Starr Struck Radio, Episode 23: Willpower, Tapas, + Engagement Rings

9/15/2015

In this week's episode, we welcome back last week's guest, Brian, for a second go-round during his second week in town.

We start the episode with a discussion of Tapas (the cuisine, not the sanskrit word) and then jump into a discussion of willpower--and more specifically, why we're motivated in some areas of our lives and super lazy in others.

The show ends with a segment all about engagement rings, the process of getting engaged, and Brian's recent engagement experience (and ring buying experience). It's a fun one!

You can listen to the episode below OR by downloading and/or subscribing in iTunes or Stitcher (be sure you search "Starr Struck Radio").

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Resources mentioned in the podcast:

The book we discuss when talking about willpower: The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal
My new eBook for yoga teachers (or aspiring yoga teachers): How to Earn a Living Teaching Yoga: A Business Guide for Yoga Teachers
Podcast that Brian mentions: Freakonomics Radio: When Willpower Isn't Enough

2016 Yoga Retreats with Yours Truly:

Oh, and *pretty pretty please* could you rate us or write a review in iTunes (if you haven't already)? It only takes about 2 minutes and is a BIG help! Directions on how to rate + review are here.

You can peruse all past Starr Struck Radio episodes on the podcast homepage.

Thanks for listening!

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Ann

9/15/2015 12:24:31 pm

I really like the topic of the engagement ring. My husband and I had a very non-traditional engagement. We also live in DC and about 6 months before we got engaged we purchased a home in a great neighborhood that is pretty pricey. We put down 20% which totally stretched us financially to the max. We had been emotionally ready to get engaged for quite a while and after 3.5 years together were tired of waiting til we could afford a rock, especially considering the bill for the actual day was mainly going to be paid by us. So we just decided we were engaged and started planning our wedding. Telling people this was seriously awkward. Perhaps it was us being self-conscious a little but definitely people thought this was weird and probably judged him for not buying the ring and me for not expecting more from him. We did end up buying me a whole ring set about a month before the big day, but it is very modest and I absolutely love it! Anyway, I just loved hearing the guys' thoughts about how ridiculous the standards for an engagement and engagement ring are and so refreshing that Mary Catherine agreed!

Mary Catherine

9/15/2015 06:30:11 pm

Thanks for sharing your story (and listening), Ann! That's EXACTLY what I was talking about--using the $ for something like a home, instead! So smart of you two (and inspiring!). I wish this was more of a norm in our society...

Kenna link

9/17/2015 11:10:48 am

Great podcast! This episode had so many times when I wanted to talk back to you through my headphones, ha!
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I agree there is so much ridiculous external pressure around engagements (and actually all wedding stuff!). My views on all of it have totally changed since I've gotten older, and I could write volumes on my thoughts around these somewhat arbitrarily defined social constructs. I semi-proposed to my husband with an antique compass -- it was basically a proposal for him to propose (because I knew tradition was important to family and friends). I know he carried around a family ring for at least 7 months I think because he wanted it to be the perfect time/place, but didn't know how to plan that out. In the end, both the engagement and wedding were symbol to others outside that we were committed for life. We both knew (albeit at different times), and had talked about what a life partnership actually meant for us well before. IMO, most couples don't have enough conversation on marriage before the question is popped. (side note - I ended up with a family ring and now I am a little terrified to wear it because I might lose or damage it somehow!).
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On a different subject - you should get a Vitamix. It is the only kitchen appliance (other than the also-essential crockpot) we have in our tiny DC house. It doesn't have a bunch of parts and you don't need the dishwasher to clean it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hJexBvtCFg (OR maybe you could do this with your blender?).
They are more expensive that your typical blender, but some models are cheaper and it might be worth it since Ben uses it for smoothies everyday. We also use ours for soups, hummus, gazpacho, "mashed potato" cauliflower, and even fresh fruit frozen margaritas. #thirdworldsolution

Kenna

9/17/2015 11:58:29 am

Ah! #firstworldsolution not #thirdworldsolution. I cannot figure out how to edit/delete that comment (!!) and am super embarrassed. Totally inappropriate. I'm operating on a sleep deficit this week.

9/21/2015 04:59:03 am

OMG, Kenna, this made me laugh! I know you didn't mean #thirdworldsolution so please don't even worry about it ;) And great idea! We need to look for a discounted Vitamix FOR SURE! I think we should make the investment seeing as Ben has a smoothie every. single. day.

Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts on proposals/rings/marriage! So cool to hear that you "semi-proposed" and good for you. I agree that most couples don't discuss marriage enough before the engagement, and it's the reason for the whole thing, isn't it!?

Thanks for the tips + for sharing/listening! xoxo

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