Ep. 013. New Year, Not So New You?

Covid had us feeling like Rocky Balboa in the ninth round against Apollo Creed.  It was a slight derailment, but after scraping our sad selves off the ground we decided it would be good to get life back on track and resume our little podcast.  Welcome back to random conversations about things that are relevant.  

If you haven't heard of it you're probably feeling it.  Pandemic fatigue.  It's a real thing.  But, there is apparently a whole lot more going on.  We need a professional for this one.  Anxiety, body/mind connection, defense mechanisms, coping, treating, therapy and more.   Grab a notebook friends!  

  Buckle up for this as Joe & Tara navigate some of the ridiculously unimportant issues at hand.  None more so than deciding what to do with $850 million dollars, Joe’s grievances with Comcast, Peacock & Walt Disney World, a love affair with Netflix, difficulties with getting dressed to go out, lingerie and soft pants, Aids & COVID Testing, reliving Karate Kid through Cobra Kai, the future of movie theaters and finding a new streaming platform.  

  Only forty percent of Americans make New Year resolutions. But why? Is it in part because we are still calling them resolutions? Sure they are cliché and rarely followed through on, but are we missing the bigger picture here? Could New Year resolutions truly offer us an opportunity to reset? Is January 1st the annual re-occurring calendar event that helps us focus on making change? This episode discusses the rarely dug into topic of resolutions. Join Joe & Tara as they pass along what was shared with them and changed their perspective on resolutions, fueling this important episode. You may be surprised to learn resolutions are not as trivial as thought, there is a deep-rooted history and science behind them. We all have areas in our life we can improve upon. The hope is you see the opportunities making resolutions can bring, and the positive that can come from change. Use this episode as your springboard. Challenge yourself in an area you have been wanting change in. Perhaps, listen with a friend, significant other or loved one and use each other as a support system. Do not allow past failure to dictate how you will take on this new year!  

Welcome to the B's chaotic Christmas! With clearly no fear of being judged, Joe & Tara welcome a couple VIP guests, their kids, on their inaugural holiday podcast. Thanks to Tara and her obsession with Christmas, the holiday season in the B's nest is quite the extravaganza.  From grandiose advent calendars, hordes of Christmas cookies and overblown Christmas lists, there is something in here that everyone can relate to.  overloaded with of rabbit holes, this episode is sure to make your family seem normal. Join the whole gang as they debate and argue the best of the holiday season, from songs to movies, food and traditions.  You may even find yourself playing along.  And if Christmas or the holiday season is not your thing, there are plenty of rabbit holes sure to entertain or make your family seen normal. Happy Holidays!  

Boys vs. Girls.  Men vs. Women.  Is one sex more important than the other? For many years men have ruled the world.  But were the women silently behind the scenes orchestrating their success? As the tide turns on gender inequality, women are being recognized for all they contribute in the workplace and at  home.  But is that enough to truly erase the stereotypes. At a time when talking about gender seems like a bad idea, Joe & Tara dive into this topic head first.  Join as they candidly talk about some of the questions they have about gender and what it means in this day and age, discuss stereotypes and debate the roles each take on. It doesn't take long to figure out which sex rules, but the journey is worth the listen.

Thanksgiving is here.  A day to focus on spending time with family and friends, eating a great meal and reflecting on what we are thankful for. But it is 2020.  And the reality is it is going to look different for many.  There will be a lot of traditions put on hold.  Many won’t be traveling to see loved ones, others won’t be hosting big gatherings, families may not be together and some may even be spending the day alone. Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of Tara & Joe’s.  And like many, finding thankfulness seems like a stretch this year.  But they are determined to pull themselves out of the COVID rut just long enough to reflect on what they love about Thanksgiving and the holiday season it ushers in. Along the way you’ll hear (and maybe laugh) about Tara’s Thanksgiving dinner fails, Joe’s frustrations with fluffing a tree, Tara’s obsession with Christmas decorations (especially tree shaped ones) and of course this Thanksgiving Day dinner menu. In the end, it may not be that hard to find what we are truly thankful for.  Sometimes it just takes a little or support.        

  As we stare down the unknown of winter ’20-’21, you cannot help but channel the words of Jon Snow, “I know this is hard for you, but winter is coming. We know what’s coming with it and we can’t face it alone”. For those that do not like the winter, this one could put the icing on the cake.  A worsening pandemic, shorter days, colder weather and far less to do, facing the White Walkers may be a better choice. In this episode Joe & Tara offer some levity, laughs and a lighter conversation from the perspective of two people who are not looking forward to the winter and what is ahead. Sure, there is some doom & gloom along the way but as Tara says, “at least I can laugh at my pain.” So put your layers on, grab a blanket, make some hot chocolate, sit by the fireplace and listen to episode 9, “Winter Is Coming…And we know what’s coming with it.”  

While some avoid discussing it at all costs, others can't talk enough about politics.  And for those 2020 has been the Political Superbowl.  But how will it end?  Many will be disappointed, even angry while others have to come to terms with the fact their candidate lost and that means they ultimately did as well.  It is their "team' after all.  But why so sad?  The outcome was just a result of American democracy at its finest, right? What if there is more to voting than checking a box for someone who represents a party, or pulls on those heartstrings just right?  What if we are not choosing from the best available?  Should we settle for what is put before us and ultimately voted into office through an Electoral College rather than popular vote?  Are we voting someone in, or out, or worse, the "lesser of two evils." This episode takes on the question of, "Should We Vote?"  A different and far less popular perspective on politics in America.  Tired of the lack of balance and depth in mainstream political conversations, Joe & Tara, set out to answer one simple question.  What they got was a lot more. Knowing this was a big topic they invited longtime friend and political antagonist, Amir to help.  The objective was clear.  Have an honest, open, non-bias conversation that doesn’t end in broken relationships (or bones)!  And while talking politics may be one of the more dangerous discussions you can have, with the implementation of a “safe word” and the level-headedness of Tara, they have a chance.  And if they can get through it,  there may be hope for others. After many unexpected rabbit holes, some even surprising them a bit along the way, and very candid conversations, the verdict was clear.  So join as Joe, Tara & Amir offer three complete different political views and takes on politics and the question of "Should We Vote?"                                           --

Social media has been getting a lot of bad press lately, thanks in part to the "Social Dilemma" on Netflix.  While there was certainly a lot of dramatization, the message was loud and clear.  We cannot ignore the negative effects of social media, especially in kids. But is it all that bad? In this episode Joe & Tara take on the discussion of social media from two completely different perspectives.  They candidly dive into their own  relationship with social media and some of the platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest (yes, Pinterest).  Along the way they debate whether social media is necessary as some make it seem, how it is used in everyday life (or not), how they keep up with the kids on social and if there should be a "social media etiquette."  As you will quickly hear, this is not the average discussion people have on this topic.  Joe often gets fired up often as he explains his position on "followers," "likes," and "users" while Tara takes it in stride, calmly explaining her unique position on social media.  As serious a topic this is, there are plenty of laughs along the way as Joe & Tara seek to answer "The Social Conundrum: Is It That Bad?"