The friendship drought is real. As we navigate our busy adult lives, making genuine connections becomes increasingly challenging, especially when established friends move away. In this heartfelt episode of Three Cocktails In, Stacey, Kitty, and Amy continue their year-long "Project 2025: Make a New Friend" journey with practical strategies for connection in the digital age.

Surprisingly, Facebook groups emerge as friendship goldmines when centered around shared interests. Amy shares how her crafting community has blossomed into meaningful relationships despite members living states apart. The hosts exchange laughs about their collective failure to join new in-person groups last month while acknowledging the very real time constraints that make digital connections so valuable for busy adults.

Summer offers unique opportunities for connection, and the conversation sparkles with creative ideas: community education classes that group people by skill level, neighborhood "porch crawls," farmers' markets, local baseball games, and art festivals. The key insight? Consistency matters more than the specific activity—showing up regularly to the same places increases your chances of forming relationships with fellow regulars.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Kitty opens up about the anger she felt when close friends moved away without warning. This resonates deeply as the hosts acknowledge we're entering life stages where retirements and relocations will increasingly challenge our friendship circles.

With equal parts humor, vulnerability, and practical advice, this episode validates the struggle while offering a roadmap for connection. Whether you're an introvert seeking digital communities or ready to organize that neighborhood gathering, you'll find strategies that respect your comfort level while gently expanding your social horizons.

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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Two months after the Oscars, it's time to revisit the award-winning films with fresh perspectives and honest opinions. Did these movies truly deserve their golden statues, or were some victories more puzzling than impressive?

"Conclave" emerges as the unexpected star of our conversation. This papal election drama gained eerie relevance following recent Vatican events, with all hosts agreeing it deserved more than its single Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film's exploration of church politics, stunning ensemble cast, and nuanced storytelling make it a unanimous recommendation.

Meanwhile, Best Picture winner "Anora" proves divisive. Described by one host as "incredibly depressing, disgusting, and dirty," this so-called "indie dramedy" raises questions about what makes a film Oscar-worthy. The revelation that Academy voters weren't previously required to watch all nominated films before voting casts doubt on the legitimacy of past winners, suggesting some victories might be more about marketing than merit.

Other films receive varied verdicts: Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown" surprises Dylan non-fans with its engaging storytelling and Timothée Chalamet's committed performance; "The Brutalist" proves worth its three-hour runtime with Adrian Brody's captivating portrayal of a Holocaust survivor; while horror-satire "Substance" prompts discussion about why established actors like Demi Moore choose such unusual projects.

Beyond film analysis, we propose a new segment for future episodes—"Weirdest Thing on Social Media"—sharing bizarre findings that left us scratching our heads. We also touch on Nicole Kidman's impressive work ethic, appearing in countless diverse projects while rumors swirl about her personal life.

What Oscar films have you caught up on since March? Which deserved their accolades, and which left you confused? Share your thoughts and recommendations for what we should watch next!

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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What happens when three lifelong friends tackle the complex, beautiful, and often hilarious topic of motherhood? Heartfelt stories, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughter.

Our journey begins with the TV moms who shaped our expectations—from Carol Brady's perfect flip to Claire Huxtable's groundbreaking career-mom balance. We reflect on how these fictional mothers set up ideals that real motherhood rarely matches. Remember June Cleaver vacuuming in pearls? Or the gloriously eccentric Moira Rose? Some of these characters influenced how we viewed motherhood long before we experienced it ourselves.

The conversation turns deeply personal as we share the phrases our mothers said that somehow found their way into our own parenting vocabularies. "Because I said so" becomes the ultimate placeholder when we're too exhausted to explain. "You're fine" and "rub some dirt on it" slip out automatically when faced with minor injuries. We've created our own family sayings too, like "It's hard to be you"—which began as genuine empathy for a four-year-old but evolved into good-natured sarcasm over the years.

Most touching are our cherished memories: mothers who created beautiful dinner party deco from odds and ends around the house, the lingering scent of perfume as they headed out for the evening, the calm reassurance during difficult moments of early parenthood. We explore how our relationships with our mothers transformed as we aged, moving from parent-child dynamics to deep adult friendships.

Whether your mother taught you everything she knew or kept you out of the kitchen entirely, whether she's still with you or lives on in memories, this episode celebrates the women who shaped us and the mothers we've become. Share your own favorite "mom-ism" with us or tell us which TV mom most influenced your idea of motherhood!

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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What would you tuck inside a time capsule that tells the story of your life right now? What objects capture your authentic self, your daily rhythms, and what brings you joy? More importantly, how do you want to be remembered when you're gone?

In this surprisingly deep conversation, Amy, Stacey, and Kitty explore the powerful concept of preservation and legacy. What begins as a lighthearted discussion about childhood time capsules quickly evolves into a thoughtful examination of what truly matters in our lives and the impression we hope to leave behind.

Stacey reveals how her basement has become an unintentional museum of memories, housing everything from high school clothes to her grandmother's vintage hats from the 1950s. "To most people it's going to say, well, this is just junk. It's more like a museum, I suppose. But I just can't get rid of some of that stuff because it is nostalgic and it does have a story."

Kitty shares that she'd include jewelry symbolizing her entrepreneurial journey, a handwritten note to future female entrepreneurs, and the podcast microphone – all emblems of her current happiness. "I'm in this whole new phase of life and it's the happiest I've been in my life, and I want a snapshot of this."

Amy contemplates documenting her downtown living experience before her next chapter begins, highlighting how our time capsule selections might change throughout different life stages. The hosts also discuss how preservation methods have evolved from meticulously created photo albums to thousands of digital photos that never get printed.

The conversation naturally flows to the deeper question of legacy. "I want to be remembered as somebody who lifts other people up with authenticity and sparkle and helps people feel really great about themselves," Kitty explains. Amy shares her hope to be remembered for bringing laughter and joy, making others feel understood and less alone.

Listen in as the trio explores family recipes that create bonds between generations, technology that will become fascinating artifacts for future generations, and the realization that legacy isn't about grand accomplishments but about the impact we have on those closest to us.

What would you preserve from your life right now? And how do you hope to be remembered? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts!

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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Raw vulnerability takes center stage as we open our hearts about life's most difficult decisions and their lingering emotional impact. Jay Shetty's quote, "Feeling sad after making the right decision does not mean that it wasn't the right decision," serves as our touchstone while navigating deeply personal territory.

Amy bravely shares her recent dating disappointment—how a promising four-month relationship collapsed when her partner discovered her photo in Match.com marketing emails and jumped to conclusions about her honesty. Her story uncovers the specific challenges of dating after fifty, when experience makes us more cautious but doesn't shield us from heartbreak. Her candid questioning—"How could I be this wrong?"—echoes what many of us feel after relationship endings.

In perhaps our most vulnerable moment, Kitty confesses about walking away from her first marriage at age 28, a decision that, while ultimately right, left lasting emotional impact. "The who you are at 22 is not who you were meant to stay," she reflects, articulating how personal evolution sometimes necessitates painful choices. Despite knowing her current life with her husband and son is exactly where she belongs, she still carries the weight of having hurt someone deeply.

Stacey's reflections center on parenting regrets—wondering if she was present enough during her children's formative years, especially through divorce. Despite raising three successful adults, the question of "could I have done better?" continues to linger, a universal parenting doubt that transcends circumstances.

What emerges from our conversation is a powerful truth: none of us had adequate guidance navigating these major life transitions. "There's no manual for this stuff," we acknowledge, highlighting how talking openly about these experiences not only lightens our own burdens but potentially helps others feel less alone in their similar journeys.

Ready to hear how three friends support each other through life's most challenging reflections? Listen now, and perhaps find the courage to share your own story with someone who cares.

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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Navigating the complex landscape of generational differences reveals fascinating insights about how we learn, work, and relate to each other. From Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z, each generation brings unique perspectives shaped by the world they grew up in.

Remember learning how to code in high school without really understanding why? That's the Gen X experience of technology—figuring it out as it evolved, using computers as glorified typewriters in college, and witnessing the birth of the digital world. Meanwhile, younger generations grew up immersed in technology, with Gen Z never knowing a world without smartphones and instant information access.

What really stands out is how these technological differences have shaped our approaches to work and life. While Gen X valued job stability and "paying dues," younger generations prioritize learning opportunities and fair compensation—they'll readily move on if a position isn't serving their growth or financial goals. Their fearlessness and self-advocacy challenge traditional workplace cultures in ways that benefit everyone.

Perhaps most remarkable is Gen Z's social consciousness and brand loyalty. They're incredibly thoughtful about where they spend their money, supporting companies that align with their values on social justice, climate change, and other pressing issues. This approach would have been nearly impossible for previous generations who lacked immediate access to information about corporate practices.

The beauty of our multi-generational world is that we can learn from each other. Gen X's adaptability, Millennials' bridge-building between analog and digital worlds, and Gen Z's bold innovation all contribute to collective progress. Rather than focusing on stereotypical differences, we're discovering how these distinct perspectives enrich our workplaces, families, and communities.

Ready to understand the generation gaps in your life? Listen now and gain insights that might just transform how you communicate across age divides. Share your own generational observations with us—we'd love to hear what you've learned!

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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Ever wonder why you maintain odd routines that make no logical sense? You're definitely not alone! This light-hearted, revealing conversation explores the mysterious world of personal rituals, superstitions, and habits that shape our daily lives.

We start by questioning whether luck actually exists or if we create our own good fortune through preparation. Sharing stories of unexpected windfalls—from discovering hidden cash in inherited quilt supplies to winning expensive power tools in random drawings—we examine those rare moments when the universe seems to single us out for special treatment. These experiences leave us wondering: was it pure chance, or something more?

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we confess our quirky personal habits. One of us always books seats on the right side of the airplane and feels genuinely uncomfortable breaking this pattern. Another meticulously organizes office binders with all labels facing precisely the same direction. Most surprisingly, we discover 2 out of the 3 of us count steps when climbing stairs—every single time, on every staircase, anywhere we go!

We explore the fine line between beneficial habits and anxiety-driven compulsions, noting how these patterns provide comfort and predictability. From the ancient pagan origins of "knocking on wood" to why certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky across different cultures, we examine how humans have always sought to create meaning and control through ritual.

What quirky habits do you maintain? Do you count steps like us? We'd love to hear about your unexplainable routines! Share them in the comments when this episode posts—let's normalize the wonderfully weird things we all do when no one's watching.

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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The journey to make meaningful friendships as adults isn't easy, but it's a challenge worth pursuing. In this candid conversation, we dive into month three of our year-long friendship-building experiment, examining what's working, what's not, and why building connections seems harder than ever.

After a midnight confrontation with a weed-smoking neighbor (not exactly friendship material), we share our progress from last month's challenge. Success stories include reconnecting with an acquaintance over "one glass of wine" that turned into an evening requiring a designated driver pickup, vacationing with friends we hadn't spent quality time with recently, and brave solo outings to local establishments. Each small victory represents a step toward building a richer social life.

For month three, we're tackling group activities – joining clubs, volunteering for community events, attending fitness classes, or hosting gatherings. These structured environments provide natural conversation starters and connect people with shared interests. We explore why this approach might be especially important today, as traditional community-builders like religious organizations play a diminishing role in many people's lives.

The statistics are eye-opening: approximately 42% of younger generations identify as less religious than their predecessors, removing what was once a natural foundation for friendship formation. Without these built-in communities, we must work harder to create meaningful connections.

The takeaway is clear: friendship requires a plan, persistence, and patience. Not every social outing yields a new best friend, but each attempt builds confidence and creates possibilities. Join us as we navigate this journey together, sharing both successes and awkward moments along the way.

Ready to build your own friendship circle? Listen now, then follow along with our monthly challenges. We'd love to hear your experiences too!

Amy, Kitty & Stacey

P.S. Isn't our intro music great?! Yah, we think so too. Thank you, Ivy States for "I Got That Wow".

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