Advice Is Optional
If you won’t take Your mom’s advice, how about My mom’s?
I’m Gage, a young guy diving into adulthood's ups and downs, trying to figure things out, while my life coach mom can't help but offer advice that is sometimes unconventional.Together, we break down what tips work and what totally flop, so you get all the insights—minus the trial and error. Tune in to skip the pitfalls and take the advice we give, optionally, of course.
Each episode, we share our thoughts, experiences, and perhaps a little unsolicited advice—take it or leave it. Whether you’re looking for tips on relationships, career choices, or just a good story, we’ve got you covered.
And if there’s a topic you’d like us to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out! We love hearing from our listeners and might even feature your question in a future episode. Your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you. So, join us on Tuesdays as we dive into these topics, and remember—our advice is always optional!
"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 24 minutes
- Episodes
- 21
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Can I get my own pet now?
Our favorite special guest Ellie is back—and things get ruff! Gage and Ellie have very different takes on this topic, so buckle up and get ready to duck…shots are definitely fired in this episode.
Fi…
Anxiety and A Case of Missing Baseballs
In this episode, Gage and Kristal get real about anxiety—what it feels like, why it shows up, and what actually helps. From sweaty palms to spiraling thoughts, they break down the mind-body connectio…
One Wedding and My Funeral?
Gage is invited to his cousin’s wedding and he has a bunch of questions and a few rants. So, Kristal dives into the do’s and don’ts of wedding etiquette—from gifts and dress codes to rehearsal dinner…
Exercise as therapy, Say what?
Gage shares how lifting weights became his therapy for dealing with anxiety, and Kristal explains why that worked. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just trying to get consistent, t…
Meet the Parents: Part 2
You’ve heard Gage and Kristal’s side, now it’s Sarah’s turn.
In this follow-up episode, we finally get to meet Sarah and hear her take on what it was like meeting Gage’s parents for the first time. …
Meet the Parents: Part 1
Is there ever a right time to introduce your girlfriend/boyfriend to your parents? Listen to find how Gage made that decision-or how the decision was made for him-and how it went!
Something good to s…
Work Life Balance: Is There Such a Thing?
Is Work-Life Balance even a thing? We tackle this very question with a special guest, Ellie, Gage’s younger sister who is also experiencing her first real job and struggling with this same question.
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Sunday Scaries
After a five-day break, Gage talks about the anxiety creeping in before Monday hits. Kristal shares simple ways to ease the “Sunday Night Scaries” and how to shift your mindset for a smoother start t…
Where Are My Underwear?
Gage comes home to his childhood room turned guest room, and both Gage and Kristal have their own ideas as to how Gage reacted to the transition.
Something good to say? Leave a review or give us a s…
Dating Can Suck
Moving to a new town is hard. Dating in a new town is harder. Kristal and Gage break down ideas to make dating less hard, and share views on online dating.
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The Valentine's Day Debate
2:22 moms long answer about how I’m wrong
3:50 why I should ‘take one for the team’
6:49 my girlfriend and I reached a compromise
10:25 my mom offers her date night advice but I am all set
13:57…
The Money Dilemma
The last episode of the season and our FIRST real guest!
We get serious about how to save money when you can barely afford rent and groceries!
If you hate listening to your parents about money, then…
Ugh, Is it Really About the Journey?
If you have to get a job, then you have to listen to this episode.
Finding THE job is grueling and we discuss how it really feels to manage expectations and rejection. We also discuss if high school …
Now It Gets Weird
We decide if the Law of Attraction is BS, Desperation has a smell, and if the Universe hates Airpods. Oh, and my mom admits to dating in the dinosaur age.
4:20 how the Law of Attraction happened to …
The Graduation Let Down
In this episode my mom gets really excited about discussing unwritten expectations we don’t even know we have. And, hopefully, the frustration of the job search will totally resonate with you.
4:…
Transitioning from Child to Guest
FRICTION. That is the best word to describe what was caused when I came home after being away at school. In this episode my mom and I discuss how hard it was for everyone in the family, as I maintain…
ZAOH
We just saved you two hours of reading, you’re welcome;)
Mom and I summarize then break down the book that changed her life and then mine, in hopes that it will change yours too!
If you have read …
What is a BPO and Is It Contagious?
Going away for school was hard! In this episode I share how my college plans totally fell through and I decide if it's the worst (or the best) thing that could have happened!
3:22 BPO explained
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Making THE Big Decision
Have you ever had to make a big decision? If so, then this episode is just for you. My mom and I break down the biggest decision I have ever made, and she explains the connection between my decision …
Something Has to Change
A harrowing trip to the Emergency Room sent my life literally spinning out of control. What my “woo woo” mom had to say about it, and how this might have changed my entire life (and our relationship)…