Just Winging It

43 // Beating Cancer

We all know someone who has fought cancer. It carries a particularly heavy weight in life, taking away far too many people we love and remaining high on our list of fears. What happens when it strikes us?

John recounts his episode with cancer ten years ago as he was graduating college. He and Patrick work through the perspective shifting moment that comes with this diagnosis and how it impacts more than just the individual.

Heavy topic, but don't worry, we manage to get in the usual Just Winging It insanity—poop jokes and all—up front.

42 // Dad-to-be

The decision to become a parent is probably the biggest one we make in our lives. And we each have a unique series of events that bring us to that decision point.

Patrick and John bring on Dad-to-be, Jeff Deutsch, to hear what led him to the decision a little later in life, and to explore his current state of blissful ignorance when it comes to the earth-shattering world he's about to enter.

41 // Tidying Up

She's taken America by storm with her novel approach to tidying up. Now Marie Kondo joins John and Patrick for a conversation about how she manages the spotlight, the fame, and the clean house, all while raising her children.

That would be a pretty great conversation. Instead, the two dads will fumble through the KonMari method to see whether it passes the just winging it test. Can it really be done with kids? Is it possible to stay this organized? Can anyone really fold like that?

40 // Handling Playdates

Were playdates even a thing when we were kids? Getting together with our friends sure seemed simpler then, but maybe that's because we weren't the parents who had to deal with the dynamics of organizing with other families.

Patrick and John navigate the interesting, the fun, and the sometimes awkward situations that arise when planning with other parents.

On another note: Did you know studies have shown that people who share this podcast are eleven times happier than people who don't? Give it a try!

39 // Choosing A Preschool

Obsessing about the best preschool option for our kids is probably not something most parents anticipate happening. But once the time comes to make a choice, the same part of our brain that craves reviews (Yelp!) before going out to eat or purchasing a product kicks into full gear.

John and Patrick discuss the stakes when it comes to choosing the right preschool: will it set their kids on a path of future success (or failure)? Is it just daycare under the guise of school? And why does it have to be so expensive!?

38 // Sharing the Sharing

Teaching our kids to share is one of those fundamental things we're supposed to do as a parent, lest we have the kid who isn't sharing toys at a play date. Combine that challenge with the sibling dynamic and we've got some explosive situations—even without poop.

Patrick and John work through the difficulties of teaching sharing between siblings and whether it can even be done with young kiddos.

But first, and more importantly, what would you do if your kid turned into a zombie? You'll hear John and Patrick talk about it in this episode. But seriously, what would you do? Let us know: JustWingingItDads@gmail.com

37 // Call it a Comeback

A new year, a new season, and the same two dads who know everything about nothing—and can't wait to share it with you.

John and Patrick are back from holiday break chock-full of useless stories about taking time off, getting kids (and ourselves) involved in recreational activities, and—of course—poop.

36 // Wrapping Up The Year

The end-of-year festivities and craziness are upon us! As with most of parenting, the magic and the stress are a package deal during the holidays.

In this episode, Patrick and John close out the year—and the first season of Just Winging It—with the latest stories, a reflection on the year, and a look ahead.

Thanks for, you know, putting us in your ears this year. From our just-winging-it families to yours: have a fantastic holiday and joyous new year.

35 // Gifts & Gratitude

'Tis the season to buy lots and lots more stuff. Gift-giving (and getting) can be another magical aspect of the holidays, especially for the kiddos. How do we keep consumerism at bay this time of year, and keep grounded in ye olde spirit of generosity and gratitude?

John and Patrick prep for holiday fun, strategize gifts, and think about how to add a dash of thankfulness to the festivities.

34 // Stay-at-home Dad

We're living at a time where more than half of families with children have two working parents—a shift from the days when it was typically expected that mothers would stay home. Yet even with today's increasing acceptance that either parent can bring home the bacon, so few dads choose to stay home.

Enter this episode's guest, Joe Ketner, who is about to transition from the workforce to the diaperforce. Joe talks to Patrick and John about what went into his decision and how he's planning to enter life as a stay-at-home Dad.