Two Parents & A Podcast

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re getting ready to BABYMOON. If you’re watching this, we’re on the beach right now (yay) trying to figure out what you even call a babymoon for baby number two (because “babymoon” feels… aggressive). Sprinkle? Second moon? TBD. Either way, we recorded this episode right before heading out and immediately spiraled. We start with trip planning debates, pregnancy food rules (can you eat beef carpaccio while pregnant?), and the age-old question of what actually matters more at a restaurant: the food or the vibe.  Then we get into the big one: failing the one-hour glucose test. What it means, what it doesn’t, what comes next, and why it’s way less dramatic than it sounds but still mentally jarring when you get the call. From there, we talk about ear piercing timing, leg shaving & making the bed. Mid-episode we cover Valentine’s Day, the jewelry-box-at-dinner move, whether we regret buying so much pink before having a boy, and the very real struggle of finding a nickname for baby boy that YOU GUYS like. Travel etiquette becomes a full debate (as always): reclining seats, switching seats for families, and whether you’re ever obligated to move on a plane. We also get into babysitter etiquette (if you say “help yourself to anything,” do you actually mean anything?), and then unpack the viral Girl Scout story where one girl sold $450k worth of cookies… and where that money really goes. We wrap with a Bicker of the Week, two Things We DMed Each Other (Olympics + Waymo obv), and a parenting takeaway that stuck with us all week: tell kids what TO do, not just what NOT to do. LOVE YOU GUYS. Thanks for listening!!!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:04:50 Is there a better name for the second babymoon? 00:07:45 Can you eat beef carpaccio while pregnant? 00:12:42 What matters more: the food or the vibe? 00:15:32 What’s the best made-in-Canada company?! 00:18:18 Dads’ night out 00:19:48 Failed glucose test… now what? 00:27:58 When should kids get their ears pierced? 00:31:22 Fine dining: worth it or overrated? 00:34:33 Asking parents with grown kids: what would you do differently? 00:36:47 The jewelry box at dinner move 00:38:42 Do we regret buying so much pink before having a boy? 00:42:30 We need a new nickname for baby boy 00:43:51 Airplane etiquette: is it okay to recline? 00:47:37 Seat switching on planes: are you obligated to move for families? 00:55:17 Babysitter etiquette: if you say “help yourself to anything,” do you ACTUALLY mean anything? 00:59:48 Girl Scout goes viral for selling $450k worth of cookies… BUT where does the money actually go? 01:04:18 BICKER OF THE WEEK: Is it OK to eat on the couch?! 01:08:24 THINGS WE DMED EACHOTHER: Norway is dominating the Olympics (and their youth sports rules are the opposite of ours) 01:13:25 THINGS WE DMED EACHOTHER: DoorDash drivers are getting paid to close Waymo doors?? 01:16:09 THIS WEEK WE LEARNED: tell kids what TO do (not what NOT to do) 01:17:37 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Merit: Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at https://www.meritbeauty.com *Edmunds: Checking your car’s value is an easy win to cross off your to do list. Go to https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Two_Parents_Podcast&utm_adgroup=&utm_account=edmunds_marketing&utm_content=Two_Parents_Podcast_q4  *Veracity: For up to 60% off your order, head to https://www.VeracityHealth.co and use code TWOPARENTS *Magnetic Me: Right now, new customers can get 15% off sitewide at https://www.magneticme.com *IM8: Go to https://www.IM8HEALTH.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets plus 10% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re answering YOUR questions - but fair warning: we had a lot to say (40 mins worth) before we got there. In our defense: shampoo recs, steak temperatures, and daddy/daughter dances felt important at the time (LOL).  OK SO FIRST… We talk about 5AM toddler mornings (is this a phase?!), using ChatGPT to survive your inbox, and the very unexpected realization that if you have a nut allergy… you might want to check your shampoo ingredients. We also debate 2-in-1 shampoo (dealbreaker or fine?), and Harrison pitches his “best worst idea of the week”: Tinder… but for streaming services. From there, we get into pregnancy things no one warns you about - including dental issues during pregnancy (are dentists still running the biggest scam in America?! IYKYK) - and why dads showing up to “mommy & me” classes might actually be one of our favorite cultural shifts. We talk daddy/daughter dances, the #1 toddler birthday party idea that parents will actually enjoy, and why themed dinner parties deserve a comeback. Then we spiral into food takes (you can’t order burgers medium-rare in Canada?!), whether sending food back is ever worth it, and finally dive into your Q&A questions: should a new baby bring a “gift” for their sibling, what really matters when choosing an OBGYN, what to prepare for before labor, and what actually belongs in a hospital bag - including the one item I would never, ever skip. We also talk about what we’re most excited for with a baby boy, whether there’s a “best” season to be pregnant, and if we’re planning to open investment accounts for the kids. We wrap with a comment section debate that got people fired up (apparently ppl are really pro-spanking???) and a Bicker of the Week about wearing your partner’s clothes before they do (which OF COURSE is fine IF they are pregnant lol).  LOVE YOU GUYS. Thanks for listening!!!!!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast 00:03:55 ChatGPT for emails = a legit time-saver 00:05:11 Are 5AM wakeups just a toddler phase? 00:06:39 If you have a nut allergy, check your shampoo ingredients?? 00:11:07 What's the deal with 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner? 00:12:21 Best Worst Idea of the Week: “Tinder for streaming” 00:15:11 Dental issues during pregnancy 00:17:38 Dads at “mommy & me” classes?!  00:22:28 Are daddy/daughter dances still a thing?! 00:24:51 #1 Toddler birthday party idea (that you’ll actually WANT to attend) 00:25:27 Dinner party theme ideas  00:30:50 You can’t order burgers medium-rare in Canada?!  00:34:17 Are we out on sending food back? 00:36:55 Q&A: Should the new baby bring a “gift” for the toddler? 00:40:30 Q&A: OBGYN experience during and after delivery? 00:48:32 Q&A: What should I prepare for going into labor? 00:50:28 What’s in my hospital bag 01:02:36 Q&A: What are you most excited about with a baby boy? 01:05:27 Q&A: Best season to be pregnant? 01:06:39 Q&A: Are you planning to open 530A accounts for the kids? 01:10:21 In the comments: Does spanking work? 01:13:03 Bicker of the Week: Wearing your partner’s clothes first 01:15:23 LOVE YOU GUYS!  #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://SHOPIFY.com/TWOPARENTS *Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to https://littlespoon.com/TWOPARENTS and enter our code TWOPARENTS at checkout to get 30% OFF your first Little Spoon order. *Ollie: Treat your Palentine with Ollie! Go to https://ollie.com/twoparents and use code TWOPARENTS to get 60% off your first box! *Branch Basics: Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code TWOPARENTS at https://branchbasics.com/TWOPARENTS #branchbasicspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we might have cracked the code on toddler mornings… and it’s not waking up earlier. We’re talking 5am wakeups, third-trimester exhaustion, and the mindset shift that completely changed how we handle that first hour of the day. Instead of surviving it, we’re cooking through it. Eggs, repetition, more eggs, toddler “responsibility,” and why letting Tate crack the eggs might actually be the best parenting hack we’ve stumbled into. From there, we rant about the glucose test (there HAS to be a better way), officially put the induction on the calendar, and share baby names we LOVE but WON’T be using (and why naming a second kid feels wildly harder?? Idk we just need to see the baby). We spiral (naturally) into the Valentine’s Day debate: when someone says “no gifts”… do they actually mean it? Then get into our low-spend month competition with the neighbors (now accepting votes for who you think might win… spoiler alert: it doesn’t seem like it’s gonna be me), what I’m NOT buying this month but really want to, and then talk about a competition that ACTUALLY matters: the Winter Olympics. Harrison has a rant about why it’s somehow harder than ever to actually watch the Olympics. We also unpack the viral Olympian cheating apology and whether that was romantic… or just ????? Then we hit the comment section: is going off-registry rude? are toddlers sitting on restaurant tables actually a crime? and are “self-driving” cars even self-driving? We wrap with something that genuinely reframed our week: toddlers are hardwired to hit, run, climb, and tantrum. It’s NOT personal. It’s developmental. And how you react might matter more than what they do. LOVE YOU GUYS. Thanks for listening 🤍 Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:04:55 The BEST personalized toddler gift (Maria nailed THIS) 00:06:23 Waking up early with a toddler?! Try THIS mindset shift 00:12:53 This the the BEST way to spend the morning with your toddler 00:19:36 If someone says “no gifts”… do they mean it? (Valentine’s edition) 00:23:46 Glucose test rant: there HAS to be a better way 00:28:57 The induction is officially on the calendar 00:30:34 Baby names we like… but won’t use (and why) 00:38:15 Low-spend month (friendly neighborhood competition!!!) 00:41:33 What I’m NOT buying this month (but really want to) 00:44:33 Olympics rant: why is it so hard to watch?! 00:54:36 Olympian apology interview goes viral (cheating confession) 01:00:02 Hockey culture: “lettuce,” “apples,” and other terms you might might also understand if you read hockey romance 01:02:19 In the comments: Is going off-registry rude? 01:06:42 In the comments: Toddlers sitting on restaurant tables 01:12:30 Things we DMed: “Self-driving” cars have human helpers?! 01:20:28 Things we learned: Toddlers are hardwired to run/ hit/ climb/ tantrum 01:23:55 THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!  #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Hero Bread: Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to https://www.hero.co and use code TWOPARENTS at checkout. *Chime: It just takes a few minutes to sign up. Head to https://www.Chime.com/TWOPARENTS.  *Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to https://www.littlespoon.com/TWOPARENTS and enter our code TWOPARENTS at checkout to get 30% OFF your first Little Spoon order. *Bobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to https://www.hibobbie.com for the formula trusted by 700,000+ parents. *Perelel: Exclusive for our listeners, new customers can enjoy 20% off their first order with code TWOPARENTS - Visit https://www.perelelhealth.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re back with Dr. Ari Brown - board-certified pediatrician and author of the bestselling 411 series - for The 411 on TODDLER DISCIPLINE. And just like last time, she comes in with the calm, practical answers we all need when our toddlers are… doing the most. We start with the big foundational question: what “discipline” actually means (spoiler: it’s teaching NOT punishment) and when it realistically begins. Dr. Ari breaks down the cues that your toddler is ready to be “taught”, why pushback is developmentally normal, and how consistency matters way more than finding the “perfect” consequence. Then we get into the “IS IT NORMAL?!” greatest hits: biting, hitting, head-banging, and public tantrums - what’s actually going on in their brains, what to do in the moment, and the #1 thing parents should avoid (even though it’s everyone’s instinct). We also talk self-regulation, why toddlers borrow our nervous systems, and the biggest mistake parents make when they start trying to “discipline” for the first time: expecting instant results. We also dig into the classic strategies people always debate - time-outs, spanking, and the “if you don’t do X, we’re taking away Y” approach - and Dr. Ari explains what works, what doesn’t, and why consequences need to be logical to actually teach anything.  PLUS: how behavior can shift with a new sibling (who do you think wrote this question in?!??!), how to avoid the good cop/bad cop dynamic, and rapid-fire audience Qs on meal refusal, toddler resistance (“no” to everything), teaching safety without fear, and why kids go through parent-preference phases. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! (The 411 with Dr. Ari Brown: Toddler Discipline) 00:01:45 Doctor & author weighs in on “does audiobook listening ‘count’ as reading?!” 00:04:00 When should discipline start?! (& what does ‘discipline’ really mean?!) 00:06:47 Signs your toddler is ready for boundaries 00:12:00 IS IT NORMAL?! Biting 00:15:58 IS IT NORMAL?! Hitting 00:21:41 IS IT NORMAL?! Head-banging / hitting themselves  00:23:24 IS IT NORMAL?! Tantrums in public 00:26:28 The #1 thing NOT to do during a tantrum 00:29:30 How toddlers learn self-regulation (and the parent’s role) 00:33:21 The #1 mistake parents make when starting to discipline their kids  00:35:11 DOES IT WORK?! Time-outs 00:39:16 DOES IT WORK?! Spanking 00:46:43 DOES IT WORK?! “If you don’t do X, we’re taking away Y” 00:49:00 New sibling = new behavior? What to expect + how to prepare 00:57:15 Overwhelmed? Dr. Brown’s 5 starter tools for discipline 00:58:24 Good cop vs. bad cop 01:02:38 Audience Q: Meal refusal - how to respond without creating picky habits 01:04:03 Audience Q: Toddler says “no” to everything (shoes, car seat, etc.) 01:06:58 Audience Q: Teaching “danger” without traumatizing them 01:08:15 Audience Q: Parent preference phases (why they pick favorites) 01:09:35 “Terrible twos” rebrand: the Terrific Twos 01:11:26 Thanks for listening! Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Cozy Earth: Go to https://www.cozyearth.com/TWOPARENTS for up to 20% off! *Edmunds: Checking your car’s value is an easy win to cross off your to do list. Go to https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Two_Parents_Podcast&utm_adgroup=&utm_account=edmunds_marketing&utm_content=Two_Parents_Podcast_q4  *SKIMS: Shop my favorite bras and underwear at https://www.skims.com/twoparents  #skimspartner *Ollie: Treat your Palentine with Ollie! Go to https://www.ollie.com/twoparents and use code TWOPARENTS to get 60% off your first box! *GOODLES: Pick up GOODLES on your next shopping trip… it’s available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re very much in planning mode - talking babymoon ideas, future parenting rules (we NEED your thoughts on the bed-making debate), and yet another round of nesting. We start with coffee shop talk (yes, the same one we’ve been talking about for the last two weeks), why good habits take forever to build while bad ones take about two days, and the current parent uniform: sweatsuits with mystery stains. From there, it’s full nesting energy (again) - labeling everything (western shorts, IYKYK), debating whether kids are born Type A or if we accidentally make them that way, and getting into the surprisingly divisive question of whether kids should make their own beds (possibly our first real parenting style disagreement live on the pod??). Then we get into technology and boundaries: the no phones in bedrooms rule, what age kids are actually getting phones now, and how we somehow ended up with a landline (yes, really). We celebrate Maria’s one-year anniversary with us, spiral into celebrity power couples, Grammys discourse, Valentine’s Day card exchanges at school, and our ongoing “no gifts” debate. Mid-episode, we start planning our babymoon (US only, no car required - please send help), talk through joint bachelor/bachelorette parties (fun or a hard no?), share our #1 travel hack that immediately lowers stress (with or without kids), and revisit the ongoing dog conversation - why everyone says we should NOT get one yet, and whether we’re secretly a no-pets house… until the day we’re not (I still cannot believe Harrison asked if I’d consider a pet spider). We wrap with mall nostalgia (or lack thereof), a classic Bicker of the Week (pool vs. no pool - IN TEXAS), and a new behavioral tactic we’ll keep in mind for those future meltdowns: connection before direction. LOVE YOU GUYS. Thanks for listening!!!! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:02:06 Coffee shops are making coffee “community” again (and we’re obsessed) 00:05:11 Why good habits take forever… and bad habits take 2 days 00:06:50 New parent uniform: mystery stains 00:14:29 Nesting parents - are you labeling EVERYTHING too?! 00:16:10 Are kids born Type A vs Type B… or do we create them? 00:18:40 Are we making our kids make their beds?  00:21:25 The “no phones in bedrooms” rule…  00:23:37 What age are parents giving kids phones now?  00:24:42 We got a LANDLINE… should we do call-ins?! 00:25:37 Maria’s one-year anniversary 00:30:08 Celebrity power couples  00:31:57 Alex Warren at the Grammys 00:35:31 Do schools still do Valentine’s Day card exchanges?! 00:37:53 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your partner (plus our “no gifts” debate) 00:43:38 We have an outdoor baby 00:45:20 Baby moon help: where should we go?! (US only) 00:47:47 Joint bachelor/bachelorette parties: yes or no? 00:56:21 Our #1 travel hack: DoorDash on landing 00:58:46 Why everyone says we SHOULDN’T get a dog (yet) 01:02:20 Are we a “no pets” house… until the dog day comes? 01:04:55 Would a pet spider be a dealbreaker?! 01:07:38 Why do malls feel so depressing now? 01:08:47 Bicker of the Week: Pool vs. No Pool 01:11:05 This Week We Learned: Connection Before Direction 01:15:18 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to https://www.littlespoon.com/TWOPARENTS and enter our code TWOPARENTS at checkout to get 30% OFF your first Little Spoon order. *Doordash: Parenting can be chaotic, unpredictable, and complicated. Delivery with DoorDash isn’t. Get order, delivered. #DoorDashPartner  #DoorDashParents *ZipRecruiter: You can try ZipRecruiter for FREE at https://www.ZipRecruiter.com/ALEX *Quince: Go to https://www.Quince.com/ALEX for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! *Ollie: Head to https://www.Ollie.com/TWOPARENTS, tell them all about your dog, and use code TWOPARENTS to get 60% off your Welcome Kit when you subscribe today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, you already know the phase we’re in - MORE nesting, third-trimester TIRED, and getting ready for baby #2 while CONTINUALLY realizing how much community matters. We kick things off with a micro-bicker (is this a new thing?!) that isn’t really a REAL debate because we agree (fake flowers vs real flowers), then get into how I’m scheduling rest for “third trimester tired” instead of fighting it. We revisit last week’s Bicker of the Week (drying off in the shower vs on the bath mat), share a weighted vest update (for those who asked in the comments!!), and talk about what phase 2 of nesting mode looks like when you’re about to have two-under-two (spoiler: toddler-proofing everything). From there, I share my battle-tested opinions on baby shower gifts you should buy that are NOT on your friend’s registry (plus two bonus picks from Harrison that are genuinely top notch). And like speaking of buying things off of registries… we spiral about why every single store now needs your phone number just to let you check out (hard pass). Then we give an update that kicked off a bigger conversation - Tate officially got off a preschool waitlist I put her on at three months old (WOAH), which leads into a conversation about community, the people you surround yourself with, and why that matters more than ever right now. And yes, your village can include DOGS… when it makes sense to add one with kids, what we’re actually considering, and why this question suddenly feels very real. We wrap with a new Bicker of the Week (is it ever okay to talk to your partner once they’ve fallen asleep?) and a really sweet Things We DMed about celebrating other kids’ wins - the kind of reminder that makes you appreciate your village (even if it’s just the folks on the sidelines!!) LOVE YOU GUYS. Thanks for listening :)  Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:03:26 Micro-Bicker of the Week: Fake flowers vs real flowers 00:05:45 Scheduling rest for “third trimester tired” 00:08:42 Bicker of the Week Re-Visit: Drying off IN the shower vs ON the bath mat 00:11:19 Weighted vest update 00:13:55 Nesting mode cont’d (and toddler-proofing everything) 00:17:55 Harrison’s cookbook-only cooking era 00:21:58 My top baby shower gifts NOT on your friend’s registry (+2 bonus picks from Harrison) 00:33:30 Why do you have to give your phone number before buying EVERYTHING? 00:44:44 Tate got off the waitlist I put her on at 3 months old 00:50:07 The people you surround yourself with (and why it matters) 00:58:48 We’re getting a dog?! 01:07:46 Bicker of the Week: Is it OK to talk to your partner once they fall asleep? 01:11:27 Things We DMed: Celebrating other kids’ wins 01:16:40 LOVE YOU GUYS #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Hungryroot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to https:// www.Hungryroot.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS *Edmunds: Checking your car’s value is an easy win to cross off your to do list. Go to https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Two_Parents_Podcast&utm_adgroup=&utm_account=edmunds_marketing&utm_content=Two_Parents_Podcast_q4 *Hers: Visit https://www.forhers.com/TWOPARENTS to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. *Fora Travel: Become a Fora Advisor today at https://www.ForaTravel.com/TWOPARENTS *Magnetic Me: Right now, new customers can get 15% off sitewide at https://www.magneticme.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re talking about a little bit of everything. We start with Austin’s first real snow day (at least since we’ve lived here lol) and how snow days feel wildly different as a kid vs. as a parent. We talk Dry January, whether it’s rude to ask someone why they don’t drink, and a truly wild babysitting story involving lime-a-ritas (the liability alone???). Then it’s parenting and pregnancy updates: how every family develops its own language (how Tate became “BUBBERS”), why we’re capping naps at 16 months, the “unzipping the sleep sack” phase, what’s helped vs. not helped with pregnancy restless leg, and the differences between boy vs. girl pregnancies (cravings, skin, fatigue, emotions, pregnancy brain). We wrap with the fun stuff as always: Harrison’s cookbook era, a great welcome-to-the-neighborhood gift idea, our ongoing couch and dining table saga, Dad’s first attempt at pigtails, Bicker of the Week, and two Things We DMed Each Other that left us speechless. LOVE YOU GUYS. Thanks for listening!!! --- Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & a Podcast! 00:03:26 Our first “snow day” in Austin 00:06:05 How children conjure a snow day 00:10:43 “Ghost riding the whip” (and the dumb stuff we did as teens) 00:14:37 Babysitting… but getting paid in lime-a-ritas?! (liability?!?!) 00:16:08 Dry January touch base 00:18:50 Is it rude to ask someone why they’re not drinking? 00:25:12 Every family has their own language (how Tate became BUBBERS) 00:29:28 Why we’re capping Tate’s nap at 16 months 00:31:16 Pregnancy restless leg: what works & what doesn’t 00:33:41 Boy vs. girl pregnancy differences: cravings, skin, emotions, fatigue & pregnancy brain 00:36:38 Harrison’s cookbook era 00:38:28 Welcome-to-the-neighborhood gift idea 00:41:48 The now weekly couch update (lol) + trying to pick a dining table without losing our minds 00:45:43 Toddler sleep sack hacks: the “unzipping” phase + inside-out trick 00:49:23 Dad’s first time attempting pigtails 00:53:28 Bicker of the Week: drying off in the shower vs. on the bath mat (again) + no ceiling fans in Texas?! 00:58:28 Things We DMed Each Other: the cleaner “100 rubber ducks” test (are you kidding?!?) 01:01:38 Things We DMed Each Other: guy climbs a skyscraper with zero safety gear (and he has kids) 01:05:38 LOVE YOU GUYS! --- Thank you to our sponsors this week: Hero Bread: Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to https://www.hero.co and use code TWOPARENTS at checkout. Cash App: Download Cash App Today: FAMILY10 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Perelel: Exclusive for our listeners, new customers can enjoy 20% off their first order with code TWOPARENTS at https://www.perelelhealth.com Hungryroot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to https://www.hungryroot.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS. Cozy Earth: Go to https://www.cozyearth.com/TWOPARENTSBOGO for an exclusive deal only available Jan 25th – Feb 8th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, it’s one of those episodes where nothing is technically related… and yet somehow it all is. Very Friday energy (but HAPPY MONDAY!!!). We kick things off with Tate entering her unzipping era (a big-girl milestone no one prepares you for!!!) and come to terms with the fact that we’ve officially become the parents we SWORE we’d never be (hahahaha). We have another SHOW REC (is this our new thing???) - His & Hers.. Then react to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s take on Netflix and filmmaking (I think we agree?? I mean we are to the point that Harrison bought a phone lock box sooooo). Then it’s toddler parent life as usual: discovering that “tractor wheels” are apparently a food, relying on DoorDash as a legitimate parenting strategy, and settling a cohabitating Bicker of the Week we didn’t know we felt so strongly about (do you dry off IN the shower or ON the bath mat??). Mid-episode chaos includes gym drama involving a smoothie bar heist (and learning about Harrison’s fascination with bank robberies?!), home updates (haunted light, breakfast nook plans, and our couch ordered on vibes alone), and a very real debate about whether Dad gets any say in nursery design. We also talk through our night nurse plan for baby #2 — why we’re doing it again and what we learned the first time around. We close with Tate discovering SHOPPPING (hello sparkly cowboy boots), why buying kids clothes for their “future age” is a scam, a viral moment where a mom throws an iPad out the car window (we have thoughts), an alarm clock that charges you to snooze, and the comment section absolutely lighting us up over the word “de-thaw” (WOOPS).  LOVE YOU GUYS!  Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:05:18 Tate’s latest “big girl” milestone: the “unzipping” phase  00:07:22 We’ve officially become the parents we SWORE we’d never be 00:10:21 Show rec: His & Hers 00:11:16 Matt Damon + Ben Affleck on Netflix “ruining” movies (kinda true?) 00:13:22 Our continued war against Apple products (phone box, middle of he night Apple Watch)  00:17:45 PSA: “tractor wheels” are apparently actually a top-tier toddler food 00:19:00 Our Friday night parenting hack: DoorDash 00:21:40 Bicker of the Week: dry off IN the shower or ON the bath mat? 00:23:34 Gym chaos: the smoothie bar heist 00:30:46 Home updates: haunted light, breakfast nook plans & the new couch 00:41:13 Hot take: does Dad get a vote on nursery design?! 00:46:11 Our night nurse plan (and why we’re doing it again) 00:51:35 Why you should stop buying “future size” kids clothes  00:53:07 Toddler shopping: Tate picked her own sparkly cowboy boots 00:56:31 Things We DMed Each Other: Mom throws iPad out the car window 00:59:36 Things We DMed Each Other: Alarm clock that charges $10 to snooze 01:01:50 From the comments: “de-thaw” is not a word (apparently) 01:03:04 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Merit Beauty: Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at https://www.meritbeauty.com *Doordash: Parenting can be chaotic, unpredictable, and complicated. Delivery with DoorDash isn’t. Get order, delivered. #DoorDashPartner  #DoorDashParents *Bobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to https://www.hibobbie.com for the formula trusted by 700,000+ parents. *Fora Travel: Become a Fora Advisor today at https://www.ForaTravel.com/TWOPARENTS *Ka’Chava: Rewild your nutrition at https://www.kachava.com and use code TWOPARENTS. New customers get twenty dollars off an order of two bags or more, now through the 31st! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re deep in the 1-to-2 kid transition and debating the question everyone has opinions on: is the biggest life shift going from 0–1 kids, 1–2 kids, or 2+ kids? We get into what actually feels different this time around, what we weirdly care less about, and why confidence the second time somehow still leads to reorganizing half the house (yes sorry we’re still on this topic - WE HAVE UPDATES!)  We kick things off with a mommy & me dance class announcement (MELT), argue (bicker but not bicker of the week) about the best Olympic sport, and Harrison makes a strong case for why cookbooks deserve a comeback in 2026 (I feel like I’m still good with google???). Then we get into life with a 16-month-old who has officially become a food critic, the one grocery item we cannot keep stocked, and the recipes currently saving us (ps. COMMENT: Toddler friendly recipes - we are still ISO new ones to try please!!!!).  From there, we explain why we’re ACTUALLY changing the kids’ rooms (I guess we never told you guys lol), recap Tate’s first night in her big girl room (shockingly smooth), and share what we’re buying for the playroom (plus the one thing we’re absolutely SKIPPING).  We also spiral into learning that moms can apparently catch their own babies (hard no for me), admit we’ve changed our minds on a former “must-have” product, and confirm that toddlers humble you daily (in general lol).  Naturally, we end with the important stuff: whether Zoom calls at coffee shops are socially acceptable, if treadmill miles count as real miles (will this be the new listening vs. reading??), why patterned couches might be an elite parenting hack, and whether admin nights are the future of adult friendships. Plus: mahjong with mom friends - and absolute MUST.  LOVE YOU GUYS (thank you for listening!!!!!) Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & Podcast! 00:00:32 We’re starting mommy & me dance class!!  00:06:10 What’s the best Olympic sport?!  00:08:08 Cookbooks deserve a comeback in 2026 00:13:55 New recipes for 16-month-olds (because toddlers are suddenly food critics) 00:19:35 Why are we ACTUALLY changing the kids’ rooms?! 00:20:57 4 things we’re ordering for our toddler playroom (and 1 thing we’re NOT) 00:29:25 Tate’s first night in her big girl room  00:33:58 Did you know moms can “catch” their own baby?! 00:35:40 Is the biggest life change 0–1 kid, 1–2 kids, or 2+ kids?! 00:42:26 We CHANGED OUR MINDS on our previously MOST recommended product 00:44:24 What’s the one food you can’t keep in stock because of your toddler?! 00:53:18 Is it socially acceptable to take Zoom calls at a coffee shop?! 00:57:00 Bicker of the Week: Does treadmill mileage count as “real” miles?! 01:04:15 Interior design tip for parents with young children: patterned couches 01:07:40 Things We DMed Eachother: Admin Nights 01:14:52 Mahjong with mom friends 01:16:50 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *IM8: Go to https://www.IM8HEALTH.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets plus 10% off your order. *Branch Basics: Head to https://www.BranchBasics.com to shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code TWOPARENTS *Quince: Go to https://www.Quince.com/ALEX for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! *Function Health: Visit https://www.functionhealth.com/TWOPARENTS or use gift code TWOPARENTS25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — we have a LOT of baby #2 updates after our third-trimester OB appointment. Things escalated quickly and apparently Harrison is now delivering the baby??? (Our doctor casually suggested that dads can deliver the second baby (???) and we’re still unpacking that), plus we talk through the breech situation (Harrison keeps calling it “THE BREACH” like a contract hahahah) and why I’m choosing NOT to do anything to flip him. From there, we get into what feels different the second time around — the things we obsessed over with our first baby that we truly do not care about anymore — and why that confidence immediately turned into redesigning half the house. We share nursery plans, the guest-room shuffle, and the logistical chaos of prepping for baby #2 while still very much parenting a toddler. Then Harrison explains why he’s officially OUT on Waymo (parking lot purgatory + surprise “voice of god” moments), and we spiral into Austin’s most unhinged design choice: back-in angle parking (with a bike lane in between, obviously). We also confirm that every couple has a driver — and yes, we know exactly who ours is (spoiler alert: NOT Harrison).  We revisit the audiobooks vs. reading debate (we decided every can participate in book club but Jules has to wear a scarlett letter on her chest), share a nonstick-pan update (turns out “full blast heat” was the problem), and take a nostalgic detour back to 2016 (where were you and why does it suddenly feel iconic?). Plus, we talk about marrying into a marathon family (I’ll watch) and the moment everyone has been waiting for… we break down our 6-minute bedtime routine!!!  And in Things We DMed Each Other: the world’s first “accurate” breastfeeding monitor (do we need this??), a phone-disguising gadget meant to keep babies’ worlds screen-free, and baby sign language — aka how one tiny “more” hand sign changed our entire mealtime experience :)  LOVE YOU GUYS — thanks for listening!! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:04:40 Second baby energy: what we obsessed over the first time (and don’t now) 00:05:50 House update: Nursery plans + guest room setup 00:11:13 Harrison is officially OUT on Waymos (support your local Uber driver!) 00:18:36 What is the benefit of back-in angle parking?!  00:21:24 Every couple has a driver… and we know who ours is 00:24:20 Audiobooks vs books (the debate continues) 00:28:35 We finally learned how to not ruin our nonstick pans 00:32:40 Our OB says dads can deliver baby #2?! 00:39:07 Why I’m not flipping my breech baby 00:46:20 We’re nostalgic for 2016 00:55:47 Marrying into a marathon family (and why I’ll never run one) 00:59:05 Our 6-minute bedtime routine for a 16-month-old 01:04:39 Things We DMed Eachother: The world's first accurate breastfeeding monitor 01:08:02 Things We DMed Eachother: Keeping your infant’s world phone-free 01:10:16 Baby sign language (and how “more” changed everything) 01:13:33 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Ollie: Cozy up with your pup this season! Go to https://www.ollie.com/twoparents and use code twoparents to get 60% off your first box! *Veracity: For up to 45% off your order, head to https://www.VeracityHealth.co and use code TWOPARENTS.   *Bobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to https://www.hibobbie.com for the formula trusted by 700,000+ parents. --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — we are DEEP in nesting mode (like… vacuuming-baseboards level nesting) and officially debating whether audiobooks “count” as reading (jury is still out (kind of) PLEASE settle this debate in the comments). We kick things off with a Bring It On reference (is that anyone else’s FAVORITE movie??). Then we debunk the “gum stays in your stomach for 7 years” myth (plot twist: it does NOT), revisit our gift-returning etiquette as a couple, and activate full “dad mode” with Harrison’s Apple Watch + AirPods case + phone-wallet combo (peak suburban father energy). Then we get into reflecting on our toddler communication ep — pointing, signing, and how much Tate actually understands — plus what to ask when you’re interviewing childcare providers. We also finally finished Heated Rivalry (!!!), immediately disagreed on the best episode with Jules (she says we’re basic), and then spiraled into this week’s Bicker of the Week: Do audiobooks count as reading or no?!  Alex gives a mini Mean Moms book review (and the fictional-defamation drama behind it), we celebrate podcasts arriving at the Golden Globes, and we taste-test Flock’s new Chicken Stick (Alex’s first time live on the pod!!!). Plus — a pregnancy update (the naps are napping), house-project brainstorming, girls’ brunch surprises, Venmo-privacy etiquette, our toddler’s alarming berry budget, and a viral list of places women REFUSE to go on a first date (Waffle House slander will not be tolerated). LOVE YOU GUYS — thanks for listening!! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast 00:03:08 Should you wash your hair before a haircut? 00:05:58 Myth or fact: Does gum really take 7 years to digest? 00:11:43 Returning gifts from your partner — yes or no? 00:14:57 “Dad mode” activated: Apple Watch, AirPods case & phone wallet 00:19:29 Toddler communication — our takeaways from Dr. Ari 00:22:38 What to ask when interviewing childcare providers 00:26:08 We finally finished Heated Rivalry! 00:32:42 Bicker of the Week: Do audiobooks count as reading? 00:37:18 Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum — thoughts & drama 00:42:50 Podcasts officially hit the Golden Globes 00:46:41 Alex taste-tests Flock’s new Chicken Stick 00:51:32 Nesting mode before baby #2 00:56:33 Pregnancy update — exhaustion & cravings 00:57:56 House projects & planning Phase Two 01:02:36 Girls’ brunch recap 01:04:50 Venmo etiquette — public vs private 01:10:20 The “berry budget” & why kids hate vegetables 01:12:20 Things We DMed: Viral list of places women refuse to go on a first date 01:23:36 LOVE YOU GUYS!  #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Magnetic Me: Make changing time easier for you and your little one with Magnetic Me’s smart magnetic closures. New customers get 15% off their first order at https://www.MagneticMe.com. *Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today at https://www.foratravel.com/TWOPARENTS *Hungryroot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to https://www.hungryroot.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS.  *Hers: Feel like yourself again, visit https://www/forhers.com/TWOPARENTS to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined again by Dr. Ari Brown — board-certified pediatrician and author of the bestselling 411 series — for a conversation all about toddler talking and communication. You guys loved her last episode, and we’re so excited to officially bring her on as a RECURRING GUEST once a month!! Dr. Ari breaks down what toddlers actually understand before they can talk (spoiler: a lot), what counts as a real “word,” and the core language milestones between 12–24 months. We get into receptive vs. expressive language, nonverbal communication, and the difference between “they don’t understand me” and “they’re choosing not to listen,” which… hits home. We also cover the big “is this normal?” questions — pointing and waving, only repeating you, not responding to their name, mixing languages — and when it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician. Dr. Ari explains why early intervention leads to the best outcomes, and gives simple tools parents can use at home (talk time, books, songs, naming emotions, and turning off our own screens). And because communication and behavior are so connected, we talk through the toddler frustration cycle — the pointing, the grunting, the meltdowns, the boneless moments — and how to help kids feel seen and understood even before they have the words. We’ll go deeper on discipline NEXT MONTH, but this episode gives the foundation every parent needs to understand what’s happening in that little toddler brain!! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast 00:01:20 Reintroducing Dr. Ari Brown 00:03:45 How much toddlers actually understand before they can talk 00:05:10 The speech and language milestones from 12–24 months 00:06:35 Do toddlers really understand the word “no”? 00:10:55 What counts as a “word”? (mispronunciations, animal sounds, sign language) 00:13:10 What toddlers don’t understand at this age 00:15:55 When to bring communication concerns to your pediatrician 00:17:05 How pediatricians evaluate & support a child who isn’t speaking 00:18:30 Rewarding early communication 00:20:55 Why it’s so confusing and frustrating to be a toddler 00:23:58 Handling tantrums and “boneless” moments 00:27:45 Why “no” becomes their favorite word 00:29:50 What toddlers can understand when it comes to discipline 00:34:20 Audience Question: Babbling but no pointing/waving — when to worry 00:38:35 Audience Question: 1-year-old ignores “wait/come here/stop” 00:42:42 Audience Question: Only repeating words — does that count? 00:43:33 Audience Question: Discipline with a speech delay 00:44:27 Audience Question: Multilingual or bilingual schools 00:45:23 Audience Question: Do bilingual kids talk later? 00:46:47 Audience Question: Helping kids feel seen and understood 00:50:10 Understanding communication red flags & early intervention 00:53:45 Summary of communication red flags 00:54:55 Top 3 things parents can do at home for language development 00:57:30 Thank you for listening! Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Chime: Join the millions banking fee-free. Visit https://www.chime.com/TWOPARENTS *ZipRecruiter: Find the best people for your roles at https://www.ziprecruiter.com/ALEX *Skims: Shop at https://www.SKIMS.com and select “podcast” + our show in the survey *GOODLES: Available nationwide at Target, Walmart, and major grocery stores Find our guest: Website | https://www.draribrown.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aribrownmd TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@aribrownmd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — we’re back in ATX and easing into 2026 (our christmas decorations are still up). We kick it off by talking about why traveling with friends (especially with kids) is the ultimate compatibility test, how wild it is that a one-year-old can actually ski (like WHAT), and why our current neighborhood setup feels like college (in the best way!!!).  Then we get into the thing everyone keeps asking: our childcare plan for baby #2. We talk about Maria’s mom (Peggy!! our angel), how the cross-house setup actually works, and what we’re looking forward to most with this set up!   Then we spiral into airline-mile skepticism, childhood “world-class” foods that absolutely do not hold up, and our early thoughts on Heated Rivalry (NOTE FROM JULES: it’s 9pm wednesday night and they’ve texted me that they’ve already changed their minds). Alex explains her beef with dramatic New Year’s resolutions, and Harrison shares the four phone-reduction rules he’s committing to in 2026 — no phone before 8am, no phone at dinner, no phone in the bathroom, and no doom-scrolling in bed. We also talk couples who work out together, our current coffee-order identity crisis, babysitter etiquette (and the horror stories you sent in), “technoference” and how parental phone habits affect toddlers, Illinois’ new paid pumping-break law, and whether caviar really is “breast milk for adults”????  LOVE YOU GUYS and thanks for listening! Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!  00:01:32 You learn a lot about people when you travel with them (ESPECIALLY with kids) 00:05:11 Our childcare plan for baby #2  00:11:23 Are airline miles worth it or is the points game a scam? 00:15:05 When “world-class” childhood favorites don’t hold up 00:21:01 We’re watching Heated Rivalry 00:25:42 What’s Alex’s beef with New Year’s resolutions?  00:28:36 Harrison’s 4 phone-reduction goals for 2026 00:33:50 Couples who work out together are 600% more likely to hit their fitness goals 00:36:30 We’re switching up our coffee orders?!  00:40:10 Babysitter etiquette & horror stories 00:46:50 Things We DMed Each Other: “technoference” & parental digital distraction 00:49:22 Things We DMed Each Other: paid pumping breaks for moms in Illinois 00:50:40 This Week I Learned: Is eating caviar for adults kind of like breast milk for babies? 00:53:06 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Ollie: Cozy up with your pup this season! Go to https://www.ollie.com/twoparents and use code twoparents to get 60% off your first box! *Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping at https://www.nutrafol.com with code TWOPARENTS. *Quince: Go to https://www.Quince.com/ALEX for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — it’s the FIRST EPISODE OF 2026!! (Happy New Year!!!) And we’re kicking things off with a little Q&A (answering all of YOUR questions!!). We’re talking through what we’ll do differently with baby #2 (and what we’re keeping the same), how we think about screen time for Tate (& baby #2) AND ourselves, and how we navigate parenting style differences with friends as we build our village. We also get into preparing Tate for baby boy, whether sibling jealousy is inevitable, and how we’re balancing friendships with people who don’t have kids — without making it weird. Plus, we share the one thing that made parenting noticeably easier this year that no one really talks about, and our #1 goal for 2026 as we go from a family of three to four. And if you’ve already been through the toddler-to-newborn transition… please DM us your best advice. We’re collecting it all :)  Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:01:49 Q&A: Do you rotate who gets up with Tate in the morning and who does bedtime routine? 00:08:07 Q&A: Things you’ll do differently with baby #2? 00:13:27 Q&A: Things you won’t change with baby #2?  00:17:33 Q&A: Starting to get nervous with giving birth - best advice?  00:22:36 Q&A: Opinions on screen time? 00:25:58 Q&A: How do you handle parenting and disciplining differences among friends with kids? 00:31:32 Q&A: How do you think Tate will react once baby boy comes? Any jealousy?  00:34:39 Q&A: Best activities to do with your single friends as a parent? 00:37:49 Q&A: What’s one thing that made parenting easier this year that no one talks about?! 00:39:27 Q&A: What’s your #1 goal for 2026? 00:41:40 LOVE YOU GUYS!  #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Hero Bread: Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to https://www.hero.co and use code TWOPARENTS at checkout.  *Perelel:  Exclusive for our listeners, new customers can enjoy 20% off their first order with codeTWOPARENTS at https://www.perelelhealth.com *Hungryroot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to https://www.hungryroot.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS.  *Cozy Earth: Go to https://www.cozyearth.com/TWOPARENTS for up to 20% off! --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 🎉 We kick off the episode by talking about where our heads are at going into the new year (I call it the new year vibe lol) and what it looks like for us to mentally (and logistically) prepare for TWO UNDER TWO. Energy is finally coming back, priorities are shifting, and we’re very much in “get our lives dialed” mode before baby #2 arrives. We recap our Montana trip (snow, dog sledding, cozy winter magic) and talk about traveling with a toddler, including a screen-free airplane hack that surprised us (for $19.99!!!!). We also get into a screen time “in the wild” discussion and the debate ongoing question of whether vacation is for meeting new friends… or fully opting out. Then we get into Harrison’s (and Jules’) ChatGPT Wrapped (it knows us a little too well), rank international airlines, learn there’s now an airline for dogs (??), and share our top internet moment, show, and movie of 2025. In Things We DMed Each Other, we talk about: (1) A study showing Friday family rituals can cut teen anxiety by 40% (adults too!). (2) A dad who goes viral for “crying back” to get his kid to stop crying (it works!). And (3) The most happiest corner of the internet: kids reacting to surprise gifts (link below, you’ve been warned). We wrap with a classic Bicker of the Week about bar seating etiquette, our Whistler food recommendations, and a proper New Year’s send-off!!  LOVE YOU GUYS and cheers to 2026 :)  Things We DMed video (kids reacting to surprise gifts): https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrTBA5v7/ Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:00:55 iPhone vs. “real” camera: why does the iPhone win?! 00:02:44 Our vibe going into 2026  00:07:40 We’re planning a babymoon! 00:11:26 Should we redo our studio?! 00:12:48 Our Montana trip recap (dog sledding + other the activities) 00:13:52 Genius toddler travel hack + screen time convo 00:19:58 Meeting friends while you travel 00:24:48 ChatGPT Wrapped 00:27:54 Best international airlines (+ an airline for dogs?!) 00:36:25 ChatGPT Wrapped cont.  00:39:07 Top internet moment of 2025 00:40:12 Top show of 2025 00:40:47 Top movie of 2025 00:42:26 Things We DMed Each Other: Friday rituals cut anxiety by 40% 00:46:16 Things We DMed Each Other: Dad “cries back” to stop kid crying 00:47:29 Things We DMed Each Other: Surprise gift reactions that made us cry 00:49:17 Things I Learned This Week: Choline in pregnancy = smarter babies? 00:50:37 Bicker of the Week: Two “singles” vs “party of two” at the bar 00:53:10 Whistler recommendations  00:55:40 Happy New Year!!!!! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping at https://www.nutrafol.com with code TWOPARENTS. *Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/TWOPARENTS. *Veracity: Make the switch to GLP 1’s the natural way. Head to https://www.VeracitySelfCare.com during their Black Friday Sale for up to 50% off your order. *SKIMS: Shop Alex’s favorite pajamas at https://www.skims.com/TWOPARENTS. #skimspartner --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Lucky Sekhon — board-certified OB-GYN and fertility doctor— to break down fertility in a way that’s clear, calm, and actually helpful.  We start with the true fertility basics: what you need to know, what tests actually matter, when you should start thinking about fertility before trying, and the biggest myths she wishes would disappear — including the idea that fertility is only a “woman’s problem.”  This episode is heavily audience Q&A–driven, covering the most common causes of infertility (for women and men), why infertility feels more and more common, the “fertility cliff” after 30 (it’s not as steep as you’re made to think!), secondary infertility, and how long to try naturally before seeking help. We close with a walkthrough of treatment options (IUI vs. IVF), thoughts on hormonal birth control and fertility, and how friends and family can truly support someone going through infertility or loss.  If you want real context and less panic, this one’s for you. Also - check out Dr. Lucky’s book, The Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility & How to Get Pregnant NOW, coming out January 13th!  Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!  00:00:29 Introduction to Dr. Lucky Sekhon 00:04:15 If someone wants to understand their fertility, what are the first basic things they should know and tests or checks that actually matter? 00:12:38 How early should people start thinking about their fertility before they want to start a family? 00:15:50 What’s the biggest fertility myth you wish people would stop believing? 00:17:38 Men are 50% of the equation — what should they understand about their fertility? 00:20:28 What should men do to prepare their bodies when trying to conceive? 00:22:50 What are common habits men do that could be hurting their sperm health? 00:26:55 Audience Question: What are the most common causes of infertility in women? In men? 00:29:49 Audience Question: Why does it seem like so many people in their 20s and 30s are dealing with infertility today? 00:33:27 Audience Question: After 30 is there really a steep fertility cliff? 00:38:57 Audience Question: What is the fertility “cost” of waiting a little longer? 00:40:58 Audience Question: Can you explain secondary infertility? 00:43:48 Audience Question: How long should people try naturally before seeking help? 00:45:20 Audience Question: Thoughts on hormonal birth control pills and how they affect fertility short-term and long-term? 00:50:30 Audience Question: What treatment options are available for women dealing with infertility? 00:58:24 Audience Question: How can friends and family best support couples struggling with infertility or loss? 00:59:53 Thank you for listening!  #twoparentsandapod ----- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Fabletics: Get 80% off everything on Fabletics when you sign up as a VIP at https://www.fabletics.com/TWOPARENTS. *Magnetic Me: Make changing time easier for you and your little one with Magnetic Me’s smart magnetic closures. New customers get 15% off their first order at https://www.MagneticMe.com. *Nurture Life: Get 55% off your first order + free shipping at https://www.nurturelife.com/TWOPARENTS with code TWOPARENTS. ----- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Find our guest: Website | https://theluckyegg.com/ Book | https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/lucky-egg-9781250408716/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drluckyegg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast – HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE! We kick things off with gift giving convo (because DUH), including the internet weighing in with their opinions on our neighbor gifts and the ONE toddler toy that has truly earned its spot (because ever notice that toddlers seem to prefer household items over toys???). Next, we get into holiday travel with a 1-year-old (new airplane-only toys, long flights, and managing expectations). We also share how we’re spending the next two weeks (RELAXING) before diving into the viral discourse of the week around “borrowing husbands” and the Kroger wife situation (and why helping people in your community should not be controversial). Harrison brings in 1,000 years of relationship advice from the Curiosity Chronicle (do not keep score, never stop dating, and genuinely enjoy each other). Then the fun stuff. We spiral briefly into dental TikTok with a question about blowing on your kid’s food, share a great Austin policy about waived parking tickets for responsible rides home, and talk about when kids develop critical thinking and why Santa works so well (your words become their inner voice). We wrap with a holiday classic debate about whether gifts from Santa should be wrapped (apparently every household does this differently??) and finish with a conversation everyone can agree on: New Year’s is the most overrated holiday. LOVE YOU GUYS and happy holidays. 💛 Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:01:12 Gift giving (love languages, internet opinions on our neighbor gifts, & our top toddler gift) 00:06:24 Why do toddlers prefer household items over toys?!  00:10:25 Traveling for the holidays with a 1-year-old 00:14:25 Is it okay to use your partner’s Netflix profile? 00:16:00 How we’re spending the next two weeks  00:24:40 “Can I borrow your husband?” & the Kroger wife discourse 00:31:37 1,000 years of relationship advice from the Curiosity Chronicle  00:43:05 Can blowing on your kid’s food cause cavities? 00:44:46 Things We DMed Eachother: Austin parking tickets waived for responsible rides home 00:45:48 Things We Learned This Week: When kids develop critical thinking (and why Santa works) 00:48:18 Do you wrap gifts from Santa? 00:53:00 Is New Year’s the most overrated holiday? 00:54:55 LOVE YOU GUYS! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Nurture Life: Get 55% off your first order + free shipping at https://www.nurturelife.com/TWOPARENTS with code TWOPARENTS. *Hers: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://www/forhers.com/TWOPARENTS to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. *Magnetic Me: Make changing time easier for you and your little one with Magnetic Me’s smart magnetic closures. New customers get 15% off their first order at https://www.MagneticMe.com. *Fabletics: Get 80% off everything on Fabletics when you sign up as a VIP at https://www.fabletics.com/TWOPARENTS. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re back with Emily Oster (bestselling author, economist, and the data-driven voice behind ParentData.org) this time diving into some of the most common (and most stressful???) early parenting decisions. From breastfeeding and formula to alcohol while nursing, sleep training, childcare, discipline, screen time, and vaccines, Emily explains what’s actually supported by research versus what’s been inflated by guilt, outdated thinking, and internet panic. She breaks down why some benefits are smaller than they’re often made out to be, why rigid “rules” can miss the bigger picture, and why parents deserve clearer context without shame. If you’ve ever questioned the parenting “rules,” this episode offers more context (not more rules) so you can decide what works for your family!!!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! (pt 2 with Emily Oster) 00:00:48 Introduction to Emily Oster 00:01:48 Breastfeeding: what benefits are actually proven (and how big are they)? 00:07:50 Alcohol while breastfeeding: do you ever need to pump & dump? 00:09:25 Sleep training / cry it out: is it safe — and what does the data say long-term? 00:14:46 Child care: does daycare/nannies affect kids — and what should parents prioritize? 00:17:31 Spanking & discipline: does spanking work — and what’s the better alternative? 00:23:48 Screen time: what matters for toddlers — and is “overstimulation” real? 00:36:30 Vaccines: should you follow the schedule, space them out, or opt out of any? 00:43:54 Thank you for listening! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/TWOPARENTS. *Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping at https://www.nutrafol.com with code TWOPARENTS. *Kachava: Get 15% off your next order at https://www.kachava.com with code TWOPARENTS. *Quince: Step into the holiday season with layers made to last. Head to https://www.quince.com/alex for free shipping and 365-day returns. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Find our guest: Website | https://parentdata.org/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/profemilyoster TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@profemilyoster --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast - Wednesday morning was… action-packed, to say the least. Long story short: do NOT recommend getting food poisoning while pregnant. (Long story long: watch the episode.) From there, we recap our Happy Everything Toy Drive from this past weekend (a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came, helped, donated, or sponsored — we’re still blown away!!!). Then we spiral into a bunch of travel topics (ever notice how podcasters love to talk about planes??): balancing work travel and parenting, meeting people IRL at the airport, and a heated debate over whether you should dress up for flights (spoiler alert: NOOO).  Next up: a PSA for dads — you are in charge of mom’s stocking. We break down how to actually make it good (and not an afterthought!!). And we also share 5(ish) creative ideas for weaning off the pacifier. Important note: we haven’t tried these yet — they’re methods we’ve heard work and are about to start figuring out ourselves!!  Finally, in Things We DMed Each Other: positive stats that helped ease working-parent guilt, plus Toyota’s new self-driving pod for kids???  LOVE YOU GUYS!  Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!  00:00:41 Food poisoning during pregnancy  00:13:42 Happy Everything Toy Drive recap!  00:15:51 Balancing work travel and parenting  00:17:46 Can you actually find a date at the airport?!  00:25:53 Should you dress up for flights? 00:31:57 Are we wearing fur hoods wrong?! 00:32:41 Our holiday travel plans 00:33:25 Stockings for moms  00:36:22 5 creative ways to wean off the pacifier  00:42:40 Things We DMed Each Other: Positive statistics for kids of working moms 00:45:12 Things We DMed Each Other: Toyota’s self-driving pod for kids 00:50:34 LOVE YOU GUYS!  #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Fabletics: Get 80% off everything on Fabletics when you sign up as a VIP at https://www.fabletics.com/TWOPARENTS. *Aura Frames: Aura Frames is the perfect holiday gift. Shop now and save with $35 off when you use code TWOPARENTS. Visit https://www.auraframes.com and enter code TWOPARENTS at checkout. *Nurture Life: Get 55% off your first order + free shipping at https://www.nurturelife.com/TWOPARENTS with code TWOPARENTS. *Hers: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://www/forhers.com/TWOPARENTS to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined by Laura Modi — co-founder & CEO of Bobbie — to talk through everything parents actually need to know about infant formula, without the fear, guilt, or internet panic. Laura breaks down formula in a way that finally makes sense: what it is, how it’s designed to mimic breast milk, how to read ingredient labels, and which things actually matter (+which ones parents can stop spiraling about). We also get into why formulas that look nearly identical can be priced so differently, whether European formulas are really “better” than U.S. formulas, and why seed oils have become such a hot-button topic in this space. We also talk openly about recalls, safety standards, switching formulas, and the emotional weight that comes with feeding decisions — including the guilt and pressure so many parents experience when breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned or when formula ends up being the right choice for their family (because feeding your baby should not feel like a moral test). If you’ve ever stood in the formula aisle feeling overwhelmed, gone down an ingredient-label rabbit hole, or wondered if you’re “doing it right” (you are) — this episode is here to bring clarity, confidence, and a whole lot of relief (and maybe help you close 17 browser tabs). Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome Back to Two Parents & A Podcast!  00:00:32 Meet Laura Modi, Co-Founder & CEO of Bobbie 00:03:15 Formula 101: What It Is, How It Mimics Breast Milk & How to Read a Formula Label 00:04:50 The Top 3 Ingredients to Look for in Infant Formula  00:06:03 The Top 3 Ingredients to Avoid in Infant Formula 00:07:00 Why Formula Prices Vary (Even When Ingredients Look Similar) 00:10:17 How Formula Is Approved, Tested & Regulated in the U.S. 00:14:38 Are European Formulas Really “Better Than” U.S. Formulas? 00:17:08 Why Seed Oils Became So Controversial 00:25:00 What Infant Formula Would Look Like Without Seed Oils 00:29:09 The ByHeart Recall & How Parents Should Think About Safety 00:31:13 The Biggest Formula Myth Parents Need to Unlearn 00:35:24 When a Formula Isn’t Working & How to Know It’s Time to Switch 00:37:25 Feeding Guilt, Shame & Choosing What’s Best for Your Baby 00:40:46 Where Laura Hopes Bobbie Will Be in 10 Years 00:42:00 Thanks for Listening! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/ *MasterClass: MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to https://www.masterclass.com/TWOPARENTS for the current offer. *Veracity: Make the switch to GLP 1’s the natural way. Head to https://www.VeracitySelfCare.com and use code TWOPARENTS for up to 45% off your order. *Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off at https://www.magneticme.com with code TWOPARENTS. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Find our guest: Website | https://www.hibobbie.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lauraclairemodi Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bobbie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices