This episode is dedicated to Yolo, Derek's Labrador Retriever & Border Collie mix who passed in January the night of recording episode 11. Derek shares the events leading up to and following the heartbreaking news of Yolo's passing. Derek and Carmen recall earlier memories of Yolo and Derek speaks on what he has learned from being a dog owner. Despite undergoing the shared sorrow of Yolo's passing, Derek realizes the extent of the bond he shares with his family. 

What are some surprising things you've learned if you've ever owned or raised a pet? 

What's an effective mindset that can help you move on from trauma?

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ https://www.schedule35.co**

This week, Derek and Carmen share unsolicited dating tips and advice! They go over what they find attractive in the opposite sex and tricks on how to make yourself feel and look more confident. Derek and Carmen dive into what they learned from their own dating experiences and things they wish they had done differently in their previous relationships.  

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self when it comes to dating advice? When not dating, how do you find comfort in being alone?  

This episode is sponsored by MANSCAPED! Thanks for tuning in all these weeks and making this possible for us. We've personally used MANSCAPED products for a few years now and loved that they reached out to us. If you're looking for the best in men's below-the-belt grooming, check them out.  

For all my fellas!! Use code "BacktoSQ1" for 20% off and free shipping at www.manscaped.com. The ladies will thank you ;)  

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co**

Welcome back! In episode 10, Derek and Carmen talk origin stories. Derek shares the details of how he pursued a less traditional career path - from music engineering and wedding photography to talent management and now, creating Schedule35. Derek discusses the ?extra credits? theory which he believes to be the reason behind his risk-taking endeavours. Carmen shares how she stumbled into the misunderstood world of Dentistry.  She reveals the uncommonly known reasons why Dentists are among those who are known to have the highest suicidal tendencies. The episode ends off with a little light-hearted fashion talk when Carmen compliments Derek's ever so elegant fashion sense.

Some key questions for this week's discussion in our community Discord:

?What is the source of your drive and ambition??

"Do you prioritize fear of safety or fear of regret?"

This episode is also sponsored by MANSCAPED! Thanks for tuning in all these weeks and making this possible for us. We've personally used MANSCAPED products for a few years now and loved that they reached out to us. If you're looking for the best in men's below-the-belt grooming, check them out.

For all my fellas!! Use code "BacktoSQ1" for 20% off and free shipping at www.manscaped.com. The ladies will thank you ;)

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co**

This week, Derek and Carmen go back in time and recount their earliest childhood memories. Derek tells the story of when someone stole his beloved red ball while living in government housing and growing up being terrified of his dad's explosive temper. Carmen describes an embarrassing memory of shopping with her mom and her first encounter with law enforcement at the tender age of six. Derek and Carmen describe their parents' relationships from their perspectives. Derek talks about the one time he thought his mom was finally going to leave her loveless marriage and Carmen discusses the effects her dad's absence had on her childhood. The episode ends with Carmen and Derek realizing an appreciation for their friendship despite the obvious differences in their family dynamics and the paths they have chosen in life.

Some key questions for this week's discussion in our community Discord:  

?How well do you think your parents know you?? 

"As you get older, do the actions of your parents make more sense?"

This episode is also sponsored by MANSCAPED! Thanks for tuning in all these weeks and making this possible for us. We've personally used MANSCAPED products for a few years now and loved that they reached out to us. If you're looking for the best in men's below-the-belt grooming, check them out.

For all my fellas!! Use code "BacktoSQ1" for 20% off and free shipping at www.manscaped.com. The ladies will thank you ;)

Welcome back to another episode! This week on Back to Square One, Derek and Carmen talk all things chemistry. What is chemistry? How do you know when you have it with someone?  Who do you wish you had chemistry with but don't? Is it more common to have chemistry with people who are of the same ethnicity because of similar upbringings and cultural understanding? Derek and Carmen go into the chemistry that exists between them and explore the chemistry that exists between them and other friends in their shared friend's circle.  

This episode is also sponsored by MANSCAPED! Thanks for tuning in all these weeks and making this possible for us. We've personally used MANSCAPED products for a few years now and loved that they reached out to us. If you're looking for the best in men's below-the-belt grooming, check them out.   

For all my fellas!! Use code "BacktoSQ1" for 20% off and free shipping at www.manscaped.com. The ladies will thank you ;)   

WE ALSO JUST LAUNCHED... our Discord community! Join us in discussion and connecting with others : )

This week, Derek and Carmen reacts to the TikTok comments of their two most controversial posts from episode 1. Can guy + girl best friends be truly platonic without exploring all doors? Why is it hard to keep people we vibe with in our lives despite things not working out romantically? Carmen discusses her insecurity of sharing her life with the world and dealing with negative comments. Derek and Carmen ponders whether they could still be friends with their exes, whether the "it" factor exists or not in relationships or whether they can develop over time, allowing friends to dig their way out of the friendzone. The episode ends with some sound advice from Carmen's mom on the most important thing to look for in a relationship.   

WE ALSO JUST LAUNCHED... our Discord community! Join us in discussion and connecting with others : )

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

Carmen shares HUGE news! She's pregnant! Carmen retraces the emotional roller coaster of trying to conceive and her first thoughts after finding out. Derek is educated on the insecurities and rush that women suffer and feel, thanks to the ticking female biological clock and fertility concerns associated with age. Carmen gets emotional describing the devotion and passion she has to becoming the best mother she could be but also her fears of the inevitable change that a baby will have on her life. Uncle Derek talks about his reaction after hearing about the news and his future hopes for baby C.

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

Welcome back! After last week's episode, where Derek reflects on his childhood and upbringing, he decides to reach out to his younger brother after a 6-year hiatus. Derek describes the reunion and confirms his previous assumptions about his family dynamics after talking with his brother. Carmen illustrates the relationship she had with her younger sister and the burdened role of being the older sibling growing up. The two debate the advantages of growing up with a sibling, while examining the benefits of being an only child.

PS. We're only 5 episodes in but we've both been absolutely blown away by the positive reception. We never thought the personal conversations we've been having together as best friends for so many years held so much relatability for so many others. It's so heartwarming to see and learn that none of us are ever really alone in the things we experience and the things we feel. Thank you. Truly. For sharing with your friends, leaving honest and vulnerable comments & messages, we're so excited to continue on this journey together : )

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co**

In this episode, Derek shares the intimate memories of his broken childhood and reflects on the family dynamics that made him who he is today. Derek admits his fear of commitment, his struggles with intimacy, and relationships overall as a result of the conditioning and lack of family and togetherness in his life. 

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co**

Welcome back! Carmen and Derek dig deep and retrace the steps on Carmen's journey with her husband, Eden. From long-time friends to now, life partners. 

Carmen describes the ups and downs of the marriage to date by answering a series of hard questions posed by a curious Derek. Carmen talks about what really matters in marriage. They also discuss what almost broke her marriage, what saved it, and what her and her husband have learned so far through individual and couples therapy.

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co**

In this episode, Derek and Carmen discuss the past, present and future of their friendship. Derek recounts moments in their friendship that made it difficult to remain close and discuss how friendships change when your bestie is dating one of your closest buddies. They talk about how the pandemic dug up past traumas and brought people closer together while tearing other relationships apart. Carmen confesses how all her friends having babies have changed her relationship with them and what the future has in store for her friendship with Derek as she plans to have a baby of her own in the near future.

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co**

Welcome to episode one of Back to Square One! Best Friends, Derek and Carmen take a walk down memory lane and revisit how they met and life growing up in the suburbs.  Join them as they sit down and dissect whether opposite-sex besties can be 100% platonic and if so, how? 

Carmen plans a big Christmas Party and Derek questions the guestlist as they argue whether invites should be based on history or relevance and discuss the drawbacks and benefits of being a part of a large, cliquey and asian friend circle.

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co**