Manic Rambling Spiral

Bullying has always been a problem, but technology is creating new platforms and increasingly removed ways to hate and harm. Spurred by a jarring episode involving Marlo, we’re talking about bullying, emotions, and the way judgment and blame continue to shape a generation.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Another year... and you know what? We're excited for it (even John). Sure, we're getting older and keeping blood pressure journals, but that's life. As long as there are no formal parties with dress codes in the near future, we're downright optimistic.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

OH MY GOD. Are we whining about the holidays? No, not really. Just marveling at the passage of time and the value of hiring movers while catching our breath. We also spend a surprising amount of time talking about breakfast cereal.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's official. John is a homeowner! And his relationship status? That's permanently established via legal documents. Super awesome. Regardless, this is a big step. And Heather? Well, she's helping her mom move, nursing a stubbornness injury, and contemplating mortality. Life is wild.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What happened this week? What day is it? Just kidding, we never really know. Between high-school dances, holiday gifts, packing, and ironing sheets (there's always time for that), everything is a blur. Unless you're Leta, and you're making a 10-year plan.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The holidays are a crazy time that brings many together and makes others feel extremely alone. So yes, it’s sort of another episode about loneliness, but we feel it’s an important topic because we’ve spent years stubbornly making ourselves alone. Sort of.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Heather's back from Rome, John's buying a home, and the holidays are here. Moral of the story: No rest for the weary or the wicked or the parents, and if you fit into more than one category, buckle up. Happy Thanksgiving!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We recorded this on Election Day too early to talk about polls, so instead we decided to focus on monster trucks, contact lenses, and some other odds and ends. A bit of a life download before we take next week off.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The month has changed, the season continues to change and, if you live in the US, you can help make change on November 6. Vote for something better. Vote for those who've had their voices silenced. Just vote. Maybe even listen to this episode on your way to the polls.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re thrilled to have KJ Dell’Antonia join the spiral to talk to us about changing perspectives, realistic expectations, and her her new book: "How to Be a Happier Parent: Raising a Family, Having a Life and Loving (Almost) Every Minute.” Wait, are we being optimistic? Yeah, but don’t worry. We still complain a little.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hard to believe we can somehow go from missing a week to covering the removal of wisdom teeth, limiting screen time, and remaining responsive and flexible as parents; all in one episode, but that's our gift. What does Jesus have to do with any of this? Just trust us.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fortunately and unfortunately, the current happenings in the United States continue to offer great starting points for important conversations with our kids. This week, these talks involve accountability, the power of "no," and how to not be a jerk when you're in a Senate hearing.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Does the awkward feeling of being a teenager in Abercrombie fade when you get older? Nope! It just blends with our inability to understand high waists, pleats, and good 'ol Chuck Taylors. Guess that's all part of pursuing fashion with kids.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“In like a lion,” isn’t a saying attached to September, but it feels like it should be. From shattered phone screens to some time-struggles associated with homeschool, this is your annual reminder that September is hell. Be kind to yourself.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We decided to focus on discipline and... haha! Just kidding. It’s really about the luxuries of leisure pooping and feelings of complete exhaustion, but we do occasionally come back to discipline and having a no-nonsense way of letting your kids know they need to quit being jerks.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Missed buses, different boob sizes, and baby steps in the right direction. We're still settling in to our recent big changes - a blended family for Heather, homeschooling for John - and realizing that it's going to take a while. We'll probably survive.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sponsored by KraftWe've talked about food and family meals and picking your battles and now, with Heather's blended family and John's homeschool adventures, we're all about easing dinner prep however we can. So when Kraft reached out about their new Kraft Mac and Cheese Frozen Meals, we ditched the plain noodles and raided the local freezer section before even answering the email.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The chaos of normal life has felt a little dull on John’s end, so he decided to homeschool his son. Because how hard could it really be to homeschool a 14-year-old, run a business, and tread water while juggling? Whatever happens, he won’t miss the endless agony of math homework.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Wait. Heather’s moving again? Hell yes she is! She loves to move! She loves to pack! She loves to unpack! She loves boxes! The only minor difference this time around is that you could probably also say she’s moving for love. As for John, he’s pretty excited for her.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s been a while but our little summer hiatus has come to an end. Feels good to get back behind the mic, catch up, and what the hell do you mean Leta is no longer registered for school that can’t be possible!?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.