If I Had One Complaint

This episode had us laughing from the jump — from early‑morning time‑zone chaos to Bekah sitting fully mic’d and ready an hour early while Duke snoozed like a perfect gentleman (gentledog? Good dog.) Things took a turn when we discovered our very first one‑star review (the audacity!), which sent us spiraling into theories about finger‑slips, secret enemies, and possibly… Joe. From there, the conversation wandered through retail misery, Diet Coke withdrawals, and the universal truth that some people just wake up choosing chaos.

Today's main topic: Millennial Complaints — the “OK Boomer” list that Ruha and Bekah (two millenials) have thoughtfully assembled. From QR‑code menus to subscription services with ads, LED headlights, and the never‑ending parade of school apps, we break down the tiny irritations that unite a generation. Expect passionate rants, relatable gripes, and Ruha’s science‑girl breakdown of why LED headlights feel like staring into the sun.

Along the way, we connected the story to our own lives — including Bekah's iconic “if I had one complaint” origin story from her unmedicated, lightning‑fast labor, where Joe’s biggest hardship was… his hand hurting. (We’re still laughing at that one.) And yes, we also learned that Bekah checks Instagram approximately twice a year, but Threads? Threads is her natural habitat.

We wrapped things up with gratitude for the pleasant people of Oak Ridge, a plea for five‑star reviews to rescue the podcast from its tragic 4.2 rating, and a cozy reminder that complaining with your besties is basically therapy.

Mentioned in Today’s Episode🍰 Gold Peak Sweet Tea (Ruha’s comfort beverage of choice — the liquid hug that gets her through retail shifts and Diet Coke withdrawals.)https://www.goldpeaktea.com/

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix) (The delightfully gloomy show Bekah referenced — perfect for when you want whimsy, chaos, and Neil Patrick Harris in one place.)https://www.netflix.com/

Dove Milk Chocolate (The smooth, melty little square of joy that fixes approximately 87% of life’s problems.)https://www.dovechocolate.com/

Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecakeFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The “e” wouldn’t fit) EMAIL US: midnightcheesecakepodcast

Chapters0:38 Welcome to Midnight Tuesday Podcast

1:34 First One-Star Review

5:05 The Struggles of Retail

7:41 Diet Coke Withdrawal

10:52 Birth Story

15:07 Labor and Delivery Complaints

17:09 Millennial Complaints

19:07 Subscription Services with Ads

22:22 Apps for Everything

25:58 Communication Overload in Schools

28:38 Annoying Website Features

32:24 The Button Dilemma

40:21 Loud Music in Restaurants

43:56 Midnight Cheesecake Celebrations

45:46 Rating and Sharing Requests

Midnight Cheesecake's Mardi Gras Would‑You‑Rather Episode

This week, your sleepy long‑distance besties are recording at an hour no human should be awake — Ruha with her retainer still in, Bekah clinging to the last sips of Diet Coke before Lent begins. What starts as a Mardi Gras check‑in quickly spirals into sugar hangovers, Galentine’s crafts, and the eternal struggle of a night owl being besties with a morning person. And then… the Would‑You‑Rather questions begin. And they are unusual.

From pet cacti that tell bad jokes to jellybeans that bounce away, from miniature butlers to marching bands at the gym, from glitter clouds to spotlight disasters — your girls tackle each scenario with the seriousness it absolutely does not deserve. There’s also a brief philosophical debate about whether a magic wand would turn your hamper into a cupcake or just make it taste like one. (Netflix, call us.)

Along the way, we swap stories from our own lives — a magnet‑craft soirée, the saga of Waldo the parrot (newly crowned Midnight Cheesecake mascot), and the ongoing battle of waking up teenagers before sunrise. We even revisited the iconic Tom Holland “Umbrella” performance because honestly, we don't do that often enough.

We wrapped things up with a cozy chat about what we’re loving lately — including Bekah’s new study soundtrack — and a reminder that even at 6 a.m., catching up with your besties feels like coming home.

Mentioned in this Episode

Homemade‑Gifts‑Made‑Easy Would‑You‑Rather List (The chaotic source of every cactus, jellybean, and glitter cloud we debated today — bless this website for its commitment to weirdness.)https://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/would-you-rather-questions.html

Tom Holland’s “Umbrella” Lip Sync Battle (The performance that lives rent‑free in all our hearts — peak athleticism, peak Zendaya, peak Spidey.)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W4KpQpZJgk

Ludovico Einaudi – Piano Music (Bekah’s new study soundtrack — soothing, cinematic, and perfect for cramming medical billing codes at 5 a.m.)https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ludovico+einaudi

The Studio

(Ruha's newest comedy binge — Seth Rogen, Star Studded cameos, Catherine O'Hara — what else do you need?)

https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.4xq4u7xj8q0q7z0g6t0z6xq0u

Fortune.com Subscription (The new grown‑up reading habit Ruha swears counts as “self‑care” — because nothing says relaxation like supporting journalism and staying informed.)https://fortune.com

Kjersti Flaa on YouTube (Ruha's favorite bad habit — Hollywood interviews, Legal drama, and the kind of content you put on while folding laundry and pretending you’re Scandinavian.)https://www.youtube.com/@kjerstiflaa

Loacker Chocolate (The wafer‑y, chocolate‑y treat that will disappear from the pantry faster than anyone will admit. A true Costco bulk treasure.)https://www.loackerusa.com/products/tortina-mini-original-chocolate-coated-wafer-3-17-oz-bag

Ferrero Rocher (The golden‑wrapped classic — perfect for Galentine’s, late‑night snacking, or bribing your cohost into recording at 6 a.m.)https://www.ferrerorocher.com

Find Us Here:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527 TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:24 Midnight Cheesecake: Mardi Gras Edition

4:17 Fun with Would You Rather

6:48 Quirky Pet Choices

10:13 Magical Objects and Daily Tasks

12:47 Laughing Through Life's Embarrassments

17:12 Dancing with Icons

19:03 Hairy Decisions

23:47 Hypothetical Animal Adventures

30:08 Drinking Thoughts

35:51 Enjoying Life and New Discoveries

Halftime Shows and Opening Ceremonies

This episode had us laughing from the jump — from Ruha’s rogue alarm to Bekah's “I swear I’m not muted” entrance — before we dove straight into the chaos of Super Bowl weekend, the Winter Olympics, and the almost‑launch of Artemis II. We spent the hour bouncing between pop culture moments, personal stories, and the kind of best‑friend commentary that only happens when you’re recording from your bedroom while your husband distracts the dog. It’s peak Midnight Cheesecake energy: cozy, chaotic, and full of opinions we’ll probably get sued for (allegedly).

Today’s main topic: the Winter Olympics opening ceremony — or as Ruha put it, “Why is Mariah Carey even here?” (no hate, but yeah, like why?) We unpacked the paint‑splattered spectacle, the space‑themed staging, and the emotional athlete walk‑ins, all while trying to understand why Iceland only sent 4 athletes to the Winter Olympics?? We also dipped into the Super Bowl halftime show and commercials, Bad Bunny’s big moments, widespread twerking, and the NASA tie‑ins that Ruha swears were everywhere.

Along the way, we connected the story to our own lives — including Ruha’s Fantasmic keg‑rolling saga, Bekah's Super Bowl snack spread, and a very passionate sidebar about Backstreet Boys maturity arcs. We also revisited the eternal question: why did we ever think Legolas was the one when Aragorn was right there the whole time?

We wrapped things up with reflections on being Back to School as a grownup, busy-mom schedules, and the joy of watching people live out their childhood dreams. As always, catching up with your besties feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today’s Episode

Joe Hegyes TikTok (@bequietjoe) (The caveman, the pilgrim, the Uggs — Ruha’s favorite historical himbo):https://www.tiktok.com/@bequietjoe

Backstreet Boys T‑Mobile Super Bowl Commercial (The pink outfits, the blue tongue, the nostalgia — AJ forever):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

(T‑Mobile’s 2026 Big Game Ad)https://www.t-mobile.com/news/press/omg-theyre-back-again-big-game-commercial

Bud Light “Keg” Super Bowl Commercial (The runaway keg that unlocked Ruha’s Fantasmic flashbacks and heroic dads everywhere):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-P6OzmgCyYhttps://adage.com/article/special-report-super-bowl/why-bud-light-made-keg-star-its-super-bowl-campaign/2561236

Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony – Milan Cortina 2026 (The paint ribbons, the music notes, and yes… Mariah Carey):https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/2026-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony-highlights

Super Bowl LX Halftime Show – Bad Bunny (The moment he gave little Bad Bunny the Grammy and made us all emotional):https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-2026/

Artemis II Mission Updates (The hydrogen leaks, the March launch windows, and the dream of boots on the moon):https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii/ https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/nasa-delays-artemis-ii-launch-march-2026

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecakeFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)EMAIL US: midnightcheesecakepodcast

Chapters0:52 Podcast Kickoff

2:07 Busy Lives, Busy Podcasts

3:05 Braless Life and Socials

3:20 Fun Videos and Laughter

4:58 Main Segment: Olympic Excitement

6:17 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

8:26 Space Themes and NASA Tie-ins

10:19 Celebrity Sightings at the Super Bowl

14:44 Super Bowl Highlights and Commercials

15:47 Super Bowl Snacks and Parties

20:02 Olympic Fashion Trends

30:41 The Parade of Athletes

36:44 Memories of Previous Olympics

39:44 Winter Sports and Olympic Dreams

42:04 The Intensity of Professional Athletes

43:43 Following the Winter Olympics

44:25 Midnight Cheesecake and Treats

55:05 Listener Engagement and Favorites

55:45 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

Put This On My Tombstone

Some moments just brand themselves onto your soul — the ones that make you laugh until you wheeze, the ones that feel like a movie montage, the ones that have absolutely nothing to do with weddings, babies, or résumés. Today, Ruha and Bekah are celebrating the other greatest moments of their lives, and the stories are peak Midnight Cheesecake energy. I mean, the aura points in this episode are ka-chinging harder than Ruha's slots machine.

Ruha kicks things off with her lifelong streak of improbable luck — the kind that wins raffles, costume contests, and, apparently, a mini‑jackpot on a cruise ship slot machine after betting ten cents. (A fortune which she immediately returned to the sea, like Rose at the end of Titanic.)

Then Bekah delivers what might be the most iconic story in podcast history: the day she became a real‑life Supermarket Sweep champion at Aldi. We’re talking a 90‑second grocery dash, a news crew, an air horn, a cart full of nuts, a heroic turkey heist, and a total that absolutely smoked the other contestants. It’s chaotic, triumphant, and deeply on‑brand. Link to that below.

From there, we wander into cozy games, recycled‑plastic tableware, very British pottery competitions, birthday marshmallows, PTA expectations, and the eternal question: if you had 90 seconds in any store, where would you go?

Grab a slice and settle in — this episode is a warm, chaotic celebration of life’s unexpected wins.

Mentioned in this episode:

Bekah's Aldi Giveaway

See Bekah's greatest moment for yourself. Warning: she's an absolute queen.https://share.google/QEM1y4CoSuxedr1h3The Wild at Heart (Nintendo Switch / Steam) A beautifully illustrated, cozy adventure game where you guide two runaway kids, craft potions, and command adorable Spritelings to save the forest. Bekah’s comfort‑game of choice.https://www.moonlightkids.co/the-wild-at-heart (moonlightkids.co in Bing)

Replay Tableware Bright, durable children’s plates, bowls, cups, and utensils made from recycled plastic. Ruha’s longtime favorite for building a rainbow‑coordinated kitchen cabinet for kids (say that five times fast).https://re-play.com/

The Great Pottery Throw Down (HBO Max) A wholesome, very British pottery competition show that will make you cry over clay and root for strangers shaping mugs. Ruha’s current creative obsession.https://www.max.com/shows/the-great-pottery-throw-down

Wondermade Marshmallows Hand‑crafted, gourmet marshmallows in flavors like bourbon, lavender, and birthday cake — the perfect midnight treat.https://wondermade.com/

Chapters:

0:11 Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake1:32 Greatest Moments Beyond Family6:52 A Lucky Cruise Experience10:07 Raffles and Surprises10:31 Fun with Grocery Giveaways17:53 Recollections of Cooking Shows24:27 Reflections on Community Service30:39 A Birthday Celebration36:37 Let's Talk about Marshmallows43:13 Exploring Pottery and Creativity48:40 Midnight Treats and Desserts

Find Us Around These Parts

Instagram: @midnightcheesecakepodTikTok: @midnightcheesecakeFacebook: Midnight Cheesecake PodcastEmail: [email protected]

Midnight Cheesecake 2025 Recap Episode

This episode felt like opening a big, cozy scrapbook with your best friends — equal parts laughter, nostalgia, and “wait, did we really say that?” energy. We celebrated hitting 1,000 downloads (!!!), revisited the episodes that shaped our little corner of the internet, and admitted that yes, sometimes the universe sends a sign in the form of a listener complaint. Duke contributed his usual background commentary (Can you hear it?), and we leaned fully into our new “embrace the chaos” editing philosophy. It’s warm, it’s messy, it’s us — and it’s exactly why this episode feels like a hug.

Today's main topic: our 2025 podcast recap — a look back at favorite episodes, standout moments, and the unexpected ways this show has grown with us. We talked about the episodes that made us feel like real podcasters, the ones that made us snort-laugh, and the ones that reminded us why we started this whole thing in the first place. From heartfelt listener messages to the joy of rediscovering old episodes, this recap is a love letter to the journey so far.

Along the way, we connected the story to our own lives — Christina’s “official complaint,” Adeline’s “tuff” review, Duke’s ongoing quest for airtime, and the shared chaos of recording while life happens loudly in the background. We even dipped into our current obsessions, from Yellowjackets to ACOTAR, because of course we did.

We wrapped things up with gratitude, bra-burning, giggles, and our midnight cheesecake picks — crunchy folded chips and Nutella-filled wafer magic. As always, we ended on that familiar note: catching up with your besties feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today's Episode🍰Yellowjackets (Paramount+) Bekah's current TV obsession — spooky, twisty, witchy wilderness vibes with a killer cast.https://www.paramountplus.com

A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book Series) Ruha's new reading adventure — the fantasy series everyone abbreviates but no one stops talking about.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16096824-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses

BetterHelp The therapy app that kicked off one of Ruha's most meaningful episodes — Sweata Weatha foreva.https://www.betterhelp.com/rpc/5aa5a92998b51811-5-01?utm_term=ref_v2_as (Ruha's affiliate link)Folds Potato Chips Bekah's midnight cheesecake pick — the folded chips from the bag, but all of them, all the time.https://www.homegoods.com (product availability varies)

Nutella B-Ready Ruha's sweet treat of the week — a crispy wafer stuffed with Nutella joy in four perfect bites.https://www.nutella.com

Find Ruha and Bekah Around These PartsINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527 TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters0:24 Welcome to the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast

1:15 From Complaints to Joy

9:03 Favorite Episodes Recap

17:33 Guest Moments and Highlights

18:58 Nature and Adventure Episodes

26:40 Reflecting on Serious Topics

27:59 Lighthearted Conversations Ahead

35:53 Fun with TV and Movies

40:46 Embracing No-Editing Freedom

48:21 Midnight Cheesecake Favorites

Amy Bradley Is Missing

Ruha and Bekah are finally back in the virtual recording room after a long break, and the reunion energy is strong. Between catching up on life updates — including Ruha’s TikTok glow‑up and Bekah gearing up for her medical billing and coding class — the episode settles into that cozy, familiar Midnight Cheesecake rhythm. The vibe is warm, a little chaotic, and full of the kind of laughter that only happens when besties haven’t talked in way too long.

Today’s main topic: the Netflix documentary “Amy, Amy Bradley Is Missing.” The case pulls them straight into the mystery of Amy Bradley’s 1998 disappearance from a cruise ship — a story filled with unsettling details, emotional interviews, and theories that leave you questioning everything. They walk through the timeline, the family’s heartbreak, the eerie Barbados sightings, and the confusing witness accounts that still haunt the case.

Along the way, they connect the story to their own lives — from travel anxieties to family dynamics to the universal “why do bad things happen when you’re just trying to relax on vacation” feeling. There may or may not be a moment where they spiral into the existential dread of cruise ship safety… but in a very Midnight Cheesecake way.

Ruha does mention her high school friend, the ethereal, appropriately named and very much missing, Tiffany Heaven Daniels, who is never far from her thoughts. If you have any tips, please report them here: https://www.facebook.com/findtiffany

They wrap things up with reflections on staying vigilant, supporting families of missing persons, and the importance of community awareness. And of course, they end on that signature cozy note — because catching up with your besties always feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today’s Episode🍰

Ghirardelli Sea Salt Almond Dark Chocolate Squares (“Bekah's well‑earned treat of the day — the kind of chocolate that makes you close your eyes for a second.”):https://www.ghirardelli.com/dark-chocolate-sea-salt-almond-squares-61308-p

‘Amy, Amy Bradley Is Missing’ on Netflix (“The documentary that sent us down a rabbit hole of theories, emotions, and cruise‑ship paranoia.”):https://www.netflix.com/

Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527 TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (that dang "e" wouldn't fit)EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:05 — Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake Podcast3:59 — Midwest Culture and Animal Videos11:35 — Diving into Amy Bradley43:10 — Lessons from the Amy Bradley Case51:16 — Wrapping Up and Listener Comments

On the second day of Christmas, my long distance besties gave to me... an overdue episode of Midnight Cheesecake! Hey besties, in this episode we wish you a Happy Hanukkah (which has already past), a Merry Christmas (which was yesterday) and a Happy New Year (which we have successfully timed right!) and most importantly, we wish you peace and joy and all those good things. It's been a wonderful year. From the bottoms of our carb-enhanced hearts, thank you for listening. Here's to a bright and humor-forward 2026. Did you share this episode with all your friends yet? If not, did Santa leave coal in your stocking for not knowing how to share? Let us know in the comments!

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

A Very Jonas Christmas and Other Season's Movies 🎄

We spent this episode wrapped up in twinkle lights and holiday chaos, giggling our way through the Jonas Brothers’ recent festive romp. (Ruha even saw a movie poster for it on her trip to Paris)

From cranking up Christmas playlists to debating which brother is the “relatable everyman,” we dove headfirst into the whimsical world of A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. Amongst the celebrity cameos, magical train detours, and a questionable canal jump (ew, but also… cinematic), we couldn’t help but connect the Jonas antics to our own holiday traditions.

Today's main topic: Christmas movies generally, but more specifically, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. We broke down the plot, laughed at the brothers’ self-deprecating humor, and marveled at surprise appearances from Will Ferrell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Bekah’s daughter even took notes mid‑movie, proving that this holiday flick deserves at least four out of five stars. Spoiler alert: Kevin may or may not have been forgotten by Santa, but we’re here to remind you he’s still the dad‑energy glue holding it all together.

Along the way, we shared personal stories — Ruha’s kids refusing to watch anything non‑animated (except for Home Alone, obviously), Bekah’s daughter moonlighting as a film critic, and our mutual nostalgia (or lack thereof) for Disney‑era Jonas chaos. And yes, we had to Google whether Home Alone: The Musical was ever real (jury’s still out).

We wrapped things up with cozy reflections on our own must‑watch Christmas classics, a few snack shout‑outs, and the reminder that catching up with your besties — even while debating nepo babies and luxury candles like “Glow by Joe” — feels just like coming home. 

Let us know in the comments: Glow by Joe or Wick by Nick?

Raubay Collapsible Green Screen (Ruha’s new gadget — because even holiday chaos looks better with chroma key magic): [On Amazon - Not an Affiliate Link]

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Bekah’s current read — silver fox wisdom and journal entries galore): [Book on Goodreads]

Potsticker Soup (Bekah’s dinner plans — proof that cozy comfort food beats any holiday chaos): [potsticker soup recipe on Gimme Some Oven]

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (The holiday romp that sparked all our laughter, nostalgia, and canal‑jump side‑eye): [On Disney Plus]

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

0:04 Welcome to the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast

0:11 The Christmas Music Era

1:28 Holiday Movie Adventures

3:28 The Jonas Brothers' Christmas Journey

6:20 Celebrity Cameos Galore

7:20 Nepo Babies in Hollywood

7:51 Jamie Lee Curtis Revelation

9:53 Must-Watch Christmas Classics

29:43 The Home Alone Musical

35:31 Fan Reactions and Reflections

45:38 Wrapping Up the Episode

Gobble Till You Wobble

Happy Thanksgiving friends! Are you having the Friendsgivingest celebration ever this season, or is it another big family get together this year? For us, this episode was all about leaning into the festive spirit of Thanksgiving with another silly round of “This or That.” Buckle up because this is all about the holiday food debates that make family dinners so memorable.

Let us hear your picks! We're talking Thanksgiving traditions and treats - from pumpkin pie vs. pecan pie to cranberry sauce (canned or homemade?), stuffing styles, and the eternal question of turkey or side dishes. We joked our way through quirky scenarios like parades vs. football, cookie decorating vs. pumpkin carving, and whether you’d rather wear a turkey hat or a football jersey in the family photo.

Along the way, we shared personal stories: Bekah's emotional support pumpkin pie, Ruha's southern roots with pecan tart cookies, and the infamous broccoli rice casserole mishaps (yes, one year the rice was missing, another year the broccoli). We also reflected on how Friendsgiving and family traditions both shape the holiday, and how grazing on leftovers is basically the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

We wrapped things up with thoughts on gratitude, community, and the joy of mixing traditions - before lightening the mood with snack talk, listener shout‑outs, and a reminder that catching up with your besties (even after a few weeks) feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today's Episode

Marie Callender Pumpkin Pie (Bekah's “emotional support pie” that lives in her freezer): https://www.mariecallendersmeals.com/pies/pumpkin-pie

 Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix (Bekah's dad’s doctored‑up sage stuffing classic): https://www.pepperidgefarm.com/product/herb-seasoned-stuffing

 Cracker Barrel Heat n’ Serve Thanksgiving Dinner (for those years when cooking just isn’t happening): https://www.crackerbarrel.com/thanksgiving

 Alton Brown’s Good Eats Turkey Brine (because science makes the bird better): https://www.thekitchn.com/alton-brown-turkey-review-263072

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:06 Welcome & Thanksgiving Kickoff 

1:17 Pumpkin Pie vs. Pecan Pie (and other food debates) 

5:53 Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, and Family Traditions 

10:42 Green Bean Casserole & Veggie Sides 

12:52 Turkey vs. Side Dishes 

14:19 Thanksgiving Traditions & Holiday Timing 

15:35 Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Holiday Shopping 

18:03 Friendsgiving vs. Family Thanksgiving 

24:12 Would You Rather: Turkey, Guests, and Gratitude 

34:38 Final Thoughts, Snacks, and Listener Shout‑Outs

When Neighbors Aren’t So Perfect

This episode took us from our usual laughs into something heavier: the Netflix documentary The Perfect Neighbor. After yapping a bit about balancing work, messenger traditions, and even cat mascots (because of course we did), we dove into the chaos of neighborhood disputes gone tragically wrong.

Today's main topic: Netflix Documentary "The Perfect Neighbor", complete with raw body cam and courtroom footage, which showed how Susan Lawrence’s hostility toward kids playing nearby escalated into a fatal confrontation with a mom. Watching her call the cops over and over, obsess about “private property,” and ultimately shoot her gun through a closed door left us stunned. We reflected on how fear, anger, and self‑defense laws collided in this case, and how the jury weighed her actions before (SPOILER ALERT) sentencing her to 25 years for manslaughter.

Along the way, we connected the story to our own lives - Ruha shared a wild encounter at a Florida convention with someone who felt eerily similar to Susan (ok but was it Susan? Let us know your thoughts), and Bekah remembered her own “Susan moments” with difficult customers. These stories reminded us how some people just thrive on conflict, and how important it is to set boundaries and protect your peace.

We wrapped things up with thoughts on conflict resolution, community, and how to avoid toxic dynamics, before lightening the mood with a sweet note, macarons, and listener shout‑outs. Because even after heavy conversations, catching up with your besties still feels like coming home.

Mentioned in Today's Episode

Crunch Labs Hack Pack (Ruha’s collab project — she’s building while the kids are at school) (Ruha's affiliate link): https://link.creatorcommerce.club/ir-2200009-1

Pepperidge Farm Milano Mint Chocolate Cookies (Bekah’s seasonal obsession — mint chocolate = instant holiday cheer): https://www.pepperidgefarm.com/product/milano-mint

Osmo 3 Creator Camera (Ruha’s new “big girl” content creator toy — stay tuned for her first project): https://www.dji.com/osmo-pocket-3

The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix (the documentary that sparked all the reflection and debate): https://www.netflix.com/title/81709928

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:06 Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake

1:58 Balancing Work and Life

5:59 Messenger Traditions

8:22 Cat Mascots and College Spirit

10:58 Netflix Documentary Discussion

24:45 The Perfect Neighbor Review

35:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

42:20 Exciting New Projects Ahead