In this festive episode, Arika and Marissa dive head-first into the holiday season with a look at the traditions that make this time of year feel so nostalgic. Arika explores the surprisingly rich history of the Christmas tree; from ancient civilizations using evergreens for protection and symbolism, to the German customs that eventually shaped the American tradition we know today. She even shares how the Christmas tree has become a full-blown art form in her own family.

Marissa brings a fun twist by sharing some of your favorite holiday traditions gathered from Reddit, everything from new pajamas on Christmas Eve to annual movie marathons, Chinese takeout, and the mysterious pickle ornament. Together, Arika and Marissa wrap up the episode by reflecting on their own cherished childhood traditions, from popcorn balls at Nana’s house to Christmas Eve gatherings, Santa sacks, and the joy of decorating multiple trees.

It’s a cozy, nostalgic, and laughter-filled kickoff to December that celebrates the rituals, memories, and little quirks that make the holidays so special. Grab a warm drink, hit play, and get festive with us!

RESOURCES •

• http://History.com “History of Christmas Trees” - https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-christmas-trees

• r/Christmas - https://www.reddit.com/r/christmas/comments/y5eain/what_christmas_tradition_have_you_started_or/

MORE ABOUT WROC •
Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.

LINKS •
Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.com
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Contact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com

It's Arika's 27th birthday, and after eight weeks apart, she and Marissa are reuniting for an honest, unfiltered catch-up. From engagement photo shoots and wedding stress to Marissa’s Ireland trip, they cover it all - but this episode goes deeper than just life updates.

Arika opens up about her recent endometriosis diagnosis and what the treatment journey has actually been like, including the side effects and mental health impacts nobody really talks about. She also shares the chaos of tech school delays, government shutdowns, and the very real possibility of missing her own wedding - all while trying to stay grounded when nothing feels certain.

But it's not all heavy. Arika dives into the things keeping her sane: her new Cricut obsession, America's Sweethearts on Netflix, and quality time with family and church community. Then, inspired by a Kacey Musgraves song, the conversation shifts to Saturn return - the astrological phenomenon that hits between ages 27-30 when everything in your life starts to change. It's described as an initiation into adulthood, forcing you to decide if the path you're on is what you want or what you're supposed to do. For Arika, turning 27 in the middle of all this suddenly feels like more than coincidence.

Whether you're navigating health struggles, life transitions, wedding planning chaos, or just trying to figure out who you are in your twenties, this episode is a reminder you're not alone.

RESOURCES •
Netflix "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" - https://www.netflix.com/title/81685878
Cricut - https://amzn.to/4nqrcpf

MORE ABOUT WROC •
Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.

LINKS •
Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.com
Follow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffee
Contact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com

In this week’s episode, Arika and Marissa are joined by a special guest, Arika’s fiancé, Angelo, for a conversation that’s all about military life, service, and big transitions. As a member of the Air Force National Guard, Angelo shares what inspired him to enlist right after high school, what basic training was really like, and how he’s navigated the unique balance between military and civilian life.

From working as a KC-135 aircraft maintainer to now preparing for a new role in cyber operations, Angelo reflects on how his experiences have shaped him, the challenges and rewards of serving in the Guard, and what most people don’t realize about military service. He also opens up about the process of switching career paths within the Air Force and what this next chapter means for his future.

As Veterans Day approaches, this episode offers an inside look at life in the National Guard; the discipline, the sacrifice, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’ve served, know someone who has, or just want to better understand military life, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

MORE ABOUT WROC •
Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy with us every week for a new episode of We Run on Coffee. Arika & Marissa talk about relationships, post-grad jobs, travel, and all things about life in your 20s.

LINKS •
Visit Our Website: https://werunoncoffee.myportfolio.com
Follow We Run on Coffee: https://linktr.ee/werunoncoffee
Contact Us: werunoncoffeepodcast@gmail.com