Being sad is a part of life as we all experience a wide range of emotions on a daily basis. But sometimes in society there seems to be a message that if you're sad, there must be something wrong. Well that's simply not always true! It's okay to feel down, and we explore the reasons behind our emotions, breaking down the stigma around sadness.

We don't have to smile through the sadness or pretend like everything is ok, it is healthy to feel all those feelings. Sometimes it could be very evident why we are sad, but other times there may not even a particular reason we may be feeling this way. It doesn't mean you're not an overall happy person or that you're not a positive person. Not at all! We all get sad from time to time.

However, we also discuss the crucial distinction between occasional bouts of sadness and persistent feelings of depression. While embracing our emotions is vital, we strong recommend people seek professional help when the weight of sadness becomes overwhelming and chronic. While this podcast offers insights, support, and a platform for open conversations about mental health, it is essential to recognize that it is not a substitute for seeking professional help, especially if you or someone you know is dealing with persistent feelings of depression. We strongly encourage reaching out to qualified mental health professionals for personalized guidance and support on your journey to well-being.

If you are enjoying our podcast, please make sure to go out to Apple Podcasts and leave a 5 star and written review, as well as share it with friends and family. Your support is so very appreciated!

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.

This episode has become a yearly tradition for the podcast during the holidays as we discuss how to navigate the Season alcohol free, whether you're starting day one of your alcohol free journey or have been on it for years. Alcohol consumption historically spikes during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day and it can be often times be incorporated into many people's holiday traditions. Some people may use alcohol to celebrate during the holidays, but others may use it to escape some of the stress or loneliness that also can occur during this time of year.

Last year was our first holiday alcohol free and now that we have another year under our belt, we wanted to share how our holidays look different these days, but also some ways that you can enjoy the holidays without alcohol! We also talk about how your decision to change your drinking habits may (and probably will) have a ripple effect on those around you as well.

Finally, there is no reason to wait until the New Year to begin making changes in your life. If you've been contemplating going alcohol free or were going to do Dry January, start now! We often give ourself a "pass" during this time of year, whether it's with alcohol, sweets, food, not exercising, etc. because we are going to start fresh on January 1st. You don't need a new year on the calendar to begin living your best life!

As always, thank you all for listening and from Leslie and I, we hope you have a wonderful, joyous and safe holiday season!!

If you are enjoying our podcast, please make sure to go out to Apple Podcasts and leave a 5 star and written review, as well as share it with friends and family. Your support is so very appreciated!

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.

One year ago Leslie and I released our very first episode of the Unemployed AF Dad podcast. Starting a podcast had been something we had discussed for a long time, but life has always just kept us from ever taking any further action. When I lost my job at the end of October 2022, we knew that it was time to take that leap of faith and record an episode, put it out there and just see what happened. And here we are 365 days later after releasing 26 episodes celebrating a year of podcasting!

We have learned so so much during this first year of podcasting and are grateful for every single person who has taken the time to listen to even one episode. We could not do this without YOU! During this episode we share 5 things we've learned throughout the last year while doing the podcast, but they also are applicable to life in general.

One year down, many more to go! We hope to continue to churn out episodes that encourage you, inspire you, perhaps challenge your way of thinking at times, but make you feel like you matter and that you are not alone in this life. Whether it comes to drinking alcohol, parenting, your marriage, personal healing, etc., we cover it all on this podcast because we know these things are important. Thank you for allowing us to share our lives with you for this past year and we hope you know how much each of you mean to us. Happy Birthday Unemployed AF Dad podcast!

If you are enjoying our podcast, please make sure to go out to Apple Podcasts and leave a 5 star and written review, as well as share it with friends and family. Your support is so very appreciated!

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.