013: Dear Younger Selves: We've Got Notes

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, we’re diving into the advice we wish we could give our younger selves. From wearing sunblock and avoiding credit card debt to not reading the comments (seriously, don’t), this heartfelt yet fun conversation is packed with wisdom we’ve learned the hard way. Along the way, we share cringe-worthy moments, life lessons and even contemplate why today’s teens might not be in such a rush to get their licenses. Spoiler alert: our younger selves definitely needed this episode—and maybe you do too.

 

10,000-Foot View of this Episode:

• Letters to Our Younger Selves: We kick off the episode by sharing what we’d tell our younger selves, blending humor with heartfelt truths. From “Calm down” and “Let it go” to practical wisdom like wearing sunblock and looking at your poop (yes, really), it’s a mix of sage advice and comedic reflections that we wish we’d followed in our 20s.
• Mistakes That Made Us: Callie opens up about a career-defining typo that taught her the value of learning from your mistakes, while Cole reminds us why listening in relationships (and not ignoring red flags) can save years of heartache. Mecca shares the importance of appreciating life’s moments without rushing through them.
• The Great Driving Debate: Why were prior generations so eager to get their driver’s licenses at 16, but Gen Z is dragging its feet? We explore how fear, road rage and faster-but-flimsier cars have reshaped the driving experience across generations.
• Financial Wisdom for Young Adults: The trio dives into lessons on avoiding credit card traps, the power of compounding interest and why saving early and routinely—even if it’s just $10 a week—can set you up for life. Plus, some advice on leveraging debt wisely, living within your means and allowing your money to work for you.
• Building Community and Trust: Callie reflects on her goals to be a trusted confidant, sharing how fostering a judgment-free space makes it easier for people to ask for help. We discuss how mentorship and mutual support strengthen the fabric of our communities.
• Weird Thoughts Thanks to Hilarious Teen Texts: Inspired by Chip Leighton’s What Time Is Noon?, we share laugh-out-loud moments from teenage inquiries, like “Do I put bear spray on before or after I see a bear?” and “Which country speaks cursive?” These quirky questions remind us we’ve all been clueless at some point.
• Good News Spotlight: Meet Avery Colvert, a 14-year-old making a massive difference for wildfire survivors in California. Her initiative, @AltadenaGirls, combines compassion with creativity, proving that even the youngest among us can inspire change and provide comfort to others in need.

 

Memorable Quotes:

• "It's okay for girls to be smart.” – Mecca
• "You have to utilize debt to make something grow faster than the interest. That is what debt is for and the vast majority of people don't use it that way." – Cole
• “Check your boobs and balls regularly for lumps.” – Mecca
• “When you make a mistake, it's okay, but find out how to fix it and try really hard to never make that same mistake again.” – Callie
• "Don't just work. Find something that means something to you and do that." – Mecca
• "I think in the long run, being accountable is easier." – Cole
• "Everybody's fighting these really huge battles in their lives. Some different, some big, some small but they're fighting them and having an opportunity to feel like yourself? What a gift." – Callie

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Bored Panda's 30 Harsh Life Realities 20-Somethings Don’t Realize Yet, According To People In Their 40s
• How NOT to use a post setter tool (Not the original video and this guy is actually doing a much better job than the Gen Z guy we saw!)
• Brad Paisley’s “Letter to Me” music video (Y'all remember when MTV and CMT showed music videos? Me too.)
• What Time is Noon? by Chip Leighton (affiliate link) but don't miss his hysterical Instagram posts about Teenager Texts!
• Follow @AltadenaGirls on Instagram to help support teen girls after the CA wildfires

 

Call to Action:

Do you have advice you’d give your younger self? We’d love to hear it! Share your thoughts on social media and tag us @TMAMPod. Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to our podcast to catch every new episode!