Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet

In this second part of my conversation with Kari from Food Friends, we dive deeper into seasonal cooking and everyday meal rhythms. We talk about easy summer hosting ideas, smart farmers market shopping tips, freezer-friendly staples, and what it means to create a “food flow” that fits real life—whether you’re single, partnered, or cooking for a family. We also share thoughts on food trends like glow soup and small luxuries, and how intentional cooking can be an act of self-care and connection. In this episode: ⁠Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy⁠ / ⁠@foodfriendspod⁠  Recipes & Resources: ⁠Strawberry Hibiscus Tea⁠ ⁠Amaretti Cookies⁠ (gluten-free)  ⁠Zucchini Rice Gratin⁠ ⁠How to Shop at the Farmers Market⁠ ⁠Summer Hosting Menus⁠ ⁠What to Bring to a Summer Picnic or Potluck⁠ ⁠Summer Salad Recipes⁠ via Food Friends (free!) Substack  Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sit down with chef, writer, and podcaster Kari from Food Friends to talk about the art of seasonal home cooking and hosting with ease. Kari shares how she went from cooking Midwest basics to becoming a personal chef in LA for families, producers, and even Barbara Streisand. We get into favorite summer recipes, simple farmer’s market ideas, tips for planning stress-free dinner parties, and building lasting client connections through food. Whether you cook by feel or need a recipe in hand, there’s something here for everyone looking to bring more intention—and flavor—into their home kitchen. In this episode: Food Friends: Home Cooking Made Easy / @foodfriendspod  Recipes & Resources: Strawberry Hibiscus Tea Amaretti Cookies (gluten-free)  Zucchini Rice Gratin How to Shop at the Farmers Market Summer Hosting Menus What to Bring to a Summer Picnic or Potluck Summer Salad Recipes via Food Friends (free!) Substack  Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I talk about why taking a real break—from work, home life, or both—isn’t just a luxury but a wellness essential. From the science-backed benefits of vacationing to the small messy moments we all have (like laundry mishaps), I open up about my own solo mini-retreat experience at a wellness resort near LA. From sound baths and Vinyasa yoga in a dome to one of the best deep tissue massages I’ve ever had (plus a solo dinner date with striped bass and red wine), I share what I did, what I wish I’d done differently (hello, digital detox), and how you can create your own version of a wellness getaway. Expect reflections on mindfulness, burnout, creativity, and self-care, plus practical ideas on how to structure your own solo or small-group getaway—even if you're not a planner. I also answer listener Q&As about dating advice and meditation classes, and wrap up with a special giveaway announcement. Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this continuation of my conversation with Rosa Li, founder of gut health tonic brand wildwonder, we get even more personal. She shares how working 100-hour weeks in finance shaped her approach to boundaries, why she believes vulnerability is her greatest asset as a leader, and how she manages energy—not just time—to avoid burnout. Has she ever considered leaving the entrepreneurial world and going back to work for someone else? Her answer might surprise you. We also talk about dating as a strong woman, what kind of partner she gravitates toward, and how she views the idea of starting a family—not as a limitation, but as a source of motivation and deeper purpose. Plus, we explore how her flavors come to life (hint: it involves market data and gut instinct), and what it means to build with intention in a bro-dominated space. This episode is for anyone balancing ambition with self-care, success with softness, and the very real messiness of trying to live well. Be sure to listen to Part One of this conversation if you haven’t yet! In this episode: Rosa Li of wildwonder ⁠⁠ Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sit down with Rosa Li, founder and CEO of Wild Wonder, the world’s first sparkling beverage brand to combine both prebiotics and probiotics for gut health—blending ancient Chinese herbal wisdom with modern science. Rosa shares how her grandmother’s traditional tonic recipes shaped her approach to wellness and inspired the brand’s roots, and how a high-pressure career on Wall Street led her to prioritize sleep, movement, and nourishment. From weathering the Silicon Valley Bank crash to navigating a major distributor’s cyberattack, Rosa gives a real and grounded look into what it actually takes to build a purpose-driven business. We also talk about: Her sleep and wellness non-negotiables The mental shift from working in finance to building a CPG brand Representation in the food and beverage industry Creating boundaries as a founder to avoid burnout Why she leads with calm and transparency—even during crisis If you’ve ever felt the pull between hustle and healing, or wondered how to lead a team while honoring your values, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe even rethinking your own idea of "balance." In this episode: Rosa Li of wildwonder ⁠⁠ Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Living Well (or Trying To), I bring you a solo episode filled with real talk and regulation tools for when the world feels heavy. From the emotional toll of recent events in LA to the everyday overwhelm of being human, I share what’s been actually helping me calm my nervous system—and what hasn’t (sorry, Rumble Boxing and that miso eggplant bowl from Sweetfin). Tune in for honest reviews of fitness classes (CycleBar, SolidCore, Club Pilates, YogaSix), the wellness mindset shifts that come with age (shorter workouts > burnout), and sleep tools I swear by—from magnesium to 528 Hz playlists to the holy grail of weighted blankets. Plus, I get into listener Q&A on solo international travel, embracing change, and the complicated truth that sometimes things just suck—and that’s okay. Whether you’re feeling off, overwhelmed, or just in need of some gentle guidance, this episode is here to help you come back to yourself. In this episode: 🧠 Nervous system regulation ideas that are actually doable 🥊 Real reviews of LA workout classes (and their vibes) 🥗 Navigating food trends, protein pressure, and plant-forward eating 💤 Sleep tips for a calmer, more grounded night ✈️ The reality of solo travel (and when it’s not life-changing) 💛 A reminder that living well isn’t always pretty—but it’s worth it Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We explore the powerful symbolism behind your birth chart and what it reveals about navigating fear, logic, and purpose—especially during times of major life transitions. This episode explores the tension between structure and freedom, creativity and stability, and the unique contradictions that make up you. We talk about how to tell the difference between fear and gut instinct, how to build real self-trust, and why purpose isn’t some final destination—it’s something you create by showing up, scared and all. If you're rethinking your career, your relationships, or your next move, this conversation is your permission slip to be both brave and unsure. To keep going, even when it doesn’t all make sense yet. Because living well isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about being real, being curious, and doing the damn thing anyway. In this episode: ⁠Aliza Kelly⁠, celebrity astrologer, author, and cosmic consultant. Her podcast: ⁠Horoscope Weekly with Aliza Kelly⁠ Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astrology is everywhere these days—from dating profiles to wellness apps—but what is it really, and why are so many of us drawn to it? In this episode, I’m joined by Aliza Kelly, celebrity astrologer, author, and cosmic consultant, to break it all down in a grounded and accessible way. We talk about the roots of astrology, how it’s evolved in pop culture, and what it can offer us—especially as women navigating identity, healing, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt curious about your birth chart but unsure where to start (or just rolled your eyes at your ex blaming Mercury retrograde), this one’s for you. No crystal collection required—just an open mind. Her podcast: Horoscope Weekly with Aliza Kelly Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Natural Pilates TV⁠⁠⁠⁠ - mat pilates access with a 7 day free trial and then one free month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Living Wellers :p This week's release is a short one. I share a little announcement that instead of my original plan to release every other week during the summer, I'm going to aim to release weekly! That means that this week I am taking a little break from publishing in order to ramp up for the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can check out the episodes from May or the 40 before that! Oh, also - I have a new email address where you can send me questions (maybe I'll do some Q&A episodes), episode topic requests, or guest requests - send them all to livingwellwithjanet@gmail.com. Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Natural Pilates TV⁠⁠⁠⁠ - mat pilates access with a 7 day free trial and then one free month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet, we're diving headfirst into the bizarre, bold, and sometimes straight-up bonkers side of wellness. From tanning your perineum to sipping untreated spring water (a.k.a. raw water), the wellness world has taken some wild turns. I’ll break down the most eyebrow-raising trends—like facial cryotherapy, chlorophyll shots, lymphatic drainage with a toilet plunger (yes, really), and even breatharianism—while asking: is this helping us actually live well, or just selling us new forms of anxiety and expense? As someone who loves wellness, I’m here for the green juice and cold plunges—but some of this stuff? Kinda sus. Tune in as we laugh, cringe, and question how far is too far in the name of “health.” Would you ever sun your butthole? DM me on IG (@janetdoubleu) or leave a comment—I genuinely want to know. Follow/Subscribe to “Living Well (or Trying To) with Janet” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you get your pods! For more, follow ⁠⁠⁠@janetdoubleu⁠⁠⁠ Partners: ⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠ - 10% off your first month with code “LWJ” ⁠⁠⁠Pique Life⁠⁠⁠ - 15% off + free Starter Kit (rechargeable frother & glass beaker) on subscriptions $100+ ⁠⁠⁠Natural Pilates TV⁠⁠⁠ - mat pilates access with a 7 day free trial and then one free month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices