Denial Bus

For our 10th episode we have a special guest, Holly Gates! Holly is a good friend of Patti's who is a mother to three young boys. Her oldest son has autism and the Mother Effers discuss the challenges. Holly has recently begun to perform stand up comedy and is also using it as an outlet for her emotions and thoughts of parenting a special needs child.

The Mother Effers are wrapping up the year with their comedy and recap their time hosting an open mic together. Then it's onto the dreaded topic of laundry where Patti and Heather break into an epic debate of FOLD or DON'T FOLD your underwear. Please let us know your feelings in an anchor voice message or email us at [email protected]. After this near friendship killing discussion, it's on to tips about kid's clothing organization, dressing properly, and when traveling. Bonus travel tips in regards to snacking! Kids with trauma and neglect often have challenges with food so get two perspectives on how each mom deals with the drama.

Heather went to the very first Palm Springs International Comedy Festival and it was... interesting. Then Patti and Heather recap their Thanksgiving hijinks which included some unforeseen travel bumps, a holiday with the kids split between parents, a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, and taking the family to see the movie INSTANT FAMILY. It was a busy holiday weekend and they managed to come out of it... just okay.

Patti discusses the evolution of her Curious George set and then Heather joins in to discuss the pitfalls of watching television and movies with children from foster care and adoption. Then it's a deep dive into why Heather chose to adopt an older sibling set of three children and the challenges of raising children who suffered serious neglect, trauma, and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Also, find out why Heather can no longer cry (don't worry, Patti cries instead).

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Patti and Heather discuss the unexpected benefits, life changes, and life lessons that came from doing comedy. Then they deep dive into met and missed expectations of adoption, parenting, and the inevitable expectations they’ve created for their kids. Also, Heather’s Tiger Mom views on life come out.

SPOILERS! Patti and Heather saw the new movie INSTANT FAMILY (starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne) and give their honest take on how the film deals with foster care and adoption. Also, they recap Patti's stand up comedy show Fostering Funny and talk about their Thanksgiving plans.

Patti and Heather discuss their first comedic influences (Bill Cosby and Lucille Ball respectively). Then it’s a recap of Halloween and how they manage their kids needs while keeping the spirit of the holiday alive. Then Heather talks about her kids ups and downs of the week; her youngest daughter finished trauma therapy and her eldest daughter decided to try and forge a note to get out of PE.

First up, Heather had a show and the Mother Effers talk about the challenges of performing to a lukewarm audience. Then it’s an emotional discussion with Patti about FASD and adopting a special needs child. It’s an emotional episode and the Crouch Cry Count is high. Grab those tissues!

Patti and Heather discuss the fun and glum of their long form improv classes, Halloween traditions, being a sick mom, and things you never knew about private adoption.