Best Parenting Roundabout Podcasts (2025)

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Weekly Roundup: “West with Giraffes,” “Life’s Work,” and Iffy Etiquette 28:37

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5d ago28:37

28:37

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a Lucky Day pick called West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. It's based-on-a-true-story historical fiction, which is right up her alley, and maybe yours too. Mentioned: The audiobook version, the history of the San Diego Zoo (toward which the giraffes of…

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The Northern Colorado Trail with Kevin "Sunshine" Silvernale (BPR #316) 2:02:15

9h ago2:02:15

2:02:15

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Kevin “Sunshine” Silvernale. Originally a commercial pilot from Seattle, Kevin thru-hiked the PCT in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the Hiker Trash lifestyle. That passion led him to put his flying career on hold to hike the AT, C…

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Parenting Tips from “The Gilded Age” S3 E1, “Who Is in Charge Here?” 22:19

6d ago22:19

22:19

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and we've now traveled back in time to The Gilded Age with the first episode of season 3. The battles for control of the title refer to the Ada/Agnes household, the Fane marriage, the Russell marriage, and of course the Russell mother and daughter, as we set up the game piece…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E8, “Flashes Before Your Eyes” 18:19

7d ago18:19

18:19

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This week, we're mostly off the island, learning more about Desmond--who is both flashing back and flashing forward. It's confusing. Plus, Bad Dad Charles Widmore makes another appearance. Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 9, "Stranger in a Stran…

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Impacts of Climate Change on the Colorado Trail with Triple Crowner and Scientist Karl Ford (BPR #315) 2:22:44

7d ago2:22:44

2:22:44

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Karl Ford. Karl is a retired environmental scientist, conservationist, and author of Triple Crown Hiking Adventures and The Colorado Trail in Crisis: A Naturalist's Field Report on Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems. In this conversation, we di…

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Weekly Roundup: “Who Farted?,” Central Air Conditioning, and the Emptying Nest 21:11

12d ago21:11

21:11

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is another for our scatology shelf: It combines farts (hilarious) with Where's Waldo-style search and find illustrations. She encountered Who Farted?, but reports that Find the Farter is also an option, should you need more than one of these titles. Terri'…

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Parenting Tips from “Duster” S1 E8, “‘66 Reno Split” 18:28

13d ago18:28

18:28

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Duster. This episode was nothing but parenting, with kids trying to avenge their parents, parents sacrificing for their kids, and everybody using those family relationships against everybody else. And, of course, a couple of shoot-outs. This was far from…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E7, “Not in Portland” 20:42

14d ago20:42

20:42

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This week, we finally get some variety in our flashbacks: We're checking in with the Juliet of a few years ago and finding out how she ended up on Other Island (which is not, in fact, Portland or anywhere near it). Not mentioned, but relevant: This video Ryan Reyn…

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Fascinating Colorado Outdoor Recreation Stories with OutThere Colorado's Spencer McKee (BPR #314) 3:22:13

14d ago3:22:13

3:22:13

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Spencer McKee, the Director of Content and Operations for OutThere Colorado. If you’ve been to Colorado and have Instagram, you’ve likely already come across Spencer’s videos - he’s mastered the art of packaging interesting Colorado news …

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Weekly Roundup: “Every Tom, Dick & Harry,” a “Peanuts” Datebook, and Telling Parenting Like It Is 25:10

19d ago25:10

25:10

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a novel by Elinor Lipman: Every Tom, Dick & Harry. She picked it up because she remembered enjoying the author's previous works... and then didn't recognize a single thing on her website. No matter. because she enjoyed this one! Mentioned: Books by Linda …

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Parenting Tips from “Duster” S1 E7, “K-129” 17:26

20d ago17:26

17:26

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Duster. And what's a show set in the '70s without both Watergate and Howard Hughes? Terri's having flashbacks as if she were on Lost. We also discover here that Luna is both subject to TV trope (kid stowing away in trunk of car) and actually kind of a go…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E6, “I Do” 23:16

21d ago23:16

23:16

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. Here, we found out some of the lengths people will go to for love (or passion): They'll marry a cop even though they're a fugitive, for example, or withhold very crucial pieces of information, or purposely nick a patient's kidney with a scalpel. Next Tuesday, we'l…

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20,000+ Miles in under 10 Years, a Desert Hike from Tucson to San Diego, and Life as a Mariner with Leah "Twig" Harman (BPR #313) 3:02:27

21d ago3:02:27

3:02:27

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Leah Harman, known on trail as Twig. Although Twig is relatively new to the world of thru-hiking, with less than 10 years of experience, she’s hit the ground running, accruing well over 20,000 miles in the process. In addition to all the usual su…

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Weekly Roundup: Who Is Cuter? Series, Church Carnivals, and Supporting Stressed-Out Kids 24:01

26d ago24:01

24:01

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is another nonfiction series about animals for kids. But this time, instead of arguing about which animal would win in a fight, we are arguing about which baby animal is the cutest. Terri's random recommendation is your local small parking-lot carnival. Sh…

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Parenting Tips from “Duster” S1 E6, “Meet by the Clothes” 16:21

27d ago16:21

16:21

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Duster. Highly recognizable FBI agent Nina is now undercover, and that goes about as well as you'd expect. Plus, this week's TV trope: A character who's been told that he must avoid alcohol is forced to drink vodka with some scary Russians. Next Wednesda…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E5, “The Cost of Living” 19:46

28d ago19:46

19:46

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. On this Eko-flashback episode, it was another day on the island, another goodbye to a cast member, and another round of mind games. So, about what we've come to expect from Lost. Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 6, "I Do." Tomorrow, we'll contin…

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Thru-Hiking for 30 Years, Working for ALDHA-West, Six Moon Designs, & FarOut, and Ridgerunning with a Dog with Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa (BPR #312) 2:06:25

28d ago2:06:25

2:06:25

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Whitney La Ruffa, better known in the world of backpacking as “Allgood.” Allgood is the former president of ALDHA-West, the current Chief Revenue Officer at FarOut, and a certified backpacking OG—his first thru-hike dates all the way back to the early ’90s (some of you w…

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Weekly Roundup: “Still Life,” Waffle Game, and We Should Have Known Better 19:32

1M ago19:32

19:32

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is an introduction to a longstanding, popular series: The Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny. She checked out the first one, Still Life, and found it to be a good balance of "cozy" and "mystery." Terri's random recommendation is Waffl…

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Parenting Tips from “Duster” S1 E5, “Ravishing Light and Glory” 16:14

1M ago16:14

16:14

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Duster. The tension is ratcheting up as Nina meets with Sax in person, Jim drags his dad (hi, Corbin Bernsen) into the mix, and Nixon shows up (it's 1972, in case you forgot). Plus, the old TV chestnut: Jim makes, and then breaks, a promise to a kid. Nex…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E4, “Every Man for Himself” 21:07

1M ago21:07

21:07

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we return once again to a Sawyer flashback, which tells us that "con men gonna con." What a shock! On the island (or islands!), we get another introduction to Paulo (theoretically here all along) and whaddya know, Desmond can see into the future. …

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Julia "Rocket" Sheehan on Her Social Media Fall from Grace, Quitting on a Thru-Hike, and Her New Book (BPR #311) 1:54:31

1M ago1:54:31

1:54:31

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Julia Sheehan, known on trail, as Rocket. Julia is a thru-hiker, former Trek Vlogger, social media sensation, nurse, and now a published author. Julia details how impulsive decision-making lead her to the wonderful world that is thru-hiki…

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Weekly Roundup: You Wouldn’t Want to… Series, Special Olympics Report, and Anti-Dopamine Parenting 28:30

1M ago28:30

28:30

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a series of non-fiction books for kids that finds new and clever ways to teach history and science. We agree that You Wouldn't Want to Be an Egyptian Mummy and You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Gravity, but we're living just fine without video games, than…

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Parenting Tips from “Duster” S1 E4, “Crimunalis Velocitus Super-Sonicus” 21:05

1M ago21:05

21:05

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Duster. We're sensing a pattern here: Jim keeps escaping from immediate danger, but the coming consequences are piling up. Please stay away from little Luna until things improve, Jim!! Next Wednesday, we'll continue with episode 5, "Ravishing Light and G…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E3, “Further Instructions” 17:54

1M ago17:54

17:54

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we flashed back once again to the sad life of John Locke, understanding yet again why life on a very weird deserted island is an improvement for him. Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 4, "Every Man for Himself." Tomorrow, we'll c…

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A Lifetime of Trail Maintenance: the Blackburn Trail Center, Building the AT Rollercoaster, and the Potomac AT Club with Chris “Trailboss” Brunton (BPR #310) 1:40:25

1M ago1:40:25

1:40:25

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Chris Brunton aka “Trailboss”. Trailboss is a legendary force in the construction and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail, most notably, the infamous Rollercoaster section of the trail through Virginia. Trailboss enlightens us with some history o…

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Weekly Roundup: “Survival Mom,” “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life,” and Laws of Parenting 21:08

2M ago21:08

21:08

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a book that frankly made us tired: Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios by Lisa Bedford. Can't we leave this to the survival dads? Mentioned: How to Survive History: How to Outrun a Tyrannosaurus, Escape…

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Parenting Tips from “Duster” S1 E3, “You’re No Good” 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Duster. For a violent show about organized crime, it's yielding a surprising amount of parenting advice and family dramas. Mentioned: Brian Grubb on Duster. Next Wednesday, we'll continue with episode 4, "Crimunalis Velocitus Super-Sonicus." We'll be bac…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E2, “The Glass Ballerina” 17:00

2M ago17:00

17:00

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, sweet, caring Sun was shown to be capable of many nefarious things, from lying to adultery to homicide. Sawyer comes up with another nickname for Kate, and Jack learns a truly shocking fact from the world outside the island. Mentioned: Some of our…

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Thru-Hiking with Your Sister, Triple Crowning without a Trail Name, and Tour du Mont Blanc with Jamie Lambert (BPR #309) 2:00:01

2M ago2:00:01

2:00:01

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jamie Lambert. We learn why Jamie doesn’t have a trail name, and why it’s definitely not Strap On, what it’s like to thru-hike with your sister- which she did on the PCT in 2018, what it is about thru-hiking that makes it so addictive fo…

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Weekly Roundup: Purrmaids Series, SNL Stories, and Mom Strikes 30:32

2M ago30:32

30:32

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a series of early chapter books by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen about "purrmaids," characters that are half kitten, half mermaid—and a spinoff about mermicorns, because don't all kids love kittens, mermaids and unicorns? Terri's random recommendation is a doub…

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Parenting Tips from “Duster” S1 E1, “Baltimore Changes Everything,” and E2, “Suspicious Minds” 22:31

2M ago22:31

22:31

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and today we're kicking off a new watch. Duster is a '70s period piece with a cast full of familiar faces, starting from the top with Josh "Sawyer" Holloway. Will we get parenting tips from a show about a guy mixed up in organized crime and the FBI agent who recruits him as a…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S3 E1, “A Tale of Two Cities” 18:54

2M ago18:54

18:54

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. It's a new season, with a new setting and a bunch of new characters, so of course the flashbacks tread some very familiar ground. Jack has daddy issues! We get it! Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 2, "The Glass Ballerina." Tomorrow, we'll kick o…

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Lightning Safety and Myth Busting with NOAA Meteorologist Charlie Woodrum (BPR #308) 2:04:25

2M ago2:04:25

2:04:25

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are giving you the lowdown on everything to do with lightning safety. We are joined by Charlie Woodrum who is the Preparedness and Resilience Lead with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. We learn all about the biggest my…

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Weekly Roundup: Magazines on Libby, Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem,” and Mementos of the Teen Years 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is Libby, an app that she uses to borrow audiobooks. She knew it could also be used for e-books, but was thrilled to find that you can also find print magazines on the app. Get behind that paywall with a library card! Terri's random recommendation is almost …

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Parenting Tips from “Running Point” S1 E10, “Game Seven” 16:09

2M ago16:09

16:09

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. This season finale gave us some nice sibling moments, especially with Jackie, but also some highly predictable and annoying sitcom developments. Will we re-sign for season 2? That's going to depend on what else is on. Mentioned: The season…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S2 E23-24, “Live Together, Die Alone” 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This two-hour season finale was packed full of story, lore, old and new characters, plot developments, and general weirdness. If it weren't for Lostpedia, we'd really be... lost. Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 1, "A Tale of Two Cities." Tomorr…

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Making Custom Packs, Setting FKTs, Escaping Death, and Starting an Outfitter with Jonathan "Janis Joplin" Thomas (BPR #307) 3:24:37

2M ago3:24:37

3:24:37

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jonathan Thomas, known on trail as Janis Joplin. Janis Joplin is a thru-hiker, FKT record holder, D1 collegiate track and field athlete, former news cameraman, Boston Marathon bombing survivor, CDT trail angel, and owner of Exotic Pax, an…

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Weekly Roundup: “The Minimum Method,” Explain It to Me, and Improving the Parent Portal 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find commanded her attention thanks to its subtitle. It's The Minimum Method: The Least You Can Do to Be a Stronger, Healthier, Happier You by Joey Thurman. Hard to say no to that! Terri's random recommendation this week switches things up by introducing an Inter…

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Parenting Tips from “Running Point” S1 E9, “The Playoffs” 19:35

2M ago19:35

19:35

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. While we couldn't help but be charmed by Sandy's romantic gesture (it involved Taylor Swift), we were frustrated by the entirely predictable sitcom move of Lev breaking up with Isla. She tried! Mentioned: The Wedding Singer scene that insp…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S2 E22, “Three Minutes” 26:05

2M ago26:05

26:05

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, Michael tries to play the Dad Card ("I'm the dad, so I get to decide") while also being shamed for not knowing much about his kid. It's not going to go well for him. Mentioned: A Design Mom argument on how dads can really protect their kids (hint:…

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Working as a Death Doula and Managing Death Anxiety with Niki DiGaetano (BPR #306) 1:36:56

2M ago1:36:56

1:36:56

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Niki DiGaetano, known on trail as Phoenix. In addition to being a long distance backpacker, the bulk of today’s conversation centers around Niki’s work as a death doula. We learn, of course, what that work entails, how her experiences working with…

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Weekly Roundup: “A Five-Letter Word for Love,” HARDY’s “Country,” and How Strict We Are as Parents 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a Wordle-based romance called A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James, who we congratulate for hopping on a trend. Mentioned: Previous find Cutting Teeth and identifying a Hallmark movie with AI. Terri's random recommendation is a new EP from one of her …

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Parenting Tips from “Running Point” S1 E8, “The Streak” 16:01

3M ago16:01

16:01

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. We love Kate Hudson's performance here, but struggle with the predictable sitcom plots. We protest any trouble in Isla's relationship. Let her keep her very nice fiancé! Next Wednesday, we'll watch season 1, episode 9, "The Playoffs." We'…

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Title: Parenting Tips from “Lost” S2 E21, “?” 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, the title of which is indeed simply a punctuation mark, a lot of dreams and a few flashbacks led us to... another hatch, which spies on the original hatch. And in more magic-island evidence, this hatch has a working printer. Next Tuesday, we'll co…

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Live from Austin: Paul Magnanti, aka "PMags," on Hot Gear Takes, Public Lands, & Hiking the Southwest (BPR #305) 2:38:04

3M ago2:38:04

2:38:04

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re coming to you live from Austin, Texas with our guest, Paul Magnanti, aka Mags, aka Pmags. A longtime co-host of The Trail Show and a triple crowner, Pmags has spent decades exploring trails across the country, with a special love for the Southwe…

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Weekly Roundup: “Let’s Put That Away,” Writer App, and Quotes About Motherhood 24:25

3M ago24:25

24:25

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is from the category of "passive-aggressive board books that are really not for babies" (and the subcategory of "children's books by celebrities or celebrity-adjacent people"). It's Let's Put That Away: My First Book of Organizing by Clea Shearer and Joanna …

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Parenting Tips from “Running Point” S1 E7, “A Special Place in Hell” 12:58

3M ago12:58

12:58

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Running Point. We continue to enjoy the performances here, and many of the jokes, but think the writers are consulting the sitcom tropes playbook a bit too often. Mentioned: Joe Mande, a writer and producer on both The Good Place and Parks & Rec; Shrinki…

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Parenting Tips from “Lost” S2 E20, “Two for the Road” 19:52

3M ago19:52

19:52

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. The "two" of the title might refer to the unlikely pairing of Ana Lucia and Jack's father, Christian Shephard, or to the two castaways who lose their lives in the shocking final minutes of the episode. Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 2, episode 21, "?." (…

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Beginner Backpacking Mistakes 3.0 (BPR #304) 2:22:56

3M ago2:22:56

2:22:56

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are bringing you yet another edition of beginner backpacking mistakes. Today’s panel includes the debut of Jess Stone, 2024 AT and LT thru-hiker, and The Trek’s Community and Marketing Manager. We bring you 9 brand new thru-hiking pitfalls to avoid, including t…

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Weekly Roundup: “Bear in a Bathrobe,” AeroPress Coffee Maker, and a Critter Report 31:21

3M ago31:21

31:21

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a picture book called Bear in a Bathrobe by Maddie Frost. Check out the cover to see the bathrobe—and the matching ice skates. Mentioned: Back After This by Linda Holmes. Terri's random recommendation is a qualified plug for the AeroPress coffee maker, wh…