A For Effort

In this episode, we dive into the chaos and charm of international family travel with the savvy Megan Chung from @megtravelswithkids. Megan shares why traveling with kids is worth the effort, how it builds empathy, and why you shouldn’t wait until retirement to see the world—because who knows if your knees will hold up? Megan also spills her secrets on using credit card points like a travel ninja—think $1,200 hotel nights for free thanks to points! Whether you're dreaming of travel, already packing, or just here for the relatable parenting stories, this episode will inspire you to pack the kids, grab the snacks, and book that flight! Follow Megan Chung on Instagram @MegTravelsWithKids for all her travel tips and tricks!

We all know those families with 4+ girls or 9 sons. And we can't help but wonder, what is that like??? Well the parents have finally spoken and they are not wrong! They are reiterating things we already know and validating the vast amount of rocks boys must bring into the home. 

In this short episode, we share some of the things that no one would miss if they were to fall off the face of the earth tomorrow. If we got something wrong and you feel you would miss one of the mentioned things. Then let us know so we can make a correction, because if you'd miss it, then we want it to stay! 

What are the unspoken (or very explicitly stated) rules that govern your home? In this episode, we dive into the house rules that shape daily life—from the universally accepted “no shoes inside” policy to more unique ones like keeping a “gunny sack” for misplaced items. We share listener-submitted rules, childhood house rules that have stuck (or been abandoned), and whether Megan should keep responding on the phone with “This is she.” Tune in for a relatable conversation on boundaries, manners, and the tiny laws that keep homes running smoothly. Do you enforce screen-free weekdays? Require “one polite bite” at dinner? Let’s talk house rules!

Is it just us or do we miss all things that remind us of our youth? Whether that be pushing our kids in the stroller, to birthday parties at McDonald's or simply studying for a test in the campus library, turns out we all miss things. 

In this episode, we spill the tea on parenting’s greatest truth: kids are walking chaos machines. From pretzel salt explosions to the infamous kitchen strainer puke bucket (yes, it’s as bad as it sounds), we share tales of epic messes with listeners who’ve battled Vaseline carpets, bean bag guts, and toddlers armed with paint and raspberries. Their advice? Stock up on magic erasers, bleach, and baby wipes. Embrace the mess, and remember: if you haven't cleaned up at least 4.5 messes today, are you even parenting?

It's worth a wonder if we are more or less strict than our parents were, or maybe even about the same! In our humble opinions, we're just as strict just in different ways. And it kinda sounds like we're all in similar boats! 

What started out as a simple cleaning up of games, turned into this very long episode of us dissecting all the things you were all banned from growing up. But apparently not only were you deprived, but the tables have turned and now you're depriving your kids of DIFFERENT THINGS! We all do it. It's just how we parents roll. But from bikinis to Cheetos to The Simpsons, we're here to listen and validate.  References we make in this episode that might be helpful to have here: - Food rating app: Yuka - Album your kids might like: Safety Kids by Janeen Brady

Megan and Amanda ring in the new year by spilling their origin story—two moms, eight kids, 40 chickens, and one fateful park playdate that led to podcasting glory. From recording under a freeway to a basement filled with kid chaos, they share their amusing journey of balancing parenting and podcasting. They dish on favorite episodes, awkward beginnings, and crowd-sourcing parenting wisdom on Instagram—all while proving that raising kids is messy, hilarious, and very much worth podcasting about.

It all started with a hockey bench chuck full of every item you might need in case of an emergency. Because if you have to hunker down at the hockey game for 3 days, you need to be prepared!!! Unless this is your 1000th hockey game, and your kid is much older, in which case you bring a drink just for yourself and settle into your empty bench. And honestly, there's no shame if you bring the Mary Poppins bag because guess what?? We all did it!!!! 

Well, this episode is either going to make us look really cool or really dumb, or if we've done it right, BOTH!!! But if nothing else, maybe you've learned a new word or two. So the next time a Gen-Z-er talks about their "mog algebra teacher" you can act like you actually know what they're saying. Although we still really don't. 

And just as fun as the adults, if not slightly more though, gifting the kids in our lives! They are what makes it fun! So let's see what was mentioned in this episode! Gifts for kids that were mentioned and submitted by the listeners: - Chiefs gear - Jungle Jumperoo - Cheaper option at Walmart - Rush Hour - Uno - Grandpa Becks games - Busy Board -  Magical Bitzee - Nugget Couch - trip to Legoland - passes to local destinations - passes to keep them active: rock climbing gym, skiing, rec center, etc. - tickets to shows: Disney on Ice, concerts, etc. - Electric scooter - Kangaroo bouncing shoes - Wood Engraving pen - EzyRoller mini ride on toy - Shock Potato

We're trying to make it easy for you! Because going in blind to the holiday season is just the worst feeling. In this episode we mention the following potential gifts: - Bidet (Amanda's favorite submission!) - Running shoes - Blanket - Back scratcher - Classes or experiences together - Anything cordless, electric or smart - Cuts Clothing - A Guide to being a gentleman - or something along these lines with some nice cologne and a tie. - Personal fire pit - Any "meat accessory." - Spa date - Red light therapy mask - Made by Mary jewelry.  - teeth whitening - replacement of kitchen items that are old and tired - GC to a bookstore - Lastly and most importantly, ASK THEIR FRIENDS what they've been talking about recently.  Hopefully this gives you some ideas or direction! We're trying to set you up for success this holiday season and we have great confidence in you! Cheers!

We all have memories (traumatic or not) of Thanksgivings past, and in this episode the listeners share theirs! From turkey travails to food fails and Amanda's passive aggressive wardrobe reminders, we're feeling exceptionally thankful for the start of this holiday season. Pass the pie around while you listen, but you can keep that cinnamon applesauce to yourself, please and thanks!

You asked, and we delivered! We're talking snacks today and send you off to the store with a list of all our favorite items to get you through the day. Because we all know, any problem can be solved with a snack;) Grocery lists: - Apples - Rockit apples (Walmart or Target) - Steamed sweet potatoes (teal bag, Costco) - PB pretzels (Kroger or other store brand) - Barely dried strawberries (Costco) * Any other dried fruit is a great snack, just check for added sugar. - Seaweed aka Dandruff of the Sea (any store) - Salsa (TJ's mild salsa is delicious) + cottage cheese + chips (Siete brand from Costco OR On the Border "lightly seasoned" from your local store. It's a black bag) - All the veggies to make your own veggie tray - Archer brand mini jerky sticks (Costco) - Earths Best mini meatballs (Walmart or Target) Amanda's quick protein pancakes: BASE: - eggs (use at least 2, I use 4) - Heaping scoop of cottage cheese - Kodiak Cakes buttermilk pancake mix (I use about half the bag) - Water to make it the right consistency ADD COLOR: Pink: 1 raw beet, peeled + 1 scoop Just Ingredients Strawberries and Cream protein powder.  Orange: 1 raw sweet potato, peeled + 2 raw carrots + good dash of cinnamon Green: handful spinach, 1 zucchini + banana + cinnamon Blend your base and a color choice together in a powerful blender until completely smooth, pour onto skillet. Top with butter and syrup, watch kids devour.  HAPPY SNACKING! xo

Cream Puff and Croissant here to talk all things nicknames. If you don't have any in your arsenal, we highly suggest it! Cleverly using a nickname or pet name for your kids can lighten any situation and is guaranteed to make them smile. Happy listening, Baby Cakes!

If you want to experience complete joy, total excitement and a righteous amount of pride, then there is only one way to feel all of that. It comes by way of sticky little humans who have no concept of space or noise. And somehow, someway, they bring us the most fulfillment. Go figure.

It’s that time of year again! Spooky season! Amanda loves any opportunity for Prank Sinatra to pay a visit, and Megan hates it all because she startles easier than a newborn baby. In this episode we talk candy trends of 2024, family costumes, treat strategies, and favorite Halloween handouts from childhood... like sloppy joes, of course. Hoping your kids bring home a certain orange-wrapped candy this year from their trick-or-treating excursions?? Remember, what you put into the world comes back to you (thanks,John).

We all have it, and if you don't, well then you win. But that one, or maybe those two, small things that are non-negotiable that you absolutely need to survive another day in parenthood. For some it's a good drink, for others it's a good nights rest. And for kids, it's basically just taking care of their biological needs and a roll of tape. Simple things really. 

Remember when parents used to say, "Get a job!" to their teens? Nowadays some parents aren't so sure about that command. In this episode we  debate whether or not teens today should seek employment. We also get to reminisce with you about the jobs many of us held as teens, and share a few of our favorite memories from the good 'ole days. Plus, parents weigh in on their dream jobs (besides being a parent, of course)!