My Year in Review: Trips, Lessons, And Growth (Part 1)

Hello, my friend. Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast. This episode is gonna be very, very, very different than the normal episodes that we normally do, because as you know, I preach to you all the time that we have to show a little bit of our personality and who we are and our stories on social and in our marketing to be able to connect with other human beings. And I always say, and will admit, that I just don't do, I feel like, a great job at that.

I don't think I'm like absolutely, you know, introverted and closed off per se, but I think I am very strategic in like the way that I show up all the time and I'm overthinking how I'm doing that all the time. And so since it's the end of the year, and I'm sure you don't need another business lecture or strategy to deal with, we- me and Jodi thought that it'd be nice to just share my past year in review, and talk about the crazy past year that I've had. Because I have done so much shit, and I've grown so much, and I've learned so many things, and I've just done really cool stuff that I would love to document, because I've, you know, I'm very privileged and grateful that I have had so many amazing experiences just over the years in my life. And it's so interesting how like because of the volume of those things, like I feel like a lot of the time they can kind of get lost in a vacuum, and they all start to kind of like blend together.

So, I would love to just like publicly document them today and reflect on them, so that way I can listen back on this one day and be like, "Oh my God, like that was nuts." And hopefully connect with you guys a little bit more and let you see the backdoor of like all the shit that I was doing on the personal side of things this past year, if you're even interested. If you don't care, you don't have to listen to the episode, but if you're down for the journey then I'm excited to share it with you. So, what's up Jodi?

How are you? I'm good. And I would say you absolutely should listen to this episode because I feel like there's been so many interesting like events of this past year, and just like even I saw you in January and it feels like a lifetime ago because of how much has happened since then. And I think there's just like a lot of- a lot to take away from- from the story and all the experiences this year, so I'm excited to dive into it.

Me too. I'm gonna let you facilitate this hardcore, so let me start. Awesome. All right.

Let's start, like I said, like we saw each other at the beginning of the year in January. That was kind of the beginning of your road trip, I think. I think that was your first- Yeah. stop maybe?

It was very close to the beginning. So, the beginning of this year I had planned a basically like two-month trip. And it ended up being 15 cities, I believe. Actually, let me pull up the, I have like a, I do have like a document where I like tallied up everything.

Great. Oh, I- for this two-month trip, this was between like beginning, middle of January to like beginning, middle of March, I took 10 flights. Wow. I took two bus rides, stayed in 12 hotels, two Airbnbs, two trains, uh, I visited 22 cities and towns.

I went to nine states. Four rental cars, three ski resorts. . And I skied 200,000, I skied, in that trip, I skied 169,000 vertical feet.

And so... Wow. So just one or two a day. Yeah, it was just casual, it was chill.

And this was all within two months. And what brought me to do that was the year prior, like 2024, I had had so many really beautiful experiences with nature. And I did them with people who really inspired me with how they were living their lives. Like, people who said like, "Fuck this.

I'm quitting my job and I'm like gonna road trip across America for five months and then, like, just figure it out." And like people who have like quit their, like, corporate job, and like decided to like live in like this little ski town and just work there for the rest of their lives. Like, people who I was very privileged and grateful to meet and that I love, and that really like made an influence on me to like think bigger about like what's possible and like, like using the privilege that I have to, like, make experiences available to me. Because, like you, we have free will, and I think that like as, like, members of society, as primal human beings who have such, like, wired fear of like going against social norms or like what other people expect of you, we oftentimes like hold ourselves back from just like taking advantage of opportunities that we could be taking advantage of, you know?

And so these people really inspired me and I was like, "I- I wanna do this for myself. Like, I wanna experience like just doing something where I say F it, I'm doing something crazy and big that I never thought that I would do." And so that's what brought me to doing this two-month trip. And luckily I am mostly full-time educating and a lot of that is work from home, and so I can bring my laptop anywhere and technically work from anywhere.

So, I had planned to do a couple ski trips ar- along this, visit a couple cities, visit some people who I knew who lived out there, and then also we had The Modern Hair Stylist tour along that, and I had some other classes and hair shows to do along that. That was all within two months. It was wild. Wow.

So, I flew from Philly up to Whistler and I did Whistler Gay Ski Week by myself. And then I went over to Vancouver, was able to visit Vancouver for the first time. It's a very beautiful city. And that's where me and Jodi- Oh.

were able to meet up and do in-person recordings, and that was so lovely. I really have enjoyed my experience working with Jodi over the past, I don't know how long it's been now. I mean, it must be like- I don't- ... three years.

Yeah, it's been a while. Like, it's been a, I would say at least, yeah, around three- three years for sure. I feel like it's been three years, right? 'Cause...

I will get that data though. I don't know when you, I don't know, 'cause I mean I've... Were you... We did a couple one-off projects- Yeah, were you working with me- ...

a few times. when we were, when you were, when you came to Philly? I don't, were you doing my social when you came to Philly?I think we had worked together on a few one-off projects.

I'm not sure that we were fully- Consistently together. like, I think I had done some stuff, and we'd done a couple copy projects and launch-related stuff, but nothing, like, yeah, I don't think it was, like, a, a, like, monthly thing. Gotcha. Gotcha.

Yeah. So, something that's been so beautiful and very helpful for me this past year, and, and I believe in tw- in, like, like, middle to end of 2024, was Jodie started recording the podcast with me. And it's been so awesome because, uh, with my ADHD, like, I've had to learn, like, the things that will help me, like, show up to work and do them the best way that I possibly can, and, like, make also getting work done as easy as possible for me. And what has been really helpful with the podcast is having somebody to actually talk to while I'm doing it, and have, like, a scheduled time where I'm meeting with somebody and actually, like, recording it with somebody.

And the reason it being is because it's very hard to just, like, only be talking to yourself, right? Like, talking to a microphone. And as much as I, like, imagine myself talking to you listening to this, my friend, it's just not the same. And when you're listening to your own voice, it drives you absolutely mad sometimes, and I really tend to, like, over-criticize every single thing that I'm saying, so then I re-record a million times, and then it's just a terrible experience.

So I've been so grateful for Jodie, because Jodie has, like, spends, like, hours with me, like, recording these podcasts on a very consistent basis, and she is so passionate about it with me, and she's so smart and brilliant and brings great ideas to the table and makes me feel very safe and comfortable within these spaces. And the fact that I was able to do that with her in person was so special, and I would love to do it with you again, Jodie, at some point. But that was a really cool- Yeah. experience to bring, like, what we had been doing offline to in person.

Yeah. And I feel like we've been able to, like, keep that energy of how cool it was in person online as well, though. Totally. And that's what's cool is I think, like, setting the tone for the year with that in-person session was, like, like you said, it, it allowed us to kinda, like, h- keep that connection going all year.

So, it's been really amazing. And you know how much I love working with you and, you know, helping you bring all your brilliance forward. And that was a really cool way for me to start the year as well. I feel like it was just such a great, it was just such a great moment to kinda, like, center everything and have that in-person experience, for sure.

Yeah. And I wanna ask you two about, 'cause one of the things that we talked about, actually, like, when we were having dinner when we were there, is your experience with that first, like, solo ski week experience. So, that was, like, a major kinda push outside your comfort zone. Yeah.

So I had done one gay ski week by myself the year prior, and that was- Mm-hmm. Telluride Gay Ski Week, and that's actually where I ended up meeting one of the people who, like, I went on a bunch of trips with, who, like, inspired my two-month trip. But even then, I found myself, like, especially, I don't know what it is, I think it's just, like, around men. Like, men, like, very much intimidate me, period, right?

Especially gay men. I mean, straight men, like, they intimidate me in one way, but at the end of the day, I'm also like, "You're just an idiot," you know? Whereas, whereas, like, whereas, like, with gay men, like, it's like I just feel it's, there's, like, a different level of, like, intimidation and, and discomfort for me for whatever reason. It's, and it's something that I've talked about in therapy and things like that.

And I don't really have many friends, I have plenty of gay friends at home, and- Right. people who I've been friends with for years, you know? Like, I keep my circle very tight. Like, it's very rare for me that I actually, like, meet a new friend who, like, becomes an actual friend who I'm, like, actually texting with- Yeah.

who I'm going out of my way to, like, hang out with. Like, I'm very much, very comfortable within my own circle, which is probably not a great thing- Right. but it's working for me now, up until this point. And so I don't have, like, a lot of people who can just, like, go to a ski trip with me all the time, you know?

And so, I did Telluride Gay Ski Week that tw- in 2024, and I felt like I wasn't as social as I could've been. Like, I definitely tried, but I didn't, I definitely tried, but I didn't feel like I really fit in in, in the conversations and the circles that were there. And luckily, I did meet that one person, and we had a great time together. But other than that, like, I, I didn't really ha- I didn't feel like I had the experience that I wanted to have.

So, I wanted to go Whistler and, like, redeem myself. And I always wanted to go to Whistler, 'cause it's supposed to be a really, it was, always had, supposed to be, like, a really amazing ski resort. And I was like, okay, like- Yeah. Whistler Gay Ski Week, this is aligning really well with, like, the other things that I have going on on my schedule, like the different hair shows, the tours that I was gonna do.

I was like, "Okay, this is a great place to start." And so, I went there, and it was even worse than Telluride Gay Ski Week. I went to these parties, and, like, these dudes were just, like, even more, like, intimidating to me. There were a lot of them, a lot of them were, like, a lot older than me too, as, like, when I go to these events, normally I'm, like, the youngest person in the room, which isn't that big of a deal, but just adds, like, a different layer of, like, disconnect as far as- Yeah.

social interaction goes, I feel like. People who are really close to me know that I, like, talk in, like, memes and, like, Gen Z slang, and it's, so it's really hard for me to, like, it's really hard for me to connect with people who, like, don't understand those things on, like, a really personal, social level. So- Right. I had a really shitty experience as far as the social side of it goes.

But the skiing there, like, was so, it totally made up for it. Like, it was so fulfilling for me to do that. And, like, I just, th- I love skiing so much because it, like, fills, like, my adrenaline tank. And, like- Yeah.

and, like, it also, it's also a challenge. Like, it's something where it's, like, I can, I'm always bettering myself. I'm always, I'm able to take risks. Like, it's something that I can grow in, you know?

And so, I just l- I love it so much. And it's probably also something to do with the fact that I can't do it all year round. So, like, when I get to do it, I'm like, "Yes." Like, "Let's freaking go," you know?

So the skiing was amazing. Skiing is harder than it looks. It is... If you have done it since you're a child, then you- Mm-hmm.

are great. Like, it's "easy," quote-unquote. Getting better at it is not necessarily, like-... easy, per se, but, like- Yeah.

but, like, just getting on skis and staying balanced and, like, going fast and, like, being able to stop, all that stuff, it's easy if you've done it since you were young. But if you try to learn as an adult, it is very- Mm-hmm. very difficult. And honestly, I grew up, like, I moved to Canada when I was 10, and I had skied, like, I lived at s- a ski resort.

My brother was in kindergarten. My mom and my brother used to go skiing every day after school. That is so cool. So I skied, like, the entire time I was a kid.

Such a daredevil on the ski hill. And then I tried again as an adult after a break, and I was like, "This is terrifying." Like, I'm gonna break my bones. Yeah.

Like, it's, it's, so yeah. Like, when you're a kid, there's no fear there, so if you can sustain it the whole time. But yeah, as an adult, like, the, it's like, it's so fun, but there's also, like, you're at the top of a mountain, you know? Like ...

It, oh yeah, and you're going very fast. Yeah. Speaker 1<|agent|><|en|> And it's also not just, like- ... there's so many risks to it 'cause it's not just, it's like, like driving, right?

Like, it's not just you. It's also, like, the other skiers on the mountain. Like, somebody can just, like, slam into the back of you or, like, decide that they wanna take a left really quickly, you know, and, and they can take you down, take you down with them. So, it is a dangerous sport, for sure, but it's worth- Yeah.

the risk for me. And I'm, and I'm a pretty conservative and safe person when I'm skiing. Mm-hmm. Until I'm doing, like, jumps and shit, and all of a s- Right.

all of the stuff that I'm, like, really getting into now. But I try my best to stay safe. It's so cool, too, that you, like, were able to, 'cause like the other thing that you were doing, like, was during this whole trip is, like, you had all of these things that you just discovered, and then you also had, like, a really heavy workload. So, I think that's kinda like where we should go next is, 'cause like you got to put yourself in nature and you were having all these experience, but, like, what did that feel like on the backend of trying to do a massive project inside of your business that was kind of like a behind the scenes massive project at the time, and still be having all of these, like, different experiences on your trip?

Yeah. So, th- the end of 2024, I did, like, a big, you know, year planning situation and I had, like, a s- really clear plan for like all the things that I wanted to do and accomplish in 2025. And one of those things was, like, redo the entire curriculum with Modern Stylist Movement, retire pre-visit pathway, and, like, doing that, like, creating that type of content, I don't think anybody, unless you've actually done it, like, really recognizes, like, how intense it is and, like, how much goes into it. And, you know, I was in a space where I was like, "Okay, like, I can bring my equipment.

Like, I can, like, record this stuff. I can create it while I'm going along. Like, I can, you know, work on my laptop while I'm doing this stuff. Like, what's stopping me from doing that?"

And what I ran into was, like, I was in these spaces where I had never been before and there were so many opportunities for me to, like, go and see something new and explore. And my vision before I went on my two-month trip was, like, "I'm gonna go to these places and I'll be able to, like, work, like, 9:00 to 5:00 here and there, and then I'll, like, go out after and explore." But it was- Right. really hard for me to not feel some sort of, like, FOMO, right?

And to actually sit down and get the things done. And then just environmentally, of course. Like, I was changing my location all the time and it was really hard for me to ha- like, make sure that I had, like, a proper setup. Even, like, with, like, a, a, uh, an outlet close enough to me to be able to, like, sit down and record in the place that I needed to.

But then also just the project ended up s- being a lot larger than I thought it was gonna be as well. And so, the lesson that I took away from it was, like, I thought that I was gonna be able to, like, get the work done and the business done at the same time. And the things that I had to do, I definitely did get done, but it was in a much more slow way and I did not accomplish a near- nearly as much as I wish I would have. And while I was doing the fun things, I had the mosquito in my ear the entire time that was like, "You should be working.

You still have shit to be doing." And, and that mosquito was valid, but at the same time, like, it, it made me realize, like, if I'm going to be, like, doing something where I'm, like, away and, like- Mm-hmm. I really wanna indulge in an experience and, like, fully experience it without any, like, guilt or distractions, like, I need to prepare better for that. Like, and I need to make sure that I have the systems or have, like, the planning to make sure that, like, that stuff is done before I go and do that, because it was really hard for me to, to sit down and, like, chip away at the things that I needed to.

So, if you were to do it all again, like, say you were kind of like re-planning, right, 2025, 'cause I feel like we can't, like, apply this to the future 'cause it's never gonna be exactly the same again- Yeah. do you think you would have, like, just lessened the amount of, like, additional things you put on your plate during your trip, or do you feel like you would have waited 'til after? Good question. I think maybe I would have, like, prepared to have, like, a week where I'm staying at a place in which- Mm-hmm.

there is, like, not much for me to see . And like, that's like- Right. my work week, you know? Like, I, I- Right.

I probably would've, like, planned more intentionally. Like, I kind of, like, when I'm, uh, and, uh, you know, going back to the theme of what I've been talking about a lot recently, you know, and, like, and, like, also attributing to my success in other things, like in 2025. Like, the ti- the, taking the time to intentionally plan for your work and how you'll be spending your time ahead of time is so valuable, and I didn't do that. I was like, "This is such a dynamic trip."

It was kind of like, it just felt like, "Okay, I'm just gonna work and when I can and then I'm gonna go do the fun things when I can." And I wish I maybe would have planned the exact times and dates that I'd be working on things ahead of time, and I think that that would've helped a lot. Well, and I feel like that kind of plays into, like, the whole accountability talk, right? 'Cause it was like, for me, I know that when I'm doing behind the scenes projects that nobody really knows about yet, I'm like, "Well, there's no actual, like, there's my mental deadline-" Right.

"... but there's no actual deadline," you know? Yeah. So you can be like, "Okay, well, this can, like, hold off, or nobody's actually, like, waiting on it, so I can get this done later," or whatever it may be.

And if there's not- Yeah. And y- and so I need, like, my own structure or I need some sort of, like, event that's gonna, like, force me to, like, have that same feeling of like, "You need to get this done by that date," you know?... so. Totally.

So, how did all of those, like, in-person experiences ... 'Cause, like, you had in-person salon classes, you had tour dates. Like, all of those things. How, how did you, like, balance that out with, like, the re-recording and everything?

Like, how did that feel in terms of ... Do you feel like you took things away that you ended up bringing into the program? Do you feel like there was, like, a different ... Do you feel like it was just to- two totally different experiences?

Like, what was that like? 'Cause you were teaching other things while you were doing all the re-recordings as well. Yeah. I think, like, my honest answer is, like, for the tour, like, I ...

Because I was doing, like, doing the same thing over and over and over again, it was easy for me to come to the table with, like, the curriculum that I had because it was so interactive. Like, I really like my events to be interactive. Like, I don't want you to just, like, sit there and just, like, learn the entire time. And so, the tours were so interesting because ...

And every class I have is so interesting because the way that it goes, especially with the way that I build them, is completely dependent on who's there. And it's, like, so beautiful. It was so beautiful to have five full tours f- f- tour dates this year in which I was able to create completely different yet similar experiences in each space and learn something from each space, and have each of these people, like, just experience a brand new version of it. Like, it was so beautiful and, like, very cool.

And so, it wasn't necessarily hard for me to, like, show up and, like, deliver because I really was just showing up and also leaving a lot of flex time too. Like, I wasn't like, "This is the strict agenda." I was like, "I want to know what you guys want to learn and then we will fill in the gaps with whatever you want to learn." And I felt like it was a really nice, feel-good experience for everybody, and we got great reviews from it.

And it really kept me, like, motivated and inspired along the way. And I showed up to these tours so, like, refreshed and fulfilled, b- these tour dates refreshed and fulfilled because I was doing so many really cool things, like, in between them and I was, like, really reconnecting with nature and all that stuff. So, I was coming from such, like, a fresh, happy perspective and an energetic perspective, and it definitely made it just that much better Oh, I love that. I feel like there's probably ...

It probably would be hard for you to narrow down, like, the work-related highlights from that period. What were your, like, personal highlights from that two-month trip? I did Death Valley National Park by myself in California, and, uh, that was so, like, life-changing and gratifying to me. Right.

Like, that was, like, the first, like, intense national park that I, like, fully, like, dove into and stayed there by myself and hiked around by myself the entire time. And it's also extremely desolate. Like, very ... You're in the middle of, like, a desert-like situation and it's just so beautiful and so unique and so cool.

And being, like, in this space where, like, you could see, like, every single star in the sky, where there was, like, so many, like, unique, like, like, landforms that, like, the earth just, like, naturally created, it was just, like, so beautiful and I had just, like, such, like, a new appreciation for life. And especially doing it by myself, I was so proud of myself because I, I definitely did, like, hard things and I did scary things too, like ... And especially that time of the year that I went, like, it was very empty there. Like, there were people but, like, it was not nearly as crowded as it normally is.

And f- for example, like, I went to the salt flats. I forget what the specific area is called that they have it, like, landmarks, but I went to one of the salt flats where it's just, like, this, like, huge, flat valley and it's, like, the lowest elevation point either in the world or in the, in North America or something like that. And I went there one night at, like, I don't know, like, 11:30. Or no, 10:30, 11:00 by, by myself, and I, like, sat in the middle of the salt flats and I was just, like, stargazing for, like, 30 minutes.

And I was terrified Wow. because, like, there's nothing there. It's absolutely, like, pitch black and there was nobody else there, but it was just like- Wow. being, like, alone with the world and the stars was absolutely beautiful , as, like, corny as that is.

Aw. No. I love that. And it was, like, scary too.

That's- So, like, overcoming the sc- like, the fear to, like, go experience something beautiful was, like, also, like, really empowering as well too. So, when you did that, I didn't know that you did that yourself or, like, by yourself. Was that, like, are you out there for, like, a couple of days? Like, are you going back to, like, your car or, like, a campsite at night, or, like, how does that work in terms of ...

Like, were you, like, truly, like, like, cut off for that time you were there? For this trip, not necessarily. I had planned pretty poorly and I didn't realize, like, how little options there were for staying at Death Valley. I also, since I was on my, like, crazy long trip, I didn't really have any options for affordable, like, camping.

I would've loved- Right. to camp when I was there. There is- Right. Yeah.

one bougie-ass, like, little town and also, like, this bougie, like, resort there, and those are, like ... There's, like, two, like, hotels basically and, like, that's it, like, in the middle of this spot. And I stayed at, like, one of the bougie ones. I, like, used airline miles to, to book it there.

Nice. I think I was there for, like, three nights, and so luckily I was able to, like, go back there and, like, you know, experience wifi and stuff like that again. But I spent, like, the entire day and night out, and it was really, at the end of the day- Wow. just a place to sleep.

Yeah. But I, I ... The entire time I was there I was actually, like, texting all my friends saying like, "I wish I was sleeping outside," you know? 'Cause it was, like, nice and warm- Right.

and I love waking up in a tent. Like, waking up in a tent, especially, like, one with, like, mesh so you can, like, see outside, waking up in a- Yeah. waking up outside is, like, so, such a beautiful way to start my morning. Like, I love that shit because again it's, like, I'm still, like, deprived from, like, all, like, the normal stimuli of the day-to-day, and I'm, like, just waking up in this- Yeah.

beautiful, like, space and, like, hearing, like, the noises of nature and, like, birds chirping and stuff like that. And I'm sounding so corny but, like, genuinely this is how I feel. Like, I just appreciate it so much. So, while I was there, to answer your question, I did have, like, this hotel that I went back to at the end of the night.

But other than that, like, I was spending all day and night out doing stuff.You know what I think is so interesting is, like, I feel like everyone knows you as someone who is so, like, tech-forward, which you are. Like, that is, like, also reality. Like, you are so, like, you know, involved in, like, new things and technology and, like, automations and, like, systems and all of these, like, really, like, modern, like ...

I'm, I'm trying to think of the word that I was looking for. I get what you're saying. But basically ... Yeah, you know what I'm saying, right?

And then also, it's like, I think what's really cool is, like, seeing the duality of, like, what your, like, hobbies and interests are outside of that, because I think, like, a lot of people, it- it ... Like, I think it's just spotlighting that you can be so many different things. Yeah. You know what I mean?

Like, we don't have to be a monolith. Well, and I also think, like, it's, like, a term for me, it's like, it's a, it's a balance for me, you know? Yes. Like, I'm s- especially with a full-time work-from-home job, like, especially one that is extremely tech and computer, and also, like- Yes.

social media heavy, right? Like, I'm in, like, that- Yeah. that modern hustle of today's day and age- Yeah. like, so hardcore all the time, that I love and I crave the opposite of it, and I also crave, like, moving and using my body, and, like, challenging myself in those ways instead.

Yeah. And so it's almost like I'm, like, yearning for, like, the opposite side of what my day-to-day is, so that way I can, like, rebalance myself and, like, recover, and, like, come back to the other side, you know? It's a good point though. I mean- Yeah.

I, I, it is, it is very different. I don't ... And I think that a lot of- Yeah. like, my friends and family, like, that have known me for a really long time, I don't think that they would have expected me to, like, be, like, super, like, big into, like, outdoorsy stuff, whether it be skiing, hiking, or camping.

Right. And it's because I've, like, always been a computer nerd. Like, I've always, like, wanted to, like- Right. stay on my computer inside and, like, build websites for fun since I was, like, 10 years old, you know?

But I guess- Right. I just wasn't really presented with many opportunities besides my mom trying to, like, force me into sports th- that were- Right. like, super outdoorsy, because, like, my mom and my dad just, like, weren't into that stuff. And so, discovering it- Yeah.

as an adult has been really special too. Like, my, my boyfriend, he is an Eagle Scout, and I, like, try to, like, bring him to, like, this nature-y stuff and, like, get him into it, and he's just, like, not as impressed, because he's, like, kind of like been there, done that as a kid. And I think because- Right. like, I'm experiencing it, like, very freshly, like, in my 20s for the first time- Yeah.

like, I think I had that much more appreciation for it, I guess. Yeah, the novelty's a really big thing, I feel like, and that's something that's, like, you know, as much as, like, we talk about business and entrepreneurship and all of those things, like, one of the things that you and I were discussing before we hit record was about how important it is to, like, be ... Like, t- like, I love how you said it's like the balance, right? It's like making sure that you're getting those moments for yourself as well, and, like, the beginning half of this year, and this year in general, like, you've had so many work-related commitments, and you've done so many cool things in your personal life.

And so I love that idea. Like, balance, I think on a day-to-day basis is really hard to achieve, so it's, like, big picture, like ... Yes. You know, like when you look back at the whole year, how you've been able to kind of bring that in.

Yeah, 100%. And, you know, I think that doing it alone too, I mean, that two-month trip, like, I, I do stuff alone ... I've been doing stuff alone for so long. Like, I'll go to concerts alone.

Like, I'll, like, do, like, trips alone. I fly alone all the time, right? But the two-month trip, like, by myself, like, was proof to me that, like, all I, all I have to rely on is myself, and I think that was a really also, like, beautiful lesson from that entire experience, was like, I'm- Yeah. like, totally happy, like, with just me.

Like, I can find, like, fulfillment with, like, just me. Like, I don't need to rely on anybody else, and I think that, like, coming out of my breakup, even though it had been, like, two years at that point, I think, like, that was a really nice ... I was learning that after ... I had to l- I had to learn that after I, my breakup for like, f- over that time, and I think that was, like, really, like, my cherry on top of, like, yes, like, I, if I was alone for the rest of my life, like, I could be completely okay.

And, like, the, the real only source of joy that you'll ever find is, like, within yourself. That's, like, actually fulfilling. Ah. And what a hyper-relevant lesson for hairstylists, right?

Because how many of us put so much of our identity, I know I did for a really long time, into, like, what we do for work and, like, what we are to other people. Yeah. And I think that's, like, a really big thing for, like, our beauty industry community for sure- Yeah. to, like, have that just knowing.

Yeah, and I think also, like, the other thing with nature too is that, like, it helps you see the big picture too. Like, when you're in, like, the day-to-day of everything, it's really hard for you to not be comparing yourself to everybody else, to be thinking about all the things that your brain wants you to think about that's, like, negative and not helpful or whatever it may be. When you're in nature, you're just like, "Wow, like, life, like," "life is just, like, so ridiculous," you know? Like, and all- Yeah.

of, like, the, all of the shit that we have to deal with on the day-to-day, we literally ... It's all made up. Like, all, like, our social- Right. interactions and expectations and financial obligations, it's all fake.

Like, it's all, like, made up, you know? Mm-hmm. And so I feel like it just like ... And of course I say that with, like, nuance, right?

Like, I'm not saying that- Of course. like, we should ... We get it. We, we know the type of person I am.

Like- Yeah. I get that that's not the ... That's, for some people, that i- it is reality. We have to handle it every single day.

It affects our experience. But when you go to nature, you're like, "Damn," like, "this is ridiculous that on the day-to-day I have to deal with this bullshit," when in reality, like, the world is so fucking beautiful, and, like, we get to, like- Yeah. exist on this planet, and, like, that's so cool, you know? Totally, and when you go in places that are so open like that, it's like, wow, there really are still ...

'Cause, like, when you're just living your life day-to-day, it's hard to even, like, picture the fact that there could be places where you could go that there would not be another person- Yes. for miles, right? It's so true. Yes.

Especially with Death Valley. I could not believe how huge it was too. Like, I was like, "Damn," like, "how is this a small part of this state?" You know?

Like- Right. the world is so huge, and you're so right. Like, I don't ... Our brains, like, cannot, like, conceptualize those things until you actually, like, go and, like, put yourself in it too.

100%. So with that trip, is there anything else that you wanna share in terms of, like, takeaways or, like, anything that was just, like, a really big, I guess, like, s- a- a something you learned from that trip? Like, anything else you wanna share? I did a second Gay Ski Week while I was on this, while I was on this two-month trip.

I went back to Telluride to redeem myself for a Gay Ski Week. Yeah. And it was my, my third attempt of, like, trying to have a good Gay Ski Week by myself. Right.

And at this point, you know, I was just like, like I ... And it really, like, again, it comes down to, like, just social anxiety, like, with particular demographics, you know. If this was, like, a bunch of, like, women that I was around, I'd be like, "Hell yeah," like, "Let's go," 'cause that's just who I've been surrounded with my entire life. That's who I'm, uh, who I'm used to, like, socializing with.

But, like- Right. I guess my dad is just, like, a very non-social individual, and I think that that definitely helps, uh, that has, has in- has influenced my, like, social anxiety around men. Right. And so, like, it's just so hard for me to, like, get out of my shell and, like, not feel like I have to have this, like, fake conversation with somebody, like, just to, like, get along with them and get the ball rolling as far as, like, a friendship goes.

Mm-hmm. And luckily, I ran into these two people, I met these two people at Telluride Gay Ski Week on the ski lift that- Mm-hmm. were my age and lived, one of them lived down the street from me in Philly, and I didn't even, uh, you know, we didn't know each other, and we just- Oh, how nice. happened to meet each other.

Yeah. And I got along with them really well, and we are actually going, we are all going to Whistler Gay Ski Week next year. So I'm really looking forward to that. Oh, amazing.

So I actually, like, made friends, which was, like, crazy, which was, like, absolutely nuts. That's huge. I don't know, I don't know if there's a lesson in that, but it was, like, a pretty prominent thing that happened 'cause I was not expecting that to happen at all. Yeah.

And I, I, I'm glad that I, like, didn't give up on, like, trying to, like, make friends, you know. I was gonna say, I think the lesson is that, like, you did this thing, and you were like, "Oh," like, "This is not kind of, like, how I wanted it to go," but then you didn't let that 'cause like, oh my god, I wish I could say that I never let an experience like hold me back, like a bad experience hold me back from doing something I wanted to, but I can't say that. Right. Like it definitely has.

Right. And so I think that, like, it's really, like, inspiring and honestly, like, puts things into perspective a lot that you were like, "No, I'm gonna go to Gay Ski Week. I'm gonna have a good time." Yes.

"I don't care that it wasn't, you know, what I wanted it to be last time. Like, I'm gonna make it, I'm gonna make it fun for myself this time." I think that in itself is the lesson. Yeah.

Like, not giving up on the things you wanna do because of, like, past experiences. Sure. Yeah. And I think, like, letting go of the ex- I think at that point, I let go of expectations too.

I think that was really helpful as well. You know, like when you're anxious about something- Yeah. you're thinking about how it's supposed to go, how you want it to go, and like, how you don't want it to go. And at that point, I was just like, "Well, fuck it."

Like, I've had, like, two, like, pretty shitty social experiences at these places. Right. So like, why not just, like, just see what happens at that point, so. Yeah.

Third time's- Yeah. a charm. Yeah. And just to shout out anybody who's listening to this who it's relevant to, if I saw, if I've seen you in person over the past year, just know, like, every single, every single in-person interaction that I had with industry-related people this past year has been magical.

It has been- Yeah. so beautiful. Like, I, it has been, w- it's m- it's made it all worth it. It makes, like, the exhaustion of traveling, like, absolutely worth it.

I, I, I would say, like, and I guess we can talk about this next episode, but, like, I came back from a lot of travel this year, more than just my two-month trip, and I was, like, really, really tired. And I learned- Yeah. a lot from that, and I'm changing a lot in my life because of that. But, like- Right.

all of that was, it's not that it wasn't worth it, right? Like, all of it has been so worth it to be able to, like, meet and see all of you guys in person, if I have gotten to see you. Sometimes they're, those, like, push seasons I think are definitely worth it. Let's...

Okay, let's talk about what happened when you got back to Philly after your trip, and then we'll, um, 'cause we're gonna do, since obviously a lot has happened for Hunter this year, it was definitely not gonna fit into one episode. No. So we're gonna do part one and part two, but let's talk about kinda what happened once you got back to Philly, kind of wrapping up until j- let's say June-ish. Right.

And then we can split the year in half. Dodie's wanting me to say that I got a man. She is, she is wanting you to break it down. I got a boyfriend.

So I met, I met this boy before I left on my two-month trip, and I was kind of like, I was kind of like very upfront with him. I was like, "Listen, I'm going on this two-month trip, and I don't think, like, exclusivity is, like, in the cards for..." I said this very nicely. Like, this might sound like I'm being an asshole, but I, I just, it was a very mature, very kind conversation that I was having with this dude.

I was like, "I don't think exclusivity is like, r- I'm ready for that yet, but like, once we come back from this... I like this direction that we're going in, and like, once I come back from this trip, like, I would love to consider that with you." And he was, like, totally on the same page, and he came and visited me on my trip as well too. He flew into Reno.

We did Lake Tahoe, and we skied Lake Tahoe together actually. Something, another thing- Nice. that I, like, begged him to do with me that he can do. It's like he can go skiing.

He can do this hiking stuff. It's just I kinda have to, like, he's not gonna be the one who's gonna, like, plan that trip. Right. Like, I'm gonna have to be the one who plans the trip, but he comes, and he has a good time when we do it.

But he flew into Reno- ... met me at Lake Tahoe, and then we road tripped over to San Francisco. We spent some time in Fr- San Francisco, and then he went home. So it was really nice to see him while I was on the trip and also just travel with him to, like, that's a really great test, you know.

Like if you g- It is a huge test. Yeah. Like, if you can, if you can travel with somebody well, normally you'll be able to like, you know, have a actual serious relationship with them well, as well too. So I came back from the trip, and naturally there was no necessarily, like, a conversation about it, but it's, it was like that was it, and so we're boyfriends now.

And it's really great. I'm very happy, and it's good, and we're coming up on, like, technically, like, a year since we started talking. And it's been really great. I had to, like, work through, like, a lot of, like-...

fear of it, like, being, like, the wrong decision to, like, commit to somebody again, 'cause I felt like I wasted so much, especially after these experiences. Especially after these experiences. Like, I found so much fulfillment and joy in doing whatever the fuck I wanted to do, right, whenever I wanted to do it, with nobody else being involved, right? And that made me 10 times more scared than I already was from my trauma from my past relationship to commit to somebody else, you know?

Because regardless, of course you can still find your own self-fulfillment when you're with somebody, right, on, on a- Yeah. traditional, monogamous level. But, like, there is a sort of, like, responsibility with that, you know? Like, no matter what, like, this is your personal- Compromise sometimes?

Yep. You're n- am I right? Could you- am I right? Like, yes?

Like ... Yeah, for sure. I think it's, like, there is, like, there's a lot to consider. It's a big commitment, and then also it's, like, there is, like, an element of, like, compromise in a relationship from both sides.

Yeah. Like, not that you have to compromise everything, but it's, like, you, like, when you're with another person that you're gonna spend every weekend together, for example, like, you're not gonna probably get to do what just you want 100% of the time. Right. Right?

'Cause it's not, like- So, yes. fair to the other person. Yes. Thank you.

Yes. So I come back from this trip, and it was kinda hard for me to, like, be okay with it. But I became okay- Right. with it and I don't regret it this past year at all.

And I've had some great experiences. And I've even, you know, I've had my own ... I'm still doing my own stuff, you know? So like, over the summer, I did, I went to IBS Las Vegas and I taught there.

And then on the back end of that, I went and I camped in Bryce Canyon and I camped at Zion. And, you know, I've been traveling my butt off and it's been great. And then we ended up doing a trip, and this was not 'til July, but on the back end of my tours. We ended up together going to Sequoia National Park, and we did San Fran again just 'cause it was close by.

And that was beautiful. So it's not, so I don't feel deprived from, like, the things that bring me fulfillment, you know? He's just an additional thing to that instead of, like, replacing that, you know? I love that.

Well, and I feel like it's, like, you obviously through all these experiences and over the past, like, few years even, like, when you grow so much as a person, like, I feel like you enter, like, every new ... And even, like, I've been married for 10 years. But it's, like, every phase, like, I don't, like, I don't think relationships stay exactly the same all the time, 'cause we don't stay the same all the time. Right.

And it's, like, you get to, like, re-enter, like, you know, partnerships or relationships, like, whether it's personal, professional, however that is, as this, like, different or evolved, I guess, like, version of you. And I think that's really interesting too. Like, how, you know, over time, you just get to learn, like, what you want in your life, what you want in your relationships. And I started a retreat company and new business and all of these things with a five-year-old at home and married for five years.

So, like, honestly, I think regardless of your relationships, like, we should all be fulfilled personally as well. Absolutely. Like, I think there's room for both. Yeah, 100%.

I agree. And I feel like I've been able to still find that with him, which has been nice. Yeah. And he, and it's- I know.

uh, it's great too, because he's very supportive of me having my own experiences, you know? And I think that just- Yes. that requires, like, a level of maturity, you know? Like, and a level of, like, just mutual understanding, you know?

That it's just like just because I'm finding, like, fulfillment in this experience without you does not mean that I don't find fulfillment within you and, like, you being a part of my life, you know? Yeah. Oh, I just love this for you. Yeah.

I'm so excited for you. And okay, with that, let's end this part one on this super happy note, and then next week, you can listen to the second half of the year, which was different things, but no much, or not less, like, you know ... Crazy? interesting.

Yeah, absolutely. I'm excited to break it down. I don't know where I was going with that. Anyways.

L- listen, my friend, if you've listened to this episode the entire way through, oh my God, thank you so much for even caring about anything that I have to say. I so appreciate it so much. So thanks for tuning in. I'll catch you in the next episode, where you can learn about the second half of my year, if you care.

Thank you so much, Jodi, for facilitating this conversation. Peace out, girl scout. Bye bye.

End of transcript. © 2025 Hunter Donia LLC.