October 14, 2018
There's a moment in each of our lives where we first come to terms with the concept of death. The concept, like so many, carries even more weight now as a parent. How do we help our kids have a healthy understanding of the fact that we've all got an expiration date? And what are we going to tell them happens next?
Probably, these are questions we've got to work through ourselves first. Just another light, fluffy conversation as John and Patrick reflect on how their own understanding of death has been shaped over the years.
October 7, 2018
It's amazing how much more efficient we can get with everyday tasks in order to (sort of) keep up with taking care of kids. We've all got our techniques and shortcuts to make the best of the limited time now.
Patrick and John share some of what you might barely call parenting hacks, proving once and for all that they have nothing of value to offer listeners. Thankfully, some of you shared your own parenting hacks to add into the mix for this episode.
September 30, 2018
Violence is everywhere in our culture, both real and fictional. When it comes to the former, we do our best to shelter our kids for as long as possible. But when and how do we handle exposing them to violent toys, games, and media?
In this episode—which originally featured an entirely different topic, by the way—John and Patrick work through experiences introducing their kids to some favorite action-packed fiction from their own childhood and how they've handled violent play.
September 23, 2018
"The enemy of art is the absence of limitations," said the brilliant actor/director Orson Welles. The adage seems fitting when it comes to parenting, too.
Patrick and John talk about how limitations have played powerful roles in their creative works and personal journeys, giving shape and providing direction where it'd otherwise remain absent. Now how do they put those kind of healthy limitations on their kids?
September 16, 2018
It's one of those subjects we don't hear much about before having kids, and then suddenly breastfeeding—whether or not to, how to, and the countless challenges that arise—became a major focus of life when raising a new baby. It's also a topic with fierce opinions behind it.
You won't hear those opinions here, but John and Patrick feel like it's worthwhile to share some of their perspective as dads through this critical aspect of child-rearing. Needless to say, they play the supporting role. So how do dads lean in to that and help moms navigate this often-stressful and deeply emotional stage of parenting?
And some bonus Furby circuit bending audio! Take a listen to Patrick's FUZZY LOGIC: Music for Circuit Boards.
September 9, 2018
Do what makes you happy... right?
We spend much of our lives in pursuit of it—in the US, it's right there in our Declaration of Independence—but is happiness all it's cracked up to be?
In this episode, Patrick and John continue spelunking into the meaning of life cave. Thankfully, they can follow two far smarter guys on this journey, through a discussion of The Book of Joy, a reflection on joy by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, written by Douglas Abrams. Future guests on the show? We'll work on it.
Cover photo credit: Tenzin Choejor
September 2, 2018
After a week off from the show, John and Patrick have a lot to catch up on. Which means an episode chock-full of tangents... and maybe something to do with the topic of childcare.
Summer is ending, vacations are over, and it's time to transition into a new school year. The dads chat about some of their experiences (stresses!) with daycare, nannies, preschool, and now starting a child in kindergarten.
August 19, 2018
The anticipation! The excitement! The 'womp, womp.'
Vacationing with kids is a whole new experience, loaded with emotions and expectations spanning the full spectrum. Patrick and John reflect on past trips with their young families, touching on the wonder and the crazy that comes with long car rides, amusement parks, and sleeping away from home.
August 12, 2018
Whether you're planning or attending a birthday party for the kiddos, the experience can be more than a tad overwhelming. Celebrating these significant milestones while not getting carried away is a challenge—especially when you're hosting. Who gets invited? What's the theme? And where the heck are all these kids going to fit?
John and Patrick chat about hosting their kids' birthday celebrations and what they think makes for a successful party.
But first! They spend a half hour talking about robes, how their balancing time these days, a food update, coyotes, Angela Lansbury, and more.
August 5, 2018
Introducing your children to movies is yet another awesome responsibility. After all, nobody wants their kids to grow up having awful taste in cinema. So how do you start their motion picture journey?
Patrick and John think back to the magical experiences they had watching some of their favorite movies, talk about why the art form has been so important to them, and walk through how they intend to share that passion with their kids.
