More Better with Stephanie & Melissa

iHeart Podcast Network

Real-life friends and stars of the hit TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero, team up for a weekly podcast that will have you laughing, crying, and crying with laughter. They’ll talk about it all while helping each other (and us) be better – MORE better. Join these amigas as they take us on their personal ride through all aspects of life and share the juiciest cheat codes for adulting, while throwing in some hilarious anecdotes and probably a few embarrassing stories. In their careers and personal lives (both are married with children), they often find themselves leaning on each other for advice and laughs. Follow Stephanie and Melissa as they keep it real, and real fun on their journey to be little MORE better.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Networks:

iHeart Podcast Network

Description:

Real-life friends and stars of the hit TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero, team up for a weekly podcast that will have you laughing, crying, and crying with laughter. They’ll talk about it all while helping each other (and us) be better – MORE better. Join these amigas as they take us on their personal ride through all aspects of life and share the juiciest cheat codes for adulting, while throwing in some hilarious anecdotes and probably a few embarrassing stories. In their careers and personal lives (both are married with children), they often find themselves leaning on each other for advice and laughs. Follow Stephanie and Melissa as they keep it real, and real fun on their journey to be little MORE better.

Language:

English

Website:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-more-better-with-stephani-177232170/

Episodes

“Patches Is the Dream Horse” | Listener Extravaganza Two Part Finale Bonanza

4/3/2025

Buckle up, More Better-ettes, because today we’re kicking off our two-part season finale. We’ve been reading your e-mails, comments and DMs all year and are dedicating our last two episodes to YOU! This week, Stephanie and Melissa are reading your messages, looking at pictures of your pets and answering some rapid-fire questions. After all’s said and done, Stephanie may just have an existential crisis and become a full-blown horse girl. See you next week for the season finale! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:53:06

“You Don’t Know What Scandoval Is?!” | Appreciating Reality TV

3/27/2025

Is reality TV rotting our minds or providing community? Are you more of a Scheana or an Ariana? Do you remember where you were when New York made her TV debut on Flavor of Love? What’s your Real Housewives tagline? Today, Stephanie, a self-proclaimed reality TV superfan and Melissa, definitely not that, discuss the genre’s history, impact and most iconic moments. In the end, Melissa learns what Scandoval is, Stephanie considers watching Alone for the survival skills and we learn to look at reality TV stars through the lens of Les Mis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:58:26

“You Close-minded Butthead” | Navigating Multicultural Families

3/20/2025

What to do when you’re about to marry the love of your life and your family ACTUALLY speaks now and do not forever hold their peace? This week, Stephanie and Melissa read an email from listener Rachel, who is having trouble navigating the fact that she and her now husband come from completely different cultures. Steph and Mel share their experiences and thoughts on how to navigate multicultural families — and they quote Bon Jovi along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:47:18

“Ataque del Killer Junk Drawer” | Spring Cleaning

3/13/2025

Shhh! Can you hear that? It’s the sound of idyllic Disney princess melodies and cutie little singing birds. That can only mean one thing… spring is on its way to the northern hemisphere. It’s almost time to peel off the wearable blanket you’ve been fused with all winter, open up the damn windows and start decluttering your space. This week Melissa and Stephanie are talking all things spring cleaning. What’s the correct way to organize your suitcases? Is your stack of books cozy in a Dark Academia way or are they just snooty trophies (hot take)? Does that bursting junk drawer give you ataque? Steph and Mel discuss. They may not be perfect at it yet, but they’re TRYING, OKAY?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:44:37

“Walking Around the Room like a Cat” | Acting

3/6/2025

Are you ready for your closeup? After a couple of weeks of having some of their favorite former co-stars on the pod (Nine-Nine!), Stephanie and Melissa are feeling real thespian. This week, they’re talking about Acting. From their theater school roots to their thoughts on method acting, strap in because we’re getting realllllllll nerdy. And the Oscar for best podcast listener in the world goes to… you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:52:39

“Butt McGee” | Working with Friends with Joe Lo Truglio

2/27/2025

Would you go into business with your friend? Is calling someone your “work wife” cringe? How do you make friends at work? What’s it like to have your actual spouse as your boss? Would you befriend the guy rocking a dangling George Michael crucifix earring and a beret? Today we’re talking all about what it’s like to work with your friends with the one and only Jo Lo Truglio. Mel, Steph and Joe reminisce about the good old Brooklyn Nine-Nine days and the magic that comes from working with your buds. Spoiler alert: The guy with the earring? That was Joe circa 1988. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:45:15

“Vindication!” | Funny with Chelsea Peretti

2/20/2025

What makes something funny? How does one be funny? Are Beavis and Butthead back? Here to help answer these existential questions and more is the one and only comedy legend Chelsea Peretti. This week on More Better, Chelsea, Steph and Melissa reminisce about their days on set together on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, share stories about the stupid things that make them laugh and open up about the vulnerability that it takes to get up on that stage sometimes. Nine Nine! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:03:38

“F*ck Valentine's Day, Man” | Romance

2/13/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day, More Better fam! Cupid’s on his way. …Or not. If you hate this holiday, we get it. Melissa really gets it. This week, Steph and Mel talk all things ROMANCE. They spill about cringy poetry, emotional breakthroughs over honeymoon pizza, romantic takeout eaten on the floor and the simplicity of making your partner a cup of coffee in the morning. Because when it’s the right person — it’s just about seeing one another. All together now: Awwwwwwwww! One thing’s for sure. We absolutely positively love YOU, dear listeners. Will you be our Valentines? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:07

“Misquoting Mary Oliver” | Being Bad at Things

2/6/2025

Did you know that Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job as an anchor in Baltimore? Big mistake. Huge. This week, we talk about failure, sucking and imposter syndrome. More Better listener Zander asks: “How do I get more better at being okay with being bad at things?” The answer? Well, it’s complicated. Stephanie and Melissa share about their experiences with moving through failure, the bumpy road to success, the importance of bombing and how an ikebana flower arranging class taught Steph to let go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:43:36

“Women Talking Sh*t in a Sewing Circle” | Balance

1/30/2025

The Protestant Work Ethic? I don’t know her. What even is work-life balance? Stephanie and Melissa discuss the modern concept’s ancient philosophical roots, its undeniable feminist ties and the influence that Samantha the American Girl doll had on their generation’s understanding of labor rights. Listener Amanda shares her struggles and concerns about “having it all” and Aristotle gets flamed. Moral of the story? You can have it all. Just mayyyyybe not at the same time. Do you agree? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:34:11

“Who Raised You?” | Work Bullies

1/23/2025

*Resources and directories for anyone looking to help, find support, or donate to LA Fire Relief: https://www.theconsciouscitizens.org/los-angeles-disaster-support-masterlist/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:35:17

“Meet Me in Thailand” | Long Distance Friendships

1/16/2025

Stephanie and Melissa haven’t seen each other in person since they recorded the verrrry first episode of More Better last year. Ya know — work, life — things happened.Thus, they have totally perfected the art of The Long Distance Friendship. This week, Aussie pod listener Lauren sends us a voice memo asking for advice on how to maintain her friendship with her LDB (long distance bestie) in Germany. Have a listen, see if you can relate and let us know what you think of Steph’s Australian accent. We think it’s coming along bloody nicely, mate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:36

“Little Goalposts” | Resolutions

1/9/2025

Happy 2025! Steph and Melissa survived the lost week between Christmas and New Years or what they are calling the Bermuda Triangle of Weeks and this week on the pod, they are talking about New Year’s Resolutions. Do resolutions haunt you every year? You are not alone! Stephanie and Melissa have found some ways to make resolutions feel less icky; consider reframing! Don’t set yourself up for failure! Manifest (we can be a lil woo-woo for 2025)! Have markers! Steph and Mel also predict some Ins and Outs of 2025, so stay tuned for the trend forecasting – sneak peak, podcasts might be OUT (according to SOME lists) but this one is IN. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:23

“Myspace Top 8: A Social Status Moment” | Social Media

11/28/2024

You know it. You love hate it. You’re maybe scrolling on it right now. It’s social media. This week, Steph and Melissa discuss the pros and cons of “the sosh” and dive deep into the psychology of posting. Plus, we answer the perpetual question — Does Stephanie have TikTok on her phone today? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:49

“I’m Not Trying To Make Gravy” | Preparing for Holidays

11/21/2024

The Holidays are on the horizon and Stephanie and Melissa are READY…kind of. Decor? They have a plan for that. Food? We have some restaurants on speed dial. Best Christmas movies? Well, this one’s slightly a point of contention. Though they do agree on *that* leg lamp being cool. This week on More Better, we’re talking about how to prepare for holidays in a way that protects the magic of the season and, equally as important, your *peace*. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:34:42

“She Could Be a Farmer in Those Clothes” | Hobbies

11/14/2024

A hobby is, according to Steph, “stuff you do on your own GD time” that, according to studies, leads to a happier and healthier life. No pressure! This week, Stephanie and Melissa discuss their hobbies — or lack-there-of — and dig deep into what sparks joy for each of them. Looking for a hobby? Why not pick up baking? Competitive dog grooming? How about stamp collecting? Let’s start with Listening to More Better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:35

“Can You Do the Rosa Voice?” | Voice Acting

11/7/2024

Ever wondered what it takes to break into the voice acting biz? Or how Stephanie and Lin Manuel Miranda made her role as Mirabel in Encanto come alive in the recording booth? All the funny voices Mel and Steph did during their downtime on the set of Brooklyn 99? Well, thanks to a special voice note from More Better listener Archie this week, our talented hosts are sharing all that there is to know about voice acting. Let’s go! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:29:05

“Show Up, Even a Little Bit” | Voting

10/31/2024

It’s Election week in America! This week, we revisit our chat with Elsa Collins (@elsamariecollins), professional do-er, humanitarian and founder of Poderistas and This is About Humanity. Steph, Mel and Elsa discuss the election, voting and civic duty in this very special remixed episode with never-before-heard audio. If you’re a fan of More Better, head over to https://www.vote.org/ and make a voting plan today — and send Steph and Mel photos of your I Voted sticker on IG @MoreBetterPodcast. See you at the polls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:25:16

“Eh Whatever, I’ll Do It Later” | Motivation

10/24/2024

Do you ever find yourself digggggging down deep into your deepest depths trying to scrounge up just a smidge of motivation? Well, you’re not alone. Today Stephanie and Melissa quote Hoobastank and Guns N' Roses as they respond to a question from More Better listener Baylie and share their struggles and successes when it comes to getting sh*t done. So, join us and let us know — what’s your motivation? Cue the Normani. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:33:59

“I Should Not Be Laughing Right Now” | Fear

10/17/2024

It’s October! Time to put on your finest costume and embrace all of the spooky things under a full moon. Are you a fight, flight, freeze or FLOP type of person? Are you a haunted house enthusiast? What’s your favorite scary movie? On today’s episode Stephanie and Melissa discuss their relationships with fear, Halloween and communing with the ancestors on Día de Los Muertos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:09