Are We Doing This?

This week, the Laurens are back with updates on their fitness challenge—and let’s just say things escalated quickly. Wall Pilates is no joke and Lauren B accidentally found herself in a HIIT cardio class that nearly ended her. Spoiler: she survived, but barely.

Then, they sit down with the incredible Jen Gayden, the creative force behind Vivian James Events in Fort Worth. Jen shares how she blends her love of event planning, photography, and florals into one stunning business—all while raising two kids and staying (somehow?) sane. She spills the tea on why flowers can be ridiculously expensive, and why having a mentor is a total game-changer when launching a business.

Don’t miss this episode full of laughs, inspiration, and a little post-workout regret. And be sure to tune in next week for the Are We Obsessed episode when the Laurens dive into their current faves—products, shows, and whatever else is living rent-free in their brains.

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https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_vivianjamesevents

Keywords

business, entrepreneurship, floral design, event planning, photography, side hustles, work-life balance, creative passions, client education, logistics, floral design, entrepreneurship, photography, business challenges, mentorship, creative parties, floral parties, event planning, small business, women in business

This week, the Laurens are back with a wild mix of firsts, fails, and future plans. Lauren P recounts her shocking near hole-in-one during her very first golf outing—and her dream of assembling a glam golf crew for a weekend of cute outfits and cocktails. Meanwhile, both Laurens took on the challenge of watching all 10 Academy Award Best Picture nominees (well… almost all), and they’re not holding back on their hot takes. (The Substance = yes. Emilia Perez = hard no.)

They also get real about their struggle to find joy in working out—and what they’re doing about it. Lauren B is diving into a ChatGPT-generated 30-day movement challenge (think: brushing your teeth while doing calf raises), and Lauren P was influenced by TikTok (again) to try the 28-Day Wall Pilates Challenge.

Plus, a sneak peek at next week’s guest: Jen Gayden of Vivian James—Petals, Portraits, and Parties. You’ll want to hear her story!

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Keywords

podcast, parenting, field day, gardening, golf, Academy Awards, challenges, motherhood, routines, chaos, workout routine, motivation, fitness challenges, Pilates, exercise, health, women, personal trainer, accountability, movement

Chapters

00:00 Late Night Vibes and Wine

02:49 End of School Year Chaos

05:50 Field Day Fiasco

08:51 Parenting Challenges and Bodily Fluids

11:39 Gardening Adventures

14:35 Embracing New Experiences

15:44 Family Golf Adventures

20:24 Challenge Accepted: The Academy Awards

32:30 Looking Ahead: New Challenges

33:14 Struggles with Workout Routines

35:15 The Impact of Life Changes on Fitness

38:07 Chasing the Workout High

41:08 Finding Joy in Physical Activity

50:17 Embracing Movement: A New Approach to Fitness

55:59 Setting Goals: The Importance of Accountability in Fitness Challenges

59:44 Exploring New Fitness Trends: Wall Pilates and Beyond

01:03:24 Upcoming Guest: A Journey into Event Planning and Entrepreneurship

In This Episode:
Lauren P debates whether competitive soccer is the right fit for her son—especially if it means giving up her beloved Soccer Saturdays with friends. Meanwhile, Lauren B tries Pilates for the first time, shows up late, and accidentally does the entire class on the hardest setting thanks to some reformer confusion.

The Laurens also unveil an exciting new structure for the podcast! Each month will now feature four themed episodes:

• Are We Really Doing This? – Trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zones

• Are We OK? – Honest convos about what’s on our minds

• Are We Obsessed? – Books, shows, and products we can’t stop talking about

• Are We Best Friends Now? – Guest interviews that go deep and make us laugh

Plus, they share their Summer Survival Plans for getting through the chaos of summer with two young kids each. Spoiler: snacks, screen time, and low expectations might be involved.

Keywords

summer, parenting, fitness, soccer, podcast, family, challenges, routines, survival strategies, motherhood, parenting, summer activities, screen time, routines, kids independence, family meals, summer learning, outdoor play, family bonding, summer plans

Takeaways

• Summer is approaching, leading to parenting anxiety.
• Weekend activities include birthday parties and family outings.
• Field trips can be both fun and exhausting for parents.
• Physical fitness challenges are a common struggle for busy moms.
• Deciding on competitive sports for children can be challenging.
• Summer routines need to be planned to keep kids engaged.
• Balancing screen time and outdoor activities is essential.
• Podcast format is evolving to include more relatable topics.
• Moms often feel overwhelmed during summer break.
• Community and support from other parents is invaluable. Managing screen time can be challenging for parents.
• Creating a structured summer learning routine is beneficial.
• Morning routines help kids start their day positively.
• Balancing work and family activities is essential during summer.
• Encouraging kids' independence fosters confidence.
• Outdoor play is crucial for children's development.
• Utilizing school lunch programs can ease meal planning.
• Planning simple summer lunches can reduce stress.
• Daily snack management is important for healthy eating.
• Creating a family summer bucket list can enhance family bonding.




Chapters

• 00:00 Summer Countdown and Survival Strategies
• 02:40 Weekend Shenanigans and Family Activities
• 05:41 Field Trip Adventures and Nature Exploration
• 08:37 Fitness Journeys and Challenges
• 11:31 Soccer Struggles and Competitive Decisions
• 14:26 Crawfish Boil and Family Gatherings
• 17:20 Podcast Evolution and Future Directions
• 20:24 Connecting with Guests and Community
• 23:23 Balancing Work and Family Life
• 26:26 Lunch Planning for the Summer
• 27:28 Encouraging Independence in Kids
• 28:25 Final Thoughts on Summer Strategies
• 36:51 Kitchen Independence for Kids
• 37:57 Snack Management Strategies
• 39:57 Summer Plans and Activities
• 42:11 Creating a Family Summer Bucket List
• 44:23 Exploring Outdoor Adventures
• 46:07 Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
• 48:09 Nostalgic Plans: Backstreet Boys in Vegas
• 50:56 Seeking Summer Survival Tips

In this episode, LB and LP get real about motherhood, money, and the elusive search for balance. From Mother’s Day reflections to summer survival strategies with kids, they cover it all — with detours into the world of film (Wicked, Conclave, and A Complete Unknown), podcast rabbit holes, and a possible kid cameo. LP spills the financial details of her cake biz — and that one time a reality TV producer slid into her DMs. LB keeps chasing that ever-elusive sweet spot gig, and together, they tackle fame, nostalgia, and figuring it all out one messy moment at a time.

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Keywords:

podcast, motherhood, movies, challenges, family, traditions, Mother's Day, Wicked, Conclave, Bob Dylan, nostalgia, film performance, cake business, work-life balance, parenting strategies

Takeaways:

The podcast introduces a new audio-only format due to personal circumstances.

Mother's Day reflections highlight what we REALLY want

Listeners are encouraged to share their podcast preferences between audio and video.

The discussion of the movie 'Wicked' reveals differing opinions on its appeal and themes.

'Conclave' explores the complexities of choosing a new pope and the moral dilemmas involved.

'A Complete Unknown' raises questions about fame and the struggles of artists.

The conversation touches on the societal pressures faced by public figures.

The pressure of instant communication can be overwhelming.

Performance in film can evoke strong opinions and feelings.

Running a cake business involves both creativity and financial strategy.

Work-life balance is a constant negotiation for parents.

Summer presents unique challenges for working parents.

Finding the right income balance is crucial for family dynamics.

Personal fulfillment in work is important for mental health.

Exploring new career paths can be daunting but necessary.

In this episode of Are We Doing This?, we're diving into two Best Picture nominees as part of our Oscars challenge: Anora and The Substance. We react to the shocking, grotesque imagery in The Substance—including an unforgettable chicken wing moment—and unpack the intensity of Anora, especially that wild Russian "bad guys" scene (we’re pretty sure we wouldn’t scream that loudly, even if we tried). We also share a peek behind the scenes of our real lives: sick kids (flu and Hand, Foot, and Mouth—yay), the chaos of motherhood, and the unexpected thrill of my Espresso Martini Cupcake video going viral on TikTok.

keywordsparenthood, illness, family activities, teacher appreciation, cake business, marketing, social media, collaborations, work-life balance, movies, Anora, The Substance, character analysis, film reviews, dual passions, themes, Academy Awards, exploration, storytelling

Takeaways

Parenting often requires juggling multiple responsibilities, especially during illness.

Community support is crucial during challenging times, such as sickness in the family.

Teacher appreciation week can be overwhelming for parents, with various themes and expectations.

Engaging in family activities can provide a much-needed break from daily stressors.

Social media can significantly impact small businesses, leading to unexpected opportunities.

Collaboration with local businesses can enhance visibility and create new partnerships.

Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for mental health and productivity.

Feedback from clients is vital for improving products and services in a business.

It's important to prioritize self-care and personal interests amidst busy schedules.

Finding joy in work can help alleviate feelings of burnout and identity crises. Exploring multiple passions can lead to unexpected insights.

The juxtaposition of different interests can create unique experiences.

Movies can serve as a backdrop for personal exploration.

Character motivations often reflect deeper societal themes.

The portrayal of relationships in film can be complex and multifaceted.

Understanding character dynamics enhances the viewing experience.

Graphic content in films can evoke strong emotional reactions.

The impact of aging and beauty standards is a recurring theme in cinema.

Film reviews can spark engaging discussions about storytelling.

Future movie selections can reflect current societal issues.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Illness

03:32 Weekend Adventures and Family Activities

06:30 Teacher Appreciation Week Insights

09:31 Balancing Health and Business

12:31 Celebrating Teachers and Community Support

16:05 Teacher Appreciation Week: The Emotional Toll

22:25 Balancing Parenting and Work: The Mental Load

28:48 Cake Business: Creativity and Challenges

31:00 Identity Crisis: Navigating Career Changes

33:13 Introduction to the Characters and Plot

35:09 Exploring Relationships and Motivations

37:57 Conflict and Climax: The Screaming Scene

39:08 The Ending: Power Dynamics and Emotional Release

42:35 Transition to the Second Movie: The Substance

43:57 Plot Overview and Themes of The Substance

46:17 Exploring Body Horror and Disgusting Imagery

48:06 The Concept of Self and Identity

50:35 The Pursuit of Youth and Its Consequences

52:23 Graphic Scenes and Their Impact

55:47 Acting Performances and Industry Commentary

58:34 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

01:02:30 AWDT Podcast Intro Video (1920 x 1080 px).mp4

This week on Are We Doing This? — Lauren and Lauren dive into the chaos of over-planning kids’ birthday parties (even when we swear we won’t), finding balance with our energy and anxiety, and yes, turning to TikTok for self-diagnoses. Lauren P. pitches a bold new cake business idea—shed included—and the duo kicks off a fresh May challenge. Plus, they take a nostalgic trip through the movies that shaped them most.

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Keywords

cake business, health, medication, movie recommendations, birthday party, personal well-being, nostalgia, classic movies, cultural reflections, entrepreneurship, moms and mental load, party planning burnout, anxiety, TikTok health hacks, mompreneurs, cake business idea, movie nostalgia, personal growth, monthly challenges, friendship and motherhood

Lauren P’s cake business is officially up and running—and holy shit, it’s been a ride. First week in and the dog ate 15 cupcakes (RIP funfetti), orders are flying in, and chaos reigns in the best way possible. Meanwhile, Lauren B. is diving headfirst into small biz marketing magic, ready to help brands find their voice and their people. But we need to talk about the real crisis: Party City is GONE. How are we supposed to throw parties now—DIY everything? Possibly. Probably. Definitely. Also: We’ve got hot takes on Netflix’s The Life List and Ransom Canyon, and a very important question... how is Josh Duhamel still aging like fine wine? Tune in, weigh in, and party on—even if you have to make your own balloon arch.

Helpful Links:

LoLo Bakes Cakes Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/lolo-bakes-cakes

Canva: Canva.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arewedoingthispod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arewedoingthispod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AreWeDoingThisPod

Keywords:

Easter, family traditions, Netflix shows, The Life List, cake business, baking challenges, Mother's Day, party planning, marketing strategies, personal branding, AI, career coaching, small business

Takeaways

• Easter celebrations can be a mix of fun and chaos.
• Family traditions often evolve as children grow.
• Finding entertainment that resonates can be a bonding experience.
• Reflecting on childhood dreams can inspire current goals.
• Running a cake business involves both creativity and logistics.
• Learning from baking challenges is essential for growth.
• Customer feedback can drive business success.
• Creative ideas for holidays can enhance customer engagement.
• Navigating party planning can be simplified with the right supplies.
• Marketing strategies need to adapt to current trends.
• Building a personal brand requires thoughtful planning.
• AI tools can assist in career development and marketing.
• New client projects can provide fresh opportunities.
• Affordable services can help small businesses thrive.
• Feedback from listeners can shape future podcast content.

Chapters

00:00 Easter Reflections and Family Traditions

01:54 Netflix Shows and Girls' Night In

04:57 The Life List: A Journey of Self-Discovery

08:00 Creating Lasting Memories for Kids

10:48 Baking Adventures and Business Lessons

16:55 Future Plans and Custom Orders

18:03 Navigating Seasonal Flavors and Custom Orders

21:25 Creative Solutions for Mother's Day Treats

26:07 Exploring Party Planning Opportunities

27:11 Building an Online Presence and Portfolio

35:15 Local Marketing Strategies for New Businesses

35:22 Exploring Affordable Solutions for Small Businesses

38:39 Leveraging Technology for Business Efficiency

41:57 The Importance of Branding and Marketing

42:14 Navigating the Challenges of Small Business Management

43:05 Seeking Guidance and Support in Career Development

45:44 Future Directions and Listener Engagement

In Episode 11, Lauren and Lauren are back with stories from their recent travels and some major anniversary celebrations! They open up about a few heart-pounding scares involving their kids and explore how they'd handle real-life emergencies. Lauren P. dives into her struggles with sleep anxiety—plus a mysterious case of sleepwalking in her house. Big news: she's going all-in on her cake business in Colorado and just survived a wild rush of Easter cupcake orders. Meanwhile, Lauren B. takes a big step in her marketing freelancing journey by productizing her services and leveling up her online portfolio. Oh—and someone gets inked and picks up a brand-new sport. Tune in for laughs, real talk, and a few surprises!

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Keywords: parenting podcast, mom life, women entrepreneurs, cake business, sleep anxiety, small business journey, podcast for moms, creative business, freelance marketing, online portfolio, productized services, Colorado baker, emergency mom stories, tattoo story, trying new things

Double digits, baby! In this milestone episode, Lauren Butler and Lauren Parajon look back on their first two months behind the mic and share their Top 10 Takeaways so far. Who needs to work on their listening skills, and who’s realizing they effing LOVE podcasting? You’ll have to listen to find out!

From surprising lessons (spoiler: podcasting is way easier than they expected!) to why you should give it a try, the Laurens are keeping it real, reflective, and ridiculously fun. Plus, Lauren B. spills a new strategy she’s using to level up her writing game, and Lauren P. gives us the scoop on a photo shoot involving feet pics and dollar store accessories. Yep, it’s as wild as it sounds.

Grab your headphones and come celebrate 10 episodes with us—because we’re just getting started!

Helpful links:

LP's Book Recommendation:

Thank you For Listening by Julia Whelan ⁠https://amzn.to/42BXg2f⁠

LB's Book Recommendation:

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity⁠ https://amzn.to/427DdJ3⁠

Podcasting Software: ⁠Riverside.fm⁠

Takeaways

• Celebrating small milestones is important in any journey.
• Spring brings opportunities for outdoor activities and family bonding.
• Time management is a common struggle for many, especially parents.
• Side hustles require more effort than initially anticipated.
• It's okay to pivot away from creative passions that no longer resonate.
• Podcasting can foster deeper connections and friendships.
• The process of podcasting is more accessible than it seems.
• Feedback from listeners can be surprising and encouraging.
• Jumping into new projects can lead to unexpected rewards.
• It's essential to embrace the learning curve in any new endeavor. Communication styles can differ greatly between friends.
• Reconnecting with old friends can deepen understanding.
• Defining success in adulthood is a complex challenge.
• Social media addiction is a common struggle.
• Embracing boredom can lead to personal growth.
• Creative ventures can be both fun and challenging.
• Rediscovering creativity requires structure and commitment.
• Listener feedback is crucial for podcast improvement.
• Personal growth often involves exploring new interests.
• It's okay to not have everything figured out.

Keywords

podcast, milestones, time management, side hustles, creativity, friendships, parenting, spring, reflections, challenges, communication, personal growth, success, social media, creativity, podcasting, relationships, adulthood, reconnecting, listener engagement

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Episode 10: A Milestone Reflection

05:43 Spring Adventures: Embracing the Outdoors

10:19 Lessons from Podcasting: Takeaways and Surprises

19:43 The Reality of Side Hustles: More Work Than Expected

22:35 The Desire to Write and Create

26:02 The Joy of Podcasting

29:23 Realizations About Podcasting

31:07 Deepening Relationships Through Podcasting

35:41 Learning from Others' Stories

39:58 Navigating Life Transitions

41:33 Navigating Boredom: A Modern Dilemma

43:33 The Challenge of Sleep: Seeking Solutions

44:33 Creative Ventures: The Feet Picture Project

53:37 Rediscovering Creativity: The Artist's Way

In this conversation, guest Krista Gregg shares her unique journey from working in healthcare marketing to becoming a business owner in the crime scene cleanup industry. She discusses the challenges and emotional aspects of her work, the importance of empathy, and the training required in this unregulated field. The conversation delves into the realities of hoarding cleanup and the transformative power of understanding and support in helping clients navigate their traumatic situations. In this conversation, Krista shares her journey in the world of hoarding cleanup and mental health advocacy, the challenges of starting her own business, and the emotional toll of dealing with trauma. Krista also highlights her upcoming podcasts, 'Light a Match' and 'She Diaries,' which aim to raise awareness about hoarding and the experiences of women who have lost loved ones to suicide. The discussion touches on the need for better mental health support for men and the importance of storytelling in healing and connection.

About Krista: 

Krista Gregg and her husband, Matt, left stable careers to take a bold leap into business ownership. They now run Bio One of Colorado and Bio One of Asheville, and they're specializing in biohazard remediation, including crime scene cleanup, hoarding remediation, and drug decontamination. More than just cleaning spaces, they help restore normalcy for people facing life's toughest moments. Krista is also the CEO of Bright Sky House, a media company whose mission is to bring hidden stories to light, giving voice to narratives that deserve to be heard.

You can find Krista online at 

https://www.instagram.com/kristagregg 

BrightSkyHouse.com 

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Keywords

crime scene cleanup, hoarding remediation, business transition, emotional support, healthcare to entrepreneurship, biohazard cleaning, customer care, team building, insurance challenges, empathy in business, hoarding, mental health, storytelling, entrepreneurship, grief, resilience, advocacy, women's issues, suicide awareness, emergency services