Manic Rambling Spiral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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