The Healing Happy Hour is back! Vienna and Crystal reunite to talk about what it means to create — not for money, followers, or hustle, but for the simple act of expression and connection.

They catch up on life, grief, and the search for joy in heavy times; unpack how social media flattens nuance and divides communities; and reflect on why creativity, community, and grace matter more than ever.

This episode is equal parts deep reflection and unfiltered laughter, covering everything from the Nicki/Cardi beef to doomscrolling, morning pages, sensual energy, and their personal creative projects.

You’ll leave inspired to make something just because you want to — and to remember that healing isn’t just about rest, but also about making something real, even when the world feels unreal.

Resources & Mentions

• Join the FREE Healing Happy Hour community
• Follow Healing Happy Hour on Instagram @healinghappyhourpod
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Breaking Twitter by Ben Mezrich
• Tina Maria Elena Bak’s Instagram
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• Getting Grown Podcast

In This Episode

• Reconnecting with joy in dark times
• The power of creating for the sake of creating
• How capitalism and the algorithm steal our creativity
• What it means to hold nuance in an internet allergic to it
• Morning Pages, artistic rituals, and the freedom of self-directed learning
• Why sensuality, embodiment, and connection fuel creativity
• The case for community, accountability, and artistic rebellion
• Yelling at Chuck Schumer in our text messages

Join the Conversation

We’re building a creative community for anyone who wants to make something — write, draw, dance, plant, record, whatever — just because it feels good.

Come hang out with us on Substack and share what you’re creating

You can always DM us on Instagram @healinghappyhourpod or send us your stories, your tea, or your latest creative obsession between episodes.

Let's talk personal growth, reflecting on past experiences with credit cards, college life, and shopping indulgences and the lessons that come with age, including the bravery to try new things. This week, we discuss the evolution of body image, celebrating milestones and honoring influential figures like Tess Holliday. The conversation pivots to the power of pop culture, diving into the impact of artists like Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and dreams of a collaboration between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. The hosts share their creative aspirations, including goals for writing, vocal lessons, and spiritual endeavors, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and trying new things. They wrap up with meaningful reflections on setting intentions for the new year and a card reading that highlights the need for healthy boundaries and self-care.

00:00 College Credit Card Adventures

01:08 Mall Memories and Fashion Faux Pas

02:29 Body Image and Self-Acceptance

03:32 Celebrity Encounters and Inspirations

06:35 Pop Culture and Music Analysis

22:19 New Year Goals and Personal Growth

25:28 Seeking Vocal Coaching

26:34 Embracing Self-Validation and Overcoming Fear

28:26 Trisha Paytas and Unapologetic Self-Expression

34:45 Pursuing Creative Passions and Personal Growth

36:52 Workplace Joy and Personality Hires

44:53 Setting Intentions and Trying New Things

49:54 Karaoke Dreams and Oracle Card Reading

52:30 Conclusion and Contact Information

We're keeping the healing on the unhinged side as we share holiday experiences, reflect on the lessons learned over the past year, and discuss the importance of setting realistic expectations without being overly self-critical.

We talk about gift-giving, the careful balance of celebrating and bragging, and the challenges of avoiding comparison, particularly on social media. We also talk about the fact that Americans don't know who Robbie Williams is, and we make no apologies for that.

We cackle about the future role of AI in society, emphasizing the importance doing our own healing work (and having romantic relations with humans, not robots). We wrap it by pulling a card for the collective that highlights personal growth, forgiveness, and the beauty of looking forward to a new year with grace.

Challenge: Email us for a special gift from us to take your own new year personal inventory: healinghappyhourpod@gmail.com

Links:

• Humpty Dumpty All Dressed Potato Chips
• Sacred Destiny Oracle Deck
• GOOD Story, Great Podcast Cohort
• Subservience on Netflix

Find Us:

• Crystal
• Vienna
• Healing Happy Hour

Music by FASSounds on Pixabay