First Round's on Me

First Round's On Me
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Join Hannah and Joe Feminella as they sit down together, or with special guests, and dive into the messy, beautiful world of connection across every area of life. They don’t just talk about it—they live it, sharing raw personal stories, best-friend-level advice, and insights that’ll make you stop and think. Reflecting their belief that authenticity is key to genuine connection. Whether you’re building a circle in a new city, keeping a partnership strong through big seasons, leading a team, or simply craving more meaning in your week—this is your space. New episodes drop every Monday!

  1. The Power of Saying Yes in New York

    4D AGO

    The Power of Saying Yes in New York

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, it’s just Joe and Hannah — diving into friendships, vulnerability, spontaneity, and why saying “yes” might be the most powerful habit you can build in New York City. They talk about male friendships and why affection and vulnerability can feel taboo for men — and how that shifts as you grow older. What makes a friendship real? How do relationships evolve when you get married, have kids, or move cities? Then the conversation turns to something that’s shaped Joe’s entire life and career: the power of saying yes. From spontaneous nights in New York to investor meetings that changed the trajectory of FROME, they break down how some of the biggest moments in life come from leaning into discomfort instead of avoiding it. They also draft the ultimate NYC night out, debate old fashioneds vs tequila, and play a rapid-fire “Say Yes or Say No” game inspired by life in the city. This episode is reflective, funny, and a reminder that the best things in life rarely happen when you stay home. 💬 In the comments: What’s something you almost said no to — but are so glad you didn’t? 00:00 – Male friendships & vulnerability03:00 – Real friends vs surface-level connections07:00 – Social anxiety & leaning into discomfort10:00 – The investor dinner story13:00 – Why saying yes changes everything16:00 – Vegas spontaneity & following intuition18:30 – Australia, timing & the butterfly effect19:30 – Favorite New York nights20:50 – NYC Night Out Draft24:00 – “Say Yes or Say No” rapid fire27:45 – Outro & 10K milestone

    28 min
  2. Bachelor Alum on building community in NYC, Dating, and Grief w/ Davia Esther

    FEB 16

    Bachelor Alum on building community in NYC, Dating, and Grief w/ Davia Esther

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we sit down with Davia Esther — writer, former Miss South Carolina, and fan-favorite from The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise.This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply human.Davia opens up about grief, losing her mother at a young age, and the complicated reality of carrying loss into adulthood. We talk about independence — when it’s empowering, when it becomes armor, and how it can quietly shape our relationships.We dive into emotional permanence, abandonment wounds, dating in New York City, building community far from home, and what it really feels like to process life in public. Davia also shares what The Bachelor experience actually gave her (hint: it wasn’t just romance).This episode is about healing, honesty, and learning to sit with yourself — even when it’s uncomfortable.💬 In the comments:Do you see your independence as strength, protection, or both?00:00 – Davia Esther joins & NYC serendipity03:00 – Saying yes in New York07:00 – Building real community13:00 – Finding her voice through writing17:00 – Losing her mother & living with grief22:00 – Independence: gift or armor?26:00 – Dating, abandonment & emotional permanence35:00 – Therapy, healing & self-awareness38:00 – The Bachelor experience & friendships41:00 – Holidays, loneliness & reaching out43:00 – Game: How well do you know yourself?47:00 – Moon landing debate & rapid fire48:30 – Final thoughts & where to find Davia

    49 min
  3. The “Man in Finance” Creator on the Virality Factor, Comedy, and David Guetta w/ Megan Boni

    FEB 2

    The “Man in Finance” Creator on the Virality Factor, Comedy, and David Guetta w/ Megan Boni

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we sit down with Megan Boni — comedian, viral creator, and the woman behind one of the internet’s most iconic moments: “I’m looking for a man in finance…”Megan opens up about what virality actually feels like, the weirdness of being recognized in real life, and how parasocial love differs from real support and friendship. We talk about creativity sparked in the most random moments, turning lightning-in-a-bottle internet fame into real opportunities, and why authenticity beats curated perfection every time.She also shares her pivot from corporate life to content creation, working with artists like David Guetta, navigating sudden internet fame, and her dreams of breaking into comedy and acting.From sports debates and dating preferences to the pressure of going viral twice, this episode is funny, honest, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to blow up online — and stay true to yourself after.💬 In the comments: Do you think going viral helps creators — or puts too much pressure on them?00:00 – Megan Boni joins the show & viral fame02:00 – Parasocial love vs real support04:00 – The “man in finance” moment explained06:30 – Creativity, weed & lightning-in-a-bottle ideas09:00 – Dating preferences & funny red flags12:00 – Moving to NYC & early career struggles14:00 – Corporate life → content creator pivot16:30 – Working with DJs & music opportunities19:00 – Fan reactions & being recognized in public22:00 – Trying to strike viral gold again24:30 – Authenticity vs internet performance culture27:00 – Comedy dreams, acting & fear of stand-up30:00 – Influencers vs creators: what Megan wants long-term32:30 – Rapid-fire fun questions & pop culture34:00 – Final thoughts & where to find Megan

    34 min
  4. Owning Manhattan’s Jade Shenker talks Reality TV, Finding Herself, and NYC Metaphors

    JAN 26

    Owning Manhattan’s Jade Shenker talks Reality TV, Finding Herself, and NYC Metaphors

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we sit down with Jade Shenker — celebrity power broker, luxury real estate expert, and breakout star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan.Jade opens up about navigating a male-dominated industry, building trust in high-stakes real estate, and what reality TV gets right (and wrong) about luxury life in New York City. We talk about how editing shapes perception, the difference between Owning Manhattan and shows like Selling Sunset, and what it’s really like working inside a global brokerage machine.The conversation expands into the NYC housing crisis, why relationships matter more than transactions, how neighborhoods reflect personality, and why New York remains one of the most magnetic cities in the world — chaos, ambition, beauty, and all.Jade also shares unforgettable New York stories, lessons on boundaries and self-respect, and how standing up for yourself can completely change your career and confidence.💬 In the comments: Would you ever live in New York — or is it too chaotic for you?00:00 – Meet Jade Shenker & life on Owning Manhattan02:00 – Real estate background: finance vs traditional agents04:30 – Being a woman in a male-dominated industry06:30 – Reality TV vs real life: authenticity vs drama09:00 – How production edits shape perception12:00 – Trust, relationships & long-term clients15:00 – The NYC housing crisis & shifting neighborhoods18:30 – Selling New York to outsiders: chaos vs magic22:00 – Why people fall in love with the city24:30 – Iconic New York nights & unforgettable stories27:00 – Chosen family, friendships & community31:00 – Dating & relationships as a New York metaphor33:30 – Couples, power dynamics & decision making36:30 – Neighborhood personalities & emotional energy40:00 – Boundaries, confidence & personal growth44:00 – Lessons from reality TV & public feedback47:00 – Final thoughts & where to find Jade

    48 min
  5. Closet Floor to Global Success: The Almost 30 Journey & Identity Shift w/ Lindsey Simcik

    JAN 19

    Closet Floor to Global Success: The Almost 30 Journey & Identity Shift w/ Lindsey Simcik

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we sit down with Lindsey Simcik — writer, mother, wife, and co-host of the global podcast phenomenon Almost 30 — for a powerful conversation about the “in-between seasons” of life: the moments where you don’t feel like yourself anymore, but you’re not quite sure who you’re becoming next.Lindsey opens up about building Almost 30 from a closet floor, why authenticity is the only thing that truly creates connection, and how so many people today are living in a constant state of performance — chasing validation, comparison, followers, and approval.We dive into anxiety as a messenger (not a monster), identity shifts through motherhood, resentment and guilt in early parenting, and the “unsexy” conversations that actually make relationships stronger, healthier, and yes… even sexier.This episode is honest, deeply grounding, and one of those conversations that makes you feel less alone — in your relationship, your parenting journey, your anxiety, and your becoming.💬 In the comments: What’s one “in-between season” you’re currently moving through?00:00 – Lindsey Simcik joins the show (Almost 30)02:50 – “What would you do if you had nothing to prove?”04:35 – Almost 30 started on a closet floor07:10 – Authenticity vs performance culture13:20 – Emotional communication in relationships19:10 – Motherhood myths, resentment & identity shifts26:10 – Fitness, self-care & parenting seasons30:10 – Forecasting your week (and planning intimacy)33:00 – Anxiety: label vs deeper meaning37:10 – Social media, kids & the next generation42:10 – Presence, phones & attention collapse45:20 – The season you’re in isn’t permanent48:00 – Closing thoughts & where to find Lindsey

    50 min
  6. The End of Acting? How AI is Penetrating The Arts w/ Kalissa Persaud

    JAN 12

    The End of Acting? How AI is Penetrating The Arts w/ Kalissa Persaud

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we’re joined by Kalissa Persaud — actor, model, and creator — for a wide-ranging conversation about art, identity, confidence, and what it really means to build a creative career in the age of algorithms. We talk about acting vs. content creation, why follower count is quietly reshaping opportunity, and how micro-influencers are becoming more trusted than celebrities. Kalissa opens up about rejection, craft, modeling for major fashion houses, and the pressure of growing up in industries that reward perfection while punishing humanity. The conversation expands into AI in the arts, the danger of over-curation, confidence vs. self-belief, and why real connection — eye contact, presence, imperfection — is slowly disappearing in a hyper-digital world. At its core, this episode is a reminder that art is supposed to be human, not optimized. Funny, thoughtful, and unexpectedly philosophical, this is a conversation about choosing belief in yourself when the world is constantly telling you who to be. 💬 In the comments: Do you think social media is helping or hurting creativity right now? 00:00 – Kalissa Persaud joins the show & modern acting 02:00 – Actors vs influencers: how opportunity is changing 05:00 – Self-love, confidence & identity 08:00 – Modeling, acting & finding your craft 11:00 – Rejection culture in creative industries 14:00 – Content creation vs trained performance 17:00 – Consistency over talent 20:00 – Belief in yourself & confidence erosion 23:00 – Social media as a double-edged sword 26:00 – Eye contact, presence & lost social skills 29:00 – Technology vs human connection 32:00 – AI in the arts: threat or tool? 35:00 – Why imperfection is essential to art 38:00 – Fashion as self-expression 41:00 – Discovering who you are beyond work 44:00 – Modeling, major brands & naïveté 47:00 – Final thoughts

    49 min
  7. Why We Built First Round’s On Me (And Why the World Needs It)

    JAN 5

    Why We Built First Round’s On Me (And Why the World Needs It)

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, Joey and Hannah pull back the curtain on why FROME evolved from a dating app into a social app — and what problem it’s actually trying to solve.They unpack the tension between technology and genuine human connection, the confusion users have felt around too many features, and why the simplest explanation is often the most powerful. From explaining the app in a single sentence to breaking down how drink credits, partner venues, and real-life meetups actually work, this episode is both a philosophy lesson and a practical reset.The conversation expands into Gen Z’s rejection of screen addiction, the growing “analog” movement, and why even the people who built social media won’t let their kids use it. At its core, this episode is about getting people off their phones and back in front of each other — using technology as a bridge, not a replacement, for real connection.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by group chats, endless scrolling, or plans that never actually happen, this episode explains why FROME exists — and why real connection still matters.💬 In the comments: Do you feel the shift toward more “analog” experiences happening already?00:00 – Technology vs genuine human connection 01:00 – Why FROME evolved from dating app to social app03:00 – The problem: too many features, unclear core message05:00 – Explaining FROME in one simple sentence06:30 – Turning group chats into real plans08:00 – Incentivizing real-life connection10:00 – Social media’s shift from “we” to “me”12:00 – The return to analog experiences14:00 – Gen Z, screen addiction & social media bans16:00 – Why tech founders don’t let their kids use screens18:00 – How FROME actually works (plans, credits, venues)21:00 – Why plans must involve other people23:00 – Capturing moments vs curating perfection25:00 – Why FROME isn’t Instagram or a dating app27:00 – Community feedback & simplifying the experience29:00 – Final thoughts: get off your phone, meet people29:40 – Outro & gratitude

    30 min
  8. Nicole Kidman, Ghosting & The Power of Fear: Hot Takes From A NYC Comic (Jenny Gorelick)

    12/29/2025

    Nicole Kidman, Ghosting & The Power of Fear: Hot Takes From A NYC Comic (Jenny Gorelick)

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we sit down with Jenny Gorelick — comedian, writer, and two-time Emmy-nominated producer — for a conversation that blends comedy, dating, fear, and emotional honesty in a way only a comic can.Jenny opens up about what’s actually changed for women in comedy (and what hasn’t), how she creates a sense of belonging in New York rooms, and why comedy is one of the hardest art forms in the world to get right. The conversation moves fluidly from stand-up and writing, to magic on stage, to pop culture, celebrity relationships, and the strange emotional logic of modern dating.We also dig deep into ghosting vs. honesty, fear of rejection, emotional intelligence, and why so many people avoid direct communication — even when they care. From “soft ghosting” debates to the truth behind “if he wanted to, he would,” this episode is sharp, funny, and uncomfortably relatable.💬 In the comments: Is soft ghosting ever okay — or is honesty always worth the discomfort?00:00 – Jenny Gorelick joins the show 02:00 – Creating belonging in New York comedy rooms04:00 – Emmy nominations, pride & creative identity06:30 – Comedy as a business vs. pure art08:30 – Why stand-up is one of the hardest jobs11:30 – What makes comedy actually work14:00 – Writing, timing & making effort feel effortless16:30 – Magic, performance & audience trust18:30 – Pop culture, celebrity breakups & public behavior21:00 – Dating confusion & miscommunication23:00 – Soft ghosting vs. emotional responsibility26:00 – Fear of rejection & avoiding honesty29:00 – “If he wanted to, he would” — not always true32:00 – Insecurity, courage & choosing discomfort35:00 – Dating advice for men in NYC38:00 – Final thoughts & outro

    39 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Join Hannah and Joe Feminella as they sit down together, or with special guests, and dive into the messy, beautiful world of connection across every area of life. They don’t just talk about it—they live it, sharing raw personal stories, best-friend-level advice, and insights that’ll make you stop and think. Reflecting their belief that authenticity is key to genuine connection. Whether you’re building a circle in a new city, keeping a partnership strong through big seasons, leading a team, or simply craving more meaning in your week—this is your space. New episodes drop every Monday!

Information

  • Creator
    First Round's On Me
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © First Round's On Me
  • Show Website
    First Round's on Me

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