escapism shouldn’t give you anxiety

this week on Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz are truly going to take you on a rollercoaster of chatting & beyond. from unexpectedly feeling way too much empathy during high-stakes sports games to realizing that escapism shouldn’t cause anxiety, they unpack the little thoughts that spiral into way bigger conversations. what starts as football stress quickly turns into a debate about why caring too much can be exhausting, and why sometimes you just want your entertainment to be fun, not emotionally taxing.the girls also get into music moods, pop culture obsessions, and the shows that shaped them. from rethinking sad-girl playlists and romanticizing The Bold Type as peak twenties escapism, to loving Zara Larsson’s comeback and needing to be “in on” whatever show the internet is obsessing over, it’s a full deep dive into comfort culture. along the way, they talk celebrity sightings, influencer life, social media chaos, and the weird pressure of always being online.as always, the episode wraps with classic H & J shenanigans: procrastination confessions, friendship dynamics, hypothetical life questions, beauty honesty, and hot takes on cheating, botox, baby names, and becoming a “real” New Yorker. it’s funny, self-aware, slightly unhinged, and very much giving “two best friends talking on the couch about everything and nothing” (exactly how we like it).Timestamps0:18 - Stressed about sports4:10 - Finding the happy songs 14:45 - Bitching hour 19:00 - Procrastinator (kinda of) 30:50 - Losing at an award show 45:26 - Reality TV show dating Links SeatGeek - Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/DELUSIONAL10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. Max $20 discountCaraway - Carawayhome.com/DIARIES or use code DIARIES atcheckout for 10% off your next purchase Apartments.com - https://www.apartments.com/Progressive insurance - https://www.progressive.com/More of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/More of Halley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halleykmcg/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halleykateMore of Jaz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjazzzyidk/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justjazzzyidkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/justjazzzyidkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

this week on Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz catch up after a chaotic start to the new year and talk about what it actually looks like to slow down without losing their minds. they unpack travel burnout, the pressure to always be on the move, and the realization that building your entire schedule around workout classes, waitlists, and cancellation fees might not be the healthiest lifestyle choice. from embracing solo gym time to treadmill editing and the ongoing Pilates discourse, the girls share what routines feel sustainable right now, and which ones quietly make life harder than it needs to be.as always, the episode naturally drifts into a classic B**ching Hour™️, covering the annoyances that shouldn’t matter but absolutely do. Halley vents about unnecessary rush fees and timing mishaps, while both girls spiral over delayed luggage, winter trips being impossible to pack for, and the stress of brand travel when your jacket is basically your entire outfit. they also talk about reading podcast comments, dealing with online opinions, and the mental balance of appreciating positive feedback without letting praise, or criticism, get too personal.the episode wraps with nostalgia that you probably will relate to as well, from teenage sleepovers, fake IDs, Four Lokos, and sneaking alcohol to the unmatched joy of girls’ nights before men became the center of everything. they touch on dogs, adoption realities, new hobbies that may or may not last, and the shared delusion that this year is somehow going to be the one. nothing groundbreaking, just a very real, very Halley & Jaz episode.Timestamps 0:40 - Intentional traveling 8:30 - Bitching hour 16:68 - Podcast comment section 33:41 - Jaz’s new hobby 40:15 - Our first drinks 54:46 - What is the most annoying quality anyone could have 56:24 - Hinge prompts Links Apartments.com - apartments.comBlissy - blissy.com/diaries code DIARIES for an extra 30% off Dime Beauty - dimebeauty.com and use code PODCAST20 for 20% off Nutrafol - Nutrafol.com/delusional for $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shippingProgressive Insurance - progressive.com Quince - quince.com/delusional for free shipping and 365 day returns See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

it’s the first episode of the year, and Halley and Jaz are ringing in 2026 exactly how they know best: overanalyzing everything, setting unrealistic resolutions, and spiraling (lovingly) through life updates. from the psychological power of a “new year, new me” mindset to seasonal depression, meds, wellness eras, and why January feels either elite or unbearable, the girls unpack how they’re approaching the year ahead: very differently.the episode flows through travel plans, brand trips, Rome itineraries, New Year’s hangovers, book obsessions, TV recs that may or may not ever be watched, and the internet drama everyone seems forced to have an opinion on. the girls sound off on influencer discourse, public scrutiny, relationships in the spotlight, and why sometimes it’s okay to simply not care.they also dive into relationship dynamics, wedding season thoughts, guest etiquette, bachelorette trip planning, and whether opposites really do attract. as always, the episode balances humor with honesty, proving once again that delusion, when paired with self-awareness, is actually a life skill. cozy up, welcome the new year, and let the spiral begin once again.Timestamps0:24 - 2026 Jaz 6:39 - New Years Eve11:57 - Online drama 30:50 - All things wedding 39:11 - Voice memos and facetime calls 46:42 - Cutting up a wedding dressLinks Apartments.com: apartments.com Progressive Insurance: progressive.comMore of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

it is New Year’s Eve, and in this episode of Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz catch up after a rough holiday stretch, unpacking everything from being violently sick with the flu to navigating grief, canceled plans, and the strange emotional whiplash that comes with the end of the year. they reflect on Christmas not going as expected, the loneliness that can creep in during downtime, and how loss puts everything into perspective, even when you don’t quite know what to say or feel.from there, the girls spiral into their classic b**ching hour, one last time for 2025: why shopping in Aritzia should be classified as an extreme sport, why sidewalk etiquette in New York is apparently a lost art, and the internet’s obsession with correcting women in relationships. they also get candid about online comments, ownership, boundaries, and why saying “we” doesn’t suddenly erase a woman’s independence or accomplishments.the episode wraps with a chaotic but heartfelt 2025 recap: favorite songs, trips, outfits, purchases, crash-outs, and milestones, along with reflections on female friendship, partnership vs. best friendship, and why having your person in different forms matters. we’re closing the year exactly as we lived it: honest, imperfect, and surrounded by the people who make it survivable. if this year humbled you, broke you open, or changed you forever, this episode is for you.Timestamps 0:23 - Jaz’s flu 8:06 - Bitching hour 16:01 - Is your husband your best friend?22:06 - Heated Rivalry 27:23 - Our 2025 wrapped 44:42 - 12 Grapes under the table LinksSeatGeek: Use our code DELUSIONAL10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/DELUSIONAL10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountMore of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

it’s Christmas, and here at Delusional Diaries, we’re not forcing a festive mood or pretending life magically slows down for the holidays. Halley and Jaz sit in the in-between space: post-travel, end-of-year, slightly exhausted, and talk through everything that didn’t go exactly as planned. from luxury trips that felt underwhelming, to honeymoons that turned out to be longer than needed, they unpack expectations versus reality and what it actually means to know yourself well enough to opt out.the conversation naturally drifts into internet chaos and strong opinions, covering viral pranks, influencer etiquette, filming in workout classes, and the exhausting double standards women are constantly navigating online. they also get honest about holiday logistics in relationships: doing holidays apart, family traditions, engagement pressure, and why choosing what works for you can feel uncomfortable but necessary this time of year.to close it out, the episode turns reflective without getting sentimental. the girls talk end-of-year wins, mental health growth, unexpected emotions around marriage and pregnancy tests, blocks of the week, friendship moments, and a fast-food sauce crusade that somehow feels like a small Christmas miracle. it’s messy, real, funny, and grounding, exactly the kind of episode you want on while the holiday noise dies down and you finally get a minute to breathe. Timestamps 0:21 - Happy to be back  5:28 - Jaz’s honeymoon 9:24 - Need to get this off my chest 15:06 - This year’s wins 24:35 - Block of the week 38:05 - Rude influencers 47:40 - Squishmellows and Wendy’s53:48 - Sleep schedules LinksChime: chime.com/diaries More of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz sit down with Mel Robbins. Mel Robbins is a bestselling author, one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world, and the host of The Mel Robbins Podcast. She is known for translating complex psychological research into practical tools people can actually use, including the Five Second Rule, the High Five Habit, and the Let Them theory. Her work has helped millions build confidence, reduce anxiety, and take ownership of their lives through simple, science-backed strategies.The three are behind the mic for a grounded, honest conversation about emotional regulation, boundaries, and what it actually takes to reclaim your sense of control. Mel breaks down the thinking behind her Let Them theory and explains why so much of our stress comes from trying to manage other people’s emotions, reactions, and expectations.Together, they explore how letting go of control doesn’t mean indifference, it means responsibility. Mel shares practical tools for handling anxiety, navigating conflict without self-abandonment, and responding to emotional triggers with clarity instead of impulse. The conversation moves beyond surface-level self-help and into the real work of tolerating discomfort, sitting with difficult emotions, and choosing responses that align with your values.This episode is for anyone who feels emotionally drained, overly reactive, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. It’s a reminder that peace isn’t passive… it’s built through awareness, boundaries, and the decision to take your power back, one moment at a time.Timestamps 0:16 - This week’s guest 4:47 - How we Let Them 12:41 - Acting on emotions16:53 - Mel’s challenge for everyone30:34 - Do you want advice or do you want me to keep listening? 35:51 - Mom and daughter dynamics 44:58 - Fighting in relationships More of Mel Robbins:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/Website: https://www.melrobbins.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melrobbinsBuy The Let Them Theory here: https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/More of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/LinksClearstem: clearstem.com/delusional and use code delusional for 15% off your first order See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

this week on Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz are back on the couch diving headfirst into a series of chaotic, messy, and brutally honest AITA scenarios. from family drama and baby gender reveals gone wrong, to impossible co-parenting situations and friendship betrayals, nothing is off-limits. as always, the girls bring their unfiltered opinions, real-world perspective, and zero hesitation when it comes to calling things exactly as they see them.beyond the AITA chaos, the episode takes a turn into some of their most entertaining hot takes yet, from breaking up during the holidays, airplane etiquette that sparks real rage, using AI for wedding vows, and how long you actually should wait before dating again after a breakup. they also dive into love languages, what’s secretly attractive that has nothing to do with sex, and whether drinking on a first date is a red flag or a rite of passage.to round it all out, the girls get into hobbies (or lack thereof), Kindle obsessions, dressing your boyfriend better, gift-giving as intervention, and the very real struggle of trying to become a “reader.” it’s funny, honest, and loaded with relatable moments that remind you exactly why you listen to us. tune in for laughs, chaos, and way too much honesty, exactly how we like it.Timestamps 0:18 - Am i the a**hole stories 14:44 - Breaking up over the holidays 19:09 - AI writing your wedding vows 27:29 - Finding new hobbies 35:11 - Kindle club 40:49 - First dates 48:24 - Where does anxiety stem from LinksSeatGeek - Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*:https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/DELUSIONAL10 Sponsored by SeatGeek.*Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountDownload Cash App Today:https://click.cash.app/ui6m/8u4300cq #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Quince - quince.com/delusional for free shipping and 365 day returns Wayfair - wayfair.comChime - chime.com/diaries See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

this week on Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz kick things off with absolute chaos: from navigating the most unserious New York notary experience imaginable to selling a house, demolishing walls for a bed that simply refuses to fit, and surviving the stress of home renovations. they get into holiday plans, solo Thanksgivings, and why Thanksgiving food might just be the most overrated meal of the year. plus, Halley shares the full story behind adopting her fourth dog, the emotional rollercoaster of rescue life, and an unexpected escape-artist pup.the girls dive deep into your questions about dating, long distance, and the fear of being single forever, especially in big cities. they unpack why effort actually matters in love, how to enjoy single seasons without rushing the timeline, and why people are allowed to change their minds even when it hurts. from imposter syndrome and career confidence to cutting people out of your life without dragging things out, this episode blends brutal honesty with real-world advice you can actually use.they also tackle controversial wedding dilemmas, stay-at-home dad dynamics, tricky in-law boundaries, and what it really means to protect your peace as you level up in life. whether you’re navigating relationships, career doubts, friendships that no longer serve you, or just need a comforting listen that feels like FaceTiming your best friends: this episode is raw, reflective, funny, and painfully relatable.Timestamps 0:25 - So New York 10:42 - The holidays 14:08 - Key West 21:21 - Questions from our followers 36:06 - Stay at home dads and imposter syndrome 47:15 - Monster in law advice LinksCashApp: Download Cash App Today:https://click.cash.app/ui6m/8u4300cq #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosuresClearstem: use code DELUSIONAL at checkout for 15% off clearstem.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

this thanksgiving, we’re thankful for friendship! Maddie is back, and this episode is dedicated to the event of the season: the bachelorette in Cabo. we break down everything: Maddie’s favorite parts, the lingerie gifting, the unhinged itinerary, the emotional chaos of wedding planning spilling into vacation mode, and how stressful it can be when all of your friends from different stages of lives intertwine. between premarital counseling, kosher food tastings, and Pinterest-induced wedding anxiety, she entered Cabo needing a release, and she absolutely got one.because what happens in Cabo… comes back to haunt us in this podcast. from puking and rallying to the now-historic booty-shaking competition win (yes, sandals flying, knees bleeding, all that), the girls take us moment-by-moment through the funniest and most feral 48 hours of Maddie’s life. the Mango Deck saga deserves its own documentary, and we’re giving it the airtime it deserves.but behind the tequila and chaos is the real heart of the episode: girlhood, growing up, and holding on to your friendships as life shifts. we talk about seeing your friends get loved the way they deserve, combining families, outgrowing old versions of yourself, and the fear of realizing the club nights don’t last forever. this episode is feral, emotional, nostalgic, and iconic… a love letter to friendship, weddings, and the bachelorette weekend we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives.Maddie's socials IG - @maddierichter16TikTok - @queenrichterTimestamps 0:16 - Maddie is back!! 12:48 - The bachelorette 25:02 - Are you a bridezilla  35:15 - Least favorite parts of wedding planning 45:17 - Wedding dress code 50:06 - Working at Jimmy JohnsLinks Clearstem: use code DIARIESHH at checkout to claim your free Hydration Heroes Mini KitUncommon Goods: https://www.uncommongoods.com/podcast/diaries for 15% off uncommongoods.com/diariesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

after two weeks of nonstop travel, Halley and Jaz are finally back! from Maddie’s Cabo bachelorette to the Hero Cosmetics brand trip, BravoCon, Vegas chaos, last-minute hair appointments, and zero sleep, the girls recap every single detail. they talk friendship dynamics on brand trips, meeting creators IRL, social battery burnout, and the universal experience of needing a vacation after your vacation.once home, life doesn’t slow down… the girls dive into TikTok drama: from the viral Hair by Chrissy saga to the debate over kids’ skincare, the Angel Tree controversy, and the internet’s obsession with turning everything into a moral war. they also chat about holidays, honeymoon plans, Meadow Lane grocery store mania, picking wedding guest dresses, and the art of drinking on vacation vs. drinking in NYC when the vibes take over. there’s also talk of growing up, how their timelines for marriage and kids have changed, the importance of independence before motherhood, and whether “never fighting” in a relationship is actually a red flag.of course, it wouldn’t be Delusional Diaries without a little b**ching hour, some blocks of the week, a rant about TSA stealing hair extension pliers, and haters commenting on pregnancy jokes and eyebrows. the girls wrap up with plans for the Christmas market, Patreon updates, and a reminder that their men now hang out completely by choice… proof that girl friendships really do build communities. Timestamps 0:20 - Cabo then Vegas then LA 9:55 - Thanksgiving plans 14:28 - Big things on the internet 28:01 - Meadow Lane opened 31:27 - How we thought life would play out 32:10 - Fights vs arguments vs conversations 38:57 - Bitching hour 44:09- Christmas market and PatreonLinks Uncommon Goods - uncommongoods.com/diaries for 15% offZocDoc - zocdoc.com/diariesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.