You’ll Thank Us Later

It’s almost fall, and we’re leaning into all things cozy. From crisp mornings and warm sweaters to comfort shows and seasonal rituals, this minisode is about what makes the shift into autumn feel fun (and sometimes a little ridiculous). Grab your coffee, light a candle, and join us for an easy, lighthearted conversation to welcome the season.

Coty asks Christine and Saphira about raising kids in a social media world and how to gauge what is "right" and what isn't. From Snapchat streaks and Discord rooms to privacy, agency, and “what’s yours to share vs. theirs,” the crew gets candid about when to hand over a phone, how to set boundaries without creating obsession, and why your relationship with screens at home matters. Saphira has never been on social, and Christine runs a social media agency, so they have very different experiences with tackling screens and social media with kids.

Christine shows up sun-kissed, coffee in hand, and fully committed to dropping the “guilty” from guilty pleasures. From Real Housewives of London via VPN hacks to Below Deck debates, the team swaps Bravo opinions, reunion hot takes, and why frivolous TV is sometimes the best kind of self-care. We veer into audiobook obsessions, spicy fantasy reads (hi, ACOTAR and Fourth Wing), and those true-crime podcasts that somehow lull you to sleep. There’s people-watching in Adirondack chairs, Shake Shack tallow-fries rumors, dive-bar nostalgia, Botox confessions, and a vow to level-up Halloween costumes this year. It’s proof that little joys make a big difference. You’ll thank us later.

Work ramps up, school’s back, birthdays pile up—aka September sprint. Christine shares turning “level 48,” starting her Rutgers master’s, and rebuilding the MtoM site. Saphira discusses launching Luca to college overseas and reframing birthdays and other significant transitions. Coty debuts her paid Substack food blog and how she’s thinking about paywalls, recipes, and community. Transition season is hard, but it can also be hopeful, and maybe this is the pep talk you need to get through your own transitions.

Christine, Courtney, and Coty compare what dating looked like years ago versus today. Christine shares stories from her bar-hopping, setup-by-friends era (plus a couple of very bad early online dates), while Coty talks about app culture, profile disasters, and why she’s stepped away from swiping. Courtney reflects on how she skipped apps altogether by meeting her husband in college. Together, they get into what really matters—timing, logistics, family influence, and finding someone who makes you laugh.

Christine, Saphira, and the crew dig into one of the most misunderstood topics out there — cannabis. From the headlines about rescheduling at the federal level to the hidden dangers of “gas station weed,” they break down what’s legal, what’s safe, and why your local convenience store gummy might not be what you think it is. Saphira explains the difference between regulated dispensary products and untested synthetics, why state-by-state rules are so confusing, and how to be a smart consumer. Christine shares her own cautious approach, plus some eyebrow-raising product options you probably didn’t know existed (yes, suppositories are on the list). Whether you’re curious about CBD creams, THC beverages, or just want to avoid rookie mistakes, this episode arms you with the knowledge to navigate the cannabis world safely — and skip the sketchy stuff.

When our producer Courtney shares she’s 21 weeks pregnant, the conversation quickly turns into an unfiltered crash course in first-time pregnancy and newborn survival. Christine and Saphira swap their wildly different birth stories—from mucus plug mysteries and epidurals to the unexpected realities of breastfeeding, baby gear, and why “less is more” when it comes to cute outfits. Along the way, you’ll hear the advice they wish they’d followed, the advice they wish they hadn’t, and the products that actually made life easier. It’s funny, candid, occasionally graphic, and exactly the kind of talk your best friends would give you before the baby arrives. We can't wait to meet Courtney's little girl!!

Christine, Saphira, and guest producer Coty Ryan sit down to unpack Mel Robbins’ wildly popular book Let Them—and, naturally, they don’t all agree. From first impressions and personal resistance to the idea of self-help books, to real-life applications of the “Let Them” and “Let Me” mindsets, this episode covers everything from parenting and friendships to Reddit trolls and relationship red flags. Christine shares how the book helped her let go of control as a mom. Saphira reframes the theory into her own powerful mantra, “I decide,” while Cody wrestles with the repetitiveness but still finds value in family dynamics and boundaries.  What do you think about Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory? Are you in or are you annoyed?

This week on You’ll Thank Us Later, Christine and Saphira welcome Coty Ryan—food influencer, content creator, and now guest producer on the pod! From mukbangs and TikTok fame to contracts, managers, and PR hauls, Coty shares the real deal about the business behind influencing. She opens up about her start during the pandemic, her viral growth, and how she makes money on and off the platforms. The trio also gets real about snark pages, mental health, and the emotional toll of being online. Plus, what happens when your family doesn’t quite get your job? And how do we support the next generation of women while learning to manage our own stress, self-doubt, and avoidance tactics? This episode provides insight into the influencer economy, and yes, we do talk sex toys (briefly). Follow Coty on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube- @beautyofthefoodie

In this season 2 kickoff of You’ll Thank Us Later, Saphira returns from her whirlwind trip to Japan with stories, advice, and plenty of surprises. Christine, Courtney, and Nicole grill her on every detail—what to eat, where to go, what not to do (chewing gum on a train, for starters), and why Japan might just be the cleanest, safest, most courteous place on the planet. Saphira spills on her action-packed itinerary, including relaxing in centuries-old ryokans, navigating the language barrier with a translation beeper, savoring melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef, and braving tiny Pink Floyd-themed restaurants in alleyway sheds. She gives honest advice about travel logistics, heat exhaustion, fish for breakfast, and the reality of family travel dynamics. Plus, we get the scoop on her son Luca’s next big chapter—he’s headed to school in the UK! Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms or planning your own Japanese getaway, this episode is full of must-hear tips, hilarious culture shock moments, and the kind of real talk only Christine and Saphira can deliver. Say konnichiwa to travel inspo—and yes, you’ll thank us later.

In this episode, Christine sits down with college admissions insider and PhD candidate Richard Roman to pull back the curtain on the college application process from the perspective of an admissions officer. From early decision pitfalls to essay strategy myths, Richard shares what matters when applying to college, and what doesn’t. They discuss the difference between public and private universities, how financial aid actually works, what admissions officers are really looking for in essays and extracurriculars, and why it’s time to stop comparing your kid to everyone else’s. If you’re a parent, student, or just college-curious, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and maybe a little less panic.

In a special solo episode, Christine takes the mic while Saphira jets off to Japan and reflects on what You’ll Thank Us Later has meant to her over the past seven months. From deepening friendships to finding her voice, Christine shares seven heartfelt lessons this podcast has taught her—including the power of laughter, the importance of safe spaces for women to be honest, and why wanting “more” isn’t selfish, it’s human. Vulnerable, wise, and full of gratitude, this episode is a love letter to growth, change, and the incredible community that’s come along for the ride.

What makes a company culture actually work? In this episode, Christine, Saphira, Nicole, and Courtney unpack the real meaning of corporate culture—beyond swag bags and ping pong tables. From toxic bosses and fear-based management to building trust, empathy, and psychological safety, they reflect on the kind of culture they’ve intentionally created—and what they’ll never go back to. Saphira introduces a framework for giving feedback without shame, and Christine shares what it really takes to keep talented people around. Whether you manage a team or you’re just trying to survive one, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Christine and Saphira talk about finding joy as adults, particularly through hobbies. From Mahjong and card games to book clubs and ropes courses, they unpack why hobbies matter, how to bring more play into your life, and why joy shouldn’t feel like a “should.” This episode is a reminder that adulthood deserves pleasure, spontaneity, and a little bit of silliness—no performance required.

In a very special (and very real) episode, Christine and Saphira welcome their sons, Ronan and Luca, to the mic. The boys reflect on what it’s been like growing up with moms who parent a little differently, from long leashes and co-working yoga spaces to feminist marches and carefully curated snack policies. They quiz each other to see how well they really know one another, share guilty pleasures and embarrassing moments, and open up about the mental load of high school and growing up in households run by ambitious women. It’s a funny, vulnerable, and insightful look at motherhood, identity, and learning to let go as your kids grow up (and start calling you out on your Instagram habits). This one’s for the parents—and the kids who turned us into them.

Christine and Saphira unpack the habits, routines, and life decisions they wish they’d started earlier—from saving for retirement and prioritizing mental health to finding sustainable fitness routines and wearing SPF daily. Christine and Saphira share what they’ve learned the hard way in hopes it helps someone else do it a little easier. Whether you’re in your twenties or fifties, this episode is packed with perspective on how to build a life that feels like your own—starting today.

After a long weekend of sunburns, barbecues, and bathroom mishaps, Christine, Saphira, Courtney, and Nicole air out their pet peeves—from pre-party project derailments to red wine on white couches and surprise toddler chaos. Christine shares the joys of her perimenopausal rage, Saphira rants about graduation party overload, and Nicole gets real about punctuality. If you’ve ever hosted guests, been late, or just needed to vent—this one’s for you.

Christine opens up about navigating a major life shift—moving her aging parents closer, downsizing their home, and facing health challenges head-on. Saphira shares her hopes (and hurdles) of one day relocating her parents to Spain, while the two unpack the realities of being sandwiched between raising teens and caring for aging parents. They discuss why planning now is a gift to your future self—and your kids—and how fear, denial, and guilt can all complicate that process. From honest conversations to unexpected emotional landmines, they offer real talk on how to approach these decisions with love, humor, and just enough grit. Whether you’re in it now or it’s on the horizon, you’ll thank us later for this one.

Christine and Saphira pull back the curtain on their deeply personal weight loss journeys and how GLP-1 medications changed everything, from their relationship with food and alcohol to how they show up in the world. They tackle the myths, the side effects, the emotional ups and downs, and the real cost (financial and otherwise) of this path to better health. Plus, why Christine wore shorts for the first time in 20 years, and how Saphira is chasing down her next big goal—pull-ups by her birthday. This is the candid, no-holds-barred conversation everyone’s been having behind closed doors… and now it’s wide open.

Why do some people seem born to lead while others struggle to find their voice? And why can’t you ever find your keys? In this episode, we welcome nonprofit CEO and leadership expert Karen Coltrane to explore the science behind personality using the Big 5 framework. From understanding your own strengths and shadows to recognizing how personality dynamics play out in the workplace (and at home), we dive into why true leadership starts with self-awareness. Christine and Saphira also reveal how their own personalities shape their careers, relationships, and even their personal brands. Expect laughs, hard truths, and yes, some lightbulb moments about why your biggest challenges might actually be the flip side of your greatest strengths. Take your Big 5 Personality Test- https://bit.ly/big-5-test-ytul Dr. George Watts and Laurie Blazek's book- http://bit.ly/3YHrFds