Best of 2024
This might be too soon, but I’ve been keeping a list trying to help my memory this year. I must admit this has been a good one for me. Actually, it’s been a great one. I always think of the worst years of my life. 2023 isn’t the worst, but it’s up there. I just had this feeling going into 2024 that it would be great. Maybe it was my mindset in general, but it really was. I feel settled for the first time that I can remember in all the big parts of my life. The moment Jake entered my life, I felt immediately at ease, so at-home life has been settled for a long time. I feel like this is the first time I’ve been at ease with work in quite some time, and I attribute that to my amazing partners, Colt and Jason.
I NEVER imagined I’d be doing TV, but it’s been the best adventure with such a fun and talented partner. He’s allowed me to just exist on the show as myself, and fortunately, viewers have embraced me. I have received a little feedback-I actively avoid reading most comments, but I have truly tried to touch my hair less, and not say “yeah” as often lol
Radio is my first love, and taking on the challenge of hosting my own show was something I was both incredibly confident I could do, and also, had 0 confidence in doing…does that make sense?
I’ve always been creative, and I can come up with great show ideas. That is my one area of confidence in life, so I’m not going to downplay it. I find I do that a lot. I’m good at coming up with radio content. That isn’t to say I don’t have some bombs or some “meh” ideas as well, but I am mostly proud of them.
BUT you truly need the right partner, and I knew in my gut since meeting Colt years ago, something was there. It was all risky, and somehow, it worked out. I’ll never know how, but I can say I’ve never felt better with anyone. I’ve had great partners and great chemistry, so I don’t want anyone to try to read between lines that aren’t there. It’s just a comfort I have with Colt. He genuinely makes me laugh, and I think he somehow revived my love of radio.
With my professional life finding a comfortable balance, I truly feel good. Of course I still have days where I spiral, but I find my way out of the spiral in a fast fashion.
SO here are my favorites of the year:
Best Album: Sabrina Carpenter “Short n’ Sweet”-This album basically has 0 skips for me. Sorry to Taylor. I know TTPD came out this year, and I loved a lot of it, but it took me longer to get into, and there are a handful of skips. NO shade cause I’m a Swiftie for life, but Sabrina brought the bops this year.
Best Song: Chappell Roan “Good Luck Babe”. I know the album came out in 2023, but it blew up this year, so that song was on a constant repeat! (I think “Birds of a Feather” was unreal and will be an easy-to-listen-to song for me for life)
Favorite TV Show: Existing “Hacks Season 3: New “Nobody Wants This”
Favorite Movie: “Wicked”, but honorable mention goes to “My Old Ass”. I feel like that move was so underrated, and I think it’s because the name sucks.
Favorite Recipe I tried: This easy creamy sausage pasta recipe. The little pasta is part of the reason it’s perfection!
Favorite Purchase: My pilates membershp. I was the most consistent with working out this year that maybe I’ve ever been!
Favorite Concert: Green Day-They played the full “Dookie” album OMG!
Favorite Vacation: This was a toss up between Banff and Italy…too hard to pick! I feel so fortunate to have done both.
Favorite Beauty Find: My snail mucin:) haha I do think it keeps my face tight and hydrated!
Favorite Book: Impossible. I started the year reading the ENTIRE ACOTAR and Throne of Glass series. We’re talking 12 books in like 6-8 weeks. The final book in the Throne of Glass series takes the cake for those…and as far as quick/easy reads go, “Wedding People” might take my top spot.
Best Local Discovery: The olive oil/sea salt soft-serve ice cream at the Grocer’s Table in Wayzata. I have tried another place that offers it, and it was also awesome, but this one was my fav!
Favorite Outfit: I wore this one for my birthday, for my promo photos with Jason and in Italy, so it feels like a pretty good one to choose! I got it from & Other Stories. I’ve had in my closet for about 2 years. My boobs were too big for it. This year, I lost a bit of weight, and it finally fit!
I have a feeling 2025 might be even better than 2024! Sending you the best as we wrap up this year and start fresh with a new one! What were some of your favorites from the year?
Love seeing your journey unfold. You deserve all the goodness!
Falen, I’m so happy for your great year and you were the best fit ever for The Jason Show! I cried happy tears and yelled “YAY!” out loud when the big reveal happened. I was hoping you were coming back for good! You (both) are so real all the time, and while I’m working during the show, I either have it on as background and step away from my desk to see a snippet here and there, or (usually) catch it on YouTube later. Here’s to an even more amazing 2025! Cheers!