In this special Valentine's Day episode of Wonder in the Weeds, we take a brief pause from the heavy news cycle in Minneapolis to find a little joy in the fire. We’re breaking down our favorite on-screen romances, analyzing why mutual respect creates the best chemistry, and discussing the "female gaze" in media.

Finally, we end with The Wonder: a spotlight on the incredible resilience of the Minneapolis community, including how neighbors and businesses like the Modern Times Cafe are organizing to support one another.

In This Episode:

1. Favorite Kisses: We break down the famous "trench coat" kiss between Nick and Jess in New Girl and why it remains the gold standard for on-screen chemistry.
2. Parks and Recreation: Why Ben and Leslie represent a "meeting of the minds" and true partnership.
3. Rivals to Lovers: Discussing the dynamic in Red, White & Royal Blue and the concept of "competition" as a form of intimacy.
4. The "Female Gaze": A look at why characters written by women feel more respectful and genuine.
5. The Wonder: An update on Minneapolis mutual aid, where neighbors are feeding neighbors and the Modern Times Cafe is providing free food to the community.

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - Intro: Life in Minneapolis & The PSA
2. 04:01 - Valentine's Special: Our Favorite Movie & TV Kisses
3. 05:16 - New Girl: The Nick & Jess "Trench Coat" Kiss
4. 16:32 - Parks & Rec: Ben & Leslie’s mutual respect
5. 22:28 - The "Female Gaze" & Writing Men with Respect
6. 44:10 - Moonstruck & My Lady Jane
7. 51:52 - The Wonder: Minneapolis Mutual Aid & Modern Times Cafe

Let's Connect:

1. Website: TheWonder.Life

In this episode, I am exploring a difficult but necessary question: How do we find joy when the "weeds" of life feel overwhelming?

I discuss the vital difference between reacting to an acute crisis and sustaining yourself for the long haul. I share what I am witnessing on the ground, including the incredible mutual aid groups delivering food, walking kids to school, and supporting neighbors in need. We also talk about the importance of not looking away while still protecting your peace.

Finally, I share a personal story about a recent trip to Arizona where I made a purposeful choice to be "dazzled" by the little things (even wild boars) to refill my cup. If you are feeling burned out, anxious about the state of the world, or just tired, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

1. 00:00 Welcome to Wonder in the Weeds
2. 02:07 The reality of the current crisis and occupation in the Twin Cities
3. 05:49 How to decide where to focus your energy when everything feels urgent
4. 11:19 The power of community care: Meal trains, rides, and mutual aid
5. 18:35 Managing news consumption to avoid burnout
6. 23:27 Why holding space for immigrant rights and women’s safety matters
7. 27:42 "Instructions for living": Mary Oliver and the choice to be dazzled
8. 30:01 A lesson from Arizona: Finding wonder in travel mishaps and nature

About the Show:

Wonder in the Weeds is where I explore how we live, love, and grow alongside the grief and messiness of being human. As a trauma and crisis expert, I created this podcast to help us find the light in the day-to-day monotony or trauma of regular life.

Moving beyond the role of the "blank slate" therapist, I combine my professional experience with personal stories of challenge and reinvention. We aren't about toxic positivity or influencer-style advice. Instead, this is a space for authentic connection, community, and understanding that we don't have to wait for life to be perfect to feel good.

Connect with me:

➡️ Website: https://thewonder.life/

Join the Women of Wonder community: A safe space for connection without the algorithms.Welcome to "Wonder in the Weeds" with trauma therapist Cristie Ritz-King. ➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

In this episode, I am setting aside my planned topic to address the Supreme Court case regarding transgender girls in sports. This is not just a headline to me. It is personal.

As a former competitive athlete who spent 18 years in the pool and on the court, and as the mother of a transgender daughter, I am tired of the fearmongering. In this video, I break down why the "biological advantage" argument completely misses the mark. I share my own history playing against women who were taller, faster, and stronger than me, and why we never called that "unfair" before.

I also dive into the reality of gender-affirming care, how hormones actually affect performance, and why the narrative that boys are transitioning "just to win medals" is not only false but offensive.

If you are looking for a conversation grounded in compassion and actual experience rather than fear, this is for you.

Chapters: 0:00 Intro: When life gets messy 0:48 The Supreme Court case on trans athletes 2:50 My 18 years as a competitive athlete 9:23 Why "biological fairness" is a myth 13:14 The reality of puberty blockers and hormones 20:00 Debunking the "boys transitioning to win" lie 23:41 The beauty of watching my daughter bloom

#TransRights #WomensSports #TransAthletes #Parenting #LGBTQ #SupremeCourt #Inclusion