We're back after a long weekend in KC! Tune in for our travel review of America's heartland as well as a recap of the Billy Joel + Stevie Nicks concert. Spoiler alert: it was AMAZING.

Side note: who is ready for the kids to go back to school?

In honor of back to school happening across the country this month and next, we're reflecting on our favorite teachers and the impact they have had. George also talks about moving around a lot as a kid and Jess shares what it was like having the same teachers as her parents.

Plus, Jess recalls a moment of independence when we traveled to New York City at 17 years old.

When you travel, are you someone who looks for local accommodations and food or do you stick with the tried and true brands you know? We have stuck pretty close to home over the last year with the exception of a couple work trips for Jess so we are VERY excited about our upcoming weekend away. We try to find smaller boutique hotels and local places to eat and shop. So far (fingers crossed) that has been a great way to see new things and have new experiences. What about you?

If you've been following along for the past few episodes, you've heard the saga of the vintage Halston dress that Jess was planning on wearing for her birthday this weekend at the Billy Joel concert. Sadly, it's not going to happen. On the topic of vintage clothes, in a weird twist of fate, George is sharing a story about a leather jacket that found him at a vintage store this week. Do you feel connected to the original wear-er, when you find treasures at a thrift store or vintage shop?

Our kids were with Grandma and grandpa on Sunday, we're talking about the eerie quiet of an empty house as parents of young kids. Plus, Jess celebrated National Left Handers day yesterday, any lefties in the pod audience?

Could you go 3 days with no Instagram? To some, it may sound silly. For others, it may sound impossible. For Jess, is has not been an easy feat. But after feeling distracted and unable to focus, this week she decided to step away from the app for awhile. She's sharing her realizations and observations today on the pod. Plus, the wildfires in Hawaii and the scary predictions for hurricane season.

It's been nearly 10 days since Minnesota's recreational cannabis law went into effect. Of course there are not dispensaries open yet with the exception of the Red Lake and White Earth tribal nations. But, you can grow your own and legally possess. Matt and Keith with the CBD Centers are back today to help you troubleshoot your growing techniques. Keith helps George identify a problem with his plant 'Virginia'. If you're growing cannabis, this episode is a great resource.

Remember last week when we talked about Gen Z and their 'lazy girl jobs'? Not so fast, 82% of employed Gen Z's want time off for mental health days because they report being burned out and stressed at work. We're talking about mental health days and why our systems aren't set up to take them (at least not without guilt and feeling like you need to check in or be available).

Also, the number of school districts in the US switching to 4-day school weeks is increasing will talk about the pros and cons of reducing the week by a day for kids and teachers.