Manic Rambling Spiral

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.