Advice Is Optional
by Kristal and Gage Fiorentino
S3: Episode 31: Change is in the Air
About this podcast
If you won't take Your mom's advice, how about My mom's?
I'm Gage, a young guy diving into adulthood's ups and downs, trying to figure things out, while my life coach mom can't help but offer advice that is sometimes unconventional.Together, we break down what tips work and what totally flop, so you get all the insights—minus the trial and error. Tune in to skip the pitfalls and take the advice we give, optionally, of course.
Each episode, we share our thoughts, experiences, and perhaps a little unsolicited advice—take it or leave it. Whether you're looking for tips on relationships, career choices, or just a good story, we've got you covered.
And if there's a topic you'd like us to discuss, don't hesitate to reach out! We love hearing from our listeners and might even feature your question in a future episode. Your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you. So, join us on Tuesdays as we dive into these topics, and remember—our advice is always optional!
"Advice is Optional" is a conversational podcast. The insights we share are personal opinions, not professional advice, and are intended to foster understanding, not to substitute expert guidance. Remember to consult qualified professionals for any medical, legal, or psychological concerns.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 31 episodes
- S3: Episode 31: Change is in the Air · 31 min · Season 3 Episode 31Thirty-one episodes. Two and a half years behind the scenes. And somehow, we're still surprised by where this podcast has taken us. In this Season 3 finale, we look back at the…
- S3: Episode 30: Think and Grow Rich · 33 min · Season 3 Episode 30Inspired by Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Gage opens up about writing down a big life goal, setting a money target, and how it felt to tell his girlfriend and then now…
- S3: Episode 29: Love Languages: Is it BS? · 18 min · Season 3 Episode 29Kristal and Gage revisit a topic that once got a hard eye-roll from Gage, the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Back in season one, Kristal swore by them. Gage? He…
- S3: Episode 28: In and Outs of Buying a Car · 36 min · Season 3 Episode 28Buying your next car doesn't have to wreck your finances. In this episode we sit down with Christian, car industry insider and lifelong car enthusiast to break down how to buy…
- S3: Episode 27: Moving in part 2 · 36 min · Season 3 Episode 27Gage shares a real-time life update, he and his partner, Sarah, have decided to move in together which moves the convo towards fears, finances, and logistics… eventually bringing…
- S3 Episode 26: Dress Codes at Work · 16 min · Season 3 Episode 26Gage and Kristal take on workplace dress codes, professional expectations, and the unwritten rules no one ever explains. What begins with Gage's frustration over having to get a…
- S3 Episode 25: Bar Scene with Hannah · 36 min · Season 3 Episode 25AIO welcomes special guest Hannah, Gage's mentor in bartending and managing. Hannah speaks of navigating alcohol safely and thoughtfully—especially for women. From pacing drinks…
- S3 Episode 24: Humbled by the Job Market · 21 min · Season 3 Episode 24Gage needs a side hustle and what should've been easy turns into a lesson in humility. AI hiring, ego checks, and shifting mindset. Kristal and Gage talk about knowing your…
- S3 Episode 23: Keeping Friends in Adulthood · 24 min · Season 3 Episode 23Gage and Kristal dive into the meaningful parts of maintaining friendships as life shifts, schedules get busy, and miles grow between them. They explore how friendships evolve…
- S3 Episode 22: When is the Right Time to Move In with Your GF · 26 min · Season 3 Episode 22Gage actually asks for advice and this episode catches a real time, raw conversation about expectations, maturity, money, communication, and navigating the genuine next step in a…
- Can I get my own pet now? · 25 min · Season 2 Episode 21Our favorite special guest Ellie is back—and things get ruff! Gage and Ellie have very different takes on this topic, so buckle up and get ready to duck…shots are definitely…
- Anxiety and A Case of Missing Baseballs · 23 min · Season 2 Episode 20In this episode, Gage and Kristal get real about anxiety—what it feels like, why it shows up, and what actually helps. From sweaty palms to spiraling thoughts, they break down…
- One Wedding and My Funeral? · 29 min · Season 2 Episode 19Gage is invited to his cousin's wedding and he has a bunch of questions and a few rants. So, Kristal dives into the do's and don'ts of wedding etiquette—from gifts and dress…
- Exercise as therapy, Say what? · 22 min · Season 2 Episode 18Gage shares how lifting weights became his therapy for dealing with anxiety, and Kristal explains why that worked. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or just trying…
- Meet the Parents: Part 2 · 24 min · Season 2 Episode 17You've heard Gage and Kristal's side, now it's Sarah's turn. In this follow-up episode, we finally get to meet Sarah and hear her take on what it was like meeting Gage's parents…
- Meet the Parents: Part 1 · 22 min · Season 2 Episode 16Is there ever a right time to introduce your girlfriend/boyfriend to your parents? Listen to find how Gage made that decision-or how the decision was made for him-and how it…
- Work Life Balance: Is There Such a Thing? · 24 min · Season 2 Episode 15Is Work-Life Balance even a thing? We tackle this very question with a special guest, Ellie, Gage's younger sister who is also experiencing her first real job and struggling with…
- Sunday Scaries · 24 min · Season 2 Episode 14After a five-day break, Gage talks about the anxiety creeping in before Monday hits. Kristal shares simple ways to ease the "Sunday Night Scaries" and how to shift your mindset…
- Where Are My Underwear? · 22 min · Season 2 Episode 13Gage comes home to his childhood room turned guest room, and both Gage and Kristal have their own ideas as to how Gage reacted to the transition. Something good to say? Leave a…
- Dating Can Suck · 27 min · Season 2 Episode 12Moving to a new town is hard. Dating in a new town is harder. Kristal and Gage break down ideas to make dating less hard, and share views on online dating. Something good to say?…
