PFO Newsletter - 11.07.24

November 06, 2024

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the news and political cycle, you are NOT alone.

But is your overwhelm normal? Keep reading to find out..

Honestly, I don’t watch a ton of TV News, anymore. You might find that odd, considering I worked in TV News for 25+ years. But here’s why I’ve been limiting my consumption: it’s just too much for me to handle and process.

Since leaving network news in 2020, instead of watching the news, I read it, or I listen to it. I’ve found that it doesn’t cause as much anxiety. (This quote below has described all of us, lately)

One other thing I wasn’t expecting: now that I’m on the other side as the “consumer”, I’m amazed at how much slant there is from just about ALL of the big networks and streamers…slant on the left and on the right.

I’m often asked which news resources I trust…I’ll tell you in my FAVORITES below.

But first, CONGRATS to Corey, Joanie, Jill, Linda, Antoinetta and Diane for winning our previous giveaway, Danielle Walker’s new MAKE IT EASY cookbook. And apologies to you because I kind of fumbled the directions to win. I had asked you to DM me. But, didn’t specify I wanted you to DM me on Instagram. LOL. Anyway….

Has the NEWS/POLITICAL cycle made you anxious?

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Back to the overwhelm of our political discourse and the unease you’ve probably been feeling, leading up the election…

I recall talking to a counselor not long ago about the anxiety my family and I were feeling because of the news going on in the world…politics, war, inflation, etc. 

She said something that really struck me…

She told me we can’t physically process all this information. We were never meant to carry this much intel. And guess how our bodies respond to the overwhelm of information? They become anxious, burdened and weary. AKA, what’s happening to all of us, right now. 

We are breaking down because we are bombarded by news from all angles in all formats. Is there more insanity in our world than ever before or are we just aware of it, now?

Regardless, WE WERE NEVER MEANT TO CARRY ALL THIS INFORMATION. 


So, my encouragement to you right now is this: you’re not alone, you were never meant to carry all this. Take a break from the constant 24/7 news cycle and instead, select a few trusted options, reading or listening to it on YOUR time. And, when/if you start to feel that anxiety creep in, just remember…you weren’t meant to process this much information.

Deep breaths…we’ve got this, friends.

Paula 😵 

FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. The Saved Collection (50% OFF)

My closet sale at the SAVED COLLECTION is officially 50% off! That’s right, everything is HALF OFF. These are beautiful clothes I wore during my TV News era that I no longer need. You’re getting them at a fraction of the price and the best part? A portion of my proceeds goes to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an organization I’m heavily involved with. SHOP HERE

2. 🎬 THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

Take a break from the news and take your family to the best holiday movie of the season, getting a 100% audience rating! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever MOVIE opens this weekend but I suggest you buy your tickets now. 🍿

3. My Favorite (trusted) News Sources!

It’s getting harder and harder to find news that doesn’t have a slant. Here are my favorites: Adfontes Media, 1440 News (they have a great daily newsletter), Ground News, Free Press and the Associated Press. And when it comes to your friends and family, don’t be afraid to talk about politics with people you disagree with. The goal is NOT to agree. The goal is to learn. And we can all learn from one another.

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

How to Talk Politics with Our Kids, Family, and Friends, featuring America’s Government Teacher, Sharon McMahon

Do you think we need to agree with people in order to respect them or befriend them? Maybe you’ve been unfriended by someone who doesn’t see eye to eye with you politically, or your kid has come from school saying disparaging things about another kid’s family because of who they’re voting for. (That’s the worst…and I’ve been there.)  And why can’t we have conversations about politics at the dinner table?  I’ve found the perfect person to talk about this with–Sharon McMahon, aka America’s Government Teacher, who just wrote a #1 New York Times Bestselling book called “The Small and the Mighty.”  Sharon is going to guide us in how to effectively talk about politics with our kids, family, and friends. And make sure you hear her phrase for those of us who only respect or befriend people with our viewpoints.  We also discuss the lack of choice in terms of candidates and a possible solution to fix it. 

Lets Talk About Having the Sex Talk With Your Kids, featuring the Moms from the Bird & Bees

I don’t know of any parent that says, “I can’t wait to have the sex talk with my kid!” So, I’m gonna have the moms from Birds & Bees on the podcast to help us navigate all that discomfort.  They’re going to tell you this: you’re not alone in your dread. But they’ll also share why and how we need to take the pressure off of having ONE BIG TALK.  This conversation is going to be so helpful for you and your crew. And, it’s just Part 1. They’ll be back next week to answer ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ranging from when kids should stop bathing together, being naked around your children, and how to talk about sex when they’re a bit older.  Finally, make sure you check out their BIRDS AND BEES course, which is now 20% off with the code “PAULA.”

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? -Paula

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