In 2008, I lived in D.C.

I remember vividly the night that Obama won the first time … it was late, and I had to work the next morning, but I got a wild hair up my ass and walked the 15 minutes from Penn Quarter to The White House.

When I got there, thousands of other young people were celebrating and singing “Nah, nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, hey goodbye!” to George W. from the street outside. I was surrounded by people from every walk of life, and we were all together because of a collective connection: the promise of hope.

It was a glorious feeling, and it was an amazing time to be living in D.C.

I hadn’t thought about that moment (or felt anything like it) … until this week.

Except this time, on Tuesday night, I was just sitting at home with my husband and our dog, the night before our 9th wedding anniversary, glued to the tv.

And I could not stop screaming and laughing maniacally at what I was seeing: the ULTIMATE correction.

No, I wasn’t surrounded by thousands of people, but I could still feel the energy coming through the tv from people across the country — and the rest of the world, rooting us on for our collective decision to change everything.

For the first time in the whole decade, it feels like decency and unity is making a comeback, and I’m goddamn stoked.

Hey Roomies! Today, I’m in conversation with Peri R Finkelstein, who just released her memoir, The Velvet Bow and Other Dark Shit. Peri shares how her tumultuous childhood experiences shaped her writing journey and the significance behind her book’s title.

Peri’s inspiration for The Velvet Bow began in middle school amid intense bullying. She vividly recalls a moment of despair, thinking, “I don’t want to be me anymore.” Yet, from that darkness, a spark ignited—a promise to herself: if she survived, she would share her story.

Between writing her book, her 2024 TEDx talk: Always Wanting More & Stepping Out of Line, and her foundation: Team Peri, Peri is a force to be reckoned with and has proven that she can do anything she puts her mind to.

Follow + connect with Peri Finkelstein ⤵️

https://www.teamperi.org/

https://www.tiktok.com/@team_peri_rox

https://www.instagram.com/team_peri_rox

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqL4CWdScNH-NcU92xHUo8A

https://substack.com/@perirhiannon

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Wanna write in with a question? Have a comment? Email TNR:

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Call us and leave an anonymous VM:‪

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We went to the Northern California Sierras this past week: Mammoth and Truckee (Donner Lake). It was perfect. It was picturesque … oh yes, and my ego decided to come along. There’s no escaping her. She’ll find you anywhere you go. Even in paradise. It’s only about making peace with the fact that she’s always going to be part of you. No matter where you go.

I also had one of the best-timed tarot readings at my friend’s Halloween party last night. Basically, the cards just retold me what my inner voice has already known and been telling me this whole damn time. Sometimes all you need is for someone else (or some cards) to hold up a mirror.

Oh, and in other news, I’m still working on my relationship with money, honey. But we’re getting better every. damn. day.

Follow TNR on Substack + socials:

https://www.youtube.com/@thenakedroompod

https://substack.com/@thenakedroompod

https://www.instagram.com/thenakedroompod

https://www.tiktok.com/@thenakedroompod

Wanna write in with a question? Have a comment? Email TNR:

nakedroompodcast@gmail.com

Call us and leave an anonymous VM:‪

+1 (213) 537-9791‬

Sponsor discount codes:

Solaray, for 20% off use THENAKEDROOM at checkout

https://solaray.com/

Free Bird (Kelly + JL’s FAVORITE water), for 10% off use NakedRoom10 at checkout

https://drinkfreebird.com/