Have you ever reflected on how your friends’ parents impacted your life? And what if the strangers who leave reviews online are actually heroes among us?

This week on the What a Gift podcast, hosts Jule and Sarra dive into two unexpected sources of blessing: the parents who raised our friends and the "Heroes Among Us" who leave reviews!

🎁 WHAT’S INSIDE 🎁

The Gift of Friends' Parents
We explore the inherent gift of friends' parents. We recall that as kids, going to a friend's house meant observing a different "ecosystem" with a "different climate", "different rules," and "different snacks". As we got older, these figures went from an "exotic thing to visit to such a gift". We discuss the special feeling when "someone else's parent kind of scoops you up and takes you under their wing," often becoming a second parent or mentor. Jule shares how her best friend's mom calls her her "second daughter". Sarra recounts her long-distance roommate experience where the roommate's mother would check on her and even send money for dinner. We conclude that we owe these parents reverence for giving us our "amazing person".

The Gift of People Who Leave Reviews
We dive into the importance of reviewers, whom we call "Heroes Among Us" and "saints" who "should get medals". We celebrate their honesty and helpful hints, noting they provide crucial feedback on everything from food establishments, entertainment, and even churches. Sarra finds that reviews, especially when apartment hunting, have saved her so many times from shacks disguised as high-rises. We discuss the specific gift of women who leave reviews for clothing with photos and their measurements. Juel shares her love for reviewing new local restaurants, supporting people pursuing their "American dream". Overall, these people are truly "angels among us".

The Gift of Recommendations (Closing Segment)
In our closing segment, we share a round of "My Gift to You". Sarra recommends the nail polish brand Olive and June, noting her self-done gel manicure lasted two weeks. Juel recommends having a movie night and watching the 1990s film You've Got Mail, calling it one of her "comfort movies". We also share our gratitude for a recent recommendation to listen to the ABBA discography, which we agree is the "soundtrack of joy". Since leaving reviews helps us in our “fledgling days” as podcasters, we encourage gifties to leave us a good review because it actually helps. Don't forget, life is a gift, so receive it!

Come back here for more episodes released earlier than anywhere else!

>>Hang Out With Us at SEEK in January!

⁠ Register with promo code FOCUSAI for exclusive pre-SEEK content, including never-before-released talks from Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Bethany Madonna SV and more, AND a chance to win one of three $100 vouchers for FOCUS/SEEK Merch!

Join Our Email List

LISTEN & FOLLOW US EVERYWHERE:
(New episodes drop 1 week ahead of everywhere else here on Replay!)
>>Listen on Spotify
>>Listen on Apple Podcasts
>>Watch on YouTube

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
>> Sarra’s Instagram: @sarrara
>> Jule’s Instagram: @c0ppacabana
>> FOCUS Instagram: @focuscatholic

HAVE A QUESTION OR GUEST SUGGESTION?

Email us at whatagift@focus.org or leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube!

What a Gift is a production of FOCUS