Stretchy Pants and Straight Talk

It's interview time again! You've already met two of the delightful Clark brothers - Cam and Josh (don't worry Zac, your time will come) and now it's time to meet the first (in a series of three) of Maelyn's strappin' boys!

In this week's episode you'll meet the smarty pants Will, currently a student at BYU who, it turns out, has some thoughtfully-formed opinions on Colin Kaepernick and the NFL. You'll learn which of his siblings he'd want with him if he were ever stranded on a deserted island (hint: it isn't Madison) and the surprising teacher that had the greatest influence on him.

Like they say - where there's a Will there's a podcast interview with his mother and her bestie.

In this episode the besties discuss some of the weird and unexplained things they've witnessed during their nearly 30 year friendship. You'll hear about the clerk at the Kitsap Mall that appeared to have been mauled by a bear and their brush with an escaped convict (or it maybe it was just some dude doing CrossFit) while enjoying a walk in the Sandia foothills. Listen to Lora audibly clutch her breast as Maelyn talks about the Crime Scene Family Home Evening her family enjoyed (only in Albuquerque!). Hold on tight - things are about to get real weird.

In the second part of this two-part series, learn what is helpful when a friend or family member is pregnant and needs some cheer (paint her nails!), and what is NOT: Unsolicited belly rubs and judgement on her food choices. Whether by C-section, or vaginal delivery (Bob Goldthwait refers to that birth as coming down "the Playdoh factory of life"), we've all entered this world with a pregnancy story - here's ours.

In this two-part podcast, Maelyn and Lora swap stories about their unconventional pregnancies. This first episode is more than the classic pregnancy battle story of sleep-deprivation and brain fog (although we love us some stories of the brain-damaged things said while in that state) but rather a compilation of stories about the power of Women nurturing Women.

The gals talk about the amazing church ladies that descended on Maelyn's house when she delivered the triplets and the countless hours of sweet rendered service and love that literally kept the three boys (and their demanding big sister) alive! There will also be a few suggestions on what not to say to a pregnant woman (the word "chub" comes to mind).

In this first episode of the New Year the gals update you on listener Soft Mama stories and introduce you to The Topper. You think you're having a bad day? The Topper's day is so much worse. You've just lost your home and all of your possessions in a flood? The Topper survived Super Storm Sandy and managed to beat Ebola (and still managed to hand sew her children's themed Halloween costumes). Give it up sister, there's no topping a Topper.

Sit back and listen as the gals interview Lora's sister, Heather, about the legend that has come to be known as the Second Greatest Story Ever Told. In this special Christmas episode, you'll meet the culturally anomalous "Benjamin" who has a penchant for small-talk, calling the shots, and evidently, the left-side.

Enjoy!

Spoiler Alert: If you haven't read Tara Westover's book, Educated you may want to avoid this episode since it includes many spoilers. We highly recommend you read this fascinating book!

In this episode Lora and Maelyn discuss Educated, a fascinating book by new author Tara Westover. Westover, the daughter of whack-a-doodle, survivalist Mormon parents who eschewed public schools and promoted heavy labor sans protective equipment. Trust in God trumped common sense and the welfare of their children. Her story is one that will both haunt and inspire you.

The subject matter had great appeal to the gals, both of whom share similar life experiences with the author including attending school at BYU, being raised Mormon by parents who also taught the importance of hard work and grew up with several siblings. The similarities end there, however, as neither Maelyn nor Lora has operated heavy equipment or scaled terrifying heights to install a roof. They were also never beaten by their brothers (although Maelyn's pretty sure her brother Casey and his friends made her drink urine from a pop bottle so she could join their club).

Josh Clark (Lora's youngest) is home on medical leave from his religious mission in Brazil. He joins us for a very informative lesson in ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) and Urban Slang. One of his pet peeves? When mamas use slang at inappropriate times and sans strong delivery. "Ya gotta own it!" Listen in and learn some "bomb" phrases you can use when others are "throwing hands!" You'll hear Lora and Maelyn dove-clucking and oohing/awhing in the background as Josh tries on his many accents: British, New Zealand and Australian.

Is there anything more heart-warming than the annual American tradition of gathering kith and kin to feast upon delectable family recipes, treasured and handed down from generation to generation? Or what about the precious opportunity to express gratitude for one's family and blessings?

How about Thanksgiving in a freezing cold camp trailer sans running water while battling a nasty case of "stomach flu" aka food poisoning, the shocking words from the mouth of a babe, lost and unclaimed children at small-town festivals and light-hearted discussions on death and burial (great suggestion Lora!)? Welcome to Thanksgiving with the Melville's in a small, Utah town. You'll never look at Thanksgiving the same way.

In this bonus Thanksgiving episode Maelyn meets Lora's unsupervised neighbor Buffy - the product of a soft mama with a penchant for naps, laissez-faire parenting, and a steady diet of Chik-fil-A and the Home Shopping Network.