Charlie and Sam are joined by Charlie's best friend of all time, Kylie.  Kylie and and Charlie met in 2nd grade and still remain the closest of friends. They talk about their hometown friendships and why Kylie never left. How does personal growth happen without ever leaving the place where you grew up?  Then they open up about their relationships with alcohol and how it's changed over the years.  

Our first guests are on the podcast! Charlie's college roommate "Ellie" and her husband "Norm" visit the Bleeckers for a weekend getaway with the kids. References: SNL sketch: Father-Son Podcasting Microphone

It's Mother's Day. Before the family goes out to dinner at The Melting Pot, Charlie and Sam talk about their successful experiment to not eat sweets for a week. How will they approach desserts with their kids? In other news, Teacher Appreciation Week is dumb, Sam and Charlie discuss a marital argument (Sam is impatient and Charlie is a poor communicator), and the neighbors threw a Kentucky Derby Frat Party. References:  Matt Tillotson: my friend who recommended dark chocolate M&Ms also happens to be the author of one of my fav newsletters: Matt's Mix Tape. Intuitive Eating (I must reference this in every episode! It’s clearly had a big impact on my life.) Hello Fresh (big fans) The Melting Pot

The Bleeckers got COVID. It sucked, but it could be worse. Charlie and Sam talk about their bad habits with sweets and their relationship with alcohol (not great, but they've come a long way). George has gotten particular with his food preferences which makes mealtime a struggle. They debate whether George is speaking words yet, and Sam calls Charlie selfish for making him sleep in the guest bedroom.  References:  Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch 15 Months Without Alcohol (The Profile) The Pomp Podcast #836 Balancing Work & Marriage with Polina, Pomp, Alex, & Matteo The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga Dave Chang on The Darya Rose Show

Charlie and Sam discuss the mindfuck that is sleep training your baby. Then Charlie opens up about her chronic neck pain and anxiety and explores what it means to live a happy life. She ends with a song. You're welcome. References:  Boyd Varty on The Tim Ferriss Show Zero-based budgeting The Disease of More

Charlie shares her hypothesis about sleep training babies. She and Sam discuss why lowering their expectations resulted in a more enjoyable visit from her  parents, even though Charlie blew it when her parents expressed genuine interest in her writing. Sam is stressed out - his fund isn't doing well. And they watched an amazing movie you've probably never heard of.  References:  ChefSteps Sliders Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey SuperMugatu Bill Simmons  CODA

Charlie and Sam share something with the listeners they haven't shared with anyone else. Then they discuss ways to encourage a loving, supportive relationship among their kids, even though neither of them are close with their siblings. A story from a listener about an in-law relationship has them stumped. They end with a fun chat about pseudonyms.  References: The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion Netflix show: Atypical Mark and Jay Duplass on Unlocking Us with Brene Brown

Charlie struggles with her need to be liked and Sam admits a recent parenting fail with the newborn. They excitedly discuss a new purchase: suitcases!! Then Charlie tells the story of how she and Sam met and tries to articulate some thoughts around the idea that "timing is everything." References: The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga The Tim Ferriss Show with Boyd Varty Away Luggage

Charlie and Sam are back! With a baby! They talk about Charlie's identity crisis, their toddler's first week at daycare and judgment from the family, the best parenting book ever (according to Sam), and a recent argument that made Charlie feel angry and defensive (shocker). Then Charlie ends with a quick embarrassing story. She's got lots.  References:  Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff The Darya Rose Show with Michaeleen Doucleff Toddler step stool 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas Phelan, Ph.D. The Ryen Rusillo Podcast

The podcasting honeymoon phase is over for Charlie and Sam! They got into a massive argument this week and things got ugly before they eventually (finally) resolved it. They talk about their recent parenting struggle: finding the perfect nanny. And end by dreaming about their "rich life."  References: I Will Teach You To Be Rich with Ramit Sethi (podcast)