#146 - We need a "sarcastic font"

Jonathan spends two hours (and one chainsaw that didn't work) turning a spoon into a ring, and Dad prescribes a book: Chop Wood, Carry Water. Then Dad's doubles tennis match gets testy: a smash to the hand, an "I wasn't ready" meltdown, sweet soft-serve revenge, and a parking-lot apology nobody saw coming. A big shout-out to our favorite aunt for a giant-screen Wizard of Oz outing, a handmade quilt (welcome to the family... 25 years later), and the special toilet paper. Then a Bit of Wisdom: if you want to make your lady feel special, put her picture in the kitchen and write "Employee of the Month" on it (what could go wrong?). Plus the Tesla robot coming for Jonathan's chore money, brain rot, and survival mode; how a dad gets ready to meet his daughter's new boyfriend (he has a shovel); why you always get in good with your friends' parents; and Jonathan's genius party plan. Then Dad goes down memory lane with the moments that could have changed everything: a store called Learning Is Fun (Jonathan: "Learning is 100% not fun"), a high school party that almost went very wrong, a birthday ambush in weight training, and a punch in an Offspring mosh pit. Finally, a bucket of flour lands on Jonathan, and he seizes the day by the throat anyway. Sponsors: Red Rock Payments, Mike's Meat, and Doc R. Haldeman LLC. Sign up for the newsletter at catsinthecradlepodcast.com.

Happy week after Halloween! Jonathan and Dad start with the extra hour of sleep, why the Senate can't just pick a time and stick with it, and whether daylight saving ever made sense (something about chickens and farming). Then Jonathan skips trick-or-treating like a man of his word, goes out as Thing One and Thing Two in the pouring rain, and watches the costume fall apart, which turns into a full Dr. Seuss book review: the Cat in the Hat is a trespasser, and Green Eggs and Ham is the good one. Dad announces the new website for Doc R. Haldeman LLC, and Jonathan tells the tragic tale of purple sweet potato shepherd's pie and a very urgent stop at In-N-Out. Then a Bit of Wisdom that may or may not have landed ("you're bigger than that"), the question of whether you can name your eight great-grandparents, and the surprising way Dad figured out he's old: the oldies of today are the music he grew up on, and Jonathan takes a swing at Metallica ("For whom these bell toes"). Plus the weatherman who let us all down, a foot-versus-mini-golf-hole injury, a Brad Pitt dog movie with five wolves (spoiler alerts, sort of), and why costumes are silly, except for the wigs. Sponsors: Red Rock Payments, Mike's Meat, and Doc R. Haldeman LLC. Sign up for the newsletter at catsinthecradlepodcast.com.

Jonathan survives a Sunday drive in the stick shift (no stall!), and Dad finds out who the better driving coach is: him or Mom. Then a shout-out to the three people who got our first newsletter, a very real wig experiment (the serial-killer wig was a big hit at pickup), and a Bit of Wisdom: watch Jaws backwards and it becomes a heartwarming story about a generous shark. Jonathan declares it's time to lock in, Dad tells the legendary story of Mom's family road trips in a 12-passenger van with a bucket in the back (it saved so many stops... until it didn't), and a peaceful corn maze turns into an all-out corn battle with a mystery thrower. Plus Dad's old man moment: injured by being friendly to two old ladies on a plane, then finished off by a hoverboard. Also: a Grok Bot update, why a hot shower is a joy kings never had, the movie watch list (Avengers: Doomsday, explained to Dad), and the ultimate lock-in. Sponsors: Red Rock Payments, Mike's Meat, and Doc R. Haldeman LLC. Sign up for the newsletter at catsinthecradlepodcast.com.

Josh and Jonathan have a big announcement: the Cats in the Cradle newsletter is on its way, with a little help from Josh's new AI marketing assistant. Along the way, the Tesla car that jumps and boosts (with a dream-car feature list that ends in a bidet), Knight Rider and KITT's crisis of confidence, and the big question: is it okay to take the extra toilet paper from a hotel? Dad's MGM Grand story and a very fancy lotion set. Plus a Bit of Wisdom about changing the ending, a volleyball weekend in Utah, a look at Grok Bot, and who actually invented sarcasm (spoiler: Robert Shakespeare). Sponsors: Red Rock Payments and Doc R. Haldeman LLC. Sign up for the newsletter at catsinthecradlepodcast.com.

Jonathan took on a CrossFit-style competition on Saturday, Dad judged, and the two of them came away with a second-place finish, a whole lot of opinions about thrusters and ring rows, and a lesson on why your brain lies to you when your legs start burning. Then it's party recaps (a surprise birthday and a DJ mosh pit), a Bit of Wisdom that sends us hunting for someone to blame for everything, and a glass-eyed fourth-grade teacher who deserves every bit of it. Aubrey Haldeman calls in at the worst possible time, Diet Coke gets put on trial, and Jonathan's chicken-wing chemistry notes leave a lot to be desired. Plus sponsors Red Rock Payments, Mike's Meat, and Doc R. Haldeman LLC.

#CatsintheCradlePodcast - In this episode the boys talk about how Jonathan was able to learn that his father is among the greatest ever. When going to a volleyball tournament, you must NEVER forget this one item. What will Jonathan do now that he's done with tennis? Jonathan follows up on things we talked about doing and lives to regret it! If you've never been out-smarted there might be a reason why! Thanks for listening!

#CatsintheCradlePodcast - In this hilarious episode the boys talk about:New words in the dictionary (and it's amazing!)Homecoming recapBuying a limoGoing to a gas station and regretting life's choicesMarketing ideas to make Wienerschnitzel viableAll of this and many more things! Thanks for listening!

#CatsintheCradlePodcast In this gem of an episode the boys talk about: - crazy things happening in Chemistry class- It becomes painfully obvious that neither of them are future (or current scientists)- Renae surprises Josh with the best gift ever!!!- The bits of wisdom come out strong and true! You are sure to enjoy them. - Happy Birthday to Grandpa Mike - A number of other joys that are sure to make you laugh!

#CatsintheCradlePodcastIn this episode we learn how Jonny goes wild when parents are out of town including throwing house parties, getting toilet papered and having French Toast at midnight? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be blind? Jonathan went through the exercise and showered with his eyes closed. Need to get out of a date that's going bad - here are some healthy tips to keep yourself safe. As always - thanks for listening!

#CatsintheCradlePodcast - In this episode the boys discuss:- Josh's mom gets awarded "Citizen of the Month"- If you have a heart attack are you a bad person?- A new definition being added to what it means to be athletic- What kind of factory is Cheesecake Factory? All of this and so much more. Thanks for listening!