Are We Doing This?

In this episode of Are We Doing This?, we're diving into two Best Picture nominees as part of our Oscars challenge: Anora and The Substance. We react to the shocking, grotesque imagery in The Substance—including an unforgettable chicken wing moment—and unpack the intensity of Anora, especially that wild Russian "bad guys" scene (we’re pretty sure we wouldn’t scream that loudly, even if we tried). We also share a peek behind the scenes of our real lives: sick kids (flu and Hand, Foot, and Mouth—yay), the chaos of motherhood, and the unexpected thrill of my Espresso Martini Cupcake video going viral on TikTok.keywordsparenthood, illness, family activities, teacher appreciation, cake business, marketing, social media, collaborations, work-life balance, movies, Anora, The Substance, character analysis, film reviews, dual passions, themes, Academy Awards, exploration, storytellingTakeawaysParenting often requires juggling multiple responsibilities, especially during illness.Community support is crucial during challenging times, such as sickness in the family.Teacher appreciation week can be overwhelming for parents, with various themes and expectations.Engaging in family activities can provide a much-needed break from daily stressors.Social media can significantly impact small businesses, leading to unexpected opportunities.Collaboration with local businesses can enhance visibility and create new partnerships.Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for mental health and productivity.Feedback from clients is vital for improving products and services in a business.It's important to prioritize self-care and personal interests amidst busy schedules.Finding joy in work can help alleviate feelings of burnout and identity crises. Exploring multiple passions can lead to unexpected insights.The juxtaposition of different interests can create unique experiences.Movies can serve as a backdrop for personal exploration.Character motivations often reflect deeper societal themes.The portrayal of relationships in film can be complex and multifaceted.Understanding character dynamics enhances the viewing experience.Graphic content in films can evoke strong emotional reactions.The impact of aging and beauty standards is a recurring theme in cinema.Film reviews can spark engaging discussions about storytelling.Future movie selections can reflect current societal issues.Chapters00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Illness03:32 Weekend Adventures and Family Activities06:30 Teacher Appreciation Week Insights09:31 Balancing Health and Business12:31 Celebrating Teachers and Community Support16:05 Teacher Appreciation Week: The Emotional Toll22:25 Balancing Parenting and Work: The Mental Load28:48 Cake Business: Creativity and Challenges31:00 Identity Crisis: Navigating Career Changes33:13 Introduction to the Characters and Plot35:09 Exploring Relationships and Motivations37:57 Conflict and Climax: The Screaming Scene39:08 The Ending: Power Dynamics and Emotional Release42:35 Transition to the Second Movie: The Substance43:57 Plot Overview and Themes of The Substance46:17 Exploring Body Horror and Disgusting Imagery48:06 The Concept of Self and Identity50:35 The Pursuit of Youth and Its Consequences52:23 Graphic Scenes and Their Impact55:47 Acting Performances and Industry Commentary58:34 Final Thoughts and Future Plans01:02:30 AWDT Podcast Intro Video (1920 x 1080 px).mp4

This week on Are We Doing This? — Lauren and Lauren dive into the chaos of over-planning kids’ birthday parties (even when we swear we won’t), finding balance with our energy and anxiety, and yes, turning to TikTok for self-diagnoses. Lauren P. pitches a bold new cake business idea—shed included—and the duo kicks off a fresh May challenge. Plus, they take a nostalgic trip through the movies that shaped them most.Follow us:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠YouTube⁠Keywordscake business, health, medication, movie recommendations, birthday party, personal well-being, nostalgia, classic movies, cultural reflections, entrepreneurship, moms and mental load, party planning burnout, anxiety, TikTok health hacks, mompreneurs, cake business idea, movie nostalgia, personal growth, monthly challenges, friendship and motherhood

Lauren P’s cake business is officially up and running—and holy shit, it’s been a ride. First week in and the dog ate 15 cupcakes (RIP funfetti), orders are flying in, and chaos reigns in the best way possible. Meanwhile, Lauren B. is diving headfirst into small biz marketing magic, ready to help brands find their voice and their people. But we need to talk about the real crisis: Party City is GONE. How are we supposed to throw parties now—DIY everything? Possibly. Probably. Definitely. Also: We’ve got hot takes on Netflix’s The Life List and Ransom Canyon, and a very important question... how is Josh Duhamel still aging like fine wine? Tune in, weigh in, and party on—even if you have to make your own balloon arch.Helpful Links:LoLo Bakes Cakes Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/lolo-bakes-cakesCanva: Canva.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arewedoingthispodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arewedoingthispodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AreWeDoingThisPodKeywords:Easter, family traditions, Netflix shows, The Life List, cake business, baking challenges, Mother's Day, party planning, marketing strategies, personal branding, AI, career coaching, small businessTakeawaysEaster celebrations can be a mix of fun and chaos.Family traditions often evolve as children grow.Finding entertainment that resonates can be a bonding experience.Reflecting on childhood dreams can inspire current goals.Running a cake business involves both creativity and logistics.Learning from baking challenges is essential for growth.Customer feedback can drive business success.Creative ideas for holidays can enhance customer engagement.Navigating party planning can be simplified with the right supplies.Marketing strategies need to adapt to current trends.Building a personal brand requires thoughtful planning.AI tools can assist in career development and marketing.New client projects can provide fresh opportunities.Affordable services can help small businesses thrive.Feedback from listeners can shape future podcast content.Chapters00:00 Easter Reflections and Family Traditions01:54 Netflix Shows and Girls' Night In04:57 The Life List: A Journey of Self-Discovery08:00 Creating Lasting Memories for Kids10:48 Baking Adventures and Business Lessons16:55 Future Plans and Custom Orders18:03 Navigating Seasonal Flavors and Custom Orders21:25 Creative Solutions for Mother's Day Treats26:07 Exploring Party Planning Opportunities27:11 Building an Online Presence and Portfolio35:15 Local Marketing Strategies for New Businesses35:22 Exploring Affordable Solutions for Small Businesses38:39 Leveraging Technology for Business Efficiency41:57 The Importance of Branding and Marketing42:14 Navigating the Challenges of Small Business Management43:05 Seeking Guidance and Support in Career Development45:44 Future Directions and Listener Engagement

In Episode 11, Lauren and Lauren are back with stories from their recent travels and some major anniversary celebrations! They open up about a few heart-pounding scares involving their kids and explore how they'd handle real-life emergencies. Lauren P. dives into her struggles with sleep anxiety—plus a mysterious case of sleepwalking in her house. Big news: she's going all-in on her cake business in Colorado and just survived a wild rush of Easter cupcake orders. Meanwhile, Lauren B. takes a big step in her marketing freelancing journey by productizing her services and leveling up her online portfolio. Oh—and someone gets inked and picks up a brand-new sport. Tune in for laughs, real talk, and a few surprises!Follow LoLo Bakes Cakes on Instagram! Follow AWDT on:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠YouTube⁠Keywords: parenting podcast, mom life, women entrepreneurs, cake business, sleep anxiety, small business journey, podcast for moms, creative business, freelance marketing, online portfolio, productized services, Colorado baker, emergency mom stories, tattoo story, trying new things

Double digits, baby! In this milestone episode, Lauren Butler and Lauren Parajon look back on their first two months behind the mic and share their Top 10 Takeaways so far. Who needs to work on their listening skills, and who’s realizing they effing LOVE podcasting? You’ll have to listen to find out!From surprising lessons (spoiler: podcasting is way easier than they expected!) to why you should give it a try, the Laurens are keeping it real, reflective, and ridiculously fun. Plus, Lauren B. spills a new strategy she’s using to level up her writing game, and Lauren P. gives us the scoop on a photo shoot involving feet pics and dollar store accessories. Yep, it’s as wild as it sounds.Grab your headphones and come celebrate 10 episodes with us—because we’re just getting started!Helpful links:LP's Book Recommendation:Thank you For Listening by Julia Whelan ⁠https://amzn.to/42BXg2f⁠LB's Book Recommendation:The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity⁠ https://amzn.to/427DdJ3⁠Podcasting Software: ⁠Riverside.fm⁠TakeawaysCelebrating small milestones is important in any journey.Spring brings opportunities for outdoor activities and family bonding.Time management is a common struggle for many, especially parents.Side hustles require more effort than initially anticipated.It's okay to pivot away from creative passions that no longer resonate.Podcasting can foster deeper connections and friendships.The process of podcasting is more accessible than it seems.Feedback from listeners can be surprising and encouraging.Jumping into new projects can lead to unexpected rewards.It's essential to embrace the learning curve in any new endeavor. Communication styles can differ greatly between friends.Reconnecting with old friends can deepen understanding.Defining success in adulthood is a complex challenge.Social media addiction is a common struggle.Embracing boredom can lead to personal growth.Creative ventures can be both fun and challenging.Rediscovering creativity requires structure and commitment.Listener feedback is crucial for podcast improvement.Personal growth often involves exploring new interests.It's okay to not have everything figured out.Keywordspodcast, milestones, time management, side hustles, creativity, friendships, parenting, spring, reflections, challenges, communication, personal growth, success, social media, creativity, podcasting, relationships, adulthood, reconnecting, listener engagementChapters00:00 Celebrating Episode 10: A Milestone Reflection05:43 Spring Adventures: Embracing the Outdoors10:19 Lessons from Podcasting: Takeaways and Surprises19:43 The Reality of Side Hustles: More Work Than Expected22:35 The Desire to Write and Create26:02 The Joy of Podcasting29:23 Realizations About Podcasting31:07 Deepening Relationships Through Podcasting35:41 Learning from Others' Stories39:58 Navigating Life Transitions41:33 Navigating Boredom: A Modern Dilemma43:33 The Challenge of Sleep: Seeking Solutions44:33 Creative Ventures: The Feet Picture Project53:37 Rediscovering Creativity: The Artist's Way

In this conversation, guest Krista Gregg shares her unique journey from working in healthcare marketing to becoming a business owner in the crime scene cleanup industry. She discusses the challenges and emotional aspects of her work, the importance of empathy, and the training required in this unregulated field. The conversation delves into the realities of hoarding cleanup and the transformative power of understanding and support in helping clients navigate their traumatic situations. In this conversation, Krista shares her journey in the world of hoarding cleanup and mental health advocacy, the challenges of starting her own business, and the emotional toll of dealing with trauma. Krista also highlights her upcoming podcasts, 'Light a Match' and 'She Diaries,' which aim to raise awareness about hoarding and the experiences of women who have lost loved ones to suicide. The discussion touches on the need for better mental health support for men and the importance of storytelling in healing and connection.About Krista: Krista Gregg and her husband, Matt, left stable careers to take a bold leap into business ownership. They now run Bio One of Colorado and Bio One of Asheville, and they're specializing in biohazard remediation, including crime scene cleanup, hoarding remediation, and drug decontamination. More than just cleaning spaces, they help restore normalcy for people facing life's toughest moments. Krista is also the CEO of Bright Sky House, a media company whose mission is to bring hidden stories to light, giving voice to narratives that deserve to be heard.You can find Krista online at https://www.instagram.com/kristagregg BrightSkyHouse.com Follow AWDT on:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠YouTube⁠Keywordscrime scene cleanup, hoarding remediation, business transition, emotional support, healthcare to entrepreneurship, biohazard cleaning, customer care, team building, insurance challenges, empathy in business, hoarding, mental health, storytelling, entrepreneurship, grief, resilience, advocacy, women's issues, suicide awareness, emergency services

Lauren B's Spring Break just started and Lauren P's Spring Break just ended. In this episode, you'll hear if Lauren B survived Open Mic Night and hear us both complain about how AI is taking over the world. We introduce a new series called Try it or Trash it, where we try products so you don't have to! Lauren B. tries a product that locks her phone and keeps her off social media and Lauren P. tries a new sleep gummy. Will it cure her insomnia? Listen to find out! Our next guest is someone who quit her job to open a Crime Scene Cleanup Business with her husband. Send us your questions so we can ask her on the next podcast! Send us a message on social media!https://www.facebook.com/arewedoingthispodhttps://www.instagram.com/arewedoingthispod/https://www.tiktok.com/@arewedoingthispodhttps://www.youtube.com/@AreWeDoingThisPodHelpful links: Brick App: Use this link to get 10% off! https://www.getbrick.app/LAUREN85505Sleep Mask with Bluetooth Headphones: https://amzn.to/4hKrcgULauren P.'s Cake YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lolobakescakeskeywordspodcast, parenting, summer plans, childcare, technology, hobbies, open mic, writing, cake decorating, family activities, podcast, product reviews, sleep remedies, career changes, business ventures, social media, digital marketing, audience engagement, challenges, self-improvementTakeawaysOur kids think we're famous!Summer Camps are effing expensiveThe podcast is introducing new segments to keep content fresh.The 'Try It or Trash It' series will review various products.Screen time addiction is a common struggle among many.Physical devices can help manage phone usage effectively.Sleep remedies often require trial and error to find what works.AI is changing the landscape of job applications and resumes.Creating an online portfolio is becoming essential for career advancement.Engaging with the audience is important for feedback and questions.Unique business ventures can stem from personal experiences and humor.The hosts are excited about upcoming guests and topics for future episodes.

In this week's episode, hosts Lauren Parajon and Lauren Butler catch up and introduce their first guest, Lauren Stark. The episode explores how she decided to leave her on-paper dream job and make a complete change. The conversation delves into Lauren Stark's career transition from apparel design to real estate, exploring the challenges and joys of home buying, client acquisition, and the balance between work and personal life. The three Laurens discuss the journey of transitioning careers, the emotional aspects of leaving a job, the challenges of building a new identity, and the importance of community and support in the real estate field. The discussion also touches on the practicalities of being a real estate agent, including navigating the market, costs, and the emotional journey during the home buying process. They conclude with advice for those considering a career change, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passion and trusting yourself to take the plunge!Follow Lauren Stark @laureninmadison on InstagramCheck out Real Estate Rookie podcast from Bigger PocketsFollow us:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠YouTube⁠KeywordsReal Estate, Career Change, Home Buying, Client Acquisition, Work-Life Balance, Podcast, Personal Growth, Investment Properties, Creative Careers, career transition, real estate, identity, emotional journey, creative outlets, market understanding, brokerage, community, client managementChapters00:00 Introduction to Lauren Stark22:55 The Catalyst for Change: COVID-1925:59 Getting Started in Real Estate30:54 Navigating the Real Estate Journey33:20 Transitioning to Full-Time Real Estate34:39 The Emotional Journey of Quitting a Job36:25 Shifting Identities: From Designer to Realtor37:52 Maintaining Friendships Beyond Work39:13 Exploring Creativity in Real Estate40:28 Concerns About Market Stability41:37 Understanding Costs in Real Estate42:35 Choosing the Right Brokerage44:17 Building a Supportive Community in Real Estate45:58 Finding the Right Fit in Real Estate47:09 Overcoming Paperwork Anxiety48:44 Setting Expectations in a Competitive Market51:41 The Emotional Journey of Home Buying54:21 Taking the Leap: Career Changes and Personal Growth

In this episode, Lauren and Lauren discuss midlife career changes, what we miss about working in an office, and the challenges of navigating e-commerce ventures, particularly with Amazon and Etsy. The episode highlights the ups and downs of parenting, like solo parenting, daylight savings time struggles and the need for Happy Half Hour. They explore the importance of health and wellness, particularly as women age, and share insights on navigating hormonal changes and healthcare challenges. The conversation also touches on personal projects, creative passions, and the need for supportive resources like a menopause midwife.Follow us:InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeCheck out LP's Amazon Deals here: LoLo's Amazon Deals on FBKeywordsparenting, family, solo parenting, weekend activities, social gatherings, Zumba, Harlem Globetrotters, midlife crisis, e-commerce, Amazon, community involvement, career choices, family life, personal growth, health and wellness, aging, women's health, creative passions, parenting, work-life balance, menopause, perimenopause, midlife health, midwivesChapters01:44 Solo Parenting Adventures04:30 Fun Activities and Family Time09:46 Mom's Night Out and Self-Care15:23 Weekend Excursions and Family Fun17:23 Weekend Adventures and Social Batteries19:29 Challenges in Online Marketplaces21:34 Exploring New Avenues for Income25:26 Navigating Career Changes and Work-Life Balance26:15 Midlife Reflections on Work and Identity35:37 Creative Aspirations and Future Goals37:10 Navigating Career Transitions38:39 Balancing Family and Personal Goals39:35 Creative Pursuits and Overcoming Challenges41:27 Exploring New Ventures and Listener Engagement42:32 Health and Wellness in Midlife44:20 Finding the Right Healthcare Support46:19 Aging and Self-Care Strategies50:10 The Importance of Proactive Health Management52:53 The Need for Specialized Care in Aging57:02 Closing Thoughts and Community EngagementTakeawaysSolo parenting requires planning and energy to keep kids engaged.The Harlem Globetrotters offer a unique and entertaining experience for families.Midlife reflections often lead to questioning career paths and desires for teamwork.E-commerce ventures can be challenging but also rewarding if approached creatively.Maintaining friendships is crucial for personal well-being as a parent.It's important to give ourselves grace and time in our pursuits.Maintaining a routine is essential for personal projects and goals.Health and wellness discussions are crucial as women age.Navigating hormonal changes requires informed healthcare support.Finding a supportive doctor can significantly impact health outcomes.It's important to advocate for one's health and well-being.Creating a supportive community can enhance personal and professional growth.

In this episode of 'Are We Doing This?', hosts Lauren Parajon and Lauren Butler share their progress on their current challenges. Lauren Butler has been trying to wake up early to write, but her kids are waking up early to make that impossible. Lauren Parajon gets rejected from Amazon Merch on Demand yet again, but gets approved for a different Amazon content community, and still has no idea what she's doing.Then both Laurens dive into the wild (and wonderful?) world of selling feet pics, and discover how surprisingly sophisticated the feet pic market truly is.Useful links:Get paid to take surveys/participate in studies: ⁠https://app.respondent.io/r/laurenparajon-3ac24e424bd2⁠Books by Christina Lauren: ⁠https://christinalaurenbooks.com/books/⁠Lauren's Etsy Store (Merch for Book Lovers)⁠ https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoLosApparel⁠TakeawaysJanuary felt like nine months long.Family life can be unpredictable with sick kids.Finding time to write is a challenge for many.Morning routines can be disrupted by kids.Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable.Writing for fun is important for creativity.Sleep struggles are common among adults.Side hustles can provide extra income opportunities.Paid focus groups can be a viable side hustle.Collaboration in writing can be a fun exercise. Brands can match products with influencers for extra commissions.Authenticity is crucial in influencer marketing.Requesting product samples can enhance content creation.Social media communities influence marketing strategies.Amazon Merch on Demand presents unique challenges.The feet pic industry is a sophisticated market.Creating a separate account for niche products can be beneficial.Engaging with followers authentically can drive sales.Understanding customer preferences is key in niche markets.Digital marketing strategies are essential for success.Chapters00:00 Introduction and High Energy Start00:45 Weekend Updates and Family Life04:18 Challenges and Writing Goals08:39 Reflections on Writing and Creativity12:53 Sleep Challenges and Routines18:29 Concluding Thoughts on Life's Challenges19:53 Navigating Side Hustles and Productivity24:03 Exploring Paid Opportunities and Focus Groups26:05 Challenges in Online Selling and Merchandising27:26 The Journey of Influencer Marketing36:44 Diving into the Feet Pick Economy37:39 Exploring Feet Finder and Its Market43:20 Navigating the Challenges of Selling Feet Pics49:40 The Business of Foot Content Creation52:46 AWDT Podcast Intro Video (1920 x 1080 px).mp4Keywordspodcast, challenges, writing, family life, sleep struggles, side hustles, parenting, productivity, self-improvement, creativity, influencer marketing, affiliate programs, authenticity, Amazon Merch, feet pics, social media, content creation, digital marketing, online selling, influencer strategies