Episode 12: Analog Revival in a Digital World: What is This Trend All about, and Why I Am Embracing this Culture Shift

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Okay, I have a bit of a confession about something that has been going on with me for the last couple of years, but has really gathered momentum over the last 6 months.

Lately, I’ve been craving things that don’t ping, notify, or need a charger.

I’ve noticed more people talking about vinyl records, handwritten notes, ‘analog bags,’ even flip phones. And I started asking myself… are we tired? Are we overstimulated? Are we done being constantly online?

So today, I want to explore something that feels quietly powerful — the return to analog.

According to Chat GPT What the Analog Movement Is:

At its core, the analog movement is a cultural reaction to digital saturation — it’s about choosing physical, hands-on activities over digital ones. People are intentionally engaging in practices that don’t involve screens, apps, or automated feeds. It’s as much about what you gain (presence, mindfulness, creativity) as what you’re stepping away from (constant notifications, algorithmic loops).

*Mindful, Tactile Activities

People are rediscovering analog forms of creation and engagement:

• Film photography and Polaroids instead of smartphone shots.
• Vinyl records and turntables for music.
• Handwritten journals, letters, and notebooks.
• Knitting, puzzles, board games, printmaking — hobbies that are inherently “hands-on.”

Other ways it is showing up:

Analog Bags & Signature Trends

• “analog bag” — a tote filled with analog objects (books, pencils, crosswords, knitting, film cameras) that people carry as an alternative to their phone to prevent mindless scrolling.
• Analog Rooms & Physical Spaces
• Some people are dedicating spaces (like “analog rooms”) at home that are deliberately screen-free — using turntables, bookshelves, and board game closets to foster relaxation and real connection.

The Why:

• Digital fatigue- many are seeking ways to get away from the constant noise of technology. Our brains and nervous systems are tired.
• More authentic experiences that help us to slow down

It is not meant to say do away with technology, more as a compliment and awareness that we are on sensory overload and need to maybe come back to simpler times as best we can. Balance!

Searches for “analog hobbies” have spiked dramatically in recent years.

After two decades of hyper-connection, maybe we’re realizing something: Convenience doesn’t always equal fulfillment.”

Ways I personally have embraced it:

• More reading
• More journaling
• Jigsaw puzzles
• More cooking from scratch- even creamer
• Cross stitching
• Pottery class
• Vinyl

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. Also, if you can think of at aleast one person you know who would enjoy our wine conversations, please share this podcast with them. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

This week’s episode is all about taking a careful, introspective look at where we are and how to make peace with a life that may look different than what you had planned. This is a topic I can certainly relate to and hope to be able to share some things today that will help you embrace the life you have even when it is not the one you were expecting.

I feel that gratitude is the cornerstone for being at peace with your life. Every day when I wake up I recite at least three things I am grateful for before I allow myself to touch my phone. It sets the stage for the day, but also reminds me of all the good. I always want to start with the good. Being grateful for the life you have regardless of whether it is the one you planned can really be imperative to how you perceive it.

Now, is this the life I had planned? Is this the one I saw in my mind 10 years ago? Not exactly. But guess what? That other one was not meant to be and would probably have not been all I thought it would be even if it had gone another road. I thought I would be happily married, still living in suburbia and living a life with someone I loved. That has not been the way of things for me. I am single, living the urban, tiny house style life. It is not what I planned, but oddly enough it is a wonderful life. I had no idea how much having a quiet, peaceful, simple, and yes, single life would lead to so much contentment.

Next to finding gratitude every day, I truly believe filling your life with the things that bring you the most happiness is important to being at peace with it. But in order to do that, you must really get to know yourself. If you are in your 50, 60s and beyond the next stage of life is when we circle back to ourselves. We have to remind ourselves of what we really enjoy doing. If you are younger, you may just now be discovering what brings you the most joy. Get your journal out and make a list of 3-5 things that bring you joy. Then, make a plan to incorporate them into your life. And in all of this, don’t forget to spend time with those who bring joy into your life! Many studies have shown that personal relationships are the number one factor of true happiness. Be intentional about setting time in your schedule to spend time with friends and family who fill your cup. The more you incorporate the things you love into your daily life, the easier it is to fall in love with the life you are now living.

One last way I have learned to embrace my life as it is is by not spending too much time ruminating on the past or what might have been. I do my best to look forward and keep my face toward the sunshine. I realize it is completely normal to reminisce sometimes, but you can’t stay there. Take an occasional peak, and move on.

For me, I have made peace with the life I am living by keeping a grateful heart, filling my life with the things I love and that bring me joy, and keeping my face toward the sunshine while focusing on the life I actually have now, not looking backwards or staying in the past.

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 10 : Shenanigans & Soul Sisters: How We’ve Stayed Friends for 16 years (with my Bestie!)

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Welcome to my friend, Karen! I’m so excited she joined us for a conversation about friendship!

• How we met
• The storms and challenges we’ve weathered together
• Fun shenanigans; memories that will last forever
• What we love about each other
• Advice to others about friendship

Meeting at a parent/teacher conference and how that led to our friendship.

What I love about Karen:

Her joy

Her optimism

Adventurous spirit

Love for her family

Your friends are a reflection of you and should be light in your life. We are who we surround ourselves with!

Love for your friends and who they are as humans is so important to sustaining a long-term friendship.

Storms and Challenges- divorces for both of us, love lost and love found. Challenges with our kids. We have always found a way to find comfort in each other and safety to really be who we are without judgement. It’s so rare to find that!

Shenanigans: laughter and silliness! Be silly and enjoy the lighter side of life!

Challenges- busyness when kids were home, now one of us is married and one is single, finding time, being intentional about spending time together!

Advice:

• You have to be intentional. Schedule friend dates, calls, etc.
• Don’t take them for granted
• You don’t have to talk every day, not even every week in some cases
• Don’t always feel like you have to give advice, sometimes they are wanting to just vent.
• Be honest with each other, even when it hurts
• Remember that it is important that they have other friends to fill other parts of their lives
• Remember some friends are only for a season, the others must be treasured and cultivated

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 9: 5 Strategies to Help Me Be More Money Wise in 2026

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Let’s discuss money. Let’s discuss 5 ways this year in 2026 I intend on doing better in the money department. I hope out of the 5, you at least find a few that might work for you if you are also on a journey to do better with your money.

1. Spend less on clothes- my challenge is only one new item per month, but it must be a replacement item, must fit my current lifestyle, and must be sustainable materials. The same rules for thrifting; only sustainable materials so my closet will eventually be composed of only classic, well-made items.
2. Automatic savings- pay yourself first
3. Learn to invest- learning so I can do this myself
4. Track all of my spending-budget everything!
5. Be more intentional with every dollar- make every dollar have a job

Don’t forget to re-evaluate who you follow on Social Media. It has helped me to clean out my socials and unfollow those accounts that are all about buying more, and I have begun following others who are making smart money choices.

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 7: What Are You Pouring into 2026? Let’s Talk About this Year’s Goals

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Ahh… the new year has arrived and with it comes the opportunity to set new goals and work towards making it count. I don’t want to see the year breeze by me, then wake up at the end of December and wonder where the year went. Together, let’s put some dreams, plans, and action steps in place so we can make it a year we won’t forget.

This year is the Year of the Fire Horse which will officially begin on Feb. 17th. The Year of the Fire Horse is an opportunity for creativity, breaking old patterns and habits, and provides the chance to go after your goals with a passion.

This year I want to continue with those goals as I want them to be more about lifestyle changes and not just temporary fixes. I plan to continue my health journey of daily exercise and movement including walking and weight training. I plan to make the majority of my meals be whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and grains. What goals are you carrying forward into 2026?

But what are some new goals I am working on?

• I am going to set new financial goals for myself. I am currently reading a book my friend Kim gave me for Christmas called, “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach.
• Another goal I have is part of my recent minimal-ish lifestyle and is that I will only buy one new clothing item per month this year. Thrifting is okay, with limits of course.
• I also have started looking at the materials of the clothing before purchasing as I want to buy more sustainable natural materials such as cotton, cashmere, wool, etc. I

What are some new goals you have set for yourself for 2026? What do you want to make a priority because it will make your life even better?

• Do your goals inspire you, are they sustainable and not extreme? I’ve learned that you can’t just think about your goals and say things like “I am going to lose weight” or “I am going to do better with my money”. That is only the beginning.
• You have to be more specific and more intentional. What has worked for me is to pick a few (or even one) write them down in a journal, your notes on your phone, whatever is a good method for you.
• Next, you can make notes about how you are going to be successful with meeting the goal. What exact steps are you going to take?
• Then, make note of anything that could possibly get in the way and how you plan to address it.
• I have also found it helpful to speak my goals to someone. It certainly makes it real and also adds in accountability.
• And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back as you are making progress, and know there will be setbacks,
• Reaching for a goal, or aiming to do and be better is not a perfect science. As the saying goes, “It's a marathon, not a sprint”. Give yourself grace as needed.

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 6: Date Yourself Part 2

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

After recording my last podcast titled: Date Yourself, I realized I had a lot more to say on the topic. As I stated in part 1, this is a topic close to my heart and something I have done often. I have personally seen and experienced the benefits of dating myself and have learned to embrace the solitude of it. Dating yourself allows you to still experience the things you want to do even if no one else is interested, can make it work, or maybe you decide to go alone simply because you want to!

We discussed how it can build confidence, teach you to sit in your own thoughts, and allow to embrace your own opinions and choices without needing to bounce them off another person. It also provides the opportunity to take in a lot more from your surroundings because you are not engaged in conversation with someone.

Dating yourself is very liberating, but does not come with challenges. Let’s get into those today while we sip and savor our wine (or coffee, soda, whatever your pleasure!).

Some of the challenges you might face in dating yourself are:

• Feeling others are judging you
• Feeling lonely
• Finding the time

Don’t forget to dress for the occasion, just as you would if you were on a date with someone else. Train your brain to remember you are just as valuable and worthy of looking your best even while alone!

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 5: Date Yourself

Today I want to talk about the beauty of dating oneself. You know, the taking yourself on dates, excursions, trips, classes, etc. because you’ve learned to value and enjoy your own company. Today’s episode is not only for single women, you can date yourself even if you are in a relationship. You SHOULD date yourself even if you are in a relationship! I believe it to be a valuable experience no matter your age or relationship status. Let’s discuss the why, how, when, and where and get into it!

• Why should we date ourselves? I believe we should date ourselves for several reasons. One reason is because it helps us to sit in our own thoughts and embrace our own unbiased opinions and decisions, not those bounced off another. I believe it builds confidence as you learn to navigate places and situations on your own. It takes confidence to sit alone in a restaurant, to travel alone locally, or even to another country I also believe it helps reinforce our own value. That our own company can be enough.

• Let’s move on to the how. How do we date ourselves? What does that look like? I can use some of my own examples, and examples I have seen other friends do. Going out to eat is very pleasurable with those you love, but it can also be enjoyable alone. If there is someone I am dying to visit and I just can’t get it work with others, or I just want to go alone, I can and do! I can sit in that restaurant at a table or the bar, and eat and drink what I want. I can eat at my own pace and take in the surroundings.

• Next up is the when of dating yourself. That’s an easy one! My answer to this is anytime it fits your schedule! Maybe you are dying to try a new restaurant but your significant other is out of town, or maybe just doesn’t have the same interest in the place. There’s a great time to go and venture out on your own.

• Last up, is the where of dating yourself. That is truly wide open, just like dating another person. The world is your oyster. Some of the places I have dated myself have included restaurants, bars, movie theaters, hiking and biking trails, gardens, museums, shops, wine tastings, markets, and even travel.
• So, I would encourage you to date yourself any chance you get. It can benefit you in so many ways, it can take you to new places maybe you wouldn’t otherwise go because you know others aren't interested. If all of this seems a bit scary, take it slowly and start small. It might just be going to the library, bookstore, or coffee shop alone. Then, build up the confidence and you will find yourself ready to date yourself in bigger ways, like a solo trip to Italy!

• I hope this chat today resonates with you in some way and will encourage you to take the first step, or if you’ve already been on the journey, maybe it just gives you a smile of understanding.

I hope you enjoyed our conversation over wine today. I know I did.

Closing Toast

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given.If you are enjoying this podcast, please remember to follow, subscribe, and like the videos. I would appreciate all your support as I am getting my podcast on its feet! I also want to share that I now have a YouTube Channel, so please take a moment to follow me on YouTube. You’ll find me under “Conversations Over Wine”. Until next time friends, cheers.