Better.

We found a way to joyfully gather with Julie's family over the weekend to celebrate her dad's 87th b-day. We also lost a national treasure and a personal mentor. Good news/bad news. Discussing it all on today's episode.

John has somehow stumbled upon a sacred reservoir of generalized contentment that's been getting him through his days. We retrace some of our recent steps in an attempt to understand how this phenomenon came to be, and if its replicable for us all, this week on Better!

Today we are talking about why it is important sometimes to focus back in on the smaller picture, and how to ground yourself and keep things moving and positive.

Fresh from John's bday getaway, today we are talking about what we are hearing from some kiddos on campus. It's heavy out there. We need to make it better. We eke out an upbeat takeaway at the end!

Today we are talking about ways to re-frame and refresh what might seem a bit bleak - and how to look with some optimism at your options and next steps.

John is answering your questions about everything back-to-school in these very complicated and stressful times.

Today we are weighing in on the super complicated upcoming school year and also talking about how to remember our sense of humor and lean into it in the coming days!

On today's episode we are doing a check-in on the stress and anxiety of these unprecedented, complicated, often discouraging times and how we all need to step up for each other. We laugh a little, too.

Today we are doing our best to join the conversation, speak up, chime in. We are talking about our experience at the Chatham Peace Walk over the weekend and how we can move forward and contribute to positive change.

It’s been a tense week. In this brief episode, John would like to take a few minutes to share his thoughts on white privilege and the current situation in America.    RESOURCES:   MY HOOD MY BLOCK MY CITY — Chicago Small Business Relief Fund https://www.formyblock.org/   “It’s Not Regular” — An incredible speech from MHMBMC Founder Jahmal Cole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDG691lZNy0   Ant-Racism Resources For White People (Books/Articles/Films/Organizations, etc.) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR38-lKSbRIAew4Xrc8H7OWBOn7b8cNjBXFPHW5AalElHEExPf6zKw3Gtm0   Bail Funds/Legal Help By City https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4-YS3vFn5CLL9QtJSU0xqmTh_h8XilXgOqGAjZISBI/edit?usp=sharing&fbclid=IwAR3vI-0_7fNiJ8gx0h2jHFcI8x7Pn1bW0ZEalrhcwGGqC1loY3pda9KL90Y

Today, we are catching up on our quarantine experience so far and what it might look like with the next steps.

We're posting John's weekly IG Live Q&A from last Thursday, 5/7. We're talking about kids who happen to be thriving right now and what they're doing differently, why you might want to consider renovating a room right now, resolving bullying issues between siblings, how to strike a balance between modeling grit and grievance for your kids, and more. Most important thing to remember: YOU set the emotional tone of your home. Please submit your questions for next week if you have any!

"You are the emotional leaders of your home whether you want the title or not." Here is John's Instagram Live Q&A from last Thursday, 4/30, for anyone who might have missed it. Some topics discussed include handling teenagers who seem depressed about what the future might look like, time management in regards to schoolwork, incentivizing productivity and peacekeeping in your home, and anticipating a rise in social anxiety as restrictions begin to ease in your area.

In this lighthearted episode, Julie catches up with her friend Judy, a personal trainer, amazing mom, and Trader Joes warrior. They talk about the frontline life of essential employees, their mutual love of Trader Joes, staying healthy during quarantine, and much much more. Some practical tips and a few laughs. Enjoy!

Bonus Episode: In case you missed it, here's John's Instagram Live Parenting During Quarantine Q&A. 2:48: Opening thoughts. Why am I doing this?   Questions/comments -    5:19: People feeling bad about feeling bad.  So many others have it so much worse - out of work, sick, etc. but that doesn’t mean people in general aren’t struggling with this. But then they feel bad for it.    8:12: Please talk about college kids giving up their newfound independence on campus and returning home to be confined with their parents amidst uncertainty about their future, with all the accompanying stresses, anxieties and momentary temptations to throw chairs for all concerned.   11:18: E-learning is a struggle for my kids, and for me. It’s messy, inconsistent and disorganized. And my kids seem disconnected from it.    14:24: Discuss those shelter at home situations that are not so positive, where families are not making the best of it and playing games together and having stimulating conversations, where teenage

Today we are talking to our good friend Mark Collins, who is a village trustee and oversees the food pantry in Skokie, IL. We are discussing what's in place for people who need some help, how many in need are "slipping through the cracks," and what we can do to help.

Checking in on all things quarantine. How we are coping, why we keep spilling, and the art of over-disinfecting. Spolier alert: George and Lauren and Lucy the dog have joined us!

While we're all social distancing and doing our part to flatten the curve, we wanted to talk about the second curve that's going to become of increasing importance in the coming weeks, and that's our emotional wellness. So join us in this slightly slap happy episode where we are checking in with all of you and trying to make things a bit better during this unprecedented time.

With a nod to the fact that a few things have changed since we recorded this, here are some thoughts on navigating this very unfamiliar and anxiety-inducing time.

Today we are talking about our love and appreciation of the Zen Parenting Conference, the enlightening and connecting experience, and some of the lessons we learned.