Simply 30 Podcast

Alyssa and Danielle
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Monthly

Ten-plus years of friendship. Zero filters. On Simply 30, Alyssa and Danielle dive into motherhood, midlife, and the everyday chaos of being women in their 30s: the good, the ugly, and the "wait, is this just me?" moments. Together, they're unpacking society's expectations, chasing happiness, and building a community for anyone who's ready to stop pretending they have it all figured out and just want to live a little more simply.

  1. Oct 12

    Breast or Bottle: Two Moms. Same Goal. Different Journeys.

    When it comes to the debate about breastfeeding or formula feeding, the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, Alyssa and Danielle get real about their very different journeys feeding their babies. Alyssa chose formula while Danielle chose breastfeeding and both have unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives to share. From birth experiences and returning to work to the physical and emotional demands of feeding a baby, they discuss the factors that influenced their decisions, the pros and cons they experienced along the way, and how their feeding journeys shaped their experiences of motherhood. They get honest about what worked, what was challenging, and what they wish they had known before becoming moms. Whether you breastfed, formula fed, combo fed, or are still figuring out what works best for your family, this conversation is all about sharing experiences without judgment. Because while our journeys may look different, our goal is the same: to nourish our babies, care for our families, and find our own way through motherhood. Grab your coffee and join Alyssa and Danielle for an honest, relatable, and judgment-free conversation about boobs, bottles, and everything in between! Topics include: Breastfeeding and formula feedingFormula feeding journeyBreastfeeding journeyInfant feeding choicesBreastfeeding pros and consFormula feeding pros and consFirst-time mom adviceNewborn feedingBenefits of breastfeedingBenefits of formula feedingReturning to work after maternity leavePostpartum experienceHonest motherhood conversationsReal mom storiesMom friends podcastMotherhood and parentingThe realities of new motherhoodNonjudgmental parentingDifferent parenting choicesMom-to-mom advice

  2. Sep 22

    The Great Candy Royale: Ranking Over 50 Candies Best to Worst

    Which candy is the best candy of all time? Which ones are seriously overrated? And which candy deserves to be sent straight to the bottom of the tier list? In this fun and hilarious candy ranking episode, Alyssa and Danielle put their opinions (and friendship) to the test as they create the ultimate candy tier list. Expect strong opinions, controversial rankings, unexpected favorites, and plenty of disagreement along the way. Whether you’re a Snickers diehard, a Sour Patch kid, or someone who will defend Hot Tamales with their whole chest, there’s a ranking for you. Listen along and make your own candy tier list: Do you agree with our rankings, or did we completely trash your favorite candy? Topics include: ​candy rankings​candy tier list​best candy​worst candy​favorite candy​Halloween candy​chocolate ​gummy candy​candy debate ​nostalgic candy​food and pop culture Make your own candy tier list!

  3. Sep 8

    Building a Business Between Bedtimes | Interview with Alyssa Russillio, Owner of ROAM Village

    You don’t need a perfect business plan, unlimited time, or every answer before you begin. You need the courage to take the next obvious step. Alyssa Russillio, founder of ROAM Village, shares how she built a children’s boutique while working full time, raising two daughters, and learning entrepreneurship one imperfect step at a time. ROAM began with a simple frustration: finding quality children’s clothing that could survive real play without costing a fortune. After becoming a mother during COVID, Alyssa saw the need for a more intentional shopping experience, one where families could touch the fabrics, children could be children, and “muddy but clean” clothes could carry kids from outdoor adventures to dinner with family. You’ll discover: How a business idea can stay alive for three or four years before the timing is finally rightWhy waiting can be a form of preparation, not failureHow Alyssa balanced a corporate career, motherhood, and building ROAM after bedtime and what it means to have the support of a village along the wayThe realities of inventory, cash flow, sizing, sourcing, and running a brick-and-mortar storeThe role of social media in entrepreneurship and how how to find your audience through authenticityWhy Alyssa’s best advice is simple: do the most obvious thing firstThrough reflections on motherhood, creativity, and community, this is an honest conversation about entrepreneurship without the highlight reel: the fear, the financial uncertainty, the failed first attempt, the messy logistics, the unexpected joy, and the moments that make the work worth it. It’s essential listening for mothers, aspiring business owners, and anyone carrying an idea they’re not quite ready to pursue yet. Sometimes the path forward isn’t a five-year plan. Sometimes it’s one phone call, one bank account, or one small step today.Connect with ROAM: Instagram/Facebook: @ROAMvillageTikTok: @roamvillageLocation 20 West Main Street Lancaster NY 14086Located in the Village of Lancaster in Western New York, ROAM Village offers durable, comfortable clothing alongside thoughtfully chosen books, toys, and resources for families.

  4. Aug 22

    Sorry Kids, We Already Have Plans for Your Hobbies: Kids’ Activities We Hope They Try

    The advice most parents hear about kids' activities is backwards: more sports, earlier, all the time. But what if the real win is waiting until your kid actually wants in? This episode gets brutally honest about youth sports, burnout, money, safety, and the pressure to turn every child into a little specialist before they even know what they like. Together, Alyssa and Danielle unpack why some kids thrive in structure, why others need more free play, and where the line gets blurry between healthy activity and over-scheduling. We talk about the children's activities, hobbies, sports, and extracurriculars we'd love for our kids to experience—and the things we definitely don't want to pressure them into. We also explore the balance between giving kids opportunities to discover their interests and letting them decide what they actually love. Because let's be honest… we may already have a few ideas about what our kids should try! You'll discover: Why ages 3 to 5 may be too early for most organized sportsThe hidden costs of youth athletics, from gear and registration to weekend travel and lost family timeWhich sports and activities feel worth encouraging and which ones both they would actively steer their kids away from If you care about raising kids without overprogramming them, or you just love a lively debate about the best and worst childhood activities, this one will hit home. Essential listening for parents, future parents, and anyone with strong opinions about youth sports, after-school activities, and what kids should actually be doing with their time. Keywords: youth sportskids sportsorganized sports for kidsfree play for childrenchildhood activitiesover-scheduled kidsparenting and youth sportssports burnout in kidsyouth sports pressuretravel sportskids activitiesafter-school activitiesyouth sports costsfamily schedule overloadkids specializationmulti-sport athleteskids extracurricular activitieschild development and free playparenting choicesraising kids without over-schedulingsports for young childrenbest activities for kidsorganized childhoodneighborhood playyouth sports culture

  5. Jul 20

    Halfway There: The Mid-Year Goals Check-In

    Imagine looking back at six months of effort and realizing you’ve actually achieved more than you thought — not through massive leaps, but through tiny, intentional steps. From health routines, like closing your activity rings, to cultivating deeper connections with friends and family, this episode proves progress is built on the little things we often overlook. You'll discover how embracing imperfection, setting flexible goals, and celebrating wins along the way can transform your mindset and motivation. We break down specific strategies for staying present—like limiting phone use during quality moments—and making space for micro moments of connection. Danielle and Alyssa share their journeys of tackling fitness fears, balancing busy schedules, and celebrating small victories like paying off student loans or thrifting for meaningful gifts. These honest conversations reveal how to handle setbacks, adjust expectations, and stay aligned with what truly matters. If you've been waiting for permission to give yourself grace or looking for practical ways to make sustainable change, this episode is your roadmap. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, overcommitted, or just in need of a motivational nudge, it reminds us all that life’s biggest wins often come from the smallest, most consistent actions. Tune in to discover how tiny shifts can add up into a lifetime of achievement—one micro moment at a time.Keywords: mid-year reflectiongoal check-inprogress over perfectionsmall winsflexible goalsintentional livingself-compassionhabit buildingpersonal growthhealth goalsweight trainingwalking routineApple Watch ringsmental healthfitness motivationvaping cessationfinancial goalsstudent loansthriftingsavingsno-buy monthcareer growthEMDR certificationreading goalsfamily timedate nightspresencemicro-momentsfriendshipscommunityvillage mindsetdeclutteringhome projectssummer goalsmindfulnessconsistencygratitudereflection

  6. Jun 29

    Ghosts of Hobbies Past | How Social Media Impacts Hobbies

    In this continuation of our hobbies deep dive, we’re picking up right where Part 1 left off — with even more chaos, nostalgia, and way too many things we tried to turn into a personality trait. This time around, we get into the hobbies that came and went in seasons, the creative experiments that totally took over our lives for a minute, and the ones that somehow became tied to work, money, or burnout. From photography, embroidery, and diamond art to cake decorating, furniture flipping, gaming, and the eternal temptation to monetize every crafty impulse, we’re unpacking the weirdly personal relationship we all have with the things we do for fun. We also get into the rise of “hobby bags,” the influence of social media on what feels worth trying, and why some hobbies stick forever while others end up buried in a closet somewhere. If Part 1 was about defining what counts as a hobby, Part 2 is about what happens after the obsession starts — and whether it lasts. It’s funny, honest, and a little too relatable for anyone who’s ever said, “I could do that,” and then absolutely did. Tune in for the second half of this two-part episode and keep the hobby spiral going.Keywords: hobby podcasthobbies and burnoutcreative hobbiesmonetizing hobbiessocial media and hobbiesleisure activitiespersonal development hobbiesart and craft hobbiesDIY hobbiesreading hobbywalking as a hobbybaking podcasttarot readingphotography hobbyembroiderycalligraphydiamond artupcycling clothescake decoratingfurniture flippingDungeons and DragonsThe SimsFortnitePokemon Gosourdough bakingarchery hobbyhobby baganalog baghobby graveyardaspirational hobbiesscreen-free hobbiesperfectionismburnout recoveryhobby trendshobby inspiration

  7. Jun 25

    Ghosts of Hobbies Past | When Hobbies Lead to Burnout and How to Avoid It

    Uncover the truth about your hobbies—are they truly what you love, or just what social media told you to pursue? In this candid deep dive, we reveal how our passions morph over time, the trap of monetizing creative pursuits, and the reflection of our personalities through what we choose to spend free time on. In this first part of a two-part episode, we dive into the many forms hobbies can take — from the tried-and-true activities that always stay with us, to the intense, short-lived phases that come and go over time. We talk about everything from reading, baking, and drawing to more niche interests like photography, embroidery, and diamond art, while exploring how our hobbies evolve as our lives get busier. We also get into a bigger conversation about why so many hobbies become tied to productivity, perfectionism, and the pressure to monetize creativity. Part 1 sets the stage for a thoughtful, funny, and very relatable discussion about what we do for fun, what we stick with, and what we leave behind. We pick right back up in part two with more hobbies, more reflections, and more commitment to (hopefully) making hobbies a bigger priority. Tune in if you're ready to rethink your relationship with hobbies and rekindle your passions—no matter your age or schedule. This episode is your ultimate guide to understanding, sustaining, and truly loving your leisure time.Key topics: Defining hobbies: Leisure activities vs. passionsThe significance of tried-and-true hobbies like reading and walkingThe impact of seasons and phases on hobby consistencyPersonal development hobbies including astrology, crystals, and bullet journalingCreative pursuits: Photography, art, calligraphy, and diamond paintingThe challenges and rewards of monetizing hobbies, from cake decorating to furniture flippingTrends and the influence of social media on hobby inspiration and comparisonThe concept of hobby bags: curated collections to replace screen timeThe emotional and practical aspects of hobby burnout and specializationFuture hobbies: ambitions, revisited interests, and plans for retirement

  8. May 18

    Quirky Questions & Ice Cream Insights: How Well Do We Know Each Other?

    Most friendships thrive on shared memories, inside jokes, and genuine understanding — but what if just a few questions could deepen that bond even further? Discover how two friends turn playful "newlywed" style questions into a window into their 12-year relationship, revealing surprising truths and heartfelt moments along the way. In this episode, you'll hear how simple curiosity unlocks insights about everything from favorite ice cream flavors to the most impactful acts of kindness they've shared. We break down the art of observation and how paying attention to the small details can strengthen your connections — whether with a partner, a friend, or even yourself. We explore the significance of the little acts of support, like bringing coffee in tough moments, or the big milestones that define lifelong bonds, such as moving-in stories, wedding proposals, and those unforgettable moments of love and vulnerability. If you're craving a reminder that adult friendships are built on curiosity and care, this episode is your perfect dose of warmth, laughs, and insights. Whether you're catching up with a close friend or reflecting on your own relationships, you'll walk away with new ways to connect more deeply — and maybe even learn a little more about yourself in the process. Tune in to experience how shared stories and honest conversations turn ordinary questions into extraordinary bonds. Ideal for anyone who believes that the best friendships are built on genuine curiosity, authenticity, and a little bit of loving honesty. Keywords: #Friendship #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #Vulnerability #Communication #SharedExperiences #EmotionalBonds #Curiosity #Connection #Trust

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About

Ten-plus years of friendship. Zero filters. On Simply 30, Alyssa and Danielle dive into motherhood, midlife, and the everyday chaos of being women in their 30s: the good, the ugly, and the "wait, is this just me?" moments. Together, they're unpacking society's expectations, chasing happiness, and building a community for anyone who's ready to stop pretending they have it all figured out and just want to live a little more simply.

Information

  • Creator
    Alyssa and Danielle
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alyssa and Danielle
  • Show Website
    Simply 30 Podcast