Greetings and hello, young humans! I hope you enjoyed what folks call “the holiday season” and all the time off from school and work and what-not. As you may have noticed, I took a little time off myself. And not just because I’m lazy. I like to dedicate what all you cold-climate people call “winter” to things like surfing. Yes, in the ocean. At the beach. Don’t be jealous.
Anyway, I’m sorry things have been quiet over here on Wednesdays. Ye olde Advice Show of splendor has been hibernating. But it misses you. As do I. So, never fear—the Advice Show lives on, and will return shortly-ish. I’ll let you know when you can expect things to fire back up.
In the meantime, keep your questions, comments, and leftover Christmas candy coming my way.
Yo, Josh Shipp here with Advice Show Episode 016. Today I’m dropping advice on Zach and Carly. Zach wrote in with vague confessions of struggling with an unnamed problem (I think I know what he’s getting at, though), and Carly’s tired of dealing with her best friend playing emotional yo-yo with her on-again off-again boyfriend. Listen closely, my friends…
Zach, to recap: you’re not alone in this struggle. More importantly, you’ll never beat this thing on your own. Ask anyone who’s tried and they’ll tell you the same thing: you need accountability, community, and support. Again, check out x3watch.com. (Btw, I’m proud of you for trying to shake the habit. It’s worth the fight.) Carly, tell your friend what she needs to hear. Ask her some deep questions, give her your honest advice, then step aside until she makes her move.
That’s my advice…so, what’s yours? Insert your two cents in the comments section below.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S. Katie, looking sharp. Great to have you on the show. Everyone, if you have an embarrassing childhood photo, keep ‘em coming to josh@heyjosh.com.
Happy Thanksgiving Day’s Eve, grateful young humans! Allow me to present Advice Show Episode 015 for your enjoyment and edification. Yeah, I know what you really want right now is several healthy helpings of pumpkin pie and mug of hot cider, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. (Hey, don’t blame me; I’m not cooking your dinner.) In the meantime, Jessica needs advice on helping out a friend who feels really sorry for herself and Rachelle is struggling with losing her dad and isn’t ready to handle her mom’s new boyfriend. Let’s see if we can help:
And that’s my take; I’d love to hear yours. What have YOU done to help pull people out of their pity parties? Or maybe you’ve lost a parent and can relate to Rachelle. How did you respond? What can Rachelle learn from your experience?
Keep it real, everybody.
Peace, love, and a turkey,
// josh
P.S. Priscilla, you’re photo wasn’t embarrassing. You look great, honestly. Tanline schmanline. Anyway, thanks for sending it to me; it was great to have you on the show. I hope you find a lovely prom date. The rest of you, send your actually embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com.
Salutations, young humans, and welcome to Advice Show episode 014! (“Salutations” is a fancy word for “hi,” btw.) Phyl moved to a new school/neighborhood and feels like he has no one to talk to, and Kelsey is dealing with a tense roommate situation. I sling advice their way:
So, there it is. Patience, perseverance, and evites are where it’s at when it comes to making friends. At least, I think so. What’s YOUR advice on moving, making new friends, and dealing with difficult roommates? If any of you have tried out earplugs to block out snoring so you can sleep over your roommates ruckus, let Kelsey know how that worked out for ya. Could be a lifesaver.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S. Rachel, thanks for the embarrassing childhood picture; sorry for the bad print job. I hope we can still be friends. The rest of you, send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com.
Welcome to Episode 013! Zach wants to run a professional haunted house but his dad’s not exactly thrilled by the idea and Ashley’s boyfriend admits he cheated on her with her best friend (ouch)…but her friend denies it. What to do?
Glad you asked:
I’m guessing you know what’s coming next: that’s right! it’s YOUR turn. What’s your advice for Zacharia and Ashley? How would you (or have you) handled similar situations in your life?
In your face, but on your side,
// josh
P.S. This week’s embarrassing childhood photo definitely takes things to a whole new level. Dig out those photos of you from when you were an infant (or, you know, last week) where you’re trying to smile and it comes off looking more like a grimace on a scared chimpanzee. The world wants to see those pics. Send ‘em to me at josh@heyjosh.com.
Greetings young earthlings! Episode 012 here with fresh advice ripe for the harvest. A girl who calls herself “Broken Heart” suspects her boyfriend may be cheating on her and Jonathan butts heads with his dad about wanting to enlist in the military straight out of high school. I have words for both of them:
So, what’s YOUR take? As wisdom brewed from experience percolates to the surface of your mind, pour it forth! (Sometimes I like to wax poetical on you.) Bottom line: “Broken Heart” and Jonathan aren’t alone in these situations. If you can relate, let ‘em know. Your advice matters, too, ya know.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S. Sarah, it was good of you and your curly childhood mullet to join me in the frame. As always, send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com. Keep it real.
Episode 011! Jess wants to write a book and be an artist, but her parents think that’s waste of time and want her to go to college…but the thought of college makes Jess panic. What to do? In other email, JD and his fiance are pregnant but don’t want his parents or her grandparents to find out. I serve ‘em each a savory morsel of wisdom, so sink your teeth into this:
And now, my young apprenti (I’ve decided to make “apprenti” the plural form of “apprentice” instead of “apprentices” because, well, I think it sounds cooler), let’s hear YOUR advice for Jess and JD. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about planning for your future and/or telling the truth even when it hurts?
Until next time,
// josh
P.S. Jaimie, thanks for sharing your toothless childhood smile with me. I found it both heartwarming and humorous. The rest of you…let’s see what you’ve got. Send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyhosh.com.
Episode 010! Let me begin with some shameless self-promotion: today (Wednesday, October 21), in exactly one hour (at 3 p.m. EST), the greatest thing I’ve ever made is going on sale over at grownups.heyjosh.com, and I’m giving away some amazing free stuff to some of the first parents, teachers, and other adults who buy it for the teens in their life (that’s you). The product is all about helping grown-ups and teens work together to address the issue of labels and identity, because figuring out who you are is THE most important thing—it’s pretty much foundational to everything else. So, my advice to you? Get your parents to buy this for you.
In other news, Mara just switched schools and feels torn between her past and her future, and former ladies’ man Chris fears he’s lost his mojo after breaking up with his girlfriend. No fear, my friends—the Owl of Wisdom and I have got your back:
Now get thee unto the comments section and sling your own advice at Mara and Chris. Share your wisdom; the world is waiting.
Again, make sure to send the grown-ups in your life to grownups.heyjosh.com with special urgent instructions to make a worthwhile investment in your life. Feel free to craft your own personal plea, or just copy and paste this EMAIL TEMPLATE. Don’t forget, first five people to get their parent to buy this thing get a special personalized video from me (we’ll talk details later), not to mention a shot at winning tons of free swag.
Rock steady,
// josh
P.S. Hey William, welcome to the frame! You earned it, buddy–that turtleneck/cardigan combo is beautiful. Keep ‘em coming, people–the more the merrier! Send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com, and you, me, and William will hang out together.
Yo. It’s Josh Shipp, dropping in with Episode 009. Word on the street/email is Tessa’s being pestered by a pointlessly competitive, copy-cat frienemy and Alyssa’s canned emotions are causing her to distance herself from friends and family. These kind folks asked for my advice…and I kindly obliged. Behold:
Alright, young earthling—time for a little personal reflection. One way or another, I’m guessing you’ve dealt with these issues in your own life, so I’d love to hear what you’ve learned in the process (as would Tessa and Alyssa). We’ve all been on both sides of the “monkey see, monkey do” imitation game, and we’ve all canned up our emotions and made ourselves miserable. What’s YOUR solution? How have you opened up to friends and family about stuff you really didn’t want to talk about? Or, if you’ve been in Tessa’s shoes, have you ever tried to help people who annoy you and, if so, how did that worked out for you?
Pardon all the questions—I’m feeling inquisitive today, I guess. If you’d rather ask a question than answer one, that’s cool, too. Bring it on.
Later,
// josh
P.S. Hey, Kristen! It’s been good seeing you and your crazy Bubba teeth in my frame—it helps remind me to brush and floss regularly. The rest of you…I imagine I’ll be seeing your embarrassing childhood photos arriving in my email inbox any day now. Please direct your photos to josh@heyjosh.com.
Episode 008 rolls in with a question from Alysa about how to deal with her dad—sounds like he’s driving her crazy trying to teach her how to drive—and a query from Patrick about whether conformity is a good thing or a bad thing. I believe good questions deserve good answers, so, here we go:
If you have words of hope to share with Alysa, insight to offer Patrick, or a narcoleptic Driver’s Ed teacher, the world needs to hear about it. Leave a comment below, budding advice slingers! If you have questions, issues, or troubling thoughts and you’re looking for advice yourself, hit me up—that’s what I’m here for.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S. Stephanie, looking sharp; you make an adorable dalmatian puppy. The rest of you, follow her lead and send in your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com. Dog costumes, chicken suits, homemade superhero get-ups and other unflattering apparel are all welcome in my frame.
Episode 007! Like James Bond…only, you know, completely unrelated.
This week we hear from Ray about a little habit he’s developed with breaking his parents’ trust, and Zi tells me she feels like she’s worthless, useless, and not good at anything. The Owl of Wisdom went on vacation apparently (darn bird didn’t even leave a note), so I recruit a plastic parrot to help answer their questions:
See you again next week with more freshly-baked, piping hot biscuits of knowledge. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts about Ray’s desire to repair the trust he broke and Zi’s damaging habit of always comparing herself to others. Hey, maybe you’re going through the same things. We’ve all been there at some point, right?
So, what’s your advice? How have you dealt with similar emotions/situations? Be a friend; get thee to the comments section and lob a few nuggets of insight over to Ray and Zi.
// josh
P.S. Ketrick, I’m glad to see you overcame what your parents did to your hair when you were but a helpless little boy wonder. The rest of you, scan and send your own crazy embarrassing permed mullet photos from your childhood/whenever to josh@heyjosh.com for a shot at a week in the frame.
Episode 006! Keepin’ it real with questions from Brandon and Gwen. Brandon’s feeling pressure to be something he doesn’t think he wants to be but—then again—he isn’t sure what he DOES want, and Gwen’s trying hard to be there for a BFF in a tough situation. Watch and learn:
The party’s here every week—same time, same place, same organic goodness. Flag me down at HeyJosh.com if you have a question of you own, or give me a call at 877-HEY-JOSH. In the meantime, try your hand at slinging advice to Brandon and Gwen. What have you done to try to figure out what you want? How have you been there for a friend? Your insights are valuable…but only if you share them. Go for it. This party’s for everyone.
// josh
P.S. Amy, your childhood photo is hilarious; your glasses redefine embarrassing. Love it. Thanks for chillin’ in my frame this week. The rest of you, stop guarding your embarrassing childhood photos from the eyes of the world like your reputation depends on it, let go of your pride, and send the pics to me at josh@heyjosh.com.
Episode 005 coming at you with splendor. Isabella doesn’t know what to do about her best guy-friend who’s acting like a creeper and Megan’s having some trouble with her mom and wants to run away. But fear not, young human! Your chia-pet-haired hero and his trustworthy owl sidekick come to their rescue:
And now…I punt to you: what’s YOUR advice for Isabella and Megan? Share your experience, insights, and tasty tidbits of life-giving wisdom in the comments section below.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S. Let us not forget to give Alica a well-earned pat on the back for sending in a picture of herself all gussied up as a cow. You’ve earned your place in the frame of fame. As for the rest of you…be honest, you have pictures of yourself dressed up as My Little Pony. Send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com
Episode 004! Delaney wants help dealing with a crazy, overprotective older brother who thinks he’s a gangsta rapper, and Erika confesses she’s scared to go after her dream. I sling my advice (and a little beatboxing) back at them:
See you next Wednesday, same time, same place, as I bring all new words of wisdom and wonderment to answer your all-new questions and queries. In the meantime, hit up Delaney and Erika with YOUR advice. How have you dealt with angry, unstable siblings? What have you done to turn your dreams into goals? And, of equal interest, can you bust a rhyme?
Peace, love, and a giant dream crab,
// josh
P.S.—Give it up for Philly D! Thanks for gracing the frame of glory with your cake-stealing childhood photo. Good man. The rest of you, do like Philly D. and send your embarrassing childhood photos to josh@heyjosh.com. (DON’T do like baby Philly D. and steal from Santa. Or anyone else. No stealing.)
Episode 003! My good man Jake’s afraid the girl he likes will reject him if he asks her out, and Lindsey wants to know what to do about this amazing guy she’s falling in love with…who already has a girlfriend. I sling back with advice for the ages (and the Owl of Wisdom adds his 2 cents):
Tune in next Wednesday for more glorious, wholesome, and thoroughly satiating (yes, it’s a word—look it up) nuggets of knowledge. In the meantime, what’s YOUR advice for Jake and Lindsey? Have you ever fallen for someone who’s already taken? How’d you deal with that? Or what have you done to overcome fear of rejection? Ready, set, leave a comment.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S.—Jessica, thanks for sharing your 8th grade mullet with the world. Truly righteous. The rest of you…whatcha got? Send your embarrassing childhood picture to josh@heyjosh.com.
Episode 002! Laura and Shelby hit me up for advice on friends and dealing with past mistakes (respectively) and I sling back with grace and style. I also introduce the Great Owl of Wisdom. Yes, he is fearsome and glorious. Behold:
See you next Wednesday, same time, same place. In the meantime, what’s YOUR advice for Laura and Shelby? If you have any personal wisdom to share with them about how to juggle different groups of friends or what you’ve done to deal with inner conflict/guilt/regret for past mistakes, leave a comment below.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S.—Props to Ryan for laying it all out there for us this week. Love the trike. If you think you can trump his trump card, send your embarrassing childhood picture to josh@heyjosh.com and claim your moment of fame in the frame.
At last! Your patience is rewarded with the highly anticipated inaugural episode of my new Advice Show (guest starring the Owl of Wisdom). Let’s get this party started…
See you next Wednesday and every Wednesday thereafter for future installments of our regularly scheduled Advice Show programming. In the meantime, what’s YOUR advice for Sabrina and Ashley? If you have any thoughts/experience/words of glory to share with them re: resolving culture clash and whether or not to send naked pictures to “slobs and jerks”, leave a comment below.
Until next time,
// josh
P.S.—Katie (and unsuspecting friend), congrats and thank you for sending your embarrassing childhood photo to keep me company on set. The rest of you, keep ‘em coming.
