We start with ham radio versus actual ham before moving on to being disillusioned with politics and limiting your exposure to negativity. Mike's struggle with consumption vs. production leads to a discussion around making space and radical prioritization as a way to make space for what you value most. Plus a really good pep talk on leveling up from Toni!

Toni and Mike receive a coffee delivery and discuss getting dressed for the weekend, curating your online persona, and finding the touchstones that anchor your life when all doesn't go as planned.

This week Mike and Toni offend garbage-men and -women and answer a listener question about staying positive (and/or motivated). We use Toni's experience as a freelance writer and writing student to explore grad school, working with a writing coach, and being possessed by the devil.

Toni and Mike discuss arborists and other jokes of adulthood as well as tornadoes, flying, and the ongoing practice of living with anxiety. They also consider looking ahead to the next phases of life and reinventing yourself while still engaging with the present.

Homonyms for bald. Shootin' pool and how we all suck as beginners. Just showing up summons the muse. and bite-sized, achievable goals get things done. Caffeine, sugar, diet coke, smoking and other habits.

We begin accidental Season Two of the podcast with the elemental parts of ourselves, not getting hung up on perfection and the thrill of being a beginner. They're not men, they're machines.

On a roll, or rather a foam roller, this week. Amid discussion of ungulates, Merlin-worship and being too old for music festivals, Toni and Mike address why our best thinking happens in the shower, capturing ideas, the tyranny of systems that prioritize busywork over real work, perfectionism, and refilling the well. Phew!

An episode about paying attention, whether it be through poetry, creative nonfiction, or to time. Also, romantic gestures ("artistic" or otherwise), not knowing what shape your endeavors will take, & answers to listener questions about taking control of your schedule & making time for family dinners.

Toni and Mike tackle the fun in frightening grandparents and revisit losing before exploring autonomy and respect, inertia, assumptions, making the time to practice a craft, and seeing things for what they really are instead of what you think they might be. It's a good one!

This week Toni and Mike recap art night and the unvarnished life on the way to a discussion of autonomy and happiness, resilience and finding balance. Along the way: Listener feedback, setting priorities, and of course, pooping.