Surviving the Layoff, Part 1: The Personal Story

We're baaaaack! After a four-month hiatus, Amanda and Katie are dusting off the microphones (and charging approximately none of the equipment) to catch up on life, parenting, and why 2026 has been a little more than we bargained for.We're talking about the realities of juggling work, kids, family, personal challenges, and trying to keep a podcast alive somewhere in the middle of it all. From parenting curveballs and emotional exhaustion to some truly questionable pet situations, it's been a lot.We're also sharing what's next for Less Than Expert, including a more realistic recording schedule and some of the things we've been experimenting with to make life a little easier.We're rusty, we're figuring it out, and we're really happy to be back.Thanks for sticking with us!Find us: lessthanexpert.com

This week we're joined by Laura Canzano (Mademoiselle Astrology) to break down what astrology actually is, why birth charts are so much more detailed than your daily horoscope, and why people - from world leaders to CEOs - have turned to astrology for centuries.Laura walks us through the foundations of astrology, explains rising signs, houses, solar returns, eclipses, and even gives both Amanda and Katie live birth chart readings (will they make it?! Is there drama in the house? Listen to the episode for all the tea).Whether you're astrology-obsessed or completely skeptical, this episode is a fascinating introduction to understanding yourself through your birth chart.In this episode:Why your sun sign is only a small piece of your chartWhat your rising sign actually meansThe 12 astrological houses explainedSolar returns and forecasting your year aheadWhy eclipses often bring major life changesElectional astrology (choosing dates for important events)Why AI still struggles to interpret birth charts accuratelyAmanda & Katie's live chart readingsHow astrology can help with careers, relationships and parentingResources Mentioned📖 The Stars Within You (Laura's recommended beginner astrology book) https://www.amazon.com/Stars-Within-You-Modern-Astrology/dp/1611805112🗓️ Laura's Personalized Astrology Planner (Etsy) https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyYearlyRevolution🌙 Chani App https://chani.com🎓 Kepler College https://keplercollege.orgFollow Laura: Instagram: @mademoiselleastrologyIf you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd follow, rate and review Less Than Expert on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Those reviews make a huge difference in helping new listeners discover the show. Find us on lessthanexpert.com for more!Podcast Sponsors/Discounts:Cozy Earth — 21% off with code LTE at cozyearth.comZivo Life — 30% off with code LTE at zivo.lifeLove Indus — 21% off with code LTE at loveindus.comTona Active — 16% off with code LTE at tonaactive.comAkila Sunglasses — 10% off with code LTE at akila.laMantra Matcha — 15% off with code LTE at mantramatcha.comHandful — 30% off with code LTE at handful.com

After a much-needed break, Amanda and Katie are back.In this candid catch-up episode, they share what's been happening behind the scenes: from burnout, grief, stress, and parenting challenges to fitness goals, mental health checklists, dating struggles, and the realities of trying to do all the things.They discuss the habits helping them feel more like themselves again, including prioritizing sleep, building muscle, walking daily, simplifying nutrition, and learning when it's time to step back and reset.Plus:Amanda's "feeling low" checklistWhy sleep might be the most underrated health toolFitness, muscle mass, and approaching 40Katie's latest financial movesDating as a single momBody scans, wellness trends, and health trackingThe meal-prep solution that's saving Amanda time, money, and sanityUpcoming episodes (including our astrology episode!)We're also sharing what's next for Less Than Expert and asking for your input: What topics do you want us to explore next?Follow us on Instagram and visit LessThanExpert.com to share your ideas.Podcast Sponsors/Discounts:Cozy Earth — 30% off with code LTE at cozyearth.comZivo Life — 30% off with code LTE at zivo.lifeLove Indus — 21% off with code LTE at loveindus.comTona Active — 16% off with code LTE at tonaactive.comAkila Sunglasses — 10% off with code LTE at akila.laMantra Matcha — 15% off with code LTE at mantramatcha.comHandful — 30% off with code LTE at handful.com

We did it. The final episode of our Surviving the Layoff series is here, and it's the one we've been building toward.Getting HR reps to talk to us was not easy. They take confidentiality seriously (and honestly, we respect it). We still interviewed multiple HR professionals (anonymously) across advertising, software, and direct-to-consumer product industries and compiled everything they shared into this episode.If you've ever wondered what's actually happening behind the scenes when layoffs go down, this is the episode.In this episode, Amanda and Katie cover:What's driving the current wave of layoffs and why companies are still reluctant to name AI as the reasonWarning signs to watch for (and why there may be none at all)How layoff lists actually get made: the 3-6 month planning process, the legal review, and who has final sayWhether you can opt in to a layoff and when it actually makes sense to raise your handThe WARN Act (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act) explained: which companies it applies to, what notice employees are owed, and how to check if your company has filedThe OWBPA (Older Workers Benefit Protection Act): your review and revocation rights if you're 40+ including the 7-day window you can never waiveSeverance packages: what's standard, what's negotiable, and why HR reps say many people sign without reading the agreement carefully enoughWhat happens to bonuses, equity, and unvested shares and why you have to advocate for yourselfUnemployment in Texas: how it works, how it's calculated, how employers pay into it, and why your tax bill in April might surprise youCOBRA and health insurance: what the transition looks like and why missing enrollment windows is a costly mistakeFinal advice from HR themselves: stay composed, don't post, don't burn bridges Resources mentioned: Check your state's WARN Act filings at [dol.gov] and the layoff checklist available at lessthanexpert.comPodcast Sponsors/Discounts: Cozy Earth — 21% off with code LTE at cozyearth.com Copper North — 15% off with code LTE at coppernorth.com Zivo Life — 30% off with code LTE at zivo.life Love Indus — 21% off with code LTE at loveindus.com Tona Active — 16% off with code LTE at tonaactive.com Akila Sunglasses — 10% off with code LTE at akila.la Mantra Matcha — 15% off with code LTE at mantramatcha.com Handful — 30% off with code LTE at handful.com

What does a financial advisor actually do when you're staring down a layoff...or trying to avoid one? In this bonus episode of our Surviving the Layoff series, Katie and Amanda sit down with Tina Hoang, a Northwestern Mutual financial advisor with over a decade of experience. Spoiler: she's part financial planner, part career coach, part therapist. Honestly, we could all use a Tina.We talk through the money moves you should be making before anything goes wrong, what NOT to do the second you get that pink slip (put down the 401k, we mean it), and why Tina's approach to financial planning goes way beyond the numbers.IN THIS EPISODE:The financial basics everyone should have in place — layoff or notHow to figure out your "safe zone" What mistakes people make after a layoff — and the 401k move that could cost you 40%Whether you should negotiate your severance How to evaluate a job offer beyond just the salary numberWhen to reach out to a financial advisor — and how to find one you actually click withWhy Tina calls herself a "saver from yourself"The in-service distribution rule at age 55 that most people have never heard ofABOUT TINA HOANG:Tina Hoang is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual based in Dallas, Texas. With over ten years of experience, she specializes in comprehensive financial planning — covering both the defensive side (insurance, risk planning) and the offensive side (wealth accumulation and investments). Before financial advising, Tina spent a decade as a personal trainer, which explains a lot about how she coaches clients through the emotional side of money.CONNECT WITH TINA:Phone/Text: 972-663-7237 Email: Tina.T.Hoang@nm,comMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) — borrowing against your home asset401(k) in-service distributions at age 55Roth IRA vs. pre-tax vs. after-tax contributionsThe "mega backdoor Roth" and why most people are confusing it with something elseMyers-Briggs and culture index assessmentsThis episode is part of our Surviving the Layoff series. Catch up on all episodes at lessthanexpert.com.AD PARTNERS: Use Code LTEBotox in a Tube by Love Indus: 21% OFF https://loveindus.com/discount/LTEAKILA Sunglasses: 10% OFF https://akila.la/discount/LTECopper North: 15% OFF https://www.coppernorth.com/discount/LTECozy Earth Bedding: 21% OFF https://cozyearth.com/discount/LTETONA Activewear: 16% OFF https://tonaactive.com/discount/LTEMantra Matcha: 15% OFF https://mantramatcha.com/discount/LTEHandful Sports Bra: 30% OFF https://handful.com/discount/LTE

AI was everywhere at SXSW 2026, and honestly? A little “ay ay ay” was warranted.In this episode, Amanda and Katie break down the biggest themes from the festival, including the rise of AI in branding, creativity, work, accessibility, healthcare, and infrastructure. From Amy Webb’s now-iconic funeral for the annual trend report to powerful conversations about the hidden environmental cost of data centers, this year’s SXSW made one thing clear: the future is moving faster than most of us are ready for.The good news? Not every takeaway was bleak. We also found real examples of AI being used to make products better, experiences more inclusive, and creative work more human.In this episode, we cover:Why AI was the dominant theme at SXSW 2026Amy Webb’s warning about the “unlimited workforce”How AI is changing creativity, branding, and real-time marketingThe overlooked environmental cost of AI and data centersWhy accessibility and empathy need to be part of the tech conversationThe SXSW highs, lows, and weird logistical quirksBottom line: AI is here. The bigger question is what kind of world we’re building around it.Read the companion articles: A-Ay Ay Ay and The Future of Health Is Connected: Skin, Brain, Microbiome on LessThanExpert.comPanels mentioned in this episode:Better Leadership Starts with Understanding the Stressed Brain Featured Session: Amy Webb Launches 2026 Emerging Tech Trend ReportThe Next Digital Wave Excludes Millions. Let’s Fix it. Dirty Data: The Hidden Climate Cost of Our Digital LivesWhy Will AI Make Brands Feel More Human and Not LessDiscounts & Ad Partners: Promo Code LTEZivolife - Superfood! 30% OFF https://zivo.life/discount/LTELove Indus - 21% OFF https://loveindus.com/discount/LTEAKILA - Sunglasses, eyewear - 10% OFF https://akila.la/discount/LTECopper North - Silk pillowcases - 15% OFF https://www.coppernorth.com/discount/LTECozy Earth - Bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more - 21% OFF https://cozyearth.com/discount/LTETONA Activewear - Athleisure - 16% OFF https://tonaactive.com/discount/LTEMantra Matcha: Japanese Matcha - 15% OFF https://mantramatcha.com/discount/LTEHandful - Sports Bras - 30% OFF https://handful.com/discount/LTE

Last week we talked about the emotional side of layoffs. This week? We’re talking strategy.In Part 2 of our Layoff Survival Series, Katie and Amanda break down some of the latest layoff stats in corporate America, and get very honest about what’s happening inside our own jobs.Then Amanda walks through exactly what she’s doing to prepare — financially, professionally, and mentally — in case the worst happens.We also go down a small but important rabbit hole: Is AI replacing us… or repositioning us?If you’ve ever thought, “Am I behind?” or “How do I prepare without spiraling?” This episode is for you.No doom or panic. Just practical moves.What We CoverQuick recap of Part 1 of the Layoff SeriesRecent layoff trends in corporate AmericaWhat we’re seeing inside our own rolesAmanda’s real-life preparation strategy:Emergency fund upgradesResume refresh + quiet networkingSkill stackingIncome diversificationMental reframingThe AI sidebar:Is AI eliminating jobs?Who is actually most at risk?How to future-proof your skill setWhy doing nothing is the riskiest move of allVisit lessthanexpert.com for more tactical steps and tips!Discounts & Ad Partners: Zivolife - Exclusive patented superfood!Get 30% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://zivo.life/discount/LTEBotox in a Tube - by Love Indus - Freedom of Expression: Erase your lines!Get 21% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://loveindus.com/discount/LTEAKILA - Sunglasses, eyewearGet 10% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://akila.la/discount/LTECopper North - Silk pillowcases w/copper for skin/hairGet 15% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://www.coppernorth.com/discount/LTECozy Earth - Luxurious bamboo sheets, pajamas, & moreGet 21% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/LTETONA Activewear - Designer Gym LeggingsGet 16% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://tonaactive.com/discount/LTEMantra Matcha: Blends With Benefits - Premium Japanese MatchaGet 15% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://mantramatcha.com/discount/LTEHandful - All Day Flattering Sports BraGet 30% OFF | Promo Code: LTEhttps://handful.com/discount/LTE

Surviving the Layoff, Part 1: The Personal StoryIn Part 1 of our Surviving the Layoff series, we sit down with writer and career coach Allison McNearney to talk about what really happens after you hear, “We regret to inform you…”Allison was laid off in 2024 — and while the experience was destabilizing, it was also clarifying. In this episode, we talk about:The emotional whiplash of being laid offHow job loss impacts identity and self-worthThe financial fear that followsWhat surprised her most about the process - including financial and healthcare watchouts How she reframed the experienceThe lessons she now shares with clientsWhat resilience actually looks like in real lifeWhether you’ve been laid off, fear you might be, or want to support someone who has, this conversation is for you.About Our GuestAllison McNearney is a writer, editor, and creative mindset coach. She has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing for publications including The New York Times, The Daily Beast, and National Geographic. After experiencing a layoff herself in 2024, she brings first-hand experience to conversations about career pivots, identity, and rebuilding. In her coaching work, Allison helps writers, artists, and entrepreneurs discover their purpose and passion, move from stuck to creatively fulfilled, and tell more powerful stories. You can contact her at [email protected] or on her website: allisonmcnearney.com.Ad Partners - use code LTEZivoLife — 30% OFF https://zivo.life/discount/LTELove Indus – 21% OFF https://loveindus.com/discount/LTEAKILA Eyewear — 10% OFF https://akila.la/discount/LTECopper North — 15% OFF https://www.coppernorth.com/discount/LTECozy Earth — 41% OFF https://cozyearth.com/discount/LTETONA Activewear — 16% OFF https://tonaactive.com/discount/LTEMantra Matcha — 15% OFF https://mantramatcha.com/discount/LTEHandful — 30% OFF https://handful.com/discount/LTEPodcast ResourcesUnemployment Resources: https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefitsATX Gastroenterologist: https://tddctx.com/lilah-mansour/

After an unplanned but much-needed January break, Amanda and Katie are back behind the mic for a check-in.In this episode of Less Than Expert, we’re catching up on life updates, talking through why we took the month off, and sharing what we’re (loosely) planning for the year ahead…without the pressure of resolutions, reinvention, or pretending we have it all figured out.Think: banter, reflection, recalibration, and a reminder that it’s okay to start the year slowly.What We CoverWhy January didn’t go as plannedLife updates since we last recorded - the serious and the absolutely not seriousHow we’re thinking about the year aheadWho This Episode Is ForAnyone easing back into work or creativityPeople who started the year tired instead of motivatedListeners who like our banter more than the adviceAd PartnersZivoLife — patented superfood supplement 💰 30% OFF with code LTE https://zivo.life/discount/LTELove Indus – Botox in a Tube — topical wrinkle-smoothing cream 💰 21% OFF with code LTE https://loveindus.com/discount/LTEAKILA Eyewear — premium sunglasses & optical frames 💰 10% OFF with code LTE https://akila.la/discount/LTECopper North — silk pillowcases with copper for skin & hair 💰 15% OFF with code LTE https://www.coppernorth.com/discount/LTECozy Earth — luxury bamboo sheets, pajamas & home goods 💰 41% OFF with code LTE https://cozyearth.com/discount/LTETONA Activewear — designer women’s gym leggings 💰 16% OFF with code LTE https://tonaactive.com/discount/LTEMantra Matcha — premium Japanese matcha with functional blends 💰 15% OFF with code LTE https://mantramatcha.com/discount/LTEHandful — all-day flattering sports bras 💰 30% OFF with code LTE https://handful.com/discount/LTEResources@chaninicholas@kirsty_gallagher_@itsdrglutes@benbrunotraining@melissawoodhealthVanity Affair astrology reading articlehttps://thriveworks.com/ - therapy that accepts insurance!

Lessons Learned, Favorite Gear, and What’s Coming in 2026Most podcasts don’t make it past Episode 6, but we're proud to say we're committed.In this check-in episode of Less Than Expert, Amanda and Katie reflect on what it’s been like launching a podcast from scratch: what surprised us, what worked better than expected, and what we would not recommend.We’re also sharing our favorite products we used this year (from mics to software to things we thought we needed… but didn’t), plus a sneak peek at what’s coming next as we commit to going well beyond this so-called “podcast death episode.”If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to be an expert to keep going.In This Episode:Why Episode 6 is where most podcasts quietly disappearWhat we’ve learned since hitting “record” for the first timeOur favorite podcast gear, tools, and platforms from the yearThe products and processes that did not live up to the hypeHow we’re thinking about sustainability and growth going forwardA sneak peek at upcoming episodes and themes for 2026Ad PartnersZivoLife — patented superfood supplement 💰 30% OFF with code LTE https://zivo.life/discount/LTELove Indus – Botox in a Tube — topical wrinkle-smoothing cream 💰 21% OFF with code LTE https://loveindus.com/discount/LTEAKILA Eyewear — premium sunglasses & optical frames 💰 10% OFF with code LTE https://akila.la/discount/LTECopper North — silk pillowcases with copper for skin & hair 💰 15% OFF with code LTE https://www.coppernorth.com/discount/LTECozy Earth — luxury bamboo sheets, pajamas & home goods 💰 41% OFF with code LTE https://cozyearth.com/discount/LTETONA Activewear — designer women’s gym leggings 💰 16% OFF with code LTE https://tonaactive.com/discount/LTEMantra Matcha — premium Japanese matcha with functional blends 💰 15% OFF with code LTE https://mantramatcha.com/discount/LTEHandful — all-day flattering sports bras 💰 30% OFF with code LTE https://handful.com/discount/LTE