First Round's on Me

First Round's On Me

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 “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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. The Holidays Are Hard: How to Cope, Connect, & Set Boundaries

    12/22/2025

    The Holidays Are Hard: How to Cope, Connect, & Set Boundaries

    In this special holiday episode of First Round’s On Me, Joey and Hannah talk about the side of the holidays that rarely makes it into movies or Instagram posts — the heaviness, the distance, the awkward questions, and the quiet loneliness so many people feel this time of year.They open up about fractured family dynamics, spending Christmas alone, navigating intrusive questions about marriage and children, and the grief that comes not from loss — but from disconnection. This conversation is for anyone who doesn’t feel at home during the holidays, anyone returning to complicated family environments, and anyone trying to protect their peace while still craving connection.The episode explores how to set boundaries without blowing things up, why lowering expectations can save your mental health, and how chosen family can be just as meaningful as the family you’re born into. They also talk about creating new traditions, being vulnerable enough to ask for connection, and finding ways to make the holidays meaningful — even if they don’t look “perfect.”If the season feels heavy, this episode is here to remind you: you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and you’re allowed to do the holidays your own way.💬 In the comments: How do the holidays really feel for you this year?00:00 – Holiday pressure & intrusive family questions01:00 – Why the holidays are hard for so many people 03:00 – Different relationships with family & Christmas05:30 – Growing up with big family traditions07:00 – Spending Christmas alone & creating new traditions09:00 – Reframing loneliness during the holidays11:00 – Going home to difficult family dynamics13:00 – Boundaries vs. keeping the peace15:00 – Lowering expectations to protect your mental health17:00 – Chosen family & adult connection19:00 – Being vulnerable & asking for connection21:00 – Using FROME to meet friends, not just dates23:00 – Small gestures that create meaningful memories25:00 – Being present with parents & grandparents27:00 – Creating new traditions with your own family28:00 – Final reflections & holiday message

    28 min
  8. Lily Stewart on Quitting Your 9-5 Job to Build a Pilates Studio

    12/15/2025

    Lily Stewart on Quitting Your 9-5 Job to Build a Pilates Studio

    In this episode of First Round’s On Me, Hannah sits down with Lily Stewart — creator, style muse, “walking Pinterest board,” and one half of the internet’s most wholesome roommate duo.From NYC nightlife to the Soft Girl era, performative vulnerability, modern dating dynamics, and the chaos of Gen Alpha memes, this conversation is funny, warm, and surprisingly introspective. Lily opens up about friendship loyalty (including that dartboard incident), leaving the 9–5 world, building community, chasing creative freedom, and why confidence in dating is disappearing.The episode also dives deep into the “soft era of men,” performative therapy culture, emotional intelligence, parasocial relationships, and why—despite everything—real connection still matters more than ever.💬 In the comments: Are men really in their “soft era,” or is it just social-media performance?00:00 – Meet Lily Stewart & NYC creative life01:00 – Music taste, nostalgia & personality03:30 – Dating red flags & the dartboard story07:00 – Career pivots: leaving 9–5 for creativity10:00 – Entrepreneurship vs corporate life12:00 – Freedom, fulfillment & taking risks14:30 – Building community & true support17:00 – Social media: connection vs burnout20:00 – Parasocial dynamics & craving IRL community23:00 – Modern dating struggles & overthinking25:30 – Men’s “soft era” & performative vulnerability28:00 – Approaching people in public: why confidence is disappearing31:00 – Emotional intelligence, therapy culture & accountability34:00 – What women actually want: honesty, strength & maturity37:00 – Ending situationships respectfully40:00 – Lily’s next chapter & Freeform Studio42:00 – Outro

    42 min
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!

You Might Also Like