🎙️ Choosing the Perfect Family Dog: Training & Loving Your New Pet:

This week we are sitting down to discuss what it’s like to have a dog. Michael and his wife host a gingerbread house competition for his oldest and his friends. What’s it like to get the first dog in the house? We each had our own pets when we were younger. Are there dog naming books? We discuss adopting vs going to a breeder, vet bills, how to choose your dog, some advice & basics, kennel cough, personality traits to look for, and what they are like at different stages. Did Sara get bamboozled with one of her dogs? An Amish dog? Wait is that a back scratcher? What about Pet Insurance? Dinner time with the dogs, wet or dry food, and more. Seven Nation Army on his Otamatone!

Time To Unplug

Michael: Otamatone (Neo, Deluxe or Techno)

Sara: Power Book III: Raising Kanan

Mike: Godzilla x Kong trailer

Links:

How Kids Benefit From Pet Ownership https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-kids-benefit-from-pet-ownership-5201854

Mega Mema Medley Otamatone Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxBLzQox_3Q&ab_channel=TheRealSullyG

Drawful 2 https://www.jackboxgames.com/games/drawful-2

Kahoot https://kahoot.com/

Blooket https://www.blooket.com/

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Our Intro Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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🎙️ How to Rock Parent-Teacher Conferences (and Get the Real Info):

It’s that time of year again—report cards are out, and parent-teacher conferences are around the corner! Join Michael, Sara, and Mike as we discuss how to make the most of these meetings, what to focus on, and how to support your kids academically and emotionally.

What We Cover:

📝 Preparing for Conferences: Questions to ask and topics to cover.

💬 Communicating with Teachers: Tips for productive conversations about your child’s progress.

Fostering Growth at Home: How to turn report card feedback into actionable plans.

😂 Our Conference Stories: The good, the bad, and the downright awkward moments we’ve experienced.

Time To Unplug

Michael: Scott Pilgram Takes Off (Netflix 2023)

Sara: The Guncle Audio Book(Steven Rowley)

Mike: Chocolate Thunder from Down Under (Outback Steakhouse Dessert)

Links:

Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences at Your Child’s School

https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/parent-engagement/articles/tips-successful-parent-teacher-conferences-your-childs-school

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Our Intro

Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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Hey Other Parents #008: Sibling Rivalry Solved: How to Stop the Fighting & Build Better Bonds!

Sibling fights can drive any parent up the wall, but they’re also a normal part of growing up. In this episode, Michael, Sara, and Mike tackle sibling rivalry head-on. We’re sharing stories from our own childhoods, strategies to mediate fights, and tips to foster better sibling bonds (without losing your mind).So break out those boxing gloves because it’s time to throw down!

Time To Unplug

Michael: Puffs (Broadway Show Rental on Streaming)

Sara: Tell me Without Telling Me (Board Game)

Links:

Time Magazine TEAM Article

https://time.com/5944210/calm-parenting-technique/

Tell me Without Telling Me

https://www.spinmaster.com/en-US/brands/spin-master-party-games/tell-me-without-telling-me-game/

Puffs

https://www.puffstheplay.com/

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[email protected]

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Our Intro

Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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🎙️Mess-Free & Fun: How to Actually Enjoy Cooking with Your Kids:

Cooking with kids is equal parts chaos and bonding. Join us as we explore how to get kids involved in the kitchen, share our favorite kid-friendly recipes, and laugh about some of our biggest cooking disasters.

We give ourselves a break because our generation has a different schedule and lifestyle. We discuss some small ways to have our kids help. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect to have a good time cooking with your kids!

🧑‍🍳 Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks: How to get kids involved safely at any age.

🍴 Fun Recipes for Families: Simple, crowd-pleasing meals kids will love making and eating.

😂 Cooking Disasters: Our funniest “oops” moments in the kitchen with our kids.

💡 Why It Matters: The lifelong skills and confidence kids gain when they cook.

Time To Unplug

Michael: Loki (Season 2)

Sara: Connections (NY Times Games)

Mike: Fantasy Football (Yahoo App)

Links:

Connections online Game

https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections

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Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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🎙️Black Friday Survival Guide: Smart Shopping Hacks for Parents:

It’s the biggest shopping day of the year! We’re diving into Black Friday strategies to save money, avoid stress, and find the best deals for your family.

What We Cover:

🛍️ Shopping Hacks: Tips for scoring big savings (without the chaos).

🖥️ Online vs. In-Store: What works best for parents.

🧠 Budget-Friendly Tips: How to avoid overspending during the holidays.

🎁 Our Favorite Finds: What’s on our shopping list this year.

Time To Unplug

Michael: D&D 5th Edition + Dndbeyond

Sara: The fall of the House of Usher on Netflix

Mike: The Original Clue Board Game

Links:

Code Names online Game https://codenames.game/

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Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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S01E005: Thanksgiving Without the Stress: Cooking, Hosting & Surviving the Chaos

Can you believe we are already getting ready for Thanksgiving? When is it ok to throw out your kids projects? We remember seeing Patrick Swayze on his horse named Shocker, Bridget Michelle, LL Cool J, Saved by The Bell, Punky Brewster’s Soleil Moon Frye at the Thanksgiving Parade. We talk Sourdough Bread, getting Boo’d, dinner starting times, speeches, PJ’s, Cinnamon Rolls, dinner plate real estate, Ross Geller’s Friends Moist Maker Sandwich, Coconut Cream Pie from Marie Callender’s Coconut Cream Pie and more. Michael’s dad insults Rachel over her Pumpkin Pie & Cool Whip topping. Mike Levine appreciates a good speech & Sara discusses how we can all take a moment to say what we are thankful for. So pass that gravy boat, because it’s time for Thanksgiving!

🦃 Hosting Made Easy: Tips for pulling off a great Thanksgiving without losing your sanity.

🥧 Favorite Recipes: The must-have dishes for your table (and how to include the kids in cooking).

🎉 Family Traditions: How to create special Thanksgiving memories.

😅 Dealing with Stress: How to manage tricky family dynamics and expectations.

Time To Unplug

Michael: Sous Vide Chuck Steak

Sara: The Couple Game

Mike: Getting Away for his Anniversary

Links:

What is Sous Vide Cooking? https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-sous-vide-cooking

Chuck Steak

https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/sous-vide-chuck-steak-recipe/

Chuck Roast

https://foodieandwine.com/sous-vide-chuck-roast/

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[email protected]

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Our Intro

Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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🎙️S01E004: Surviving Sick Kids: What Every Parent Should Have Ready

It’s time for us to come clean with our thermometer related shenanigans, homeopathic moon radishes, and bubble-gum medicine because it’s time to stay home for that episode of Maury. Join Michael, Sara, and Mike for a deep dive into our sick days. Did Ginger Ale & Pretzels, Pastina or Spanish Soup resuscitate us for another day? We check in for our first Growing Up Carmen with boiled Coca-Cola? No DVR no problem, because we had Motel Williams, Sally Jessie Raphael, Patty Duke, Mr. Ed and more. How does Mr. Ed compare to the Paw Patrol? Did Gilligan’s Island inspire Lost? Now that the tables are turned with our kids, we’ll see if the school of hard knocks continues through the generations. We talk strep-throat and heat rashes, too. Did someone say Lion Guard & Jake and the Neverland Pirate fever dreams? So get that VapoRub ready because it’s time for a sick day!

Time To Unplug

Michael: Across The Spider-Verse

Sara: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts (Gary Chapman)

Mike: Rallying for an Awesome Date Night

Links:

Too Sick for School? How To Decide if You Should Keep Your Kid Home (Cleveland Clinic)

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-your-child-stay-home-sick-heres-how-to-decide/

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559-537-5437

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[email protected]

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Our Intro

Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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🎙️ Grocery Shopping with Kids: Hacks for a Stress-Free Trip:

Grab those reusable bags and shopping lists because we’re going food shopping. Join Michael, Sara and Mike for a deep dive into the grocery store. Who bring a clipboard? We talk SpaghettiOs, Nestle Quick, Neapolitan ice cream, cookie jars, questionable candy sampling and more. Who took the prize in the cereal box? Early and solo or later with kids? How do our kids change their taste every week? Embarrassing lunch moments? We revisit our childhood, talk about the present and seek out some expert advice on this weekly panic. So go pick out your cereal but remember, no colors, no marshmallows and no sugar! Did that painting move?

Time To Unplug

Michael: The Rookie (TV Series)

Sara: Eleckfun Electric Lunch Box

Mike: Dino-Nuggets

Links:

Grocery Shopping Made Easy! Bring the kids? Maybe, experts say:

https://www.superkidsnutrition.com/grocery-shopping-made-easy/

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Call Leave a Voicemail: (559) 537-KIDS or (559) LES-KIDS

559-537-5437

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[email protected]

Follow Us:

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Our Intro

Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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🎙️ Halloween Survival Guide: Costumes, Candy & Keeping the Chaos Low:

Halloween is one of the most exciting—and chaotic—times of the year for parents and kids alike! Join Michael, Sara, and Mike as we dive into everything Halloween: the thrills of costumes, the challenges of candy overload, and the hilarity of Halloween fails.

What We Cover:

🎃 Costume Dilemmas: From DIY disasters to last-minute purchases, we’ve been there.

🍭 Candy Rules: How to navigate sugar overload without becoming the Halloween Grinch.

👻 Halloween Safety Tips: Tricks for keeping your little goblins safe while having fun.

😂 Funny Stories: Our most memorable Halloween moments, from epic wins to total flops.

Time To Unplug

Michael: New York Comic Con (2023) + Jedi Training

Sara: Audio Books: Lessons in Chemistry (2022) & The House of Eve (2023)

Mike: Hot Tub

Links:

Should you let Halloween be a candy free-for-all? Maybe, experts say

https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/21/health/halloween-candy-diet-culture-parenting-wellness/index.html

NY Empire Guild

https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSaberGuild/

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📞 We Want to Hear From You:

What’s your funniest or most memorable Halloween parenting moment? Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) and share your story!

🎧 Subscribe Now:

Catch new episodes every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

🖤 Follow Us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents

https://instagram.com/heyotherparents

https://twitter.com/HeyOtherParents

Our Intro

Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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🎙️ Parenting Truths No One Tells You (Until It’s Too Late):

Welcome to the very first episode of Hey Other Parents! Join Michael, Sara, and Mike as we dive into the messy, unpredictable, and often hilarious world of parenting. In this inaugural episode, we’re talking about the things no one tells you about raising kids—the unspoken truths, the unexpected joys, and the “why didn’t anyone warn me?” moments that define parenthood.

What We Cover:

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

👶 The Myths of Parenting: What you think you know vs. what actually happens.

🍼 Surviving the Early Days: Sleepless nights, endless diapers, and finding small victories.

🎉 Celebrating the Wins: Unexpected moments of joy that make it all worth it.

🤷 Parenting Fails: Our funniest “oops” moments and what we learned from them.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Nostalgia + Humor: We bring the laughs with throwbacks to our own childhoods and the lessons we’ve learned as parents.

Practical Insights: Honest, actionable advice for parents at every stage.

Real Talk: No sugar-coating here—just parents talking about the good, the bad, and the ridiculous.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Whether you’re a new parent navigating sleepless nights or a seasoned pro juggling soccer schedules and teenage drama, this episode is packed with relatable stories, laughs, and a dose of honesty.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Time To Unplug

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Michael: Trombone Champ

Sara: Marry Me Chicken

Mike: Lightsaber Duals

Links:

Trombone Champ

https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/trombone-champ-switch/

Marry Me Chicken

https://twitter.com/buzzfeed/status/1714397170353295683?s=42&t=BYgTn4HhpqcFOPNFaxNQIw

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📞 Get Involved:

Have a parenting story or question to share? Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email us at [email protected]. Your stories and questions could be featured in future episodes!

🎧 Don’t Miss Out:

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts for new episodes every Tuesday.

🖤 Follow Us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/HeyOtherParents

Follow Us:

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Our Intro

Our intro voice recording was done by the one and only Koltrane.

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