This episode? Yeah… this one hurt.

Sarah finally tells Erika the full story of Married Guy #5 (also known as Dopamine Doolittle), and let’s just say… the math is not mathing, the timeline is suspicious, and the audacity is fully clocked in.

What started as a few days of easy conversation, attraction, and “maybe this could be something” quickly spirals into a reality check that hits a little too close to home. Because nothing quite compares to finding out after the fact that someone took away your ability to make an informed decision. Cool. Love that for us.

We get into:

💔 The emotional whiplash of feeling something real… and then realizing it wasn’t built on truth

🧠 Why “I couldn’t resist you” is not the romantic statement some men think it is

🚩 Love-bombing, over-apologizing, and the fine line between guilt and accountability

🔥 The pattern of attracting unavailable men (and what the hell to do about it)

🖤 Owning your feelings without letting someone else’s actions define your worth

There’s sarcasm. There’s anger. There’s a little bit of “am I the problem?” and a lot of “no actually… I’m not.”

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about Married Guy #5.

It’s about boundaries.

It’s about self-respect.

And it’s about choosing yourself… even when it would be easier not to.

Listen now before we spiral again. 🚨🎧 #LivingUnderstaffed #DatingFails #EmotionalDamage #UnderpaidAndOverIt

Shoutout + credit to Joao Nogueira for the video on good women. You get it.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING

This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, coercive control, trauma, infertility, and mental health. Listener discretion advised. Please take care of yourself while listening. 💛

This week on Living Understaffed, Sarah & Erika sit down with indie romance author Elle Sparrow—professional heart-wrencher, emotional damage dealer (in the best way), and the woman behind stories that don’t just flirt with darkness… they unpack it, heal it, and hand it back with consent and communication.

From pandemic plot twists to publishing 20 books in 5 years, Elle takes us behind the scenes of building an indie author empire fueled by spice, storytelling, and a refusal to romanticize harmful dynamics.

But this episode? It goes deeper.

We talk about:

• What it actually means to survive and rebuild after abuse
• The difference between toxic fantasy vs. healthy power dynamics
• Why representation in romance matters (and where it’s been getting it wrong 👀)
• The emotional reality of healing, identity loss, and learning to trust yourself again
• And yes… the dating-show-style interrogation she puts her characters through before writing them (honestly, we might start using these questions on real men)

Elle shares how she turned trauma into storytelling—not to sanitize it, but to validate it, and how her books create space for readers to feel seen without judgment.

Also featuring:

💀 Sarah surviving Vegas, illness, and capitalism

🫠 Erika navigating divorce, adulthood, and sourdough as a coping mechanism

🔥 And all of us collectively realizing… we may have been accepting the bare minimum for YEARS

If you’ve ever questioned your instincts, your relationships, or your worth—this one’s going to hit.

👉 Buckle up. This episode is equal parts healing, horny book talk, and emotional damage control.

Visit Elle's website for her latest info, newsletter and upcoming events - and obviously, her books! Go support this amazing human: www.ellesparrow.com

Per usual... Check out our Linktree to support the pod, laugh (and probably cry) with/at us, and check out the latest shenanigans we've gotten ourselves into: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

After 3 weeks off the grid, Sarah & Erika are BACK and somehow still alive, employed, and only mildly unhinged.

👉 Erika is in her self-care comeback era (lashes done, life pending 💅)

👉 Sarah is casually working 120-hour pay periods like burnout is a personality trait

👉 The photo booth business is picking up… so if anyone can clone us, now’s your moment

🎭 This Week: Badass Women of History

Julie d’Aubigny (La Maupin) — the 1700s icon who made chaos a full-time job:

• Opera star by 17 🎶
• Dueled men regularly… and WON ⚔️
• Kissed a woman at a royal ball → fought 3 men → beat them all
• Broke her girlfriend out of a convent (allegedly set it on fire, as one does)
• Got paid ~$450K to leave a man alone and said “absolutely not”
• 
  

Yes, this is a real person. Yes, her life was a fever dream.

We also get into burnout, emotional chaos, and that RUDE poem about giving your body more than getting flowers (you’ve been warned).

📚 Book Rec

The Real Life of Julie d’Aubigny – Kelly Gardiner - For when you need proof that your life is actually pretty calm.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/01fqzjOF

Listen now before we regret our life choices on-air. 🚨🎧 #LivingUnderstaffed #DatingFails #MovingMadness #UnderpaidAndOverIt

Link: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

This week’s episode is a chaotic, hilarious, unexpectedly heartfelt roundtable featuring a whole table full of indie authors we adore. What started as a creative retreat turned into one of the most honest conversations we’ve had in a while — about burnout, self-care (or lack thereof), neurodivergent brains trying to relax, creative pressure, and why women are historically terrible at doing literally anything for themselves. Somewhere between Ro-Mad-Libs, Cadbury Egg Creme trauma, and Bass Pro Shops chaos, we accidentally had a real conversation about what it actually looks like to survive creativity, adulthood, and capitalism at the same time.

We talk writing, retreats, friendship, healing, therapy breakthroughs, and why sometimes the most productive thing you can do is sit in a room with people who get it. It’s funny, it’s a little unhinged, and it’s one of those episodes that reminds us why we keep doing this podcast in the first place.

We’re spotlighting all of these incredible women for the next couple of weeks, and you can find ALL of their links in our Linktree so you can stalk them properly and support indie authors the way the algorithm refuses to. 📚🔥

👏🏼 Meg Becker – Spicy romance author, up and coming screenwriter

💫 Lindsey Hobson – Children’s books

➡️ Annie Lisenby – YA, romance, and adult fun books (like the game we played in this episode)

✍🏼 Maranda Collins – Action thriller author with strong, high-stakes storytelling

👀 Samantha Howell – Emerging YA post-apocalyptic writer

LINKTREE - https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

🧠 ADHD side quests (cleaning one thing turns into reorganizing your entire life)

✈️ Planes, trains, automobiles, and storage units that cost more than rent

🍞 Sourdough starters with old-lady names

🐕 Dogs eating sweatpants and surviving purely on vibes

📚 Writing dystopian, action-packed, feminist-rage-fueled books that actually make you feel something

Eisley walks us through her Glitched series, a genre-bending dystopian saga featuring modern-day Spartans, secret civilizations, revenge arcs, mythology, romance, rage, and women who absolutely do not wait to be rescued. We talk writing process, rejection, self-publishing, playlists for fight scenes, accidental kink leaks, and why “say my name again” is the line. 🔥

Also discussed:

• Why writer’s block is fake (for Eisley, at least)

• Third-person POV supremacy

• Emotional damage as a literary device

• Men who want to be called “good boy” (unprompted)

• Why being direct isn’t being mean

• Darkness, light, and absolutely no compliment sandwiches

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt understaffed, overstimulated, underestimated, or one minor inconvenience away from becoming a vigilante.

Listen now before we reorganize something unnecessarily and forget what we were doing in the first place. 💅📖🚨

Affiliate Shoutouts Because Capitalism Still Exists:

If you enjoyed this episode and want to support the pod without emotionally overextending yourself, check out our affiliates in the show notes. 🎧💸

Grab a $15 Instacart credit for your first order (because grocery stores are a sensory nightmare), stock up on things that make life easier, and help us keep the lights on, the mics hot, and Erika marginally hydrated.

As always, using our links helps support Living Understaffed at no extra cost to you—and we appreciate you more than our unfinished to-do lists appreciate us. ❤️

LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Are you interested in the Good Boy Special???? Check out our Linktree for more information.

🎆 Happy New Year, you beautiful under- and over-achievers. 🎆

Living Understaffed is ready, baby—Season 3 starts NOW with Sarah & Erika doing what they do best: existing loudly, being wildly unprepared, and accidentally having deep conversations while absolutely not sticking to the plan.

Episode 54 kicks off 2026 with the girls recording together in Alabama (yes, really), fresh off antique treasure hunts, Barnes & Noble chaos, travel trauma, lost luggage grief, and one extremely unfortunate suitcase incident that involved missing journals, emotional damage, and—somehow—penises. So. Many. Penises. 🧳✈️💀 Why????

What starts as a casual New Year catch-up quickly spirals into:

• Goal setting (eventually… like 54 minutes in)
• What success actually looks like after two years of podcasting
• Being confident while also admitting we don’t know what the hell we’re doing
• Mental health, feminism, careers, kids (or not having them), and why anxiety is basically a personality trait
• Friendship > content creation (but also… pls like, share, and subscribe)
• Proof that “understaffed” is not a phase—it’s a lifestyle

This episode is part reflection, part chaos, part heartfelt reset—and a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be real. We’re not experts, we’re just honest, tired, and still showing up. And honestly? That’s the vibe for 2026.

🥂 New year.

🎙️ New season.

🔥 Same understaffed nonsense.

Welcome to Season 3. We missed you.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Alan shares how improv comedy intersects with leadership, adaptability, and executive presence, plus real-life lessons from solopreneur life that make building something of your own feel a little less terrifying. Honestly? He made Sarah’s many side hustles feel possible instead of daunting—and for that alone, we are grateful. 🙌

🎤 Also worth the hype: Alan’s TED Talk is a must-watch if you’re into leadership, presence, and not losing your soul to work. Truly inspiring human behavior.

📘 Get his NEW book:

Improv Comedy and the Art of Leadership

by Dr. Alan Mueller

✨ Want more Alan? Visit Adaptive Challenge Consulting to check out his services and work. [www.adaptivechallengeconsulting.com] Check out his socials also for the Etsy shop and travel agent biz. Listen... we're here for the hustle.

✨ Want more us? Head to our Linktree for all the things—including a $15 Instacart coupon for your first order, because feeding yourself matters. 🛒 [https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod]

Huge thanks to Alan for the inspiration, the wisdom, and the reminder that we might actually be doing okay. 🎧🔥

Today’s episode arrives sizzling like a sunstone dropped straight out of the sky and into your group chat. 🔥💬

Sarah is still in her Moving Era™ (a saga sponsored by stubbed toes and college boys who load trucks like Jenga). Erika is beefing with ID cards, printers, and her caffeine addiction. And Trisha? She pulled up ready to unleash her villain origin story with the finesse of a fantasy heroine who definitely has a dagger tucked somewhere. ⚡📖

Once we settle into the chaos, we dive into Trisha’s debut novel Daughter of Broken Light, where magic, mayhem, and emotional ruin dance together like they paid extra for VIP admission.

Also… the amulet? The amulet. We are Not Okay. 🗝️🔥

Inside this episode:

✨ How a stolen sunstone sends an entire kingdom into meltdown

✨ The secret truth that her MMC is her husband in book-boyfriend form (collective gasp)

✨ Her lifelong dream of writing fantasy finally taking flight

✨ D&D character sheets, worldbuilding spirals, and swamp lore we enthusiastically endorse

✨ Her upcoming surgery and why she may sit at Lit & Libations like a politely wounded Victorian

✨ The audacity of Reddit giving her a FAKE one-star review (justice will be served)

Plus:

🐶 A tender tribute to Raiku, the dog who shaped her story more than he knew

🐈‍⬛ Cameo chaos from Maggie and Elrond

🧹 Erika and Sarah being written into Book 2 as cannibal swamp witch coven leaders (the honor of all honors)

If you love fantasy, friendship, chaos, and indie authors who drop stories that slap, this episode is your new comfort listen.

Grab the book: https://a.co/d/gDBCdAQ

Then come scream with us about Eldren, the ball scene, and the spicy enchanted accessories we will not emotionally recover from. 😭✨

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #PodcastChaos #IndieAuthor #DaughterOfBrokenLight #FantasyReaders #SunstonesAndSwampWitches #TrishaOtis #LivingUnderstaffedPodcast #IndiePod #IndiePodcast #Fantasy #Amulet #bookboyfriend

It’s a Living Understaffed reunion episode — and yes, Daddy Kol (forever known as such) is back in the chaos seat. Sarah and Erika catch up with him on life, loss, laughter, and his incredible seven-month journey of sobriety. Sarah’s free from the woods, but her webcam didn’t get the memo. 🎥🚫 Erika and Daddy Kol carry the chaos while Sarah’s voice floats in from the void. Between laughs, near-tears, and one very unfiltered sobriety journey, this episode reminds us that growth is messy—and sometimes blurry.

From near-death experiences and heart attacks to parent-teacher conferences and shark vacuums, Kol gets real about turning his life around — all while roasting his own hair, collecting compliments, and demanding a T-shirt that says “Soft Lips & Nine Toes.”

This one has it all:

🌀 Chaos (obviously)

🧠 Deep conversations about recovery and purpose

💅 Sarcastic commentary from your favorite duo

😂 Way too much talk about vacuums and Subaru lesbians

❤️ Proof that healing, humor, and heart can absolutely coexist

So grab your coffee (or coin), press play, and join us for an episode that’s both unfiltered and unforgettable.

🎧 Living Understaffed with Sarah & Erika — where chaos meets compassion, one Daddy Kol at a time.

🔗 All links & chaos here: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #SobrietyJourney #AddictionAwareness #DaddyKolForever #PodcastChaos

Sure, it was supposed to drop Wednesday alongside Episode 49 with Madison Chase, but as usual, we’re a day late and a dollar short. ⏰💸 Because chaos? It’s our love language.

But today? Today’s special. Because not only are we celebrating 50 episodes of Living Understaffed… it’s also the Lit & Libations: Great Gatsby Edition in Kansas City! 🥂💃✨ And yes — Sarah is absolutely f*ing showing up in costume.** Pearls? Feathers? Champagne in a travel mug? Don’t worry about it.

Tune in as we get real about two years of podcasting, long-distance friendship, emotional growth(ish), and how we’re somehow still not rich but definitely funnier.

Also featuring: Dolores the dramatic plant, married men who still don’t get it, and the mutual realization that we might just be thriving through the chaos.

🎧 Listen now and come toast our 50th with us — flapper dress optional, sarcasm required.

👉 Affiliates & chaos management tools: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #GreatGatsby #PodcastChaos #LitAndLibations #DayLateDollarShort #LivingUnderstaffedPodcast #podast #indiepod #indiepodcas #KCBookBeat #KCBB #KansasCity #KansasCityMO

Expect equal parts sarcasm, storytelling, and “how did we get here again?” energy as the crew dives into:

💫 The wild ride from fanfiction to published novels

🧛‍♀️ Building dark worlds full of angels, demons, and very questionable life choices

🎧 Their upcoming audiobook (spoiler: it’s sexy AND spooky)

🧠 ADHD brain tangents, goblin tools, and why Trello almost saves their sanity

Oh, and there’s talk of vampire siblings, Buffy obsessions, and Lucifer himself. You know — just another Tuesday in the Living Understaffed universe.

Also featuring: Daisy the dog demanding attention, debates on whether 130 lbs is a realistic weight standard (it's not), and Erika trying very hard not to overbook her life (again).

Listen now before we regret our life choices on-air. 🚨🎧

💼 Support our chaos (and caffeine habits) through our affiliates — because your girls are hustling:

FOREVER | Liquid I.V. | Casetify | Dossier Perfume | And more linked below 👇

🎙️ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #AuthorLife #PodcastChaos #UnderpaidAndOverIt #BookTokChaos

This week, your favorite hot mess duo unpacks Logan Ury’s “How to Not Die Alone” — a dating book that hurts their feelings in the most educational way possible. From dissecting dating types (Romanticizers, Maximizers, Hesitators 👀) to ranting about men who think “friends with benefits” means “free therapy,” Erika and Sarah are on one.

Other highlights include:

🧺 The emotional trauma of folding fitted sheets.

🐶 Erika’s ironclad rule: only reply to exes who text dog pics.

💔 The “pool” of dating being a full-blown swamp, and yes, Sarah is Fiona.

🚐 The dream van that’s one disco ball away from a true-crime podcast episode.

📚 A chaotic love letter to Lit & Libations (booth 21 + 22, come see us!)

📍 Co-Op at Shoal Creek — 6816 N Church Rd #101, Pleasant Valley, MO 64068

📅 November 8, 2025

🕰 6 PM – 9 PM (VIP Early Entry: 4:30 PM)

Also featuring spirit fingers, caffeine dependency confessions, and the mutual realization that maybe they just need therapy and a nap. 😅

Don't forget to join our discord and check out all the badass things on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

🎧 Listen now before one of them joins a Facebook group for “men who only own fleece blankets.” #LivingUnderstaffed #DatingFails #FittedSheetWars #HowToNotDieAlone #PodcastChaos

Erika is busy being understaffed but still a princess (don’t even THINK about taking away her second monitor), while Sarah is thriving on a healthy cocktail of ✨avoidance, anxiety, and projectile vomiting✨. Together, they spiral into work woes, moving-to-Texas dread, and their mom’s wildly questionable dating decisions (yes, there was a van… with a bed… we’ll never recover).

But because we’re nothing if not accidentally educational, we dive into the mythology of The Morrígan—Ireland’s most badass chaos goddess—who basically invented “main character energy.” 👑🪦⚔️

Special shoutout to Nicola Bardon from Tis Yourself Podcast for helping us attempt (and fail) to unf*ck our Irish pronunciations. Nicola, you’re doing the goddess’s work, and we owe you a pint. 🍻🇮🇪

IG: @tisyourselfpodcast / X: @WellTisYourself / Apple, Podchaser, Facebook - Just go follow her!! :)

So grab your journal (yes, we made one, and yes, you should buy it), laugh at our mispronunciations, and prepare for chaos. Because if you’re not screaming into the void like a banshee, are you even Living Understaffed?

Book Club: The Innkeeper by Pirateaba 📚 - Join our Discord! Meeting Sunday, 28-Sep.

Sponsors: From Moments to FOREVER, Everyday Dose & Primal Queen

New Sponsor: World Citizen Travel Agent! Send us a PM for your travel, cruise, concert and bucket list needs!

Linktree for chaos & discounts: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Shoutout to Kareena from Freedom Literature, the indie book lover behind a mobile pop-up bookstore and The Book Nook in Harrisonville, MO. With blind date books, local authors, and a passion for making literature accessible, Kareena is putting stories back into the hands of readers everywhere.

| freedomliterature.com |  @freedom_literature_books

Also Featuring Eisley Rose—the registered nurse-turned-author behind Glitched, a sci-fi thriller where modern-day Spartans battle biological threats and dark conspiracies. Expect mythology, mystery, and medical-inspired storytelling.

| eisleyrosebooks.com | @eisleyrosebooks

Welcome back to Living Understaffed, where Sarah and Erika are once again oversharing the chaos you cannot clock out of. This week, we’re diving into the elusive “soft life” 💅—you know, the one Instagram influencers pretend is just candles and cashmere, but in reality looks more like:

• three full Target bags you still haven’t unpacked 🛍️
• Daisy refusing to poop unless the vibes are ✨immaculate✨ 🐕
• and, oh yeah, Erika throwing up in Graygg's car (love that for her, not at all genuine). 🚗💀

We’re talking about meal prep, why crying is basically a national emergency 🚨😭, and the art of adding more whimsy to everyday life—like naming your plants Dolores and Beverly, or giving bugs entire backstories. (Sorry, Frank the beetle, your divorce sounds rough. 🪲💔)

Also featuring: being bullied by capitalism, the guilt of rest, and our ongoing battle to remember that self-care counts even if you don’t post it on Instagram.

💡 PSA: You deserve whimsy. Drink tea with the dishes still in the sink, tell the neighborhood dogs to stop yelling at you, or buy the damn fancy bread—your soft life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

📚 BOOK CLUB ALERT: Join our Discord. Seriously. It’s the best decision you’ll make all year (and we don’t say that lightly because we make terrible decisions). This month we’re reading Rider’s Blood, Moonlit Black by Myka Silber—forest, mountains, ocean, mystery, and a cat with better boundaries than we’ll ever have. 🌙🐈‍⬛

✨ Sponsors:

• From Moments to FOREVER – because memories deserve better than your phone’s “storage full” notification. 📸
• Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee ☕🍄 – fueling our chaos one adaptogen at a time.
• Primal Queen 👑 – skincare that makes us look like we slept (spoiler: we didn’t).

LINK: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#PodcastGirls #SupportIndiePodcasts #SoftLifeStruggles #PodNation #PodcastCommunity #PodcastLife #LivingUnderstaffedPodcast 🎧 #UnderstaffedChaos #LivingUnderstaffed #Understaffed #Sarah #Erika #IndiePod

Shoutouts to:

• Dillon Wallace, author of The Hunt Initiative 📖—a mild dystopian, present-day thriller with action, suspense, humor, and just enough doom to keep you hooked 💥. If you liked The Hunger Games, 1984, Minority Report, or The Purge, this one’s for you.
• Alexandra Rovirosa of A Place For Us Productions 🎭, creating a collaborative, skill-focused theatre space in Kansas City for actors of all levels—because everyone deserves to grow in their craft 🌟.

Book Club 📚: Rider’s Blood, Moonlit Black by Myka Silber 🌙—forest, mountains, ocean, mystery, and a mercurial cat 🐈‍⬛. You know you want in.

Sponsors: From Moments to FOREVER, Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee ☕🍄 & Primal Queen 👑

Linktree for chaos & discounts: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#AugustVibes #2025Aesthetic #InstaGlowUp #SelfCareSeason #EcoLiving2025 #WeekendWander #MindfulMoments #LinkInBio

🎙️ Episode 44: Writing Through the Wreckage (ft. Vanessa Kramer)

Just when you thought we couldn’t get any more emotionally unstable — surprise! We invited indie author and all-around powerhouse Vanessa Kramer to pull up a mic and spill all the tea on writing while wounded, family dynamics that aren’t Instagram-worthy, and what happens when your creative outlet becomes your survival strategy. ✍️🧨

Erika's one mic away from an existential spiral, Sarah’s trying to remember what day it is, and Vanessa? She’s out here dropping truth bombs wrapped in wit. (Because nothing says healing like dark humor and a Google Doc.)

💔 Grieving and still functioning?

💡 Turning trauma into a book deal?

📝 Self-publishing without losing your mind (entirely)?

This episode is basically the group chat with your smartest, snarkiest friends — plus some publishing advice and a few emotional sucker punches.

🎧 Buckle up, it’s a ride.

🔥 Are you a fellow creative chaos gremlin trying to stay afloat?

📚 Thinking about writing your own story — the messy, unfiltered version?

😵‍💫 What’s your biggest WTF moment of the week?

Tell us. We need to know we're not alone.

Find Vanessa on all the socials and her website: vanessakramerauthor.com

Sponsors: Forever, Everyday Dose & Primal Queen

Linktree for chaos & discounts: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #IndieAuthor #WritingThroughIt #PodcastChaos #VanessaKramer #WeCriedALittleNotGonnaLie #Therapyisneeded #chaosgremlins #indiepodcast

(because this episode is a full-blown feelings spiral with bonus life decisions and zero chill)

Welcome back to Living Understaffed, where the breakdowns are weekly, the coping mechanisms are questionable, and the feelings are... everywhere. 🙃

This week:

• Erika admits her type is “emotionally unavailable,” and Sarah reminds her it’s not a flex. 💔
• Sarah quits her job, cries about it, then books it to Texas like a girlboss on the edge. 🚨✈️
• We spiral through boundaries, burnout, and why “prioritizing yourself” is somehow still a radical act. 💅
• Plus, shoutouts to indie authors from Lit & Libations, our surprise magazine feature (?!), and a gentle reminder that milkshakes are not a valid breakfast. 🥤

Also featuring: vulnerability hangovers, emotional self-sabotage, and Erika's dog stealing handmade blankets like a Disney princess. 🐾👑

Also featured: awkward coping mechanisms, personal breakthroughs disguised as breakdowns, and Erika fully deleting her dating apps because, quote, “I’m the validation now.” 💅💔

Listen now if you love:

💬 Sarcasm with a side of emotional trauma

📣 Real talk about quitting jobs and fixing everyone else’s lives

🧠 Therapy terms misused for comedic relief

💔 Talking about dating without actually talking about dating

-Upcoming: Lit & Libations returns in November—mark your calendars, chaos friends. 🍷📖

-Support us: Follow on socials, comment, scream into the void (we’ll hear you), and visit our linktree for discounts + memories. 💾🎧

Linktree for chaos & discounts: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Shoutout to Kareena & Marcus Cloe of Freedom Literature, a mobile bookstore and indie author haven that began with a misbid pallet—and grew into a movement. Find them at Headquarters Winery or at pop-up events across Missouri.

📚 freedomliterature.com

📱 @freedom_literature_books

Blind date with a book? Yes. Falling in love with reading again? Even better.

Shoutout to Yvette Babs Walker, author of Sixty and We Talk to God. Sometimes. She’s the voice behind Positively Joy, a podcast and ministry helping women rediscover their connection to God—through devotional writing and the faith-filled journey of fictional character Linda Radcliffe.

📚 positivelyjoy.com/books

📱 @positivelyjoypodcast

Because faith doesn’t need to be perfect—just personal.

(Healing is real, but so is the backslide.)

📢 Audio Note: Apologies in advance—this episode is audio-only because sometimes technology is a petty little bitch. Bertha Mae (Erika’s laptop) did her best, but she’s one buffering circle away from retirement. Sarah's video came in blurry as hell so, apologies in advance for the crappy reels about to hit your algorithm.

This week on Living Understaffed, we dive into the ever-complicated world of attachment styles—you know, that fun psychological framework that explains why we keep falling for emotionally unavailable men like it’s a competitive sport. 🧠💔

Inspired by Scientific American’s “Love and the Brain: How Attached Are We to Attachment Styles?” (link below) we ask the big questions:

• Can your attachment style actually change over time? (Spoiler: Yes. And it usually involves a man named Graygg or Magic Guy™.)
• Are we just chasing familiar trauma with new faces?
• And is anxious attachment basically just "me, but make it romantic"?

Inside this episode:

• 🎧 Daisy the dog has chosen hot dog buns as her maternal legacy
• 🛠️ Sarah finds emotional catharsis in dry erase cling paper and accidentally sells it like an MLM boss babe
• 💔 We talk about how trauma, life transitions, and really bad dating decisions can shift your attachment style faster than a situationship ghosting you
• 📉 Plus, a whole discussion about self-awareness, setting boundaries, and why being “a lot” isn’t the insult you think it is

Also featuring:

• Roommate demotions
• Emotional growth we didn’t ask for
• And sultry office supply reviews that are weirdly soothing

If you’ve ever spiraled over a situationship and impulse-bought a productivity planner, this one’s for you. 💅💭📦

Shoutout to E.C. Garrett, author of The Dragon Queen series—a dark, adult romantasy full of dragon‑slaying Gauntlets, sapphic bonds, rebellion, and grief you’ll feel deep. Book 2 (The Defiant & The Damned) out now.

📚 authorecgarrett.com

📱 @authorecgarrett

Dragons die. Hearts burn. Expect both.

PODCAST INSPIRATION: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/love-and-the-brain-part-2-how-attached-are-we-to-attachment-styles/

DRY ERASE CONTACT PAPER FROM AMAZON, YOU'RE F*CKING WELCOME: https://a.co/d/3RHxpk4

#LivingUnderstaffed #SarahAndErika #UnderstaffedPodcast #AttachmentStylesUnhinged #PodcastChaos #WomenWhoPodcast #MillennialPodcasters #IndiePodcastLife #AttachmentStyles #AvoidantMen #AnxiousAttachment #SituationshipSurvivor #EmotionalUnavailable #TherapyTalks #RelationshipRealness #ModernLoveMess #RoommateDrama #DryEraseBoardObsession #OfficeSupplyAddict #HotDogBunNesting #GarageGremlins #CancelledAgain #DBCooperDrama #TechFailsAndFeelings #AppliancesThatDeserveBetter #Millenials #Sarah #Erika

In this episode of Living Understaffed, Sarah and Erika unpack:

• The depression brain fog that makes brushing your teeth feel like an Olympic event 🥇🪥
• Professional impostor syndrome… and still being the most competent bitch in the meeting 💻🙃
• The IT guy who gives bare minimum energy and the office grandpa who deserves all our love 🧓❤️
• Grieving friendships, actual grief, and the emotional booby traps of being the “strong one” 😩🥀
• Why compliments are basically psychological warfare… but we weaponize them anyway 🎯💌
• Green bubbles, dating red flags, and the shirt-tightness to effort ratio all men should memorize 🍏📱👕
• Plus: Metal & Munchies, emotional landmines, and WHY ERIKA FINALLY JOINED THE APPLE FAMILY 🍎🎉

We cry. We threaten each other with love. We plan podcast world domination from bed.

If this isn’t your favorite episode yet, it’s probably because you still have emotional energy. 🤷🏽‍♀️

▶️ Listen now if you've ever:

• Had a mental breakdown in your inbox 📨
• Needed someone to fire you just so you could rest 🛌
• Cried because someone ambushed you with a compliment 🥹

Shoutout to fantasy author Elizabeth Bird, whose Dreamer’s Saga blends epic quests with sarcasm and Star Wars references.

 Final book drops April 2026

 @ElizabethBirdWrites

www.elizabethbirdwrites.com

Shoutout to Evilsangel, author of The Price of Blood—a long-running, unapologetically dark fantasy series about demon royalty, political brutality, and survival in a violent world. Book 1 is the tamest. You’ve been warned.

 evilsangel5000.com

 @evilsangel5000

Blood is the currency. And survival comes at a cost. 

SPONSORED BY:

📸 FOREVER: Protect your chaos in photo form

🍄 Everyday Dose: For when coffee alone won’t cut it

👑 Primal Queen: Our favorite surprise obsession

🚘 And the sheer willpower it took to record this episode instead of rotting in bed.

#LivingUnderstaffed #PodcastTherapy #DepressionButMakeItFunny #InboxSpite #GriefGoblins #TeamBlueBubbles #WeCantClockOutOfThisShit

We spiral into anxiety brain, dehydration habits, and the absolute fantasy that is a smooth-brained, worry-free existence. (Teach us your ways.) From stress fogs to depression naps, it’s a mental health rollercoaster—chaotic, real, and mildly caffeinated.

Then we dino-dive into feminist fossil fuel with a quickfire education session led by Erika, who nerds out on the badass women who shaped paleontology—Mary Anning, Tilly Edinger, Mary Leakey, and Sue Hendrickson (yes, that Sue from the Field Museum). It’s women in STEM, petty historical drama, and fossilized poo. You’re welcome.

💀 Also featuring:

• Smooth brains
• Electrolyte water
• Random diving expeditions
• Dinosaurs that lived more stable lives than we do

🎧 Listen now. Laugh through the existential dread. Then hydrate. Probably.

Don't forget to check out our Linktree for From Moments to FOREVER, Primal Queen and Everyday Dose mushroom coffee. We're here. We're under-caffeinated. We're doing our best: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Shoutout to horror author Allen Harrow, whose debut Black Devil Vol. 1: Trapped is post-apocalyptic horror meets raw emotional depth. Think Silent Hill, but more personal—and twice as devastating.

📚 allenharrow.com

📱 @allenharrowtheedgelordartist

Author N.E. Butcher brings heat and heartbreak to paranormal romance with The Afterlife Duet, where a Grim Reaper meets her match in one soul-stirring, rule-breaking demon.

📚 nebutcher.com

📱 @nebutcher_author

Romance. Redemption. And the kind of chemistry you’ll feel in your bones.



This week, Sarah and Erika dive deep into The Lolita Effect, the movie Thirteen, and the literal hellscape that is being a teenage girl under the male gaze. We discuss oversexualization, creepy casting choices, dress code double standards, and why 14-year-olds contour better than we ever will. 🫠👄✨

🔎 Topics we manage to tackle without screaming:

• The myth of the “mature” teenage girl
• How the media sexualizes young women and then blames them for it
• 14-year-olds being paired with 28-year-old actors (and why that's NOT okay)
• Brooke Shields, Britney Spears, and Hollywood’s gross history of “art”
• Foster care statistics that will make you want to throw your phone
• What we wish someone had told us before our own awkward teen years

Also featuring:

🧠 Unmedicated spirals

📚 Accidental trauma dumps

😤 Rants about high school dress codes

🐕 Daisy demanding attention mid-rage

& special author shoutouts to Anya Keeler and Zachariah Chamberlain!

Basically, it's one part feminist reckoning, one part sad girl summer preview, and 100% chaos we can’t clock out of. 🙃

👉 Rate, review, hydrate, and maybe ask your kids how they’re doing today.

Because pretending it’s fine only works until someone brings up 2004.

LINKTREE - https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Shoutout to KC-based indie author Anya Keeler, whose debut novel The Sound of Storms is queer, chaotic, plot-rich fantasy featuring double enemies-to-lovers, disability rep, and a generous splash of smut.

 anyakeeler.com

 Goodreads: The Sound of Storms

Fantasy should be inclusive, emotional, and a little bit unhinged. Just like this book.

Shoutout to author Zachariah Chamberlin, whose debut We Come Bearing Curses blends cosmic horror, addiction recovery, found family, and cult-driven apocalypse in a haunted Kansas City.

 zachariahchamberlain.com

Haunted men. Eldritch cults. And a Cane Corso named Lizzie Borden.

What more could you ask for?? 

#LivingUnderstaffed #TheLolitaEffect #PodcastTherapy #OversexualizedAndOverIt #DressCodesAndDoubleStandards

This week on Living Understaffed, the understaffed-ness hits a whole new level of unhinged as Sarah, Erika (with a K, obviously), and special guest Emma spiral together in what can only be described as a support group with sarcasm.

💻 Erika's understaffed moment includes playing “Interim Supervisor Who Knows Nothing” while her inbox commits cyber war crimes.

🎂 Sarah emotionally unpacks her birthday, basement anxiety, and the curse of gas station dating.

🧳 Emma is in peak Saturn return energy—sorting through her dad’s stolen divorce loot, mourning her dead cat (with a coffee cart in her honor), and contemplating buying a car held together by trauma and zip ties.

Also featuring:

• Accidental pegging conversations (AGAIN) 😑
• Military men, Boy Scouts, and the phrase “Nice Spanx”
• An entire roast of fragile male egos, courtesy of “109 Ways to Shatter the Male Ego” 🔥
• Gas station meet-cutes no one asked for
• Watercolor, womb energy, and TikTok inbox hell 🌀

PLUS: Author shoutouts, sibling psychic warfare, and the unavoidable truth that being attracted to men is a form of self-harm.

🎧 Listen in as we dodge inboxes, exes, and emotional collapse—because apparently we’re still doing all this without a full-time staff, HR department, or therapy budget.

Shoutout to Dan B. Fierce, a KC-based author with a flair for dark humor, horror, and suspense. With influences like King and Poe, a background in stand-up comedy, and characters born from online wrestling lore, Dan’s stories are sharp, fearless, and deeply original.

 danbfiercebooks.com

 @DanBFierce

Macabre. Hilarious. Unapologetically Fierce.

Shoutout to Tiffany Weyant, librarian and creator of Wey Better Creations—your new favorite shop for clever, cozy, bookish gifts. Think 34 oz. mugs, blind date with a book bundles, bookmarks, and more—handmade in KC with heart and humor.

 weybettercreations.com

 @WeyBetterCreations

Because your reading habit deserves cute merch and a giant cup of tea.

Badass Women of History: Part 2

This week, Sarah & Erika are back to honor the original girlboss who made corporate chaos look like amateur hour: Zheng Yi Sao, pirate queen of the South China Sea. 🏴‍☠️💅

She went from flower boat sex worker to leading 70,000+ pirates, defeating multiple navies, and retiring with a full pension plan—without a man in sight. Meanwhile, we’re out here fighting for calendar access and dodging passive-aggressive “per my last email” vibes.

💥 In this episode:

• Zheng Yi Sao’s “burn it all and make them pay you anyway” energy
• Men faking leadership skills at retirement parties
• Daisy the Dog’s refusal to poop on command 🐶💩
• Erika sets boundaries (sorta). Sarah takes 3 energy drinks and black-out cleans.
• A totally casual reminder that pirates had stricter HR policies than most of our employers

🎤 Shoutouts this week go to:

📚 Meg Blystone, co-owner of Pulp Fiction Comics & Games in Lee’s Summit—your friendly neighborhood nerd haven for comics, graphic novels, tabletop games, and general fandom joy.

🔗 linktr.ee/pfcomics

Support your local geek hub. Come for the comics, stay for the community. 🎲✨

🌿 Swade Cannabis, a Missouri-born dispensary redefining the cannabis experience with luxe design, community partnerships, and premium products. With locations in St. Louis and Kansas City, they’re the real MVPs of plant-powered chill.

🔗 swadecannabis.com/about

Because some days call for edibles and ignoring your inbox. 🛋️💨

🎧 Hit play if you're here for petty commentary, feminist rage, chaotic giggles, and affiliate links that fund our coffee addictions.

👉 https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#ZhengYiSao #BadassWomenOfHistory #PirateQueenEnergy #WorkplaceRage #LivingUnderstaffed #PodcastForTheOverworked #FeministHistory #HRCouldNever #SupportLocalShops #WomenWhoLead #BurnoutChronicles #PettyAndProud #PiratesDidItBetter

Fresh off our Lit & Libations high (where our egos were shamelessly inflated — thank you, Vanessa), we’re back to reality... and reality is full of migraines, mediocre men, and unhinged Tinder bios we didn’t ask for. 🙃💀

✨ In this episode:

• 🛑 Red flags so blinding you’ll need shades (including one man’s bio that casually included “Feminists are dumb.” 😵)
• 🍄 Our Everyday Dose debut — because mushroom coffee is the only thing keeping us from full collapse
• 👑 Hormone balance via Primal Queen — for when your PMS is louder than your boss
• 📸 Memory-saving magic via FOREVER — 2GB free storage + $20 to preserve your digital dignity
• 🥪 Erika forces Sarah to eat and hydrate like a feral toddler mid-meltdown
• 🐰 Meet Side-Eyed Jack: our new mascot with judgment stronger than your situationship
• 🔥 Unhinged Tinder bios, unsolicited DMs, and the audacity of men (per usual)

🎤 Plus 📚 Author Spotlights:

Andrea H. Rome brings cozy fantasy to life in The Standard Book of Anything — and the adventure continues in The Lost Ring of Destiny (arriving May 28-TODAY)! Follow magical handywoman Em Strider as she saves her town one magical fix at a time.

👉 AndreaHRome.com | @AndreaHRome

Whimsy. Magic. And a hero with a hammer.

Christina Mitchell delivers fierce Italian energy and femme-powered mafia suspense in The Italian Rose, where family legacy turns bloody and women rise to the top. Her upcoming release on chronic pain is raw, real, and absolutely unforgettable.

👉 TheItalianRose.com

Sweet on the outside. Deadly on paper. 💋🩸

🎧 Hit play if you're here for petty commentary, feminist rage, chaotic giggles, and affiliate links that fund our coffee addictions.

LINK: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #PodcastChaos #RedFlagsEverywhere #FOREVERAffiliate #PrimalQueenPartner #EverydayDose #TinderFails #GregWithThreeGs #LitAndLibations #SideEyedJack #MafiaMamas #CozyFantasyFixes #SupportIndieAuthors #UnderpaidAndOverIt

Welcome to Living Understaffed, where the sarcasm flows like boxed wine at a book fair and the emotional trauma is only slightly overshadowed by our love of spicy indie romance. In this live-from-Kansas-City episode, Sarah and Erika roll into Lit & Libations with 2 hours of sleep, a questionable bunny painting, and absolutely no plan—because why start now?

✨ Indie author shoutouts:

Meet Angel Edenburn, Owner of Lost Aardvarks Press and author of gritty paranormal romance set right in Kansas and Missouri. Her latest, Second Time Around, brings curvy, kickass heroines, fast cars, and dangerous magic to life.

• 📚 LostAardvarksPress.com
• 🔗 linktr.ee/angeledenburn
• 📱 Facebook
• 💋 Not your typical vampires. Not your typical romance.

KC-based author and high school English teacher Matthew Reed Williams makes his debut with Somewhere—a quiet, compelling supernatural thriller about memory, grief, and the spaces between.

• 📚 MatthewReedWilliams.com
• 📱 @MatthewReedWilliams
• 💀 What haunts us isn’t always from the outside.

✨ Biz shoutouts:

• Primal Queen – the only skincare Sarah trusts on her “my face is tired but we’re in public” days. Use code UNDERSTAFFED for a sweet discount on all things luxe, clean, and badass. 👑✨
• Everyday Dose – coffee, but make it functional. (Because Lord knows we don’t have the bandwidth for jitters and trauma.) Get your daily dopamine with adaptogens + collagen. Use code UNDERSTAFFED for 15% off your order. ☕🧠

Also in this episode:

• Sarah and Erika realize they may have accidentally started a small business empire (oops).
• The Old Guard makes everyone cry because love should be like a Hozier song and/or an immortal Italian boyfriend who would kill for you.
• We confess to eating cold hot dogs, canned beans, and other crimes against food. Sorry not sorry. 🫘
• Erika explains why you must now compete with Sarah to be the best boyfriend she’s ever had (good luck).
• And yes, we are still not on Discord when we say we’ll be. It's called ✨consistency✨.

Oh, and if you’re wondering: no, we still don’t have our shit together. But we do have boundary-setting, nap trauma, and thighs like harbor seals. 🐚💪

🚨 BONUS: Catch us live from the only podcast table at Lit & Libations, surrounded by hot authors and even hotter takes on love, loss, and lunchables.

📌 Don’t forget to support your favorite chaos goblins:

👉 FREE 2GB + $20 coupon with FOREVER

👉 15% off Everyday Dose mushroom coffee!

👉 Primal Queen 25% discount! Join us in the journey and glow like the emotionally unavailable man you just blocked 💅

https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Expect hot takes on:

✨ Why “I can buy my own flowers” isn’t just a flex—it’s a filter

💔 Situationships, slow-burn intimacy, and the curse of dating apps

🔄 Navigating your own needs without turning love into a transaction

📬 What real effort actually looks like (spoiler: it’s not that hard)

🤷🏽‍♀️ And the eternal question: If your partner can’t remember your favorite food after 12 years… do they even go here?

This one’s raw, funny, a little ragey, and 100% real. 😤❤️ Because healing doesn’t mean you stop wanting connection—it means you stop accepting less than you deserve.

🎧 Tune in. Unpack. Repeat.

#LivingUnderstaffed #HighStandardsClub #DatingWhileHealing #BuyTheFlowers 🌺

👑 Also featuring: A Primal Queen moment with a salamander army 🦎, why “I’m out of your price range” applies to energy too ⚡, and the very real struggle of emotionally surviving spaghetti. 🍽️

📸 And if you love supporting small businesses, join us on FOREVER for free 2GB storage and a $20 coupon to use on any product — because memories (and discounts) matter!

🔗 https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#PromotionPending #USAJobsIsTrash #LivingUnderstaffed #PodcastChaos #FOREVERFamily #PrimalQueenEnergy

☕ New Affiliate Alert! We're now proud partners with Everyday Dose — the mushroom-powered coffee alternative that delivers calm energy, focus, and gut support without the jitters or crash. With 80% less caffeine than traditional coffee and ingredients like Lion’s Mane, Chaga, L-Theanine, and collagen, it's our new go-to for starting the day right. Try it for yourself and support the pod by shopping through our link: https://www.everydaydose.com/LIVINGUNDERSTAFFED

We’re back with more chaos, caffeine, and unsolicited life detours.

This week, we kick off our new series Badass Women in History with none other than Saint Olga of Kyiv—a woman who turned grief into full-scale vengeance and basically redefined “petty but make it legendary.” Fire? Birds? Entire villages wiped out? Yeah, she understood the assignment. 🔥👑

Also in this episode:

• A digital decluttering PSA from Sarah, who’s here to make sure your memories don’t disappear with your dead laptop 💀💾 (shoutout to FOREVER for the save).
• Erika vs. bureaucracy, Part 742.
• Podcasting as therapy (but cheaper, and with more screaming).
• The art of not spiraling… or at least pretending you're not.
• 
  

⚠️ And don’t forget: Lit & Libations is THIS SATURDAY at the Co-op at Shoal Creek. Come hang with us IRL—there will be drinks, vibes, and probably more ranting. 🥂✨

🎧 Listen now before someone burns your village down with carrier pigeons.

🛍️ Partnership Alert!

We’re officially partnered with Primal Queen — womens' supplements made with real ingredients for when you deserve better than your life choices. 🌿✨ Use our exclusive code for 25% off your Primal Queen order! Because if your skin is glowing, maybe people won’t notice the existential crisis in your eyes. 💅🔥

💾 Get your free 2GB FOREVER storage + $20 coupon because yes, memories matter (and no, you're not too emotionally damaged to scrapbook).

👉 Get all the links you need — episodes, FOREVER freebies, Lit & Libations info — right here:

https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Books mentioned in this episode:

- The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless

#LivingUnderstaffed #SaintOlga #PodcastRants #BadassWomenInHistory #FOREVERmemories #UnderpaidAndOverIt #PromotionPending #InboxRage #LitAndLibations

Meanwhile, Erika’s been busy doing her therapist-assigned homework (aka emotional waterboarding) and is now being forced to say nice things about herself. Disgusting. 🚫

Together, we unpack grief, guilt, hyper-productivity, Greyhound rage, and why asking for help still feels like a moral failure (even when you're dying inside). Spoiler alert: We’re still bad at self-care, but great at spiraling. 🌀

This week, we're talking about grief, Greyhound buses (rage level: unlocked 🔥), hyper-productivity as a trauma response, and why we both still think we’re secretly terrible at everything—even when people literally tell us otherwise. 🙃

Listen now—because if we’re falling apart, we’re doing it with style. 🎧🔥

💀 Also, don't forget: 10-May is the Lit & Libations show in Kansas City! Come drink with us, cry-laugh with us, and witness this chaos in person. 🍷📚✨ You deserve it. We deserve it. Everybody deserves it.

🛍️ Partnership Alert!

We’re officially partnered with Primal Queen — womens' supplements made with real ingredients for when you deserve better than your life choices. 🌿✨ Use our exclusive code for 25% off your Primal Queen order! Because if your skin is glowing, maybe people won’t notice the existential crisis in your eyes. 💅🔥

💾 Get your free 2GB FOREVER storage + $20 coupon because yes, memories matter (and no, you're not too emotionally damaged to scrapbook).

👉 Get all the links you need — episodes, FOREVER freebies, Lit & Libations info — right here:

https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

In this week’s chaos therapy session—ahem, we mean episode—Sarah and Erika arrive in their Truest Eras: black chokers, emo prom hangovers, and allergic reactions to both nickel and nonsense. 🖤✨

We’re talking flatback earrings, unsolicited pegging requests (yes, again), and the ✨delusion✨ of men who say they “want a strong woman” but can’t handle her being busier, funnier, hotter, and generally more evolved than them. 😌💅

Plus:

🧠 ADHD meets Avoidance meets... Emotional Triage.

📉 Sex drive? Tanked—by grown men acting like third children.

🚩 Dating App Clown Parade: now featuring men who lie about both height and handlebar mustaches.

Somewhere in all this? A love letter to self-awareness, evolution, and only crying off-camera. Maybe.

So grab your protein coffee, slap on your eyeliner, and press play—because this one’s cathartic, chaotic, and hella cute. 💋

📅 Lit & Libations in KC on May 10th — mark your calendar, bring a friend, and come vibe with us!

🎁 Grab 2GB free FOREVER storage + $20 coupon for gifts & memory books: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Go Follow Dr. Jessica Taylor!

Substack - What Would Jess Say? [https://substack.com/@whatwouldjesssay]

Article: https://whatwouldjesssay.substack.com/p/dear-men-so-you-think-you-want-a

In this episode of Living Understaffed, Erika & Sarah try (and fail?) to have a serious chat about budgets without spiraling into financial chaos, emotional check-ins, and a mini roast of overpriced oat milk. 💸🥲

They dive into:

• Mental health and money triggers 💰🧠
• How “self-care” somehow ends up costing $300
• Why turning 30 isn’t a crisis—it’s a rebrand
• And the real reason we avoid checking our bank accounts (hint: denial is free)

As always, there’s a little chaos, a lot of real talk, and the ongoing battle between “treat yourself” and “don’t go broke.” 🙃

🎧 Listen now before we regret our life choices on-air.

#LivingUnderstaffed #DatingFails #MovingMadness #UnderpaidAndOverIt

📅 Lit & Libations in KC on May 10th — mark your calendar, bring a friend, and come vibe with us!

🎁 Grab 2GB free FOREVER storage + $20 coupon for gifts & memory books: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Hey everyone, we hate to do this to you again, but unfortunately, this is another bye week for Living Understaffed. Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges, and right now, Sarah is at home grieving with her family after the passing of her mother. We appreciate your patience, your kindness, and the space you've given us during this time.

We know you tune in for laughs, relatable chaos, and maybe a little validation that you're not alone in navigating life’s messiness. And trust us—we miss being here, too.

If you missed one of our favorite episodes, here are some standout moments you’ll want to revisit from Ep5 - What Do You Bring to the Table:

It’s all about expectations—what we think we’re bringing to the table versus what actually shows up. Spoiler: Sometimes it’s a five-course meal, and other times, it’s just emotional damage and bad decisions. 🍽️🔥

We’re breaking down work nonsense, dating delusions, and the moments that made us stop and ask, Wait… am I the problem? (Probably not, but let’s unpack that anyway.)

Also featuring:

💰 The real cost of being “the responsible one” in every situation.

🥂 A toast to friends who know when to hype you up and when to humble you.

🛑 A reminder that “potential” doesn’t pay the bills (or fix red flags).

So grab your drink of choice, settle in, and let’s get into it—because we know you’ve got your own table talk to add to the mix. 🎧 We’ll be back soon, hopefully with some much-needed lightheartedness, but for now, hold your loved ones close. And if you want to send Sarah some love, feel free to drop a message in our DMs.

Want to support the show while we’re out? Consider preserving your own family memories with FOREVER—because moments like these remind us just how precious they are. Start for free with 2GB of storage and grab a $20 coupon toward any product. 💜

[Join here → https://www.forever.com/ambassador/sarah-greene]

Take care, and we’ll talk soon.

#LivingUnderstaffed #GriefIsMessy #SeeYouSoon #PodcastPause

This now reflects actual moments from the episode while keeping it heartfelt. Let me know if you want any tweaks! 💜

Another week, another round of Why Are Men Like This? Erika dives into the disaster that is Hinge, where one man’s idea of a “weird fact” is just another reason to delete the app. Meanwhile, Sarah’s week has been a masterclass in government anxiety and car trouble because, of course, nothing can just work the way it’s supposed to. 😩

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

• A deep dive into the four waves of feminism (yes, rage was involved).
• Why men feel entitled to comment on women’s appearances (spoiler: they shouldn’t).
• Erika’s ongoing saga of mom drama and emotional exhaustion.
• Sarah’s car deciding it doesn’t want to be a car anymore. 🚗💀
• The real cost of childcare and why the system is stacked against parents.
• A little government existential crisis—because layoffs are fun. 🙃

🎧 Also featuring: the audacity of mediocre men, nostalgia for Roe v. Wade (RIP), and a moment of silence for Sarah’s turbo engine.

PSA: KC listeners, don’t forget about the Lit & Libations event on May 10th! It’s gonna be a LIT time. 🍸📖

And if you’re into supporting small businesses (or just love free stuff), FOREVER is offering 2GB of free storage + a $20 coupon! Because memories (and discounts) matter.

🔗 Link: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#DatingAppsAreTrash #FeministRage #MomDramaChronicles #LivingUnderstaffed #Podcast #IndiePod

______________________________________________

📸✨ Shoutout time! ✨📸

Huge thanks to @freckle_face_photography for capturing the absolute chaos of our latest Living Understaffed episode! 🎙️ From tech disasters to life meltdowns (and a surprise dog fart attack 🐶💨), this episode is peak unhinged energy—and somehow, she made us look like we actually have our lives together. 😂👏

Go check out her work for stunning, storytelling photography that thankfully doesn’t include our existential crises. 🙃💖

______________________________________________

Sarah and Erika are back in the same space for this absolute masterpiece of an episode (aka, an excuse to spiral on-air). Did we plan? Absolutely not. Did we accidentally have a professional photographer capture our nonsense? You bet. 📸✨

Some highlights of our unhinged recording session:

🔹 The great laptop debate of 2025—aka, why we’re still using decade-old computers like it’s an Olympic sport.

🔹 Sarah’s tragic $600 Chinese food spill (that she has no memory of). 🥡💸

🔹 The absolute dissociation of switching to weekly episodes (WHO thought this was a good idea? Oh, right. Us.)

🔹 Daisy the dog making sure we all suffer through next-level toxic farts. 💀🐶

🔹 Erika’s realization that she never learned how to take care of herself (but hey, she did make sure her siblings got to piano lessons on time).

🔹 Sarah manifesting her new job in Georgia while simultaneously questioning her entire dating history. 🤡

🔹 Why the bar for men is still in hell, but we are no longer participating in that nonsense. 🚫🔥

If you love chaos, friendship, and two women holding their lives together with duct tape and sarcasm, this episode is for you. 🎧💖

Also featuring: Daisy the dog demanding attention, debates on whether 130 lbs is a realistic weight standard (it's not), and Erika trying very hard not to overbook her life (again).

Listen now before we regret our life choices on-air. 🚨🎧

Plus, mark your calendars for the Lit & Libations event in KC on May 10th! And if you love supporting small businesses, join us on FOREVER for free 2GB storage and a $20 coupon to use on any product—because memories (and discounts) matter!

🔗 Link: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#EffortExpended #EnergyDepleted #PodcastingChaos #DatingStandards #TechFails #LivingUnderstaffed #ManifestingSuccess #CanineCatastrophe #FreckleFacePhotography #FreckleFace

In the meantime, we’ve picked out a little treat for you—our second most downloaded episode—so you can relive the chaos while we take a breather. Catch up, join us in Discord, and stay tuned for all the usual laughs, overthinking, and unfiltered takes when we’re back next week!

----------------------------

Welcome to Lucky Episode 013 of the Living Understaffed podcast, where Sarah and Erika hilariously unravel another week of chaos and coping (mostly). Did we mention our “luck” in that we recording this episode 3 different times before it actually took?

From being baffled by mysterious laptop liquid ("The repair shop told me it smelled like Chinese food, but I haven’t even had Chinese food!" 🍜) to avoiding those 15-minute tasks that somehow get put off for weeks, the duo keeps it real, raw, and relatable.

This time, we're diving into our favorite toxic traits and trying (unsuccessfully) to accept compliments without imploding. Sarah and Erika are “experts” at juggling work, podcasting, and laundry piles—just don’t ask them to do it on time! 🤷‍♀️

And now for those very exciting announcements: Starting today, we’re going weekly! 🎉 We’re also launching our very own Discord server—join us to chat all things understaffed, overwhelmed, and overtired. And because we clearly don’t have enough on our plates, we’re kicking off a monthly Understaffed Book Club. Who doesn’t need one more thing to juggle, right? 📚✨

Featured Promo is with our newest friend, Sarah Wilson, host of Everything’s Messy Podcast. Check out her website for more info!

everythingsmessywellness.com

Buckle up for some understaffed laughs and join the chaos! #Relatable #ADHDlife #ToxicButFunny #JoinOurDiscord #LivingUnderstaffed #LivingUnderstaffedPodcast #Understaffed #Podcast #IndiePodcast

Join our discord! https://discord.gg/8ABRayCYrt

Your favorite chronically understaffed duo is back, and this week’s episode is a rollercoaster. From analyzing the fine art of being a bigger person (literally and metaphorically) in the dating world to Sarah manifesting her next big career move, we’ve got a lot to unpack. 🎙️

What’s on today’s agenda?

• 🍕 Erika’s well-balanced diet of… ice cream for dinner.
• 📢 Sarah’s hot take: "I shan’t." – A guide to rejecting nonsense.
• 🏆 Hitting 1,000 downloads and why you should care (because we’re amazing, duh).
• ✈️ The great Georgia migration – Will Sarah finally escape Fort Leonard Wood?
• 🔥 Dating as a bigger person: Fetishes, fuckboys, and faking enthusiasm.

Also featuring: Daisy the dog demanding attention, debates on whether 130 lbs is a realistic weight standard (it’s not), and Erika trying very hard not to overbook her life (again).

Listen now before we regret our life choices on-air. 🚨🎧 #LivingUnderstaffed #DatingFails #MovingMadness #UnderpaidAndOverIt

Plus, mark your calendars for the Lit & Libations event in KC on May 10th—the more time passes, the more excited we get! And if you love supporting small businesses, join us on FOREVER for free 2GB storage and a $20 coupon to use on any product—because memories (and discounts) matter!

🔗 linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#PromotionPending #USAJobsIsTrash #PodcastChaos

Let me know if you want any tweaks! 😊

BIG NEWS ALERT! In this episode, Sarah and Erika dive into the chaotic whirlwind that is career advancement (aka finally getting recognized for being amazing). Sarah spills the tea on getting referred for not one but TWO positions, and we all collectively scream at USAJobs for being the most confusing and emotionally manipulative system known to humankind. 🎢

But wait—there’s more! Highlights from this episode include:

• Erika dropping savage truth bombs 💣 (because someone has to).
• Married Guy making a dramatic exit like this is some kind of rom-com. 🚪🙄
• Road trip plans and emo prom prep—because obviously.
• A very serious discussion about Walmart lingerie. Yes, really.

Plus, mark your calendars for the Lit & Libations event in KC on May 10th—the more time passes, the more excited we get! And if you love supporting small businesses, join us on FOREVER for free 2GB storage and a $20 coupon to use on any product—because memories (and discounts) matter!

Link: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#PromotionPending #USAJobsIsTrash #LivingUnderstaffed #PodcastChaos

Sarah & Erika are back with another episode filled with sarcasm, tangents, and chaos—per usual. This week, we discuss:

🎨 Sarah’s deep (and slightly bankrupting) love for Thomas Kinkade’s Disney collection.

💅 Erika getting got by TikTok Shop (again).

💃 A wild night out, featuring a muscular man with offensive breath.

🐶 Daisy the stinky, crusty, but beloved dog.

🎤 The official promposal: Erika asks Sarah to EMO PROM (cue the Taking Back Saturday soundtrack).

📸 Sarah’s master plan to infiltrate the indie book world with an AI photo booth.

💔 Ghosting men and their tragic comebacks.

Buckle up, because it’s an episode filled with love, regret, and eyeliner choices we won’t be repeating from 2008.

🖤 Tits up, let’s do this. 🖤

Oh, and don’t forget about Lit & Libations in Kansas City on Saturday, May 10th! 🍷✨ Come celebrate the power of women, sip something amazing, and laugh about how the patriarchy still doesn’t stand a chance. Cheers to defiance and trailblazing! 🌟

Last, but not least important, thing to note: Join our Discord server! We send out info about the book club, latest updates, and a pets section that we’re so, so excited for – come join the fun! https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #EmoPromOrBust #SendTums #DogsDeserveBetter #WhyAreMen #UnhingedAsUsual #Forever

Happy Chinese New Year! 🎉 It’s the Year of the Wood Snake—aka, our year! 🐍 Time to shed the old, embrace transformation, and slither into our most unhinged era yet.

Welcome to the crossover event nobody asked for but everyone needed! Sarah and Erika team up with Kollin from the Trash Panda Podcast for an unforgettable episode. Prepare yourselves—today’s topic is guaranteed to leave you laughing, cringing, and rethinking everything you thought you knew.

Key highlights from this dumpster fire of brilliance:

• The Great Vacuum Debate 🧹: Is it possible to feel... romantic about a household appliance? Apparently, yes.
• Jellybean Cameos 🐾: Yes, we’re talking adorable dogs and why Kollin will never get an invite back.
• Nine Toes and Soft Lips 👣💋: Dating profiles have entered the chat.
• The Big O: Faking it—who, why, and the embarrassing truths nobody else will admit.
• ADHD Life Hacks 🧠✨: Adderall and Wellbutrin make everything better (or do they?).

Oh, and did we mention? Erika might have accidentally simp-ed just a little. 🫠

Tune in for:

🔥 Sarcasm so sharp you’ll need stitches.

🔥 Kollin’s unsolicited life advice (you’re welcome).

🔥 Sarah and Erika proving, once again, they’re everyone’s chaotic best friends.

Listen now or forever regret not being in on the joke! Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, talk shit and send pics of your pets -- find everything on this link: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

• 🧠 Therapy revelations: why it’s not just for “trauma” but a toolbox for navigating life’s chaos.
• 🐾 Daisy’s smooth-brained antics and why Erika’s dog is the queen of comforters.
• 🎆 New Year’s traditions from smashing plates in Denmark to rocking polka dots in the Philippines.
• 🎯 The art (and struggle) of setting and sticking to resolutions—spoiler: being specific is key.

💬 Plus, why Scotland’s Hogmanay is officially on our travel bucket list!

Pour a glass of something festive and join the conversation as we spiral (in the best way) through life, growth, and a bit of absurdity.

Oh, and don’t forget about Lit & Libations in Kansas City this Saturday, May 10th! 🍷✨ Come celebrate the power of women, sip something amazing, and laugh about how the patriarchy still doesn’t stand a chance. Cheers to defiance and trailblazing! 🌟

Last, but not least important, thing to note: Join our Discord server! We send out info about the book club, latest updates, and a pets section that we’re so, so excited for – come join the fun! https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Whether it’s combating outdated stereotypes 🥴, advocating for fair pay 💸, or simply finding the courage to be heard 🎙️, these conversations remind us that progress is happening—even if slowly. Erika shares her own experiences of navigating government work, including the everyday microaggressions 😤 and blatant sexism she’s faced—and how she’s managed to stay resilient (spoiler: it’s not always pretty 😅).

But it’s not all heavy! There’s plenty of humor 😂, like Sarah’s rant about cussing pens 🖊️ (because who doesn’t love signing official documents with sass?) and a detour into why sexy pens are clearly the superior office supply. Plus, we highlight the inspiring story of astronaut Emily Calendrelli 🚀 and her incredible journey into space, proving that women are meant to reach new heights—literally. 🌌

💫 Don’t miss the Lit & Libations event in Kansas City this Saturday, May 10th! 🍷✨ It’s a perfect chance to unwind, celebrate the stories of phenomenal women, and sip on something amazing. Cheers to making space (pun intended 😉) for more women at every table—and in every field!

articles:

1. https://www.catalyst.org/research/women-in-male-dominated-industries-and-occupations/
2. https://march8.com/articles/the-value-of-bringing-women-into-male-dominated-industries

Go follow Emily Callendrelli on instagram @‌thespacegal – she is such a dope human!!

Also follow Dana Alyss for the Dating Hunger Games saga because, my god, it’s entertaining AND educational. @‌danalyss

Welcome to 2025, friends! Erika and Sarah are kicking off the year with peak understaffed energy. From moving across town like a full-blown circus 🎪 to adopting a "smooth-brain" dog named Daisy 🐶, Erika's life has been... well, a vibe. Meanwhile, Sarah shares her adventures in family drama, emotional meltdowns over cute nephews 🍼, and avoiding work like it's her full-time job 💅.

But wait, there’s more—we’ve officially hit the 1-year mark on the show! 🥳 A full year of laughs, chaos, and incredible connections with you all. We’re beyond grateful for this podcast as both a creative outlet and a sanity-saving hobby (because, let’s be real, therapy is expensive 🫠).

We’re diving into the highs, lows, and WTFs of the holidays, declaring war on "Galentine’s" 🛑, and manifesting a much better year ahead (because honestly, how could it be worse than 2024? 🙄). Plus, updates on listener stats—37 countries, baby 🌍—and a shoutout to our two official haters (thanks for the engagement, boo 🫶).

✨ Cheers to one year down, a lifetime of sarcasm ahead, and the amazing community we’ve built. Grab your chaos, your favorite toast, and your New Year’s optimism. Let’s get into it! ✨

💬 Don’t forget to join our Discord for special updates, our monthly book club (this month: What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods), and merch drops! 🎉 [https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod ]

Ho, ho, hold on to your jingle bells, folks! Sarah and Erika are back with a Christmas Day special that’s more "Bye Week" than "Silent Night." 🎅 Exhausted? Absolutely. Prepared? Absolutely not. This episode is basically a stocking stuffed with our most downloaded episode ever: Hear Me Out. 🎁✨

💡 What’s inside? 💡

• A throwback to our humble beginnings when we were too broke for Santa but still rich in sarcasm.
• A tribute to one year of podcasting brilliance (and forgetting our own anniversary 🎂).
• An open admission that we’re totally fine letting our equipment collect dust while we sip cocoa and scroll TikTok in bed.

We’re serving you secondhand laughs, existential musings on adulthood, and enough real talk to put Aunt Karen’s fruitcake to shame. If you’re dodging relatives or just need a break from the holiday madness, this is your safe space. 🎧

💌 So grab some eggnog, pop in your AirPods, and relive the magic of Episode 2 (the one where we were hilariously unhinged but didn’t know it yet). No judgment if you’re still in your PJs at 3 PM. 🎄🎁✨

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and may your naps be as satisfying as ours. 💤 See you in 2025, fam!

Find all the links to our socials, your fave places to listen to the show and other goodies available on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

👀 Expect sarcastic takes, lots of laughs, and honest conversations about being seriously understaffed.

In this episode, we talk about:

• 📖 Trisha’s dream of running a bookstore and her first $700 pop-up success
• 🧠 Navigating brain surgery recovery and staying (mostly) sane during the holidays
• 🤝 Why strangers are better hype people than your own circle

Whether you're chasing big dreams, drowning in to-do lists, or just here for the laughs, this episode’s for you! ✨

Be sure to check out KC Book Beat and Sun Fox Books socials! We’re here to support these cool movements in Kansas City!

Also, MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW, because Erika and I will be in KC for the Lit & Libations event in May!!

Understaffed Linktree - Join our book club, share music, books and pod recommendations

Now for the star of the show: we’re welcoming Erika’s incredible sister, Emma! 🎉 She’s bringing her hilarious, no-BS take on life, dating, and finding her groove in a new town. Plus, did we mention she literally plays with fire? 🔥 (No, really. She’s a badass with fire and hula hoops. Is it too late for us to be this cool?)

In this episode, we tackle:

✨ Sibling shenanigans and surviving family chaos.

✨ Dating in murky pools of medium-ugly men.

✨ Why self-sufficiency isn’t optional (yes, we’re looking at you, clueless adults).

✨ And much, much more!

We’ve also got updates:

🎉 Merch is here! Grab yours and show off your understaffed pride. Our Discord is popping with book club chats, music recs, and a healthy dose of random chaos. Weekly episodes = more us, more often. You’re welcome. 😉

🎧 Don’t miss our shoutout to What Keeps Me Up (WKMU), where you’ll find gaming, UFOs, and all the weirdness you never knew you needed. Find them at wkmu.podbean.com.

As always, we’re so grateful you’re here with us, understaffed and all. Grab your headphones and let’s dive in—you don’t want to miss Emma’s stories!

Find everything we have on Linktree! https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

#LivingUnderstaffed #SiblingGoals #DatingFails #PodcastLife #Dating #LivingUnderstaffedPodcast #Podcast #IndiePod #Indie #IndiePodcast #Sarah #Erika #Emma

Here’s what you missed: 💼 Office drama? Check. Sarah is reimagining "understaffed" as a competitive sport. Someone get her coworkers a sticky note ASAP.

📦 Erika’s in the midst of a move and somehow surviving on peanut M&Ms and sibling solidarity. 🍫

🔥 Speaking of rage—this episode has it in spades. Shoutout to KaleHydra-something for reminding us that haters are our biggest fans. 🖤

🧠 The duo unpacks why "attractiveness" gets way too much credit and how it warps everything from career paths to car jumps. 🚗

It’s funny. It’s raw. It’s a big middle finger to double standards. And don’t worry—certified yappers are getting their merch.

Catch the full convo where the last two brain cells rally for glory, and remember: if you can't be nice, at least be funny. 😉

🎉 Don’t forget to grab your Living Understaffed merch (yes, including the Certified Yapper line)! ✨ Plus, our holiday cards are here to spread some festive chaos! 🎄📝 Show us some love by leaving a review, dropping a comment, or liking your favorite episode—it’s the gift that keeps on giving. ❤️

https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Contact Ed Beardmore for your life insurance needs. End of life expenses can add up quickly and Ed has a solution for you to consider. Contact him today at edbeardmore@gmail.com or 903-309-0686 to get a quote and get the stresses of end of life care handled.

One article discussed: https://www.buzzfeed.com/hannahmarder/examples-of-pretty-privilege

💔 Man-hating era? Oh, you bet.

🧹 Messy life, clean mind vibes? We’re working on it.

This week, Sarah and Erika tackle How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis, LPC—a guidebook for the overwhelmed, the overworked, and the unapologetically imperfect. Spoiler alert: we were triggered. From redefining chores as acts of kindness to reframing the dreaded laundry mountain, we’re learning to make our homes work for us instead of the other way around.

But it’s not all book talk! Erika shares how her dog, Rocky, is leading a one-dog revolution against meal prep, while Sarah recounts the eyebrow mishap that no one warned her about (thanks for nothing, coworkers). We’ll also discuss the fine art of setting boundaries, the power of naps, and why doom piles are actually underrated organizational tools.

Plus, we’re giving a huge shoutout to our podcast pals over at Chatsunami Podcast—your go-to for gaming, anime, and thoughtful deep dives. Seriously, go check them out for some much-needed serotonin. 🌊

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in life’s chaos or just need validation that you’re doing your best (you are!), this episode is your permission slip to let go of the guilt, take a break, and embrace the mess. 💛

🎄 The holidays are here, and what better way to spread cheer than by sending out your holiday cards or snagging some of our awesome merch? 🎁 Shop now and make this season extra special! ✨

https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

Expect plenty of laughs as Erika recounts Rocky the dog’s latest escapades—spoiler: he ate a whole crockpot of chicken and graciously left junk mail in the toilet 🚽🐕. Meanwhile, Sarah struggles with a week packed with in-processing, graduations, and the elusive concept of sleep 😴.

Highlights include:

• Compliments: Why they’re so hard to take, and how low self-esteem isn’t always the culprit 🤔
• Rocky’s “skin-walker” behavior and why dog owners everywhere feel Erika’s pain
• Plus-size clothing prices: Can we not? 😒

With real talk, relatable rants, and enough sarcasm to fill a “compliment” jar, Episode 15 is your weekly reminder that life’s a mess, and we’re all just trying to keep up.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re feeling brave, try giving someone a compliment today… just maybe not “You look great for your age.”

🎧 Shoutout Corner: A huge OH F_CK YEAH to the Oh Fck Yeah Podcast w/Ruan Willow_! For all things sexy, empowering, and unfiltered, check it out. (You’re welcome!)

Like what you heard? Drop a like, follow us, and share with a friend—because let’s face it, everyone knows someone who's a little (or a lot) understaffed. 💼💋

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

If you’re looking at ordering holiday cards this year, definitely check out the FOREVER option within our Linktree!

Sarah and Erika also get personal, sharing stories of hair dye mishaps 💇‍♀️, post-car-accident stress 🚗, and the weekly emotional rollercoaster that is therapy. As always, they balance the serious with the light-hearted, dishing out relatable moments about navigating self-discipline and showing up for themselves amidst life’s chaos.

With witty banter, heartwarming moments, and a few tangents about upcoming podcast plans (hello, Discord community!), episode #14 is packed with laughs, insights, and plenty of feminist energy.

🎙 P.S. Shoutout to Camp Cringe! 🎙 If you’re craving some spine-tingling storytelling with a hint of hilarity, don’t miss Camp Cringe! Join them at Camp Silky for eerie mysteries, questionable camp counselors, and just the right amount of cringe-worthy moments. New episodes drop on the 25th of each month on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

For show notes, including the book recommendations mentioned, links to our Discord server, and more, check out our Linktree -- Don’t forget to share your thoughts on this week’s episode and join our book club discussion!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

From being baffled by mysterious laptop liquid ("The repair shop told me it smelled like Chinese food, but I haven’t even had Chinese food!" 🍜) to avoiding those 15-minute tasks that somehow get put off for weeks, the duo keeps it real, raw, and relatable.

This time, we're diving into our favorite toxic traits and trying (unsuccessfully) to accept compliments without imploding. Sarah and Erika are “experts” at juggling work, podcasting, and laundry piles—just don’t ask them to do it on time! 🤷‍♀️

And now for those very exciting announcements: Starting today, we’re going weekly! 🎉 We’re also launching our very own Discord server—join us to chat all things understaffed, overwhelmed, and overtired. And because we clearly don’t have enough on our plates, we’re kicking off a monthly Understaffed Book Club. Who doesn’t need one more thing to juggle, right? 📚✨

Featured Promo is with our newest friend, Sarah Wilson, host of Everything’s Messy Podcast. Check out her website for more info!

everythingsmessywellness.com

Buckle up for some understaffed laughs and join the chaos! #Relatable #ADHDlife #ToxicButFunny #JoinOurDiscord #LivingUnderstaffed #LivingUnderstaffedPodcast #Understaffed #Podcast #IndiePodcast

Join our discord! https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

• Sarah's tragic sunburn recovery plan—spoiler: it’s mostly aloe and sarcasm.
• Erika’s fight for justice... against people who CC the boss and claim they "didn't get the email." 🙄
• The great office supply love fest—because nothing says “I’m an adult” like Sharpie pens with weight.
• And of course, the most iconic email sign-offs you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Tune in for stories of sea turtles, spa dates, and the petty email wars you wish you could be a part of. 🐢💌

Because who needs more hours in the day when you have iced coffee and a strong urge to "reply all"? ✨

So, if you're feeling a little overwhelmed and need some laughs (and maybe a nap), grab your favorite snack and tune in. And don’t forget to *leave a review*—we’re small, we’re growing, and we live for your feedback (even if it’s not a 5-star, but we mean... why wouldn’t it be?). 😘 ✨ Like, subscribe, and share the Understaffed love! ✨

https://linktr.ee/livingunderstaffedpodcast

Inspirational Audio Ending: Follow “_agoodcultleader” on Instagram. We love his videos and how uplifting he is. <3

Expect a rollercoaster of conversations from how to find joy in the literal messes (hello, peanut butter in your hair 💁‍♀️) to why self-care sometimes feels like just another item on your endless to-do list. Can someone tell me how we’re supposed to "fill our cup" when there’s a toddler holding it hostage? Asking for a friend. 😂

But don’t worry, we’re not all rants and raves here (okay, maybe we are 😅). From stress-induced baking (is it really self-care or are we just avoiding life?) to finding the courage to send that email full of snarky passive-aggressiveness and not immediately regretting it, we’ve got you covered.

Tune in for:

• Hilarious confessions of life under constant pressure (and poor internet connection, of course).
• Advice you didn’t know you needed—because who doesn’t want to hear about the emotional rollercoaster of stress baking? 🧁
• Real talk about self-care—yes, you CAN get through a full skincare routine while ignoring Slack notifications. 🤷‍♀️

Basically, if you’ve ever felt like you're a walking circus act, trying to balance a thousand things and still have time to binge Netflix... well, welcome to the club. 😂 Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun (and slightly chaotic) ride! 🛠️💥

Don't forget to like, follow, subscribe and send us pictures of your dog(s) because we absolutely live for that shit.

Visit here for more info:

https://linktr.ee/livingunderstaffedpodcast

In this highly caffeinated and barely functioning episode, Sarah and Erika are joined by the fabulous author, Meg Becker, whose life is just as chaotic as her spicy romance novels. 🤯 Between writing full time in her evenings and weekends, road trips that,,,, test marriages, and surviving the male-dominated world of construction, Meg gives us a totally normal glimpse into her everyday life (spoiler: it’s not normal). 😅

Oh, and did we mention the deep dive into micro-feminism, creepy customers, and unhinged conference encounters? Yeah, it’s that kind of episode. Buckle up for some serious LOLs and sarcastic rants as we all try to figure out what the heck is going on. 💁‍♀️💃

Things to Look for in This Episode:

• Energy drinks, lost sleep, and packing panic at 3 AM. 🕒
• Men who ask women to "sing Soft Kitty" 😒 (we know, gross).
• Feminist mic drops. 🎤💥
• A conspiracy theory about Stephen King and Elvis' ghost? 👀
• Wild road trip rants (and why you should always pray for Meg's husband).

It’s a mess, but it’s our mess. Join the chaos! 😎

Meg Becker's Linktree: http://linktr.ee/authormegbecker

Living Understaffed Linktree: https://linktr.ee/livingunderstaffedpodcast

Sarah’s *shocking* revelation: "I don’t feel wildly overwhelmed right now." 🤯 Trust us, no one was more surprised than she was. Erika, meanwhile, is dealing with her own mini-chaos, like walking into the office in baggy jeans, no bra, and a crop top—because obviously, she thought she was going to be *alone* (classic understaffed move). 🙈

But that’s not all! We also dive into some seriously questionable romance novel euphemisms. Velvet-wrapped steel? Apex of her thighs? No, thanks. 🚫 We’re sending those tropes “straight to jail.” 🚓👋

Key moments include:

- 📦 Moving into a new house (but definitely ignoring the *to be organized* boxes).

- 😴 "I could knock out podcast editing... OR I could go home and take a nap." Guess which one won?

- 📚 Bad romance novel euphemisms you’ll wish you could unhear.

- 🧠 Managing anxiety, ADHD, and the constant voice in your head that screams, "You forgot something!"

- ✨ Overall, #getbetter

So, if you're feeling a little overwhelmed and need some laughs (and maybe a nap), grab your favorite snack and tune in. And don’t forget to *leave a review*—we’re small, we’re growing, and we live for your feedback (even if it’s not a 5-star, but we mean... why wouldn’t it be?). 😘 ✨ Like, subscribe, and share the Understaffed love! ✨

https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod

👩‍💻💤 Sick days, worst first dates, and spontaneous bang-cutting decisions (yes, bangs) are all up for discussion. And if you’re wondering how Sarah and Erika met? It was love at first book. 📚❤️ 

Strap in, folks—this episode is basically an understaffed dumpster fire, but at least we have a sense of humor.🔥🙃

😏 Oh, and before you go, don't forget to follow, like, and subscribe! Share this podcast with your friends (because they definitely need to hear us too), drop a comment, tag your pets, and leave us a glowing review. 🌟 Because honestly, what else are you doing with your life?

👏 Shoutout to the Chatsunami podcast - they are featured on our first "commercial break" and we're excited to share their show with you. Chatsunami is a casual chat between friends about a variety of topics from gaming and films to anime and general interests.

✨ Additionally, our friend, Tai Kimes, is running a Women's Empowerment Journey workshop starting 1-September. Are you ready to elevate your life, manifest your dreams and join a SisCircle - Safe Space that will allow you to level up your life? The answer is yes! Use discount code "HEALED1" at checkout and you'll get her incredible course for just $27!

Visit tosombrakimes.com to learn more information.

Join us as we dish out unsolicited relationship advice that’s probably better than your ex’s opinions, all while laughing at the absurdity of it all. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and eyerolls as we tackle the big issues with tiny feminist acts and some seriously questionable life choices. Because why not fix the world and your love life at the same time? 🎢❤️🌍

We want to hear from you! Send us your favorite music recommendations and share your stories of microfeminisms. Whether it's a song that lifts your spirits or a small act of feminism that made a difference, we want to celebrate it all. Drop us a message or tag us on social media with #Microfeminism #Tunes. Let's create a playlist and a movement together! 💁‍♀️🎵✨

Stay tuned, stay empowered! 🌟

POD SHOUTOUT: Go check out the Functional Chaos Podcast! Just 3 unhinged goofballs doing the best they can to host a podcast! Life is way too unforgiving to be so judgmental and serious. They want to create an atmosphere like, girls night in! A space to talk about things that matter, while also bullsh*tting about things that don’t!

#PodcastCommunity #MusicAndFeminism #Understaffed #LivingUnderstaffed #WomensEmpowerment #Microfeminism #Movement #ModernDating #Shoutout #FunctionalChaos #Podcast #PodWorld #PodFamily

Note from Sarah: My sincere apologies posting the episode late again. Coming off leave for 2 weeks has been very stressful, nonstop and I'm still a little under the weather. Thank you so very much for being so patient with me and I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode:

• Discover the journey of being a single parent, the importance of self-care, and how embracing alone time can transform your life.
• Learn about the benefits of quitting smoking, finding solace in outdoor activities, and how music and podcasting have become essential outlets for expressing emotions and dealing with stress.
• Hear the story of Juice WRLD's influence on personal recovery, the struggle to quit alcohol, and the amusing attempts to live off pickled chicken, including a near-altercation with an old lady at a casino.
• Dive deep into the complexities of post-divorce life, from recognizing red flags to navigating new relationships and understanding love languages.
• Understand the significance of personal growth and self-awareness in relationships, and how effective communication can make all the difference.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations and hilarious anecdotes. Share your own self-care tips and post-divorce stories in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Show note from Sarah: Thank you all for being so patient with us as we get this episode out there. If you've listened to the episode, you'll hear that the understaffed life is quite prevalent for both of us and now, as I sit in the airport to fly to Germany, is when I'm finally finished with editing the episode. I want to throw in a detail about how Gotts video/audio took me 5 extra hours of editing but we'll give him some grace. Anyway, appreciate you being here and listening to the show. We love you.

💼 Hear personal anecdotes, from overcoming AC mishaps to navigating unexpected career setbacks. Plus, discover what it means to bring great 💪 resilience and the struggles of being an independent woman to the table.

🌟 Don't miss out on our candid discussion about maintaining composure and what we bring to the table - like great tits and winning personalities!

🎧 #Podcast #CareerJourney #Resilience #IndependentWomen #WhatDoYouBringtotheTable

A "sponsor" is my own journey with FOREVER. Join me for a 1-1 or group discussion on how we can preserve your memories through this thing called life. Check out Memories in Motion in our Linktree to find out more information - I'd love to be able to share with you in Capturing the Journey to Preserve Your Legacy. [https://linktr.ee/livingunderstaffedpodcast]

Book Recommendations this week:

• Erika: Not in Love by Ally Hazelwood
• Erika: Murder on the White Cliffs by LB Hathaway
• Sarah: The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty by Dan Ariely
• Stacey (Sarah's friend from college 100 years ago): The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

☕️ Grab your coffee, energy drink, or whiskey, and tune in for a mix of hilarious understaffed stories, insightful discussions, and a special guest appearance. Join us as we navigate the chaos with a healthy dose of sarcasm and camaraderie. Subscribe now to commiserate and laugh along with the Living Understaffed crew!

📝 Don't miss out on this fun and engaging episode!

**Highlights:**

- Meet our special guest, Chris Smith from Podtastic Audio

- Hilarious and relatable understaffed tales from Sarah and Erika

- Insights into job hunting and the pitfalls of LinkedIn

- A look at the impact of rising minimum wages on staffing and costs

Look for Chris on social media and start off with his website: https://podtasticaudio.com/

Don't forget to follow our social media pages and we dare you to leave a review. Share your thoughts - the good, the bad and the downright bizarre. Or, if you're feeling brave, respond to our burning questions from the episode or upcoming episode requests. Just remember, chaos loves company!

https://linktr.ee/livingunderstaffedpodcast

Episode Recommendations: - Oh F*ck Yeah Podcast with Ruan Willow: A Health, Fitness, Sexuality, Fiction, Arts and Performing Arts Podcast. Ruan is an erotica author and NSFW audiobook narrator. She has over 450 episodes out there discussing sexx and relationships with experts and sexperts, interviews authors to celebrate them and introduce listeners to new authors in the erotica fiction genre. This podcast is about celebrating sexuality and all things sex-positive.

- “I Am NOT A Low Maintenance Girlfriend” poem by TikTok influencer Celia (@powerhouseofthecel )

Currently Reading:

Erika: Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver [https://a.co/d/5tKMMrP] Sarah: Pour It On Me by Meg Becker [https://a.co/d/hEta6F3]

***Don't forget to follow us on our other socials: https://linktr.ee/livingunderstaffedpodcast

Podcast Promo: Props to the Shayne and I Show - the podcast about nothing that makes you think of something! We were excited to feature this show on our pod as Sarah has been following these guys since the Bird in the Hand start. Go check them out and be sure to hit that follow button!

Don't forget to follow our social media pages and we dare you to leave a review. Share your thoughts - the good, the bad and the downright bizarre. Or, if you're feeling brave, respond to our burning questions from the episode or upcoming episode requests. Just remember, chaos loves company!

Books mentioned in this episode:

- Erika current read: The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden - Amazon: https://a.co/d/aj9HNHt

- Sarah current read: Travels with George by Nathaniel Philbrick - Amazon: https://a.co/d/enepg0t

- Erika recommendation: Moon Series by Rebecca York - Amazon: https://a.co/d/8LickMo

- Erika’s book club and Sarah’s personal recommendation: Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta - Amazon: https://a.co/d/9IUKrSo

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/understaffedpod