a 90s R&B dance party, Covid be damned. #PMA #SF

Melissa and Amanda respond to The Cut's article on etiquette for the modern world for what they call “life after Covid.” After? OK, but we get the gist. It's arguing time (in the most loving way). Do you cancel plans willy nilly? Do you trip when you see a famous person? Do you pretend you're not impressed by someone's accomplishments? Apparently there are new rules for these things. Find out where these ladies (not allowed to say ladies anymore — did you know that!) agree and disagree. You can read the article and follow along here — https://www.thecut.com/article/tipping-rules-etiquette-rules.html.

Melissa is about to take a road trip to Vermont to visit Danny. We all know she is not a nature lady, hence why she prepared for the visit with a trip to the beauty supply. Amanda regales us with her expertise in a new segment called Old Lady Gym where Melissa gets to ask questions about health and fitness now that she's an athlete. The two get serious and down deep about tackling negative self-talk too. [positivity overload] Let's do this!

On this episode, Amanda and Melissa chat about the permanence of both tattoos and sharing yourself on the Internet. Wanna know what's not permanent? Melissa's eyelash extensions and Amanda's Botox. Very exciting discourse on youth maintenance.

Amanda had a tough week with her sick dog Louis. Melissa, now an athlete, is having a harder time getting her heart rate up because she might be fit! Elsewhere in the episode, Beyoncé (always the winner), MGK and Jonah Hill. Plus, a little chat about the monetization of vulnerability. It's like this is a real talk show or something!Join Patreon for bonus content and more!

Every rose has its thorn. On this episode, Melissa and Amanda share the highlights of their weeks. For Amanda, her son earned his black belt. For Melissa, she's closer to becoming bat mitzvah. Then, in a dreadful turn of events, the ladies overshare about the stuff that gets on their nerves on social media. The algorithm doesn't care that they're not interested. It just keeps serving them slop!

Melissa might finally understand Amanda's fitness thing because she is now a member of @OrangeTheory. Is this real life? Melissa also discovers the riveting new show #TheTraitorsUS and that Amanda is also an Alan Cumming fan. Plus, an update on Melissa's journey with hot yoga. WOW! What a difference, indeed.

On this episode, super-smeller Melissa explores hot yoga and well, she can't quite quiet her mind or control her wandering third eye so. You know, it's a no. Let's say it's 100% NOT YOGA. Also, Melissa gives Amanda all the tips and tools she needs to get the softest feet ever because Melissa's philosophy in life is that we must always take care of our teeth and our feet.

Welcome to season SIX (WOWZERS) of Imperfect Strangers! The podcast where two people who've never met *strikethrough* — have met IRL — but continue to get to know each other over the phone every week. This week, on the season premiere and one-hundred-and-first episode, Amanda and Melissa usher in 2023 with a very special guest. Scurry along and listen now!www.imperfectstrangers.compatreon.com/imperfectstrangersInstagram: @imperfectstrangers_podcastTik Tok: @imperfectstrangerspodTwitter: @ImperfStrangersTheme music written and performed by Justin Beck.All other music courtesy of Uppbeat.io

WOWZERS. Strangers no more, but the podcast shall live on! For the grand finale of the fifth season, Melissa and Amanda meet in person! Hear all about Amanda's family trip to NYC where she takes a detour to meet Melissa for the first time IRL. Subways, potted meats, Covid, a very weird Airbnb — these ladies found love in a hopeless place. They risked it all for friendship and it paid off! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/eggnog-bop

On this ninety-ninth episode (!) of Imperfect Strangers, Melissa and Amanda plan an imaginary, luxurious (but totally possible) trip to Cincinnati because Melissa needs a fake fur — we repeat, a FAKE fur — and wouldn't you know it? Ohio has that whole market on lock. Shout out to Donna Salyers. Shira and Lennox, the biggest Oliver Tree fan, celebrate their birthdays. And elsewhere in the episode, these two, who have recently transitioned into full-time working moms with older self-sufficient children, discuss the adjustment from stay-at-home life. Instagram: @imperfectstrangers_podcastTwitter: @ImperfStrangersWeb: www.imperfectstrangerspodcast.comPatreon: patreon.com/imperfectstrangers

Wow! On this special episode of Imperfect Strangers, we sit down with Kelley Wolf, life coach and author of FLOW Finding Love Over Worry to discuss Dolly Parton, the power of staying present, finding your light (not superficially) and how to better manage the addiction to worry to find a happier you. Just in time for the hectic holiday season! Exhale. Also, on this episode be sure to listen to the ad about our party celebrating the milestone of hitting 100 episodes! And now for some paragraphs about how great YOU are, stranger-friends. Really though! Can you believe this podcast is 100 episodes old? Thank you for joining us and helping us to grow and get here. Every week, you've tuned in. Listened all the way to the end like bad asses. Downloaded. Reviewed. Told your friends. Joined our Patreon. Made friends in our Discord. And because of you we have this wonderful community. Melissa and Amanda started off as strangers and through the course of 100 episodes have learned enough about each other to take this thing to the next level — a friendship. Even if it's silly discussions about body odor or hamsters (also an odor) or important talks about boundaries, parenting, marriage, race or politics, you've been there from the beginning. Every week! Every Live. Every online Zoom party, you've shown up. This has been so very cool and rewarding. Fun, educational, emotional - all that. If you don't know this yet, we're saying it again. YOU are the best and we thank you for your listenership, your support, your insights, your jokes, your community. Now that's enough feelings for now. Go! Listen to this new episode with the lovely Kelley and have a great weekend!

On this very special FINAL spooky episode this season, we invited our Stranger Friend Patrons to share their ghost stories with us. Thank you to Sharon, Natalie, Kendra, Nicole and Gregory for sharing AND recording your stories!

On this special spooky episode of Imperfect Strangers, we are joined by the kool, kalm and kollected Kelley Wolf, author of FLOW, a book to help you Find Love Over Worry. Kelley shares the heartwarming slash heartbreaking story of one of her best costumes ever. Later in the episode, Amanda and Melissa share the costumes of their childhood — again heartwarming and heartbreaking and kinda hilarious because we contain a multitude around here. Enjoy!imperfectstrangerspodcast.comInstagram: @imperfectstrangers_podcastTwitter: @ImperfStrangersPatreon: Patreon.com/imperfectstrangersMusic and sound effects from Uppbeat (Free for creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/matt-stewart-evans/sneaky-tricks

BOO! It's Amanda's favorite time of year! On this special spooky episode of Imperfect Strangers, Melissa and Amanda are joined by a most lovely and very special guest Danny Roberts. Danny is a gorgeous early aughts pop culture icon who you may know from pioneering hit shows (that were not nominated for Emmys, eww) MTV's Real World New Orleans (gone forever so don't bother looking for it) and Paramount's Real World Homecoming New Orleans (streaming now) [insert Melissa's megawatt smile] He shares his love of Halloween in NOLA, candy made of particle board, fun facts about The Belfort mansion and a scary story about a mysterious night in his maybe-haunted childhood home. Check your candy for Fentanyl first and then dive right into this one! Music and sound effects from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/matt-stewart-evans/sneaky-tricks

Amanda asks Melissa if she believes in aliens and if so, what would she leave for them to understand the best of the human condition. The ladies share their top five best experiences and delete two of the worst. You know, just in case aliens touch down and wanna know what's what. Become a Patron of Imperfect Strangers!www.patreon.com/imperfectstrangersMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardustLicense code: IVAXQZ4TAXG7ZWBO

Amanda celebrated another wedding anniversary in a tiny house which sparked conversation on what makes a long-lasting marriage. Elsewhere in the episode, EW! Cheating on your pregnant wife. Melissa is not a fan of corny sext messages. Plus, the part of the Venn diagram where imposter syndrome meets smack in the middle of motherhood and adulthood — that. Although Melissa might really be an imposter. Girl didn't make a lick of sense the whole episode. (Melissa writes the summaries so it's me, hi. Enjoy this nonsense).

We open this episode with non-controversial non-hot takes that may be viewed as such simply because they're spoken aloud on America's Black Princess. A glimpse into the day to day analysis that keeps BRPR (Melissa's imaginary biracial public relations firm) running. Elsewhere in the episode, Amanda explains what a Corgi is and why dog breeding is seen as problematic. You know Melissa don't know about dogs brands. Also, Melissa's nose is doing too much. www.imperfectstrangerspodcast.comInstagram: @imperfectstrangers_podcast Twitter: @ImperfStrangersPatreon: patreon.com/imperfectstrangers

Amanda and Melissa dial each other up to discuss the ongoing, everlasting mom struggle in doing it all. Working and making a podcast is quite a feat these days but these two still find time for skincare. They also go off on various tangents like thyroid issues, class action lawsuits, Life360, knives, tasers and animal attacks because WHY NOT? Stay til the end for an update on Melissa's arch nemesis Lloyd. A special thank you to OGSF Victor for the special sound effects.

Melissa goes to the museum. A little girl coughed. Nah. Elsewhere in the episode, Melissa's kids gotta use the public restroom. Also nah. Amanda cannot understand how it's possible to avoid public restrooms but Melissa Explains It All and mid explanation realizes she sounds crazy as hell. Since we're here, do you take a shit at work or do you need therapy?

Melissa and Amanda have grown weary of the Internet and social media but still continue to “dumbscroll” ™. It's addictive, what can you do?! The two also spend some time deciding who's the a-hole on Reddit's AITA. Shout out to Serena Williams' husband. Reddit is a wonderful invention.

We know that there is pain, but ya hold on for one more day and ya break free from the chaaaaainz. Kids and moms got issues and it helps to talk these things out. Join non-experts slash just-moms Amanda and Melissa on this here therapeutic couch. There's a lot going on and we all need a little help managing. Come, sit. Let's have a good talk. Cool, cool. Editor's note: At the publishing of this episode, Melissa was still doing her secret monkeypox reporting. LOL.

Aaah. Another non-negotiable. The ladies disagree on how to wash the dishes. Melissa washes the dishes before washing the dishes. Amanda lets the dishwasher be the dishwasher. Both agree that Marilyn Monroe was too depressed to do either though.

The most controversial episode yet! Amanda returns from her family's summer vacation in New Orleans! Melissa melts down about Lloyd the hamster's smell which leads to a conversation about cats vs dogs. Amanda is a dog person as evidence by the fact that she has two. Shout out to Cocoa and Louis. Melissa, known Hello Kitty lover, if threatened, would begrudgingly be a cat person.

This episode, Amanda shares her gift of gab in an insightful discussion on the importance of staying the hell outta women's bodies and business. Melissa explains why she respects Calvin and Hobbes cartoonist Bill Watterson. Amanda initiates a conversation on instilling confidence in girls when we live in a world full of harmful messages. It's kinda like this is a legit podcast! Never mind. This episode ends in a deep discussion on scabs, dirty feet and why Melissa can't eat a raspberry. YUCK.

Melissa gives ASMR and a too-deep explanation of Botan Rice Candy after receiving tons of it in a giant tooth-shaped piñata sent to her with love from the best stranger-friends ever. Amanda and Melissa also take you into the fascinating, weird, narc ass world of Te*l Sw*n. Lastly, Melissa shares her favorite celeb sightings at the Critics Choice Awards. Spoiler alert: It's Chrishell from Selling Sunset.

Tori is to Amanda as Mariah is to Melissa. Amanda has a spiritual experience at a Tori Amos concert by herself like a boss. The ladies also deconstruct Alanis Morrisette's Ironic. None of it is actual irony. *John Travolta confused gif* And finally, this is a Jessica and Ashlee Simpson fan page now. You did it, Joe (and Tina).

It doesn't even matter that Amanda is trying to get Melissa to do her own gardening. What matters here is that the two have discovered that they disagree on how coffee should be consumed. Amanda is an iced coffee person. Melissa says cold coffee is dark-sided. What say you Stranger-friends? First Crocs, now coffee! Is this relationship doomed? (No).

On this episode, Amanda and Melissa are feeling good, like they should. Amanda's father is cancer-free and out of the woods. She gets dressed up for a fashion outing, a first for her “post” pandemic. Melissa, while still having some anxiety about being back in the world, is feeling A-OK about her decision to leave her house for Homecoming. Get behind-the-scenes insight on “incoming messages” after you sit through Melissa's Costco delivery. Enjoy.

On the long awaited season four finale, Amanda and Melissa reflect on this accomplishment! Eighty episodes and four seasons in, your favorite stranger-friends DID THAT despite various chaotic life obstacles. They powered through like — dare we say — friends?! Listen in as they discuss how Melissa prepared (not really) for Real World Homecoming plus an update on Amanda's dad's cancer surgery and recovery. And as you know, the show wouldn't be complete without some light Covid fear-mongering. Enjoy! Then go binge everything while you wait for season five where, who knows? Maybe these two will meet in real life. Stay tuned!

This episode ain't about a shoe horn but Melissa is absolutely tickled that Black Benzo uses a shoe horn and so, in his honor, we have the title. This show is about Melissa's at-home birthday celebration plus a discussion about Euphoria, weed and how Chris is an awesome gift giver. Melissa is still waiting for her purse though, Justin Beck.

Melissa tells a long ass meandering story about being on a competition reality show with other network reality stars including, possibly because she can't really remember, the winner of The Swan. Amanda takes her kids into Costco which brings forth a discussion on “red or blue” store vibes. Amanda and Melissa only do blue.

Feelings ahead! Ahhh. The episode that almost wasn't was. We were just gonna stick this whole thing behind a paywall because we're scaredy cats with all these big feelings as a result of going to “earth school.” Amanda cries happy tears about her dad's uplifting prognosis. Melissa talks about the emotional trauma of her prolonged hyper-vigilance and anger about the ongoing pandemic. This is a lot of growth for these two people who have only just started getting to know each other last year. Class is in session. HUGE ASS SHOUTOUT ALERT - Patrons, hear your name in lights. We love you. We appreciate you. Thank you for all of your support.

Melissa insists she has Long Covid as evidenced by her skin's newfound over sensitivity. Amanda convinces Melissa to make 2022 the year she embraces nature.

Melissa and Amanda await a meteor as they discuss the downfall of society ie “the inevitability” of catching Covid, TikTok, anything young people like, Hype House and BBLs. Stay to the end as we have a special MAZEL TOV to longtime listener KIMBA…

Motherf*cker.

Warning: Two middle-aged women talking about scheduled sex. *screwface emoji* LOL. But let's discuss. What say you tired people? Are you making time for making love? Ew. That's a real sentence on the Internet now. But seriously. Spontaneous or scheduled? WFT for real?

On this very special episode Melissa and Amanda, who is living her best life and checking boxes off her bucket list, sit down with the lovely Roz Hernandez also know as super talented drag comedian Roz Drezfalez. Roz, host of Ghosted! by Roz Drezfalez, a podcast exploring all things paranormal, joins the Strangers to talk Ouija boards, the awesomeness of early aughts pop culture, drag as performance and gender expression, pantless party ghosts and size 11 shoes. You can check out Ghosted! anywhere you listen to podcasts and enjoy her Instagram @rozhernandez.