Ryan Capliger's story begins with darkness but transforms into a brilliant testament to human resilience. Growing up in Hamilton, Ohio amidst what he simply describes as "nothing but trauma," Ryan's journey illustrates how profoundly life can change when someone finally recognizes your potential.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Ryan reveals a harrowing near-death experience. While celebrating his friend Shawn's birthday, an innocent shot of Jägermeister went terribly wrong, sending Ryan into respiratory distress. After Shawn performed life-saving CPR, Ryan spent three days in a coma, during which he experienced a profound vision of Jesus telling him, "you're never going to talk again." Rather than taking this literally, Ryan interpreted this message as a calling to express himself through writing and creative pursuits – a divine redirection that sparked his creative renaissance.

Since that pivotal moment, Ryan has channeled his experiences into multiple creative ventures. His novella "The Darkness From Within" explores themes of pain, abuse, and trauma, while his children's book series "Frankie Frog" demonstrates his versatility as a creator. For each book, Ryan writes accompanying songs available on streaming platforms, with merchandise including coloring books and soon-to-be-released plush toys. His creative spirit extends to songwriting collaborations with local artists, including his friend Shawn, whose quick action saved Ryan's life and gave him the chosen family he never had.

Ryan's powerful message resonates throughout the conversation: "We're born innocent and people take that innocence away, but you have that inner light somewhere inside of you to fight all that darkness and do anything and everything you want in life." His story reminds us that transformation is possible even from the darkest circumstances, especially when someone finally sees the potential within us that we couldn't see ourselves. Discover Ryan's creative works at FrankieFroggg.com and RyanCaplinger.com, and remember – the only person who can stop you from achieving your dreams is yourself.

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What happens when the ghosts of relationships past come knocking? When an ex-boyfriend from 1972 sends photographs capturing a beautiful 25-year-old version of yourself, it's natural to reminisce—but dangerous to romanticize. Today, I'm sharing a deeply personal journey through my relationship history and the wisdom that only 77 years of living can provide.

Those vintage photographs transport me back to a time when I left my first marriage seeking something better—not realizing the security I was walking away from. Young, gorgeous, with "a body to die for" and riding high on newfound freedom, I made choices that seemed exciting at the time. One boyfriend even introduced me to Quaaludes, part of a lifestyle that eventually led me to nearly 40 years of sobriety.

Against this backdrop, I read you a powerful cautionary tale written by Diane Berent Guth about "detonating" her life—abandoning a 20-year marriage, two children, and suburban stability for a handsome widower who quickly revealed himself as controlling and abusive. Her Hollywood fantasy rapidly descended into trauma, false imprisonment, and regret. The parallel to my own youthful choices isn't lost on me, though thankfully my story took a different turn.

Now, after 23 years with my current husband, I've found something worth holding onto. The stability of a committed relationship—imperfections and all—outshines any fleeting excitement or nostalgia. When I declare "I will never, ever leave him," it comes from a place of genuine appreciation for what matters most. Remember, as TikTok Bubbie always says: don't detonate your life over a fantasy. Take it from someone who's been there and learned the hard way—sometimes staying put is the wisest move of all. Have you ever been tempted to throw away something good for something that merely seemed exciting? Share your thoughts and let's talk about making choices we won't regret.

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Pope Francis's recent passing has left a profound void in our world—a spiritual leader whose environmental teachings transcended religious boundaries and offered a unifying vision when we needed it most. Reflecting on his legacy this Earth Day, I'm struck by how this "people's pope" embodied the values of simplicity, compassion, and stewardship that resonate deeply with me, despite my Jewish background.

Francis chose his papal name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, whose devotion to both Christ and the natural world established a powerful connection between spirituality and environmental consciousness. Through his landmark encyclical "Laudato Si," Francis questioned whether profit-driven societies could truly prioritize nature's rhythms and future generations' well-being. "Where profits alone count," he wrote, "there can be no thinking about the rhythms of nature." His message feels especially potent now, when short-term gains often overshadow long-term sustainability.

What makes Francis's environmental advocacy so powerful is its universal appeal. While Americans remain deeply polarized politically, clean air, clean water, and nature conservation have the potential to unite people across divides. His call to "leave behind our divisions" and emerge from the "dark night of environmental devastation" speaks to our shared humanity and collective responsibility. This philosophy extends beyond environmentalism into his broader teachings on acceptance, love, and peace—values that defined my generation before cultural shifts in the 1980s changed our priorities. As Francis famously asked about LGBTQ+ individuals, "Who am I to judge?" His simple question encapsulates a radical philosophy of acceptance that could transform our world. Because truly, what could we lose by giving peace and love a chance?

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Your favorite TikTok Bubbie delivers a cosmic twist to Tax Day with a heartfelt horoscope reading for every sign of the zodiac. Weaving personal connections throughout—from an Aries son to multiple Leo husbands sharing the same birthday—these star-guided insights offer both humor and wisdom during a time typically dominated by financial stress.

"Some people might be doubting you. They just don't know any better yet," I reassure my fellow Libras, while reminding Scorpios that today's seemingly pointless busy work builds foundations for future success. Each sign receives a personalized message, complete with birthday predictions and lucky numbers for the gamblers among you.

The conversation shifts from celestial matters to healthcare adventures as I share my recent hearing test appointment and passionate advocacy for preventative medicine. Having experienced the harsh realities of measles and witnessed loved ones suffer through shingles, my philosophy remains steadfast: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of trouble." This commitment to wellness extends to every available vaccine—from COVID to pneumonia to seasonal flu.

I close with candid reflections on taxation itself, pondering its relatively recent role in American life compared to the tax-free Gilded Age, and lamenting my 50-year drought without a tax refund as an independent contractor. Whether you're rushing to file or celebrating a refund, remember that the stars continue to guide us through even the most mundane obligations. And if nobody told you they love you today, I love you because you're you—so be yourself. Who else would you be?

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Your TikTok Bubbie speaks from the heart about homelessness in Los Angeles, weaving personal experiences with powerful insights from a recent LA Times editorial. Having faced housing insecurity as a child, with family furniture repeatedly placed on the street during evictions, Bubbie shares how the safety net of grandparents prevented her family from becoming homeless – a luxury many don't have in today's housing crisis.

From her "hip-hop building" in North Hollywood, Bubbie has witnessed the neighborhood's transformation as unhoused populations grow. When discussing the shocking statistics – 75,000 unhoused people in LA County and 45,000 in the city – she emphasizes that behind each number is a person with unique circumstances and challenges. The poignant stories shared from Carla Hall's editorial humanize this crisis: a neatly dressed man who lost his retail job and simply wanted a room somewhere, a woman who couldn't find shelter options in her community, individuals trapped in cycles of poverty despite their efforts to improve their situations.

The podcast takes a firm stance against ineffective policies like anti-camping ordinances that merely relocate people without addressing root causes. Bubbie challenges listeners to welcome affordable housing developments in their neighborhoods rather than opposing them, arguing that housing is a human right rather than a privilege. With compassion and clarity, she advocates for practical solutions – small houses, supportive services, and community acceptance – that preserve dignity while addressing immediate needs. Her closing message reminds us that advocating for housing justice isn't just policy work – it's acknowledging our shared humanity and responsibility to ensure everyone has a place to call home. Will you join the movement to create communities where no one sleeps on the sidewalk?

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Ever caught someone in a lie about their personal hygiene? That's exactly where this story begins—discovering my 77-year-old husband hasn't used deodorant for six months despite claiming it had only been a week! This revelation sparked my deep dive into the surprisingly complex world of body odor, personal preferences, and the unavoidable realities of aging bodies.

Growing up, I developed a sensitive awareness of body odor after cruel teenage girls made comments about how I smelled. These formative experiences shaped my lifelong appreciation for fragrance—from Joy Patou and Chanel No. 5 to Shalimar and Opium. But now at 77 "fucking years old" (as I candidly put it), our bodies are breaking down in new ways, creating stronger scents that require more attention. While I've committed to Secret industrial strength deodorant, my husband's post-COVID loss of smell means he's completely unaware of his own odor, creating an interesting household dynamic.

The question of deodorant use isn't simply personal—it touches on cultural traditions (like certain Orthodox Jewish practices), health perspectives, and social considerations. My philosophy is straightforward: with perhaps 25 good years left, why not make them pleasant-smelling ones? Throughout my life, cologne-wearing has been non-negotiable in romantic relationships, with unscented partners never making it past a single coffee date. Whether you agree with my stance or prefer to embrace natural body processes, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this surprisingly divisive topic. And remember, if nobody told you they love you today, I love you because you're you—just perhaps from a fragrant distance!

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Your TikTok Bubbie returns with a heartfelt episode that weaves personal celebration with thoughtful reality TV criticism. After celebrating my son's 41st birthday today, I dive into the cultural phenomenon of The Bachelor franchise and its current crossroads after 29 seasons.

Drawing from Greg Braxton's recent analysis, we explore how a once-groundbreaking dating show now suffers from formula fatigue, diversity challenges, and an inability to keep pace with cultural shifts. The rise of streaming platforms has introduced more provocative dating shows, leaving The Bachelor struggling to maintain relevance despite its loyal fanbase. The Golden Bachelor spin-off offered a refreshing bright spot, attracting viewers beyond the core Bachelor Nation by featuring contestants in their golden years searching for love.

As someone who values authentic representation in media, I reflect on what keeps me watching certain Bachelor iterations while skipping others. I share personal connections to the franchise, including my social media friendship with Golden Bachelor winner Therese and my delightful encounter with Bachelor in Paradise success story Ashley and Jared at an iHeartRadio event. These genuine connections between contestants remain the franchise's strongest appeal.

The episode concludes with an exciting announcement about my upcoming interview series with people in long-term relationships. In a dating landscape that's dramatically different from when I met my husband, I'm curious about what sustains commitment today. I leave you with my personal philosophy on relationships: "Date yourself first." The relationship you have with yourself forms the foundation for all others, so remember to high-five yourself every morning and practice self-love daily.

What do you think about the Bachelor franchise's future? Has it lost its cultural relevance, or is there still hope for reality romance on network television? Share your thoughts and remember – if nobody told you they love you today, I love you because you're you.

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I'm returning to podcasting after taking a break due to emotional struggles with depression. My focus will be on relationship advice, drawing from my extensive personal experiences dating back to my first relationship at 19.

• Grew up in Brooklyn with only my grandparents' 58-year marriage as a positive relationship model
• Entered my first marriage as a virgin with romanticized expectations that didn't match reality
• First marriage lasted from 1968-1975, ending because my husband was controlling "like a dictator"
• Currently in a 22-year marriage that has faced recent challenges
• Planning to start a regular relationship advice series covering what to look for in relationships and how to move on when they end
• Most important relationship lesson: focus on having a healthy relationship with yourself first
• Will possibly return to interviewing guests as I did in earlier episodes

I love you all very much and will talk to you hopefully tomorrow. Look forward to my relationship series!

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