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Not Just Rainbows and Unicorns
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Not Just Rainbows and Unicorns

Author: Nicole and Michael VanPutten

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Nicole and Michael sit at the dinning room table and discuss things they have Googled, YouTubed, Instagramed, TikToked, and more.
120 Episodes
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In this episode, we somehow go from a local Kalamazoo shovel thief to the complex moral hierarchy of stealing. Along the way, we break down why eBay has tiers of acceptable spending, unpack a very literal interpretation of Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda,” and learn more about Sir Mix-a-Lot’s surprisingly serious intentions behind “Baby Got Back.” We also check in on Gen Z’s changing relationship with alcohol, explore Kalamazoo’s alcohol-free bar scene, and try to make sense of the growing trend of “wellness raves,” coffee clubbing, and sauna dance parties. It’s a chaotic tour through petty crime, pop culture, and the strange new ways people are trying to party without the hangover.
From exploding-tree myths and weather balloon drama to drugstore monopolies and extreme cold warnings, this episode is all over the map—in the best way. We cover MVP’s snow blower mishap, why measles is back, quitting Walgreens after some truly wild Nabumetone pricing, and why GRR weather forecasting kinda sucks. Toss in hobby dogging, minimalist hot takes, Costco meatballs, Animal Crossing rage, and what we’ve been watching lately—and you’ve got a classic Not Just Rainbows and Unicorns episode.
Mr. Monk Goes to Cabot Cove

Mr. Monk Goes to Cabot Cove

2026-01-1102:24:59

Season 5 starts strong with news about tax credits for dogs, some surprising Apple Watch health predictions, and all the essentials keeping us warm this winter — from rechargeable hand warmers to space heaters. We also break down the dog toys our pups picked up, the elaborate Lego/puzzles we built over the holidays, and a big list of what we’ve been watching across Netflix, Amazon, Peacock, and more.
In this episode, Nicole kicks things off with a deep dive into angel tree chaos—from confusing toy requests to the wild world of K-Pop Demon Hunters and rich-kid Christmas haul culture. Then Michael brings us into dog-land, where thyroid drama, Facebook group zealots, DIY dog beds, and tiny Wagwear boots all make an appearance. We wrap with free money tips, a new MVP coat, vacuum opinions, and everything we’ve been watching lately.
Nicole and Michael are back with a rapid-fire round of questions, confessions, and chaotic honesty. But first — Nicole has something she just needs to talk about: the viral collector craze behind the 2025 Glass Starbucks Bearista Cup (and a little reminder of last year’s $60 Barbie Stanley mayhem). From there, they dive into everything from nemeses and algorithms to zombie apocalypse plans and whether aliens are real. It’s a little bit deep, a little bit unhinged, and completely them.
In this episode, we cover everything from waterproof dog fashion and waterless shampoos to spooky Halloween backdrops and surprisingly germy hand dryers. We also dive into the competitive world of hobby horses (yes, really), an art heist at the Louvre, and a daylight-saving recap. All that plus what we’ve been streaming.
In this episode, Nicole and Michael share updates on Marigold’s weight journey and Henry’s latest bout with stress colitis, talk pet nutrition, allergies, and supplements, and dive into the world of AI-generated content—from spotting fakes to using tools like Sora 2. Plus, they debate printers, streaming costs, and what’s worth watching this week.
In this episode, Nicole and Michael are joined by David to unpack the chaos surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death, firings across politics and workplaces, and the oddities of how different states and institutions responded. They dive into the symbolism of flags, sports tributes, and the grim reality of school shootings—asking what safety even looks like for kids today, right down to the idea of bulletproof backpacks.
In this episode, Nicole and Michael spiral through a well stocked buffet of topics—from debates in the dog training community about collars and methods, to favorite products like coffee machines, leashes, boots, and pet first aid kits. They also touch on practical home and garden items, insurance considerations, and wrap up with a binge-watch roundup of new and classic shows across streaming platforms.
Nicole and Michael dive into a series of thought-provoking and sometimes funny “big questions” — from who they’d invite as a dream dinner guest, to the perfect day, embarrassing moments, and even which invention tops their list. Along the way, they explore gratitude, life regrets, and what really matters most when time is short.
In this episode, we cover everything from the latest Hulu and Disney+ picks to trampoline-jumping animals, Verizon plan changes, and the quirks of smoke detectors. We dive into bug-zapping gadgets, rescue dog realities, and a whirlwind of true-crime and TV binges—from “The Phoenician Scheme” to “Happy Gilmore 2.” It’s a mix of tech tips, odd news, streaming recs, and a few “everyone got tricked” moments.
Nicole and Michael say goodbye to celebs, talk shrinking daylight, sweaty vegetables, Aussie dog drama, and the $50K cloning question. Plus: Henry’s rear, smart TV tips, iced tea hacks, and why vanity sizing is ruining lives. It’s hot, chaotic, and weirdly informative—just how we like it.
Clementine

Clementine

2025-07-1301:32:13

In this episode, Nicole and Michael remember their beloved Clementine, unexpected stitches, car sickness and Henry, clematis, healthy protein snacks, and a round up of what they've been watching the past few weeks.
In this episode, Nicole and Michael dive into a wide range of topics. They discuss ways to stay cool during heat domes and explore the world of hospice and palliative care for dogs. Nicole shares her experience making yogurt in an Instant Pot, comparing different ingredients and their costs. The duo also delves into the realm of protein drinks, offering recommendations for baking, cooking, and ready-to-drink options. Learn how to transform an old iPad into a functional weather station, and get tips for identifying and treating poison ivy and poison oak. Lastly, they share some of their favorite shows and movies for your entertainment. Listen to the full engaging and informative episode now.
In Season 4, Episode 9, Nicole and Michael tackle a wide range of topics, from filing complaints against businesses to navigating driveway construction disputes. They share expert advice on pruning bushes, shrubs, and trees, plus insights into training reactive dogs—especially high-drive herding breeds. The duo also reviews their latest gadget purchases, including a 5-in-1 wireless charger and a powerful new vacuum. And, of course, they break down their recent must-watch shows, from Murderbot and The Good Fight to the dark side of kidfluencing.
Nicole and Michael debate pet meds, DIY tailoring, and the best hacks for foggy goggles. Meanwhile, Henry’s on a diet (again), and hiring a landscaper proves trickier than expected. Plus, a deep dive into prescription meds, grass seed, and secondhand fashion!
In this episode, Nicole and Michael realize it's Easter Sunday, and then discuss allergies, artificial intelligence, almost astronauts, gold jacket, fence screens, and shows they've been streaming.
In this episode, Nicole and Michael talk about staying healthy, why you might need a passport to vote in the future, computer support scams, the best in frozen vegetables, the impact of tariffs on Nintendo, being prepared for severe weather this summer, watching birds, and a round of of what they did and didn't like in the world of streaming the past few weeks.
It Actually Is the Shoes

It Actually Is the Shoes

2025-03-2201:28:26

In this episode, Nicole and Michael talk about co-op games, the new "Alphabet" song, sealing asphalt, the state of decorating in the White House, controversies in running shoes, tea time alarms, the lyrical and performance genius of Todd, judging ripeness of avocados, when microphones attack, and what they've been streaming lately.
In this episode, Nicole and Michael chat about the best way to stop a bloody nose, the kinds of views people who are nearly six foot tall have, kettlebells, tuna fish, protein, Dr. Bronner's products, the new Alexa+, where to get the best pet bed covers, and a run down of what they've been watching lately.
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