<![CDATA[Friends on Purpose]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 22 May 2026 10:11:47 GMTTue, 31 Mar 2026 12:40:23 GMT60Friends on PurposeWhat if friendship was something you practiced on purpose? Friends on Purpose is a thoughtful and funny friendship podcast where two curious friends explore life’s big questions through honest, deep conversations. Eric and Elaine talk about personal growth, belief systems, identity, and the experiences that shape who we become. Instead of angry debates or trauma dumping, they approach complicated topics with curiosity, humor, and humility. If you enjoy podcasts about friendship, psychology, faith conversations, and meaningful relationships, pull up a chair and join the conversation.episodicFriends on Purposeeric@ekirkdesigns.comno<![CDATA[The Metaphysics of Metamucil]]>From church rituals and grief ceremonies to porch sitting, fishing, candle season, and yes…fiber supplements…why do humans instinctively repeat certain behaviors?

This week, we explore ritual as anxiety regulation, social bonding, emotional processing, and the strange little practices that make life feel meaningful. Turns out the line between spiritual practice and “tiny things that keep us functioning” might be thinner than we think.

]]>58d640e1-4473-4974-9b10-c3c473ac76e6Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p><b>From church rituals and grief ceremonies to porch sitting, fishing, candle season, and yes…fiber supplements…why do humans instinctively repeat certain behaviors?</b></p><p>This week, we explore ritual as anxiety regulation, social bonding, emotional processing, and the strange little practices that make life feel meaningful. Turns out the line between spiritual practice and “tiny things that keep us functioning” might be thinner than we think.</p>no01:05:38The Metaphysics of Metamucilfull<![CDATA[Age Against the Machine]]>What if we’re all just… slowly testing positive for age? 

We start with a torn meniscus and somehow end up talking about mortality, meaning, and whether sleep scores are now a personality trait. Elaine brings the science (yes, aging might actually be treated like a disease), while Eric brings…whatever Eric brings, as they wrestle with the weird gap between feeling 30 and realizing your body disagrees. Along the way, things get more real with stories about memory, loss, and the quiet ways we leave pieces of ourselves behind. It’s funny, it’s a little heavy, and it might make you think differently about what it actually means to grow older…on purpose.

]]>303510b8-3037-4e86-a926-919d08895a26Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p><b>What if we’re all just… slowly testing positive for age?</b> </p><p>We start with a torn meniscus and somehow end up talking about mortality, meaning, and whether sleep scores are now a personality trait. Elaine brings the science (yes, aging might actually be treated like a disease), while Eric brings…whatever Eric brings, as they wrestle with the weird gap between feeling 30 and realizing your body disagrees. Along the way, things get more real with stories about memory, loss, and the quiet ways we leave pieces of ourselves behind. It’s funny, it’s a little heavy, and it might make you think differently about what it actually means to grow older…on purpose.</p>no01:04:1128Age Against the Machinefull<![CDATA[Don't Tell Mom]]>Does your family still treat you like you’re twelve years old?

In this episode, we dive into the chaos of siblings, birth order, and the roles we never quite grow out of, whether you are the responsible oldest, the overlooked middle, or the wildcard youngest. From “don’t tell mom” moments to full blown wrestling matches, we unpack the stories that shaped us and the personalities we carried into adulthood. Along the way, we ask whether siblings actually define who we become or just reveal who we have always been. Because no matter how much you change, your family still knows exactly which buttons to push.

]]>e78dfee5-f363-4fff-b485-32b87db9443cMon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p><b>Does your family still treat you like you’re twelve years old?</b> </p><p>In this episode, we dive into the chaos of siblings, birth order, and the roles we never quite grow out of, whether you are the responsible oldest, the overlooked middle, or the wildcard youngest. From “don’t tell mom” moments to full blown wrestling matches, we unpack the stories that shaped us and the personalities we carried into adulthood. Along the way, we ask whether siblings actually define who we become or just reveal who we have always been. Because no matter how much you change, your family still knows exactly which buttons to push.</p>no01:11:1427Don't Tell Momfull<![CDATA[Livin' the Dream]]>What if Shia LaBeouf was onto something?

In this episode, Eric and Elaine refuse to let their dreams be dreams, from teeth falling out and missed exams to lucid dreaming, prophetic visions, and grocery shopping on roller skates. They explore the science of sleep, ancient beliefs about dream symbolism, and the strange ways our subconscious may process fear, healing, memory, and our place in the world. Eric shares how dream interpretation became part of his journey through cult deconstruction, revealing deeper questions about grace, discernment, and personal truth. It’s funny, thoughtful, a little weird, and exactly the kind of conversation you’d hope to have while awake.

]]>08c5eb93-e490-4751-aae2-d8844c943423Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p><b>What if Shia LaBeouf was onto something?</b></p><p>In this episode, Eric and Elaine refuse to let their dreams be dreams, from teeth falling out and missed exams to lucid dreaming, prophetic visions, and grocery shopping on roller skates. They explore the science of sleep, ancient beliefs about dream symbolism, and the strange ways our subconscious may process fear, healing, memory, and our place in the world. Eric shares how dream interpretation became part of his journey through cult deconstruction, revealing deeper questions about grace, discernment, and personal truth. It’s funny, thoughtful, a little weird, and exactly the kind of conversation you’d hope to have while awake.</p>no01:00:5626Livin' the Dreamfull<![CDATA[Into the Think of It]]>Can the way we observe the world help create the reality we experience?

Eric and Elaine explore imagination, aphantasia, synchronicities, and the strange ways our minds assign meaning to everything from calendars to numbers. They compare how they visualize apples, read books, organize time in their heads, and why certain numbers somehow feel trustworthy, cursed, or suspiciously French. Along the way, they wrestle with mystery, belief, and whether reality is something we observe—or something we help create. It’s a playful, mind-bending conversation about consciousness, connection, and the weird beauty of being human.

]]>62dc67a8-5af6-42f3-b430-ace1d38941b4Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Can the way we observe the world help create the reality we experience?</p><p></p><p>Eric and Elaine explore imagination, aphantasia, synchronicities, and the strange ways our minds assign meaning to everything from calendars to numbers. They compare how they visualize apples, read books, organize time in their heads, and why certain numbers somehow feel trustworthy, cursed, or suspiciously French. Along the way, they wrestle with mystery, belief, and whether reality is something we observe—or something we help create. It’s a playful, mind-bending conversation about consciousness, connection, and the weird beauty of being human.</p>yes00:49:3125Into the Think of Itfull<![CDATA[That Felt Personal]]>Why does a personality test feel like it knows you a little too well? 

Eric and Elaine take the Enneagram and unpack what it reveals about identity, self-awareness, and the parts of ourselves we’d rather not admit. What starts as a fun quiz quickly turns into a conversation about defensiveness, growth, and the hills we’re willing to die on. With humor and honesty, they explore how being “typed” can feel both clarifying and uncomfortably personal. If you’ve ever felt called out by a quiz, this episode will hit home.

Rabbit Footnotes:

The Haunting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Nn5l_13W8

Enneagram Test - https://enneagram-personality.com/

Oxford Comma - https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/what-is-the-oxford-comma/

Artemis II Splashdown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua0d7xnPUzo

]]>6bce77d5-8092-4c1a-a224-6ce80f48112eMon, 13 Apr 2026 19:12:27 GMT<p><b>Why does a personality test feel like it knows you a little too well?</b> </p><p>Eric and Elaine take the Enneagram and unpack what it reveals about identity, self-awareness, and the parts of ourselves we’d rather not admit. What starts as a fun quiz quickly turns into a conversation about defensiveness, growth, and the hills we’re willing to die on. With humor and honesty, they explore how being “typed” can feel both clarifying and uncomfortably personal. If you’ve ever felt called out by a quiz, this episode will hit home.</p><p></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes:</p><p>The Haunting - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Nn5l_13W8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Nn5l_13W8</a></p><p>Enneagram Test - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://enneagram-personality.com/" target="_blank">https://enneagram-personality.com/</a></p><p>Oxford Comma - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/what-is-the-oxford-comma/" target="_blank">https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/what-is-the-oxford-comma/</a></p><p>Artemis II Splashdown - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua0d7xnPUzo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua0d7xnPUzo</a></p>yes00:53:0224That Felt Personalfull<![CDATA[Rabbit Hole to Major Tom]]>What is the answer to life the universe and everything?

One small thought turns into a deep dive into space, NASA’s Artemis missions, and the bigger questions about curiosity, purpose, and the unknown. Eric and Elaine explore how quickly a simple idea can expand into something much bigger.

If you’ve ever gone down an internet spiral or wondered how everything connects, this episode is for you.

]]>365ae7bd-2792-4c5f-8b9f-e934a90329b3Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT<p>What is the answer to life the universe and everything?</p><p></p><p>One small thought turns into a deep dive into space, NASA’s Artemis missions, and the bigger questions about curiosity, purpose, and the unknown. Eric and Elaine explore how quickly a simple idea can expand into something much bigger.</p><p>If you’ve ever gone down an internet spiral or wondered how everything connects, this episode is for you.</p>yes01:00:4923Rabbit Hole to Major Tomfull<![CDATA[Did We Just Become Best Friends?]]>In the very first episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine look back at the moments that make the highlight reel of their friendship. Through personal stories, humor, and conversation, they reflect on the experiences that shaped their relationship, and practice a little fun announcing along the way.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Downtown - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JGhoLcsr8GA

Dipsmas - https://www.cosmopolitan.com/food-cocktails/a46042548/dipmas-party/

Hellbox Studio - https://www.instagram.com/hellbox.studio/

Noticing Small Things Leads to a Happy Life - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-resilience/202410/the-power-of-little-things-how-to-find-joy-in-the-everyday/amp


FOLLOW US:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Did-We-Just-Become-Best-Friends-e3ckaeef420f35e-0295-4a38-bc78-54ce67c4f8abThu, 01 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In the very first episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine look back at the moments that make the highlight reel of their friendship. Through personal stories, humor, and conversation, they reflect on the experiences that shaped their relationship, and practice a little fun announcing along the way.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes:</p><p>Downtown - <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JGhoLcsr8GA" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JGhoLcsr8GA</a></p><p>Dipsmas - <a href="https://www.cosmopolitan.com/food-cocktails/a46042548/dipmas-party/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cosmopolitan.com/food-cocktails/a46042548/dipmas-party/</a></p><p>Hellbox Studio - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hellbox.studio/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/hellbox.studio/</a></p><p>Noticing Small Things Leads to a Happy Life - <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-resilience/202410/the-power-of-little-things-how-to-find-joy-in-the-everyday/amp" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-resilience/202410/the-power-of-little-things-how-to-find-joy-in-the-everyday/amp</a></p><p><br /></p><p>FOLLOW US:</p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose</p><p>TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast</p> no00:34:5111Did We Just Become Best Friends?full<![CDATA[Part 1 | Sect Education: Gender Roles]]>Eric reflects on the gender roles his high-control church assigned to him and his wife—and why none of it ever quite fit. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, he and Elaine unpack the expectations, power dynamics, and belief systems behind rigid roles in religious communities, and how choosing love over control quietly changed everything.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism - https://amandamontell.com/cultish/

The Exvangelicals - https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284471/theexvangelicals/

Shiny Happy People - Seasons 1 and 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKfEilxYpbM

Breakfast in Hell: with Sarah Davis Part 1 and 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breakfast-in-hell-a-deconstruction-podcast/id1806983124

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Part-1--Sect-Education-Gender-Roles-e3euop6f6bb7163-6b4f-47f8-a476-c1b191dd769dMon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Eric reflects on the gender roles his high-control church assigned to him and his wife—and why none of it ever quite fit. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, he and Elaine unpack the expectations, power dynamics, and belief systems behind rigid roles in religious communities, and how choosing love over control quietly changed everything.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes:</p><p>Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism - <a href="https://amandamontell.com/cultish/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://amandamontell.com/cultish/</a></p><p>The Exvangelicals - <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284471/theexvangelicals/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284471/theexvangelicals/</a></p><p>Shiny Happy People - Seasons 1 and 2 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKfEilxYpbM" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKfEilxYpbM</a></p><p>Breakfast in Hell: with Sarah Davis Part 1 and 2 - <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breakfast-in-hell-a-deconstruction-podcast/id1806983124" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breakfast-in-hell-a-deconstruction-podcast/id1806983124</a></p> no00:59:5218Part 1 | Sect Education: Gender Rolesfull<![CDATA[Shame it on the System]]>Elaine revisits her coming-out story and discovers it’s changed with time. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, she and Eric unpack shame culture, inherited belief systems, identity, and the possibility that we’ve been blaming ourselves for glitches in the system. It’s a thoughtful conversation about personal growth, healing, and making sense of the stories we were given.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Shame-it-on-the-System-e3f3kld51e21e5d-de25-4625-9ae4-dd0e00f0bf6aMon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Elaine revisits her coming-out story and discovers it’s changed with time. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, she and Eric unpack shame culture, inherited belief systems, identity, and the possibility that we’ve been blaming ourselves for glitches in the system. It’s a thoughtful conversation about personal growth, healing, and making sense of the stories we were given.</p> no00:59:5319Shame it on the Systemfull<![CDATA[Part 2 | The Good, the Bad, and the Culty]]>Part 2 of 2 - Eric walks through the highlights, lowlights, and spiritual plot twists of his 25-year church-cult experience—complete with sincere faith, complicated power dynamics, and the slow dawning realization that maybe this wasn’t everyone’s Sunday. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine talk belief systems, cult dynamics, and the strange process of making sense of it all.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Breakfast in Hell: with Sarah Davis Part 1 and 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breakfast-with-sarah-davis-part-1/id1806983124?i=1000731574463

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism - ⁠https://amandamontell.com/cultish/⁠

The Exvangelicals - ⁠https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284471/theexvangelicals/⁠

Shiny Happy People - Seasons 1 and 2 - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKfEilxYpbM⁠

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Part-2--The-Good--the-Bad--and-the-Culty-e3femdh7d1df860-8005-4a93-bb0a-8b0b660022c2Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Part 2 of 2 - Eric walks through the highlights, lowlights, and spiritual plot twists of his 25-year church-cult experience—complete with sincere faith, complicated power dynamics, and the slow dawning realization that maybe this wasn’t everyone’s Sunday. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine talk belief systems, cult dynamics, and the strange process of making sense of it all.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Rabbit Footnotes:</strong></p><p><strong>Breakfast in Hell: with Sarah Davis Part 1 and 2 -</strong> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breakfast-with-sarah-davis-part-1/id1806983124?i=1000731574463</p><p><strong>Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism - </strong>⁠https://amandamontell.com/cultish/⁠</p><p><strong>The Exvangelicals - </strong>⁠https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284471/theexvangelicals/⁠</p><p><strong>Shiny Happy People - Seasons 1 and 2 - </strong>⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKfEilxYpbM⁠</p> no01:13:04110Part 2 | The Good, the Bad, and the Cultyfull<![CDATA[A Christian and a Lesbian Walk into a Bar]]>Painted ceilings, unexpected tears, and that rare moment when someone truly notices you. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine share personal stories about kindness, human connection, and the small gestures that shape relationships and personal growth in ways we don’t always expect.


Rabbit Footnotes:

The Art Lesson - https://www.tomie.com/in-print-books

Roosevelt Quote - https://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/

Elaine’s Current Passion - https://duncantoys.com/collections/yo-yos?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22235784450&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_Er8y0p6kzs5tU59DMAJLdEuBwgsvKNflPdhsHc_dw-0UHrgmH70BCgaAo0ZEALw_wcB


FOLLOW US:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/A-Christian-and-a-Lesbian-Walk-into-a-Bar-e3ckamfe65b6d87-57f3-4cc9-bf48-a47d3e5128c8Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Painted ceilings, unexpected tears, and that rare moment when someone truly notices you. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine share personal stories about kindness, human connection, and the small gestures that shape relationships and personal growth in ways we don’t always expect.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Rabbit Footnotes:</strong></p><p>The Art Lesson - <a href="https://www.tomie.com/in-print-books" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.tomie.com/in-print-books</a></p><p>Roosevelt Quote - <a href="https://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/</a></p><p>Elaine’s Current Passion - <a href="https://duncantoys.com/collections/yo-yos?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22235784450&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_Er8y0p6kzs5tU59DMAJLdEuBwgsvKNflPdhsHc_dw-0UHrgmH70BCgaAo0ZEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://duncantoys.com/collections/yo-yos?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22235784450&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_Er8y0p6kzs5tU59DMAJLdEuBwgsvKNflPdhsHc_dw-0UHrgmH70BCgaAo0ZEALw_wcB</a></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>FOLLOW US:</strong></p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose</p><p>TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast</p> no00:57:3112A Christian and a Lesbian Walk into a Barfull<![CDATA[Seasoned Friends]]>Ten episodes later, Eric and Elaine take a moment to reflect on what they’ve learned from a season of curious, honest conversations about friendship, personal growth, belief systems, and life’s weird questions. What began as a purposeful weekly conversation between friends somehow turned into a podcast—and a surprisingly good practice for the soul. Season One wraps up here, but being Friends on Purpose continues in Season Two.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Not My Father's Son, By Alan Cumming - https://www.alancumming.com/2014/2015/6/2/not-my-fathers-son

Leave Your Mark - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkfFeYBiQsI


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Seasoned-Friends-e3g34k5b16d9295-ec87-4916-bb1f-bcd94e2f9f7cMon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Ten episodes later, Eric and Elaine take a moment to reflect on what they’ve learned from a season of curious, honest conversations about friendship, personal growth, belief systems, and life’s weird questions. What began as a purposeful weekly conversation between friends somehow turned into a podcast—and a surprisingly good practice for the soul. Season One wraps up here, but being Friends on Purpose continues in Season Two.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes:</p><p>Not My Father's Son, By Alan Cumming - https://www.alancumming.com/2014/2015/6/2/not-my-fathers-son</p><p>Leave Your Mark - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkfFeYBiQsI</p><p><br /></p> no00:50:13111Seasoned Friendsfull<![CDATA[Expanding Your Horror-izons]]>What if the scariest thing isn’t horror movies, it’s realizing how much of your life has been shaped by fear? Eric dips into the horror genre for the first time, while Elaine, our resident horror connoisseur, delightfully brings him up to speed on what it might actually be good for, all while accidentally falling down the rabbit hole of fear, death, and what it looks like to live with a little more courage.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ic_o5TE1U

Bugonia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd_5HcTujfc

Good Lord Bird: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0wC_ECqU1o

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Expanding-Your-Horror-izons-e3gq3s559218d07-8dc5-45a9-8f5f-5f5e68cc52f8Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>What if the scariest thing isn’t horror movies, it’s realizing how much of your life has been shaped by fear? Eric dips into the horror genre for the first time, while Elaine, our resident horror connoisseur, delightfully brings him up to speed on what it might actually be good for, all while accidentally falling down the rabbit hole of fear, death, and what it looks like to live with a little more courage.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes: </p><p>Before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ic_o5TE1U</p><p>Bugonia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd_5HcTujfc</p><p>Good Lord Bird: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0wC_ECqU1o</p> no00:55:3521Expanding Your Horror-izonsfull<![CDATA[Nerds, Geeks, and Other Important Distinctions]]>Eric and Elaine talk nerds vs geeks, the wild west days of early internet chatrooms, and the strange experience of talking with online strangers in the 1990s—one of whom might have been the FBI. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, they explore internet culture, nostalgia, friendship, and the kind of inside jokes that only make sense to family.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Down a Rabbit Hole - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_the_rabbit_hole

Rabbit Trail - CAN’T FIND A GOOD LINK WHICH KINDA MAKES SENSE BC ITS NOT REALLY A POPULAR SAYING

Doogan -http://drop-a-doogan.urbanup.com/514671 (pg 4 of urban dictionary)

Doogan’s Fudge Shop in New Hampshire: https://www.facebook.com/doogansgiftandfudgeshop/ - shout out to our friends at Doogan’s

Weapons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpThntO9ixc

Heretic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKGxHflevuk

Sinners - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9i2vmFhSSY  - specifically the music scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7jo5Cr6WUA


FOLLOW US:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Nerds--Geeks--and-Other-Important-Distinctions-e3cmmd038b13ff1-cff5-43ec-b6d5-d6352976657bMon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Eric and Elaine talk nerds vs geeks, the wild west days of early internet chatrooms, and the strange experience of talking with online strangers in the 1990s—one of whom might have been the FBI. In this episode of <strong>Friends on Purpose</strong>, they explore internet culture, nostalgia, friendship, and the kind of inside jokes that only make sense to family.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Rabbit Footnotes:</strong></p><p>Down a Rabbit Hole - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_the_rabbit_hole" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_the_rabbit_hole</a></p><p>Rabbit Trail - CAN’T FIND A GOOD LINK WHICH KINDA MAKES SENSE BC ITS NOT REALLY A POPULAR SAYING</p><p>Doogan -<a href="http://drop-a-doogan.urbanup.com/514671" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">http://drop-a-doogan.urbanup.com/514671</a> (pg 4 of urban dictionary)</p><p>Doogan’s Fudge Shop in New Hampshire: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/doogansgiftandfudgeshop/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/doogansgiftandfudgeshop/</a> - shout out to our friends at Doogan’s</p><p>Weapons - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpThntO9ixc" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpThntO9ixc</a></p><p>Heretic - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKGxHflevuk" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKGxHflevuk</a></p><p>Sinners - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9i2vmFhSSY" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9i2vmFhSSY</a>  - specifically the music scene: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7jo5Cr6WUA" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7jo5Cr6WUA</a></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>FOLLOW US:</strong></p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose</p><p>TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast</p> no01:02:5514Nerds, Geeks, and Other Important Distinctionsfull<![CDATA[Thoughts on Love and Pet Psychics]]>Eric and Elaine reflect on how their understanding of love and relationships has evolved over time. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, they explore personal growth, relationship wisdom, reexamine the plot of Titanic, and get unexpectedly roasted by a pet psychic.


Rabbit Footnotes:

East Fork Pottery - https://www.eastfork.com/locations/asheville?utm_campaign=brand-search&utm_source=google-search&utm_medium=paid&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15168906946&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_EoK5SFTibDdCex_sUqfSzaB8gFk5KLp7MidYr_tSzkmA9o8sAy3OBsaAnzMEALw_wcB

For the Uncultured (JK) -  https://www.moma.org/artists/3832-henri-matisse

Siamese Cat Information - https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/general/siamese-cat-breed-facts-temperament-care-info 

“I’m Just A Baby” - https://www.tiktok.com/@paramountplus/video/7339989762696105258?lang=en OR https://www.tiktok.com/@neemsthemes/video/7091999097175182638?lang=en  dealer’s choice you know…


FOLLOW US:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Thoughts-on-Love-and-Pet-Psychics-e3ckavnb2de0cbd-9bf4-469d-af85-9f60a93ec557Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Eric and Elaine reflect on how their understanding of love and relationships has evolved over time. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, they explore personal growth, relationship wisdom, reexamine the plot of Titanic, and get unexpectedly roasted by a pet psychic.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Rabbit Footnotes:</strong></p><p>East Fork Pottery - <a href="https://www.eastfork.com/locations/asheville?utm_campaign=brand-search&amp;utm_source=google-search&amp;utm_medium=paid&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=15168906946&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_EoK5SFTibDdCex_sUqfSzaB8gFk5KLp7MidYr_tSzkmA9o8sAy3OBsaAnzMEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.eastfork.com/locations/asheville?utm_campaign=brand-search&amp;utm_source=google-search&amp;utm_medium=paid&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=15168906946&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_EoK5SFTibDdCex_sUqfSzaB8gFk5KLp7MidYr_tSzkmA9o8sAy3OBsaAnzMEALw_wcB</a></p><p>For the Uncultured (JK) -  <a href="https://www.moma.org/artists/3832-henri-matisse" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.moma.org/artists/3832-henri-matisse</a></p><p>Siamese Cat Information - <a href="https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/general/siamese-cat-breed-facts-temperament-care-info" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/general/siamese-cat-breed-facts-temperament-care-info</a> </p><p>“I’m Just A Baby” - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paramountplus/video/7339989762696105258?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@paramountplus/video/7339989762696105258?lang=en</a> OR <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@neemsthemes/video/7091999097175182638?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@neemsthemes/video/7091999097175182638?lang=en</a>  dealer’s choice you know…</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>FOLLOW US:</strong></p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose</p><p>TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast</p> no00:48:5513Thoughts on Love and Pet Psychicsfull<![CDATA[Curiosity: Please Use Responsibly]]>Elaine recounts her visit with a psychic medium and the unexpected insights that came from the experience. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, she and Eric explore intuition, spirituality, curiosity, and why leaving a little room for mystery can be a surprisingly helpful approach to life.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Grillo Pickles - https://www.instagram.com/grillospickles/

Miller Lite Bad Shit to Good Shit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjThYid_kYQ

Pluribus -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6lzvWby9UE 

Elaine’s Medium, Krysta Heidman - https://www.magickalthinking.com/ 

Telepathy Tapes Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1zigaPaUWO4G9SiFV0Kf1c


FOLLOW US:

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]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Curiosity-Please-Use-Responsibly-e3d7j0f7d646a05-0834-43e2-8351-0327959e361cMon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Elaine recounts her visit with a psychic medium and the unexpected insights that came from the experience. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, she and Eric explore intuition, spirituality, curiosity, and why leaving a little room for mystery can be a surprisingly helpful approach to life.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes:</p><p>Grillo Pickles - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/grillospickles/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/grillospickles/</a></p><p>Miller Lite Bad Shit to Good Shit - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjThYid_kYQ" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjThYid_kYQ</a></p><p>Pluribus -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6lzvWby9UE" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6lzvWby9UE</a> </p><p>Elaine’s Medium, Krysta Heidman - <a href="https://www.magickalthinking.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.magickalthinking.com/</a> </p><p>Telepathy Tapes Podcast - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1zigaPaUWO4G9SiFV0Kf1c" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/show/1zigaPaUWO4G9SiFV0Kf1c</a></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>FOLLOW US:</strong></p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose</p><p>TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast</p> no00:54:3715Curiosity: Please Use Responsiblyfull<![CDATA[Purpose, Interrupted]]>How does your sense of purpose change over time? In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine explore how their sense of purpose has changed over time—while getting completely sidetracked by movies, personal growth, and the messy reality of figuring out life. It’s honest, self-aware, and a reminder that having great friends might matter more than having all the answers.

Rabbit Footnotes:

Longlegs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou9t6wXJkjE

Scream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3J6ACKQ7K0




]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Purpose--Interrupted-e3h3q0m74d14476-1a88-4620-9761-623329289915Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>How does your sense of purpose change over time? In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine explore how their sense of purpose has changed over time—while getting completely sidetracked by movies, personal growth, and the messy reality of figuring out life. It’s honest, self-aware, and a reminder that having great friends might matter more than having all the answers.<br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes: </p><p>Longlegs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou9t6wXJkjE</p><p>Scream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3J6ACKQ7K0</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> no00:48:3422Purpose, Interruptedfull<![CDATA[When your Narrative needs a Time-Out]]>Eric reflects on retraining the pathways in his brain and why reframing your story doesn’t mean erasing the moments you wish you’d handled differently. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, he and Elaine talk personal growth, mindset, and self-reflection. Elaine raises the audiobook question. Aliens enter the chat. No one is surprised.


Rabbit Footnotes:

A review of paternal bonding research: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9690989/

In My Time of Dying (the book, not the Led Zepplin song) - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/In-My-Time-of-Dying/Sebastian-Junger/9781668050835

GCREW Models (Eric still isn’t sure which)- https://www.gq.com/ or https://www.jcrew.com 

Cosmosis Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cosmosis-formerly-the-ufo-rabbit-hole/id1595590107

Independence Day - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B1E7h3SeMDk

Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFO’s - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/imminent-luis-elizondo?variant=42538152165410

EP6: CIA Project Stargate - https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00789R002800180001-2.pdf

The Men Who Stare at Goats - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EKtkSF5Trpw


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]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/When-your-Narrative-needs-a-Time-Out-e3df91n92249460-cc59-45d4-b95b-3cb3e23d0421Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Eric reflects on retraining the pathways in his brain and why reframing your story doesn’t mean erasing the moments you wish you’d handled differently. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, he and Elaine talk personal growth, mindset, and self-reflection. Elaine raises the audiobook question. Aliens enter the chat. No one is surprised.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes:</p><p>A review of paternal bonding research: <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9690989/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9690989/</a></p><p>In My Time of Dying (the book, not the Led Zepplin song) - <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/In-My-Time-of-Dying/Sebastian-Junger/9781668050835" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/In-My-Time-of-Dying/Sebastian-Junger/9781668050835</a></p><p>GCREW Models (Eric still isn’t sure which)- <a href="https://www.gq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gq.com/</a> or <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqyvsqEjUYPQyZne5JbfrWGBj--rji3t8twnZ5OGkduB0zG8z3E" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.jcrew.com </a></p><p>Cosmosis Podcast - <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cosmosis-formerly-the-ufo-rabbit-hole/id1595590107" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cosmosis-formerly-the-ufo-rabbit-hole/id1595590107</a></p><p>Independence Day - <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B1E7h3SeMDk" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B1E7h3SeMDk</a></p><p>Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFO’s - <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/imminent-luis-elizondo?variant=42538152165410" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.harpercollins.com/products/imminent-luis-elizondo?variant=42538152165410</a></p><p>EP6: CIA Project Stargate - <a href="https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00789R002800180001-2.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00789R002800180001-2.pdf</a></p><p>The Men Who Stare at Goats - <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EKtkSF5Trpw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EKtkSF5Trpw</a></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>FOLLOW US:</strong></p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsOnPurpose</p><p>TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsonpurposepodcast</p> no00:56:2416When your Narrative needs a Time-Outfull<![CDATA[Yes, And...You Pooped Your Pants]]>Pooping your pants is rarely on the agenda—but it turns out it’s an excellent teacher. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine explore humor, humility, and the art of laughing at yourself. Because sometimes the fastest way back to being human is admitting the moment got the better of you.


Rabbit Footnotes:

Heated Rivalry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltss

Carol Burnett - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Burnett

DropOut - https://watch.dropout.tv/browse/ and https://www.youtube.com/@dropout

Gina Mireault Infant Humor - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/opinion/baby-laugh-developmental-milestone.html

Johnson Woolen Mills - https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/125995551/episodes/Yes--And---You-Pooped-Your-Pants-e3dq0qv3501f583-4e1a-478c-afe6-4671f8f5168fMon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Pooping your pants is rarely on the agenda—but it turns out it’s an excellent teacher. In this episode of Friends on Purpose, Eric and Elaine explore humor, humility, and the art of laughing at yourself. Because sometimes the fastest way back to being human is admitting the moment got the better of you.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit Footnotes:</p><p>Heated Rivalry - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltss" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltss</a></p><p>Carol Burnett - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Burnett" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Burnett</a></p><p>DropOut - <a href="https://watch.dropout.tv/browse/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://watch.dropout.tv/browse/</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dropout" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@dropout</a></p><p>Gina Mireault Infant Humor - <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/opinion/baby-laugh-developmental-milestone.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/opinion/baby-laugh-developmental-milestone.html</a></p><p>Johnson Woolen Mills - <a href="https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/</a></p> no00:49:2617Yes, And...You Pooped Your Pantsfull