iDulting: Your source for idulting advice, lifehacks, tips, and tricks for intermediate adults!

Kathleen W
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Calling all iDults! Feeling lost in the jungle of intermediate adulting? We feel you. We've been there. That's why we created this podcast and idulting.com, Your one-stop shops for navigating the wild ride of being an almost grown-up. Our podcast is like your idulting personal hype squad, blasting you with tips, tricks, and epic fails (cause let's be honest, adulting is messy) to help you win at this whole life thing. We'll talk about everything; budgeting, travel, mental health, wellness, current events, money, credit, career, scoring the perfect apartment (without roommates who hoard dirty dishes), and much more. Kathy, Paul, and the occasional guest will entertain, mentor, advise, and guide you through the day-to-day as well as life's unique challenges. Inspired by a deep drive to serve others and improve lives for as many people as possible we are driven to help you learn and avoid some of the challenges we’ve encountered. You can follow us, join our mailing list, check out our merch, contact us, and more at idulting.com. You can also find us at iDulting on Facebook. Because adulting shouldn't suck. It should be a fun, challenging, wild ride. Reach out and contact us. We look forward to connecting.

  1. The Dredded "Taxes"

    6H AGO

    The Dredded "Taxes"

    Does the word "deduction" make you want to hide under your covers? You aren't alone. This week on iDulting, we’re tackling the ultimate adulting boss battle: Tax Season. Whether you’re a W-2 employee, a freelance gig-worker, or just someone who’s confused by all the acronyms, this episode is your survival guide to "Death, Taxes, and Other Things I’m Not Ready For." We’re stripping away the jargon and getting real about how to handle your finances so you can stop stressing and start living. In this episode, you'll discover: Tax Vocab for Humans: What the heck is a W-2, a 1099, and a standard deduction? (And why you should care).The "Free" in Free Filing: How to find out if you can file for $0 and avoid the "big tax" software traps.Side Hustle Secrets: How to handle taxes if you’re driving Uber, selling on Etsy, or freelancing.The Paper Trail: A simple system for organizing receipts and documents so you aren't digging through your car's glovebox in April.Refund vs. Owing: What to do if you get a surprise bill from the IRS, and how to adjust your "withholding" so it doesn't happen again.Common Rookie Mistakes: The small errors that trigger audits or delays and how to avoid them.Stop procrastinating and start filing! Tune in to learn how to navigate tax season like a pro (or at least like a very competent amateur).

    19 min
  2. Penny Pinching Playbook!

    4D AGO

    Penny Pinching Playbook!

    This week on iDulting, Kathy and Paul are here to prove that you don't need a fat wallet to have a fantastic time! We're diving into the world of affordable fun and sharing our best tips for budget-friendly activities that are genuinely fun and memorable. We know the adulting struggle is real, especially when it comes to managing money. But a tight budget doesn't mean a boring life! This episode is packed with creative ideas, practical hacks, and a healthy dose of inspiration to help young adults discover how to save money while still enjoying their social lives, exploring new hobbies, and making the most of their free time. Get ready to rethink what "fun" means and unlock a world of experiences that won't leave your bank account weeping. In this episode, you'll discover: Creative Social Ideas: How to host or attend social gatherings that are kind to your wallet, from potluck parties to board game nights.Outdoor Adventures on a Dime: Exploring local parks, hiking trails, and free natural attractions. We'll even share tips for picnicking like a pro.The Library is Your Secret Weapon: Beyond books, learn how your local library offers free movies, streaming services, museum passes, and workshops.DIY Entertainment: Turn a quiet night in into an unforgettable experience with simple, low-cost ideas.Leveraging Free Community Events: Find out where to discover free concerts, festivals, and classes happening right in your area.Smart Dining & Socializing Strategies: Practical hacks for finding deals when eating out and getting the most bang for your buck on drinks.The Power of a Good Plan: How a little forethought and creativity can save you a lot of money on entertainment.

    20 min
  3. Our First Anniversary!

    FEB 17

    Our First Anniversary!

    Put on your party hats (or your cleanest pair of sweatpants) because iDulting is officially one year old! In this special anniversary episode we’re taking a break from our usual "how-to" guides to celebrate the messy, hilarious, and rewarding journey of the last twelve months. From our very first episode where we barely knew how to hit "record" to building a community of thousands of iDults, it’s been a wild ride. We’re getting personal and sharing our favorite moments. Thank you for being part of this journey! Whether you've been here since episode one or just joined us today, we’re so glad you're part of the iDulting family. Here’s to many more years of figuring it out together.

    12 min
  4. Stepping into your Adult Power

    FEB 16

    Stepping into your Adult Power

    Are you ready to stop feeling like a passenger and start driving your own life? This week on iDulting, Kathy and Paul explore what it truly means to step into your adult power. It's not about sudden perfection, but about the conscious choice to take ownership of your decisions, your well-being, and your future. We know adulting can feel overwhelming, but discovering your inner strength and self-reliance is the ultimate game-changer. This episode will guide young adults through the process of building confidence, asserting themselves respectfully, and making intentional choices that align with their authentic selves. Get ready to ditch the self-doubt and embrace the powerful, capable adult you're becoming. In this episode, you'll discover: Defining "Adult Power": It's not about control over others, but control over your own life, choices, and reactions.The Shift from Dependence to Self-Reliance: Practical ways to take initiative in daily tasks and decision-making.The Art of Self-Advocacy: Learning to speak up for your needs, set healthy boundaries, and respectfully assert yourself in various situations (work, relationships, family).Embracing Responsibility (and Imperfection!): Understanding that mistakes are part of growth and how to learn from them.Taking Charge of Your Well-being: Prioritizing your physical and mental health as a non-negotiable adult responsibility.Moving Beyond "What Should I Do?" to "What Will I Do?": Cultivating decisiveness and accountability.Stop waiting for permission to live your best life! Tune into "Stepping Into Your Adult Power" and embark on a journey to unlock your full potential as a confident, capable, and empowered iDult. It's time to own your story.

    21 min
  5. Dopamine Pinning!

    FEB 13

    Dopamine Pinning!

    Ever feel trapped in a cycle of constant notifications, endless scrolling, or repetitive behaviors, even when you know you should stop? You might be experiencing dopamine pinning. This week on iDulting, Kathy and Paul explore this fascinating research term, originally from animal behavior, and reveal how it perfectly explains why our brains get hooked on certain digital habits and instant gratifications. In a world designed to keep us constantly engaged, understanding dopamine pinning is key to reclaiming your attention span and control over your time. This episode will demystify the science behind these addictive loops and provide iDults with practical, actionable strategies to recognize when they're "pinned" and how to consciously break free, fostering healthier habits and a more intentional life. In this episode, you'll discover: What "dopamine pinning" actually is: Understanding the neuroscientific concept from animal behavior and its surprising relevance to human habits.How everyday technology uses it: Unpacking how social media, streaming services, and apps are designed to create and leverage "dopamine pins."The difference between healthy motivation and being "pinned": Learning to distinguish purposeful engagement from compulsive behavior.Recognizing your personal "pins": Identifying the specific digital habits or activities that keep your brain compulsively engaged.Practical strategies to "unpin" yourself: Actionable tips to break free from compulsive loops, reduce screen time, and reclaim your focus.Building healthier dopamine habits: Exploring ways to derive satisfaction from intentional, long-term activities rather than constant instant gratification.The role of awareness and mindfulness: Why understanding the mechanism is the first step to changing your behavior.Ready to understand why your brain gets hooked and how to gain more control? Tune into "Dopamine Pinning: Why Your Brain Gets Hooked (and How to Break Free)" and start your journey towards a more conscious, less compulsive, and truly empowered iDult life.

    16 min
  6. Habit Adoption!

    FEB 10

    Habit Adoption!

    Segment 1 The Cue: What triggers the behavior? (e.g., Sitting on the couch = reaching for the phone).The Action: The habit itself.The Reward: That sweet, sweet dopamine hit.Key Takeaway: Your brain isn't "bad"; it’s just efficient. It wants to automate everything to save energy. Segment 2 Atomic Steps: If you want to floss, start with just one tooth. Literally.Habit Stacking: Attaching a new habit to an old one. (e.g., "While the coffee is brewing, I will do three push-ups.")Environment Design: Don't rely on willpower; rely on your living room layout. Put the book on your pillow and the remote in a drawer.Segment 3 The 2-Day Rule: Paul introduces the idea that missing one day is a mistake, but missing two is the start of a new habit of not doing it.Self-Compassion: Shaming yourself into a habit never works. Kathy talks about being a "gentle coach" to yourself rather than a drill sergeant.Closing: The Weekly Challenge The duo leaves the listeners with a "Micro-Habit" challenge for the week: Pick one thing that takes less than two minutes and do it every day until the next episode.

    23 min
  7. News Not Snooze!

    FEB 9

    News Not Snooze!

    Do you feel a mix of guilt and dread when you think about keeping up with the news? Do headlines feel overwhelming, and political discussions turn into shouting matches? This week on iDulting, Kathy and Paul are here with "News Not Snooze" an essential episode for young adults who want to be informed citizens without getting bogged down by information overload or political polarization. We know the world is complex, and adulting means understanding the forces shaping it. This episode will equip you with practical strategies to navigate the vast landscape of news and politics, helping you find reliable sources, understand different perspectives, and engage with important issues in a constructive way. It's time to move beyond shallow headlines and develop a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of our world. In this episode, you'll discover: Why staying informed matters: Understanding the personal and societal benefits of being a world-savvy iDult.Cutting through the noise: Strategies for managing information overload and avoiding doomscrolling.Identifying reliable news sources: How to spot bias, differentiate between fact and opinion, and choose trustworthy outlets.Understanding different perspectives: Tools for engaging with viewpoints that differ from your own without getting heated.Navigating political discourse: Tips for discussing sensitive topics respectfully and constructively, both online and offline.Local vs. Global: Why understanding local politics is just as important as global events.Finding your "entry point": Discovering issues you genuinely care about to make learning more engaging.Actionable steps to stay informed efficiently: From curated newsletters to podcasts and reputable news aggregators.Stop feeling overwhelmed or disengaged! Tune into "News Not Snooze" and empower yourself to become a more knowledgeable, thoughtful, and engaged iDult who understands the world they live in. What's one news topic you'd like to understand better after listening to this episode?

    20 min
  8. Admin Night!

    FEB 3

    Admin Night!

    The Concept: What is an Admin Night? The hosts describe it as a dedicated 2-to-3-hour block once a week where you "put your life back in its box." It’s not about deep work or big career goals; it’s about the "pests"—those small, nagging tasks that drain your mental battery. The Golden Rule: No scrolling, no Netflix, and absolutely no "real" work. Just maintenance. "You aren't allowed to order your favorite Thai food or listen to that specific 'guilty pleasure' playlist unless it's Admin Night. It turns a boring task into a ritual you actually look forward to." The episode concludes with a powerful sentiment: Admin Night is an act of self-care. It’s not about being a "perfect" adult; it’s about being kind to your "Future Self" so they can wake up tomorrow without a weight on their chest

    18 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Calling all iDults! Feeling lost in the jungle of intermediate adulting? We feel you. We've been there. That's why we created this podcast and idulting.com, Your one-stop shops for navigating the wild ride of being an almost grown-up. Our podcast is like your idulting personal hype squad, blasting you with tips, tricks, and epic fails (cause let's be honest, adulting is messy) to help you win at this whole life thing. We'll talk about everything; budgeting, travel, mental health, wellness, current events, money, credit, career, scoring the perfect apartment (without roommates who hoard dirty dishes), and much more. Kathy, Paul, and the occasional guest will entertain, mentor, advise, and guide you through the day-to-day as well as life's unique challenges. Inspired by a deep drive to serve others and improve lives for as many people as possible we are driven to help you learn and avoid some of the challenges we’ve encountered. You can follow us, join our mailing list, check out our merch, contact us, and more at idulting.com. You can also find us at iDulting on Facebook. Because adulting shouldn't suck. It should be a fun, challenging, wild ride. Reach out and contact us. We look forward to connecting.

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