Logo

First Stall Theory, Face Fitness, & Feeling Your Way to Better Decisions (5th Thing)

en

January 28, 2025

TLDR: Amy discusses 'First Stall Theory' and shares a quote from Adam Grant about value-based decisions, Kat adds insights, a listener updates on their journey, Kate Winslet offers advice on aging, Amy talks about her face fitness progress, recommendations for books 'Fourth Wing', 'November 9th', and 'Daisy Darker' are given, and the hosts chat about Ryan Reynolds' mental state.

1Ask AI

In this engaging episode of the 5th Thing podcast, hosts Amy Brown and Kat Vanburen explore a variety of intriguing topics, including the novel concept called the First Stall Theory, thought-provoking quotes from psychologist Adam Grant, and practical advice on aging and self-care. Here’s a comprehensive summary of their discussions, highlighting key insights and takeaways from the episode.

Understanding the First Stall Theory

The episode kicks off with Amy introducing the First Stall Theory, which is a humorous yet enlightening observation about public restroom preferences. Here are the main points discussed:

  • The Theory: According to discussions and research, the first stall in a restroom is typically the least used, making it statistically the cleanest option. In contrast, many people subconsciously avoid it due to a preference for being in the middle (termed centrality preference).
  • Personal Experimentation: Amy shares her experience of choosing the first stall during a doctor’s visit, testing the theory. This sets the stage for a light-hearted exchange about bathroom habits and preferences.
  • Application Beyond Restrooms: The theory suggests broader implications in choosing seats in restaurants and other public spaces.

Major Life Decisions and Values

Shifting from restrooms to more serious life matters, Kat shares a profound quote by Adam Grant:

"Major life decisions shouldn't be based on short-term emotions but guided by long-term values."

Key Insights:

  • Feelings as Mirrors, Not Maps: Grant emphasizes how feelings reflect our present states rather than guiding future actions. This reinforces the idea that decision-making should be rooted in our core values rather than temporary emotional states.
  • Wisdom in Longevity: The hosts discuss how important it is to remain grounded when making significant choices, advocating for reflection and clarity during emotionally turbulent times. This advice aligns well with personal growth and self-awareness.

Aging Gracefully with Kate Winslet's Insights

In a shared listener update, the hosts reflect on Kate Winslet's perspective on aging, underscoring:

  • Beauty in Aging: Winslet urges embracing natural aging signs, stating that wrinkles indicate a life rich with experience. The discussion touches on how beauty norms evolve over time and how society views aging women.
  • Skincare Recommendations: Practical advice about caring for aging skin is shared, including applying skincare products to often neglected areas like the neck and hands, showing a commitment to self-care.

Face Fitness Journey

Amy updates listeners about her face fitness journey:

  • Therapeutic Effects: She describes the benefits of relaxing facial and neck muscles through face fitness routines, calling it a relaxing and rewarding practice.
  • Connection to Language Learning: In a quirky turn, Amy mentions that many face fitness tutorials on YouTube are in Japanese and humorously considers the possibility of picking up the language through these videos as she practices.

Literature Recommendations

The hosts recommend several engaging reads:

  • "Fourth Wing": An adult fantasy novel that combines elements of dragons and love, drawing parallels to other popular series such as The Hunger Games.
  • "Daisy Darker": A gripping murder mystery that promises unexpected twists, showcasing the narrative skills of contemporary authors.

Listener Update and Stories of Resilience

The episode concludes with an inspiring listener update from a woman named Taylor, who shares her remarkable journey with resilience in the face of personal challenges:

  • Sharing Her Story: Taylor reflects on navigating her son's autism diagnosis and her husband's deployment, stating that podcasts provided companionship during difficult times.
  • Defining Resilience: She emphasizes that resilience involves not merely surviving but thriving, which resonates with many who face adversity.

The episode wraps up with light banter between Amy and Kat, encouraging listeners to find beauty in life's complexities and the importance of community support during tough times.

Conclusion

Overall, this episode of the 5th Thing offers a blend of humor, wisdom, and practical advice on both the lighter and heavier aspects of life. The conversations encourage listeners to reflect on their values, embrace aging, and take proactive steps in nurturing their mental and emotional well-being. With insightful quotes and relatable experiences, Amy and Kat leave their audience with actionable advice and a renewed sense of resilience.

Was this summary helpful?

Recent Episodes

Hobbies, Red Flags & Why Amy May No Longer Be Datable (5th Thing)

Hobbies, Red Flags & Why Amy May No Longer Be Datable (5th Thing)

4 Things with Amy Brown

Next time something rubs you the wrong way, ask yourself: "Is this a red flag, or is it just something I don’t like?" Amy & Kat talk about how now not everything we call a red flag is actually a red flag. Sometimes, it’s more like an orange flag and it could turn red, sure, but it could also turn green!! Don't miss out on something awesome because of an ick! Speaking of red flags, Amy also opens up to Kat about her silly personality lately...she shares some very weird conversations she's been having lately and they wonder if Amy will be datable after all of this.  A listener, Melissa, emailed us our quote: “Every time I think I have a new hobby it turns out I just like to buy stuff.” Here's the Pottery Kit that Kat was talking about!  Email: 4ThingsWithAmyBrown@gmail.com HOSTS: Amy Brown // RadioAmy.com // @RadioAmy Kat Vanburen // @KatVanburen // @YouNeedTherapyPodcast // YouNeedTherapyPodcast.comFollow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radioamy/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 04, 2025

The Lies Women Believe About Their Bodies Part 1: “I’ll Be Happy When…” (Outweigh)

The Lies Women Believe About Their Bodies Part 1: “I’ll Be Happy When…” (Outweigh)

4 Things with Amy Brown

OUTWEIGH: The belief that happiness and confidence are tied to achieving a specific weight or size is one of the most common lies women tell themselves. In this episode, Amy and Leanne unpack how cultural conditioning and personal narratives convince us that joy is always “one goal away.” They’ll share real-life stories of why chasing a “goal body” doesn’t deliver lasting happiness and how you can start reframing your beliefs to cultivate happiness in the here and now. Takeaway: Happiness isn’t a destination waiting for you at the end of a diet or goal—it’s something you can choose and create today by focusing on your inner world and aligning with what truly matters to you. HOSTS: Amy Brown // RadioAmy.com // @RadioAmy Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about re-wiring your brain to heal from the all-or-nothing diet mentality for good....but WITHOUT restricting yourself, punishing your body, (and definitely WITHOUT ever having to use words like macros, low-carb, or calorie burn) check out Leanne's FREE Stressless Eating Webinar @ www.StresslessEating.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 01, 2025

Lies People with ADHD Tell Themselves (And Why They're So Relatable)

Lies People with ADHD Tell Themselves (And Why They're So Relatable)

4 Things with Amy Brown

Amy Brown discusses 15 common lies people with ADHD tell themselves, including keeping screenshots of potential hobby recipes that end up unused. The list was compiled by Alex Partridge from LADbible and the ADHD Chatter podcast.

January 30, 2025

Unhooking from Unrealistic Ideals: Guiding Teens to Find Their Own Path Rather Than Chasing Others’ Approval (Outweigh)

Unhooking from Unrealistic Ideals: Guiding Teens to Find Their Own Path Rather Than Chasing Others’ Approval (Outweigh)

4 Things with Amy Brown

In this podcast, Leanne and Natalie discuss how external validation through social media, peer pressure, & cultural standards affects teenagers' self-image, leading to body comparisons, perfectionism, and self-doubt. They offer strategies for focusing on inner growth, values, and resilience instead.

January 25, 2025

AI

Ask this episodeAI Anything

4 Things with Amy Brown

Hi! You're chatting with 4 Things with Amy Brown AI.

I can answer your questions from this episode and play episode clips relevant to your question.

You can ask a direct question or get started with below questions -

Sign In to save message history