The Really Very Crunchy Podcast

Sponsors for today’s episode includes Thrive Market.  Go to ThriveMarket.com/RVC to get 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift. ______ Join us for the Wellness Collective, October 21st or 22nd: https://www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com/shop ______ Hang out with Emily at the Cultivate Homestead Retreat October 31st and November 1st: https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/buy-tickets Today, we’re talking about what the internet expects of us. Why do people keep asking us to comment on the assassination of Charlie Kirk? The conflict in Gaza? Insert so many other current events here. It’s a conversation about knowing our own thoughts and what we’re supposed to do with them through Really Very Crunchy.  Our video mentioned in the episode:https://www.instagram.com/p/DOn1OL9kVLU/ 00:00 Messy eaters 05:35 Who is sick more often? 06:37 Internet backlash 08:31 The non-SAHMs  13:20 Speaking on politics 16:58 Not sure what to do with RVC 21:57 Politics in homeschool groups 25:45 Mission field 29:28 Thinking about the followers 30:27 The weight of the world 32:59 Our reaction to Charlie Kirk 38:26 Local community is suffering.  42:13 Charlie Kirk assassination bringing us to a dark place.  49:13 People have forgotten how to connect 50:56 Stand up for the right reasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors for today’s episode includes Thrive Market.  Go to ThriveMarket.com/RVC to get 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift. ______ Join us for the Wellness Collective, October 21st or 22nd: https://www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com/shop ______ Hang out with Emily at the Cultivate Homestead Retreat October 31st and November 1st: https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/buy-tickets In this episode of The Really Very Crunchy Podcast, Jason and Emily share their review of the new Peacock TV show The Paper. As lifelong Office fans, they discuss how the series measures up, what works comedically, and where it fits in the current landscape of television. They also talk about the state of the sitcom in today’s world, how streaming has changed the way shows are made and watched, and why capturing the magic of a classic workplace comedy is so difficult. 00:00 Jason’s Solo? 01:06 TV used to be an event. 06:41 Sitcoms inspire us. 08:16 The Paper (The Office Spinoff) 11:00 Language in sitcoms… 12:39 Streaming is a problem… 15:03 Reviews said what?! 17:08 No buzz anymore… 19:55 We’ve lived a lot of sitcom moments. 22:34 The one where our bikes were stolen… 28:42 Boystown - The Sitcom 30:43 City Council Meetings - Basically Parks & Rec 34:39 We made a sitcom.  36:42 Thank YOU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors for today’s episode includes Thrive Market.  Go to ThriveMarket.com/RVC to get 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift. ______ Join us for the Wellness Collective, October 21st or 22nd: https://www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com/shop ______ Hang out with Emily at the Cultivate Homestead Retreat October 31st and November 1st: https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/buy-tickets Episode Description: In this episode of The Really Very Crunchy Podcast, Jason and Emily dive into all things birthdays. From the debate over practical vs. non-practical gift ideas, to why some people celebrate their birthday all month long. They also share stories from YOU and some of your worst birthday gifts. Whether you are team “low-key celebration” or team “birthday month takeover,” this conversation will have you laughing, nodding along, and maybe even rethinking your next party. 00:00 Intro 02:25 Jason lost a year… 03:50 Korean age 05:29 Advantage of being the oldest. 07:40 We are baseball coaches now. 11:53 Homeschool Co-op 13:49 When did Jason stop playing with toys? 15:16 Major League chances… 17:19 Insurance and Jason’s kidney disease. 18:00 Celebrating your birthday month? 22:57 We never wake up our kids. 24:24 We sleep with a fan? 29:06 Practical gifts vs. non-practical gifts 36:36 The worst gifts ever.  43:18 Who is harder to shop for? 47:44 Life insurance for an Apple Watch? 52:11 The gift YOU can give.  53:27 Upcoming events! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are recording from our car, so sorry in advance for the audio. But we have a good topic for you: choosing your battles. We talk about when it makes sense to dig in and fight for something that really matters, and when it is better for your sanity, marriage, or parenting to let it go. From the small arguments that are not worth the energy to the big moments that shape life together, we share some laughs, a few stories, and hopefully give you something to think about the next time you face a battle of your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does every town in America feel exactly the same? You pull off the highway and it’s the same Applebee’s, the same Walmart, the same McDonald’s, the same beige strip malls with the same parking lots. In this episode, Jason and Emily wonder out loud: is this what it was supposed to be? We talk about how copy-and-paste towns strip away character and community, what we miss about places that actually feel unique, and whether it’s possible to find (or build) something different in a world of sameness. 00:00 The Cracker of Cracker Barrel  02:38 America has become copy & paste. 04:52 Cracker Barrel’s maple syrup problem.  06:31 Modernism in America. 09:05 Capitalism? 11:02 Regulations can be really bad… 12:56 We’re too far gone.  15:01 It’s not supposed to be this way.  17:37 Emily’s theory.  21:27 The future looks bleak.  24:01 Emily knows whose fault it is.  29:05 sigh… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should we stay or should we go? In this episode, Jason and Emily wrestle with the big question so many families face: do you settle into the home and life you already have, or do you uproot everything in pursuit of something “better”? It’s the tension between being grateful and content where you are, while also dreaming about more space, a different town, or a new chapter. Join us as we talk about the pros, cons, and deeper heart questions behind making (or not making) a big move. 00:00 We went out to eat! 02:44 Our kids bought hatchets. 06:21 We couldn’t believe this happened. 11:45 Library books in the bathroom? 13:11 Would you ever move to Nashville? 14:46 We were looking at a house… 19:13 The Dave Ramsey Method 22:00 We are the problem.  24:16 A new house.  28:30 Housing prices are nuts. 30:38 Factory farmed meat rant.  33:00 Emily brings a lead test kit. 36:06 Why RVC exists… 37:02 Our house is awkward. 39:26 Clarity from a shooting. 40:52 What about core memories? 45:46 My way or the kids’ way? 46:58 Jason shouldn’t be home… 49:00 Jason wants to move. 51:49 Emily just wants visitors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Emily takes the lead to talk about something every parent wrestles with (whether we admit it or not): guiding our kids toward a career path, even when they’re still years away from driver’s licenses and first jobs. Should we be steering them early, or letting them wander? 00:00 Emily doesn’t feel well 01:46 Terrain Theory 04:38 Jason’s Starbucks Mug 05:41 Emily’s Beautiful Drinking Jar 09:46 Who sells these things? 11:37 The dangers of Dawn Dish Soap. 12:58 Emily’s leading the podcast today. 16:53 It’s natural to interrupt people. 18:08 How parents influence their children. 20:09 Students can’t have water bottles. 23:40 Teachers can’t pay for classroom supplies. 25:37 Back to back to school signs… 27:09 Influencing your kids’ careers.  28:22 Emily chokes on her own words… 29:07 Knowing what you want… 32:31 Hidden secret of grocery store displays 34:57 Ministry jobs are hard. 36:59 Father-son occupations.  42:28 Emily wanted to be a soldier.  45:23 Emily hands over the reins.  46:34 When the world changed… 47:49 Homeschool field trips are different.  50:54 Kids have no idea.  54:54 Emily’s epiphany.  55:18 Gen Z. 01:02:53 The way parents should go… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rejection happens to everyone, but that doesn’t make it any less awkward, humbling, or downright hilarious in hindsight. In this episode of The Really Very Crunchy Podcast, Emily and Jason share their funniest and most cringe-worthy rejection stories, from celebrity “no’s” that left our inbox feeling lonely, to job applications that went absolutely nowhere, to those relationship rejections we swore we’d never talk about (until now). (00:00) Intro (01:40) Rejected by Carrie Underwood (02:54) Rejected by John Crist (05:53) Rejected by Relient K (06:49) Rejected by Switchfoot (09:12) Not famous enough… (10:20) Rejected in relationships (16:02) Rejected in job interviews (18:16) Rejecting each other (21:40) What is rejection? (22:48) Not caring (23:36) Rejected by publishers (29:40) Emily’s dark joke (30:50) The End Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why buy new when you can thrift? In this episode, Emily dives headfirst into her love of thrifting, digging through racks, the joy of the hunt, and that magical feeling when you score something amazing for just a few dollars. She shares her all-time best thrift store finds,  what makes secondhand shopping so special, and why it’s the ultimate sustainable, budget-friendly, and personality-packed way to shop. Emily's best thrift finds: The Couch The Painting The Table (00:00) Emily’s Ailments (02:47 ) Teaching our son about traffic safety (04:03) This keeps Jason up at night… (05:41) What does Emily love about thrifting? (06:20) Our town’s terrible book outlook (08:36) What is twaddle?  (10:43) Back to - What does Emily love about thrifting (11:25) The state of thrifting today (14:14) Facebook Marketplace woes (18:50) You can’t get this anywhere else! (20:15) Thrifting clothes (21:41) Price vs. Vibe (23:33) Emily is impossible to shop for (26:16) Our favorite thrift finds (35:25) Rapid fire questions (40:26) Wasting Emily’s time… (43:30) Hacking the system (47:40) The End Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That episode about the murder in Emily’s childhood, and how it made her so afraid of death: Anxiety Nearly Broke Me https://pod.link/1743468035/episode/f1a62a79a167c534d48c5ef33b16eab2 Emily’s Book: https://amzn.to/4kMHpDX Episode Description: This week Emily and Jason wade through the attic (and their feelings) to talk childhood keepsakes. They confess their own nostalgia bins are embarrassingly light and unpack the weird regret of not hanging onto more tiny treasures. Along the way they tackle questions every parent eventually faces: * How much memory clutter is healthy clutter? * When does sentimental value turn into straight-up hoarding? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we talk about how Emily threw out her back, weird things happening at the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant, and we contemplate living ten miles upriver from what feels like a future disaster zone. But the heart of this episode? Families are homeschooling their kids… from Disney World. Every day. We have thoughts. Many thoughts. And possibly a few rants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily’s Book: https://amzn.to/4kMHpDX Episode Description: In this episode, Jason and Emily pull back the curtain on their creative routine—sharing the hard deadlines that keep ideas moving, the mini workouts that shake loose fresh perspectives, and the small, repeatable habits that turn scribbles into polished projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, we're talking: How far would you go financially to save a pet you love like a child? This week we’re talking about the DINK (dual income, no kids) pet economy: $4,000 emergency surgeries, acupuncture for arthritic goldendoodles, raw-food subscriptions that cost more than your own groceries, and the emotional math of “worth it.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the sponsors of this episode! Reencle: visit⁠ reencle.co⁠ and use Discount Code “Crunchy” for an exclusive 10% off in addition to any current promotion. https://tinyurl.com/RVCReencle _____ The Road to Kaeluma: Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RVC to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content! ——— Episode Description: In this episode, we talk about what it means to live intentionally—not in some perfect, curated way, but in the real, messy, everyday decisions we all make. From the big-picture stuff to the choice to veg out, we explore how purpose can be woven into every moment. We share how we (try to) live with intention in our own lives, why it matters, and why sometimes doing nothing is exactly the right thing to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Church Hurt Video we reference: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rrcl_86N0Lk In this candid episode, we unpack the reality of church hurt—those wounds that cut deepest when they come from the very people meant to love us. Jason and Emily recount the season their own church community turned its back on them. Whether you’re nursing fresh scars or supporting a friend who is, this conversation offers empathy, wisdom, and encouragement—because the Church is more than a handful of hurtful humans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out Emily’s book! https://amzn.to/3TWMnD8 Check out the sponsors of this episode! Reencle: visit⁠⁠ reencle.co⁠⁠ and use Discount Code “Crunchy” for an exclusive 10% off in addition to any current promotion. ⁠https://tinyurl.com/RVCReencle⁠ _____ The Road to Kaeluma: Visit ⁠jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RVC⁠ to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content! Episode Description: In this episode, we’re talking about the daily health choices that quietly shape your life—from what you eat, to how you move. The truth? It all matters. But the solution isn’t going off the deep end with celery juice cleanses and cryo chambers. It’s starting small, doing what you can, and building from there. We’ll share some of the choices we’ve made, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how to pursue better health without losing your mind (or your social life). Let’s get into it—real life, real health.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reencle: visit⁠ reencle.co⁠ and use Discount Code “Crunchy” for an exclusive 10% off in addition to any current promotion. https://tinyurl.com/RVCReencle ____ Life Skills Now: Go to ⁠kidscookrealfood.com/RVC⁠ and grab your free spot in #LifeSkillsNow today—because capable kids don’t happen by accident. _____ The Road to Kaeluma: Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RVC to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content! Episode Description: Feeling unseen? In this episode, Jason and Emily unpack our universal craving to be seen and heard—how healthy validation fuels connection, but chasing constant attention on social media can quickly turn toxic. They also flip the pom-poms and tackle the age-old question: is cheerleading a sport? We break down athletic demands, competition formats, and cultural stereotypes to decide once and for all. Expect laughs, honest reflection, and crunchy-approved hot takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet us at the Wellness Collective Event in Lancaster, PA! www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com Use code REALLYVERYCRUNCHY for 15% off.  ___ Emily will also be at the Cultivate Women’s Homestead Retreat! https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/specialguests ____ Check out our Nature Journaling Water Color Course! First few lessons are free, no signup required! https://www.reallyverycrunchy.com/courses ___ Check out this episode’s sponsors! Reencle: visit⁠ reencle.co⁠ and use Discount Code “Crunchy” for an exclusive 10% off in addition to any current promotion. https://tinyurl.com/RVCReencle ____ Life Skills Now: Go to ⁠kidscookrealfood.com/rvc  and grab your free spot in #LifeSkillsNow today—because capable kids don’t happen by accident. _____ The Road to Kaeluma: Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RVC to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content! Episode Description: Everyone says they want to raise their kids like it’s the 90s—but do they really? In this episode, Jason and Emily unpack the trend of 90s childhood nostalgia and ask the important questions: Are we talking about hands-off parenting or just more Dunkaroos? Would your kid survive a Saturday with no snacks, no screens, and no adult supervision? Let’s take a look at what it actually means to raise a 90s kid in today’s world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason uploaded the water color course, and we REALLY think you will love it. The first few sessions are free so you can get a feel for the course, and if you like it, it’s just $20 for two hours of fun and learning with Emily, and water color artist, Laura Poulette. Check it out here: https://www.reallyverycrunchy.com/courses Join Emily at the Modern Homestead conference: modern-homesteading.myshopify.com/CRUNCHY10 Check out this episode’s sponsors! Reencle: visit⁠ reencle.co⁠ and use Discount Code “Crunchy” for an exclusive 10% off in addition to any current promotion. https://tinyurl.com/RVCReencle ____ Life Skills Now: Go to ⁠kidscookrealfood.com/RVC⁠ and grab your free spot in #LifeSkillsNow today—because capable kids don’t happen by accident. _____ The Road to Kaeluma: Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RVC to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content! Episode Description: Are adults even supposed to live in the moment? Or is that just something we tell kids while we scroll our phones and stress about the mortgage? In this episode, Jason and Emily wrestle with the idea of presence—what it means to be fully here when your brain is juggling a dozen responsibilities. Is living in the moment a luxury, a mindset, or a myth once you have kids, bills, and deadlines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here are the two videos referenced in the episode: Video 1: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKwpATwRJ8L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Video 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKxQ_fRvi3J/ Check out Ginny Yurich's (creator 0f 1000 Hours Outside) NEW book: Homeschooling: You're doing it right, just by doing it Link: https://amzn.to/3Zw9SGl Hope to see you at the Modern Homesteading Conference: ⁠modern-homesteading.myshopify.com/CRUNCHY10⁠ In this bonus episode, we’re tackling the outdated myths about homeschooling—especially the idea of socialization Spoiler: not all peer influence is good. We talk about why we chose to homeschool, the surprising benefits we’ve seen, and why “socialization” isn’t the magic word people think it is. If you’re still picturing denim jumpers and isolation, it’s time for a reset. Check out the sponsors of this episode! Reencle: visit⁠⁠ reencle.co⁠⁠ and use Discount Code “Crunchy” for an exclusive 10% off in addition to any current promotion. ⁠https://tinyurl.com/RVCReencle⁠ ____ Life Skills Now: Go to ⁠⁠kidscookrealfood.com/RVC⁠⁠ and grab your free spot in #LifeSkillsNow today—because capable kids don’t happen by accident. _____ The Road to Kaeluma: Visit ⁠jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RVC⁠ to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices