Hey Other Parents

🎙️ HEY OTHER PARENTS – S04E006: Raising a Child With Autism This week, we sit down with our friend, Michael Orlep, for an honest conversation about raising a child with autism — beyond labels, assumptions, and stereotypes. We talk about recognizing early differences, advocating for support, navigating school systems, balancing protection with independence, and preparing kids for adulthood. This episode is about seeing the whole child, supporting the whole family, and understanding that progress doesn’t follow one timeline. 🎧 In This Episode, We Talk About: Noticing early signs that your child’s needs might be different Advocating for academic and social support Private vs. public school experiences Social challenges that aren’t always visible High-functioning labels and hidden struggles Balancing support with independence Preparing kids for adulthood and self-advocacy What parents wish they had known earlier 🔌 Parenting Unplugged Heit: Fantasy Life I Sara: His & Hers (Netflix) Levine: The Studio (Apple TV+) ❓ Question of the Week What’s a misunderstanding people have about autism? 📞 Join the Conversation 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ⭐ Support the Show If you’d like to help support Hey Other Parents and keep episodes like this coming, there’s a donation link in the show notes. If not, sharing the show or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps more than you know. 🎧 New episodes drop Fridays. This is S04E006: Hey Other Parents Episode 062 — an honest discussion about raising kids. Thanks for hanging out with us this week. Hug your kids, charge those Chromebooks, and we’ll see you next time on Hey Other Parents. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Find out more at https://heyotherparents.pinecast.co

🎙️ HEY OTHER PARENTS – S04E005: Teacher Feedback — What They Wish Parents Knew This week, we’re talking about the things teachers wish parents understood — the stuff that rarely makes it into emails, conferences, or back-to-school nights. Inspired by honest conversations and very real educator feedback, we dig into what school looks like from the other side, why some behaviors don’t magically transfer from home to the classroom, and how good intentions can turn into accidental rescue missions. It’s not about blame. It’s about perspective, empathy, and remembering that everyone is figuring this out in real time. 🔌 Time to Unplug Because parents need something that isn’t about the kids. Heit: Stranger Things finale Sara: Being more intentional with daily time — walks, space, and small resets Levine: Hitting the gym before work 💪 ❓ Question of the Week What’s the most interesting, awkward, or unexpected phone call you’ve ever gotten from your kid’s school? 📞 Join the Conversation 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ⭐ Support the Show If you’d like to help support Hey Other Parents and keep episodes like this coming, there’s a donation link in the show notes. If not, sharing the show or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps more than you know. 🎧 New episodes drop Fridays. This is S04E005: Hey Other Parents Episode 064 — an honest discussion about raising kids. Thanks for hanging out with us this week. Hug your kids, charge those Chromebooks, and we’ll see you next time on Hey Other Parents. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Find out more at https://heyotherparents.pinecast.co

Hey Other Parents – S04E004: Small Changes, Big Impact Tiny wins can make a big difference. This week, we’re talking about the small systems, habits, and cheap fixes that quietly make parenting school-age kids more manageable. These aren’t miracle hacks — just realistic changes that help mornings run smoother, reduce arguments, and keep parents (mostly) calm. We cover routines, independence, screen-time boundaries, and the little purchases that actually pull their weight. ❓ Question of the Week: What’s your biggest tiny win as a parent? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents 🔌 Parenting Unplugged: Michael — The Puzzled Patron Sara D — The Beast in Me Mike Levine — Stranger Things 🎧 New episodes drop Fridays. This is S04E004: Hey Other Parents Episode 063 — an honest discussion about raising kids. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Find out more at https://heyotherparents.pinecast.co

🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re talking about the parenting double standards that somehow still exist — even in 2025. Why is a dad praised for doing basic parenting tasks while a mom is questioned for the same thing? When did “babysitting your own kids” become a thing, and why won’t it die? We dig into how we were raised, how expectations followed us into adulthood, and how judgment shows up differently depending on who’s doing the parenting. From doctor visits to park trips to household responsibilities, the bar is uneven — and we’re calling it out. 🔌 Parenting Unplugged: Because parents need a break too. Heit: Dinner Time Live with David Chang (Netflix) Sara: All Her Fault (Netflix) Mike Levine: Diablo IV (Xbox / PS5 / Steam / Battle.net on PC) ❓ Question of the Week What’s a parenting double standard you’ve noticed — growing up or right now? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help us keep making it — or share the episode with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know. 🎧 New episodes drop Fridays — join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. This is S04E003: Hey Other Parents Episode 062 — an honest discussion about raising kids. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Find out more at https://heyotherparents.pinecast.co

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S04E002: Dropping the Ball 🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re doing the thing you’re not supposed to do — looking back at last year’s New Year’s resolutions and actually scoring them. We talk about which goals worked, which ones quietly fell apart, and why effort matters way more than perfection. January confidence was high. Reality showed up fast. We revisit our scoring system, bring back some friendly trash talk, and yes… there are real consequences on the line. 🎯 Winner Choices (2025–26) You’ll have to listen to find out who wins 👀 The winner gets to choose a group reward for 2025–26: Sara D: paint night outing 🎨 Heit: Sara D joins us for a D&D session 🐉🎲 Mike Levine: family trip to a local theme park 🎢 ❓ Question of the Week What was your biggest New Year’s resolution disappointment this year? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help us keep making it — or share the episode with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know. 🎧 New episodes drop Fridays — join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S04E001: Act Your Age! Staying Young at Heart, Fun vs. Cringe 🎉 Season 4 Premiere We’re back! Season 4 kicks off with a big parenting question that doesn’t come with an instruction manual: Do parents actually have to stop doing “childish” things… or is that rule completely made up? 🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re talking about staying young at heart — where joy, fun, and nostalgia collide with embarrassment, judgment, and the occasional eye-roll from our kids. Inspired by Goldie Hawn’s philosophy of doing something playful every day, a piece about learning piano with no recital in sight, and a whole lot of adults proudly refusing to give up the things they love, we dig into the balance between fun and cringe. From blasting music in the car and drinking chocolate milk to Lego therapy, cartoons, collectibles, Pokémon GO, and dancing like nobody asked you to stop — we explore why parents feel pressure to “act their age,” why we get judged no matter what we do, and how holding onto small joys actually models something really important for our kids. We also talk about: How play reduces stress and burnout When being playful helps you bond vs. embarrasses your kids Whether our parents ever acted “young” when we were growing up The difference between being your kid’s friend and still being their parent And why you don’t need permission (or a reason) to enjoy the things that make you happy It’s funny, honest, a little self-aware, and very much us — figuring it out as we go, together. ❓ Question of the Week What’s one thing you do that makes you feel young at heart — no judgment? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ⏰ Time to Unplug We wrap things up with what we’re watching and enjoying outside of parenting — because you’ll be a better we if you take care of me. 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help us keep making it — or tell a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It genuinely helps more than you know. This is S04E001: Hey Other Parents Episode 061 — an honest discussion about raising kids. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E010: Fierce Intimacy (Part 1): Why We Argue the Way We Do 📅 End of Season 3 This is our Season 3 finale! We’re taking a short break and will be back with Season 4 on December 12th. Thanks for spending another season with us — we seriously love hanging out with you every week. 🎙️ In This Episode: We’re kicking off our Fierce Intimacy book club with the first half of Terry Real’s relationship guide — the one that makes you stop mid-argument and go, “Oh… that’s me, isn’t it?” We dig into the big ideas from Sessions 1–3, like why we slip into shame or grandiosity during conflict, how our old “adaptive child” reactions still show up as adults, and the five losing strategies that keep couples stuck in the same fight on loop. We talk about the parts we had to reread (because ouch), what clicked instantly, and what it actually looks like to step away responsibly without storming off or shutting down. It’s honest, humbling, and very us — messy, real, and full of those moments where you realize you’re not the only one trying to repair on the fly while raising kids. ❓ Question of the Week What was your biggest takeaway from the first half of Fierce Intimacy? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents 📚 Book Club Reminder We’re reading Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real for the Hey Other Parents Book Club! This episode covers Sessions 1–3 (through Chapter 26). ⏰ Time to Unplug Michael: Stranger Things – Season 1 Sara: Wayward (Netflix) Mike: Predator: Badlands Because you’ll be a better we if you take care of me. 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it — or tell a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes return December 12th — come back for more honest conversations about raising kids. This is S03E010: Hey Other Parents Episode 060. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

Episode Description HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E009: Surviving Family Travel Without Losing Your Mind 🎙️ In This Episode: Family vacations are supposed to be relaxing… right? Between sunrise departures, overstuffed suitcases, and kids asking “Are we there yet?” before you leave the driveway, traveling with kids can feel like a full-contact sport. This week on Hey Other Parents, we’re talking all about the genius (and sometimes chaotic) tricks parents use to survive family travel — from the nostalgic road trips of our childhood to the hyper-organized, packing-cube-powered adventures of today. We swap chaos stories, compare travel styles (the ultra-planned Stallone trips vs. the “wing it and pray” Levine adventures), and debate which era of family travel was truly more stressful. Because whether you’re the family who packs a week in advance or the one sprinting through the airport with a stroller and a half-eaten muffin, this episode’s for you. ❓ Question of the Week What’s your most chaotic family travel story — the one you can laugh about now (but definitely couldn’t then)? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents 📚 Book Club Reminder Don’t forget — we’re reading Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real for the Hey Other Parents Book Club! Make sure to listen to or read the first half before Episode 10, when we’ll start unpacking it together on the show. ⏰ Time to Unplug Michael: Dungeon Crawler Carl (Audiobook) Sara: The Magnus Archives (Podcast) Mike: LEGO Game Boy build Because you’ll be a better we if you take care of me. 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it — or just share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday — join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. This is S03E009: Hey Other Parents Episode 059 Support Hey Other Parents: An Honest Podcast About Raising Kids by contributing to our tip jar: 👉 https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E008: Naming a Baby Without Starting a Family Feud 🎙️ In This Episode: Naming a baby is no small task. From family traditions to pop culture influences, choosing the “right” name can feel like walking through a minefield — one full of strong opinions, veto lists, and more unsolicited suggestions than anyone ever asked for. This week on Hey Other Parents, we’re talking all about the first — and likely most stressful — parenting decision: naming your baby… without setting off a full-blown family debate. From grandparents lobbying for family names to friends “calling dibs,” we share our own stories, the pressures we felt, and the moments that made us laugh years later. Because naming a baby isn’t just about what sounds good on paper — it’s about identity, legacy, and learning to trust your gut, even when everyone around you has thoughts. ❓ Question of the Week What baby name arguments did you have — and how did you solve them? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents 📚 Book Club Reminder Don’t forget — we’re reading Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real for the Hey Other Parents Book Club! Make sure to listen to or read the first half before Episode 10, when we’ll start unpacking it together on the show. ⏰ Time to Unplug Because parents deserve their own fun too: Michael: Quest 3 adventures Sara: Alice in Borderland on Netflix Mike: Chili’s Nachos (yes, Chili’s yoooo! — it was Margarita Night, no regrets) Because you’ll be a better we if you take care of me. 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it — or just share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday—join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. This is S03E008: Hey Other Parents Episode 058 Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E007: This Isn’t the Parenting We Grew Up With… (Millennial Pressures of Raising Kids in 2025) 🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re talking all about what it means to raise kids right now — in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in. Even from the time our kids were babies until now, so much has changed. Every generation has faced its own version of “hard,” but millennial parents are juggling a whole new mix — from nonstop work expectations and rising costs to tech-filled classrooms, social media stress, and a constant feeling that we’re supposed to be doing it all. We’ll talk about how the optics around parenting have changed — how it’s not just what we do as parents, but how it looks online, at school, and even to other parents. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to ask whether changing our approach isn’t such a terrible idea after all. So let’s do some reflecting, ease up on the guilt, and give ourselves a little grace in 2025. Because on Hey Other Parents, it’s an honest discussion about raising kids. I’m Michael Heit, I’m Sara D, and I’m Mike Levine. ❓ Question of the Week What differences do you see now as a parent compared to when you were a kid? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ⏰ Time to Unplug Because parents deserve their own fun too: Michael: Wednesday, Season 2 – Part 2 Sara: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story — absolutely no kids allowed, and maybe some eye bleach after. Mike: Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it — or just share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday—join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. This is S03E007: Hey Other Parents Episode 057 Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E006: Hey Mom… The Meatloaf (Family Recipes & Stories That Live On) 🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re talking all about how food keeps our families connected — not just through the meals we share, but through the stories, memories, and love that come with them. This episode was inspired by Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes — a beautiful reminder that recipes aren’t just instructions, they’re stories of love, culture, and connection passed from one generation to the next. We’re diving into the dishes that do more than feed us — the ones that remind us who we are, where we come from, and the people who taught us how to cook in the first place. From handwritten cookbooks to traditions passed down by taste and memory, these are the meals that carry our families forward. Michael shares the cookbook his mom made him when he left for college — a simple gift that turned into a lifelong reminder of home. Sara opens up about cooking with her dad and how one special dessert became their way of reconnecting. And Mike reflects on teaching his kids to cook (and the creative chaos that comes with it). Together, we explore how food preserves culture, love, and legacy — and what recipes we hope our own kids will carry on. ❓ Question of the Week What’s a family recipe that means the world to you — and what story comes with it? Was it passed down, improvised, or rescued from an old notebook? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents What We Cover: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🍽️ Then (Childhood Lens) The meals that defined growing up — mom’s “Heit-ie chicken,” dad’s apple pie, and lasagna that only tasted right when made by family. Remembering the cooks who never measured, but somehow made everything perfect. Why certain dishes still transport us back home with one bite. 👨‍👩‍🍳 Now (Parenting Lens) Teaching kids that cooking is about love, not perfection. The next generation remixing family favorites — Alfredo, Birria, rice and beans, and more. What food teaches about patience, creativity, and connection. The beauty (and occasional chaos) of kids helping in the kitchen — from cracked eggs to flour explosions. ❤️ Family Recipe Confessions Dishes we “pretend” to make from scratch. Family recipes we’ve totally ruined but still serve with pride. The meals our kids refuse to eat — but everyone else swears by. 🥣 The Takeaway Every recipe tells a story. We may forget the measurements, but we never forget how it made us feel. 📚 Book Club Reminder Don’t forget — our Hey Other Parents Book Club pick is Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real. We’ll be diving into what it really means to fight for your relationship instead of in it. 👉 Homework for Listeners: Listen to or read the first half of the book before Episode 10, when we’ll start unpacking it together on the show! ⏰ Time to Unplug Because parents deserve their own fun too: Michael: The Studio – Seth Rogen Sara: Taking 30 minutes at the start and end of each day for herself — coffee, journaling, or a quiet walk Mike: Task on HBO – a gripping new crime drama series Because you’ll be a better we if you take care of me. 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it — or just share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday—join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. This is S03E006: Hey Other Parents Episode 056 Support Hey Other Parents: An Honest Podcast About Raising Kids by contributing to our tip jar: 👉 https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E006: 13 Relationship Rules That Help Avoid Blowouts 🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re stepping away from parenting tips and diving into something just as important—keeping our relationships strong. Arguments are normal in any marriage or partnership, but sometimes it’s the simplest of unspoken rules that help avoid blowouts over the little stuff. From thermostat wars to fridge fights, we’re talking about the creative strategies couples use to stay grounded, keep perspective, and remember they’re on the same team. Sara shares a beautiful reflection on loving your partner through all the seasons of life—because you’ll both change, and that’s okay. And Mike Levine talks about a powerful anniversary tradition where he and his wife look back on the good times, the bad times, and the okay times—a ritual that helps them appreciate their journey together. ❓ Question of the Week What’s an unspoken rule in your relationship that helps keep the peace? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents What We Cover: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 💬 Then (Childhood Lens) How conflict looked when we were kids—silent treatments, shouting matches, or calm conversations. What we learned (or didn’t learn) from watching our parents argue. The moments that shaped how we now handle tension in our own homes. ❤️ Now (Parenting Lens) Why small arguments can feel bigger when you’re juggling parenting. How to stay patient, listen, and avoid keeping score. The importance of saying “I” instead of “you” and knowing when to step back. Fighting for your relationship instead of in your relationship. 📚 Fierce Intimacy Preview Later this season, we’ll be reading Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real—a book that challenges couples to stop fighting for themselves and start fighting for each other. Grab a copy if you’d like to read along! ⏰ Time to Unplug Because parents deserve their own fun too: Michael: Discovering surprise meals through the TooGoodToGo app Sara: Midweek date nights at Casita RD (Baldwin) and BK9 (Brooklyn) Mike: Celebrating 28 years later!!! Because you’ll be a better we if you take care of me. 🔗 Future Hey Other Parents Book Club - Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it—or just share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday—join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. This is S03E006: Hey Other Parents Episode 055 Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

Episode Description HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E004: The Grandparent Episode: Love, Boundaries, and Clashes 🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re talking all about grandparents—the love, the spoiling, the traditions, and yes…the clashes. From too many sweets and outdated advice to “back in my day” comparisons, we’re diving into what happens when well-meaning grandparents sometimes forget to pass the parenting torch back to us. We’ll share our own stories, talk about generational differences, and explore how to set boundaries with love—because keeping the peace with family doesn’t have to mean losing your sanity. ❓ Question of the Week What is the funniest or most frustrating “grandparent move” you’ve experienced? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents What We Cover: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 👵 Then (Childhood Lens) The magic we loved about grandparents: spoiling, freedom, family traditions. The things we didn’t notice as kids (but our parents sure did). 👨‍👩‍👧 Now (Parenting Lens) How grandparent quirks hit differently once we’re the parents. Too much sugar, endless toys, ignoring routines, outdated advice. The tension of wanting kids to have magical grandparent experiences—without undermining parenting. ⚡ Generational Clash Why these differences exist (era, culture, parenting style). Which clashes are harmless, and which ones cause real friction. 💬 Boundaries With Love How to set boundaries without making it a battle. Framing limits as protecting relationships, not laying down laws. Remembering to stay grateful, even in the tough moments. ⏰ Time to Unplug Because parents deserve their own fun too: Michael: AirPods Translate (English ↔ Spanish beta—wild!) Sara: Using ChatGPT for outfit ideas (faster than Pinterest scrolling) Mike: Rediscovering Linkin Park & music nostalgia 🔗 Links & Resources The Biggest Grandparenting Mistakes – BuzzFeed 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it—or just share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday—join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. This is S03E004: Hey Other Parents Episode 053 Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E003: Parenting Hacks… We Have Questions 🎙️ In This Episode: This week we’re diving into the weird, wild world of parenting hacks—the ones that felt totally normal when we were kids, and the ones we’ve tried (or sworn off) as parents ourselves. Inspired by a BuzzFeed list of bizarre and brilliant “hacks,” we’re sharing stories that range from monster spray and mayonnaise remedies to Santa’s OSHA compliance rules. Some are genius, some are questionable, and some are… probably therapy fodder. We’ll cover: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 👶 When We Were Kids: “Wait… That Was Normal?” The childhood hacks our parents swore by (and the ones that make us shake our heads now). From Vicks on everything to car lights = jail time. 👨‍👩‍👧 Now That We’re Parents: Hacks, Lies & Survival Tactics Which “creative solutions” we’ve inherited, which ones we’ve invented, and which ones we refuse to repeat. Tooth Fairy threats, Santa hotlines, toy jail, and snack stations. ⚡ Rapid Fire Hacks Netflix in Greek = bedtime. Ice cream truck music = out of ice cream. Whining is illegal in Cape Cod. The pet fish are secret Santa spies. Bedtime tickets, broccoli muscle checks, Gmail time capsules, and more! ❓ Question of the Week What’s the strangest parenting hack you’ve heard—or tried? Did it actually work, or was it total chaos? 📞 Call/Text: 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ⏰ Time to Unplug Because parents need their own hacks too: Michael: Owala 40oz tumbler (perfect for powdered drink mixes) Sara: Better Me Pilates program Mike: Borderlands 4 frustrations (lag + choppy PC issues) 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents If you enjoy the show, consider donating so we can keep making it—or just share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more than you know! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday—join us for another honest discussion about raising kids. Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS – S03E002: Mourning the Aging Kiddo 🎙️ In This Episode: Parenting means growing up right alongside your kids—and sometimes, that growth stings. This week, we’re unpacking the bittersweet ache of letting go: when your child walks into school without looking back, chooses friends over trick-or-treating with you, or suddenly decides they’re “too old” to snuggle. We’ll share the mix of pride and grief that sneaks up on parents, why independence feels like a hidden kind of goodbye, and how to reframe those moments as both loss and opportunity. What We Cover: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 💔 The Hidden Grief of Growing Up The first times our kids pulled away—from school drop-offs to bedtime routines. Why milestones feel like small goodbyes that pile up over time. 💡 Pride vs. Pain Celebrating independence while coping with the ache it leaves behind. Real parent stories: from learning to cook alone to shutting the bedroom door. 🤝 Coping & Connection Practical ways to reconnect as kids grow older. Reframing independence as proof you’ve done your job well. Why it’s important for parents to fill their own cup, too. ✨ Reflection “They outgrow your lap, but not your love”—why independence is both hard and beautiful. 📞 Join the Conversation: Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email us at heyotherparents@gmail.com. We might feature your story in a future episode! 🎧 New episodes drop every Friday — don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! 🖤 Follow us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ❓ Question of the Week 💬 What gave you the most anxiety of your child needing. you less and how have you worked through it? Drop your answers in the comments or DM us! HeyOtherParents #ParentingPodcast #HonestParenting 📞 Voice/Text: 559-537-5437 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com ⏰ Time to Unplug 🎬 Michael: 3D Printing with the Bambu Labs P1S 🎬 Sara: Unknown Number: The High School Catfish 🎬 Mike: Fantasy football season (and that trophy!) 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents Support us on Pinecast Join us on Patreon S03E002 | Series Episode 49 Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane Support Hey Other Parents: An Honest Podcast About Raising Kids by contributing to our tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

Season 3, Episode 1: The Welcome to Middle School Episode Middle school is a big milestone for kids—and for parents. It’s that tricky stage where they’re craving independence, friendships are shifting, and school expectations are ramping up. As parents, it’s a constant dance between stepping in with guidance and stepping back to let them figure it out—because we can’t round off all the sharp corners for them. Michael’s son Jacob even joins us for a quick chat about his own middle school experiences: what’s exciting, what’s nerve-wracking, and how he’s finding his way. We talk about: Balancing effort and results when it comes to quizzes and tests Navigating independence in social situations and the in-between moments When kids should handle challenges themselves vs. when parents step in Why a little pressure can actually be a good thing—it shows you care ❓ What are your kids most excited—or nervous—about in middle school? And what about you? 📞 Call or text us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email heyotherparents@gmail.com. We might feature your story in a future episode! 🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday — don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! 🖤 Follow us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ❓ Question of the Week 💬 What’s been the biggest surprise (good or bad) about your child starting middle school? Drop your answers in the comments or DM us! #HeyOtherParents #MiddleSchool 📞 Voice/Text: 559-537-5437 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ⏰ Time to Unplug 🎬 Michael H: Wednesday – Season 2 (Netflix) 🎬 Sara D: Animal Kingdom (Netflix) 🖼 Mike Levine: Fall vibes + Mixedtiles magnetic lightweight photos ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🎯 Support Hey Other Parents https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• S03E01 | Series Episode 48 Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane Support Hey Other Parents: An Honest Podcast About Raising Kids by contributing to our tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

🎉 Season 2 Finale: A Look Back, A Pause, and What’s Next! 🎙️ In This Episode: This week on Hey Other Parents, we’re wrapping up Season 2 with a look back at the stories, laughs, and real parenting moments that made this season special. From parenting burnout to first-time fatherhood, raising kids in multicultural families, and the wildest parenting battles, this season has been full of incredible conversations. Plus, we had some fun with our BuzzFeed movie quiz episode and got nostalgic about the movies that shaped our childhoods (even the ones we probably shouldn’t have watched). We’ll also share why we’re taking a short pause (family first, always ❤️), what’s coming in Season 3, and how you can help shape the next chapter of the podcast. So grab a coffee, take a breath, and join us for one last episode before we return with more real talk, big laughs, and unfiltered parenting moments. Because on Hey Other Parents, it’s an honest discussion about raising kids. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 📞 Join the Conversation: Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email us at heyotherparents@gmail.com. We might feature your story in a future episode! 🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday — don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! 🖤 Follow us on our social media for updates: Instagram: @HeyOtherParents Bluesky: @HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ❓Question of The Week 💬 What do you want to hear more of? What topics should we tackle in Season 3? Drop your answers in the comments or DM us! #HeyOtherParents 📞 Voice/Text: 559-537-5437 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ⏰ Time to Unplug will return next season ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🎯Support Hey Other Parents https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• S02E019 | Series Episode 49 Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E018: Movies That Shaped Our Childhoods! 🎙️ In This Episode: This week, we’re diving into the movies that shaped our childhoods—whether they were magical, terrifying, or just completely inappropriate for kids. We’ll explore the classics we rented from the library, the ones we caught on primetime TV with all the curse words dubbed over, and the films our parents probably shouldn’t have let us watch. Plus, we’ll see if the movies we loved as kids still hold up when we show them to our own children! What We Cover: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🎥 Nostalgic Movie Picks: -The films we couldn’t get enough of as kids (think The Goonies, Princess Bride, and Labyrinth!) -The ones that totally traumatized us (The Exorcist, Poltergeist 2, and Aliens—thanks, parents!). -How our childhood video rental store visits were an event of their own! 😂 Hits and Misses With Our Kids: -Which of our childhood favorites our kids actually liked—and which ones flopped. -Movies that aged poorly vs. the ones that are timeless. -Unexpected moments when we realized, "Oh wow, this is not kid-friendly!" (Indiana Jones, anyone?) 🧐 Dubbed Over & Edited for TV: -The weirdest replacements for curse words in primetime movies. -Those ultra-long TV movie marathons that turned a 90-minute film into a 3-hour event! 🎬 Fun With a BuzzFeed Quiz: -Can a BuzzFeed quiz guess our favorite movie genre based on our picks from A to Z? Let’s find out! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 📞 Join the Conversation: Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email us at heyotherparents@gmail.com. We might feature your story in a future episode! 🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday — don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! 🖤 Follow us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ❓Question of The Week 💬 What movies do you believe were nostalgic classics from your childhood? Which ones did you try showing your kids, and how did it go? Drop your answers in the comments or DM us! #HeyOtherParents #MovieNostalgia 📞 Voice/Text: 559-537-5437 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ⏰ Time to Unplug 🎬 Michael: Fallout - Full Season Review (Amazon Prime) – Dark, post-apocalyptic, and surprisingly funny. 🎬 Sara: Almost Pregnant (Netflix) – A hilarious, lighthearted Amy Schumer comedy. Mike: Will return next episode ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🎯Support Hey Other Parents https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• S02E017 | Series Episode 47 Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E017: Navigating Multicultural Parenting: Embracing Blended Family Identities 🎙️ In This Episode: In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Hey Other Parents, we’re diving into what it’s like to grow up in, marry into, and raise a mixed family. Sara shares her journey of being adopted into a culturally diverse family, how she learned to embrace Jean’s Haitian roots when they started dating in high school, and how she now helps their children navigate their own mixed identity. We discuss the challenges, funny moments, cultural misunderstandings, and meaningful lessons learned along the way. What We Cover: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🧩 Growing Up in a Mixed Family – Sara’s adoption story and how being raised in an Italian-Ecuadorian household shaped her identity. 💡 Adapting to Jean’s Haitian Culture – Learning traditions, respecting elders, and overcoming early family hesitations. 👶 Raising Mixed Kids & Identity – Answering the “What am I?” question and preparing kids for how the world perceives them. 🔄 Cultural & Racial Misunderstandings – The micro-aggressions, disapproving looks, and moments that make you go “Wait… did that just happen?” 🍽️ Blending Traditions Through Food – Thanksgiving lasagna, Haitian black rice, pernil, and stuffing—all on one table! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 📞 Join the Conversation: Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email us at heyotherparents@gmail.com. We might feature your story in a future episode! 🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday — don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! 🖤 Follow us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ❓Question of The Week 💬 If you have a mixed family, how do you blend traditions? 📞 Voice/Text: 559-537-5437 📩 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ⏰ Time to Unplug 🎬 Michael: Fallout - Full Season Review (Amazon Prime) – Dark, post-apocalyptic, and surprisingly funny. 🎬 Sara: Almost Pregnant (Netflix) – A hilarious, lighthearted Amy Schumer comedy. Mike: Will return next episode ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🎯Support Hey Other Parents https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• S02E017 | Series Episode 47 Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

🎙️ HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E016: Everyday Parenting Struggles: From Mealtime Meltdowns to Screen Time Negotiations This week on Hey Other Parents, we’re diving into the everyday battles parents fight with their kids—from mealtime meltdowns to screen time negotiations and the eternal struggle of getting out the door on time. If you’ve ever had to argue about one more bite, five more minutes of screen time, or why socks are apparently optional in winter, this episode is for you... and what's with the turtle fight after dinner? ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• What We Discuss: 🔥 Mealtime Wars – Why do kids suddenly hate food they loved last week? 📱 Screen Time Standoffs – “I can’t pause it, it’s online!” 😴 The Bedtime Battle – “I need water!” “I have a question!” “One more story!” 🎒 Morning Mayhem – The mysterious disappearance of one shoe every morning. 📚 Homework Horror – The “I have no homework” lie… until bedtime. 🥊 Sibling Showdowns – “She’s looking at me!” / “He’s breathing on me!” 🧹 The Great Cleanup Debate – “But I didn’t make the mess!” 👕 The Clothing Catastrophe – Why dressing appropriately for the weather is optional for kids. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ❓Question of The Week What do you think of our interview episodes? 🎙️ 🎉 Join the Conversation: 📞 Voice/Text: 559-537-5437 (559-LES-KIDS) 💌 Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com 🎧 We might feature your story in a future episode! 🖤 Follow us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ⏰ Time to Unplug Sarah’s Pick: The Couple Next Door – A psychological thriller worth binging. Mike’s Pick: Flying drones like a pro (or trying to). Michael’s Pick: Fallout on Amazon Prime – A dystopian adventure for sci-fi lovers. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 💕 If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 🤝 Share it with friends who need a laugh. 👋 Don’t Forget: Hug your kids & charge those Chromebooks! 🩷💻 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🎯Support Hey Other Parents https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• S02E016 | Series Episode 46 Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents