Parenting Tips from “A Man on the Inside” Season 2

Each Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and for this week, we binged A Man on the Inside's season 2. As with last season, we enjoyed the gentle, loving Mike Schur sitcom of it all and the many wonderful actors, even if the mystery wasn't especially strong. Mentioned: a You've Got Mail scene and manic pixie dream girls.For next week, we'll switch up our order and discuss Lost on our Wednesday episode, and switch our newer series watch to Tuesdays with the return of Shrinking (season 3). We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. What made Locke the way he is, you ask? Well, you'll find out in this episode, and encounter some creepy characters from the island and its orbit along the way.Next week, we'll adjust our schedule a bit and continue with season 4, episode 12, "There's No Place Like Home, Part 1" on Wednesday. Tomorrow, we'll discuss a newer show, season 2 of A Man on the Inside.This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a nonfiction series for kids that starts with What If You Had Animal Teeth? and moves on through animal hair, scales, feet, eyes, and more. The author is Sandra Markle and the illustrator is Howard McWilliam, and we congratulate them on finding a hook and running with it.​Terri's random recommendation is twofold: First, the Big A## Calendar, which is currently organizing her life from its place on her office wall. But her second recommendation is to be more cautious with Facebook ads than she was. Think, and verify, before you buy!In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2022 on monetary motivation for kids.Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E11, "Cabin Fever" on Tuesday, January 27A Man on the Inside, season 2, on Wednesday, January 28Weekly roundup on Thursday, January 29Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. The season finale wrapped everything up in a fairly tidy bow, even including a wedding (for Francis's mom). Overall, we enjoyed this show, even as it swung from silly to serious and back.For next week, we'll binge all of season 2 of A Man on the Inside and discuss it on our Wednesday episode. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This was another Jack-is-a-mess episode, even though there was a brief period of things going well for him. But his bad dad came around to ruin it all, as he frequently does.Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 11, "Cabin Fever." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a book that made her chuckle and got us talking about the kids and pets we've named: The Terrible Meanings of Names: Or Why You Shouldn't Poke Your Giselle with a Barry, by Justin Cord Hayes.​Terri's random recommendation is the UPS app, because if you have an iPhone, you get a nifty widget that alerts you to the imminent arrival of all your packages.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2020 on daily leaps of faith.Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E10, "Something Nice Back Home" on Tuesday, January 20The Lowdown S1 E8, "The Sensitive Kind," on Wednesday, January 21Weekly roundup on Thursday, January 22Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. As we might expect from the penultimate episode of the season, things are looking very bad for Lee, as he makes the very poor decision to confront Pastor Mark in his own church (right after messing things up with Francis). Mentioned: TV critic Alan Sepinwall, who announced that the show will be back for a second season.Next Wednesday, we'll finish the season with season 1, episode 8, "The Sensitive Kind." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This Ben-centric episode gave us a face-to-face meeting of bad dads, as Ben paid Charles Widmore a visit. On the island, Locke's flock worked together to take care of Claire and Aaron, and Bernard showed off a new skill.Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 10, "Something Nice Back Home." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a title from our former podcast pal from the About.com years, Kathy Ceceri. Her book The Silk Road: Explore the World's Most Famous Trade Route is one of her earlier publications, but it's still on library shelves. Catherine's also encountered other books from authors she knows at the library: My Basmati Bat Mitzvah by Paula Freedman and My Neighbor Saw Me Naked: And Other Reasons You Need Drapes by Annie Elliott.​Terri's random recommendation is Taylor Swift: The End of an Era, the docuseries on Disney+. Watch if you're a Swiftie, or if you're curious about what happens behind the scenes of a production like the Eras tour. Mentioned: Shrinking season 3, coming soon.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021 on making New Year's resolutions for our families.Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E9, "The Shape of Things to Come" on Tuesday, January 13The Lowdown S1 E7, "Tulsa Turnaround," on Wednesday, January 14Weekly roundup on Thursday, January 15Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. Like the previous episode, this one featured an amazing performance from a beloved actor, Graham Greene, but no Francis. Also like many previous episodes, it featured Lee making some very dumb decisions. We need him to shape up, soon! Mentioned: Paul Sparks as Pastor Mark.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 7, "Tulsa Turnaround." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.