

Teach Me How To Adult
Gillian Berner
Adulting isn't easy, but we got you. Teach Me How To Adult is a smart, unfiltered podcast on everything you never learned growing up, because let’s be honest, no one prepared us for this. Between landing your dream job, crushing your love life, learning to invest, mastering your mindset and figuring out how to be happy along the way, there’s a lot to navigate.
Join host Gillian Berner every week for expert interviews and game-changing advice on how we can all live our best lives. There’s more than one way to adult, and it is not always linear. So follow along as we figure it out together.
Join host Gillian Berner every week for expert interviews and game-changing advice on how we can all live our best lives. There’s more than one way to adult, and it is not always linear. So follow along as we figure it out together.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 6, 2023 • 39min
ANNOUNCEMENT: When Two Become One — Cailyn’s Retirement From Podcasting
If we’ve learned anything along our adulting journey, it’s that change is the only constant in life. And today’s episode announces a BIG change that we’ve been sitting on. Grab your tissues, pour yourself something tasty, and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as we say farewell to one half of our dynamic duo, and welcome in a new solo era of Teach Me How To Adult. Prepare for laughter and fave memories, biggest lessons learned, many tears, and a whole lot of nostalgia as we recap over 3 years of podcast memories together. (No, we’re not okay.)Please join us in raising a glass to our beloved Cailyn, as she trades in her mic for a new chapter of her adulting journey and retires from her podcasting career. Tune in as we talk about: Why Cailyn made the tough decision to step away from the podcastReminiscing on Gill & Cailyn’s favourite podcast moments togetherCailyn’s biggest lessons learned over the last two seasonsAdvice on going into business with your bestieGill’s new direction for the podcast in Season 3This is no Call Her Daddy break-up, so we’re not saying goodbye to Cailyn — we’re saying see you later, and we can look forward to her popping in for some fun episodes in Season 3. Whether you’re new here or a long time listener, we’re so grateful you’re on this journey with us, and can’t wait to share Season 3 with you this January. Same place, same time, just Gill. Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaire@cailynmichaanFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadult
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Dec 4, 2023 • 9min
ICYMI: Wake-Up Time Matters More Than Bedtime, And How To Stop Stress From Sabotaging Sleep, with Alanna McGinn
Welcome to today’s ICYMI, where we kick off the week with a quick game-changing tip from one of our guests that you might have missed. Your girls are tired AF, so we’re throwing it back to some much-needed advice from our chat with sleep expert Alanna McGinn. She breaks down why sleep hygiene starts in the morning, why wakeup time matters more than bedtime, and how to combat that stress that's keeping you up all night. Alanna is the founder and lead sleep expert at Good Night Sleep Site, host of the ‘This Girl Loves Sleep’ podcast and author of ‘This Baby Loves Sleep’. Alanna and her team of sleep consultants are certified through The Family Sleep Institute and have helped thousands of families around the world overcome their sleep challenges and establish healthy nighttime habits. Alanna is the resident sleep expert for publications like Forbes, Maclean’s and Today’s Parent, and the media sleep expert on Cityline, Breakfast Television, CBC Radio, and more. Listen to our full episode with Alanna here.Tune in every Monday for an expert dose of life advice in under 10 minutes.For show notes and more adulting tips, visit: teachmehowtoadult.caSign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:instagram.com/teachmehowtoadultmedia instagram.com/yunggillianaire/instagram.com/cailynmichaan/Follow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultFollow Alanna:goodnightsleepsite.com@gnsleepsite@alanna.mcginn
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 29, 2023 • 53min
How To Go Sober-Curious For The Holidays And Set Boundaries With Booze | Re-Release
The holidays can trigger a lot of unhealthy drinking patterns, especially if you've been exploring the sober-curious life, or setting more concrete boundaries around your alcohol consumption. How do you stick with it and create a new relationship with booze?In this re-release, we throw it back to a deep, hard (and hella vulnerable) look at our relationship with alcohol, and bring you along for the ride as we reevaluate how to move forward with booze. We’re not here to convince you to quit drinking — we love ourselves a boozy night out as much as the next queen, but while we aspire to age like a fine wine, our former drinking habits have not aged well, and getting drunk definitely isn’t serving us in our 30s. This is a choose your own adventure, because we’re leaving labels — along with getting blackout — behind us. Whether you’ve been sober-curious, or you just want to live a more balanced life, you don’t need to label yourself as a drinker or non-drinker: it's just about exploring your relationship with alcohol mindfully, getting self-aware and honest with yourself, and setting boundaries around drinking when you need to in any situation. If you’re curious about what a more mindful relationship with alcohol looks like, grab a glass of your favorite bevy and tune in as we chat about: Why drinking is so embedded in our cultureThe mental and physical impacts of boozeCailyn’s journey to a more sober-curious lifeGill’s journey to drinking more mindfully and intentionallyUnderstanding the “why” behind your drinking habitsUncovering your drinking triggersFiguring out what type of booze works best for you (Byeee tequila shots!)Setting clear boundaries with yourself and othersDealing with the social pressure to drinkOur favourite alcohol-free activities (that are still maximum fun)Science-backed tips for dealing with hangoversWe hope this episode helps you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationship with alcohol, no matter what journey you’re on! DM us and let us know how you’re feeling about drinking these days, and what’s been working for you. Check out the Huberman Lab Alcohol episodeFor show notes and more adulting tips, visit: teachmehowtoadult.caSign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultpodcast @yunggillianaire@cailynmichaan
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 27, 2023 • 7min
ICYMI: The Truth About Lying, And Breaking The Shame Cycle
Welcome to today’s ICYMI, where we kick off the week with a quick game-changing tip that you might have missed. Let’s be honest: It isn’t always easy to tell the truth — to ourselves or to others. But when we dig a layer deeper behind the lies we fall back on, we can usually find shame and fear of judgement as the culprits.Whether you’re struggling to have honest conversations, to admit the truth (to yourself or others), or you tend to hide things that are uncomfortable, today's quick hit will help you live more truthfully and unapologetically. Tune in every Monday for expert advice in under 10 minutes, and listen to the full episode here! PS: If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own podcast, but you aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check out our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast. We can’t wait to work with you!Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaire@cailynmichaanFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadult
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 11min
How To Take Control Of My Fertility, Improve Egg Quality, and Plan For Egg-Freezing, with Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Marjorie Dixon
If you’re nearing (or in) your 30s, you might’ve noticed a new phenomenon taking over your girls’ night convos, your office, and your Instagram feeds. It seems like everyone is suddenly getting pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or worried about whether they’ll be able to get pregnant when they’re ready. The stress of fertility is real, and in today’s highly-requested episode, we debunk common fertility myths and get valuable medical advice from Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Marjorie Dixon on how to prepare for and take control of your fertility journey, whether you’re just starting to learn about natural fertility or dealing with IVF or egg-freezing. If you’re stressed about your fertility, or you feel like you don’t really understand how your body works, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Dixon is the Founder, CEO and Medical Director of Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health, a full-service fertility and IVF centre. She has an Accredited Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, she’s a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, and she’s an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. She has won the RBC Canadian Women of Influence Momentum Award, and the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society’s Mathias Gysler Award for her leadership in improving reproductive care in underserved communities. She’s also a regular expert on Cityline championing women’s health and reproductive wellness.Tune in as we chat about:Fertility 101: Understanding ovulation and how to track itWhen are you considered infertile? How long should it take to get pregnant?Exercise and nutrition tips to improve natural fertility and boost egg quality Supplements and vitamins to help fertility The truth about age-related fertility declineProactive fertility assessments and the labs/tests to getFamily planning options for same-sex couples and people who are singleHow IVF actually works, and why some clinics do it betterDealing with PCOS and endometriosis When to consider egg freezing and what to expect PS: If you’ve been dreaming of pivoting into podcasting but aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast. Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaireFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultFollow Dr. Dixon and Anova Fertility: https://anovafertility.com/@anovafertility
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 20, 2023 • 5min
ICYMI: Making Lateral Moves To Get That Promotion And Showing Up As A Leader
Welcome to today’s ICYMI, where we kick off the week with a quick game-changing tip that you might have missed. It can be tough to score the promotion you deserve in this economy and challenging job climate. But there are strategic ways to zig-zag your way to the top. Today, we're throwing it back to some valuable advice on how lateral moves can position you perfectly for a big career leap, and how you can show up as a leader even if you don't have direct reports. We hope this episode helps you get the recognition you deserve at work, so you can keep crushing as a corporate baddie!Tune in every Monday for expert advice in under 10 minutes, and listen to the full episode here! PS: If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own podcast, but you aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check out our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast. We can’t wait to work with you!Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaire@cailynmichaanFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadult
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 15, 2023 • 30min
How To Grow Through What You Go Through: The Power of Post-Traumatic Growth
There’s a powerful quote that says, “A bad day for the ego is a great day for the soul.“ That one line has become a mantra for us, a reminder that some of the shittiest things we go through can create quantum leaps of growth and resilience. Think of that shit as fertilizer, because we grow through what we go through. So today we’re chatting about the psychological discovery of post-traumatic growth, and how some of the challenges we’ve faced in our lives changed and redirected us for the better. Tune in as we talk about: What’s post-traumatic growth, and how can it help us process hard times? The framework of reinforcing post-traumatic growth Disrupting our core belief systems after a traumatic eventDisclosure and the importance of sharing Our struggles with binge-drinking and job lossReclaiming your narrative and writing your own storyPS: If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own podcast, but you aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check out our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast. We can’t wait to work with you!Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaire@cailynmichaanFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultAdulting deals:- Care/Of Supplements Discount - Classpass Discount
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 8, 2023 • 26min
Teach Me How To Feel Less Lonely And Embrace Alone Time | Re-Release
Today's episode is a re-release from season one, because honestly, humans seem to be feeling lonelier and more disconnected than ever. As two 30-somethings in totally different places and life stages, we've each dealt with our own feelings of deep loneliness and isolation over the last few years. But being alone and being lonely are two very different things, and we’ve learned that getting comfortable spending time on your own can be the ultimate game-changer for your health, happiness and relationships.It all starts with reframing our idea of being alone. After all, personal time is a luxury in our busy lives, and making space to relax, reflect or get creative in solitude has amazing positive outcomes. Even if you thrive off social connection (we see you, extroverts!), finding fulfillment on your own is essential. So, this week we’re exploring how to combat loneliness and enjoy being alone! Tune in as we chat about:Why people are feeling lonelier than everHow alone time can help you learn about yourselfThe importance of finding personal hobbiesThe real reason those “mental health walks” do wondersThe power of micro-connections and how to make themWays to be part of a communityRedefining your narrative and shifting your mindsetThe mental health benefits of giving backHow to increase your productivity during alone timeWe hope this episode helps you feel a little less lonely and embrace the beauty of being with yourself! PS: If you’ve been dreaming of pivoting into podcasting but aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast. For show notes and more adulting tips, visit: teachmehowtoadult.caSign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaire@cailynmichaanFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadult
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 6, 2023 • 9min
ICYMI: Listen To This Before You Quit Your Job (Habits To Stop Work Burnout & Push Back On Workload), with Komal Minhas
Welcome to today’s ICYMI, where we kick off the week with a quick game-changing tip from one of our guests that you might have missed. Raise your hand if you're hella burnt out at work, and you low-key job hunt every week... Corporate dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, and a lot of us are sick of it. But there's steps you can take to improve your work situation before you throw in the towel and quit in an unstable economy. So this week we’re throwing it back to this incredibly actionable advice from Komal Minhas, who educates us on what work-life balance actually looks like, working with the corporate system to improve your job, how to gradually implement boundaries (we see you, quiet-quitting) and more. Komal is an executive coach, business strategist, interviewer, and resilience educator who coaches people to build successful businesses while improving their wellbeing and mastering their mindset. She’s landed a spot on Oprah’s Super Soul 100 list, screened her film, Dream, Girl, at the Obama White House, and has interviewed legends like Glennon Doyle and Michelle Obama. She shares her insights and wisdom on her podcast, Lessons Learned, and in her own column for Fortune Magazine.Tune in every Monday for expert advice in under 10 minutes.Listen to the full episode here! PS: If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own podcast, but you aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check out our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast. We can’t wait to work with you!Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaire@cailynmichaanFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultFollow Komal:Komalminhas.com @komalminhas
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Nov 1, 2023 • 44min
Teach Me How To Quit People-Pleasing & Create Honest Relationships, with Psychotherapist Kristina Virro
As born-and-raised (but recovering!) people pleasers, we have experienced first-hand how this habit can contribute to burnout, resentment, getting taken advantage of, and appeasing people who don’t respect our boundaries. But it’s time to break the cycle, because the key to happiness and success isn’t trying to please everyone… that’s actually the key to failure. So we called in the expert, Kristina Virro. Kristina is a Registered Psychotherapist and Holistic Nutritionist, who is dedicated to reducing stigma around mental health and helping people learn effective strategies to feel less stuck and more empowered. She provides psychotherapy and nutritional counselling at her wellness clinic, Fresh Insight, and she has shared her expertise with major outlets like CP24, Canadian Living, and Global News Live. You might have seen her on social media, where she’s amassed over 100,000 followers on TikTok for her no-bullshit real talk about therapy and mental health. Tune in as we chat about:The psychological root of people-pleasingThe red flags to look out for if you have people-pleasing tendenciesThe danger of prioritizing being liked over everythingHow it affects communication — especially at workHow these behaviours impact your relationshipsUnderstanding the fight, flight, freeze and fawn responsesGetting comfortable with letting people downEstablishing honest boundaries (without being an asshole)PS: If you’ve been dreaming of pivoting into podcasting but aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast. Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@yunggillianaire@cailynmichaanFollow us on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultFollow Kristina: @therapykristina @kristinavirrofresh-insight.ca/kristina
Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube


