Jenny Says So Podcast

Fresh Starts Registry •jenny-says-so.captivate.fm

Welcome to Jenny Says So—the podcast where modern etiquette meets real life. I’m Jenny, a modern-day etiquette expert, former wedding officiant & professional, and co-founder of the first registry platform for divorce support. With 20 years of studying religion and communities under my belt, and as the creator of the VASE Method of communication I have a lot of opinions about what etiquette is and what it should be. I’ve been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, Real Simple, and more talking about everything from the least worst way to cancel your wedding to gifting in awkward circumstances. My superpower? Knowing when to leave the party—and I’m here to answer all your questions about boundaries, manners, and navigating life as a human in this wild world. Each week, I’ll tackle one of your questions and break it down in a way that’s approachable, not stressful, because etiquette doesn’t have to be archaic or stuffy. Let’s leave the outdated rules behind and redefine how we connect. Follow Jenny Says So on your favorite podcast platform, and head to FreshStartsRegistry.com/JennySaysSo to send your questions (they can be anonymous!) —I can’t wait to hear from you!

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Episodes

Overloaded with Oversharing in Oregon: what happens when you become the unofficial office therapist?

You know that moment when being the “nice one” stops feeling kind and starts feeling crushing? That’s where our final caller of the season finds herself: kind, empathetic, beloved by her coworkers—and drowning under the weight of everyone else’s problems. She’s not a manager. She’s not an HR rep. But somewhere along the way, she became the unofficial office therapist. And now, the constant venting, after-hours texts, and emotional labor are burning her out. Hi Jenny, thank you so much for your t...

Jun 19, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 10

Feeling Steamrolled in Pennsylvania: how to respond when friends change your plans last minute

In this episode of Jenny Says So , Jenny dives into the complexities of friendships—specifically how to navigate awkward moments and misunderstandings with grace and empathy. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and open communication, suggesting that friends should approach conflicts with a mindset of understanding rather than judgment. Jenny shares her tips for creating safe spaces for vulnerability, addressing misunderstandings directly, and handling tense moments with compassion and cl...

May 14, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 9

Need Boundaries Advice in New York City: how to manage social obligations when out-of-town people visit you

In this episode of Jenny Says So , Jenny dives into the complexities of social obligations when friends or acquaintances visit a city. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, being authentic in interactions, and managing expectations. Jenny also shares practical advice on how to prepare for visitors, including creating a recommendations list and practicing responses to maintain personal well-being. Hi Jenny, I have a question for you. I recently moved to Manhattan and am about to tu...

May 07, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Confused about Caregiving in California: how do you set boundaries with your own parents?

In this heartfelt episode, Jenny dives into the emotional complexities of setting boundaries—especially in adult relationships with parents. Prompted by a listener question about navigating caregiving concerns while protecting one’s emotional wellbeing, Jenny shares her perspective on how to honor both compassion and self-respect. She explains the difference between communicated boundaries (what we say) and internal boundaries (what we do or don't allow ourselves to absorb), reminding listeners ...

Apr 22, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Guilt-Stricken Wedding Guest in Wisconsin: do you REALLY have to give a wedding gift?

In this episode of Jenny Says So , Jenny tackles the tricky topic of wedding gift expectations and whether guests should feel obligated to give one—especially when attending a wedding already comes with significant costs. Responding to a heartfelt listener question from Guilt-Stricken Wedding Guest in Wisconsin , Jenny breaks down the financial realities of being a wedding guest, the social pressures around gift-giving, and why celebrating love shouldn’t come with a price tag. She challenges the...

Mar 05, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Stuck on Small Talk in South Carolina: how do you move from small talk to deeper conversation?

This week on Jenny Says So , Jenny tackles a question from a listener, Stuck on Small Talk in South Carolina , who wants to move beyond surface-level conversations but isn’t sure how. They find themselves lost when sports and weather come up, wondering how to transition to more meaningful discussions. Hi Jenny, I often find myself stuck during small talk because I don’t know much about sports and talking about the weather feels so repetitive. What are some good conversation starters that can lea...

Feb 25, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Guilt About Gifts in Georgia: do you always need to bring a hostess gift?

This week on Jenny Says So , Jenny tackles a question from a listener, Guilt About Gifts in Georgia , who’s unsure about the etiquette of bringing gifts when visiting someone’s home. From housewarming parties to casual get-togethers, they wonder when a gift is expected—or if it’s even necessary. Hi Jenny! I have a question about gifts for you. What’s your take on bringing “gifts” to someone’s house when you go over? Housewarming, hanging out, coming to visit, parties, etc. Do you bring a gift? I...

Feb 18, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Far away friend in Florida: How to support a friend after they lost everything in a fire

In this heartfelt episode of Jenny Says So , Jenny tackles a listener’s question about how to support a close friend who lost everything in a devastating wildfire. Hi Jenny, I have a close friend who recently had to evacuate their home due to a fire and sadly lost everything. I live far away, so I’m not sure how to best support them from here. I also don’t want to say the wrong thing and accidentally add to their pain. What’s the most thoughtful way to help and show I care during such a devastat...

Jan 13, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Don’t want to feel weird in Wyoming: how to handle greeting people in professional settings

In this episode of Jenny Says So , modern-day etiquette expert Jenny tackles a relatable question from "Don't Want to Feel Weird in Wyoming" about navigating greetings and introductions in mixed social and professional settings. Should you go for a handshake, a hug, or something else entirely? Jenny breaks down how to read the room, establish comfort for everyone, and avoid awkward moments with a thoughtful approach to personal boundaries and cultural norms. We'd love to know what you think abou...

Dec 26, 2024•6 min•Season 1Ep. 2

No Longer a Hugger in New York: how to navigate shifting personal boundaries

In this episode of Jenny Says So , modern-day etiquette expert Jenny tackles a heartfelt question from "No Longer a Hugger in New York." Jenny explores how to navigate shifting personal boundaries, particularly when it comes to physical greetings like hugs. She shares practical advice on communicating changes with warmth and honesty, while also addressing the reactions of friends who might struggle to adapt. With empathy and curiosity, Jenny guides listeners on how to maintain meaningful relatio...

Dec 20, 2024•7 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Welcome to Jenny Says So Podcast

Dec 04, 2024•1 min

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