In this episode, Rachel and Matt share many of the joys they experience as parents of Oliver including the magic of a toddler's head on your shoulder, seeing your child's sense of humor come alive, the funny things they say and much more.

We always love mail! Email us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Bluey
• Ezra Klein Show: "This Is Your Brain on Deep Reading. It's Pretty Magnificent"
• Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors: "Family" aka "The Shoulder Song"
• The Mirror Visitor Quartet by Christelle Dabos

In this episode, Matt and Rachel explore some hopes for the new year (beyond getting potty training settled). They talk about enjoying this stage in Oliver's development, hopes for outside fun and Matt continues to revisit his unhealthy obsession with productivity.

What are your hopes for the New Year? We'd love to hear them! Email us at [email protected].

In this episode, Rachel and Matt debrief/vent about a tough week and Matt grapples with the difference between parenting in concept and parenting in reality. 

Want to send some encouragement, any encouragement? We'd welcome it! Email us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Jon McLaughlin: Red & Green

In this episode, Matt and Rachel go back and forth talking about what works and doesn't work for convincing Oliver to do what he's asked from preparing him for what's to come to offering a rational explanation to playing games along the way.

Have your own negotiating tactic? Email us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 59 on Gentle Parenting
• How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber & Julie King
• Big Little Feelings
• Dune the book (by Frank Herbert); Dune the Movie

In this episode, Rachel and Matt talk about their (ahem, Rachel's) toy philosophy and some toys laying around their house that fit into different categories like "best unexpected toy", "most regretted purchase" and more. Plus, stay to the end for a big announcement.

Have advice in light of that announcement? Email us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Little Tikes Basketball Hoop
• Oliver's Plastic Guitar
• Melissa & Doug Cleaning Set
• Trip a Little Light Fantastic (from Mary Poppins Returns)
• Andor on Disney+
• Descript - Matt's podcast editing software (it's magical)

In this episode, Matt and Rachel talk about the mental toll of parenting including challenges at bed time, interrupted dinners, repeated songs, impossible-to-decode instructions and much more. Much, much more. 

Got ways to help our mental fortitude? Email us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 67: The Physical Toll of Toddlers
• Nowhere To Go But Up & Can You Imagine That (from Mary Poppins Returns)
• DreamList
• The 1904 Olympic Marathon: The Memory Palace Episode, Wikipedia Article
• A Guide to Christmas Feasting by Matt Timms and Sam Gutierrez

In this episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the concept of the "default parent", where they've seen it in their own parenting, whether the term is helpful at all, and how they have (mostly) avoided this type of resentment. Plus, some Other Stuff that includes a cry for help from Rachel about lunch.

Seriously, what do you eat for lunch?! Email Rachel at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Chromecast with Google TV

In this episode, Rachel and Matt talk about the struggles of short-term family sickness including bad nights of sleep, the "quick kid recovery", germ overload and much more.

Have a story? Want to share a comment? Email us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Photo of Oliver as Miguel from Coco
• ABLE Clothing (and their 360 Club)

In this episode, Rachel and Matt talk about what it's like to have time away from Oliver, how normal that feels, and the swirl of feelings and cultural expectations that  around that. They also explore the positive side of "time away" that opens up a part of them that isn't just a parent. Oh, and they bring up some Other Stuff, of course.

Want to join the conversation? Email us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Matt references a podcast where three Dads are talking about wanting time with their kids as they want less time with you. Here is that podcast: Dadville with Chris Shiflett
• "No Guilt Allowed! Why Parents Need Time for Themselves" by Brian Gresko
• Junior Bake Off

In this episode, Matt and Rachel discuss this quote: "Was this parenthood? That every second of joy would be atomically split with fear?" They talk about their own different experiences of wrestling with fear, anxiety and mortality in the context of parenthood and marvel at just how different two people can be.

We would love your feedback. Let us know your experience of joy and fear by emailing us at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Ashley Gadd's newsletter
• Sinéad Gleeson's memoir Constellations
• The Daily (by the New York Times), particularly a recent episode on California's promise to only sell new electric cars by 2035.