Chris and Jen in the Morning: Self-Care Conversations on Personal Growth, Happiness, and How Our Brains Work
Two friends with a podcast about gratitude, self-care, personal growth, and finding happiness - all with a side of levity and laughter.
Long-distance friends, we shorten the miles between DFW and NYC in our weekly podcast where we focus on self care, seeking happiness, and trying to live our best life. We add in a splash of neuroscience and talk about what happens in our brains, why we feel and react the way we do, and how to live better, more authentic, more fulfilling, happier lives.
In our middle-life years, we decided to share our conversations about adulting, chasing joy, being part of the LGBTQ+ community, parenting, personal growth, awkwardness, anxiety, mental health, and so much more to help others who can relate find kinship and a sense of community.
Ready to live your best life (and laugh along the way)? Subscribe and join us on our journey through life together.
#growth #wittywisdom #storytelling #podcast #friends #selfcare #motivation #inspiration #happiness
Episodes
57 episodes
Perfection Is a Trap: How It Hurts Your Mental Health
In this candid and emotionally grounded episode of Chris and Jen in the Morning: Where Self-Care Meets Real Life, Chris and Jen take on perfectionism—how it sneaks into our work, relationships, and self-care, and why it so often lea...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:03:41
Feeling Overwhelmed: Self-Forgiveness and Coping Tools
In this grounded and refreshingly honest episode of Chris and Jen in the Morning: Where Self-Care Meets Real Life, Chris and Jen dive into what it actually looks like to cope during high-stress seasons—especially when work, pressure...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:07:26
Feeling Stuck Already? How to Reset Through Micro Changes
In this thoughtful and deeply relatable episode of Chris and Jen in the Morning: Where Self-Care Meets Real Life, Chris and Jen unpack why New Year intentions often turn into self-criticism, and how micro changes—not massive ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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44:43
Hope, Resilience, and Real Life: How to Keep Going When the Future Feels Unclear
In this deeply honest and timely episode of Chris and Jen in the Morning: Where Self-Care Meets Real Life, Chris and Jen explore what hope and resilience really mean when life feels heavy, uncertain, and overwhelming. Against the backdrop of on...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:13:22
Setting New Year Intentions: Why Writing it Down Works & The 42% Rule: Science-Backed Tips for Achieving Your 2026 Intentions
In this episode, Chris and Jen kick off Season Two by reflecting on their journey through Season One, discussing the lessons learned, and expressing gratitude for their growth. They explore the importance of setting intentions for the New Year,...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:06:11
Live-ish From the Sauna: Sauna Hats, 2-Hour Uno, and the Lost April 2025 Tapes
In this episode of Chris and Jen in the Morning, the hosts explore their unique experiences at a drip bar and sauna in Texas. They discuss the benefits of sauna therapy, share reflections on friendship and family, and recount their fun activiti...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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19:48
2025 in Review: Lessons Learned in Gratitude, Anxiety, Growth, Confidence, Self Worth, Bravery, Self Compassion, and So Much More
In this episode, Chris and Jen reflect on their journey throughout the year, discussing personal growth, the challenges of vulnerability, and the importance of gratitude during the holiday season. They share insights from their podcasting exper...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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1:07:58
Chris and Jen - Christmas Movies are Self Care...and Jen hates the Jim Carrey Grinch
In this festive episode, Chris and Jen dive into the world of holiday movies, gift-giving, and the nostalgia that comes with the Christmas season. They explore their differing opinions on classic films like 'The Grinch' and 'It's a Wonderful Li...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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1:05:21
Why Gift Giving Causes Anxiety (and How to Make It Meaningful Again)
Gift giving can bring joy—or overwhelming anxiety. In this episode, Chris and Jen explore the neuroscience behind gift giving stress and how focusing on connection over perfection can make the holidays more meaningful. They discuss...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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1:02:20
Chris and Jen - Wicked: For Good Movie Review
In this episode, Chris and Jen dive deep into their thoughts and feelings about the movie adaptation of Wicked. They discuss their personal connections to the story, the emotional journeys of the characters, and the musical highlights that stoo...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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1:14:54
How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Losing Respect or Connection
Difficult conversations are unavoidable — especially in a time of cultural division and heightened emotion. In this episode, Chris and Jen explore how to disagree without dehumanizing, using empathy, curiosity, and active listening to pre...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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1:07:45
Holiday Stress & Boundaries: How to Say No Without Guilt
In this episode, Chris and Jen talk about how to enjoy busy seasons—like the holidays—without becoming overbooked, overwhelmed, or stuck in “just get through it” mode. They explore why saying no can feel so hard, how guilt shows up around oblig...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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1:19:22
Facing Death Without Fear: Making Peace With Mortality and Living Fully
Death is inevitable — yet many of us avoid thinking or talking about it until we’re forced to. In this episode, Chris and Jen explore the fear of death, cultural and philosophical perspectives on mortality, and how facing our impermanence can h...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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1:04:13
Haunted by the Past? How Old Experiences Shape Our Reactions (and How to Heal)
Do you ever find yourself reacting strongly to a situation and not quite understanding why? In this episode, Chris and Jen explore how unresolved experiences from our past can quietly influence our reactions in the present. Through personal sto...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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54:06
Imposter Syndrome: Why We Doubt Ourselves (and How to Stop Feeling Like a Fraud)
Imposter syndrome can make even capable, accomplished people feel like they don’t belong. In this episode, Chris and Jen share personal experiences with self-doubt and explore the emotional and cognitive roots of imposter syndrome. They discuss...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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47:35
Even Optimists Struggle: Letting Go of Toxic Positivity and Making Space for Real Feelings
Optimism isn’t about pretending everything is fine. In this episode, Chris and Jen explore what optimism really looks like—especially when life is hard. They discuss the pressure optimists often feel to stay positive, the difference between tox...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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59:19
Stop Making Yourself Smaller: Building Self-Acceptance and Inner Confidence
Many of us learn to make ourselves smaller—to downplay our needs, soften our presence, or shrink who we are to keep others comfortable. In this episode, Chris and Jen explore what it really means to be comfortable in your own skin. They talk ab...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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48:11
Feeling Torn? How to Navigate Conflicting Emotions Without Getting Stuck
Have you ever felt pulled in two directions at once—holding strong, conflicting emotions about the same situation? In this episode, Chris and Jen explore why this happens, what’s actually going on in the brain when emotions collide, and why it ...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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44:11
Do Affirmations Really Work? The Science Behind Positive Self-Talk
Positive affirmations can feel cheesy—or powerful—depending on how they’re used. In this episode, Chris and Jen explore how affirmations actually work, what’s happening in the brain when we use them, and why authenticity matters more than force...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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53:23
Microjoys: Finding Happiness in Everyday Life
In this episode, Chris and Jen explore the concept of microjoys - small moments of happiness that exist in everyday life. They discuss the importance of gratitude, presence, and intentional awareness, sharing personal stories that highlight how...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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35:36
Creative Blocks & Burnout: How to Break Free From Creative Ruts
In this episode, Chris and Jen talk about creative ruts—why they happen, how they show up, and what actually helps you move through them. They explore the neuroscience of creativity, including how stress, pressure, and burnout can shut down cre...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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56:54
Chris and Jen - Explore Museums
In this episode, Chris and Jen explore various themes including gratitude, healthcare appreciation, community events, and the significance of museums. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the importance of curiosity and storytelling, and emph...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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1:19:23
Chris and Jen - React To Reddit
In this episode, Chris and Jen explore themes of gratitude, relationship dynamics, and the complexities of family interactions. They share personal stories, including an unboxing of handmade gifts inspired by the anime 'Spy Family,' and discuss...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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52:58
Guilty Pleasures, Guilt & Shame: Why We Judge What Brings Us Joy
In this episode, Chris and Jen unpack the idea of “guilty pleasures” and ask a bigger question: why do the things that bring us joy so often come with guilt or shame? They explore the psychology and neuroscience behind guilt, the cultural and s...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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47:49
Chris and Jen - Time and Space: A Journey of Discovery
In this engaging conversation, Chris and Jen explore various themes including time travel, gratitude, gaming, and the complexities of human connection. They delve into the evolving understanding of time and space, discuss personal growth throug...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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1:27:35
