True Home Confessions

What exactly do we owe our aging parents, if the relationship is strained?In this episode, our caller opens up about her difficult relationship with her belligerent mother, who’s losing her independence due to health issues. Despite a few falls and mobility struggles, her mother refuses to consider other living options, like community housing or a condo with an elevator. Now, as our caller and her husband save for their first home, the idea of buying a duplex with her mother has come up. The thought of sharing her new home—and yard—with her mom is bringing up major anxiety, but she’s feeling stuck, with few good options.In each episode, we bring on a 'Friend of the Show' - to offer our caller some friendly advice. We bring back LA based comedian Nikki Bon, to hash through some of this season's most hilarious advice yet. From a crazy new job that Nikki says Mom should do to pay for her care, to what our caller should do to keep Mom from annoying her during parties, Nikki is full of ideas on how to make this work - or not!! Next, we bring in money expert and author, Shannah Game, to break down the pros and pitfalls of buying a home with your ailing parent. From the awkward money talks to estate planning, inheritance issues, and setting boundaries, Shannah shares essential tips for navigating it all. Plus, she reveals the professional support you’ll want to bring in to help make this tough decision.We also talk about how many Americans who had an abusive, addicted, or neglectful parent - might be thinking about a decision like this - and how to navigate the complicated emotions that come up.FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Nikki Bonhttps://www.instagram.com/nikkibon/https://www.youtube.com/c/NikkiBonhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whoa-dad/id1528899607Nikki is an LA based comedian originally from Toronto.EXPERT: Shannah Gamehttps://www.instagram.com/shannahgame/https://everyonestalkinmoney.com/book/Shannah Game is a Money Expert, Trauma of Money Specialist, author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money, Creator of the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast.HOME IMPROVEMENT PRO & HOST: Laurie Marchhttps://www.instagram.com/laurie_march/Follow us on Social:Substack: https://truehomeconfessions.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/truehomeconfessions/https://www.truehomeconfessions.comCall the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message, you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.Audio post production: Scott Ecklein Swayze https://www.soundsbyswayze.com/Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Renewal by AndersenThis episode is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen. So, if you need a window or door upgrade, here’s an offer: Buy One window or door and Get One 40% off - Plus an additional $200 off your entire purchase when you buy four or more. Special financing is available. Are you in? Give Renewal by Andersen a call at 844-290-2458. https://thcshow.co/Renewal Tell ‘em I sent you!

Is It Possible to Recycle... TOO MUCH?In this episode, we dive into the ups and downs of striving for a zero-waste lifestyle. Our confessor shares his journey from feeling empowered by small changes like shopping in bulk, going dairy-free, and embracing a more eco-friendly lifestyle - to becoming completely overwhelmed by the obsession with Zero-Waste perfection. After a family intervention, he questions: Is recycling real? And can one person even make a difference in today’s world of plastic?In each episode, we bring on a 'Friend of the Show' - to offer our caller some friendly advice. We bring LA based comedian Nikki Bon to the studio to unpack this wild confession - including some of the eco-friendly behaviors Nikki won't do (even for the planet!) and the things she stands by - like 'if it's yellow, let it mellow' - and Nikki's new obsession with getting an apartment compost bin - with worms!Next, we bring on our pro: Jonathan Levy, waste and recycling expert, to discuss the mental and emotional cost of living eco-consciously, navigating the challenges of trying to be perfect in an imperfect world. Jonathan shares his version of the "R's" of creating less waste - Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Rehome, Remanufacture, Recycle, Rot. We hear a story about the first 'plastic ban' in history, and the many childrens' deaths that were caused by one product.How can we can truly make a sustainable impact, and find balance in eco-conscious living - while maintaining our emotional well-being in a consumer-driven society? And Jonathan answers our caller's painful question: Is Recycling Real?FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Nikki Bonhttps://www.instagram.com/nikkibon/https://www.youtube.com/c/NikkiBonhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whoa-dad/id1528899607Nikki is an LA based comedian originally from Toronto. EXPERT: Jonathan Levyhttps://www.instagram.com/zerowasteguy/https://zerowastepro.com/Jonathan Levy is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Zero Waste Pro, an environmental consultant company that helps municipalities, waste haulers, and businesses implement waste reduction strategies to comply with California's complex regulatory climate. As and independent consulting firm, Zero Waste Pro provides customer-tailored solutions that are best for its clients.HOME IMPROVEMENT PRO & HOST: Laurie Marchhttps://www.instagram.com/laurie_march/Follow us on Social:Substack: https://truehomeconfessions.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/truehomeconfessions/https://www.truehomeconfessions.comCall the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message, you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.Audio post production: Scott Ecklein Swayze https://www.soundsbyswayze.com/(00:04) Anonymous Caller - dangerously obsessed with Zero Waste lifestyle(05:05) Comedian Nikki Bon sounds off on our Caller's wild life(10:32) Things Nikki Bon Would or Wouldn't Do for the Planet(17:24) Rethinking Waste with Expert Jonathan Levy(24:44) The Blame Game - A Sobering Story(30:42) Challenges of Recycling and Consumption(36:16) Mindful Consumerism and Convenience Culture(40:52) Community Engagement and Sustainable Choices(49:49) Roundup of tips from Nikki, Jonathan, and Laurie for YOUMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Renewal by AndersenThis episode is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen. So, if you need a window or door upgrade, here’s an offer: Buy One window or door and Get One 40% off - Plus an additional $200 off your entire purchase when you buy four or more. Special...

What happens when your mom’s love language is gift-giving—but you’re drowning in things you don’t want? In this episode, we explore a common struggle: how to navigate family dynamics when your minimalist lifestyle clashes with parents' well-meaning gifting habits. Today’s confessor lives in a tiny apartment, follows a minimalist lifestyle, and loves simplicity… but her mom insists on buying her expensive, not-her-style clothes—and refuses to let her get rid of them. Even worse? Mom checks to make sure they’re still there.Why do some parents express love through material things? And how do you set boundaries with parents without ruining your relationship?In each episode, we bring on a 'Friend of the Show' - to offer our caller some friendly advice. Coauthor of the Substack 'How To Be Less Old' and owner of The Montage Queen, Deanna Cheng joins us in the studio to talk through this problem that sounds like a dream to some of us - too many gifts! Deanna has thoughts on how to handle unwanted gifts, and on how our confessor might manage her stubborn Mama.Next: we bring on our expert, Lori Gottlieb, Therapist and New York Times bestselling author of 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.' We determine if our caller should be taking Deanna's friendly advice, and hear a powerful strategy from Lori for dealing with people you love who aren't listening to your wishes. Lori and host Laurie March dig down into this relationship, and Lori shares the impact of disrespectful gifts, and how to appreciate support while maintaining independence. Who doesn't need some Lori Gottlieb advice?FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Deanna Chenghttps://howtobelessold.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/deannamcheng/https://www.themontagequeen.com/Deanna Cheng is an actor, writer and director. She's been seen on Black Monday, GLOW, Bajillion Dollar Properties, and as guidance counselor Ms Fleming in the reboot of Heathers. Deanna co-created Comedy Central's digital series UNSEND with Matt McConkey and Paul Scheer, hosted by Patti Harrison and Joel Kim Booster. She also directed the solo show, HOMEBREW, which was featured at Edinburgh Fringe festival. Deanna is the owner of The Montage Queen, a boutique montage company that curates unforgettable videos that you’ll revisit for years to come. EXPERT: Lori Gottliebhttps://lorigottlieb.com/https://www.instagram.com/lorigottlieb_author/Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, which has sold over two million copies and is currently being adapted as a television series. In addition to her clinical practice, she is co-host of the popular “Dear Therapists” podcast produced by Katie Couric and writes The Atlantic’s “Dear Therapist” advice column. She is a sought-after expert in media such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNN, and NPR’s “Fresh Air” and her TED Talk was one of the Top 10 Most Watched of the Year. Learn more at LoriGottlieb.com or by following her on Instagram @lorigottlieb_author and Twitter @LoriGottlieb1HOST: Laurie March https://www.instagram.com/laurie_march/Follow us on Social:Substack: https://truehomeconfessions.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/truehomeconfessions/https://www.truehomeconfessions.comCall the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message, you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.Audio post production: Scott Ecklein Swayze https://www.soundsbyswayze.com/(00:03) CONFESSION: Gift Giving DilemmaMarina struggles with her mother's expensive gifts, feeling misunderstood and guilty, as she's a minimalist.(09:11) FRIENDLY ADVICE:...

This episode of True Home Confessions features a call from Bob and Jan, friends of a THC show producer, who had a huge fire in their house yesterday. Everyone got out okay, including the cat, but Bob is shocked, and trying to figure out what to do first. They have a place to stay, but Bob is looking for advice on what he should do immediately.In each episode, we bring on a 'Friend of the Show' - to offer our caller some friendly advice. Comedian, writer and actor Carl Foreman Jr. joins us in the studio to commiserate with Bob and Jan, telling them to start with creating a GoFundMe, with pictures of the cat, obviously. He's got some serious thoughts on the insurance industry generally being a sham (not HIS policies, though), and which shoes he'd wear back into the house, to look through the damages.Next, we bring on the clear-talking owner of Shine Insurance, Jeremy Goodrich. We determine if Bob and Jan should be taking Carl's friendly advice, and hear a fascinating breakdown of the things that make a real difference in insurance coverage. Jeremy and host Laurie March dig into what Bob and Jan should do *immediately,* what makes an insurance claim bearable, and what most people get totally wrong about insurance altogether. We're left with a really interesting look at why everyone's insurance is going up, everywhere.FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Carl Foreman Jrhttps://www.carlforemanjr.comhttps://linktr.ee/Carlforemanjrhttps://www.instagram.com/CarlForemanJrCarl Foreman Jr is an actor, writer and comedian, currently based in LA, who got his start in NYC; Credits: Just For Laughs New Faces 2023, Search Party (Max), The Puppy Bowl (Animal Planet), Fairview (Comedy Central Animation), Studio CEXPERT: Jeremy Goodrichhttps://www.shineinsurance.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq7baI3fu68&list=PL425CAnBWQyQxMHVQBMNzhxD9hILZQl7SHOST: Laurie Marchhttps://www.instagram.com/laurie_march/Follow us on Social:Substack: https://truehomeconfessions.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/truehomeconfessions/https://www.truehomeconfessions.comCall the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message, you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.Audio post production: Scott Ecklein Swayze https://www.soundsbyswayze.com/Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Renewal by AndersenThis episode is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen. So, if you need a window or door upgrade, here’s an offer: Buy One window or door and Get One 40% off - Plus an additional $200 off your entire purchase when you buy four or more. Special financing is available. Are you in? Give Renewal by Andersen a call at 844-290-2458. https://thcshow.co/Renewal Tell ‘em I sent you!

This episode of True Home Confessions features an anonymous caller who is seriously concerned about his parents. They're doing a big remodel with major customizations for their 'furry family members.' Is it crazy to put a Dog Room into a house - and are they over investing? How far is too far when you're obsessed with your dogs and want them to have only the best?In each episode, we bring on a ‘Friend of the Show’ – to offer our caller some friendly advice. This week, in the studio, we get serious opinions out of comedian and dangerously educated blonde, Laura Hayden. Together we explore this confession to determine if our caller's parents are lighting money on fire, or if they're just doing their thing. Laura's real estate stories are wild.Next up, I bring on the fiery, no-nonsense queen of Real Estate Tiktok - Glennda Baker. The most recognized face and voice in real estate video gives us definitive answers to our caller's financial worries about his parents' 'dog room dilemma', and - we get some of the craziest real estate personalizations I've ever heard. She tells us the most polarizing interior color (you should avoid it if you're selling!) and some of the hottest tips, including who can and should COMPLETELY IGNORE 'RESALE.' You're not gonna want to miss this one.FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Laura Haydenhttps://www.instagram.com/drlaurahayden/https://www.laurahayden.com/Comedian and dangerously educated blonde in great shoesEXPERT: Glenda Bakerhttps://www.instagram.com/glenndabaker/https://glennda.net/With over 3 decades of real estate expertise, Atlanta real estate broker, Glennda Baker specializes in residential real estate and has been recognized nationally as one of Newsweek's America's Best Agents. As the leader of an all-female real estate team, The Diamond Squad, Glennda’s keen eye for marketing and an out-of-the-box thinking attitude, have built her signature real estate brand.HOST: Laurie Marchhttps://www.instagram.com/laurie_march/Follow us on Social:True Home Confessions Substackhttps://www.instagram.com/truehomeconfessions/www.truehomeconfessions.comCall the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message,you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.Audio post production: Scott Ecklein Swayze Soundsbyswayze.com Brought to you by Renewal by AndersenThis episode is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen. So, if you need a window ordoor upgrade, here’s an offer: Buy One window or door and Get One 40% off -Plus an additional $200 off your entire purchase when you buy four or more.Special financing is available.Are you in? Give Renewal by Andersen a call at 844-290-2458.Tell ‘em I sent you!Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Renewal by AndersenThis episode is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen. So, if you need a window or door upgrade, here’s an offer: Buy One window or door and Get One 40% off - Plus an additional $200 off your entire purchase when you buy four or more. Special financing is available. Are you in? Give Renewal by Andersen a call at 844-290-2458. https://thcshow.co/Renewal Tell ‘em I sent you!

This episode of True Home Confessions features an anonymous caller who, through the pandemic, picked up a morally ambiguous habit: he started collecting broken branches and succulent leaves from the plant section at Walmart. After early success keeping these bits alive, our caller graduated to bringing his scissors to the store to take his own cuttings. His partner called it stealing, but he begged the True Home Confessions team to understand his side of the story.In each episode, we bring on a ‘Friend of the Show’ – to offer our caller some friendly advice. Writer, comedian, UCB Main Stage performer and all-around good person Ryan Barton joins us in the studio to help us get some clarity on this garden-variety dilemma. Together we explore this confession to determine if this behavior is harmless selfcare, or an unethical plant grab with repercussions.  Hilarity and relationship role play ensue!Our conversation continues with an appearance by ‘the Internet’s Plant Daddy,’ Kevin Espiritu – CEO and creator of Epic Gardening. Kevin teaches us about ethics and the controversial practice of ‘proplifting’ – and shares his unique transition from gardening nerd to internet icon and medium sized business owner. We learn the potential impacts of theft on garden businesses small and large, and we understand what boundaries the massive ‘proplifting’ community have applied to themselves, for better or for worse.FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Ryan Bartonhttps://www.instagram.com/rrybratorhttps://www.instagram.com/sellingfountainavenue/Writer, comedian, UCB Main Stage performer, and creator of Selling Fountain AvenueEXPERT: Kevin Espirituwww.epicgardening.comhttps://www.instagram.com/epicgardeningKevin Espiritu is the founder of Epic Gardening. As a self-taught gardener, Espiritu has spent over a decade producing educational gardening content across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, The Beet Podcast, and the Epic Gardening blog, all in service of a simple mission: teach the world to grow.Epic Gardening has amassed over 10 million social media followers, 21 million podcast downloads, and 100 million blog visits. In 2022, Kevin acquired leading seed company Botanical Interests to add to Epic Gardening's growing offering of high-quality gardening products and tools. Additionally, Espiritu has authored two other books, Field Guide to Urban Gardening and Grow Bag Gardening.HOST: Laurie March@laurie_marchFollow us on Social:True Home Confessions Substack@truehomeconfessionswww.truehomeconfessions.comCall the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message, you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.Audio post production: Scott Ecklein Swayze Soundsbyswayze.com Brought to you by a...

This episode of True Home Confessions features a call from Abbey, who recently went on a date with a guy who spilled his secret: He’s been blatantly stealing his neighbor’s wifi ever since his elderly neighbor asked him for help with her connectivity – and he’s proud of it. How is this even possible, and should she be sketched out or inspired by this guy’s morally flexible internet idea?In each episode, we bring on a ‘Friend of the Show’ – to offer our caller some friendly advice. Comedian, traveler, actor and host Joel Bryant joins us in the studio to sound off on Abbey’s dating dilemma: he takes a serious stand on this issue and it wasn’t what I expected. Also, we discover that our Friend Joel ‘lives in the wind’ and has a seriously hot take on this confession – and Abbey’s future.Next: we bring on Digital Lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who we’ve all seen on the Today Show, explaining everything in our home with a plug to us. We figure out how confessor Abbey’s date is even doing the internet stealing in the first place, and discover if it’s a true crime. Carley and host Laurie talk about the safety of public wifi, tech support challenges for older family members, and explore if you can really steal something that’s ‘unlimited.’FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Joel Bryantwww.JoelBryant.net@theJoelBryantYouTubeTikTokBorn and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Joel can currently be seen literally all around the world either performing standup comedy, hosting a live event, on a theatre stage, or a screen. He's always on the road performing in one vein or another. He has an upcoming headlining European standup comedy tour, was the mainstage emcee at this year's Super Bowl (his 9th time) and is the lead in the horror film "Candlewood" premiering regionally in the Northeast before wide distribution.EXPERT: Carley Knoblochwww.carleyk.com@carleyknoblochCarley is a mom of two digital natives, a TV personality, and your best friend in personal and home technology. When she's not talking tech on the Today Show, KTLA Los Angeles or HGTV, she's sharing ways we can stay well in our wired world on her blog, CarleyK.com. Carley is an in-demand smart home consultant, and has worked with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the International Housewares Show, and CEDIA, the association for smart home professionals. Carley has been featured in Real Simple, Redbook, Allure, and Bloomberg Businessweek. Recently her “Pretty Smart Home” was featured in the pages of Good Housekeeping.HOST: Laurie March@laurie_marchFollow us on Social:True Home Confessions Substack@truehomeconfessionswww.truehomeconfessions.comCall the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message, you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.Audio post production: Scott...

In this episode of True Home Confessions, our anonymous caller shares that his wife has really gotten into candles, and heavily scented stuff, even starting a new business selling essential oils to their friends. The problem? Our caller is chemically sensitive, and all of these fragrances are causing him eye-watering asthma attacks and headaches. When he confronted his wife, she said she ‘has to test them to sell them’, and teased him - saying he’s being overly sensitive. Also - she didn’t shut off the diffusers. What’s a caller to do?In each episode, we bring on a ‘Friend of the Show’ – to offer our caller some friendly advice. Comedian, writer and actor Carl Foreman Jr. joins us in the studio to talk through this scented marital drama: he’s got serious thoughts about multi-level marketing brands, houses that smell good (or don’t) and how to know if our caller’s wife is trying to quietly kill him.Next: we bring on Building Biologist and Air Quality expert, Ryan Blaser, from Test My Home. We determine if our caller should be taking Carl’s friendly advice and hear the six pillars that Ryan says make up a Healthy Home. Ryan and host Laurie March dive deep into the allure of holistic living, a troubling rise in fragrance sensitivities, and the emotional connection between scent and memory. Our confessor is left with some good advice on how to solve his toxic problem, and we hear Ryan’s take on the truth about essential oils and your lungs.FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Carl Foreman Jrwww.carlforemanjr.comhttps://linktr.ee/Carlforemanjr@CarlForemanJrCarl Foreman Jr is an actor, writer and comedian, currently based in LA, who got his start in NYC; Credits: Just For Laughs New Faces 2023, Search Party (Max), The Puppy Bowl (Animal Planet), Fairview (Comedy Central Animation), Studio CEXPERT: Ryan Blaser@TestMyHomeRyan Blaser is passionate about bringing the principles of Building Biology to those who wish to live a safer, healthier, and more sustainable life in our modern high-tech culture. With over 25 years of experience as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in health hazards of the Environment. Ryan has a wide range of expertise including: Field Engineer for the Department of Environmental Quality, Electrical Engineer for the Department of Energy (nuclear industry), Master Acoustician and Audio/Video integrator. With a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Ryan also holds certifications in Electromagnetic Radiation Assessment Specialist (EMRS), Building Biology Environmental Consultant (BBEC), Alliance Acoustic Calibrator (HAAC), and is a licensed contractor. His path of learning has deeply informed his understanding of health and our environment. Ryan's work is at the very edge where health and environment converge. Ryan dedicates his time helping people reclaim their health by identifying and eliminating dangerous, hidden toxins and pollutants from their home & life.HOST: Laurie Marchhttps://www.instagram.com/laurie_march/Follow us on Social:Substack: https://truehomeconfessions.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/truehomeconfessions/RESOURCES:Test My Home - Remote Testing Kit (LINK)Main Points:(00:02) - Anonymous confession(03:52) – Friendly advice with Carl Foreman Jr(14:51) – Indoor air quality, does ‘clean’ have a smell?(20:32) – Six Science-based pillars of a healthy...

An excerpt from an upcoming True Home Confessions episode, please enjoy this short segment with psychotherapist, NYTimes best selling author, and cohost of the "Dear Therapists" podcast, Lori Gottlieb. Understanding the impact of advice in our lives is a mission of both of ours. True Home Confessions highlights the (often hilarious) gulf between friendly advice and expert advice - but Lori shares the meaningful value in just opening up and talking to someone, and enjoying the ridiculousness of the human condition.

Can't wait to share this season with you! Follow along at @truehomeconfessions on Instagram and if YOU'VE got a confession, shoot it over to truehomeconfessions@gmail.com or call the Confession Line at 323-716-2107.