153: Everyone's Favorite Fossil Fuel | Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable

"You don't have to change the world to make a difference!" Today, Real Brian is joined by two real-world difference-makers, Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable (he's everyone's favorite fossil fuel). Listen in as our newest cohosts of The Real Brian Show bring fresh perspective to the show as they discuss customer service, social media, cultural customs, music, and more! 

In This Episode

• Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable (aka C.O.A.L. or Fossil Fuel) join Real Brian in the studio
• Make someone's day with a simple, yet sincere, "How are you?"
• Shout out to the home of everyone's favorite waffle fries, Chick-Fil-A!
• Treat your barista right: tip well, check the floors, and leave on time!
• Driving in bad weather gets to the best of us
• Why is "Bro" okay but "Sis" is weird?
• Social Media... real life is not what you think
• Traveling is awesome! Yay airports!
• New music added to Real Brian's Spotify playlist!

"Yeah, in their 30s, so older..."

Ok, I don't want to make Caffeinatrix feel bad, but when she uttered those words, my heart died a little. I will freely tell anyone I'm 33 years old, and until I listened to this episode, that didn't feel particularly well-advanced in years. Now I'm reminiscing back to teenage-me, when I was thinking that thirty-somethings were so entrenched in work and kids and taxes, which explained why they were so disconnected from pop culture. And I'm realizing that I am that out-of-touch mom whose clothes were in style, like, ten years ago, and who is shocked when she turns on the radio and hears music from her high school years playing on the oldies station. Is this the beginning of my mid-life crisis? Is it happening now? 

Truthfully, I'm very happy with where I am in my life. I have an adorable husband (married 11.5 years!), four gooberlicious children, a house, and a bunch of responsibilities I could never even have dreamed of when I was 19 years old. But listening to Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable was a breath of fresh air for me. 

You see, they reminded me what it was like to have freedom to travel the world and capture life's little moments of joy. I mean, check out Natalie's Instagram. Look at all the places she visits. Her pictures, even if they're only taken with a T3i, are amazing. Don't you want to be there, having fun with her?! And then we've got Cole's Instagram. This guy's photographs and videos are vibrant, exciting, and full of energy and passion that is severely lacking in my day-to-day life. Don't you want to get to know him better? 

Beyond their social media accounts, both Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable are outspoken about their expectations of respect, both for themselves and for others. They know what it takes to have positive interactions with people, and they really want to work to make the world a better place, even if it's just one little smile at a time. What profound wisdom they've gained from working in a customer service position-- they know that sometimes you truly need to reach out and ask how someone's doing, and find a way to make sure they know you care. They're right, guys. We all need a reminder every now and then. Someone cares. Someone truly wants to know how you're doing. On the flip side of that coin, someone needs you to care. Someone needs you to ask how they're doing. And to listen, even when the answer is, "I'm not doing so good." That's your chance to breathe fresh air into their life. And who doesn't want to do that for someone else?

I'm fortunate to have this platform to thank Natalie and Cole for talking with Brian and sharing their insights and enthusiasm. You guys rocked that episode, and I was so happy to hear what you had to say. For anyone else who wants to thank Natalie and Cole, make sure to send them a shout-out in the Slack group.

Links

• Give Back to TRBS via Patreon
• Send The Real Brian an email!
• Join our Slack group
• TRBS Facebook Group
• Real Brian's Spotify Playlist (including music recommended by Caffeinatrix and Mr. Non-Renewable!)