Okie Dokie

IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL SEASON!! The new school year means it is time to set some new goals! For this week's episode, join Elena and her friend Mia to discuss their academic, physical, and personal goals for the semester. Perhaps it'll inspire some new goals for you too??Please enjoy

Could you ever imagine someone saying, "Running was the best decision I ever made?" Such a loaded sentence...For this week's episode, Elena reflects on her journey as a runner. She goes through countless memories ranging from great advice from coaches, water consumption tips, passing out multiple times, and more. She also discloses how running helped her cope with the worst breakup of her life and a worldwide pandemic. I promise you, this episode touches on topics below the surface of simply "running." Please enjoy this week's episode

Cute regular customers, awkward first dates, and a suspiciously long time spent in the bathroom....For this week's episode, Elena tells you three stories from her time as a waitress in high school. Some stories are cute and wholesome and others may make you think: wft. Enjoy the stories + sending you a big hug! 

If I asked you to think of a typical "teenager" what would come to mind? Perhaps common things come to mind like: high school, hormones, house parties, video games, sports, impulsive, lives at home. However, if I asked you to think of the typical person in their twenties, I'm sure there would be more variation in the answers.This week Elena is with her best friend, Genesis, and the two talk about tackling their early 20s! They reflect on what it was like to be a teenager, along with the journey ahead of them. Please enjoy this week's episode! 

"It's for the plot" and "the anger iceberg" For this week's episode, Elena and Sophie run through more quotes from Sophie's famous quote wall. These are quotes that embody the recent events of their lives, and how they've been living them!Don't miss out! Make sure to listen to the first part of this episode: "#3- The Quote Wall (with Sophie Nelson)" Enjoy!! Sending you love!! 

Ask yourself this simple question: do you feel 100% comfortable showing all parts of yourself to your friends and (if you have one) romantic partner? Is it easy to be silly, goofy, and giggly around them? Or do you feel like you have to filter parts of yourself heavily?In this week's episode, Elena updates you on her life (such as a new job and moving homes) along with some reflective thoughts. Hopefully, you find this episode intriguing! Enjoy

Have you ever let your emotions get the best of you? I'm sure it's happened to you at least once in your life... emotions are tricky!! For this week's episode, Elena explores the topic of emotional regulation. She chats about how some people are more expressive than others, and theorizes why that  may be. Elena also suggests that children today (compared to 10 years ago) are less equipped to properly handle their emotions. Hope you enjoy!! 

Do you ever feel guilty for not working hard enough?? Do you ever wish you could get more things done in a day?? Have you ever felt bad for not being "productive" enough?? For this week's episode, Elena talks about "Grind Culture" and the feeling that you always have to be "productive" 24/7. She discusses her own experiences, along with ways she's working on improving her mentality. Hope you enjoy

How much would it bother you if your boyfriend couldn't afford to take you out for Valentine's Day? Would it annoy you if your girlfriend wanted more than you could financially afford? For this week's episode, Elena talks with Genesis (her best friend from high school) and the two discuss social class in relationships. They chat about monetary expectations when dating, gender norms, and how little thoughtful efforts reflect more love than money. Please enjoy this week's episode! 

Instead of a loud train horn announcing the arrival of a train... imagine it was a cutesy little song? Or, instead of seeing half the people on the streets dressed in sweatpants and hoodies... what if everyone was dressed to the dime–I'm talking business casual attire, heels, and ties! Well... those are just a few of the differences Elena noticed throughout her time in Japan!! For this week's episode, Elena recounts some of the culture shocking observations she had while abroad. Hope you enjoy this week's episode!  

This episode ought to make you stop and think about your own childhood. Perhaps, you'll think back and go "awww" with a nostalgic vibe around you. For this week's episode, Elena takes a stroll down memory lane. She talks about some of her favorite childhood memories that relate to each of her family members! Please enjoy!! 

"If you keep sweeping things (emotions) under the rug, one day, you'll just trip over it." For this week's episode, Elena is joined by her wonderful friend Damien!! The two talk about how to navigate new environments, and how to grow out of one's comfort zone. Additionally, they chat about friendships! What makes a good friend? How do you spot a bad one? How do you maintain a friendship when it's long distance? Please enjoy this week's episode! YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@elenastodd

Dating is tough, but you know what's tougher? First dates!! Especially when they go badly... For this week's episode, Elena is joined by her roommate/friend Campbell! You'll hear some insane stories about bad first dates (which includes having a seizure and getting ditched). Additionally, you'll also hear some advice for getting past a streak of bad dates and moving on.  Please enjoy!!YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@elenastodd

"I'm sorry!" How many times do you think you have said those words? How many times do you think someone has said those words to you? For this week's episode, Elena shares some new knowledge she recently obtained about apologies. Based on her Google adventures surfing the web, she found that the most successful (and heartfelt) apologies actually contain 4 key things. Learn what these 4 key things are and upgrade your apology game. Please enjoy this week's episode!! 

Flop era? We've all been there at some point in our lives. Join Elena for this week's episode to hear about her flop era and her mentality throughout it. Additionally, perhaps you'll hear some tips for overcoming your own flop era?! Please enjoy this week's episode

Imagine this: you're speeding along the waters in Venice, Italy on your family's boat... when suddenly... a cop motions you over. Except this cop is laid back in a chair while sipping an espresso. Or, you're attending a same gender school and watching your classmates chase each other around with trash cans?? Or, you're simply reflecting back on your life, and realizing how important it is to try new things, and meet new people. In this week's episode, Elena is joined by her friend James!! The two cover a wide range of stories, which all cover the teasers given in this description. Hope you enjoy!YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@elenastodd

How would you feel if your cousin lived on your couch in your small 1 bedroom apartment for 2 weeks... while leaving the place a mess? How would you feel if you woke up to a random stray cat on your bed? How would you feel if you got a custom made stamp all about you? For this week's episode, Elena covers stories that relate to all three of these questions. Hope you enjoy!! YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@elenastodd

Elena is kicking off 2023 with some exciting news... SHE HAS STARTED A YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Hear all about Elena's aspirations with YouTube, along with what she wrote to her friends in recent letters! She tackles topics like going back to school and the idea of "the college experience." What is "the college experience?" Oh, it's the one where everyone is good looking, involved in Greek Life, and somehow partying 24/7. Please enjoy this week's episode, and take a peek at the YouTube channel! YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@elenastodd

What if you could accomplish more of your life goals and aspirations by gaslighting yourself into believing you already had them? Your life goal is to be successful in your career. Well, imagine if you already accomplished this. Another life goal is to find your one true love and get happily married. Well, congrats!! You already feel loved and satisfied. This type of thinking is referred to as "The Law of Assumption".For this week's episode, Elena gives her take on The Law of Assumption, and how it could potentially help one accomplish their aspirations. Usually, gaslighting is a bad thing... however, perhaps it could help you out! Enjoy this week's episode

Holy cow. Time is literally flying. Can you believe it's already the end of 2022?? For this week's episode, Elena talks about three things she's been learning throughout the year. These things have to do with focussing on yourself, and not letting the past define the future. Then, Elena discloses two intentions she wants to carry into 2023 with her. The main headliner being the importance of picking and choosing your battles.  Hope you enjoy!! Happy Holiday and have a wonderful New Year! 

Have you ever had the opportunity to speak with the president??Maybe not the president of the United States... but A PRESIDENT of some sort. Because for today's episode, Elena has on her fellow friend, teammate, and rugby president, Kayla, on the show!! Throughout the episode, they cover a wide range of topics–such as being a part of more than one culture, graduating from college, and sustaining a long term relationship. What is the one thing that makes a 2+ year relationship work? Well, Kayla discloses what works for her and how it plays a huge role.Please enjoy this week's episode! 

It's finally December which means it is time to whip out the wrapping paper and hit play on some Mariah Carey. For this week's episode, Elena gives you a creative way to spice up your basic Christmas gifts! You'll hear how to upgrade your gift skills through the story of her rugby team's secret Santa exchange.  Additionally, Elena also discloses one way she found joy and happiness in her every day life. Enjoy!!! 

Have you ever been stung by a jellyfish? Would you consider yourself good at controlling your emotions? Do you think there's different dynamics for introverts vs. extroverts? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions... then you have something in common with this week's guest, Ariadna Wong! For this week's episode, Elena chats with one of her best college friends. Ariadna tells you a story that will most definitely sting–the time she was covered in jellyfish. Then, the two discuss regulating emotions and remaining calm. Lastly, they lightly touch on being an introvert vs. an extrovert, and what that entails in a college environment. Please enjoy this week's episode!!

Every once in a while, most people seem love a little BuzzFeed quiz. Don't you? Because for this week's episode, Elena does another reading of a psychology personality quiz! (Listen to episode 13 for the first quiz!) She'll ask you questions that pertain to a field, cube, horse, and more to reveal things about your personality. Please enjoy this week's episode! 

It's not any fun. It really hurts. It just sucks. Breakups are the worst!! For this week's episode, Elena talks about her own personal breakup guide.  When it comes to her experience with breakups, she has five different steps on her roadmap to getting through one. Some highlights include getting through the initial pain, starting the path to healing, and giving yourself closure. Everyone copes with breakups in a different manner, but hopefully you find this episode interesting/helpful?! Enjoy! 

Let me start by asking you a simple question: does conflict scare you? Is it something that you shy away from? Do you sweep it under the rug and hope it never comes back? Or do you see conflict as an opportunity? For this week's episode, Elena talks about conflict, and her personal methods to resolving it. She talks about the importance of knowing your own emotions, and listening to the other person's. Please enjoy this week's episode

Have you ever dated someone and it felt like the whole world disapproved of your relationship? You are head over heels for this person... yet no one seems to understand you. Perhaps you have experienced this... or maybe not? Regardless, join Elena for this week's episode as she sits down with her roommate, bestie, and teammate, Campbell!! Not only do the two cover this daunting topic, they also discuss the differences in how one might grow in a short term vs. long term relationship, and how the end of romantic relationships may feel. Enjoy this week's episode

Which of the following sounds the most appealing to you? 1. Your best friend/romantic partner takes you out on a thoughtful dinner and you have each other's full attention.2. Your best friend/romantic partner decides to cook dinner for you after a long day of work.3. Your best friend/romantic partner picks some flowers they think you'd like on their way home from work. Depending on which of these three options you picked, it reflects some type of preference for a love language. What are love languages? Hit play on week's episode to find out! Elena discusses the basics of the 5 love languages and shares her thoughts on it as well. Please enjoy!! 

You know what's kinda crazy? Growing up. For this week's episode, Elena reflects on her teenage years. She gives five lessons/morals that she has picked up over the years. All of them have to do with topics such as friendship, knowing yourself, and faking it until you make it. Enjoy this week's episode! 

I'm sure you've had your fair share of good and bad teachers... And I bet we can all agree that having a good teacher either makes or breaks the class subject. For this week's episode, Elena reflects on three of the most influential teachers/professors she has had. These are the ones that taught her things that go beyond the classroom.Enjoy this week's episode!! 

What do you notice right now? You probably see the bright light coming from you electronic screen. Perhaps, you're listening to music? What if I told you that you could hear every little sound and notice every little stimuli. The buzzing noise of the lights, the water running through the pipes, the noise of everyone around you breathing.  This is what it is like for some people living with ADHD. For this week's episode, Elena is joined by her friend Sophia! Sophia offers her personal experiences with ADHD and anxiety giving you a first view look into what life is like for her. Lastly, to round out the episode, the two end on a goofy note with some quick and easy flirting advice. ENJOY!!! Disclaimer: All things stated in this episode are simply one person's experience, none of this is professional medical advice. 

Have you ever had a time in your life when you hated your living environment? Perhaps it was attending a school you disliked? Or working a mundane job? Or even living with a horrible roommate? For this week's episode, Elena chats with one of her friends from both high school and college! Sadie and Elena discuss how you can create an environment that you love–out of something not so great. They also talk about topics such as transferring, mental health, self care tips, and more. Please enjoy! 

For this week's episode, Elena gives a brief update of her life! She moved in for her sophomore year of college, had a heartwarming time on the plane ride over to NY, and disclosed (in her opinion) one of the MOST important things when it comes to dating. Hope you enjoy!! 

Which is worse: Your partner of 20 years ruining decades of love, for a simple 5 minute hookup? Or 20 years of that same partner thinking about ANOTHER person while they cuddle you in bed? For this week's episode, the lovely Genesis Magpayo returns! Elena and Genesis ponder which is worse: emotional or physical cheating?! The two also talk through their feelings about returning to college–which include how to lean into change, and put yourself out there. Then, the episode is rounded out with a session on regression... What is regression you ask? I guess you could say it's basically just a fancy word for being triggered. Enjoy this week's episode! XOXO

Put on your pajamas, wrap yourself in your sleeping bag, and be prepared to pull an all-nighter. Because this episode is as if you're having a 2am sleepover talk with me. You know those types of talks... the ones that last all night and have you falling deep into your feels. For this week's episode, Elena talks about 7 teenager's definitions of love–along with her own. Is love something that should be easy, effortless, and spontaneous? Or does it take effort, commitment, and passion? How does someone even define one of the strongest human emotions? Please enjoy this week's episode

Whelp, the title speaks for itself. Going away to college? Starting something new? This is the episode for you! For this week's episode, Elena chats about three things that helped her transition into college. Which include literally having zero expectations for other people... and more! Best of luck and enjoy this week's episode.

What does "working on yourself" mean to you? Is it binging self help books and hitting the gym? Or perhaps it's a journaling marathon? Whatever it means to you, everyone is on their own journey.For this week's episode, Elena shares the 5 steps she has been taking to improve herself. Hopefully this helps or gives you something to think about?! Enjoy this week's episode! 

 Is it a younger cousin? A next door neighbor? A friend's offspring? I'm sure that everyone knows at least one kid, and has a preconceived perception of "kids" in general. They're not just all dinosaur chicken nuggets, mess, and high energy. For this week's episode, Elena runs through some of the beneficial things that adults should take from kids. Valuable things and characteristics that tend to get lost as we grow older. Please enjoy!! 

Standing up for others is tough. But, do you know what's even more difficult? Standing up for yourself.In this week's episode, Elena takes you through a memorable high school moment where she wishes she had spoken up for herself. Elena reflects on this moment, and invites you to think about the factors that make something worthy of speaking up. Is it how much power you have? Is it weighing the long term consequences? What's important to you?Hope you enjoy this week's ep! 

Do you feel like dating has never been tougher? Do you think that there's significance difference between men and women in a relationship? And why is it so forking tough to be happy single? Well... for this week's episode, Elena is joined by her friend Rebecca and they attempt to answer all these questions.The two discuss the nuances of modern dating. They cover a broad range of topics, such as women's societal pressures, hookup culture, transactional dating, how to navigate feeling objectified, and being happy single. The two also give a brief rundown on how to deal with a breakup. Finally, the episode is rounded out with a fun game of "He's a 10... But..." Hope you enjoy!!

For this week's episode, Elena covers two important things she learned while studying abroad. The first relates to letting go of things that you can't control, and the second has to do with the way you live your life. Enjoy!! 

Have you ever wondered what's below your feet? Is it Grass? Pavement? Dirt? I guess it's an easy answer. However, in Edinburgh, Scotland.... it's not so clear and cut. What if I told you there were vaults and tunnels underneath the city? And those vaults were suupposivily haunted? For this week's episode, Elena tells the story behind the "haunted" vaults. Learn about what allegedly occurred decades ago! Enjoy this week's episode!TW: Mild references to SA throughout the episode 

Have you wondered what it would be like to grow up in Queens, NY? Be recruited at an early age to play a college division sport? Get kicked off of a team? Make a difference by teaching people of all ages to play sports? Well, that's some of the highlights that are covered in this episode! This week, Elena sits down with her college rugby coach and gets a life story run down. Hopefully, it feels as if you're sitting in the room hearing the story. Enjoy!! PS from Elena: We never actually covered how Lucy went from playing multiple sports, to then starting rugby. Oops. Rugby was something that she picked up post college :) 

Have you ever made a decision... then later regret it? I'm almost positive that the answer is "yes". We all have things that we regret, as it's just part of life. In this week's episode, Elena discusses some of the top 5 regrets people have when facing death. Death? Yeah, kind of a darker topic.  Don't worry, the episode is told in a lighthearted manner as she covers topics like, working less and choosing to be happy. Enjoy this week's episode! 

I'm sure you've had a time in your life where you've worked incredibly hard towards a specific goal. Maybe, it's obtaining your ideal job, working towards a certain award, or even getting into your dream college. You put everything you have into it... and suddenly... due to factors outside of your own control... it just doesn't work out. It feels as if weeks, months, years of hard work goes down the drain–as if, it was all for nothing. In this week's episode, Sophie Nelson returns (yes, this is her second episode!) to tell her "down the drain" story. Sophie just graduated from high school, and dealt with a nasty injury that put her high school athlete career to an early end.  Elena and Sophie discuss how to overcome setbacks and navigate social cliques. You'll even hear funny–yet concerning–story about the times the girls have passed out at cross country practices.  Enjoy!! 

Greetings from across the pond! Have you ever been to London? Or, have you ever thought about how it may differ from the United States? Well, for this week's episode, Elena is coming to you from London. She discloses her first impressions and observations from living in the country. Enjoy this week's episode!! 

Oh Insecurities... We all have them. It's just one of those not-so-fun things that are a part of life. For this week's episode, Elena offers a new perspective on insecurities. It's a way to re-evaluate your own insecurities, and hopefully show yourself some more love. Please enjoy this week's episode!!

For this week's episode, Elena sits down with the Fordham Women's Rugby president, Kayla!! The discuss making friends in a new environment and fostering a safe space. We also hear three pieces of advice from Kayla, which include topics like how to better approach people and not stressing about the future. Kayla even throws in some of her hobbies and stories, along with her captivating energy. Enjoy!!! 

Being a human is hard. Life can be exhausting and overwhelming at times.  Managing your mental health isn't always an easy task. For this week's episode, Elena sits down with her dear friend Mia! Elena describes Mia as one of her wisest friends, and the two do a deep dive into mental health. They discuss the importance of showing up for yourself, routine, and healthy coping mechanisms.  Additionally, this episode will make you smile as it has a dash of motivation, a hint of support, and a pinch of Mia's wonderful humor. Enjoy this week's episode!! Additional Note: Neither Elena or Mia are professional mental health experts. All content discussed is simply a cumulation of their advice and personal experiences. 

This week's episode is all about energy. It's a brief little speech (I guess you could call this a speech? Maybe more of a short Ted Talk) about where we place our energy and how to better conserve it. Does keeping up with everything and everyone serve us some type of purpose? Or is it better to simply not know? Just giving you something to think about.... please enjoy!! 

Have you ever had to share your room with someone? Imagine sharing your room with someone, while also moving hundreds of miles away from home. You're sleeping 2 feet apart from a complete stranger. As Elena's freshman year of college comes to an end, she reflects with her roommate Lily! The two discuss transitioning from high school to college, things they would've done differently, roommate agreement tips, and more! Please enjoy this week's episode :)