Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is Cranky, by Phuc Tran with illustrations by Pete Oswald. It's a picture book starring a crabby crane who does not want to talk about what's bothering him, so don't ask! Mentioned: The Food Group series, also illustrated by Oswald. ​ Terri's random recommen…

Every week, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. It wrapped up this week with a grand gesture of forgiveness befitting of the season's theme. It also added "magnanimous" to Derrick 2's character traits, to go along with "hot." We'll miss these characters a lot and are looking forward to s…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode went nowhere, much like our survivors; it gave us a bit more of Sun and Jin's story in flashback, but nothing very important. We could, however, relate to both Sun's and Michael's foolhardy desperation to do something in a situation they can't control…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is The Change by Kirsten Miller, a novel of revenge and crime-fighting fueled by menopausal women's rage (which made it very satisfying). ​ Terri's random recommendation this week is the Rosary in a Year podcast, a chart-topper offering a deep dive into this…

Every week, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. This episode included one unnecessary break-up, one child who gave a parent a dose of their own medicine, and one person who's possibly in the wrong profession. Mentioned: Disney adults and a women-hanging-out scene from Jerry Maguire. ​ Ne…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. On the island, poor Hurley got stuck with a thankless job, while in flashback, he got a scolding from his mom that we found relatable. Elsewhere, we learned more about the Dharma Initiative bunker and the tail-section survivors. ​ Next Tuesday, we'll continue with…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a resource that you can most likely find at your own library: Newspapers.com, a repository of archives from all over the U.S. and six other countries. Find your great-grandparents' wedding announcement or read up on crimes like the Panama Hat Heist of 190…

Every week, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. On this episode, a parent tried and ultimately failed to make a child's birthday special, and a child tried to set boundaries with a parent--which also didn't go very well. But at least Liz is back to her snarky self. ​ Next week, we'll wat…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. On this episode, we met a few of the threatening Others that Jin warned us about at the end of the previous episode, re-met a survivor seen previously in flashback, and heard yet again that Locke wasn't always the tough guy he is now. Mentioned: Game show challeng…

Every week, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. There were a lot of parenting and family breakthroughs in this episode, along with a little more comic relief than we got last time (thanks, Sean). ​ Next week, we'll watch season 2, episode 10, "Changing Patterns.” (Yes, we're watching thi…

While we’re celebrating New Year’s with our families, we bring you this relic of podcasts past: A speed round devoted to our resolutions for the coming year. That year was 2020, but … yeah, we’re still rolling them over. And since this is a replay, you'll hear from our old pal Nicole Eredics. We miss you, Nicole!…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. Along with Michael flashbacks and the aftermath of Walt's kidnapping and the raft explosion, this episode revisited the in-the-hatch events of the prior one. So we got some time and pacing weirdness to go along with all the other island weirdness. Next Tuesday, we…

On Wednesdays (usually), we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking, a happy fun sitcom that does its best to make us cry every week. This was an extra-sad one, with many characters facing the consequences of their actions (Liz, Derek, Louis, Jimmy) and their mortality (Paul). Like we said, fun …

While we’re celebrating Christmas with our families, we bring you this relic of Christmas past: One of the only original podcast episodes we put out on Christmas day, back in 2019. As you’ll see, we don’t take vacations from complaining. We'll be back tomorrow with our discussion of Shrinking, season 2, episode 8, "Last Drink."…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this season 2 kickoff, we meet a new character, get yet another Jack flashback, and watch both Locke and Kate take a dive down into the hatch. Mentioned: Our discussion of a Good Place scene that called back to the opening of this Lost episode. Next Tuesday, we…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a board book that's ostensibly for babies... about electrical engineering. Better yet, it has a Christmas theme! (And it's part of a whole series of science-themed board books). We'll stick with colors, shapes, and ABCs, thanks. ​ Terri's random recommend…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. This episode gave us the happy resolution of one of the unhappy plotlines we've been following, as Alice and Summer made up (but only after Summer worked out her feelings in a very NSFW song). But it also included the reveal of two serio…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This two-hour episode, the season finale, was predictably action-packed--with some catastrophes we did, in fact, predict. Mentioned: Guest Taylor Cole's musical tribute to Locke on the Extra Hot Great podcast. Next Tuesday, we'll starts season 2 with episode 1, "M…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a trio of cozy mysteries by Claudia Gray, all starring Jane Austen characters: The Murder of Mr. Wickham (2022), The Late Mrs. Willoughby (2023), and The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bough (2024). These are an absolutely delightful (and non-stressful) way …

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking, and an episode that gave us quite a lot of parenting and therapizing and dads trying to overcome daddy issues (plus Gabby trying to manage her complicated family, too). Good on the dads and surrogate dad figures! But at least one other s…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode gave us the launching of the raft (so, everything's going to be fine from this point on, right?) and the return of Danielle Rousseau, bearing ominous warnings (so, maybe not so fine). Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 23, "Exodus: Part 2" …

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is an instructional picture book for kids called How to Pee Your Pants* (*the Right Way) by Rachel Michelle Wilson. It's cute and relatable (and Terri thinks it could have applications beyond the preschool crowd). ​ Terri's random recommendation is back, and…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. And TBH the honesty in this episode caused a lot more problems than it solved, and that's not really why we're here. Bring back the jokes and the friends hanging out! Next week, we'll watch season 2, episode 6, "In a Lonely Place.” (Yes,…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This Kate flashback gave us a bad daughter, a bad ex-girlfriend, a bad mom, and yet another bad dad, but not a lot of forward progress on many plots. Mentioned: Mackenzie Astin in How to Deal. Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 23, "Exodus: Part 1" (the…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a trio of parenting books, because the publishing industry will never give up on promising parents a simple fix for all their problems. The Yoga of Parenting: Ten Yoga-Based Practices to Help You Stay Grounded, Connect with Your Kids, and Be Kind to Yours…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. On this episode, our old pal Daddy Issues is back with a vengeance, but there's also some good fathering (or surrogate fathering) going on too. Next week, we'll watch season 2, episode 5, "Honesty Era.” (Yes, we're watching this a few we…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This was a Sayid episode, and while we found the connection between the flashbacks and the action on the island to be tenuous, we were OK with it (especially for the side plot of "Sawyer reads to the baby"). Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 22, "Born …

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a three-book series for young readers called My Pet Slime. Because slime is still a thing, and nonfiction titles about how to make it just aren't enough. Mentioned: Publisher Andrews McMeel. ​ Terri's random recommendation is back on the shelf for a few m…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. While the Grace storyline from last season was resolved (to our liking) in this episode, we ended up back in the danger zone by the end, with both Liz and Alice making bad decisions that are going to reverberate from this point on. Next …

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. While the Jack flashbacks didn't tell us much we didn't already know (bad dad! can't let go!), there was a lot of drama on the island, with both a birth and a death. Mentioned: The show's music, by Michael Giacchino. Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 2…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a book of short essays whose title, Get Me Through the Next 5 Minutes, really spoke to her at this moment in time. Mentioned: Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick; The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green; the song "The Next Ten Minutes" from the musical…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's season 2 of Shrinking. On this episode, Alice's friend Summer came in clutch with both some good advice and an interest in the neighbor boy who keeps watching Alice over the fence. Alice needs the help, since her dad is still floundering. Next week, we'll watc…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In the flashbacks, we return to Locke's story, which just keeps getting sadder. On the island, things are also not looking great for Locke, as he worries that the magic island is taking away the gift it initially gave him. Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, epi…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.​ Catherine's library find is a picture book called Edmund Unravels, starring a cute little ball of yarn who likes to take adventures (and has his very own yarn version of helicopter parents). Mentioned: This Target back-to-school ad. ​ Terri's random recommendation is a recent editi…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. This week, we're starting season 2 of Shrinking, a show we liked a lot. We're happy to see these people again, and were quite surprised at a certain character reveal at the end of this episode. We're definitely interested to see where this goes. Next week, we'll watch season 2,…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. And this was both a Hurley flashback (finally!) and the episode where we met ... the numbers, which were endlessly discussed, analyzed, and debated from here on out. Plus, we now have an Island Grandpa in addition to our Island Papa. Next Tuesday, we'll discuss se…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. ​Catherine's library find is an early chapter book series starring Inspector Flytrap, a mystery-solving Venus flytrap with a goat for an assistant. It's from the legendary Tom Angleberger--author of Fake Mustache, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, and much more--and his wife, Cece B…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Only Murders in the Building; season 4 has now come to a close, with another wedding--a real one this time, not a fakeout with Mabel in a white gown--and of course, another murder to set up next year's season. Terri forgave all of the shenanigans that led up t…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode centered on Jin, who in addition to having daddy issues (he's ashamed of his seemingly very sweet pop) has some major daddy-in-law issues to deal with. At least now everyone knows Sun speaks English, so she can translate for him. Mentioned: The Room o…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a novel by Dancing with the Stars's own Julianne Hough called Everything We Never Knew. She finds it frustrating that celebs can "write" novels purely on the marketing power of their names, but Terri sees an opportunity for the ghostwriters who are a nece…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. With just one episode left to go, the trio is zeroing in on Sazz's killer, but not before the murderer takes out Glen Stubbins and Mabel gets herself trapped in her apartment alone with the suspect. Mentioned: The Fug Girls' recap…

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. On this really rather sad episode, we saw a very young Sawyer (in flashback) and a very young boar (on the island), and watched as Kate and Sawyer played a game of Heavy-Handed Character Development, aka I Never. Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 17, "…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a nostalgic one: She learned that the Richard Scarry Busytown books had a TV adaptation called Busytown Mysteries, in which adorable characters solve cute little mysteries. Mentioned: Terri's current read/listen, Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by …

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. This week's episode gave us a deeper dive into the real (?) story of the Westies and how they formed their tight-knit, card-playing, ham-eating group. We also finally met Helga, the voice on the ham radio, and realized that Mabel …

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This week's episode was rather violent, with a death toll of two on the island and some crime and vomiting in the flashbacks. But at least Claire's back (and conveniently has no memory of the past month). Next Tuesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 16, "Outlaws.…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a lighthearted, yet not overly fluffy novel with a reality-TV hook. It's called Big in Sweden, and author Sally Franson really did compete on a TV show in Sweden. Mentioned: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. ​ Terri's random recommendation is on hia…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. Terri felt personally attacked by this episode, as it flaunted the plot holes of her beloved season 1 right in her face. We also identified some from season 2 having to do with Charles's parents and much younger sister, played by …

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This week's episode gave us more of Michael and Walt's story, so now we know that while Michael isn't the greatest dad around, he did make a big sacrifice for his son. (Plus, we have another candidate for the Bad Dad Hall of Fame.) Next Tuesday, we'll discuss seas…

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a follow-up to the Grammar Zoo series from a few weeks ago. Now, we have dinosaurs doing the wordplay, in Triceratopposite and Stegothesaurus from author Bridget Heos. Also mentioned: Little Pea and its sequels, Little Hoot, and Little Oink. Catherine als…

On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. While this episode wasn't as novel and creative as season 1's "The Boy From 6B," it did offer a new take by relying a lot on found footage from hidden cameras. As parents who want to keep abreast of what our kids are up to, we can…