29. Are Modern Dads Built Different?

Are millennial men really stepping up at home, or are traditional roles still holding strong? In this episode of Side By Side Eye, Mandy and Eric explore what the data actually says about housework, parenting, and modern relationships. They look at research on changing household dynamics, the rise of more involved millennial dads, and why women still tend to do more domestic labor overall. Along the way, they compare the stats to their own household, debate everyday chore dynamics, and invite listeners to reflect on what “fair” looks like in their own home.Contact: [email protected]: American Time Use Survey (BLS): household labor hoursPew Research Center: father involvement, workforce participationIF Studies: fathers’ engagement and identityNational Science Foundation: historical trends in houseworkVox / Millennial Magazine: Gen Z and stay-at-home dad stats

In this episode, Mandy and Eric take on a deliciously chaotic debate: which food icon truly deserves the crown? From instantly recognizable mascots to fast-food legends and snack-time celebrities, they break down the characters that have defined generations of cravings.Along the way, they debate nostalgia, branding power, and which icons actually make them want to grab a bite. Some picks are obvious, some spark heated disagreement, and a few bring back memories they didn’t expect.By the end of the episode, one food icon rises above the rest… and the winner might surprise you. It definitely surprised Mandy.Tune in as Mandy and Eric laugh, argue, and ultimately decide which legendary face of food culture wins the Side By Side Eye crown. 👀🍕

In this episode, we’re sharing our story. The real one. From how we met and what first pulled us toward each other, to the dating years, the engagement, marriage, and now life with kids.How we started means a lot to us, so we wanted to let you in on it. We talk about those early days, the chemistry, the awkward moments, the funny stories, and the things that made us realize this was it. We walk through getting engaged, becoming husband and wife, and how everything shifted once we stepped into parenthood.It’s not just the highlight reel. We talk about how love changes over time, how attraction grows deeper, and how sometimes romance looks like folding laundry together at the end of a long day.This episode is personal, a little nostalgic, and very us. Love, lust, and laundry. The whole journey.contact: [email protected]

In this episode, Mandy and Eric set out to answer a simple question: what should be illegal… but isn’t?Turns out? It’s not that simple. 😅What starts as a fun list of modern annoyances and questionable behaviors quickly turns into a full-blown debate. Mandy’s ready to outlaw half the planet, Eric’s defending personal freedom like it’s his full-time job, and somehow they manage to find yet another discussion.There are strong opinions. There are “are you serious right now?” moments. There’s a little talking over each other. And, of course, plenty of laughs in between.Did they solve anything? Absolutely not.Did they have a good time arguing about it? 100%.If you enjoy spirited back-and-forth, bold takes, and a married couple realizing in real time that they probably shouldn’t be in charge of legislation, this one’s for you.contact: [email protected]

This week, we take a fun little side quest into Mandy’s favorite corner of the internet: Reddit. We read and react to a handful of “Am I the A**hole?” stories, giving our completely unqualified but very enthusiastic opinions along the way. Don’t worry, we’re not turning into a Reddit podcast, just borrowing some drama for a good time. Expect laughs, disbelief, and a few strong takes on questionable decision-making.Contact: [email protected]

In this Valentine’s episode, we’re going full Yays & Nays on stereotypical gifts: the good, the bad, and the “please don’t ever bring that home again.” From flowers and chocolates to last-minute gas-station panic buys, nothing is safe from our side-eye.We keep it light, honest, and a little spicy, including a wink-wink chat about expectations, pressure, and why Valentine's Day could do more than just a one-way ticket to "pound town"If you’ve ever wondered what gifts actually land well and which ones crash and burn, this episode is for you. Come laugh with us, disagree with us, and maybe steal a better idea or two.Contact: [email protected]

In this episode, we take a real look at how friendship has evolved, from the neighborhood kids and school besties of the 90s to online friends, work friends, and “Facebook friends” in 2026. Did friendship really change… or did the definition just stretch?We talk about why childhood friendships feel so intense, why adult friendships can feel fragile, and why some “best friends” quietly drift away when a job ends or life shifts. We unpack the difference between shared history and shared interests, why loyalty looks quieter now, and whether we’re actually becoming more shallow, or just more spread out.This isn’t a “screens ruined everything” conversation. It’s an honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but deeply relatable discussion about seasons of friendship, proximity vs. intention, and why some relationships were real even if they weren’t meant to last forever.Contact: [email protected]

In this episode, Mandy and Eric ponder the question: What actually counts as a sandwich… and who decided that anyway? 🥪In this episode, we take a deliciously opinionated deep dive into the wonderful world of sandwiches — from their ancient, accidental origins to the iconic creations that earned fancy names and lifelong loyalty. We’re talking Reubens, Cubans, bánh mì, Monte Cristos, and even a sandwich that technically doesn’t use bread at all.Along the way, we uncover surprising backstories, cultural mashups, happy food accidents, and why some sandwiches are named after people, places, or late-night cravings. And yes — we finally tackle the debates everyone argues about but no one agrees on: Is a hot dog a sandwich? Is a taco a sandwich? We listened, debated, side-eyed… and actually reached conclusions (brace yourself).It’s history, humor, food facts, and friendly chaos all stacked together — no crumbs spared. If you’ve ever had strong feelings about lunch, this episode is for you.Contact: [email protected] links:https://www.buzzfeed.com/thehatman/which-sandwich-are-you-quizhttps://www.buzzfeed.com/hazelyxlee/pick-your-favourite-sandwich

In this episode, Eric and Mandy prove once again that they are absolutely not over TV shows and honestly, who is? We break down the characters we don’t trust and the ones we’d happily delete from some of our favorite series, including Arrested Development, Breaking Bad, How I Met Your Mother, The Last Man on Earth, New Girl, The Office, and Parks and Recreation. Along the way, Mandy puts her TV knowledge to the test with a quote-guessing game, trying to match iconic lines to the right show. It’s a laid-back, laugh-heavy episode full of strong opinions, questionable loyalty, and a whole lot of love for the shows that live rent-free in our heads. Contact: [email protected]

SPOILER ALERT for Stranger ThingsIn this episode, Mandy and Eric dive back into the Upside Down with a Stranger Things themed showdown. The episode is built around four quizzes that test memory, logic, and fandom knowledge, from characters and plot twists to deeper-cut details that only true Hawkins locals would catch.As the quizzes unfold, expect playful competitiveness, confident answers that may or may not hold up under scrutiny, and plenty of side-eye commentary along the way. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a full-blown Stranger Things superfan, this episode is a fun, fast-paced way to relive the series and see who really knows their Demogorgons from their Mind Flayers.No Vecna required just grab your Eggos and play along. 👀🧇Contact: [email protected] Links: https://www.buzzfeed.com/affafshah/a-stranger-things-quiz-so-hard-even-eleven-canathttps://www.buzzfeed.com/marycolussi/which-stranger-things-character-are-youhttps://www.buzzfeed.com/hazelyxlee/enjoy-an-a-z-buffet-and-well-reveal-which-strangehttps://www.buzzfeed.com/froogyblue/are-you-in-line-with-humanities-stranger-things-se