Ep 388 Minding My P’s and Q’s

Zach takes the mic by himself to reflect on pets, parenting, politics, passion, and the practice of relationships. Using his playful “P’s and Q’s” framework, he explores everything from why he doesn’t have the “pet gene” to how parenting young adults is harder and more rewarding than raising little kids.

Zach also shares candid thoughts on politics, relational responsibility, and the role of men in advocating for the marginalized. He digs into the meaning of sex, asking the often-overlooked question, “What’s it for?”, and discusses polyamory with new nuance. Along the way, he highlights the importance of practice in relationships, celebrating small wins, and even weaving play into partnership.

This episode blends personal storytelling, professional insight, and a call for listener connection, inviting the audience to support the podcast, ask questions, and keep showing up relationally at home and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Pets & Posts: Zach reflects on not being a “pet person” and his writing project, Stuff I Write.

• Parenting Young Adults: Letting kids launch is harder than raising them, but seeing them grow into people is profoundly rewarding.

• Politics & Patriarchy: The current system isn’t relational. Zach urges listeners to focus on how they show up at home and in community, especially men.

• Purpose of Sex: Asking “what’s it for?” reframes sex as fun, passion, or connection rather than obligation or pressure.

• Polyamory & Possibility: While not for him, Zach explores polyamory as an expression of expansive love and intentionality.

• Practice & Play: Relationships get stronger through practice, celebrating small successes, and through playful traditions like Iron Chef dinners.

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