Episode 91 – The Books by Josh Audio Immersion

In this episode, Josh opens up about navigating the holiday blues in 2025 and shares the real-world strategies he’s using to stay balanced during a tough season. From blasting synthwave and metal, to escaping into fiction, to taking long reflective walks through New York City, Josh walks through the outlets that help him manage stress and stay grounded.

He also discusses background noise as a focus tool, using small fidget toys for anxiety, and why he tries to lean toward healthier coping methods instead of destructive ones—especially when the end-of-year pressure starts stacking up.

Whether you’re dealing with holiday stress yourself or simply want to hear different ways people manage this season, this episode offers a relatable, honest look at how to take things one day at a time.

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✨ What We Cover in This Episode

• What the “holiday blues” really feel like

• How life stress and year-end pressure overlap

• Why music is a powerful emotional outlet 🎵

• How reading fiction becomes an escape and reset 📚

• The benefits of long walks around NYC 🚶‍♂️

• Using noise and conversation for comfort ☕

• Fidget items and other small tools for anxiety

• Healthy vs unhealthy coping strategies

• Taking the season day-by-day without guilt

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🎧 Mentioned in This Episode

• Synthwave artists: The Midnight, Gunship, FM-84

• NYC walks: 59th Street Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Central Park

• Other podcasts by Josh: Tek With Josh, Manga With Josh

• Signed books available at BooksByJosh.com

• Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/booksbyjosh

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📝 About the Podcast

The Books by Josh Audio Immersion is where Josh shares personal experiences, lessons learned, and practical insights on life, growth, creativity, and everything in between.