Popular episodes from the advice column podcast, Optimal Living Advice. You can also check out our top downloads from our flagship show, Optimal Living Daily.
Life, as we all know, is full of ups and downs and twists and turns. You may struggle with negative states of mind like anxiety, depression, or imposter syndrome.
A healthy life involves not just a healthy mind and body, but healthy relationships, too. For example, how well do you establish and maintain your boundaries so that your own self-care is never sacrificed based on the whims of someone else?
Greg: Host of Our Advice Column Podcast
Greg Audino
Greg Audino, our host at Optimal Living Advice, has been fielding your questions on the difficulties of life over the past year. The show is on its way to its first two hundred episodes.
So far, listeners have shared experiences ranging from the routine (“how do I prioritize my to-do lists?”) to dark secret territory (“how do I forgive family members?” or “how do I set up relationship boundaries after discovering a past dark secret?”).
Greg’s patient and empathetic approach gives you life advice in a way that helps opinions to be shared and discovered. He doesn’t insist that his answer is the only correct advice. But it gives you lots to think about and lets you feel heard, which goes a long way in a world and climate full of demands and constant distractions.
And if YOU have a burning question or issue you’d like some life advice on, send in your question to Greg!
EMAIL: advice AT oldpodcast DOT com
Popular Advice Column Podcast Episodes
Here are ten popular Optimal Living Advice episodes that have touched on different topics.
1. Adults and Imaginary Friends
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
This seems like a random topic, but apparently it’s on the minds of quite a number of people. I definitely had imaginary friends when I was a kid. As an adult, I simply talk to myself out loud at different points throughout the day. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of imaginary friends at some point later in life. Greg discusses how it can be advantageous and when to know if your imaginary friend is one that’s worth keeping.
2. Anxiety About Turning Thirty
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
Ah, the big 3-0! Personally, I felt more anxiety when I was turning 25 (questions running through my mind included: “Am I old now?” “Where would I like to be in five years?” “Am I ever going to be able to own a home?”)…but anxiety comes in many different forms and for different reasons. In this popular episode, Greg answers a listener who is anxious about life milestones through family pressure. Topics covered include embracing maturity and how to make looking back at your life a fruitful exercise.
3. Following Dreams vs. Living In The Real World
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
If you’re a creative type, chances are you’ve wrestled with this question on more than one occasion. Do you follow your heart and risk not having enough income coming in to cover your basic expenses? Or do you choose a more practical path that might be less fulfilling? There are many things to consider here from happiness to personal finance, and Greg’s patient and understanding outlook helps guide you through the emotions and goals to evaluate.
BONUS: You might also want to check out Greg's other episode on prioritizing creative business ideas, or tune into Optimal StartUp Daily for entrepreneurial tips.
4. Living Alone / Depression + Loneliness
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
Research shows how social isolation affects our brain. Getting stuck in a negative mental feedback loop can be exacerbated when you have to be by yourself for long periods of time. Greg discusses how to get to the source of these negative feelings and shares two simple ways to create lasting, positive change.
5. Comparing Past Self
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
Do you find yourself occasionally comparing what you do with your past self? For example, you may have been more fearless when you were younger and feel like you could do with some of that zest and attitude in your adult life. Greg discusses healthy versus unhealthy comparisons, and how to use healthy comparison to help you live your best life. Thinking of your past self can, after all, be motivational when you’re able to acknowledge changes and challenges you’ve overcome over the years.
BONUS: Learn how to stop suffering from low self-esteem if you're always comparing yourself to others.
Editor's Note: The next 5 episodes are relationship-themed. Greg also hosts Optimal Relationships Daily, so check that out if you'd like more relationship tips!
6. Who Should Move in a Long Distance Relationship?
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
Whether you've been in a long distance relationship for a few months or a few years doesn't make it any easier. How do you decide where to move and who should make the move? Greg discusses commitment, planning for the future, and communicating your non-negotiables when it comes to a long-term relationship. It's not just a “geographic location” to resettle in — it has long-term implications on your social life, cost of living, and quality of life.
7. When An Ex Contacts You Years Later
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
It can be a real emotional rollercoaster when an ex contacts you several years after your breakup. This listener received a text from an ex that was full of apologies and updates. Greg discusses whether you should respond when an ex contacts you out of the blue, and how to prioritize your own self-care. You don't want to sacrifice your current well-being and get taken advantage of during a moment where you have weak bearings.
8. When Will My Boyfriend Propose?
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
Is your biological clock ticking? Then waiting for a proposal feels like an eternity with every minute going by. Greg discusses being communicative, and the influence of social norms and time perspective to help you understand why your partner can be on a completely different wavelength.
9. Suspicious Behavior in a Relationship
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
Should you snoop when your partner is acting in a suspicious way? This listener's boyfriend started being secretive and being less communicative after she discovered he had been talking to an old female friend online. Greg discusses boundaries and signs to look out for if you're being strung along.
10. Dating A Professional Athlete
Listen to Greg narrate this post or read the transcript.
Dating a pro athlete means “a lot of money, a lot of travel, and a lot of temptation.” This listener was worried that she'd be cheated on and getting increasingly grouchy with her partner over small things. Greg discusses stereotypes and how to be supportive (but only if your partner is deserving of it).
Advice Column Podcast: Have a Question You Need Advice On?
As mentioned earlier in the post, here's how you can send in your question.
Email Greg at advice AT oldpodcast DOT com and he may answer your question in a future episode 🙂
Editor's Note: We have six shows in our podcast network to optimize your life in multiple areas (health, personal finance, and more).
To learn more, visit our “start here” page or click on each logo below to learn more about each show!
