Synopsis
A weekly look at the things parents are talking about, complaining about, and obsessing about right now.
Episodes
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Parenting Tips from “Lost” E9, “Solitary”
03/09/2024 Duration: 19minEach Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. Terri's re-watching, and Catherine's wading into the madness for the first time. On this week's episode, the main character was Sayid. His backstory provided no shocking twists, but his current story sure did.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 10, "Raised by Another." Tomorrow, we'll discuss season 4, episode 2 of Only Murders in the Building.
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Weekly Roundup: 80s Mall Murder Madness, the Paralympic Games, and Parenting Job Descriptions
29/08/2024 Duration: 25minHere's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a reminder that libraries are far more than just books. You can also check out an '80s-themed murder mystery game set in a shopping mall! Mentioned: "Let's Go to the Mall" from How I Met Your Mother.Terri's random recommendation is a reminder that sporting events in Paris are not over for the year. You can still watch the Paralympic Games, and you should! Here's how and where to watch, and an extensive list of relevant social media accounts to follow. Mentioned: Stephen Nedoroscik, aka Pommel Horse Guy, will compete on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. It starts September 17, and we'll be watching. Also mentioned: DWTS winner Laurie Hernandez's Olympic gymnastics analysis.In the archives, we discussed parenting job descriptions and how they've changed, or haven't, since 2018.Next week's lineup: Lost S1 E9, "Solitary," on Tuesday, September 3Only Murders in the Building S4 E2, "Gates of Heaven," on Wedn
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Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E8, “Adieu,” and “Only Murders in the Building” S4 E1, “Once Upon a Time in the West”
28/08/2024 Duration: 38minOn Wednesdays (rescheduled from Tuesdays), we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. We've sadly come to the end of A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In the final episode, "Adieu," Alexander says some very difficult goodbyes. Have your monogrammed hankie ready.Only Murders in the Building kicked off its fourth season with a cross-country round trip before ending up back in the building... where there was another murder. There was a lot of hand-holding and sign-pointing for a 30-minute episode, but we're happy to spend more time with these characters (and a very lengthy list of celebs stopping by in cameo roles). Mentioned: "Some Very Good Dogs" on Substack.Next week, we’ll discuss S4 E2 of Only Murders in the Building, “Gates of Heaven.” We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.
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Parenting Tips from “Lost” E8, “Confidence Man”
27/08/2024 Duration: 21minEach Tuesday (formerly each Wednesday, but stay tuned for new shows tomorrow instead), we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This week, we got more of Sawyer's backstory, aka why he hates himself and wants everyone else to hate him too.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 9, "Solitary." Tomorrow, we'll say "Adieu" to A Gentleman in Moscow and "Hello" to season 4 of Only Murders in the Building.
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Weekly Roundup: “Little Red and the Big Bad Editor,” Movie Fight Club, and Unexpected Back-to-School Advice
22/08/2024 Duration: 21minHere's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a children's book that maybe scared Terri a little: Little Red and the Big Bad Editor, by Rebecca Kraft Rector with illustrations by Shanda McCloskey.Terri's random recommendation is a follow-up to her movie games rec from last month: A movie game/community on Substack called Movie Fight Club. (And don't forget about her own Substack, Too Old for Cool!). In the archives, we discussed some unexpected back-to-school advice from 2021 and today. Mentioned: The Scrambled States of America.Next week's lineup: Lost S1 E8, "Confidence Man," on Tuesday, August 27 (we're swapping our Tuesday and Wednesday schedules to accommodate Tuesday episode drops of Only Murders in the Building)A Gentleman in Moscow E8, "Adieu," and Only Murders in the Building season 4 E1, "Once Upon a Time in the West" on Wednesday, August 28Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 29Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.
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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E7, “The Moth”
21/08/2024 Duration: 18minEach Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This week, the flashback dial spun to Charlie, so we got to find out about his story and also see him become a hero and quit heroin, so that's quite a win for him.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 8, "Confidence Man"; we're switching our Lost discussions from Wednesdays to Tuesdays to accommodate Only Murders in the Building on Wednesdays. We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.
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Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E7, “An Assembly”
20/08/2024 Duration: 20minOn Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 7, "An Assembly," Alexander has to face some hard facts: His little girl is growing up, and he's going to have to let her go--and go far, far away.Next week, we'll discuss the finale of the series, "Adieu." We'll also kick off our next series watch: Only Murders in the Building, season 4! Since those are dropping on Tuesdays, we'll be discussing them on our Wednesday episodes and switch Lost to Tuesdays. But for this week, Lost is still our Wednesday show, so we'll be back tomorrow with that discussion.
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Weekly Roundup: Bookmory, Solicitor Safety PSA, and the Joys of Homeownership
15/08/2024 Duration: 22minHere's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is actually an app that helps her keep track of some of her library finds (and make them Instagram-ready). It's called Bookmory.Terri's random recommendation is more of a PSA: Don't take pity on sweet-looking young people going door to door and invite them in. And if you do let a stranger into your home, don't show them your electric bill.In the archives, we checked in on the joys of homeownership, most recently discussed in 2022.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E7, "An Assembly," on Tuesday, August 20Lost S1 E7, "The Moth," on Wednesday, August 21Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 22Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.
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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E6, “House of the Rising Sun”
14/08/2024 Duration: 17minEach Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This week, we got another set of flashbacks and another wait, what? revelation, although it was not as shocking as Locke's "this island restored my ability to walk" news.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 7, "The Moth." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.
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Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E6, “The Fall”
13/08/2024 Duration: 15minOn Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 6, "The Fall," a crisis prompts Alexander to test the limits of his confinement. His hotel family (and his keeper, Osip) must work together to protect him, just as he strives to protect Sofia.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the seventh episode of the series, "An Assembly." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost.
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Weekly Roundup: “Fish Farts,” Audiobrary, and Free-Time Activities
08/08/2024 Duration: 17minHere's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find this week is another kids' nonfiction book that relies on a scatological title to grab the attention of reluctant readers (see also: Butt or Face?). This one's called Fish Farts: And Other Amazing Ways Animals Adapt by Joanne Settel.Terri's random recommendation is a new venture from actor, author, and audiobook narrator Julia Whelan. It's called Audiobrary, and we'll be interested to see how it does as it takes on Audible.In the archives, we checked in on free-time activities for adults, first discussed in 2021.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E6, "The Fall," on Tuesday, August 13Lost S1 E6, "House of the Rising Sun," on Wednesday, August 14Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 15Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.
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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E5, “White Rabbit”
07/08/2024 Duration: 14minEach Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode brought Jack to the brink, as he was haunted (maybe literally?) by his dad and his past demons, so much so that he ran himself right off the side of a cliff. The good news is that Locke was there to save the day, so that Jack could resume his job as de factor leader and mom to all. Mentioned: The Lostpedia page on this episode.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 6, "House of the Rising Sun." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.
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Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E5, “An Arrival”
06/08/2024 Duration: 16minOn Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 5, "An Arrival," Alexander gets a crash course in fatherhood and learns it's very different from being the fun uncle. Mentioned: A Screenrant recap of this episode.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the sixth episode of the series, "The Fall." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost.
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Weekly Roundup: “Sasquatch Sunset,” “Hands of Time,” and Current Obsessions
01/08/2024 Duration: 22minHere's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find this week is a movie that somehow seems to be very popular in her library system: Sasquatch Sunset. If you're looking for an adventure/comedy told entirely in grunts, this one's for you!Terri's random recommendation is a book she thinks is worth your while: Hands of Time: A Watchmaker's History by Rebecca Struthers. It's especially appealing in the audiobook version, narrated by Anna Ploszajski.In the archives, we checked in on what our obsessions were seven years ago, and what they are now.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E5, "An Arrival," on Tuesday, August 6Lost S1 E5, "White Rabbit," on Wednesday, August 7Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 8Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.
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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E4, “Walkabout”
31/07/2024 Duration: 14minEach Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we got more of Locke's back story, which also gave us more a lot more to wonder about when it comes to the properties of this island. On the parenting tip, Michael searched for a babysitter and decided on someone who doesn't speak a word of English.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 5, "White Rabbit." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.
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Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E4, “Good Times”
30/07/2024 Duration: 16minOn Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 4, "Good Times," Alexander has become a gentlemanly waiter, and is realizing that life in the hotel is not representative of life in the real world. And by the end of the episode, he's become a surrogate father (...maybe grandfather, at this point) again. Mentioned: Brian Grubb, a TV writer who always appreciates the line "We're not so different, you and I" (heard in this episode).Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the fifth episode of the series, "An Arrival." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost.
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Weekly Roundup: “Deadly Biters,” Movie Games, and Mom Confessions
25/07/2024 Duration: 18minHere's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is another scary nonfiction series for children: Deadly Biters (including Grizzly Bears Bite!, Piranhas Bite!, Hippos Bite!, and more). Mentioned: The similar series Animal Battles and Who Would Win?.Terri's random recommendation is a set of games that test your knowledge of movies, actors, fun facts, and the way they all intersect: Cinematrix, Movie Grid, and Movie Pyramid. Mentioned: The This Had Oscar Buzz podcast.In the archives, we found that four years after our original discussion, we could come up with a few more mom confessions. Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E4, "Good Times," on Tuesday, July 30Lost S1 E4, "Walkabout," on Wednesday, July 31Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 1Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.
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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S1 E3, “Tabula Rasa”
24/07/2024 Duration: 18minEach Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode, "Tabula Rasa," focused on flashbacks to Kate's back story, so we learned more about how she was pursued all the way to Australia by a U.S. Marshal (if not exactly why she was in his sights). We also saw a real parenting win when Locke recovered Walt's dog, but let Michael be the hero who reunited the two.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 4, "Walkabout." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.
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Parenting Tips from “A Gentleman in Moscow” E3, “The Last Rostov”
23/07/2024 Duration: 13minOn Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 3, "The Last Rostov," the Count's reckoning with all the changes in his world brings him to the brink, but a kindly beekeeper rescues him. He also deepens his relationships with Anna (the actress) and Osip (the official who supervises his captivity). Plus. Nina's back—as a teen know-it-all. We can relate.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the fourth episode of the series, "Good Times." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost.
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Weekly Roundup: “Glassworks,” HARDY’s “Quit!!”, and Refusing to Simplify
18/07/2024 Duration: 19minHere's what's on our minds (and playlists) this week:Catherine's library find is a book she judged by its cover. Glassworks's art and blurbs appealed enough for Catherine to give this debut novel by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith a try (it also happens to be on the Staff Picks table at her library right now, chosen by another staff member). It's a creative, but uneven, tale of four generations trying, and often failing, to connect with and support one another.Terri's random recommendation is the latest album (collection of songs?) from HARDY, titled "Quit!!" She's enjoying the artist's transition from country music to F-bomb-laden hard rock. In the archives, we revisit a rant from four years ago: Simply Refusing to Simplify, about the (many) issues we have with listicle-format advice on minimalism.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E3, "The Last Rostov," on Tuesday, July 23Lost S1 E3, "Tabula Rasa," on Wednesday, July 24Weekly roundup on Thursday, July 25Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are