What happens when a whirlwind reality TV romance meets the sobering winds of real life? Gerry Turner and Teresa Nist found out the hard way. Their much-publicized union on "The Golden Bachelor" came to an unexpected halt, leaving fans and romantics alike grappling with the notion of love later in life. This episode peels back the curtain on their highly televised wedding and the subsequent unraveling of their relationship, exploring the pressures that come with merging established lives and the wisdom of taking time to nurture new commitments. With both Gerry and Teresa coming from long marriages to their high school sweethearts and then facing the world anew as widows, their story serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of finding love after loss.

As we turn the page, Teresa Nist may yet shine in the role of the Golden Bachelorette, sparking discussions on the nuances of public courtship and fresh starts. With a blend of empathy and insight, I navigate the conversation around Teresa's potential new journey, the curious intricacies of modern dating, and the resilient quest for companionship under the scrutinizing gaze of the public. Meanwhile, "Wise Words from SJ" will soon offer a fresh bouquet of thoughtful discussions. Join me in a heartfelt dialogue about self-love, the art of compromise, and embracing the role one plays within a partnership. Your reflections are welcomed as we build a community that values and celebrates love in all its stages.

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Could the savvy businessman Donald Trump also be a modern-day prophet selling salvation? Tune in as we peel back the layers of Trump's $60 Bible sales during Holy Week, and explore the enigma that surrounds his persona, teetering between a divine figure and a clever entrepreneur. I'll also share a slice of my life with you, from dodging Facebook stalkers to the peculiar world of celebrity impersonators in my DMs. Drawing inspiration from Marc Maron's podcasting prowess, I'm here to celebrate a personal milestone—38.38 years of sobriety—and extend a supportive hand to those walking the road to recovery. Amidst this, I reflect on recent articles questioning Trump's juxtaposition of religious merchandising and his legal challenges, inviting you to ponder the multifaceted nature of his public image.

Leadership is about bridging divides, not widening them. This truth resonates in the chapter where I address the divisive nature of politics and the role of religious texts in bringing us together. I speak from the heart, sharing the tough choice to let go of luxury items in difficult times, and emphasize the true value that lies in human connections and appreciating oneself. Join us as we honor Transvisibility Day, sending out waves of love and support to the trans community. Wrapping up, I express my gratitude for you, my listeners, who've made this podcasting journey so rewarding, and look forward to our continued exploration of the complexities and triumphs of life.

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Reflecting on the ripples caused by shifting from a well-established role to uncharted waters, I share my personal journey and the echoes I see in California's current political scene. From my move away from Cleveland, where I was flourishing, back to Los Angeles, I parallel my narrative with the recent, head-scratching decisions by politicians like Katie Porter, Adam Schiff, and Barbara Lee. Their leap into the vast ocean of higher aspirations leaves me pondering the fate of their hard-earned influence and the Democratic Party's future. The conversation takes a deeper turn when considering Gustavo Arellano's insights on Porter's pivotal role in coloring Orange County purple—a hue that might fade with her departure from a position of local power.

This candid dialogue explores what it truly means to lead with authenticity and the magnetic pull of political ambition. We speculate not only on Porter's potential trajectories within the realms of Newsom or Biden's cabinets but also on her capacity to remain a driving force on impactful issues from a more rooted stance. As your host, I draw from the well of my own experiences, serving up relatable tales that illuminate the strategic decisions we all face in our careers. Together, we assess the delicate balance between personal success and the greater good, considering whether being a 'big fish in a small pond' or a 'small fish in a vast sea' offers the most nourishment for our communities and ourselves. Join us for a thoughtful examination of the currents that shape our lives and the political tides we navigate.

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As I walked through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the stark reality of homelessness struck a chord within me, igniting a conversation that goes beyond mere statistics. Weaving through history and personal narratives, I engage with the UC San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative's study that illuminates the systemic roots of racial injustice leading to the disproportionate number of black individuals facing homelessness. This episode peels back the layers of legislative efforts by California's reparations task force, including state apologies, compensation for historic land seizures, and a reevaluation of prison labor practices, aiming to right the wrongs of our past and present.

The contrast between the opulent lifestyles of California's elite and the deprivation of Skid Row's residents lays bare the societal urgency of addressing homelessness. The power of language emerges as a tool for change, as we transition from describing those without homes as "homeless" to "unhoused," reflecting a shift towards empathy and action. Sharing a page from my own life story, I reflect on the safety net my grandparents provided during a time of personal housing insecurity. This episode isn't just about understanding the complexities of homelessness; it's a clarion call to recognize our shared humanity and the reparative steps we must take as a society to ensure a dignified life for all.

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As we gather to celebrate what would have been my brother Stevens 75th birthday, I find myself enveloped in reflections of love, life, and the indelible mark he left on our world. With candor and emotion, I open up about the journey through mental health struggles, resilience, and the echoes of Stevens legacy. This episode is a testament to those battles, drawing an intimate parallel with Ben Chida’s story, Governor Gavin Newsom's top education advisor. Ben’s candid account of his own mental health challenges and how they infused his mission to reshape California's education landscape illustrates the unspoken courage found in vulnerability and the relentless pursuit of reform.

In paying homage to Steven Charles Mendelson, I share the raw complexities of navigating mental health treatments and their sometimes-debilitating side effects, while also honoring his memory with heartfelt remembrance. We explore the intricacies of medication management, the perseverance required in the face of mental illness, and the indispensable practice of self-care for those grappling with depression. It's a conversation that interweaves personal narrative with a broader societal dialogue, aiming to kindle understanding and compassion for those on their mental health journeys, and to celebrate the lives of those we hold close to our hearts. Join us for this profound exploration of the human spirit, its trials, its triumphs, and the everlasting bonds of love that connect us all.

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When the sun sets on a fulfilling career, what's left in the afterglow? My husband's journey into retirement has been a stark contrast to the bustling days of his financial planning career, and as the fog of dementia begins drawing in, we find ourselves navigating a sea of change. This episode is a window into the emotional landscape of our evolving relationship and the resilience required when the person you love starts to slip away into the shadows of memory loss. Yet, it's not all about the twilight of life; we also celebrate the brilliance of living authentically, inspired by LZ Granderson's reflection on Tracy Chapman's profound Grammy performance with Luke Combs. Chapman's graceful aging and unwavering integrity set the stage for a conversation about the beauty of growing older with dignity.

Amidst the glitz of the entertainment industry, the pressure to preserve one's youth can be suffocating. This episode peers behind the curtain at the paradox of yearning for longevity while wrestling with the desire to conceal its natural markers. We'll explore the potency of authenticity as we resonate with Chapman's legacy and the way it encourages us to embrace our true selves, regardless of age or the judgment we might face. As we celebrate the diversity of life's tapestry with Tracy Chapman's impact on the LGBTQ+ community at heart, this narrative is an embrace—reassuring you that being genuine is not just brave, but beautiful. Join us for an uplifting discourse that champions the courage to stand firm in one's identity and the shared experience of growing older with grace.

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Ever wondered what it feels like to walk away with a Grammy? Join me as we unwind the night of shimmer and shine at the Grammys, where Taylor Swift's 'Midnight' snatched the Album of the Year and Miley Cyrus's 'Flowers' blossomed into a double win. But it's not all about the winners' circle; we also unwrap the mystique behind the Best New Artist 'curse' and take a melodious detour across the diverse soundscapes, from rock's electrifying riffs to the soul-stirring cadences of Latin beats. The episode wouldn't be complete without a hat tip to self-love rituals, like treating oneself to flowers, and a standing ovation for Fantasia Barrino's leap from American Idol to Broadway sensation. And for the finale? A heartfelt salute to Oprah Winfrey's talent radar and a rewind of Tina Turner's unforgettable musical homage.

As for the folks who've touched my heart, grab your backstage pass to my candid reflections on the spellbinding Fantasia and the media mogul Oprah Winfrey, even in the face of social media squalls. Tag along on my reality TV escapades, with anecdotes from 'Mind Fix' to 'Jewelry Bubbie's Know Best,' and listen in for a surprise invitation I'm hurling Oprah's way – it's an interview offer she won't want to miss. In a quirky turn of events, my cat's sneezes might just snag the spotlight. Before we close curtains, get a sneak peek at my forthcoming podcast 'The B Word.' Here's an episode brimming with Grammy gossip, star-struck praise, and a dash of affirming life's symphony that resonates with our own unique beats.

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Why did the Oscars overlook the director and star of 'Barbie' , and what does it say about the state of female empowerment in Hollywood? Your TikTok Bubbie is here to unravel the tapestry of triumphs and snubs from the 2024 Academy Awards nominations. Amidst the sparkling contenders and celebrated cinematic achievements, we're not afraid to call out the Academy's blind spot when it comes to recognizing stories that shine with empowerment and wit. With an ear to Mary McNamara's piercing critique, we dissect the possible reasons behind the dismissal of Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' and the implications it holds for women in the industry. Let's raise a glass (or our TikTok thumbs) to the films that dare to blend fun with smarts, and question why Hollywood’s gold standard often shuns the light in favor of the dark.

Hang on to your movie tickets, dolls, as we steer the conversation to the paradoxes facing women in Tinseltown. We're peeling back the curtain to reveal the irony of accolades versus actual value in Hollywood, exemplified by the juxtaposition of LA Times Studios' Oscar nod amidst internal layoffs. Does the industry recognize the true rule of women, or are we still chasing a mirage of equality? In this heartfelt and frank episode, we salute the undaunted spirit of women across all walks of life, sharing personal stories of resilience that intersect our own. For every woman who's been overlooked, this one's for you, bitches—it's time to spotlight those who outshine the status quo.

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