• 08: Garlic Breath and Siestas: The Real Afternoon Struggle
    Nov 19 2024

    Welcome back to Take a Break with Nick and Megan! This week, we dive into the familiar, post-lunch struggle we all know too well — that mid-afternoon slump that has us questioning why naptime isn't standard in the workday. From the lingering effects of garlic breath to the science (or lack thereof) behind food comas, we’re keeping it real on the importance of the midday nap.

    Join us as we explore:

    • The post-lunch ‘food coma’ and why siestas might be the ultimate productivity hack

    • Packing tips for travel, including the infamous “butter trick” for perfect movie popcorn

    • Our quirky snack routines, grocery cart etiquette, and the mysterious gathering of crows

    • A deep dive into strange internet phenomena, like the viral “eel pit” and some questionable pie recipes from the Great Depression

    In true Take a Break fashion, we're sharing the tips, tricks, and random facts you never knew you needed to help you take a pause from the grind. So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a siesta), and let’s break down the real afternoon struggle together.

    Don't forget to follow us on TikTok @take_a_break_pod for more behind-the-scenes and updates on upcoming episodes!

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    46 Min.
  • 07: From Dog Drama to Dave for President
    Nov 12 2024

    In this lively episode of Take a Break with Nick and Megan, we dive into everything from furry family drama to the idea of Dave Portnoy for president. Megan shares a recent headphone catastrophe (thanks to her mischievous pups), while Nick recounts the highs and lows of adding a third dog to the family.

    Beyond pet tales, we get into Nick's latest adventure with acupuncture and how it's pulled him out of a funk. And yes, we take a turn into presidential ambitions, asking the real question: Why hasn't Dave Portnoy thrown his hat in the ring yet? Spoiler alert—it involves peaches, beagles, and potential White House pet content.

    Later, we tackle the nostalgia and challenges of high school sports and the competitive streak that still drives us in adulthood, from intense gym class flashbacks to adult rec league dreams. Plus, Megan and Nick get real about the joys and occasional frustrations of competing, both in the gym and life.

    In This Episode:

    • Megan’s headphone disaster and the emotional toll (and cost) of furry friends

    • Nick’s journey with acupuncture and feeling better than ever

    • A presidential pitch for Dave Portnoy and why the White House needs more dog content

    • The reality check of high school sports as adults—are we still those competitive people?

    • Gym class memories, youth sports, and why competition never really leaves us

    • Pet quirks, baby interactions, and how our four-legged family members know when to turn on the charm

    Connect with Us: Follow us on TikTok for episode highlights and extra content at take_a_break_pod—yes, we know it’s a lot of underscores, but it’s worth it! Leave us a comment and let us know how you handle the competitive itch or what your pets have destroyed lately.

    Tune in next week for more laughs, life updates, and relatable rambles!

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    55 Min.
  • 06: Surviving Socializing, Small Talk, and Street Chats
    Nov 5 2024

    Welcome back to another episode of Take a Break with Nick and Megan! This week, we're leaning into the lows of social stamina as we cover Halloween hangovers (of the social variety) and the ever-persistent challenge of avoiding neighborhood small talk. Megan shares her experiences with the headphone-wearing paradox, where big, obvious headphones somehow invite rather than deter conversation, while Nick offers his strategy for dodging surprise social encounters while still being polite.

    We dive into:

    • Halloween Hijinks: Late-night murder mysteries, Halloween weddings, and the surprising toll of a “school night” out.

    • The Headphone Dilemma: When wearing headphones just isn’t enough to keep the street chatters at bay.

    • Highs and Lows: Nick’s achievement of a 10-mile run and the unexpected pain that followed, and Megan’s latest tattoo adventure paired with heavier family matters.

    • Current Binges: From Megan’s reality TV fix with Love is Blind to Nick’s love/hate relationship with the assault bike, we cover what’s keeping us entertained (and exhausted) this week.

    Whether you’re in the mood for a light-hearted chat or just need some validation for feeling "socially tapped out," tune in for relatable laughs and a reminder that we all have our quirks when it comes to managing social energy.

    Follow us on TikTok for sneak peeks of future episodes: @take_a_break_pod

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    32 Min.
  • 05: Breaking the Social Media Seal
    Oct 29 2024

    In this episode of Take a Break, Nick and Megan dive into their latest venture – launching their social media presence! Join them as they discuss the highs and lows of stepping into the world of TikTok, the quest for clippable content, and breaking the social media seal. It’s a new era for Take a Break, and the duo is here to keep things real, funny, and, of course, a little ridiculous.

    Highlights in this Episode:
    • Social Media Adventures: The official launch of Take a Break on social media and the challenges that come with creating engaging content.

    • Peaks and Valleys: Nick shares his excitement about an upcoming Six Flags trip after a decade away from roller coasters, while Megan preps for their upcoming customer summit.

    • Costume Fun: Hear about Nick and Alexis’s creative Halloween plans – athleisure Prince Charming and Cinderella!

    • Decompressing with Tetris: Nick’s latest binge involves beating high scores in Tetris, and Megan shares her thoughts on balancing anxiety, ADHD, and daily life.

    • Weather Watching: Megan’s obsession with tracking storms using Zoom Earth and how TikTok has revolutionized real-time updates for extreme weather.

    Join the conversation and laugh along as Nick and Megan talk about life, work, and their latest obsessions – all while navigating the world of social media.

    Follow Us on Social Media:
    • Instagram: @fitdegree

    • TikTok: @take_a_break_pod

    For more updates and teaser clips, follow our social media accounts, and stay tuned for the next episode!

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    51 Min.
  • 04: Honeymoons, Headphones, and Hiking
    Oct 22 2024

    In this episode of Take a Break, Megan and Nick talk about their need for peace, quiet, and recharging—whether it’s escaping the chaos of Trader Joe’s or planning the perfect honeymoon adventure. Overstimulation becomes a key theme as they discuss how crowded environments and too many choices can leave them craving simplicity.

    Nick shares his experiences post-wedding and what he envisions for the perfect honeymoon getaway, while Megan explores her own ways to unwind through nature and hiking. They also dive into the value of quiet time and solitude, especially in a world that often feels too loud and busy. Whether it’s about putting on headphones to block out the noise or escaping to the beauty of national parks, this episode is all about finding the perfect balance between chaos and calm.

    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    • Overstimulation at Trader Joe’s – Megan and Nick share their thoughts on feeling overwhelmed by crowds and endless choices.

    • Post-wedding bliss and honeymoon planning – Nick reflects on married life and what the ideal honeymoon escape looks like.

    • The joy of hiking and nature – Megan talks about the power of hiking and nature as a way to unwind and recharge.

    • The importance of quiet time – How headphones and peaceful environments help them find balance in a noisy world.

    Key Moments:
    • [00:03] Introduction – Megan and Nick catch up on life after Nick’s wedding.

    • [05:20] Trader Joe’s chaos – Overstimulation and the challenges of shopping in busy stores.

    • [10:15] Honeymoon plans – Nick talks about the perfect honeymoon escape and life after the wedding.

    • [16:40] Hiking and headphones – Megan shares her favorite ways to find peace through hiking and solitude.

    • [22:10] Balancing chaos and calm – How they both find ways to recharge after feeling overstimulated by daily life.

    Follow Us:

    Stay connected with us for more behind-the-scenes moments and updates on future episodes:

    • Instagram: @fitdegree

    • Website: fitdegree.com

    Join the Conversation:

    What’s your favorite way to escape overstimulation, or where would your dream honeymoon take you? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram @fitdegree or using the hashtag #TakeABreakPodcast.

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who enjoy discussions about life, nature, and finding peace in the chaos. Stay tuned for more fun, insightful episodes with Megan and Nick!

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    42 Min.
  • 03: Candy, Cardio, and Creative Competitions
    Oct 15 2024

    In this episode of Take a Break, Megan and Nick take a sweet trip down memory lane, discussing their favorite candies and debating the ultimate snack choices. From Werther's Originals and Laffy Taffy to blue raspberry everything, they dive into their guilty pleasures and nostalgic treats.

    But it’s not all candy talk – Nick shares updates on his fitness journey, including his recent cardio efforts and creative workout hacks. Meanwhile, Megan recounts her victorious weekend at a sober beer Olympics, where she and her teammate brought home the gold without touching a drop of alcohol. Learn all about the quirky and competitive games they played, from flunky ball to relay races with pantyhose and slip-and-slides.

    This episode is packed with fun conversations about food, fitness, and friendly competition, so grab a snack and get ready for a good time!

    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    • Favorite candy picks – From blue raspberry obsession to butterscotch classics, Megan and Nick reveal their all-time favorite sweets.

    • Nick’s fitness updates – Cardio efforts, workout routines, and finding balance between indulgence and fitness goals.

    • Sober beer Olympics – Megan’s experience competing in a creatively designed beer Olympics while staying sober, and how she and her teammate won gold.

    • Creative competitions – Fun and unusual games like flunky ball, slip-and-slide relays, and musical beers, making for a highly competitive (and hilarious) weekend.

    Key Moments:
    • [00:03] Introduction – Megan and Nick kick off the episode with their signature banter.

    • [01:10] Blue raspberry everything – Discussing Nick’s love for blue raspberry flavors in protein, slushies, and more.

    • [06:00] Candy cravings – A deep dive into their favorite childhood and current candy choices.

    • [14:00] Fitness and food balance – Nick talks about balancing indulgent eating habits with fitness routines and cardio efforts.

    • [18:30] Sober beer Olympics recap – Megan’s experience winning a fun weekend competition without drinking, featuring unique games like flunky ball and slip-and-slide relays.

    Follow Us:

    Stay connected with us for more behind-the-scenes moments and updates on future episodes:

    • Instagram: @fitdegree

    • Website: fitdegree.com

    Join the Conversation:

    What’s your favorite candy, or have you ever competed in a unique competition like beer Olympics? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram @fitdegree or using the hashtag #TakeABreakPodcast.

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love chatting about food, fitness, and fun competitions. Join us next week for more laughs and relatable moments with Megan and Nick!

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    1 Std. und 16 Min.
  • 02: Squats, Surnames, and Side Effects
    Oct 8 2024

    In this episode of Take a Break, Megan and Nick dive into a week filled with personal highs, lows, and major life decisions. Nick discusses his fitness journey, including breaking through a mental barrier in his squats as he nears the end of his training program. Meanwhile, he also opens up about the emotional challenge of changing his last name ahead of his wedding and the impact it had on his relationship with his family.

    On the other side, Megan reflects on her experiences with starting anti-anxiety medication, detailing the unexpected side effects and the rollercoaster of emotions that came with it. Despite the challenges, she hit a few personal records in the gym, proving that progress comes in many forms.

    Join Megan and Nick as they share their peaks and valleys of the week, diving into deep conversations about fitness, family, mental health, and everything in between.

    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    • Breaking through mental barriers – Nick’s fitness achievements, including a new personal record for squats and how mental blocks can affect physical performance.

    • The emotional weight of a name change – Nick shares his decision to change his last name before his wedding and the tough conversation with his family.

    • Navigating the side effects of medication – Megan opens up about starting anti-anxiety medication and how the side effects impacted her fitness and daily life.

    • Finding strength in PRs – Megan celebrates hitting new personal records in the gym, despite the challenges she's been facing.

    Key Moments:
    • [00:03] Introduction – Megan and Nick kick off the episode with their usual banter.

    • [04:50] Nick's fitness peak – Breaking past the mental hurdle of squatting over 405 lbs.

    • [09:30] Changing last names – Nick discusses the emotional and family dynamics of changing his surname before his wedding.

    • [13:00] Megan’s side effects – Dealing with the side effects of new anti-anxiety medication and its impact on her week.

    • [16:30] Hitting PRs – Megan celebrates her fitness wins, including a new personal best on the hack squat.

    • [22:12] Rollercoaster reflections – The challenges of balancing mental health, fitness, and life decisions.

    Follow Us:

    Stay connected with us for more behind-the-scenes moments and updates on future episodes:

    • Instagram: @fitdegree

    • Website: fitdegree.com

    Join the Conversation:

    Do you have a major life decision you’re navigating, or have you recently broken through a mental barrier in your fitness journey? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram @fitdegree or using the hashtag #TakeABreakPodcast.

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love personal stories about life, fitness, and everything in between. Stay tuned for more episodes with Megan and Nick as they continue to take a break and dive into the realities of life!

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    49 Min.
  • 01: Over the River and Through the Woods: Surviving the Treacherous 10K
    Sep 25 2024

    In the very first episode of Take a Break, Megan and Nick recount their wild experience in a recent 10K race that was anything but ordinary. Running through the woods, dodging logs, and trekking through mud, this race felt more like a scene from Lord of the Rings than a typical organized event. Hear all about the injuries, the chaos, and the laughs that ensued during their treacherous adventure.

    Beyond the race, the duo shares their thoughts on adjusting to the slower pace of life in the South, Nick’s intense fitness goals as he juggles back squats and long runs, and how Megan’s furry friends help her unwind after a long day. You’ll also get their take on binge-worthy TV shows, including Nick’s new obsession with X-Men movies and Megan’s love for Suits.

    Join us as we take a break from the daily grind and dive into stories that’ll have you laughing and nodding along!

    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    • The treacherous 10K race – A cross-country race that involved mud, hills, downed logs, and unexpected injuries.

    • Fitness goals & personal challenges – Nick’s ambitious fitness routine as he prepares for a heavy back squat and fast mile, while balancing wedding stress.

    • Life’s different paces – The contrast between the fast-paced life of New Jersey and the laid-back vibe of the South.

    • Binge-worthy TV & movie favorites – Nick’s deep dive into Dragon Ball and X-Men, while Megan juggles trashy reality shows and Suits.

    • Returning home to pets – The joy and validation of coming home to loving pets after a hectic day.

    Key Moments:
    • [00:03] Introduction to Take a Break – Meet Megan and Nick as they kick off the first episode.

    • [04:50] Adjusting to the Southern pace – Discussing the lifestyle shift from the Northeast to the South.

    • [10:00] Surviving the 10K – Nick and Megan’s unforgettable experience in a muddy, treacherous race.

    • [18:40] Pets, workouts, and winding down – Megan shares how returning to her pets after a long day helps her relax.

    • [23:38] Binge-worthy obsessions – Nick’s love for anime and superhero films, plus Megan’s reality TV picks.

    • [32:59] Storytelling rants – Why some shows and reboots should end sooner rather than later.

    Follow Us:

    Stay connected with us for more behind-the-scenes moments and updates on future episodes:

    • Instagram: @fitdegree

    • Website: fitdegree.com

    Join the Conversation:

    Have you run a crazy race or have a favorite TV show you’re binging? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram @fitdegree or using the hashtag #TakeABreakPodcast.

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love a good story or need a break from their day. Tune in next week for more fun, laughs, and relatable moments with Megan and Nick!

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    39 Min.