In this Are We Obsessed? episode, the Laurens dive into their latest fixations—because when they love something, they really love it. Lauren P reveals how a spicy little Ali Hazelwood novel yanked her out of a six-month reading slump (12 books in one month, y’all!) and shares her newfound love for old-school porch hangouts with neighbors while the kids run wild in the street like it’s 1993. She also sings the praises of living in a neighborhood where all the kids' friends are within five minutes—it takes a village, but like, a close one.

Meanwhile, Lauren B is obsessed with Phoebe Robinson’s Substack, Thots and Prayers, and is on a mission to enjoy summer with her kids rather than white-knuckle her way through it. (We see you, moms hiding in the pantry with the boxed wine.)

If you’re looking for laughs, book recs, community feels, and a nudge to go sit on your dang porch—this episode’s for you.

Helpful links:

Phoebe Robinson's Substack Thos and Prayers:

https://dopequeenpheebs.substack.com/

Ali Hazelwood's New Book, Problematic Summer Romance

https://amzn.to/4kcCqvX

Keywords

summer, parenting, reading, community, slumber parties, family fun, creativity, porch hangs, adventures, podcast

Takeaways

• Summer brings a unique set of parenting challenges.
• Slumber parties can be a fun way for kids to bond.
• Reading can help unlock creativity and joy.
• Community connections are vital for family life.
• Porch hangs foster relationships among neighbors.
• Summer adventures create lasting family memories.
• It's important to savor the good moments in parenting.
• Planning spontaneous trips can lead to great experiences.
• Building a supportive community is essential for parents.
• Finding joy in simple summer activities is key.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Summer Challenges

03:42 Navigating Slumber Parties and Parenting

06:42 Overcoming Reading Slumps

09:31 Creative Inspirations and New Obsessions

12:38 Phoebe Robinson and Social Commentary

15:56 Cultural Reflections and Movie Discussions

16:36 Exploring New Movies and Cultural References

17:40 The Importance of Community and Porch Hangs

26:24 Summer Adventures with Kids

30:02 Planning Family Getaways and Road Trips