How I turned lessons from my crappy childhood into a podcast to help young people
Award-winning podcaster and self-described “fun aunt” Robin Hopkins on her new editaudio Original series, Well…Adjusting.
Well…Adjusting is a comedic, self-help chat show hosted by award-winning author and podcaster Robin Hopkins which launched on October 24, 2022.
In each episode, Robin shares ‘lessons from her crappy childhood’ to help Gen Z and millennials when creditors are calling, relationships are crumbling, and they feel stuck at work. Robin’s disarming, connected, and forthcoming interview style allows her guests to open up about what’s really behind all that self-sabotaging.
In honor of the series launch, we’re spotlighting our host and Exec Producer, Robin Hopkins.
Take it away Robin!
If you know me or you’ve listened to Well…Adjusting then you know I’m very fond of giving advice. Whether you asked for it or not. But don’t worry. I’m not mean about it. To soften the blow as I “advise,” I like to stir my drink, lean in a little closer, and say, “And by the way…” in voice that suggests something good is coming your way.
Then I drop all that unsolicited advice right in your lap.
One of the genius producers at editaudio noticed this move in our weekly meetings. Though I do want to be clear that during production meetings I do not drink cocktails, but rather pound Coke Zeros at a level that is quite possibly unhealthy for both me and anyone in a five mile radius. Anyway, [editaudio Producer/Editor] Maria Passingham said, “Ooh, we should call the show ‘And By The Way’ because you say it all the time!”
Though we ultimately went in another direction with the show title, I loved the “And By The Way” moniker, and we decided to keep it as a podcast segment where I give quick tips to our audience.
It’s all very full circle, connected, kismet. All those things.
So, here are the first two “And By The Way” tips from Well…Adjusting! Feel free to implement them in your life, share with your friends, or email me to state unequivocally that you have better tips. I love a good dialogue.
And By The Way…Life Planning Tip: Appreciate your wins
Sometimes you get stuck in life. One tip for helping you get your momentum back is to look into your past. Think about a time when you made a plan, followed it, and completed that goal you set.
Got it in your memory? Great. I’m here to tell you that once you’ve done that, you can do it again. Whenever you want.
Look, sometimes we get bogged down with the problems we’re currently facing, and we forget all the successes from our past. Especially when we are working on large-scale projects that take longer to see results.
So I’m here to tell you this, make a list of your wins. Post that list where you can see it. Keep it in a notebook that’s by your bed or on your desk — anywhere you frequent. Read the list when you feel low. When you get stuck, follow those same steps you took with past wins. It may not always be the solution, but it’s a good place to start.
And By The Way…Financial Tip: Watch out for all those Venmos!
Who doesn’t love Venmo? It’s made sharing cabs, splitting bills seamless. But its can also lead to higher credit card bills. Que? What is this you speak of, Robin?
Let me walk you through a scenario. You went out to dinner with your pal, Jenny. You wanted to get the miles, so you offered to pay the bill. Okay. I approve that move. So you dropped your credit card and Jenny Venmo’d you for for her half of the bill.
Now comes my financial tip. Cash out that Venmo balance ASAP. You heard me. Do not, I repeat, do not leave the money in there and use it for cabs or deli runs or whatever shenanigans you’re up to. Transfer the cash straight to your bank. Then make a payment to your credit card for Jenny’s half of the check.
Otherwise, all those split bills will leave you with that end of the month, “Wait, why is my credit card bill so high” moment!
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Want More Life Lessons and Life Hacks?
Listen to the first two episodes of Well…Adjusting now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your pods! Well…Adjusting is available at or on your favorite podcast platform.
And we’ll leave you with a preview of the first two episodes. Go listen. What are you waiting for?
David lost a year of college to the pandemic, then got stuck at home with his parents, afraid to move his life forward. He chats about overcoming OCD and germaphobia in order to move to LA and start his acting career.
Episode 2: It Ain’t Too Late to Fix Your Finances
Aileen is tired of being in mother f***ing debt. She can’t stop wondering why her family is living paycheck to paycheck, despite making good money. We talk about budgeting, and why it’s always deeper than money.
