Heart UK

Manic Rambling Spiral

Manic Rambling Spiral (MRS) is a podcast about single parenting, but it's not a parenting podcast. Rather, MRS is a podcast about living life - having a life, a career, and a self - in a setting that is constantly dictated by, built around and sabotaged by our children.<p style="color:grey; font-size:0.75em;"> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Heather B. Armstrong & John R. Bray

We’re back. Sort of. Changes are imminent, and we think you'll pee your pants. It's been a while so please excuse the awkward as we settle in behind the mic.Also, does John's voice trigger ASMR or what. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

165: Is this thing on?

In addition to everything else happening as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, kids around the world are suddenly at home for school. But despite some of the smug homeschool memes and comments floating around, this isn’t homeschool. And it’s not easy. So take it from John (a homeschooling parent): you’re not crazy for being completely overwhelmed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

164: School Comes Home

We didn't plan for this to be about COVID-19, but most of the world didn't plan for anything that's happening right now. As everyone scrambles to understand social distancing and isolation while grappling with the unknown, Heather and John talk about school closure and the state of the country before spiraling into a more serious conversation related to teenage emotions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

163: Come On Eileen

Our first episode landed on St. Patrick's day 2016 and, four years later, we're still kicking. Admittedly, we've been kicking a lot less lately, but we're back to explain why, talk about Heather's weight (have you noticed?), provide an update compared to where we were four years ago, and tease some exciting changes coming to MRS (for real this time; they're going to be amazing). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

162: MRS Turns 4

After more than 12 happy years of squawking, barking, and being herded by her favorite business partner, Heather and her family said their final goodbyes to Dame Eleanor Ritzford-Fitzsimons "Coco" Puffs. Heather shares some of those final moments as we discuss the significance of dogs and their place in our homes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

161: In Memory of Coco

Wrapping up the year with our first monthly episode.Wondering about John, Lexton, and Lilly? We covered that. Curious about Heather's gut? We covered that, too. We also talk a bit about mail, resolutions, teens (ugh teens), organization, and meditation. Like we said before: Same MRS, just a little less often. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

160: Out With the Old

Get it? A FOOT? Because Heather's foot? Perfect. Now that you're smiling about that we can let you know that you're going to be hearing from us less often. A lot less often. As in only once a month. Why? There are a lot of reasons, but "Life" is probably the best summary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

159: Change is Afoot

We never know where we’re going or how we get there, but maybe that’s part of the charm? Anyway, Heather’s getting some answers, John’s a Furminator convert, and Marlo is Marlo (which is somehow also very Lexton). Also: Dog socks.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

158: Fun with Fur and Feet

What does laundry share in common with cold, leftover nachos? Comfort. Yes, cold nachos provide comfort and we’re ready to die on this hill. Sure, we are open to other opinions, but you know what they say: it’s not a difference of opinion, you’re just ill-informed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

157: We Call it Hygge

We talk about more than Bumble (you know you want an update), but John’s text to Heather is probably the best description for this episode. “Without fail, the women on this app are in three distinct categories: 1. Want kids, 2. Don’t want a relationship, 3. Way out of my league. However, even if nothing in their bio is a fit, I always swipe right on the women who look like they could kick my a$$.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

156: Reddit for Relationships

It finally happened. John joined the online dating scene and it’s as confusing and empty as he’s always imagined. It has, however, made him realize how many people are terrible at taking selfies. But don’t worry, MRS’s resident optimist is staying hopeful. Just kidding! All is lost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

155: A Dating App Newcomer

An update on Coco (a pupdate?), some commentary on Halloween, and a discussion on how much our pets are worth. What's that? We're heartless and evil? Yeah, okay, probably, but that should have been clear years ago. And don't worry, we take a softer approach when discussing orthodontics and swimming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

154: The Price of a Pet

We moved right from Elizabethan collars into pop punk- and it wasn’t a smooth transition. That’s John’s fault. But somehow we still managed to cover homeschool curriculum, the climate, and a bit about vaccinations. If this seems chaotic, you should see our texts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

153: Canines and Curriculum

Sure, we took a week off due to both of us being sick, but we didn’t actually get a week off. There were endoscopies to be had, sheets to be folded, and puppies to be chased. And this weed won’t just eat itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

152: Fitted and Folded

It’s been a busy week without any travel or big changes. How so? Well, Heather’s foot is still an issue, her GI tract is making waves, and John’s battling school policy. Oh yeah, there was also an incident with a gun at Leta’s school. Don't worry, it’s not all somber and sad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

151: Injury and Insult

Somehow this episode came full circle. From boots and bus stops to pets and school routines, we cover a lot and bookend the whole thing with bowels. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves, but not as much as Leta will surprise herself when she finally understands that a car does not steer itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

150: Boots and Bowels

Another week, another couple dozen lessons in stress management. But we’re still taking our own advice and letting things slide. Invasive dogs, oversleeping teens, and even the thought of complete obliviousness behind the wheel of a large metal box hurtling at other objects. One of these days the dogs are definitely going to make us snap, though. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

149: Don't Forget to Steer

Weird title for a show called "Manic Rambling Spiral," but here we are. Heather ditched her FitBit and her Apple Watch and, as a result, a whole lot of anxiety; so this week is focused (eventually) on slowing down, taking things in stride, and some very relevant advice from an Englishman in a Dutch bar. And yes, MRS is back from break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

148: Slow Down

Socialized medicine doesn’t disappoint, especially when the phenomenon of “hot doctor” clearly exists in all countries. But John’s doctor? Nah. He prefers the shotgun approach. And yes, we also talk about Lilly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

147: From Paris to Puppies

John and Heather are both facing some child-free time, and it’s going to be glorious. We bask in that notion, discuss friendships as an adult, and even touch on Heather’s questionable fashion decisions. We’d say everything is related, but that probably isn’t true. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

146: Friends and Fashion

We had a meetup last week! It was great. To say "thank you!" to everyone who joined us, we spent most of this episode talking about healthcare. That wasn't really the plan, but that's how things go around here. We also touched on John's dog, the woes of air travel, and a couple apologies related to Ep 144. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

145: No Topic Needed

We got the band back together. Well, the band never really broke up, but Heather and John are in the same (hotel) room recording MRS for the first time ever and we're talking about Chicago and homelessness and also teeth. It was easy. Mostly. A little awkward because we also recorded a video. So, yeah, that's a thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

144: Reunited at Last

A topic! We have a topic! It’s music, and we almost don’t stray from it. This week we’re talking about some of the music we enjoy, the beauty of a truly sad song, a dog whose alias is “Taco,” and is that tickle you just felt behind your ear a tick? Better check. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

143: Musical Therapy

You find out a lot about people when you take the time to start a conversation. Does this apply to Stephen Dorff? We may never know, will we, HEATHER? That's okay. We have bigger things to worry about like an MRS meet-up in Chicago - suggestions welcome! - and an Instagram account for John's dog. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

142: Making Small Talk

You’ve kept us up and running for over three years (3 YEARS!), and now it’s time for our little podcast to grow and change. How? We’re figuring that out and, with your help, we know it’s going to be amazing. But, as you’ll notice in this episode, we’ll still be rambling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

141: An MRS Overhaul

If there are two takeaways from this week, they are as follows: Heather sleeps naked, John does not. Does this information have anything to do with John's puppy, the half marathon he ran, teen independence, or the last couple weeks of Heather's book tour? No. And, honestly, it's not even related. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

140: Fun Facts About Sleeping

What do book tours and bandaids have in common? A lot. It's sort of like the relationship between diarrhea and a week of stressful schedule juggling. You know, peas and carrots, poop and planes. We also talk a bit about puppies, but let's be honest: The Valedictorian deserves the mic this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

139: There Will Be Bandaids

Heather hits the road next week for her book tour, so of course we talked about misplaced socks, pantyhose, and toxic plastics that make their way into cosmetics. But we also talked about her book - The Valedictorian of Being Dead - which comes out on April 23. John says, “It’s a hell of a read.” Because it is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

138: The Book Tour Begins

At least 75% of this episode is about dogs and puppies and the horrors of pet ownership because John is a dog person now. Why? Honestly, he has no idea, but his hands are covered in bite marks, he's tired all the time, and his life is now even less his own. So, yeah, Heather was right: It's worse than having a baby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

137: It's All Puppies

Renovations, broken boilers, puppies, and John's resistance to help even when it's generously offered. It's all loosely related. And somehow we still manage to touch on teenage emotions near the end because we're making rambling an art form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

136: Type A Chaos

It’s Spring Break. We could’ve easily talked about the woes of that for an hour. However, we still managed to discuss university selection, unfair expectations placed on teens, and career choices. In other words, we don’t get a Spring Break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

135: Breaking Millennials

Wandering tangents seem to be the way of things around here lately. This week it's James Blake, the joy of celebrity interaction, Marlo's public speaking finesse, and The Legend of Zelda. But don't worry, that's only a fraction of what we covered, so it's still your weekly dose of, "What the hell was that about?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

134: Mostly Public Speaking

We're ringing in the time change in style. As always. Moderate injury, serious fever, and a healthy dose of feeling all together a little off have marked the last week or two. Also, a friendly reminder that if you're suddenly feeling a surge in anxiety or depression, the time change has a way of contributing to that. It's not just you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

133: Spring Forward Feverishly

Why do people looking their absolute best have to be the ones who see you at your absolute worst? We don't have an answer, but that's just what happens. Every time. Even when someone has to navigate a camera to your colon. Life has jokes, and Heather was just the butt of one of them. Like, actually the butt. At least True Detective is good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

132: Hot Doctors

Heather has a newsletter and some GI business to attend to. John has a newsletter and perfectly functioning bowels. Some things just aren’t fair, that’s why there’s Miralax. #notsponsored Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

131: Announcements and Bowels

Yeah, we spiraled again, but we also found ourselves looking back at how we were raised and how those experiences affect our parenting today. Less “get off our lawn” and more about what we want our kids to experience. Also, Leta turned 21. Maybe these spirals are more productive than we thought? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

130: Replicating Childhood

How did we get from A to B? Your guess is as good as ours. But it's not our fault that audiobooks, Mormon mission trips, forgetful teens, the weather, and black eyes are all related. Life is weird. We just go with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

129: Random Rambles

After John's extended fanboy moment about Heather's book (side note: It's incredible and you want to read it and probably give a copy to everyone you know), we're talking a little bit about teens, growing to emotionally process increasing responsibility, and the importance of attending funerals. We're pretty sure it all fits together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

128: Attendance is Mandatory

It's winter and the weather is awful and life keeps plowing forward. So, naturally, in the thick of this mess John is sort of possibly dabbling in the dating world and OH WOW IS THAT A THING. He's bad at it? Maybe? Only one way to go from here? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

127: Dating Forecast

We’re talking about insurance again. And mental health. And the absurdity of dealing with medical needs in the US. Why? Because it needs to be talked about until it changes and we’re happy to initiate the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

126: Unhealthy Healthcare

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

125: Grab Bullying by the Phone

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

124: Stumbling into 2019

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

123: Ho Ho Hum

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

122:  "A Single Man"

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

121: Holidays and Whatnot

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

120: A Semi-Uncomfortable Comfort Zone

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

119: Look Up

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

118: Drama and Contacts

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

117: Make Change

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

116: Happier Parenting

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

115: Rebrand for Jesus

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

114: Read the Room

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

113: Looking for a Plus for Pleats

“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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

112: It's September Again

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

111: Take that Tone

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

110: Slowly Settling In

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

109: In Favor of Easy

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

108: Homeschool Bound

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

107: A BIG Move

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!? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

106: Good to be Back

Things in America are a bit of mess, but somehow taking a stand against hate seems to bother people. Sure, we're all for civility when it makes sense. But that time is not now. The place is not America. And we see no reason to be civil when so many are being treated without any civility at all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

105: Civility is Overrated

Long overdue Patreon shout outs! Thanks everyone! And a special shout out to Leah who happened to recognize John in wild. Also, a little bit on body glitter, outdoor music festivals, and that we're absolutely okay with you saying "Hi!" if you see either of us out and about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

104: Shout Outs!

It’s 2018 and the United States is forcibly separating children from their parents and then holding them in makeshift camps. We don't have a solution, but this needs to be talked about nonstop. This IS America, but it doesn’t need to be.Fortunately, 24 hours after we recorded, Trump signed an executive order stopping the separation of families, but this mess continues as there's no word on how those separated will be reunited. This will forever be a scar on America, and there is nothing we can do to every truly fix the damage done to those most affected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

103: Children. In. Cages.

Last week, the world lost Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. As a result, mental health was again the center of conversation, and we thought it was time to again address the topic. We all need to keep talking about it. We all need to be checking in. We all need to remove the stigma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

102: Destigmatize

Promotion crises, teen hormones, and preparing for summer. The end of 8th grade is a pretty significant transition, and here we are. OH MY GOD. And it’s summer break already? How does this even happen? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

101: Life Lessons

British accents, miles of wandering, and a little (SPOILER) Gilmore tangent at the end. This is a big milestone - Episode 100! - so it only seems right that we stay true to our spiraling roots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

100: Accents Etc.

Travel, planning, and taking a diet on the road. That's sort of the focus. Maybe. Then again, we also touch on tea, colon surgery, and "2001: A Space Odyssey." Yes, it's a little shorter than normal, but we cover some ground. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

099: London Spiral

Standards of beautify for women are often toxic and impossible to achieve. Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Jenny McQuaile joins us to talk about her newest film, "Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image," which highlights the industry leaders working to transform these standards and help the world recognize the reality of beauty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

098: Straight/Curve

As parents, we would kill to feel genuine boredom, but our kids don’t exactly share our interest in doing nothing. And they expect us to overcome these lackluster moments for them. Somehow, go, go, go and then go some more has become the norm. What happened to— oh my god Marlo you can figure it out yourself! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

097: The Entertainers

Parenting is perfect and wonderful and there isn't ever a time at which you should express exhaustion or frustration. AMEN. At least that's what the concern trolls want to make sure we all know. But the truth is, parenting is hard, sometimes your kids are terrible, and it's okay to admit defeat and/or disgruntled triumph. Even if everything still sucks.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

096: Be Grateful, Dammit!

Inclusion is critical to education, but Heather and John aren't experts in that area, so John's friend Emily is joining the spiral. Emily is a specialist in early childhood inclusion and a single parent to a son with special needs, and all parents and educators are going to want to hear what she has to say. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

095: Fair Isn't Equal

Who knew Beyoncé was so amazing? And what about The Cheesecake Factory? Most people, probably, but not us. Until now. Yeah, it's a big week on MRS. And Heather is DONE with her book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

094: Here for the Cheesecake

Pain in every direction. That's part of having kids. You're forced to relive old injuries while also anticipating the pain that is yet to come. And you have to cope with all of that while working around that damn doctor's appointment you scheduled six months ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

093: Helmets and Heartbreak

Break is over, Heather’s deadline is looming, time is again compressing, and John’s life is controlled by a watch. On the bright side, Marlo’s illness passed quickly, Lexton’s birthday was seamless, and free-range children are the new cage-free eggs. So, normal week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

092: Close the Rings

Time to talk about racism. Again? ALWAYS. And this week we're joined by Kelly Wickham Hurst, founder of Being Black at School, to talk about education and what it's like for those living in the margins. Is Kelly a "policy wonk?" Damn straight she is, but she's also so much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

091: Restorative Justice

As the changing daylight hours send anxiety into overdrive, we're staring down spring break and asking, "What the hell?" Of course, tangents are in full swing as we discuss laxative tea, folding clothes, and some part-time jobs of years past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

090: Rambling Equinox

Sit down, strap in*, and get ready for a back to basics episode. Everything from Patreon- Hey! We launched our campaign! - and piano, to Daylight Savings Time; and the complete, unabridged history of Heather's sex toy ownership. That last part isn't a joke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

089: Spring Forward and Stumble

In 2012, Tanlines (Jesse Cohen and Eric Emm) released their first album and Heather was hooked. She told John to listen and he soon had the album on repeat. Eventually, John's son followed suit. Now, the electronic/indie duo's newest EP, "Presents", puts a very Tanlines spin on classic kid's songs and Jesse joins the spiral to talk about the new album, music, identity, self awareness, and parenting. Oh. And the cuteness of babies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

088: Tanlines for Toddlers

Paid leave is important. So is supporting new parents. The Center for Parental Leave Leadership (CPLL) is helping companies and employees successfully navigate parental leave to improve the experience for everyone involved. Amy Beacom, Founder and CEO of CPLL, joins the spiral to talk about how they're making a difference.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

087: Beyond Paid Leave

Another tragic school shooting, this time in Parkland, Florida. But something is different. People are paying attention. Because the students from Parkland refuse to be silenced until there is change. Now, as a nation, we must work to understand what needs to happen while helping our children feel safe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

086: Never Again

From smoothies with greens to extra-crunchy cruciferous salads (Sorry, LETA), we're trying to stay as healthy as possible this cold and flu season. Extending these healthy habits to our kids isn't always easy - just ask Heather's kitchen tiles - but some convenient snacks make it possible. Sponsored by GoGo squeeZ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

085: A Healthy New Year

Paid family leaves means you'll still be paid while taking time off to navigating family changes and emergencies (babies, medical issues, etc.). But in America, paid leave is almost nonexistent, and that's a huge problem. Director Ky Dickens, our guest this week, set out to shine a light on this critical issue with her newest film, "Zero Weeks," after having a child of her own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

084: The Cost of Zero Weeks

Time for a somber reflection. What? You knew this was coming. Even John has been pretty optimistic lately. Now it's time to ask how parenting affects our kids and the concept they have of how they fit into our bad moods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

083: The Guilt They Carry

This week, we're joined by Mike Salguero, founder of Butcher Box and father to three girls who are three and under. How does he help families enjoy humanely-raised and independently-farmed meat delivered right to the doorstep while helping wrangle three kids? Honestly, we have no idea, but we tried to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

082: Time to Eat Better Meat

Heather is writing a book! It's not out until February 2019, but it's about depression, a clinical trial that changed her life, and dying. Because, oh yeah, Heather died a few times to get to get better. Turns out there's a way to do that! And John has kept it a secret this whole time. A keeper, that one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

081: It Sucked and then I Died

It's a new year! That means resolutions, goals, fresh starts and whoa, Heather, it's time to address the elephants in the room. One at a time, of course, because everything in moderation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

080: Happy New News!

Christmas is over. Everyone is exhausted. The New Year is days away. We'd love to say it's a sprint to the finish, but it's a bit of a limp. Survival isn't always glamorous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

079: The Other Side

Lots of bad happened in 2017. But there was also a lot of good. A dash of hope. Water rushing from the ceiling. And oh! Let us tell you a road trip story! Yeah, it's one of those episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

078: A Pseudo Year-in-Review

Cold season is back. *blow your nose* Tissues are everywhere. *blow your nose* Sometimes we snap at our kids even when we know we shouldn't. *blow your nose* Please tell us we're not alone? *blow your nose* Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

077: Invest in Tissues

We recorded on Dec. 5 and woke up the next day to see that Time's Person of the Year 2017 is 'The Silence Breakers.' We're happy to add our voices to this important conversation. Everywhere you turn, it seems another high-profile man is being taken down by sexual harassment. "Keep your hands to yourself" should be easy enough, but it seems many men missed that basic life lesson. Now we're thinking about how to approach the subject with our kids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

076: Keep It In Your Pants

There's a lot of stress around the holidays. Between kids being home and efforts to make everything perfect, it's enough to ruin the whole season. Light-up baby Jesus to the rescue! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

075: Holiday Pressure

Holiday advice from MRS: Don't make it your goal to ruin Thanksgiving with politics. Be open, be kind, and lead by example. However, we definitely took a low-road detour this time around, so that statement is a little hypocritical. Thanks for sticking with us, everyone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

074: Mostly Thankfulness

Kids are a-holes. Okay, that's probably a bit of a sweeping statement; but, when your child is faced with bullies, it's the first thing that comes to mind. And it brings back a flood of memories about how hard life can be when you're an insecure 13-year-old who's just trying to figure things out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

073: Coping with Bullies

Politics, religion, and Twitter. The big three. Sort of. Now that we think about it, it's sort of surprising that sex didn't come up at all. We'll try harder next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

072: I Say Jesus, You Say Jesus

John is back from Hong Kong, and we're talking travel, jet lag, basic airplane courtesy, and service jobs. Why service jobs? Because they're rough, people can be terrible, and we've both been there so we totally get it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

071: Decline to Recline

Teaching kids about finances is important and usually the best way to do that is to demonstrate budget-savvy behavior. But that's not always easy. And sometimes it's a unique challenge when you're self-employed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

070: Maintaining A Budget

Yes. We're talking about living wills. It not super uplifting, but it's an important topic. Also, Heather managed to bring up orgasms, so it's not completely grim. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

069: Let's Talk About Wills

Health care, independence and, on yeah, John's brief hospital stay are all part of this week. We also talk about peeing with an audience and international travel because we like variety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

068: Fall Risk

Sometimes it's tough to stay level-headed. Sometimes it feels damn near impossible when you have to do so while also trying to keep your kids relatively level. Hormones, parenting, life. Awesome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.