More Better with Stephanie & Melissa

 When listener Lucia asks the ladies for thoughts on nightmares, sleepwalking and building a better bedtime routine this week, Steph and Mel have a lot to say. Melissa opens up about her childhood sleepwalking hijinks watching cartoons at 3 a.m. and shares about her son Enzo's more recent night terrors. What works for them? Cold rooms, weighted blankets and image rehearsal therapy, dream-world machete in hand. Also, Steph shares about her secret sleep weapon — Tony's Sleepy Cocktail and why she prefers it over melatonin (heinous dreams alert!). Plus: why we should maybe get back into the medieval habit of biphasic sleep (two sleeps per night!!!! the dream!! literally!!!!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, med student Katie calls in to the ladies and asks for networking advice. *record scratch* NETWORKING?! YIKES! Mel and Steph wince at the word but give Katie advice and share their experiences with what they like to call "Fostering Relationships". From reframing "What are you doing?" as a question for someone to discussing the art of the follow-up text, the ladies get real about building genuine connections in a world that seemingly runs on who you know. Mel shares how genuinely complimenting Phil Augusta Jackson's work led to years of collaboration, Steph reminds us about the importance of "small talk" and they both tackle the old boys club conundrum. So have a listen and remember... sometimes you just gotta be brave enough to ask. *Check out this week's episode in full-length video on the official Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MyCulturaPodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When listener Lucy from London asks for advice on living alone for the first time, Mel and Steph get real about the pros, cons and weird freedoms of solo living. From Steph's pink velvet headboard era to Melissa's bat-by-the-bed security system, the ladies discuss making your space a sanctuary, the importance of self-respect when no one's watching and why leaving big work boots outside your door is actually genius. Featuring: safety tips, pizza bones, dressing up in ball gowns to do puzzles by yourself and a reminder that your space should feel like coming home to yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa and Stephanie are getting real about skyiiieeein. The trial and error of it, the expensive mistakes and the pressure to have flawless skin while working in Hollywoodlandia. From cystic acne at 11 to navigating filters and Korean beauty standards, the ladies discuss their very different skin types (oily vs. dry), what's actually in their routines and why you should never introduce five new products at once. Steph shares the story of a rude makeup artist who handed her Proactiv on set, Melissa confesses to bruising her nose as a teen from aggressive blackhead extraction and both get into slugging. Featuring: honest product recommendations (not sponsored!!!!!! yet!!!!!!!!), the reminder that expensive doesn't always mean better and the acceptance that sometimes your skin just does what it wants. She’s her own person!!!!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steph’s Disney obsession is no secret (we don’t talk about Bruno…), so it’s ABOUT TIME we finally get magical on this here pod. From VHS clamshell cases and Little Mermaid penis castles to smellitizers and feral cat rumors, join us this week as the ladies break down ALL things Dinsey, including how to actually enjoy the parks without losing your mind or your money. Steph shares her holy grail park tips: 1. pack blister pads 2. change your socks midday 3. prioritize three rides max and 4. for the love of God DON’T wear Converse. Melissa explains her changed tune on Disney adults and reveals her one non-negotiable park move (spoiler: it’s dole whip with tajín). But really, please write in and let us know if you’ve seen the feral cats. For science.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s our Valentine's Day episode and the husbands are in the stood! Brad and David join Stephanie and Melissa for an honest and ridiculous conversation about staying connected. The gang plays "would you rather" to figure out their love languages, share their worst gift-giving moments (never, ever, ever give your partner a blender) and get honest about what ACTUALLY makes them feel loved. Touching on everything from aggressive pep talks to laundry and well-intentioned sweater gifts, the couples discuss quality time versus acts of service, celebrating with food and why sometimes you just need space on an uphill walk. Featuring: the importance of "watering your garden" together, a tie-dye sweatshirt redemption arc and a reminder that fighting is actually healthy as long as you deal with it. Disclaimer: This episode has exactly two sex jokes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Beep beep delivery! Step aside because the mail truck is backing up into the podcast booth this week, babyyyyy. This week, Steph and Mel answer your questions once again. Responding to e-mails about everything from dance to secret animosity in friendships, budgeting on a tight income and biohacking (ew?), the ladies riff about thrift store addictions, high-yield savings accounts, bad friends and more. Join us and let us know if you think we should secretly infiltrate a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training workshop, if you agree that Chat GPT is D-U-M-B DUMB and whether you’ll join listener “B” in her Gratitude Hard project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling paralyzed by everything happening right now? You're not alone. This week, listener Shalome writes in about struggling to find joy when their identity feels under constant attack. Stephanie and Melissa discuss why joy is a form of resistance, not a distraction, do a "joy banking" exercise together (join us!), dig into historical examples of communities using celebration to survive oppression and share practical ways to take action without doom-scrolling yourself into oblivion. From calling senators to showing up in community to watching a guy play drums outside an ICE hotel at 11pm as furries dance in the street, there are so many ways to resist AND fill your cup. Also, f*ck ICE. Okay, Byyyyyyye!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 It’s happening! Put it on the calendar! On today’s episode, Stephanie and Melissa dive into the beautiful chaos of making plans. From color-coded family calendars to the dreaded LA slogan “OMG, we should hang out!” (do they mean it?!) that never quite comes true, they discuss the art of scheduling social time, dealing with flaky friends and why cancelling plans sometimes feels EUPHORIC. Also, the ladies discuss all things ~*Latin Time*~ and how their respective wedding invitations were strategic to appease the tios and tias. See you there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’re doing amazing, sweetie! You look great today. No seriously, you do! On today’s episode, Stephanie and Melissa dive into the beautiful, awkward and sometimes complicated world of compliments. From girly pops in the bathroom culture to the mortifying experience of receiving praise you don’t believe, they explore what it means to give and receive kind words. The ladies share their most memorable compliments, discuss why some of us are so bad at saying “thank you” and chat about the tricky world of theater / LA compliments. So, whether you’re the professional hype friend or someone who deflects praise like it’s their job, grab your emotional support water bottle and join us for a chat about a well-timed “You go, b*tch!!!!!!!!”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buenos dias More Betterinos! Since it’s January and we’re all in that More Year, More Better spirit (or trying to be), we thought we would tackle one of the most important parts of the day: Mornings. Stephanie (Morning Person™) and Melissa (Not A Morning Person™) discuss all of the things that come with starting the day. From waking up with the sun (or not), to early workouts (or not), wellness hacks and the rage that occurs when someone rips the covers off of you when you’re all snuggled up in bed — the ladies talk routines, hacks and reveal what Neanderthals have to do with it all. Plus — who wakes up the Knocker-uppers? Leave your guesses over on sosh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen. Sometimes it’s just time to hit the reset button. Nothing to do with a certain date on the calendar necessarily… but this time of year may or may not make you start taking stock of your life. Whether it’s having that hard conversation with a friend, reorganizing the ol’ junk drawer or eating your feelings with tortillas, we all need to shake things up once in a while. On today’s episode, Stephanie and Melissa dig into the art of the reset. The ones we choose for ourselves and the ones that life forces upon us. From moving furniture to moving on, post-baby changes and friendship breakups, they explore what it means to start fresh. But honestly? Sometimes all the reset you need is drinking a big ol’ glass of water.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to do when you’re about to marry the love of your life and your family ACTUALLY speaks now and do not forever hold their peace? This week, Stephanie and Melissa read an email from listener Rachel, who is having trouble navigating the fact that she and her now husband come from completely different cultures. Steph and Mel share their experiences and thoughts on how to navigate multicultural families — and they quote Bon Jovi along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s holiday seaz once again, and we don’t know about y’all — but we’ve been party hopping! As a sweet seasonal treat, we're resharing this very handy (and cutie and funny) episode from season one alllllll about Work Parties. Happy schmoozing! // The dreaded work party. It’s a party! There’s an open bar! But it’s also…work. How do you let loose and mingle freely when your boss is staring at you from behind the shrimp cocktail tower? This week Stephanie and Melissa discuss their Brooklyn 99 parties past and their struggles with striking the perfect professional balance at these events. Some takeaways: 1) No amount of free alcohol is worth getting fired. 2) Make a game plan before you go 3) Sometimes the answer is to simply sequester yourself in a corner with your friendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Tis the season to dig up Abuelita’s recipe book and get to work. On today’s episode Stephanie and Melissa put on their best holiday onesies and talk all things family recipes. From family feuds over beans (watch out for the flying frijoles, you’ll shoot your eye out!), to memories of Christmas morning arepas — they discuss what their families eat during the holiday season, the stories behind the recipes and the pressure and honor of carrying on those legacies. So, settle in, and let us know over on our social pages whether you plan on digging into some tamales, salteñas or lechón this year at your table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie has Gouda. Melissa has Rosie. Here at More Better we believe that every human should have a familiar. On today’s episode, our animal-loving heroines discuss all things pets. From their childhood fish and bonkers orange cats (IYKYK), thoughts on dog fashion, that one time that Melissa got really into the Cesar Millan training thing, that other time that Steph dyed her dog Banjo’s tail blue, to the pain of losing your soul dog — they get into ALL of the details of being a pet owner. Their main takeaway? Wipe your dog’s butt after a walk. Trust us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Tis the season for reunions! Picture it now: Catching up with your hometown friends at the cozy local dive on Thanksgiving Eve, making small talk with Tía Mari on Noche Buena en La Sala while decked out in your living room best, running into the inventor of Post-Its at your high school reunion and performing a meticulously choreographed dance to “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper in the middle of the dance floor. Are you ready for it? On this week’s episode, Steph shares hot goss about her own dramatic and satisfying high school reunion, Melissa agonizes about whether she’ll attend her 25th this year, and they both discuss the family gatherings they’re a li’l stressed about planning PLUS! The agony and the ecstasy of confronting past versions of yourself while reconciling them with the new and improved you. Happy reunion season, More Betties! We are so very thankful for you. And don’t forget to ask for the business woman special out there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are coming, which means…(drumroll, trumpet, orchestral music)... PACKING SEASON!! The More Better gals get into it about packing cubes, pre-trip outfit try-ons, and tricks to avoid forgetting your damn toothbrush. Melissa reveals an essential hack for busy traveling parents, a dedicated dirty laundry suitcase, and Stephanie shares her personal distaste for backpacks (ruin the line of her jacket, she could never!). Whether you love packing or hate it, Stephanie and Melissa can commiserate. Wait, did you remember your charger?!?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good haircut can change your whole personality. Picture this: You walk out of the salon with a c*nty little wolf-bob-mullet and suddenly the skies are bluer than they've ever been, the birds are chirping AT you and you feel like you can take on the world. A bad haircut? Well, that can ruin your life in an instant. On today’s episode, Stephanie and Melissa discuss the science and poetry of getting a haircut. Do you bring reference photos? Or let the stylist take the reins? Are you a small talk in the chair person? And if you see disaster looming in the mirror, do you speak up? Or are you more of a people pleaser? Steph shares about the elusive Best Haircut Of Her Life and Mel tells tales of A Bad Bob. Plus, they dig into the spiritual and cultural significance of hair. Also — Should Melissa grow out her grey streak? Sound off in our inbox!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How long do you think you could survive in a zombie apocalypse? One minute? One week? One year? Forever? This week, in honor of the spookiest of holidays, Stephanie and Melissa discuss how to become more better at existing in a hypothetical world riddled with the living dead. Join our sort-of fearless hosts as they discuss their favorite zombie movies, ponder about which vehicle would mow down hoards of brain-eaters the most effectively and debate the extremely important question: Would you rather fight one zombie horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized zombies? Plus, we get into the origin of the modern George Romero zombie, rooted in Haitian Vodou. Happy Halloween!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.