In this episode, Aaron, Kirsten, and Leslie share summer updates, travel adventures, and the realities of balancing family life with their musical past. Leslie's unexpected enthusiasm for Des Moines, Iowa, sparks discussion about affordable, walkable cities with thriving arts scenes and farmers markets. The conversation flows naturally from childhood TV nostalgia (Little House on the Prairie trauma, anyone?) to modern parenting challenges and the comedy of corporate sensitivity training. They their ongoing demand for reunion performances while acknowledging the homework aspect of maintaining musical skills. From designer thrift finds to high school reunion anxieties, pool setups to insurance company language policies, the hosts cover the wonderfully chaotic spectrum of Gen X mom life. The episode captures the essence of women who once rocked stages now navigating suburban adventures, complete with dog swimming preferences and grocery store cottage cheese quests. Their unfiltered commentary on everything from 1970s television to medical museums offers both nostalgia and fresh perspectives. Perfect for former musicians, classic rock fans, and anyone seeking genuine conversations about midlife's unexpected joys and challenges. The podcast proves that while the venues may have changed from concert halls to kitchen tables, the music and friendship endure.

1. "I'm a total fan of Des Moines, Iowa. Loved Des Moines. It is a gem. I think it's very affordable and kind of funky and cute." - Leslie
2. "Even if you've been playing for a long time, you have to practice. That's part of the deal. I'll be honest, I haven't been singing. That gets rusty real quick." - Leslie
3. "I don't want to be a pain in the ass. We can't have language like that. We can't have any language that could be misinterpreted as sexual harassment." - Leslie (recounting insurance conversation)
4. "Back in those days, it was, you want a career? This is happening. Let's go." - Aaron (discussing child actors in the 1970s)
5. "As soon as I went through, I was just like, that feels great. I don't know why that feels great, but that just felt awesome." - Aaron (after driving under a fallen tree)

Actionable Steps:

• Research affordable, walkable cities like Des Moines for quality of life alternatives
• Maintain musical skills through regular practice, even during breaks from performing
• Use platforms like Poshmark to monetize designer items you won't wear

Conceptual Insights:

• Childhood media exposure shapes adult perspectives more than we realize
• Small acts of calculated risk-taking can provide unexpected satisfaction

Strategic Applications:

• Former musicians can leverage their past for current social opportunities and events
• Travel planning benefits from researching local events and seasonal attractions
• High school reunions offer valuable reconnection opportunities despite initial anxiety

Resources Mentioned:

• Poshmark (online marketplace for designer clothing)
• Hy-Vee grocery stores (Iowa-based chain)
• Museum of Medical Oddities (Philadelphia)
• Fong's Pizza (Des Moines restaurant)

Locations Discussed:

• Des Moines, Iowa (farmers market, East Village, bike trails)
• Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)
• Notre Dame University (South Bend, Indiana)
• Baltimore Aquarium and Children's Museum

Cultural References:

• Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983 TV series)
• 1970s television programming and UHF channels
• Designer brand Comme des Garçons (heart logo clothing)

"We went from learning chord progressions to managing carpool schedules - turns out both require perfect timing and the ability to improvise when everything goes wrong."

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