There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when sisters talk—not about the big milestones, but about the quiet moments in between. In this emotional and deeply honest episode of A Fresh Story’s Weekly Wrap-Up, Olivia and Jenny invite listeners into one of those rare, intimate conversations where laughter and longing intertwine. What begins as playful banter about Dunkin’ Donuts and “noise violations” unfolds into a soulful reflection on energy, sisterhood, and the ways we see (and 'missee') each other.

As they peel back the layers of their relationship, Olivia reveals how Jenny’s powerful presence has shaped her world since childhood—and how, even now, their energies remain entangled across oceans. They speak candidly about the emotional weight of distance, the burnout that comes from loving too deeply, and the surprising tenderness of growing apart to grow stronger. And as they swap love songs and childhood memories, we’re reminded how music becomes the language for what we often can’t say out loud.

But this isn’t just a personal episode—it’s also a celebration. Olivia and Jenny share the behind-the-scenes story of their newest creation: the Divorce Guide Series, a rainbow of supportive books designed to be accessible, nonjudgmental, and profoundly helpful. Their commitment to offering these guides for free, no strings attached, underscores what A Fresh Story is all about—making space for healing, humor, and the power of starting over.

🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:

The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartspodcasts

In this episode of A Fresh Story, we sit down with Leslie Gray Streeter—journalist, memoirist, and now debut novelist—to unpack the heartbreak, humor, and honesty woven into her new book, Family and Other Calamities. With wit and grace, Leslie shares how she turned personal loss and professional scandal into fiction that cuts close to the bone.

We follow Leslie’s journey from writing about her own grief in her memoir to crafting a protagonist—Dawn Roberts—who’s just as complex, scarred, and compelling. Dawn returns to Baltimore with her late husband’s ashes, only to be confronted by the ghosts of betrayal, ambition, and love. Leslie takes us behind the scenes of building this character, revealing how fiction gave her the freedom to explore emotional truths that nonfiction sometimes can’t contain.

This conversation is about more than a book—it’s about reinvention, aging with power, and the radical act of writing women in their 40s and 50s as vibrant, sexy, and deeply human. Leslie talks pop culture, storytelling as self-discovery, and why reclaiming your narrative isn’t just cathartic—it’s necessary. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your calamities into a comeback, this episode is your permission slip.

BUY Family & Other Calamities: https://amzn.to/43oN7FA

In this episode of Weekly Wrap-Up, hosts Olivia Howell and Jenny Dreizen of Fresh Starts Registry share an engaging and heartfelt reflection on the week's events. They kick things off with the exciting news that their podcasts have been named semifinalists in the Quill Podcast Awards, highlighting their deep commitment to creating impactful and community-focused conversations. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion they pour into their work, sparking a meaningful discussion about the journey of building a brand that prioritizes education and support during life's most challenging transitions.

The sisters also introduce a brand-new resource for divorce support—a comprehensive guide with 250+ essential questions to ask divorce professionals, available completely free of charge. Their belief that education during crisis moments should not be monetized underscores their mission to make divorce support accessible and stigma-free. Throughout the episode, they share personal stories, reflections on work-life balance, and the joy of small comforts like warm socks and having ice at home—moments that ground and uplift them during the chaos of life changes.

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter, reflections on social media etiquette during divorce, and a reminder of the importance of curiosity in understanding oneself and navigating relationships.

Key Takeaways:

🎉 Semifinalists in the Quill Podcast Awards: A Fresh Story and Jenny Says So are in the top three for Best Branded Podcast and Best Creative Branded Podcast.

💡 The Podcast Journey: Reflecting on the culmination of their life's work in creating impactful conversations around divorce, life transitions, and community building.

📚 New Divorce Support Resource: Over 250+ essential questions for divorce professionals, offered for free—no email required, no paywalls, just pure support.

✨ Education During Crises Should Be Free: They believe that monetizing information for people in crisis is unjust, and their resource is a testament to their commitment to accessible support.

🏡 Home Comforts Matter: The simple joy of warm socks and a home ice maker brings a sense of normalcy and happiness.

🎨 Post-Divorce Trends: Decorating with color and personal style becomes a form of self-expression after divorce.

🔍 Curiosity as a Superpower: Emphasizing curiosity over judgment, both in understanding oneself and in navigating relationships.

💡 Navigating Social Media During Divorce: Be mindful of what you share—social media can be used against you in legal matters.

👥 Community vs. Audience: Understanding the difference is key to building meaningful connections.

💭 Light-Hearted Moments: Fun discussions about home decor, Snapple facts, and making iced coffee at home with an ice maker.

Listen to this episode for thoughtful reflections, practical advice, and a sprinkle of humor as Olivia and Jenny explore the realities of life after divorce, the joy of small comforts, and the impact of meaningful support.