We discuss all the things that you need to know before starting your own business, and what the future looks like for the laugh track.

Kids Saying Sorry (0:00:00)

 

The kids are fighting for the 3rdtime that day, you’re in the middle of making dinner, and frankly are at your wits ends. The easiest thing to do (and something I’ve done many a time as a parent) is to just have both kids apologize to each other and send them to opposite sides of the house. But is that forced apology actually sincere? More likely than not, it isn’t and it’s probably detrimental to their conflict resolution. So why do we do it? Why do we force an insincere apology that will just complicate things down the road? And what can we do instead? Here to answer these questions is Seattle-based parent coach, speaker, and founder of Childproof Parenting, Melissa Benaroya. 

 

 

 

Secrets of Entrepreneurship (0:16:26)

 

Starting a business can be both intimidating and overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, especially if you’re taking the risk of leaving your current job to do it. While you get advice from friends, books and the internet, much of your learning comes from hands-on experience. And unfortunately, there are still aspects of entrepreneurship that can catch you by surprise. So, we invited an expert on the matter to share what she’s learned from experience as an entrepreneur, former corporate woman and now CEO of her own business MOMables. . . Laura Fuentes. 

 

 

 

Adoption Story (0:31:31)

 

Every year, over a hundred thousand kids are put up for adoption by their birth parents. Many of them grow up without ever knowing who their birth parents are. And the question of who they might be always remains. But in recent years, meetings between birth parents and adult adoptees have become more common according to adoption experts, partly thanks to family history sites like Ancestry.com. So, for National Adoption month we have with us two special guests that are here to share their unique and amazing adoption story. From the perspective of both the birth mother and her adopted child, Mary Pat Young and Darcey Huish will share with us their journey of reuniting after 28 years, how they met, what has transpired since their reunion, and how their lives changed. 

 

 

 

Death of the Laugh Track (0:52:50) 

 

Once upon a time, all of our favorite shows used canned laughter—Seinfeld, Friends, Fraiser etc. We all got so used to it that certain tracks were familiar and even predictable. But do you ever wonder what effect it actually had on how we viewed sitcoms? And why don’t we hear it now? Here to share the history, evolution and effects of the laugh track is three-time New York Times bestselling author and pop culture expert, Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. 

 

 

 

Helping with Hoarding (1:09:43)

 

Everyone likes to hold onto mementos that remind us of the past, but at what point does the habit of holding on to stuff become unhealthy? Some people just refer to this as hoarding, but hoarding is more than just an attachment to your belongings--it's a mental health issue that needs to be taken seriously. Even though hoarding disorders affect 19 million people in the US, few know how to identify it and how to help those who are affected by the disorder. Here with us today to better understand hoarding disorders and how to help those who suffer from it is Dr. Michael A. Tompkins, a renowned psychologist and author. 

 

 

 

Keeping Your Dog Healthy (1:24:15)

 

Germany’s parliament has recently proposed a law that would order all dog owners to walk their dogs for at least two hours a day. While this kind of mandate seems a little strange, it does bring to mind how important it is to make sure our little canine friends are getting the exercise they need. But how do we know what kind or how much activity they need to stay happy and fit? 2 hours is a huge chunk of our day, and some dogs may not even need two whole hours. So, we invited veterinarian and host of the podcast Vet School Unleashed, Dr. Seth Williams, to help us out. 

 

 

 

Becoming a Morning Person (1:35:47)

 

As much as sleeping in till 1 pm might be ideal for you, the real world doesn’t often allow us such luxuries. Work, school, and other responsibilities demand that we get out of bed before or shortly after the sun rises. So how is the night owl supposed to survive when the early bird gets the worm? Joining us today to teach us how anyone can become a morning person is Dr. Chris Winter, a renowned neurologist and sleep specialist.

Author Rick Riordan talks about his new projects and what inspires him, and we talk about what we should do to keep teens safe.

Toxic Positivity (0:00:00)

 

Has someone ever confided in you as they struggle with something difficult, and all you can think to tell them is to "look on the bright side"? Because if you were really honest with them, you might make them feel more sadness and despair? Well little do you know, you might actually be spreading toxic positivity by saying that. Dr. Laura Gallaher defines toxic positivity and helps us know how to avoid it.

 

 

 

Mindfulness with a Purpose (0:16:08)

 

Let’s all take a deep breath. Doesn’t that feel good? This time of year can be hectic, so we need to remember to take a moment to just breathe. Being more mindful can help relieve stress and anxiety. But how can we really focus our mindful moments to help where we need it the most? Here to talk us through it is mindfulness expert and psychologist Robin Todd.

 

 

 

COVID Secrets (0:30:39)

 

“We all carry a secret that would break your heart if you just knew what it was. And if we could remember that, there might be more understanding and peace in the world.” These words were spoken by Frank Warren, the “most trusted stranger in America,” and the keeper of over one million anonymous secrets. For more than 15 years, people across the world have sent Frank their secrets via postcard, which he posts online weekly. And for more than 15 years, we have been able to see that our secrets don’t always isolate us like they think we do; rather, they connect us to humanity. Well today, we are thrilled to have Frank on the show to talk to us about the secrets that he has received during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what they teach us about humanity during this unique time.

 

 

 

Writing YA Fiction (0:45:57)

 

We always like to hear about the books my kids are reading. Sometimes we’ll even read them ourselves! Even though we’m not the intended audience, we love a good young adult novel! Good novels can really transport you to any time, place—or world—no matter what the age range is. Here to shed a little light on how this magic happens is young adult author Rick Riordan. Rick is the author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and is wrapping up his latest series, “The Trials of Apollo,” this month with “The Tower of Nero.”

 

 

 

Air Filtration 101 (0:52:50)

 

Anyone else miss clear blue skies? With all the wildfires that have been happening the last few months, I know that where we are at least, all the smoke has been giving the sky a hazy look... Makes you wonder how it’s affect the air—outdoors and inside. On top of the wildfires, we’re also dealing with an airborne virus--and as we spend more time inside right now, I want to know, can our air filters handle all of this? Here to tell us what we need to know about our air filtrations is Tony Abate--certified indoor environmentalist.

 

 

 

Adopting a Dog (1:05:58)

 

Did you know it’s national adopt a shelter dog month? Who knew! Well if you were looking for a good excuse to get a new puppy, this is it! While there are many great places to adopt a dog from, a shelter is a great option to help give a good home to dogs who really need it. Today we welcome Claudia Roll, the Vice President of Operations at Humane Rescue Alliance, on the show today to tell us more about the importance of adopting shelter dogs and what else we can do to help.

 

 

 

Skincare During Winter (1:18:43)

 

Winters are rough for so many reasons. It’s harder to get out of your warm bed, days are short, and your skin dries up—or at least mine always seems to! Winter can be tough on our skin—especially the most sensitive parts like our hands and lips. When we’re feeling dry, we just aren’t feeling our best. So how can we prep for these cold days—other than buying lotion and Vaseline in bulk? Here to share her advice with us is dermatologist Debra Jaliman.

 

 

 

Safety Skills for Teens (1:31:13)

 

There are some things that are never taught to teens but could prove vital to their mental and physical safety. Here with us today is Jonathan Cristall, a veteran prosecutor in Los Angeles, who is going to tell us about safety skills every teen should know.

Finding Hope in the Holidays (0:00:00)

 

It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a chaotic year with everything that’s happened. Almost everyone has been affected by the pandemic in their own way and has caused a spike in mental health decline. However, the holidays present a special time for us to regain optimism during these trying times. Here with us today is a longtime friend of the show, Ganel-Lyn Condie, who is here to help us identify some ways that we can find hope during the holidays.

 

 

 

AZ Brain Food (0:13:51)

 

The national free school lunch program benefits over 20 million children in the US every single day. These are kids from underprivileged homes that would go hungry without it. But have you ever wondered how many of these kids go hungry on the weekends? Ruth Farnsworth Collins had this same question, and it propelled her to start AZ Brain Food. AZ Brain Food is a nonprofit organization that currently feeds over three thousand and six hundred kids on the weekends throughout Arizona today. Here to talk with us today is Karen Zaharis, the director of operations.

 

 

 

Finding Love After Divorce (0:23:30)

 

We always hope that when a couple says, “I do” that they really will be together until “death do they part.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t work out for everyone—and that’s okay! Sometimes breaking up is the best thing for a couple. Divorces can be painful though, and healing from a heartbreak like that can take some time. Here to share advice with us on how to take those steps towards healing after divorce is intimacy expert Allana Pratt.

 

 

 

Self Esteem and Consumer Behavior (0:52:50)

 

They say we are what eat, but what about what we buy? Do our consumer habits define us as well? Or maybe it’s the other way around—maybe it’s how we define ourselves that influences our shopping habits. Perhaps our decision to buy the store-brand ketchup instead of Heinz is influenced by some sub-conscious reasoning related to our self-perceptions. Well, lucky for us, there is someone who can answer these questions! Here to discuss with us who buys inferior products and why is behavioral scientist and professor of marketing at Schulich School of Business, York University, Dr. Nicole Mead!

 

 

 

Code Switching (1:06:45)

 

Are you the same person at work as you are at home or around your friends? You probably aren’t. Workplaces almost always require a certain kind of attitude that reflects professionalism and respect. And there isn’t anything necessarily wrong with that! However, for many black, indigenous, and people of color, the need to alter who you are at work is essential to survival. Many BIPOC have developed strategies, which has collectively become known as code-switching, to help them navigate difficult workplaces. Here to talk to us about why code-switching exists and what effects it has on BIPOC is licensed social worker and mental health expert Kyaien Conner.

 

 

 

Gallop NYC (1:18:20)

 

For thousands of years, horses have been an invaluable resource to us. We’ve used them for farming, war, and transportation. But over time, it became clear that there was more to horses than muscle and speed. We’ve learned how perceptive they are, how they can recognize human emotion and form deep bonds with their rider. Because of these characteristics, and many others, horses have taken on a new role: therapy for people with disabilities. We wanted to know more about how these animals are helping heal minds and hearts. So, we invited James Wilson, the founder and director of GallopNYC, to talk about his nonprofit organization and how they are utilizing horses as a means of therapy.

 

 

 

Fashion During COVID (1:32:20)

 

With all the crazy changes that have happened this year, the way we’ve dressed has changed too. While last year was all about high waisted jeans and chunky sneakers, this year has been all about lounge wear and face masks. And the longer this goes on, the more people feel the need to make these new looks work. So how can we look our best, even during a pandemic? Here to share her advice with us is beauty and style expert Erin Busbee.

We're talking about how you can find love again after recovering from a divorce, and we discuss what code switching is and how it affects our lives.

Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband and Peter Breinholt talk about their holiday plans and give exclusive Christmas performances.

Gift Giving Guide (0:00:00)

 

Christmas day is one of the most festive and fun of the year—not to mention satisfying. The feeling of finally getting to unwrap all the presents that have been calling your name from underneath the tree for weeks is hard to beat. However, as we get older, most of us arrive at the conclusion that there is one feeling more satisfying than opening your gifts—watching someone else unwrap a gift from you. There’s only one catch and that’s picking out the perfect gift. However, choosing the right gift is tricky business, especially for those difficult to shop for people on your list. Here to discuss some strategies for gift-shopping for even the most difficult person on your list is The Gifty Girl, Stephanie Yrungaray.

 

 

 

Dallyn Vail Bayles and Mindy Smoot Robbins (0:19:20)

 

As part of Lisa’s Christmas Music Sampler, musicians Dallyn Vail Bayles and Mindy Smoot Robbins talk with Lisa and Richie about their Christmas plans and give an exclusive Christmas performance.

 

 

 

Being the Best Gift Giver (0:43:38)

 

One of the best parts about Christmas is seeing our loved ones light up with joy after opening their gifts. I think it gives us more pleasure to know we gave someone else the perfect gift than to receive our own presents. But sometimes we miss the mark. And there’s nothing worse than watching someone open your gift only to see disappointment written all over their face.  And there’s always that one person who is impossible to shop for and seems to always be unimpressed by our gift-giving. So, what can we do to find the perfect gift that won’t need a gift receipt? Here to share his tips with us is marketing professor and psychology expert Jake Teeny.

 

 

 

Avoiding Debt Traps (0:52:50)

 

It’s tempting to go over budget when buying the perfect gift for your special someone. However financial experts are warning consumers to reign in their spending this year. This year has created a lot of economic uncertainty and accruing debt this holiday season could mean financial suicide. CNBC reports consumers are planning to spend just under one thousand dollars this holiday--$997.79 to be exact. While that's a little less than last year, it's still a significant amount of money, especially given the economic instability we’re facing right now. Here to teach us how to avoid falling into debt traps this holiday season is financial specialist Shawn Wright.

 

 

 

 

Workplace Resolutions (1:34:51)

 

As we begin to close a historic year that affected each and every one of us, we can’t help but reflect on all that we’ve experienced and learned.... as well as all of our New Year’s Resolutions that went unfulfilled. Despite the uncertainties that 2021 may or may not hold, making resolutions will help us grow. So today, we want to discuss professional resolutions or goals we can make for our work and careers. But how do you make workplace resolutions when you don’t know what the next 12 months will hold? To help us out is business consultant, negotiation expert and friend of the show, Josh Doody.

Are you struggling to find some last minute gifts? We'll help you find the perfect present. Also, Dallyn Vail Bayles and Mindy Smoot Robbins perform.

The Piano Guys give an exclusive Christmas interview and performance and we find out what we can expect from movie theaters going forward.