Pond Between Friends

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 was a monumental day in the US with the 2018 General Election, and Nicole breaks it all down for Laura on how the electoral system works, what is seen on the ballot, and learn why Nicole is particularly passionate about exercising her right to vote.The conversation swiftly turns from politics to pop music as we chat about the Spice Girls reunion tour, but then things get dark, fast, with a chat about the new Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House. Nicole watched it, but Laura is a hard no on tuning in, can Nicole change her mind?We finish this weeks episode with our feeling on how quickly the holidays seem to be approaching and then make an announcement you will want to hear!Happy listening!

Happy Halloween, listeners! In this special Halloween edition of Pond Between Friends, we're sticking with the theme and diving into our biggest fears. We're not talking about snakes or spiders, but real life fears about the future, letting people down, and not living up to expectations. In this episode you'll also hear who ruined Nicole's pumpkin carving masterpiece, and, as with most episodes, we let you know what we're watching now!Grab your cup of tea, some Halloween candy, and enjoy!

Nicole couldn't resist jumping right into new episodes of the Netflix series "Making a Murderer" (but don't worry, we're not giving anything anyway!) and Laura shares her opinion on what she thought of the Melania Trump interview. We're also sharing our frustration upon hearing the latest complaints about Meghan Markle and then start daydreaming about Nicole winning the $1.6 BILLION MegaMillions lottery jackpot in the US...gals can dream!Before wrapping up episode 18, we're chatting about how we book travel and what goes into making the decision about where to stay and what to do while on vacation, something we're sure all can agree is quite overwhelming with so many options these days.Happy listening!

This week we're covering all your must-know pop culture news from both sides of the pond, so sit back, relax and get caught up on the must-know details about all the happenings over the last week. Hear what we thought of Eugenie and Jack's Royal Wedding and of course, the much talked about celebrity guest list. We're of course chatting about the exciting Royal Baby news for Harry and Meghan and discuss the NFL game in London. We then move across the pond and can't help but spill our thoughts on President Trump and Kanye West's meeting in the Oval Office last week and Nicole talks about Melania Trump's interview.

On this weeks episode, Nicole is spilling the beans on what it's like to travel with an NFL team and she is sharing her disappointment at finding out she was once again denied entry into the London Marathon for 2019. We discuss our continued obsession with Mrs. Hinch and how the cleaning products in the US are so different to those in the UK.Have you downloaded the latest iPhone update? The new feature, "Screen Time," is giving us a huge shock, breaking down just how much time we use our phones each day, not to mention how many times we pick up our devices. PUT DOWN YOUR PHONES, PEOPLE!We also get into how even the smallest random acts of kindness can make a huge impact, and we are challenging everyone to commit to doing one random act of kindness over the next week. Happy listening!Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriendsFacebook | Pond Between Friends FBSubscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Fall is officially in the air and it brought something unusual with it that woke Nicole up at 2:30 AM that Laura is all too familiar with. There's a new TV series crossing the Atlantic that is a must watch according to Laura and if you can believe it, we still have more TV show recommendations for you all. In this episode we're chatting all about ways to ensure the winter blues never have a chance to join the party and tips on making it to spring with a smile on your face and a full calendar. We have two special guests that pop-in to say a quick hello and perhaps they'll take over for us on an episode in the future! Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Have you gone into a store recently and had to double-check the date to make sure you haven't suddenly skipped October and November and woken up in December? The Christmas decorations are all over stores in England already, meanwhile in the US, it's all about Halloween and Fright Night, but do stores jump the gun a bit on putting out holiday decor? Nicole and Laura discuss this, as well as what their plans are for Christmas, though it does seem a bit early to be having this conversation! Are you currently renovating a house or ever wondered what truly goes into buying a total fixer upper? Well, this is the episode for you because Laura is spilling all the tea on how her 15 months and counting renovation is going, and, spoiler alert, their timeline has shifted once again. Find out if this whole experience has put Laura off for life on renovating a home, or if she'd do it all again. Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

We've reached *lucky* number 13! Why aren't Americans more superstitious like the Brits? We're chatting all about the benefits of a quick weekend getaway to feel more refreshed, and tackling ways to get yourself out of a rut, be it in your career or just life in general. Laura and Nicole share their personal experiences with falling into a rut and how they get out of them. Nicole has also started a new book, Girl, Wash Your Face, which everyone seems to be talking about. This may be the most informative and life-changing episode we've recorded to date because of ... MRS. HINCH. The viral Instagram sensation that is Mrs. Hinch has blown up over the past week in the UK, and now Laura is sharing the excitement with Nicole and the US. Someone that gets half a million people excited about cleaning, now that's a special type of unicorn, and we can't stop watching her tips and tricks and know you will be hooked as well and be part of her #HinchArmy. Happy listening! Mentioned in this episode: Mrs. Hinch on Instagram Mrs. Hinch of This Morning Girl, Wash Your Face | Amazon Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

In this episode, Nicole and Laura dive deeper into why we all need to stop comparing our lives to those around us, those people we see on TV and on social media because it's a downward spiral that will ultimately leave you feeling unhappy. We discuss why it is so important (this episode's hot button word!) to focus on what is going on in your life now and what makes you happy now, instead of wishing you were in a different phase, wishing you were married, wishing you had children...life is full of surprises so let life happen the way it is supposed to instead of wishing and wanting. We're also chatting about Love Island coming to the US, Serena's loss and the controversy from the US Open final, and another controversial topic, the Cosmopolitan UK October 2018 Cover Model, Tess Holliday. Mentioned in this episode: E! Online | Prepare Yourselves, Love Island is Getting a US Version on CBS Vox.com | Serena Williams' Fight with US Open Umpire Carlos Ramos, Explained Today.com | Tess Holliday Cosmopolitan UK Cover Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Ohhhh yeah, we're back and it feels so good! After a month without an episode, we've got lots to catch up on. Find out what Nicole's big news is, and has Laura moved into the new house yet? We've spent much of our summer watching Netflix series and reading good books and we're sharing our must-watch and must-read picks. We're also chatting all about household chores and how we split them up, and of course we go on random tangents about food (and profess our love for Olive Garden), how homes in the US vs UK are heated and Nicole explains what a toaster oven is to Laura. Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Nicole and Laura dive into what life at 30 is all about and hold nothing back. What did we imagine our lives at 30 would be when we were younger, and are our lives as we thought? Spoiler: NOPE. That is life, it rarely goes to plan, and that's what makes it so exciting. We get into why societal timelines and expectations need to be blocked out, and instead, we all need to focus on the here and now, and embrace every stage in life we are at, because, surprise, life moves fast. Not in a relationship and pushing thirty? Married but don't have kids? Haven't gotten on the property ladder? Guess what, IT'S FINE! We loved having this conversation and hope you all enjoy listening to #ThisIs30. Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Nicole and Laura are on a mission to make Afternoon Tea a thing in the US, because who doesn't love an excuse to drink tea (and champagne) out of beautiful china, eat finger sandwiches and mini cakes with girlfriends? Laura breaks down exactly what happens at Afternoon Tea and how perfectly British the tradition is. Nicole also gets the scoop from Laura on what the Rugby World Cup Series Sevens is all about after seeing lots of Brits and Europeans dressed up in outlandish costumes in support of their teams playing in San Francisco over the weekend. We also dive into why it's so hard and awkward to make new friends at 30...especially when moving to a new city where you don't know anyone. Any tips welcome! Mentioned in this episode: Rugby World Cup Series Sevens Amazon Book | The Perfect Family Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Unfortunately, football did not come home and England did not make it to the final of the World Cup, so life must move on! Not only has the World Cup ended, but Wimbledon has also finished, so England's 'best month ever' may finally be coming to an end, though the weather is still lovely. Find out what woke Nicole up at 3am on Saturday morning, and why Laura is questioning her hoovering/vacuuming method. Nicole and Laura discuss what is on their current summer reading lists and also chat about their summer skincare routines. Mentioned in this episode: iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Cream COOLA Full Spectrum Sun Silk Drops Dermalogica Active Moist Oil-Free Moisturizer Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

It is all about England right now and things are really heating up with the weather, the World Cup and Wimbledon. Nicole gets the low-down on the English flag vs. the Union Jack (this is a no judgement zone!) and we're talking all things summer fashion and how to survive in the heat while commuting. We're also chatting Wimbledon and our thoughts on Serena Williams now that she's a working mother, and don't hold back giving our opinions on how we thought the media handled her playing and winning tournaments while newly pregnant. All the Wimbledon talk has us saying it's Pimm's o'clock! We will be sipping our cocktails in the garden watching England play Croatia. Let's go England! Mentioned in this episode: 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Marks & Spencer Half Sleeve Bardot Dress lululemon athletica Sweaty Betty London Asos ZARA UNIQLO Matalan UK Wimbledon Town & Country Magazine | Pimm's Cup Recipe for Wimbledon 2018 Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Laura and Nicole discuss the World Cup, Love Island, and did Meghan Markle make another Royal faux-pas? Being the Fourth of July, Nicole breaks down how the USA celebrates its Independence and Laura tests her history knowledge describing what Guy Fawkes is all about in England. With summer in full swing, routines can easily get thrown off and Nicole and Laura chat about how they try to maintain a consistent daily routine and fight the urge to sleep in on the weekend and spend a lazy day inside. Mentioned in this episode: Barstool Sports | Tragedy in England: Meghan Markie Crossed Her Legs 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Karl The Fog Twitter Mount Lai The Jade Roller Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Laura and Nicole could not start this episode without discussing the World Cup and how well England is doing (and the hot summer weather England is experiencing right now as well!) One could say this is England's best week ever. Episode five dives into the topic of motivation and we share the areas in our lives we are exceptionally motivated in and why, and also divulge where we wish we could be more motivated. We discuss motivation to do with careers, fitness, and life in general, and does Nicole convince Laura to sign up to run the London Marathon? Tune in to find out! Mentioned in this episode: 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Entrepreneur.com | 10 Success-Boosting Motivation Tips from Millionaire Entrepreneurs Virgin Money London Marathon Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Laura and Nicole dive into the complex world of expectations. Specifically, expectations about post-grad life and having to navigate life after college/university. We talk about the differences between expectations in the US versus UK for continuing your education past high school/senior school, and how prepared for the 'real world' we felt coming out of school. The topic of expectations is one we will continuously revisit in episodes to come and we hope you'll join us for the conversation. What would an episode of Pond Between Friends be without some Netflix chat, our thoughts on the World Cup and you'll find out why we both sound a little different this week. Mentioned in this episode: The Staircase on Netflix Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

In this episode, Nicole and Laura discuss the importance of self-care, ways of dealing with anxiety and staying positive. We are sharing how we reduce stress and anxiety and give some top tips in working through negative feelings. We begin this somewhat heavy episode talking about lighter things such as Nicole's new obsession with the TV show Riverdale, Laura's addiction to the new season of Love Island and share some funny travel stories. Mentioned in this episode: Riverdale on Netflix Love Island on itv Head for Points @GabbyBernstein The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein Headspace App Simple Habit App Calm App Articles Referenced: Cupcakes and Cashmere | 5 Tips from a Psychologist for Dealing With Anxiety from Cupcake Check out our latest blog post | Pond Between Friends Blog Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Nicole and Laura are talking weddings and not holding anything back! You'll hear all about our weddings, what didn't go as planned, if we would change anything and why the dates we chose have special meaning. We're also discussing the way weddings differ from the US to UK and how to be the perfect wedding guest. Happy listening! Want to see even more of our days? We are sharing some pictures of our weddings, additional details and top tips on our BLOG, make sure to check it out! Pond Between Friends Blog Mentioned in this episode: Wedding Planner (USA) | Stella Day Events Nicole's Brides.com Feature | BRIDES.com Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes

Here it is, episode one of Pond Between Friends! We are so excited to officially kick-off this journey and in this episode you'll get to know us, your hosts, Nicole and Laura, and we explain why we decided to start this podcast. You'll also get to hear the story of how we met and how we've managed to keep our strong friendship going for over 22 years across countries and time zones. Mixed in we discuss our top goal for year one of the podcast (spoiler: it involves a beach in the Maldives) and we remind everyone about #CommutingRules. Listen, laugh (we certainly did in recording this) and we hope you enjoy! What you'll hear on episode one: "We look very official...we have microphones, we have headphones...one day, we will record our podcast from the beach in the Maldives" (00:23) "We both have reached 30...and you realize we are all at different stages in life...and that's ok...as long as people are happy where they are" (00:58) "So many others can probably relate, we wanted to create this podcast and a community...to have those hard and candid conversations" (1:56) "We will pretty much say it how it is" (2:39) "Maybe one day we will have Meghan Markle as the Duchess of Sussex and the President of the United States" (3:46) "You're so invested in the characters...you just have to find out what happens" (4:42) "This guy who was irritating me the whole way...he went to me 'what did you think?'...I hate people being nosy like that" (4:50) "Commuting rules" (5:38) "We were 13 and I don't think we quite knew what it meant to have a long distance friendship" (8:13) "They don't know it yet, but we're hoping to invite them on the podcast at some point" (11:08) "Oh, we'll need wine!" (11:22) "With social media, is it a lazy way to think you're staying in touch with someone? Is that still a friendship?" (12:56) "I'm doing all the spending I possibly can in order to come over on air miles" (15:48) "We speak all the time, and now everyone can hear our conversations!"(17:54) "He got a direct flight on British Airways...now I'm a last minute travel booker because it opened my eyes" (19:09) "You almost take some relationships for granted" (20:32) "We always try to live in the moment, don't we" (20:43) "Find friends that communicate the same way you do, and also know and respect the way that you communicate" (21:00) "Challenge everyone who is listening to, reach out to someone who you may not have spoken to in a while and we're sure it will put a smile on their face" (23:04) Follow us: Instagram | @PondBetweenFriends Facebook | Pond Between Friends FB Subscribe, Rate Us and Review: iTunes | Pond Between Friends on iTunes