What's the Temp? podcast

What's the Temp?

What’s the Temp?

'What's the Temp?' is a weekly podcast where two unlikely friends prove that authentic connection transcends all differences. Hosts Betina and Jen invite listeners into their “Tues-dee” weekly phone calls to discuss relationships, emotional sobriety, and spirituality across cultures and generations, demonstrating how accountability and transparency lead to personal transformation despite virtually opposite life experiences.

35 Episodes

Christmas Joy in the Middle of Hard
12/16/2025
1:01:01
In this uplifting holiday episode, Betina and Jen make a bold declaration: they're choosing celebration over survival this Christmas season, regardless of what hardships they're carrying. Through honest conversations about their far-from-perfect lives, they explore why creating beauty and gathering with intention are essential, especially when times are tough. They challenge the cultural narrative that honors past pain more than present possibility, refusing to let trauma steal the magic of the moment. The episode offers permission to those who are struggling, reminding listeners that needing warmth and light isn't a weakness. From decorating to cooking to simply showing up fully for festive moments, they reframe holiday traditions as acts of defiance against darkness, proving that joy doesn't require perfect circumstances, just an intentional choice to amplify what's good even while acknowledging what's hard.Time stamps:00:00 Intros02:59 Temp Check: What’s your temperature for letting yourself enjoy the holidays fully?15:53 Backstory: Learning that joy and hardship coexist and that the holidays are where we choose to amplify the joy34:20 Life Focus: Recognizing that gathering, decorating, creating moments of beauty is a profound spiritual practice; honoring that if you’re struggling, you especially deserve to experience the warmth and light that this season offers; choosing to live during the holidays, not just survive them49:34 Recipes: Gather around this: Light and warmth, something that feels how the season tastesRecipes:The Ham Dish (Potato, Onion and Ham au Gratin)Preheat oven to 375 and grease a baking dishHeat 3 tbsp unsalted butter and cook 5 medium onions (sliced thin) until translucent (2 min)Peel and slice 5 large potatoes into thin rounds, rinse in cold water and dry thoroughlyLayer ½ of the potatoes in baking dish in overlapping rows, top with half onions and season with salt, pepper, nutmegCover onion layer completely with sliced ham and top with remaining onions and potatoesPour 1 ¼ cup heavy cream over top, then season salt pepper, nutmegBake 1 ½ hours while basting w/ additional ¼ cup cream, then tip pan and baste with cream from bottom, keeping potatoes moist on topCook until potatoes have absorbed most of moisture and are very tender and golden brown on topMusic Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR14:35 “Xmas is Coming” - Sture Zetterberg33:41 “Jingle Bells (LoFi Version)” - Jobii49:08 “Caribbean Christmas” - Guustavv60:20 “Cold Outside” - Gregory DavidFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
The Love Letter We Never Wrote (to Ourselves)
12/9/2025
1:02:04
We're quick to offer grace to everyone else, but when it comes to ourselves? That's where we quickly pump the brakes. In this Season of Love episode, we look inwardly and ask: what would it look like to treat ourselves with the same compassion we extend to others? Jen shares a tender letter she wrote to herself in the early days of sobriety, written from the woman she ultimately became. Betina opens up about wrestling with the concept of "deserving" rest when her body is screaming for it, revealing how we've been conditioned to earn basic needs and kindness for ourselves. We explore how becoming your own safe place might be one of the most radical acts of love you can practice. If you've ever denied yourself grace while freely giving it away to everyone and everything around you, this conversation will challenge you to finally write that love letter you've been withholding from the person who needs it most: you.Time stamps:00:00 Intros2:32 Temp Check: Self-Compassion Temperature - What’s your I deserve grace Temp?15:55 Backstory: Learning that loving yourself isn’t selfish, but it’s a foundation28:53 Life Focus: Recognizing self-compassion as strength, not weakness; learning to be your own safe place56:56 Recipes: I deserve this dish: A no-guilt indulgenceRecipes:Betina had a warm Marie Callender’s Apple pie à la modeJen had butternut squash soup with a baguette that she ate in as many ways as possibleMusic Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR14:35 “The Lone Traveler” - Will Harrison28:27 “1999” - SOOP47:05 “High Energy Bad Attitude” - Bonkers Beat Club60:53 “Safe and Warm” - StonekeepersFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
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Mirror Work
12/2/2025
1:04:23
In this refreshingly open and honest episode, Betina and Jen tackle self-love through the lens of body acceptance, sharing stories that range from funny to heartbreaking. Betina recounts her culture-shock moment at a Midwest "club" where her Thanksgiving dinner outfit left her overdressed. Jen celebrates Betina's unshakable confidence regardless of pant size, contrasting it with communities where self-assurance feels like a foreign language. Through vulnerable admissions about their own harsh self-criticism, they challenge the idea that bodies are projects requiring constant fixing rather than homes deserving love and gratitude. The conversation moves from comparison culture to genuine self-acceptance, exploring why treating ourselves with the same kindness we'd offer a struggling friend feels so impossibly hard, yet is so necessary for showing up fully in life.Time stamps:00:00 Intros2:23 Temp Check: Self-Love vs. Self-Criticism Temp - What’s your temp for how comfortable you are in celebrating your body exactly the way it is right now?15:15 Back Story: Learning to look at yourself with gratitude instead of a to-do list. Think about times when you found yourself being crueler to yourself than you’d be to a friend. 38:20 Life Focus: Understanding that self-love isn’t conditional on perfection; recognizing your body as a home, not a project; celebrating what your body has carried you through.57:58 Recipes: Body Gratitude Bowl - Food that honors what your body needsRecipes:Betina’s Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Potato SoupChop bacon then cook in dutch oven remove some of the oil droppingsChop white and green onions and saute in the remaining bacon droppingsPeel and chop potatoesAdd to pot with onion and boil in chicken stockWash and chop broccoli and carrotsAdd to pot just before potatoes get fork tender also add garlic pasteMake cheese rouxIn a pot add butter and all purpose flourUsing milk and cheese build up the cheese sauce and season with salt, pepper and smoked paprikaBy now stock should have somewhat cooked downAdd cheese sauceMix add heavy cream if necessaryServe topped what bacon bits and a toasted bread if desiredJen’s Greek bowlChic peasTomatoesCucumberolivesRiceTahini or hummusFeta cheese (optional)Served with flat breadMusic Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR14:45 “Umbele” - Ebo Krdum37:59 “Back in My Bag, Again” - Iso Indies46:24 “Chase” - Say3.263:34 “Umbele” - Ebo KrdumFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
Eyes Wide Open
11/25/2025
1:01:52
In this grounding episode, Betina and Jen explore the spiritual practice of accepting life exactly as God has allowed it (messy parts and all) while cultivating genuine gratitude for what's already present. Jen shares about her friend's "they gotta know" philosophy of loving honesty, which leads to Betina's hilarious story about a gym enthusiast whose visible reality didn't match his verbal narrative, illustrating the importance of seeing ourselves and our circumstances clearly. Through vulnerable reflections on moments when forced slowdowns revealed beauty they'd been rushing past, they discover that gratitude is about choosing to marvel at the ordinary gifts that fill each day. The conversation culminates with the concept of a "gratitude gathering", creating abundance from what you already possess, which offers a powerful metaphor for life itself.Time stamps:00:00 Intros1:31 Temp Check: How comfortable are you with accepting what God has allowed in your life; both the perfect and the imperfect26:26 Backstory: Moments when you were forced to slow down and suddenly saw beauty you’ve been walking past previously44:13 Life Focus: Understanding that intentional gratitude shifts our entire perspective; celebrating the beauty in our ordinary days/life, health, strength, capacity, joy peace; learning to marvel instead of criticize56:40 Recipes: Gratitude Gathering: The meal from what you already have in the pantryRecipes:Uncle Bob’s Gravy (halve for smaller batch)1 stick butter½ cup flour4 cups stockMelt the butter, add the flour, and stir with a whisk until it becomes peanut butter coloredSlowly add stock and bring to a boilSalt and pepper to tasteBetina's Garlic Butter NoodlesBolil pastaStrain and toss with Butter, garlic and herb seasoning and maybe a dash of olive oilMusic Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR17:28 “Poti ndal” - Royal Messenjah25:51 “Why Always Me” - Sam Kramer43:13 “All Night Dance” - PW60:55 “Anywhere You Go” - DJ Mayson,Follow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
Expert, Free Advice
11/18/2025
1:06:24
In this episode, Jen shares relationship guidance from a friend that was so unconventional, everyone she tells says they would have never suggested it, yet it worked. Betina gets vulnerable about the physical reactions her body undergoes when someone tries to correct her, revealing how the ego can literally manifest as resistance in your nervous system. We explore why we dismiss wisdom based on who's delivering it, and how to stay open when advice cuts against what we think we know. If you've ever ignored good advice because it came from an unexpected source, this conversation will challenge you to listen differently.Time stamps:00:00 Intros01:38 Temp Check: How’s your Know-it-all temperature this week19:45 Backstory: Moments you realized your expertise bias blocked you from learning43:42 Life Focus: Breaking down assumptions about who gets to be wise58:32 Recipe: Humble Pie remixRecipes:Betina’s Beans Soak beans Boil smoked turkeyChop & saute andouille sausage, removeChop bell pepper, onion, and celery. To the pot with your turkey, add your washed beans, veggies, and waterSeason with the go-to-four, also add beef and chicken bouillon, & bay leavesBoil until tenderRemove the bones from turkey & add sausage Smash down some of the beans to thicken juiceServe Jen’s pie crust10 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 tbsp sugar1/2 tsp salt4 cups ice waterGrate 2 tbsp butter on large holes of box grater and place in freezer; cut remaining 8 tbsp butter into ½ inch cubesPulse ¾ cup flour, sugar & salt in food processor for 2 pulses. Add cubed butter & process 30 seconds until pasty. With hands, break paste into 2-in chunks & redistribute evenly around blade. Add remaining ½ cup flour & pulse until mixture is no larger than 1 inch pieces (most will be smaller), 4-5 pulses. Transfer to a medium bowl, add grated butter & toss until butter pieces are separated & coated in flour.Sprinkle 2 tbsp ice water over mixture & toss until evenly moistened. Sprinkle remaining 2 tbsp ice water & toss to combine, press dough with spatula until it sticks together. Draw edges of plastic over dough & press firmly to form a compact, fissure-free mass, press to form a 5 inch disk. Refrigerate for 2 hours to 2 days. Let chilled dough sit 10 min to soften before rolling.Apple filling: Peel, core & slice 2 lb apples & toss in juice of 1 lemon. Mix ¾ cup sugar, 3 tbsp corn starch & ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg. Dump onto apples & stir.Pumpkin filling1 can pumpkinMix ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ½ tsp nutmeg, 1 cup sugarMix 2 eggs with 5 oz can evaporated milkMusic Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR19:20 “Stay a While” - Ryan James Carr43:16 “Everything You Want” - Gloria Tells65:45 “Con Fuerza” - Sonido MundialFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
The College Conspiracy
11/11/2025
1:04:08
Backed up by a killer soundtrack, Betina and Jen explore whether the pressure to send every kid to college is actually setting them up for real success. Jen gets brutally honest about choosing her college based on criteria that guidance counselors would absolutely not recommend. Betina shares her coveted Oxtail Birria taco recipe alongside a surprise reveal of her American Idol audition. To degree or not to degree, that is the question!00:00 Intros01:47 Temp Check: What’s your “My kid HAS to go to college” temp?14:32 Backstory: Supporting each other through non-traditional career paths35:21 Life Focus: Challenging the one-size-fits-all education narrative: recognizing that college isn’t for everyone59:10 Recipes: Betina’s Oxtail Birria TacosBlend the following ingredientsBell peppers: Red, yellow, & orange, 2 carrots, 4 garlic cloves, 1 scotch bonnet, bay leaf, thymeonion sliced, Green onion, 2 tomatoes. a cup of water +, tbsp of browning saucePour over oxtailsLightly season withGarlic and herb seasoning & AllspiceLet it marinate for 2 hoursPour into pot and cook in oven uncovered for an hour at 350 degreesStirCover and bake for another hourRemove excess oil (meat produces oil) Bake for 30 more minutes and duplicateAdd store-bought birria sauce Add cinnamon stickFresh thymeFinish cooking in the oven until falling apartOnce done, remove the meat and shred it for the tacos. Discard excess fatWith the remaining juices, strain and separate from fresh herbs. This is your consommé.In a pan, crisp up some of the juice and meat. Birria tacos are crispy. Toast on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove. In that same skillet, add consommé. Lay down a corn tortilla, turn, add Oaxaca cheese, and crisped meat. Fold. Flip and remove. Jen’s (Uncle Bob’s) Taco SurpriseTop Fritos with taco meat (ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning)Garnish with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, onions, cheese, sour cream, avocados, and hot sauceEnjoy!Music Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR15:01 “Starfields” - Hallman28:51 “Modest” - Katori Walker45:07 “Some Days” - Mo Stacks81:07 “Modest” - Katori WalkerFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
The Friendship Minefield
11/4/2025
1:02:42
Can men and women really be just friends, or is that naive optimism? In this episode, we tackle one of the most debated relationship questions head-on. Betina shares surprisingly candid stories from her past where physical connections actually opened doors to genuine platonic friendships, though she wrestles with how to tell those stories now that her life looks completely different. Jen brings insights from conversations with multiple friends, including her life partner, that challenge common assumptions about what's possible between the sexes. We explore whether society's skepticism about cross-gender friendship says more about cultural narratives than actual reality, and discuss how to create authentic connections that honor boundaries without being imprisoned by fear. If you've ever been told that opposite-sex friendships are impossible or inappropriate, this conversation will permit you to trust your own experience.Time stamps:00:00 Intros2:10 Temp Check: Platonic Possibility Temperature15:53 Backstory: Times when opposite sex friendships thrived without romantic complications35:32 Life Focus: Exploring whether men and women can truly be friends; examining societal assumptions versus personal experience; creating space for authentic connection beyond romance57:47 Recipes: Just Friends Flatbread: Simple ingredients that compliment without overpoweringRecipes:Jen’s Fig, goat cheese, and arugula flatbreadLayer a flatbread with goat cheese, caramelized onions, figs, and arugula.Bake.EnjoyBetina’s Sweet Potato FlatbreadBoil a sweet potatoSlice and smashAdd an eggAdd sesame seedsFlatten in a skillet with avocado oilBrown lightly on both sides.Serve as you choose with cheese and veggiesMusic Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR15:27 “A Little Closure (Heyson Remix)” - Deanz31:17 “What’s Your Vibe” - Lofive44:02 “Please Come Back” - NIGHTCAP61:04 “A Little Closure (Heyson Remix)” - DeanzFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
When Love Isn't Enough Pt. 2
10/28/2025
51:21
Sometimes, the hardest wisdom to accept is that caring deeply about someone doesn't automatically mean the relationship can work. In this continuation of our conversation about love's limitations, we explore the gut-wrenching question: how do you know when to keep fighting for a relationship versus when to walk away? We dig into the complexity of adult relationships where there's no villain nor a clear wrong answer, just two people who may not be compatible despite having genuine affection for one another. Betina serenades us with a classic country tune about knowing your limits, and in a tender moment, publicly honors Jen for showing up with grace during a season when Betina wasn't easy to be around. We wrap with a cooking lesson that's really about discernment: understanding when adding more actually makes things worse, and having the wisdom to stop before you ruin what could have been good enough.Time stamps:00:00 Intro 0040 Life Focus: Love alone doesn’t make a relationship viable; recognizing when to stay and when to go; honoring the complexity of adult relationships27:02 Betina gives Jen her flowers44:10 Recipes: Know when to fold: The dish that teaches you when to stop addingRecipes:Vegetable OmeletChop the desired vegetablesOil skillet with olive oilSaute veggies and season with salt and pepperBeat eggs in a bowl and seasonRemove vegetables from panAdd butter to panPour in eggsAs the edges firm, add vegetables and cheese if desired and foldFlip and cook for 30 secondsPlate and garnish. Enjoy!Music Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR15:46 “Say It To My Face” - Gloria Tells28:43 “Best Kind of Weird” - Gloria Tells43:39 “Climb Down from Your Pedestal” - Gloria Tells50:07 “Say It To My Face” - Gloria TellsFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
When Love Isn't Enough Pt. 1
10/21/2025
1:19:16
In the premiere of Season 3, hosts Jen and Betina dive deep into love and show how different the real thing is from what you see in the movies.The episode opens with an introduction to the central theme of Season 3, love and its transformative power in our lives. Their honest temperature check reveals where they each stand on love's redemptive potential.The heart of this episode traces their relationship arcs from youth to today. Betina shares her journey of redirecting a lifetime of loving others toward loving herself: a fundamental shift in how she approaches connection and fulfillment. Jen reflects on her evolution toward loving the one she's with, building an intentional life with her partner, and actively choosing that life every single day.Their conversation culminates in exploring relationships where love existed but fundamental incompatibility created an insurmountable wall setting the stage for Part 2.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.Time stamps:00:00 Intro to the Intro03:24 Intro to the show5:51Temp Check: How much do you believe that love conquers all right now?19:29 Backstory: Relationships where love existed, but fundamental incompatibility did tooThe recipes are in the second part of this conversation.Music Credits:03:19 “For My Good” - AFTR18:50 “My Galaxy” - Gloria Tells35:17 “Out of Control” - Gloria Tells45:40 “I Got What You Want” - Gloria Tells63:42 “In Denial” - Gloria Tells87:37 “My Galaxy” - Gloria TellsFollow Links:https://www.instagram.com/whatsthetemp_Follow on Facebook:https://www.https://www.facebook.com/whatsthetemppodcastSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@WhatstheTempPodcastContact:[email protected]
The Helper's High
10/14/2025
1:00:33
Do you leap into fix-it mode the moment someone mentions a struggle? In this episode, Betina wrestles with feedback from her daughter and others who just want to vent, not get a five-point action plan. As a business consultant who gets paid to solve problems and is regularly sought out for wisdom, the line between helpful and overbearing gets blurry fast. Jen introduces the concept of radical acceptance and shares practical ways to support friends without becoming their unpaid therapist or worse, their hostage audience for endless complaining. We explore the uncomfortable question: are you genuinely serving others, or are you feeding your own need to feel necessary? If you've ever been accused of "always trying to fix everything" or found yourself exhausted by people who complain but never change, this conversation will help you find the balance between compassion and boundaries.Time stamps:00:00 Intros02:17 Temp Check: What’s your “I can fix this” temperature when someone shares a problem with you?14:45 Backstory: Times when helping became controlling33:11 Life Focus: Distinguishing between serving others and your own need to be needed55:52 Recipes: Listen first SoupRecipes:Squash Soup2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed4 stalks celery chopped1 medium sweet onion, chopped3 leeks, chopped2-3 cups of veg or chicken broth1/4 cup whole milk (or a few teaspoons of cream)In a large pot, saute onion, celery, and leeks in a little bit of oil for about 5-6 minutes. Add about 2 teaspoons salt to mixture, cook for 1 more minuteAdd broth and butternut squash cubes, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the squash is soft.Use immersion blender to blend, salt and pepper to taste, then add milk or cream (optional).Serve hot with garnish of your choice (I like scallions!).Betina’s Chicken Vegetable SoupChop all the veggies you like (dealer’s choice on your veggies)The must-haves are: onion, bell pepper, celeryChop the Chicken breast into chunksAdd to a large pot with water and your must have veggies.Season with the go-to four (seasoning salt, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and pepper)Also, add Adobo seasoning and chicken bouillon powderBegin to boilIn their order of cooking, add your other veggies.Depending on how you want your final broth to be, you can serve it as is with garlic bread, or you can add heavy cream for a thicker broth.Enjoy!*****Note*****Betina’s Zuppa Toscano (Olive Garden’s recipe that I perfected) can be found in Season 1 Episode 7 Love and TransitionsMusic Credits:0:00 “For My Good” - AFTR14:17 “All I Got Was Nothing” - Nyck Caution32:52“Fourth Quarter” - Dylan Sitts44:49 “Inner Groove Hangout” - Dusty Decks59:28“All I Got Was Nothing” - Nyck Caution

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