Say the Weird Thing: Embracing Laughter as Medicine with Ann Marie Taepke

0:00 So like that's another thing too like say the weird thing like you don't know maybe why that popped into your head i'm not saying that like anyone is psychic or anything like that but like maybe. The universe is trying to push you in a certain. Direction so. Anne-Marie Tapke is in the house. Hello.

0:43 Friends, I am so happy. I am so happy Anne-Marie is here and I'm so happy for you to meet her and for you to just kind of be a bug on the wall, if you will, for two ladies from the Midwest having a chat about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Just two gals. Just two gals. Two gals catching up over their coffee at noon. Coffee at noon. Cheers. I love that I added a teeny bit extra Midwest accent to my cheers. So Anne-Marie, you have quite a story. And I normally start these episodes off by kind of reading through a little bit more of like a history of your life. And instead of doing that, I thought maybe you should tell us.

1:27 So like if you were meeting you for the first time, which I know a lot of us know you already as our Midwest neighbor friend, you know, but if we were meeting you for the first time, how would you kind of introduce yourself to people that aren't already aware of your awesomeness? You're very kind. Thank you. I'm going to do the Midwest thing where like, anytime you compliment me, I'm going to immediately be like, Oh no, no, no. Um, but yeah, that's a great, yeah, no, yeah, no, you're so you're, it's too much. Um, Really good question because I meet people and sometimes they don't know the lore of how I got started. So my current job is that I am the chief marketing officer and producer for the Holderness family, Penn and Kim Holderness. They're fabulous. I have been working with them actually since 2014, which a lot of people don't realize. So I've been with them quite a long time.

2:22 Once upon a time before they were the family they are now, they had an agency that I worked at. They actually kind of stole me away from another agency to work for their company. And then they joked that they stole me twice when they needed me then for their family brand. So they've taken me with them. And I feel very, very grateful. I met Penn even before that when he was a news anchor. So when I worked at that first agency, they would have people come on the news because this is such a crazy time. They would be like, what's everyone saying on Twitter? Like someone had to come and tell you what everyone was saying on Twitter. You couldn't just read it yourself apparently. So I would, I, there was like, I was maybe like eighth in the pecking order for this particular weekend.

3:05 And they were like, do you want to go? Cause none of us can go. And I was like, yeah, I'll go. And that's when I met Penn and we kind of developed a rapport. He was like, I love having you on cause you talk fast and I talk fast and we can cover a lot of ground. And so It was actually him when they decided to branch off and do their own thing that he then contacted me to be like, let's just have coffee. Let's pick your brain. And that turned into a job interview. So when people ask me what I do, I do work for them full time. I help write things. I help manage their business. I also have this other side of me, which is kind of my story for my whole life, which is I'm the very theatrical person. I've always been in the performing arts. And so Um, I would always do this crazy Midwest voice, uh, just as a bit, um, at work. And one day Kim and I were arguing over a snowstorm coming and she's like, it's going to get really bad. And I'm like, no, it's not Kim.

3:54 And I was just being very silly about it. She's like, that's a video you need to come over. We're going to shoot that. So that's how the Midwest neighbor was born. I remember that. I just talked for a long time. This is not a place. This is the place we take up space on purpose. So you have, you can, you have all the runway you want my love. Um, and I remember that video, which is so funny because I remember, because of course in the South, cause Kim and Penn live in South Carolina, North Carolina. We are all in North Carolina. We're in the Raleigh area, Raleigh area. Right. I'm originally from Michigan. I'm a Michigan gal, but yeah. Right. Okay. So, and that's where, is that where your Midwest influence comes from is, is being a Michigan girl.

4:38 It does. I grew up in Michigan, but only till I was like right before kindergarten. And then I moved around a lot as an elementary school kid. I lived in Southern Illinois. I lived in West Texas for. A long time. And I think being exposed to different areas of the country, I kind of like learned that there were accents and dialects. And so I didn't really understand it when I moved back for middle school and high school college years. But definitely when I moved down to North Carolina, I could hear it. Like when I would go back to visit my family, I could hear it. And that's kind of where that was born. Although if you ask my cousin, I have a very, very big Catholic family. And my cousin and I went to the same college. So when I started doing that voice, he was like, oh, I'm so glad that voice finally got a home. And I'm like, what are you talking about? And he was like, Amory, you've been doing that bit for like a long time, like at parties and stuff. So I don't know. I went to college in mid-Michigan and it attracted a lot of Wisconsinites, people from the UP. And I think maybe I just picked it up just along the way, along the journey.

5:42 Well, it's funny because you nail it, first of all. You do nail it because the people in the Raleigh area versus the people where I'm from in Milwaukee would prepare for a snowstorm very differently. And it's almost like... So I thought you nailed it and I... based on just not knowing as much of your lore as I thought I did, I would have thought that you were like born and raised in the Midwest. So you are a very talented, like you said, theatrical person. And I love it. And I'm wondering though, as a theatrical person and as somebody that, you know, that friend that said like, or cousin that said like, well, I'm glad this finally found a home. Did people... call you too much? Like where you like felt like treated like you were like all these big feelings, what are you doing? Like tone it down. Did that, was that part of your journey?

6:39 A thousand and 1%. That is, oh, I still feel like I'm too much as an adult. I have to remind myself to like pause, listen, like, don't be too goofy. And I'm like a mom in her 40s. And that is crazy to me that I do feel very comfortable in my own skin. Let me get that point clear. But I do feel like sometimes, especially in new situations, I have to kind of, you know, don't let's not weird them out. Not everyone wants to be weirded in, you know what I mean? So like I, yeah, I, I always felt that way growing up. Um, I was never like a popular kid, but I was never unpopular. I was kind of fringy. I was a very fringy person that would float around to different groups. I mean, I, and that's kind of my personality now. I like different things.

7:24 I have different pockets of people for different interests that I have. Um, but yeah, yeah. I, I always probably felt like I was taking up a lot of space. And I was a little bit of a goofball and still am. Well, I was going to say, it's a strength though. Like I think of it as something that you, you know, you have kind of turned it into a superpower by leaning in and having it become part of what you do, which is really cool for people that do have that, you know, they are told they're too much. And, you know, I think there's a certain blessing and just leaning in and deciding, you know what, this is who I am. And that's okay if people see me as too much, because this is what I've turned into what I do for a living. And that's really, honestly, that's a cool transition point to me to be able to kind of convert something that maybe people might see or perceive as like, oh, she says too many things and she uses too many words and she thinks everything is a joke. And it's like, well, yes, and...

8:28 you help people feel seen because people can relate on a very human level to, to, to being all of those things. So my question, and you kind of alluded to it a little bit, and I'm just curious about it because you said, you know, you're a mom and you, you work through these things. So when you, people recognize you as like the holderness, the gal behind the holderness family, like the creative genius behind the holderness family, people recognize you as the Midwest neighbor. But they may not even really realize who is Anne-Marie when you strip all those things away. Who is Anne-Marie? Talk us through that. That's a really good question. I ask myself every day. No.

9:12 I think I'm a multifaceted person. If I could just rewind the tape a little bit. Not in your edit, just in this discussion, I've always had two sides of the of my brain that I like to exercise. So when I graduated high school, I really wanted to be a theater major. I did a lot of musical theater. It was, like I said, it was very theatrical. I always loved making people laugh for like the homecoming sketches. And so I was always in them. I was wearing, I would dress up as whoever you wanted. I would do bits from Saturday Night Live. I would do like all these goofy, silly things. Um, but I do feel like, um, I'm also like a pretty deep thinker. Like I can kind of get lost in my own thoughts. I do surprisingly really enjoy like analytics and numbers and I I get into that as well my parents this is going to make them sound like they're not supportive they're extremely supportive but my parents were like listen you can always do theater in your life you need to make sure that you have something that you do after high school that you can make money at like and and theater can always be a thing you do and it can be whatever like the the you can basically pursue it at whatever level you want, but we want to make sure that you get something you can fall back on.

10:23 So they encouraged me to go into business or I, we kind of like work together and marketing seemed really interesting to me because again, I was that kid that could always remember all the jingles on TV and all the commercials and like, and I, and I would, you know, come up with silly things. Like I, with my sister and I, we would pretend to like do infomercials and stuff. So I thought that was interesting. And that's really how I've carried my whole life. When I really stop and think about it is I have this business side that I do with pen and cam and I love it. I really, really love my job. I do a lot of work behind the scenes that I really enjoy, but I get to also do this other side thing where I play this really goofy character. Now, is that confusing to people on LinkedIn?

11:05 Yes. And I wrestle with that sometimes too, where it's like, I'm trying to be super professional business lady, but now I'm doing a crazy voice. But I guess that is just me. That's just who I am. And I don't think people maybe get worried about, oh, like you said earlier, am I too much? Should I even project this side of myself? I think you should because people are really interesting. Like there's a lot of different layers. Everyone's an onion. And I think it's fun to peel back the layers. Nice Shrek reference. Everyone is an onion. Indeed. Everyone's an onion. It is so fun to peel back the layers. Um, I got layers. I just hear donkey's voice as, as all it's, it's like a, it's, it's, it's in my head and it won't leave. Um, but you know, but you have spent years like behind the camera. So creating and producing and strategizing and helping other people shine. So what is it required of you to believe that you belong in front of it too?

12:05 Um, I think I still even go through spurts where I'm like, I'm not really feeling it right now. So the Midwest Neighbor thing took off. I'm very happy it did. Even before that, I've done different types of like kind of between the college stuff. I was still doing a lot of musical theater when I graduated college and went to my first job. I really hated it. So I did improv comedy. I took like a whole improv comedy. I had a team for a long time I was on. I've tried standup comedy. So like, I've always had something going on kind of over here that like fulfills my creative and performing arts need that I always have. Or I've like helped teach or something. Like I've always had something over there. But yeah, there's days when I just don't feel that into it. I think that's okay. It comes, there's a lot to put yourself out there. It's a lot to put yourself out there.

12:58 It's a lot to produce content by yourself. It can be really lonely, especially if you're a team oriented person. I really like working on a team. Sometimes it's hard for me to self motivate to get stuff done on my own. But yeah, the Midwest Neighbor, like I said, it took off. It's been really fun to do. And it's spun off into me being able to do bits with other creators. I've done stuff with the Ubecha channel, with Charlie Barron's, with Lauren Midwest. I've done some stuff with some really fun creators. And that's opened a really cool door for me. Um, but yeah, I mean, sometimes I have to remind myself and not get so stuck in my own head of like, it's just like, I keep repeating myself, but it is very vulnerable to put yourself out there. And sometimes it's okay if you don't feel like it. I don't know. I don't know if that's a good answer, but it is like, it's a constant thing. I think that anyone who is, has any sort of public, I use that air quotes, um, Cause it doesn't have to be doing crazy videos. You could be doing anything, but when you're putting yourself out there, there is a vulnerability to it.

14:02 And you're using humor as a tool. I think like that's a, that's a part that's a, it's important part of it because we, okay. We love Charlie Barron's hello. And Lauren is amazing too. So I had a really cool opportunity to meet Charlie. I don't know if he's, if he would remember, but we met at a, at a, it was called, it's called small pie in Bayview, Wisconsin. And we just had like, we shared a coffee and we had a chat and this was kind of legitimately before things really exploded for him. So it was really just cool to see him outside of the Charlie Barron's character and just being himself and goofy. And it was, that was really funny, but I want to know, cause humor is a huge part of everything we're working through and talking about. So what can humor do for us?

14:47 Like how does humor work for us? in a way that seriousness and thoughtfulness can't. I think it gets people through hard times. I think it defuses and deescalates situations. I can't tell you how many times like my husband and I will be like, not really having a argument, but more like a disagreement. And if one of us cracks a joke, like it's over, it's not that serious. It's fine. The temperature gets taken down. I think humor is a really underrated tool, even in like, the business world that makes everyone feel at ease. Um, I wish that it, and, and it doesn't have to be mean. I think that's the biggest thing is like people think of like humor and making a joke at someone else's expense. I don't see comedy and humor that way.

15:35 I love making myself the butt of the joke, um, to deescalate something or just, you know, really like sitting with someone in the situation and be like, this sucks. Like I think that and just kind of making a joke of that. I think that's really helpful. I don't something about being Midwestern, too. I feel like whenever there is tragedy and or like someone passes or something, I do feel like people find a way to laugh and to remember and to bring up stories. And and and humor is a huge part of that. I think it's what helps us cope and connect us in times of struggle and in times of joy. So I think humor is such such an amazing tool.

16:15 And it's a tool you use to reach millions of people. Like, I don't even know what the, what the analytics are, but the, the millions of people that are touched and reached by, it's funny you said 2014, was that Christmas jammies time? Like, was that around? Cause I can't remember exactly, but was that Christmas jammies? I just had my first daughter and I remember I was like, it was, I was in the throes of brand new motherhood where you're just kind of locked onto the couch. Cause you're like nursing them and you're just like, you're just doing everything for them. And I literally like my jaw hit the floor because Penn, who I just done stuff on the news with, was dancing on my television. And I was like, this is crazy. And I remember sending him a note being like, I know you're getting a million messages, but like, this is so fun. This is so funny. And I didn't hear from them to have that meeting until like two or three months later, just because they were so inundated with so much stuff.

17:09 And it's the holiday season. It's busy. But yeah, it was right after that that I started working with Penn and Kim. And they had a business partner as well. This video went crazy. Sorry to interrupt you, but it went crazy. No, you're fine. We need help. So continue with the story. They're like, what do we do? And, you know, buttoned up business Anne-Marie. I was like, I'm here. We got that hat. We got that hat. We got the Midwest Neighbor hat. We got the mama hat. We got all the hats. But the, but the idea of reaching millions of people on the internet in a time when it's gotten harder, I feel like in the last 10 years to get that kind of reach, what do you think is most important for people who are creating content to understand about the realness behind the numbers? Like, I think a lot of people get stuck there and they're like, well, you know, my podcast only had 83 views last week. And that's like, oh, but what, What has seeing those kinds of numbers taught you about what really matters behind all the numbers?

18:13 These are really good questions. And I can think of like three ways to answer this. Just one is, you know, viral, things going viral is a very subjective word. So back 10 years ago, something going viral, I feel like really meant something that was like literally everyone and their mom is seeing it. That's a Christmas jammy situation. But going viral now, there's so many little niche pockets of interests and people and like, so you could go viral. Let's say you have a gardening channel, like maybe 50,000 views for you. That is viral. Like it does not have to be millions and millions of views. Also, be careful what you wish for. Anything that we've had go really, really crazy off the rails is I mean, you're attracting now people who aren't necessarily they they're getting served your content that they don't necessarily want to see your content.

19:05 And sometimes the comments can get really mean. Again, using humor to defuse situations. Sometimes we would joke like, oh, we're growing. All the haters are here. We're getting new people, guys. And like that was just a way for us comedically to deal with, like sometimes very mean and rude comments that people make. I don't, I believe if you were to meet this person in real life, they would not say that to you, but they're hiding behind a keyboard. So yeah, I, I also like, I think of John Green, um, just because I'm a big fan of his. And I recently listened to an interview that he had talked about the tale of two videos. So he had one video that was very flippant that kind of went viral on accident and he wasn't super like, it got so much engagement and he was like, it's a 10 out of 10 video. I should be thrilled. And he's like, but I'm really excited about the one out of 10 video over here that reached this like really selective audience that like got a really positive message across where this one was kind of interpreted a little bit more negative. So like, I think your goals don't have to be that you're getting a million views.

20:09 Views. I also, I don't follow her count, like to me doesn't super matter anymore. It's great to have, it's great to see that number go up. If you are in a position where you're trying to work with brands, that's a really great like point to like something to point to, to say I have this many people. But the reality is such a small percentage of that number gets served your content. It's almost just like you just have to look at piece by piece. Yeah. That's what I've encountered, at least with In the last few months, I don't know if you've seen any of my videos in the last few months, but in the last few months, I've gone viral a few times for my emo rollercoaster gal videos. And these videos are faceless.

20:50 It's a POV. I'm wearing my meta glasses, safely taping my POV on rollercoasters. I try to always be in the front row, which my kids get annoyed with because they're like, mom, we have to wait longer for the front row. But I wait for the front row. I know. You're like, I'm working. They're like, okay. These are conversations I have with my kids all the time. Totally. It's for the work, guys. But also for fun because it is better in the front row, by the way. But anyway, so these videos are going crazy. And what I appreciate is that my follower count is modest. And the people that are finding my content as of right now are are the people that should be finding my content. And I know that, I know that that's something that happens when you have something viral is usually you're reaching people beyond your scope. And that's when those haters and trolls and all the, all the bad things can happen so far. Fortunately for me, knock on wood, literally, cause I'm, I worry that the people have been so sweet and so kind and so perfect. They, the algorithm is doing its thing in helping them find the things that they're looking for, which is, strangely and awkwardly and terrifyingly me, they want more me. And I, I'm, I'm down for it.

22:00 I'm ready. I'm like, let's go. Are you guys sure? I know, but that like, you know, there's the thing like, cause I, you know, I, I, I too, and I've been, I've been, I've been working through a lot of feeling like I'm too much or, you know, I use too many words to say something or I laugh or giggle when I'm uncomfortable. And maybe that's not the most professional thing to be doing. And, you know, just, there's just these different edits that I've been making over the course of time. And some of it happened through corporate America, which I'm I don't know what the word is going to be. I was going to try to be politically correct, but like, I'm okay that I'm not in part of, I'm not part of corporate America anymore because corporate America and I just don't, don't drive. I'm, I'm, I am too much, I think for corporate America in general. So, and I can, I can admit that, but the, the virality of things really, when you strip it away, the cool part to me has been the connection that can happen.

22:52 Like the actual real connection that can happen on the internet with real humans is who are not those keyboard warriors. And of course the keyboard warriors exist and we, you know, they have their place in, in the story. Like you said, like, Oh look, we made it. We, we got some hate, you know, but it's so nice to have it be this connective thing. And that's actually like something that I think really resonates with me through your content is there's this, this underlying theme of like adult friendship. And that can be hard for people like adult making friends as a grownup. is so fun. I love it. Like I love make, I literally make a friend every, I was at Six Flags Great America last night. And would you believe I made friends with the two guys that were waiting in line with me. And then they ended up waiting in line with me at a different ride.

23:38 And we ended up, it's a whole thing. I am, I love making friends, but I know that it's not easy for everybody. I know that it fills my cup and makes me happy and has, it's like a joy creator for me. So I want everybody to be able to make friends as an adult. So based on what I know about you and your content and how you also are a believer in adult friendship, what do you think we misunderstand that we could do better as like we're trying to make more friends as grownups? Yeah. I mean, the easy default thing is like you just kind of like kind of suss out like your kids, friends, parents. You're like, are you cool? Are you cool? Are we friends?

24:18 That's like the lowest hanging fruit. Um, but we love that. We do. No, no, no. Like I've actually met some really amazing people through my kids' friends, but I, um, I think as an adult and making new friendships, I've really tried to, um, surround myself with people who like, I feel good when I'm around them. Um, and I, and I make them hopefully feel good too. I try to make them laugh and, and feel, you know, like I appreciate their, their time. And, um, I really like spending time with them. So sometimes that means that your friend circle is not huge. And I think that's okay. I've also put myself out there in different situations, different interests that I have. Doing stand-up comedy, I did it for about three years. I'm on a little break right now.

25:01 But I've met so many amazing people through that that I never would have met that aren't even necessarily like fellow moms or even my age. But now they are my friends. And I do like they just they kind of know me. They know a different version of me. And I like that. Like I like that we can talk about stuff that's not always. kids or work or like, you know, and they just make me laugh for funny people. And I think you can find that anywhere. Like if you have something that really interests you, like just trying to make that connection with people and like put yourself out there, be like, do you ever want to grab coffee? You're so fun. I had someone do this to me recently and I was so blown away. And I like, I loved it. We met kind of just by happenstance. We were both like kind of like fringe friends of the friends that were together. And we just ended up talking so much. And she was like, what are you doing next week? Do you want to grab coffee? And I was like, yes. And I think in any other world, we both would have just been like, okay, so nice to meet you. But we did, we met for coffee and we're going to meet up again. And we're not like everyday texting friends, but I love that making new connections of someone that I just happened to cross paths with that we enjoyed each other's company. So I would say like putting yourself out there and And being like having a small circle is that's okay. It's okay.

26:16 Yeah. Well, and when you have a small circle, you're more likely to have relationships of impact and relationships that matter. And, you know, looking at your relationship with Penn, for example, like I don't want to lead the witness here with this question because it's not like, it's not, it's not that deep, but there's something there about opportunities and relationships and how you, you know, they kind of feed each other both ways and, And I'm, I'm curious. And again, I, I, I may have already answered the question, but who is somebody that saw something in you before you could see. It in you? Yeah, I could even go back before, um, like the whole, you know, Penn and Kim, um, my first job, I really didn't like, it didn't super end well.

27:03 And I was out of work for a while and I felt really low, like to have a college degree and and then to get fired from your first job. And you thought you were doing a good job. And I am, I pride myself, I'm a good worker. But it just was not the job for me. And I think that's okay. But I didn't think it was okay at the time. So I was like waiting tables and sad. And I was learning about social media because it interests me. And I was interviewing like crazy. And I I'm so lucky because my like unemployment checks were literally going, it was like on my last week when I got my job that ended up, I think really led me to where I work now. But I just remember like throwing it all on the table. Like I was having really good interviews. I kept getting called back and they were like, yeah, you just don't have like a lot of experience in this thing. And I was like, okay. I was like, at the risk of sounding like a cheesy Disney movie, I promise if you give me a chance, I will not let you down. And the owner of the company who had sat with me on that interview gave me a chance. And I like to think that I didn't let him down. And I really learned a lot at that job. He did say like the weirdest part about me saying that was one of the clients they were pitching at the time was Disney Interactive. So he was like.

28:18 it's kind of weird that you said that. And it always sat with me. So like, that's another thing too. Like say the weird thing. Like you don't know maybe why that popped into your head. I'm not saying that like anyone is psychic or anything like that, but like maybe. The universe is trying to push you in a certain direction. So I, I would say that he saw something in me that I really, was at least saying I could do. I probably did believe it deep down, but, um, you know, I was like thrilled when I, when I got that job. Um, and I feel really grateful for that. You're speaking my language when you said the universe is pushing you in a direction. I absolutely believe. And I, and I, and I, I, I step back and say, okay, I have a friend who taught me this thing that I need to share, which is Gus, which is God universe source spirit. And I am super faith-based. I am big into my faith. My viewers and listeners know this.

29:14 And I recognize and respect that I want this to be a safe place for everybody. So you said the universe is sometimes nudging you. And that to me, when you said that about Disney, 100% was Gus's work, right? Like that was like Gus at work. That was a God wink. Like that's a God wink. My best friend and I always say that. We always like when something happens, we're like, that was a God wink. Yes. Look around. A God wink. For sure. Tell me about more of that in your life. Where else has that shown up for you? Oh my gosh. In big ways. Like, I mean, obviously sometimes it's not a big way, which, and sometimes those little ways are the coolest ones, but tell me where else these God winks have happened for you.

29:55 Oh my gosh. Yeah. I feel like you're going to have to edit my long, long pause while I'm thinking of what I'm going to come up with. What profound thing am. I going to say? Actually, you know, what's funny is that I don't edit these that much, but because it's like real, you're a human being and you deserve to think for a second on these questions, which I do put a lot of thought, time and energy into. So it's okay to think for a minute. I've given you a minute. Are we there? You've given me a minute. You've given me a minute. I talked us through it. I don't know if my talking helped or hurt the situation. No, I'm joking. I'm joking. Maybe like, okay, when my husband and I started dating each other, we realized after comparing notes that we had actually been in the same room like half a dozen times before. Like we literally had been like, wait, I was there. No, I was there. I was with these people.

30:45 I was with these people. Wait, they know each other. So we were like, oh my gosh, have we met? like a half a dozen times before now. So that's, I mean, that's a God wink. That was like, the universe was real annoying with us. They were like, get together. Would you stop? Like, just listen already. And I do wonder that sometimes, like we talk about universe, God wink, whatever, whoever is holding the gavel, like wants to just like beat us sometimes, like you're missing the point guys. But there's not getting the point here. But there's your husband. And that's so cool. How long have you been married? We have been married. We got married in 2010. So we've been married 16 years.

31:27 Congratulations. That's not a small thing in this era of life. And you know then that you have to like fall back in love and like work hard. And it's not always an easy road. And my husband has been my rock. And like we've been together forever. goodness. I don't, I don't do the math, but more than 20 years, I was kind of a baby when we met, but we have fallen, you know, out and in of love in love a few times. And it's just totally this normal thing that has to happen. But I love how you lit up when you talked about your husband and I know you have kiddos. What has being like a mama and a wife taught you about who you are?

32:09 I think it's really put into perspective, like what's important in my life. like they are like my family is the most important. And I really look at a lot of decisions I make professionally or personally, like how does that impact the family? Because they are, they are the most important people in my life. And I mean, I think it's made me having three kids. Like I always tell people, like if you're debating, if you have two and you're debating a third, just do it. You know why I've been, I became such a more chill parent when I had three. Cause I'm like, well, everything's crazy now. I felt like when I had two, I was a little more like, okay, it's got to be like this and this. And then something about that third kid, you're just like, I don't know. If not everyone's smiling for the picture, it's fine. The Christmas card's going out. Something about it, it's just totally chill. So yeah, it's taught me a lot. I feel really blessed, even though I've always had aspirations of like, wanting to do, you know, big things with my life. Having a family has always been, I think, the most paramount thing. So I feel really, really fortunate to have my husband, have my three kids.

33:21 They're all wonderful. I love that. And they've all made you who you are in ways that we all appreciate and love in content form and elsewhere on the internet. So kids are so funny. Yes. Like sit down and like pick their brain. Kids are hilarious. Um, my comedian friends who don't have kids, they're like, oh, you have so much material. So mad. You said, talk to your kids for five minutes and you have a bit, but like it, not even, it's not even that. It's just that like, they say the funniest things. I feel like I can't write them down fast enough. My middle daughter, she told me at, she was at dinner the other day. We almost like snorted out our waters. Um, then she said this, she goes, guys, I always thought an inside joke was a joke. You could tell inside. She literally thought, like, inside joke meant, like, you don't tell it outside. And we're like, oh, my God.

34:16 That's a bit. It's not that funny, guys. But, like, that was so. We were tickled. We were so tickled. And my youngest son, he's learning, like, what a figurative speech is. So, like, we'll be like, don't have a cow. And he'll be like, that would hurt. And we're like, yes, figurative speech. Like, we, like, it's. Kids are so hilarious. They're just really funny. And they're getting older, darn it. How old are they? I have a middle schooler, older elementary, and middle elementary. So yeah, they're getting older. I hate that part because our roles change a little bit and the relationship changes a little bit and the jokes will change a little bit. And as a middle school mama, my boys are 11 and 12 and they're, they're boys who are 11 and 12. So it's a lot of six, seven. It's a lot of six, seven.

35:11 And it's, it's just, it's just, yes. And it's just, um, it's less, it's a lot of things that are less funny than, than they used to be a little bit. But as some of that changes, I feel like I obviously evolve and change too, like as their mom and as their parent, And I'm wondering, like, what are you finding out about yourself right now, like, in this season of who you are and who you are as a mom and a, you know, a creative person? What are you finding and learning about yourself now that you didn't know maybe 10 years ago or when you kind of got started with, you know, Penn and. Kim? Yeah. Like, what I'm learning about myself as a mom definitely is– like everyone's doing their best. Um, even, even I'm doing my best. There's days where I am not killing it, you guys. And I think that's, again, you can, people can talk about that. Like Instagram, social media, it's a highlight reel. It's not real life. Um, but it's, it's, I always try to make sure I'm just treating my kids like they're like, they're, they're people. I know they're children, but like they're, they're real people with feelings and dreams and desires. And I always try to like remind myself of that. Um, and so I don't always, I just try to do my best to not so much a dental parent them, but like really understand where they're coming from and kind of like work with them together on solutions.

36:29 So I think it's made me like more patient, more collaborative, um, with my children. Uh, Kim and I joke about this all the time. It's like, it's so crazy when your kids make different choices than you would have made. You're like, wow, I wouldn't have done that. But, and you did and that's okay. Like it's nothing wrong with it, but I'm just like, wow, that was a choice. Um, so yeah, I think it's made me more patient, more collaborative, more understanding. And that bleeds into, you know, my work as well. Was there a time when it was hard or too hard to find the funny and like, what did that teach you? Cause like, I think that we are in an era like just in life and in general that feels heavy and you can, you can scroll, you don't have to scroll far to have like, Oh, there's that.

37:18 And oh, there's another thing. Oh, there's more news. Oh, it's Aaron Parnas. You know, breaking news. It was like every five minutes. Oh, my gosh. We don't need Aaron. Don't do this to me, Aaron. Aaron. Stop. Aaron, take a nap. How do you... Show us more pictures of your daughter, Aaron. Right. I'm going to need to link to his content for people that don't know what we're talking about. But I don't know who doesn't know who Aaron is. But. Yes. He's doing really good work. He's doing amazing work. To summarize his work, he summarizes a lot of news clips and news bites that are happening in real time. And he's very intense, but not too intense. And he delivers it in a very practical way, which most of us can understand and comprehend. But that aside, we do have things and we do have moments in life where it can feel hard to find the funny, right?

38:16 It can feel hard But I want to know if there's a time like that that happened to you slash I say for you, because I always think that these things happen for us, not to us. But what did it teach you about what laughter can't fix, but maybe can help us carry? You know, COVID was really, I hate that's such a cliche answer, but I think we all, especially like I feel fortunate for what I got to do in COVID, which I'll get to in a second, but it was hard. It was hard to find the funny. Um, and, and funny comedy is my defense mechanism. Like that, that's how I process heavy stuff. So even, and there were days on that where I'm like, I don't even know what, where it is. Like, I, I feel lost. I feel like I'm, you know, you're in this prison of your own home and you feel like you don't know when the next shoe is going to drop. Um, there's so many unknowns. You're trying to put on a happy face for your kids. You can really apply those feelings to a lot of things in life and feeling really trapped.

39:21 I think like defense mechanisms, I think they get talked about negatively. I think as long as it's a healthy defense mechanism, it's okay to lead into that. like your defense mechanism could be that like you like to bake like if you're stressed you're baking and I think lean in make the cake like so I I challenged myself in times because comedy is my defense mechanism um And obviously I did other things too. Like I would try to exercise more, walk and like ground myself in nature and things. But like I would challenge myself, even if it wasn't funny, I would try to like write one like funny observation about anything. It could be the most mundane thing. That's the other thing too, is I think that especially with Penn and Kim and our work with the Holderness family, and I have to also mention Sam who works on our team. So there's four of us, but like we find humor in very, very mundane things. Um, because sometimes that's all there is. Everything else is too heavy and you have to make a joke about your blender or something's really, really stupid, like so low stakes stupid, but you feel like other people at least can be like, yeah, I do that too. And I would try to challenge myself to come up with one of those funny observations every day if I felt really low. Um, so I don't know how that applies to other people and how they deal with things. But I do feel fortunate in COVID that we challenged ourselves as a team to make a new video every day for at least, I mean, I don't want to say we went through 100 days of it in a row, but it felt like it.

40:51 And we turned into, this is where the Detroiter in me, I was like, we're getting an assembly line going, guys. Just like we're at the Ford Motor Company. I was like, so we all had a job, like a single job that we would do in this cog. And maybe you had another job over here, but we had steps and we just rinsed and repeat every single day. And we put out a new video almost every day at the start of the pandemic. And that helped us get through the hard times because we were just able to just channel everything into being creative. We allowed ourselves to be really, really silly. Like, I want to know what love is. I want to know what day it is. Parodies. I mean.

41:32 That's just what we did so I guess going back to like whatever your defense mechanism is as long as it's healthy I think lean in I think do it if that's what gets you through then that's what gets you through and it's okay. For me it's daily gratitude like I stop and I get grateful for something silly like I I'm grateful for this this little candle it has the cutest little pug on it that you can't see it's by a local artisan called the positively pug is the name of the company. And it makes me so happy. And I'm sitting here talking with you thinking about like, Oh, they think up that cute little candle going, but it's, it's little things like that, you know, like, and, and like you said, like, it's not, it doesn't have, I think so many of us overthink it. And like, you know, it has to be this like big elaborate production and it can just be a joke about a blender or like, you know, we went to Costco, but it's a lot of these different like things that are very real for people and don't, you know, it doesn't require much effort or energy, which is awesome. So just like do more of what comes naturally to you is what you're saying. And that is, it sounds so simple and yet we take it for granted sometimes. So I want to know in that era, maybe it's not in that era, but just in general, like, is there, or was there as a creative person, you understand, like, You put your heart and soul into something and you're like, this is it. This is the one. I feel like I know what you're going to ask. Tell me the

43:02 one that didn't go, right? Or more than one because I want to help it go. Let's shine a spotlight on those undervalued, underappreciated moments. I don't know if it needs a spotlight. I don't know. Maybe it's okay. Maybe it's okay that it didn't go. Okay. This is pre COVID, but, um, I always think of, and I hate to, I know I'm using a lot of whole learners family examples, but you have to understand that I'm like a creative partner with them. We write everything together. Um, if, if, if I'm not the one that wrote it, um, we're definitely helping like yes and punch each other up and, or I'm at least producing the, what it looks like. Um, we had this music video back in, I think it was 2019 and it was, it was called Will You Be a Model? And it was an original song that Penn wrote that we had talked about how like, and it's kind of a bait and switch. So you think he's talking about dressing up all sexy for Halloween? Can I, I don't know if I can say sexy on your pod. Believe me if I can't. But then he's talking about really like being a role model. So it's like, he's talking about like how hot it is that you're going to be like Amelia Earhart and like all these different like prominent women of history. It was so funny to me. And it was like one of those things where I'm like, oh my gosh, this Bane Switch is like hilarious and it's comedically really, really funny. Crickets. Crickets. To the point where we're like, we must have just hit it at a bad time. And like the next year we re-shared it, we're like, it was going to hit. Crickets. So those are,

44:36 I mean like, and we spent a lot of time and energy on that. And that happens, we always joke if we spend no energy on a video, we're like, this is going to be the one. This is going to be the one everyone loves. And then like the other one that we've like, we have like shot sheets and we have like extras coming and we've got like times and locations. We're like this one, nothing's going to, this one's two people are going to see it. And that's just life. I mean, I think that that happens even outside of video production. Like you'll put a lot of time and energy into something and it does not go well. And then you'll put maybe not a lot of time and energy in something else and it goes great. And I mean, again, we could say that's like the universe nudging you different ways potentially, or it's just how the cookie crumbles. But I mean, I think the biggest thing is how you come back from that. So a lot of like, it's just resilience and it's like repetitions.

45:25 So I would never, I, and I tell this too, I work with some, um, like younger comedians sometimes that are trying to do more video and things. And we just talk about like, You got to get your reps in. Like you're getting your reps in on stage. You're getting your reps in online. So like if the video doesn't do bad, if it bombs, just pretend like it didn't even happen. Like do the next one. Like who cares? No one cares. It's just about going up to the plate and like batting each time and getting back up there. Then every single thing is going to be a home run. Sometimes you're going to have a single. Sometimes you're going to have a triple. But like sometimes you are going to go viral. But sometimes it's just literally the consistency of putting yourself out there every time. Sometimes you're going to sit down and you're going to say, what's the deal with Target Santa? Are we being naughty or are we being nice? I don't know, but you guys got to go look and see what Target Santa is and come back and tell me.

46:18 That got two. Point something million views. Anne-Marie, I had put so much thought and time and energy and heart and soul into trying to be this light, bright place on the internet. And after years of doing that, the first video I had to go crazy. was just me sitting down in my chair and asking what the deal was with hot Santa. And I was like, Oh guys, like there's so much more here. There's so much more value. And I, but what you said is so true in that you need to, you know, work, do the reps and work through the, you know, the, the messy stuff to get to the good stuff. And it's just, it's just funny because yes, the ones that you, you work hard on, you know, sometimes are not the ones that do the things. And then you sit down and talk about a hot Santa.

47:04 And for some reason, that's the one. Okay. Giddy up. Let's go. Okay. But in that regard, that's like really cool that that happened to you and that you just went ahead and like hit record and you did it because the other thing too, is people get paralysis by like, it has to be perfect. And sometimes it's okay if it's just done. Like it's okay if it's done, maybe it's 85% there, but you gotta, you gotta keep her moving, you know? So like, that's all right. That's okay. Because look, I mean, I'm sure you were like, oh, well, three people are going to write, uh, write me on this. Literally. Normally it's nothing. The commentary is so funny because I literally commented on so many things before that, but his name is Brent Bailey, by the way, he's an actor. Uh, he lives in Hollywood.

47:51 Right. I did. And it ended up, we ended up becoming friends. He was like guest number four or five. Yes, I know. It's crazy. But like he, he and I, it would not have happened if I hadn't sat down and talked about hot Santa and, you know, just pressed publish. And there you go. Um, and it with, I had, I had had a tooth removed, like on, on top of it all, I had, um, had a tooth pulled like three days earlier. So my face was like six times larger on this side than this side which might have. Been hello right so nice to meet you. Might have been my visual hook is that what's this girl with her face like so nice. To meet you. Oh my goodness you talk about like godwinks though and nudges and you know getting to know brent bailey has been such a such a gift and he's just a kind amazing human aside from obviously being hot santa he's got a lot of other a lot of other actor acting roles an onion Like we said, always peel it back.

48:49 Always. Speaking of which, I have a few more questions that are very much quick before you forget oriented. So don't necessarily have to answer them quick, but they're a little more quick hitting. And one of them is what, because here's the thing, you have shined the spotlight a lot on the Holderness family, which makes all the sense to me. And as a very, I mean, my goodness gracious, I have been a huge fan of theirs for a very, very long time. And was cheering them on in Amazing Race. And I have their books back. here. And I was on their book launch team for Everybody Fights. I am like an OG. Oh my gosh, you're a real one. You're a real one. I go back, right?

49:29 And I'm so grateful you're here. You're here to tell your story. Because as I shared a little bit before we got on, I am somebody that's been behind the scenes for a long time. who's trying to make that transition and getting, you know, battling with myself, like, well, no, but who cares what your story is? And you know, like, but people do care and I, I care. So we're going to dive into Anne Marie a little bit deeper, including what would you tell your 22 year old self if you could? Oh, 22 year old Anne Marie. She was a lot. And I'm joking. Um, I would tell her, You know, it's so funny. I was almost going to say something that I was almost going to say follow the rules because I think one of the reasons why I got like on my first job was I was like, I don't need to do that. I have this way I like to do it. And they're like, no, no, no.

50:27 We know it's archaic, but this is how we do things around here. Right. Follow the rules, but also like, okay, what I would tell myself is don't be afraid to take the leap. Don't be afraid to take the leap because I did stay in that job a long time. I wanted to leave really bad. I tried to like find other things to supplement. Like I said, I did improv comedy. I tried to find things to bring myself joy. So I would say take the leap. And I know that now because I have taken the leap and things have worked out. And if they don't work out, like we'll find a way. Like I'm totally like I always feel like you're going to figure it out. If you want to make the big change, make the big change.

51:07 If you're like, oopsies, there's always an alternative. So yeah, I would tell myself to like take the leap. And have an open mind, it sounds like too. I'll be stuck. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Make a change. Make a change. If I handed you a megaphone and most of the world was strongly encouraged to listen to you, what would your one message be? Uh, find a way to laugh every day. Find a way to laugh every day. I just, that's probably cliche, but laughter, I truly believe laughter is medicine. Laughter is medicine. I laugh every day. The person that makes me laugh the most of my life is my husband. Um, which people are surprised to hear. So he's not like a funny ha ha person, but he's just like a very like, um, quick witted kind of dry deadpan humor. And it gets me every time, every time I'm not, I'm not ready for it. And that's what gets me every time. It's so funny. but yeah, I would just find a way to laugh every day. Even if it's something stupid, you could laugh at yourself. You could have a dance party in your bathroom and be like, I'm ridiculous, but you have to find those ways to just get through it.

52:17 You'd really do. And I know there's a lot of like, that's very, that also is a very privileged thing for me to say. Like, cause I know there is a lot of places in, in the U S and the world that is like, they're really struggling and they're like, that's cute Amory, but we're just trying to get through life. Um, But I think even finding a really, I think the watered down version of that is find a way to just, you know, crack even a little soft smile. Do something that makes you, even if it's just watching the sunset, picking up a dandelion and, you know, blowing it like you were when you were a kid. Like find those little pieces that kind of bring you a little spark, a little sparkle. Because you need that. Even if things are really hard, you need that as a person.

53:01 The best thing about what you said, and I got chills because the best thing about what you said is first of all, that it's little. Secondly, that it's for you. And thirdly, that it's a spark because it is. And when you find those things for you, generally speaking in some way or another, it spills over and can spark something in somebody else. And that's kind of the whole point of what I'm trying to do here is helping people feel seen in story and in a way that they recognize that a lot of the, these really big things that feel super overwhelming and hard aren't, it's not that it's not that deep. Like it's not like you can find these little things and hold onto them and have them actually make a difference in your day, in your life, in your world and in the world of those around you. And that's, that's the coolest part for me.

53:49 Um, What? Another thing I'll say to that really quick is like, I always try to find a way to connect with just everyday people. I could be asking someone at the grocery store where an item is, but I always try to not just ask that. Like sometimes I, and I do it to the point where I don't even like realize I'm doing it, but I, I've noticed this about myself lately. Cause someone pointed out to me is like, I'll crack a little joke about it to them, or I'll like make a comment that makes them laugh about what they're doing or like, and again, nothing's mean spirited, but I was trying to find these little ways to like just connect with the everyday people you're seeing in your life and connect with them in with with kindness and, you know, being humble and joy. Like if you can make it always makes my day to make someone else's day, even if I just made them kind of chuckle about something.

54:39 Yeah. Any I don't know if someone takes that take something away from that, then even just one person, then. The power of one is, is a good thing. I, you know, that was a guest of mine. That was the name of the episode was if you just touch one heart in a day, you've done more than enough. So that's absolutely beautiful. And something I do as well. And I, I, I'm a complimenter like when we're at the grocery store and I can tell that somebody spent time or money on their nails or their outfit or their hair or whatever. I'm the one that's like, Oh, And my kids, it was really cool is that I have modeled that enough with my kids where they do it too. And seeing that like full circle parenting moment on pretty frequently is just, it's exactly what you're talking about with like the mirror and having that, it just amplifies the good energy. And we need, we need as much of that as we can get right now. So we do. And another place that I find good energy is, you know, we, you talked about laughter is medicine. 100% agree.

55:47 I also believe that mindset, movement, and music are kind of my foundations for the show and for Quick Before You Forget. Movement and music, in particular music, is medicine for me, has been. I'm very grateful I've had a lot of opportunities to experience a lot of live shows this year. Medicine is almost not a big enough word for the healing energy that can happen for you through music. So my question is as, as a person that, you know, obviously there's a lot of music that happens in the Holderness family, but what is your song? Like, do you have a song that you go to, to like ground yourself in moments?

56:28 I've been waiting for you to ask me. I've been waiting for you to ask me. I, I do love music. I, like I said, I did musical theater. I'm a singer. I've always sang. I was like, the little kid when she was three that I like, they put me on a table outside and I sang Jeremiah was a bullfrog, joy to the world for everyone. Cause my dad had rewrote some of the lyrics for me. So they were age appropriate. So I guess parody has always been in my life too. Always. You were three. Yes. It was like three or four and they have like a whole movie of it. I asked for like that Fisher price microphone with like lights for like, I think a preschool, like Christmas. It was like the best. I still think to this day, that was like the epitome of Christmas morning to me was seeing that under the tree. I was like, like, I just loved it. So I do, I do love to sing. So I love, love music.

57:15 And do I have a song? I love Phil Collins. I've noticed about myself that I love a horn section. I need your band to have a horn section. I want a full horn section. So that brings me to like a lot of Motown, funk. But I did something recently that kind of goes along with your question. Again, a little God wink is I just recognized when I was like out at the airport or a restaurant, I'd be like, oh, I love this song. I haven't heard this song in forever. So I started a new playlist called Happy Mix on my phone. And so whenever I would hear a song when I was out, I would throw it on the Happy Mix. And sometimes I take stuff off because I'm like, maybe this one's I'm not super into it anymore. But it actually, if I'm having a down day, I literally just put that thing on shuffle because it's all songs that make me feel good.

58:06 There's a lot of horns in those and there's a lot of Motown. It's probably everything you're like people listening like your parents like. I usually like the music your parents like for sure. I'm kind of an old soul in that way. But yeah, that's what really, that's what gets me going. One of my favorites is Something Happened on the Way to Heaven by Phil Collins, which is a banger and has a lot of horns. So that's like my check, check. Anne-Marie's happy. Checks all the boxes. And will you share your playlist with us? Like, I don't want to like, is it like on Apple or Spotify or somewhere where you could like? Yeah, it's on Apple. Okay. I would love it. Yeah. You guys can get happy with me. Yes. Let's get happy together with the, with the happy mix playlist.

58:49 Enjoy the horns. They don't have enough horns nowadays. They need to bring them back. That's true. You don't hear horns. That's funny because, yeah, I was trying to think of something more modern and I can't think of anything. It's so hard. Bruno Mars has some horns. Okay. Bruno Mars knows what's up. We know what's up. Thank you for your time. for your energy, for all of the things. I am so grateful. And I want to know if there's anything specific that you want to share or spotlight that I didn't ask you today. Um, okay. Yes, there is. So in getting to know me and Marie, the person, not the Midwest neighbor, um, I'm very involved in my local chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, which is a sorority and our philanthropy is, um, fighting hunger.

59:36 So I would encourage everyone as we go into the holiday season, um, to give back to your local food pantry or to volunteer your, your time. If you're Food insecurity is like a really, really big issue right now, especially in our area. And that's the work that I do with these amazing women that I get to work with here. And so, yeah, that's what I would encourage people to do because also giving back to others also brings you joy. It really does. It puts a smile on their face and yours. So I would try to find ways to do that. Awesome. One more thing, quick before you forget, what does Anne-Marie need to remember right now?

1:00:20 Anne-Marie needs to remember the grocery list. No, Anne-Marie needs to remember, um, probably to not be so hard on herself. That's like a downer answer, but, um, I dug a lot of balls. I like to do a lot of things. Sometimes things get dropped and, um, usually I'm very quick to fix it if it does, but sometimes, yeah, it's, I think it's hard, especially being like a working mom. You can sometimes, you'll have days where you feel like you're failing. And I mean, on the whole, you're probably doing great. You just had a bad day. So I need to remind myself to be nicer to myself about stuff. Sometimes I beat myself up if I forget something or I mess something up. But it's really not that serious.

1:01:05 Go put your happy playlist on, Ann Marie. Happy mixed playlist. I dance pretty going to those horns. Here we go. It's so funny because... you said it was a downer answer and I heard give yourself grace and there's nothing downer about that. Like you just need to give yourself some grace. Like I almost forgot to ask a question. I had a friend who found out I was interviewing you, talking with you today and she's like, oh my gosh, could you ask her a question? And I said, sure. And I almost forgot. And then you said, and you know, I forget things and I was looking at my notes and here's the question. So I'm One more question. I'm sorry to juke you around. Who's your friend? Can we say her name? Yeah, her name is Leanne, and she's from the Instagram. She's one of my rollercoaster followers.

1:01:47 Is she a two-name person? She a two-name person? Kind of, Leanne. She is. Yeah, Leanne. I get you, girl. I get you, girl. She's in your name. We're out here fighting the good fight with our two names. You share three letters in your names. So she said, give me the Midwestern mom or woman take on neighbors being friends and then not... being friends. How do you go about life driving past their house every day, but not having deep connection or closeness anymore? Oh, okay. So wait, they were friends and now they're not. Uh-huh. And how do you work through that? And you have to go through that by their house every day. Oh, this is hard for me to answer Leanne because I'm, I'm a little bit of a people pleaser.

1:02:30 So I will make my way to go over there. I'll find an excuse to come over to your house, even if we're not friends, just to be like, everything good. Or your plant, like sometimes I'll wait, I'll see them come out. Your plants look so nice. I always like compliment people on their plants. Compliments. They do look really nice because I do not have a big green. I do a lot of drought resistant plants because I'll forget to water them. But if you're watering your plants, I'm giving you a gold star. Okay. What do you say? Um, oh gosh, Leanne, I feel like as a neighbor, I have to answer in this very exaggerated voice that I've created. That's not really from any specific place in the Midwest, just a culmination of it all. So don't get offended. Um, listen, okay. You don't have to be besties, but you got to help them out every once in a while. Maybe drop off a little beat good, write them a little note. If you have a good casserole recipe, maybe drop that in the mailbox. Was thinking of you. It doesn't mean you got to be best buds, but you can be neighborly.

1:03:34 You can help them shovel the drive. If they need a boost, that's what I would say. That's what the neighbor would say. Bless him. That was perfect. And I'm grateful. And it's been so fun. I wonder if maybe you could come back again and talk more because I could talk to you for hours. We've had enough time though. And I'm so grateful. So thank you again for being here, for sharing with us, for just showing up for you and for us. I really appreciate it. Yes. Thank you for having me on. It's been really, really nice. I've liked talking to you. I would be happy to come back. Yay. So you heard it here, friends. She's coming back. And we will see you next time on Quick Before You Forget. Bye.

1:04:16 That was so much fun. Thank you for investing your time, energy, and thought into spending some time with me today. I really appreciate you. And I really appreciate when you talk back. So please, if you're here still, thank you so much. Please tell me what you thought. Tell me what other questions you have. Tell me how this episode affected you and how it resonated with you and all of the things. Tell me all the things in the comments. And please know that I'm reading every single comment, responding to every single comment, and I appreciate you. Thank you for being here with me today. Please also like, share, subscribe. If this episode was fun for you, It'll be fun for a friend, so send it to a friend that might enjoy a little laughter, a little joy, and a little more time investing in themselves. And today, I am proudly sponsored, not sponsored, by Zeke's Village Market in Door County, Wisconsin, which provided this fantastic shirt, which Ephraim is a really cute town in Door County. If you haven't been there, it's beautiful. It's very much Cape Cod beautiful. It's the Cape Cod of the Midwest. So I just have to show you the design because the design is what makes it a souvenir with soul. So we're going to stand up.

1:05:44 Every single design from Zeke's has heart and soul put into it and it's designed and part that they partner with Guilty Apparel. And the two together are a dynamic duo of awesomeness. So I am so grateful for their belief in me and their beautiful designs and their souvenirs with soul. And I will see you next time on Quick Before You Forget.