Reflecting on 2025: Embracing Authenticity and Change

In this unplanned bonus episode, Alyssa and Nadia wrap up 2025 on a lighter note after their emotional conversation about gun violence the previous week. The discussion centers on reflection, transition, and what it means to stay authentic as life changes rapidly.

Alyssa kicks off the conversation with a viral social media trend she's been seeing: 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac (the 9th cycle), which represents shedding things that no longer serve you, followed by 2026 being the Year of the Horse (cycle 1)—a fresh start. While Nadia hasn't encountered this trend, she shares that her astrology app Co-Star gave her 2026 resolutions focused on authenticity and surrounding herself with people who genuinely support her growth rather than just depending on her.

The conversation shifts to what they're keeping versus shedding as they enter 2026. Nadia reveals she's signed up to take the MCAT in July and will be studying throughout the spring semester while working. She reflects on discovering that she's most productive and in control when she's busy with multiple responsibilities. Rather than actively shedding things, she anticipates natural changes as most of her friends graduate in May while she finishes in December.

A poignant moment comes when they discuss the concept of "home." Nadia shares that while the Bay Area will always be her true home, Boston has become home in a different way—it's where 80% of her year is spent, where her routines are, and where she's chosen to take the MCAT because it feels most comfortable. She admits recent trips home have felt different, knowing her relationship with home might shift as she approaches graduation.

The episode concludes with reflections on the podcast itself, now 2.5 years old. They discuss how they've moved away from guest interviews this year, finding it easier and more comfortable to have direct conversations. Alyssa proposes themes for 2026: either interviewing Nadia's graduating friends about transitioning to post-college life, or bringing in physicians from different specialties as Nadia prepares for medical school. They leave it open-ended, inviting listeners to share their preferences.

Takeaways

• Year of the Snake (2025) symbolizes shedding the inauthentic; Year of the Horse (2026) represents new beginnings and fresh starts
• Staying true to yourself means not getting caught up in comparing your timeline to everyone else's path
• Being busy with meaningful responsibilities can actually create a sense of productivity and control, not just stress
• "Home" can exist in multiple places—your roots and your current base can both feel like home in different ways
• Natural life transitions (friends graduating, moving away) often create the "shedding" without forced action
• The concept of home evolves as you spend more time away—80% of the year elsewhere shifts what feels like your home base
• Taking major tests (like the MCAT) in your routine environment can reduce stress and improve performance
• Authentic podcasting means following what feels natural rather than forcing a specific format

Chapters

0:10–0:32 – Introduction: Ending 2025 on a Happier Note

0:32–1:46 – The Year of the Snake: Shedding & New Beginnings

1:46–3:37 – Co-Star Resolutions: Building Authentic Connections

3:37–5:27 – What to Shed in 2026: Staying True to Your Own Path

5:27–6:16 – Big News: Nadia Signs Up for the MCAT

6:16–7:37 – What to Keep: The Power of Productive Busyness

7:37–8:49 – Friends Going Different Directions & Coming Home

8:49–11:01 – Where is Home? Bay Area vs. Boston

11:01–11:56 – Feeling Tired of Surroundings & Needing Change

11:56–13:26 – Podcast Reflections: Why No More Guest Interviews?

13:26–14:45 – Looking Ahead: Podcast Ideas for 2026

14:45–15:02 – Closing: Happy Holidays & See You Next Year