Join the Dolly 4 Sue bandmates—Aaron, Kirsten, and Leslie—for a festive episode exploring multiple advent calendars in anticipation of the holiday season. This unscripted conversation features three Generation X musicians tackling a unique collection of countdown calendars, including murder mysteries, dad jokes, Baileys Irish Cream samplers, artisan cheeses, and hot sauces from Aldi.

The hosts dive into solving "The Poisoned Pudding" and "Murder Under the Mistletoe" mysteries while taste-testing bruschetta cheese, white chocolate Bailey's, and jalapeño hot sauce. Between solving crimes and sampling flavors, they discuss disappointing Halloween candy quality (particularly Reese's and Kit Kats), share hilarious stories about cooking with hot peppers, and discover that Amazon's dad joke calendar might be the worst purchase ever.

This episode perfectly captures the authentic, humorous conversations midlife music enthusiasts crave—balancing family responsibilities, nostalgic memories, and the simple pleasure of trying new things with friends. Whether you're a classic rock fan, podcast listener seeking genuine dialogue about midlife experiences, or simply someone who enjoys murder mysteries and food tastings, this episode delivers laughs, insights, and a reminder that growing older doesn't mean growing boring. The bruschetta cheese earns unanimous praise as the evening's winner, while the dad jokes get universally panned.

• Try Aldi's specialty advent calendars: The hosts discovered impressive finds at Aldi, including artisan cheese calendars, Baileys samplers, and hot sauce collections—proving budget-friendly doesn't mean low quality
• Research candy quality before bulk buying: Rising cacao prices have led manufacturers to add fillers and reduce quality, making pre-purchase research valuable for holiday shopping

• Murder mysteries require literal thinking: The hosts learned that over-analyzing clues and looking for red herrings can lead you astray—sometimes the obvious answer is correct
• Shared experiences amplify enjoyment: Even mediocre products (bad jokes, mild hot sauce) become entertaining when experienced with friends

• Use protective gear when handling hot peppers: The oils from peppers remain on skin long after washing and can cause serious discomfort hours later—always wear gloves when chopping

Resources Mentioned:

• Clues Club on Etsy: Murder mystery advent calendar (downloadable PDF)
• Berman's Flamin' Holidays Hot Sauce Advent Calendar (from Aldi)
• Connelly's Irish Cream 12-day sampler (from Aldi)
• Winter Wonderland Cheese Advent Calendar (from Aldi)
• Dad Jokes Advent Calendar from Amazon ($10 - not recommended)

Shopping Tips:

• Aldi's seasonal aisle offers unique advent calendars at reasonable prices
• Wegmans carries framboise (raspberry liqueur)
• World Market previously carried quality advent calendars (though locations are closing)

"Nothing says 'living your best midlife' quite like solving fake murders over Bailey's while your dog threatens to eat the evidence cheese."

00:00 Introduction to the Advent Calendar Series

06:46 Exploring Advent Calendars: A Variety of Themes

13:55 Tasting and Reviewing Advent Calendar Treats

17:44 Murder Mystery Advent Calendar: The Poisoned Pudding

30:59 Solving the Mystery: Who is the Killer?

38:17 Hot Sauce Tasting Begins

43:47 Murder Mystery Setup

54:40 Solving the Murder Mystery

01:13:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this Halloween-themed episode of The Setlist of Life podcast, the Dolly 4 Sue bandmates—Leslie, Aaron, Christine, and Kirsten—dive into nostalgic conversations about childhood TV shows, Irish matchmaking festivals, and holiday planning. The group explores memories of classic programs like Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, Zoom, and The Electric Company, while debating the merits of regional PBS shows like The Magic Garden. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they discuss sending Christine to Ireland's Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, complete with plans for a documentary-style filming crew. As Halloween approaches, the bandmates share pumpkin carving adventures, costume plans, and their ambitious scheme to tackle multiple advent calendars leading up to Christmas, including a murder mystery game. This unscripted episode captures the essence of midlife friendships—balancing family responsibilities, celebrating nostalgia, and finding humor in everyday chaos. With authentic banter about forgotten birthdays, swimming with otters, and the challenge of remembering children's birthdays, the podcast resonates with Generation X listeners juggling careers, education, and family life. The episode exemplifies the show's appeal: genuine conversations among friends who don't take themselves too seriously while navigating the complexities of being musicians, parents, and lifelong music enthusiasts.

1. Embrace spontaneous adventure planning: Consider unconventional travel experiences like Ireland's Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival—sometimes the best adventures come from saying "yes" without overthinking logistics.
2. Create structured fun with friends: Plan multi-week activities like advent calendar parties that give you something to look forward to during busy holiday seasons.

1. Nostalgia connects generations: Childhood TV shows and cultural touchstones serve as bridges between friends, revealing how regional differences and shared experiences shape our identities.
2. Authenticity over perfection: Whether carving pumpkins freehand or navigating life's challenges, letting things unfold naturally often produces better results than rigid planning.

1. Document life's adventures: The group's plan to film Christine's matchmaking journey demonstrates how capturing experiences can transform personal stories into shared memories and entertainment.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (Ireland, September)
• Various advent calendar options for holiday planning
• Buck naked vs. butt naked language video
• Time travel visualization video (11-minute watch)

Upcoming Plans:

• Mid-November: Start of advent calendar series (6 weeks before Christmas)
• December 13th: Christine's graduation celebration
• December 18th: Final advent calendar reveal episode

Products/Activities Discussed:

• Murder mystery advent calendars
• Tasting advent calendars (whiskey mentioned)
• Swimming with otters experience in Ohio
• Pumpkin carving techniques

"Somewhere between forgetting your kid's birthday and planning a documentary at an Irish matchmaking festival, you realize adulting is just freestyle pumpkin carving with higher stakes."

Join Leslie, Aaron, and Kirsten for an unscripted journey through life's quirky mysteries and nostalgia-filled moments. This episode explores fascinating scientific phenomena that Generation X grew up with but never questioned—from the mysterious white dog poop of the 1970s to why airplane mode actually matters.

The hosts dive deep into cultural mysteries like the true meaning of "mind your P's and Q's," debate whether crabs are evolution's pinnacle species, and share Pennsylvania Dutch food traditions that defined their childhoods. With humor and curiosity, they tackle everything from mahjong societies to hermit crabs (spoiler: they're actually closer to lobsters), Dick Van Dyke's impressive longevity, and the nostalgia of TV Guide planning.

This authentic conversation captures midlife experiences with warmth and wit, touching on family dynamics, travel mishaps (including a disappointing Penn State game), and the endless curiosity that keeps life interesting. Perfect for music enthusiasts, parents navigating midlife, and anyone who remembers when dogs left white poop in the yard and you had to plan your entire week around the TV Guide. No script, no agenda—just three bandmates sharing laughs, science facts, and the wisdom that comes from asking "why?" about everything.

• Practice Digital Courtesy: Put your phone on airplane mode during flights—not to prevent crashes, but to avoid disrupting cell service for people on the ground
• Embrace Curiosity: Write down random questions that pop into your head during downtime, then research them later to keep learning and stay mentally engaged

• Nostalgia as Connection: Shared childhood memories (white dog poop, TV Guide planning, Reader's Digest in bathrooms) create powerful bonds across generations and remind us how much daily life has transformed
• The Value of "Useless" Knowledge: Deep-diving into random topics like crab evolution or the origins of idioms keeps the mind active and provides unexpected conversation starters

• Balance Competitive Energy: Recognize when hobbies (like sports fandom) are becoming unhealthy obsessions—maturity means learning to care without letting outcomes ruin your week

Resources & References Mentioned:

• Mrs. T's pierogies (frozen brand recommendation)
• National Sausage Pizza Day (October 11)
• National Pierogi Day

Cultural Foods Discussed:

• Pennsylvania Dutch/Polish foods: pierogies, halupki (stuffed cabbage), halushki (cabbage and noodles), shoe fly pie
• Scandinavian foods: Kringle, Lefse, Cringela
• Regional traditions: ribbon candy, relish trays with olives and beets

Fun Facts Verified:

• Dick Van Dyke is 99 years old (turns 100 on December 13)
• Julie Andrews is 90 years old (turned 90 on October 1)
• Hermit crabs are more closely related to lobsters than crabs

"White dog poop disappeared, TV Guide died, and we're still here wondering why hermit crabs aren't actually crabs—adulthood is just unanswered childhood questions with better Google skills."

The Setlist of Life podcast delivers an authentic, unscripted conversation between former bandmates Christine, Aaron, and Kirsten as they navigate midlife with humor and heart. In this episode, the trio embraces their theme "Don't Worry Be Happy" while sharing real-life challenges that resonate with Generation X listeners juggling family, pets, career transitions, and creative pursuits.

Christine celebrates completing her master's program and landing her first library job working with children, while discovering an unexpected passion for ethics in research. Aaron showcases his Renaissance man spirit, building custom recording equipment and furniture while managing his dog's epilepsy with grace. The conversation weaves through relatable moments: expensive vet visits, elevator breakdowns, back injuries from DIY projects, and the art of staying connected with old friends through weekly video updates.

Musical elements surface as Aaron discusses his 35-year album project and multi-microphone drum setup experiments, while the hosts reminisce about 90s furniture, Halloween memories, and reality TV guilty pleasures. Their chemistry shines through spontaneous tangents about fat bear week, Golden Bachelor commentary, and dog training mishaps that perfectly capture the beautiful chaos of midlife.

This episode exemplifies why The Setlist of Life appeals to music lovers seeking genuine conversations about balancing creativity, family responsibilities, and personal growth during life's middle chapters.

Actionable Steps:

• Use weekly 2-minute video updates to maintain friendships without overwhelming commitment
• When dealing with pet medical emergencies, ask about alternative accommodations before struggling with logistics
• For creative projects, focus on enjoying the process rather than pressuring yourself to complete everything

Conceptual Insights:

• Life transitions can reveal unexpected passions and interests you never considered before
• Managing chronic conditions (human or pet) requires accepting routine while staying adaptable
• Authentic conversations without rigid structure often create the most meaningful connections

Strategic Applications:

• Leverage coincidental opportunities (like conference volunteering) to advance professional goals
• Balance perfectionism with practicality when tackling DIY projects to avoid injury
• Maintain creative outlets as stress relief during major life transitions and career changes

Resources Mentioned:

• Fat Bear Week voting (Alaska bear watching)
• Wix website builder for digital portfolios
• American Library Association student chapter opportunities
• Virginia Library Association conference
• Arnica gel for muscle soreness relief

"Life is like a 35-year album project: the best part isn't finishing it, it's jamming through the chaos with people who get your rhythm."

In Episode 121 of The Setlist of Life, the mom band Dolly for Sue tackle Jack Johnson's "Banana Pancakes" while navigating the realities of learning instruments later in life. The episode explores the physical challenges of guitar playing - from building finger calluses to developing muscle memory - offering relatable insights for Gen X'ers considering picking up music again.

The trio dives into 1980s music trivia, testing AI-generated lyric games with hilarious results, and discusses the complexities of playing multiple instruments simultaneously. They share podcast recommendations ranging from history ("You're Dead to Me") to true crime alternatives ("Queen of the Con"), perfect for busy moms seeking entertainment during soccer practices and daily routines.

With 121 episodes under their belt, these friends prove that authentic, unscripted conversations about music, friendship, and midlife experiences resonate deeply. Their kitchen-table intimacy (complete with Lola the dog's snoring soundtrack) creates a welcoming space for those navigating the intersection of family life, musical passions, and the nostalgia of growing up during music's golden decades.

• Start with specific goals: Don't just "noodle around" with an instrument - set concrete objectives like learning a few chords to maintain motivation through the challenging beginner phase.
• Embrace the physical discomfort: Building finger strength and calluses is essential for guitar playing; shortcuts like finger guards may hinder long-term progress.

• Multi-tasking instruments require different brain functions: Playing drums while singing uses more physical coordination, while guitar demands fine motor skills and concentration that can be mentally taxing.
• Musical muscle memory transcends verbal explanation: What you can play physically often can't be easily taught through words - demonstration and observation are crucial for learning complex rhythms.

• AI tools need specific, detailed prompts: When using AI for creative projects, avoid vague requests and instead provide clear parameters, genres, and limitations to get better results.

• Podcast Recommendations:
• "You're Dead to Me" (BBC history podcast with comedians)
• "Queen of the Con" (true crime without murders)
• "Even the Royals" (historical figures throughout the ages)
• "The Big Flop" (pop culture failures and disasters)
• "Small Town Murder" (comedic true crime)
• "Myths and Legends" (reimagined classic stories)

• Jack Johnson's Curious George soundtrack (recommended as best single album)
• Fyre Festival disaster (example of major cultural flop)
• Various 1980s artists including Duran Duran, Hall & Oates, and Sting

• The hosts experienced issues with AI-generated trivia, highlighting the importance of fact-checking AI responses
• Discussion of different AI platforms including ChatGPT and Claude

"We don't have a sponsor, so no one's shutting us down - just three friends in a kitchen with a snoring dog, proving persistence beats perfection."

The Setlist of Life podcast returns for an unscripted conversation blending music nostalgia with midlife realities. This episode starts with Christine's job search triumph after 18 months of unemployment, landing her dream position at a public library working with children's books while finishing her degree at Bucknell.

The hosts dive into 80s music trivia with "Guess That Lyric" games, testing their knowledge of classic hits. Between musical moments, they share personal updates including family visits, college radio experiences, and recent cultural consumption from spy museums to Netflix documentaries.

The conversation takes unexpected turns with fascinating science facts about lava density, Australian kangaroo populations, and childhood folklore about dragonflies. They discuss how children's literature has been sanitized over generations, comparing original nursery rhymes to modern versions that remove references to death and danger.

This authentic, meandering discussion captures the essence of Generation X friendship - balancing career transitions, family responsibilities, and musical passions. The podcast appeals to music enthusiasts who grew up with classic rock and 80s hits, parents navigating midlife challenges, and anyone seeking genuine conversations about aging, relationships, and rediscovering purpose through creative pursuits and lifelong friendships.

• Persistence in job searching pays off: After 18 months of unemployment, multiple opportunities can emerge simultaneously when timing aligns
• Ask friends for help with long-standing questions: Sometimes the answer you've been seeking for years is sitting right next to you
• Balance work and education strategically: Choose part-time positions that complement degree completion rather than conflict with it

• Generational differences in childhood resilience: Previous generations were exposed to harsher realities through literature and folklore, potentially building different coping mechanisms
• Music memory operates differently than lyric memory: Some people retain melodies and instrumentation while struggling with actual words and meanings

• Leverage personal networks for career opportunities: The library position aligned perfectly with Leslie's skills and educational goals
• Use nostalgia as connection tool: Music trivia and shared cultural references strengthen friendships and create engaging content
• Embrace authentic, unscripted conversations: Real discussions about life's complexities resonate more than polished presentations

Resources Mentioned:

• Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. (interactive exhibits and persona creation)
• University of Richmond radio station (Fridays 12-1 PM, "Loubelle Live")
• Book: "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi (recommended spy-themed read)
• TV Show: "James Bond: Road to a Million" (Season 2 recommended on Hulu/Disney Plus)

Books/Media Referenced:

• "Who's a Pest?" (children's book featuring character named Homer)

"Nothing says midlife crisis like finally landing your dream job just as your brain starts forgetting song lyrics but perfectly remembering childhood books about grumpy kids named Homer."

The Setlist of Life podcast returns with all four bandmates reunited for a hilarious evening of personality tests and nostalgic storytelling. Hosts Aaron, Christine, Kirsten, and Leslie dive into entertaining quizzes that reveal which historical ruler, vegetable, salad dressing, blueberry type, and Pop-Tart flavor best represents their personalities.

This Generation X-focused podcast episode captures the authentic conversations of midlife music enthusiasts navigating family transitions, college drop-offs, and the end of summer. The hosts share relatable stories about pet mishaps (including a cat peeing on a headboard), furniture assembly struggles, and the challenges of maintaining friendships while juggling busy schedules.

Their musical backdrop features "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley, evoking memories of 80s and 90s summers and the songs that defined their youth. The episode showcases the unscripted, genuine chemistry between four friends who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves while discussing everything from college dorm bed assembly to 80s hair "froufing" incidents.

Perfect for podcast listeners seeking authentic conversations about midlife experiences, musical nostalgia, and the humor found in everyday challenges. The hosts' self-deprecating wit and genuine friendship create an engaging listening experience for anyone navigating similar life stages, whether they're empty nesters, music lovers, or simply looking for entertaining conversations that feel like chatting with old friends over coffee.

• Embrace your authentic personality quirks - The hosts celebrate their test results, even the unflattering ones, showing self-acceptance
• Create regular friend check-ins - Their podcast format demonstrates the importance of consistent connection with longtime friends

• Midlife transitions require humor and community - The hosts navigate college drop-offs, empty nesting, and life changes with laughter and mutual support
• Nostalgia serves as emotional anchor - Their discussion of 80s music and college memories provides comfort during current life transitions

• Use personality assessments for team building - Their vegetable/ruler quiz approach could work for family activities or friend groups seeking deeper connections

Resources Referenced:

• Luckett Store (mentioned as Kirsten's "happy place" for home decor)
• Spy Museum (Leslie planning visit with James Bond exhibit)

"Turns out I'm an ancient Egyptian pharaoh with a beard and terrible texting skills - basically every mom trying to coordinate carpool while achieving world domination."

In today's episode, Aaron, Kirsten, and Leslie share unfiltered conversations about their week's adventures, from Nashville honky-tonk hopping to backyard wildlife encounters.

Kirsten recounts her spontaneous Nashville trip, exploring Broadway's live music scene and and Leslie talks about the vibrant Yacht Rock Revue concert experience. The 18-year touring band delivered a spectacular two-hour show featuring Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, and Hall & Oates classics, complete with audience participation through their "Wheel of Chorus" game. Leslie also shares a fascinating backyard nature encounter involving murder hornets, cicadas, and the harsh realities of suburban wildlife.

The conversation weaves through relatable parenting moments, from teenagers wanting naps during family vacations to middle school locker anxieties. They explore how social dynamics work in both horse herds and middle school settings, drawing humorous parallels between animal behavior and human interactions.

Music enthusiasts will appreciate discussions about cover bands, live performance energy, and the nostalgic pull of yacht rock's smooth sounds. The episode captures the essence of friendship - honest, humorous, and occasionally sleep-deprived conversations that resonate with listeners balancing family responsibilities while maintaining their musical passions. Perfect for listeners seeking authentic, unscripted dialogue about navigating life's adventures with humor and grace.

• Embrace spontaneous musical experiences: Follow Leslie's example and explore local live music scenes, even if the genre isn't your usual preference
• Research before you judge: Aaron's approach to fact-checking and diving deeper into interesting topics (like murder hornets) leads to fascinating discoveries

• Social hierarchies exist everywhere: From horse herds to middle school dynamics, understanding power structures helps navigate various life situations
• Platform amplification changes perception: What seems like increased sensitivity might actually be the same level of reaction with more visibility

• Combine comfort with adventure: Kirsten's Nashville approach of staying in a walkable, quieter area while still accessing the action creates the perfect balance for midlife travel
• Multi-generational perspective matters: Including teenagers in family trips requires flexibility and understanding their different energy levels and interests

Resources Mentioned:

• Yacht Rock Revue (18-year touring band)
• Nashville's Broadway/Honky Tonk Row
• The Gulch neighborhood in Nashville
• Meerkat Manor documentary series

Venues/Locations:

• Luke Bryan's bar in Nashville
• Nashville soccer stadium
• Franklin, Tennessee area

Musical References:

• Songs performed by Yacht Rock Revue including Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Fleetwood Mac classics

"Nothing says 'living your best midlife' like wearing pants specifically to avoid being licked by your dog during a podcast recording."