Better.

The Fall Family Blues

September 17, 2021 19:31 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MB

This time of year is always a tough one for families, as back-to-school bumps in the road collide with a myriad of challenging family dynamics. It's even tougher this year as we hardly know what normal is anymore. This week we are back with a little chat about how we might all support each other. The struggle is real.

Banksy, Art, and Emotions

August 31, 2021 22:49 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MB

Second week in a row for us! We're here talking about the mind-blowing experience we had at the Banksy exhibit and how it reminded John of his brother Tom's artwork, how great art can inspire and move us to emotions, updates on Julie's studio, and more!

Defying Death

August 25, 2021 03:01 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MB

We're back in the studio! This week we're talking about the amazing view we had of the Chicago Air & Water show from our balcony, and some thoughts on death-defying stunts, getting back to school, and staying connected to good friends and important moments in these strange times we live in.

Embrace The Pivot

August 03, 2021 22:56 - 52 minutes - 71.7 MB

Somewhere between Delta variants and Julie having to unexpectedly relocate her new studio, we've had a bit of a week. While unforeseen setbacks can be frustrating and even devastating at times, within that is a tremendous opportunity to create an even better circumstance if we are willing to see it that way. We're talking about that, Simone Biles, and more - this week on Better!

A Closet Conversation

July 14, 2021 11:12 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

Today we are podcasting from our downtown closet talking about everything from the power of dance to why we watch and read what we do. We end with a few back to school tips. Enjoy!

Pride 2021: A Parenting Opportunity

June 30, 2021 00:11 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MB

In this episode, we wrap up pride month as we talk about the amazing parenting opportunities that present themselves when your child is different than you maybe thought. And how we all can be better at turning toward the unique qualities in each other - and prevent a lot of heartbreak.

Processing The Pandemic

June 07, 2021 19:39 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MB

Today we are talking about our pandemic take-aways and the importance of taking the time to process all that we've experienced. As things return to "normal" we realize many of the memories, good and bad, feel like they're slipping away. So take a beat and talk it all through. We're all changed. "Let's get back to normal as soon as possible...as if normal was anything to aspire to." - Russell Brand, on "Armchair Expert"

Gray Divorce & Maskless Faces

May 19, 2021 12:15 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MB

Today we are talking about a couple of John's new articles for CNN. We are breaking down the new gray divorce trend - a topic sparked by the Bill & Melinda Gates divorce and also discussing the stress of moving out of Covid restrictions.

A Little Joy: Art and Baseball

April 22, 2021 12:24 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MB

Julie just opened a new art studio in the city and we were back in the stands for a Cubs game. Finding hope and joy as spring springs.

The Addiction Inoculation with Jessica Lahey

April 06, 2021 13:52 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MB

Jessica Lahey is the NYT best-selling author of a brilliant new book, "The Addiction Inoculation," out this week. Here, she has a LOT to share about her own addiction and recovery, the science of addiction, and ways in which we can truly mitigate substance use and abuse in our kids. There are revelations in here. This is a must-listen.

Coronaversary and a Wake Up Call

March 11, 2021 18:07 - 26 minutes - 37 MB

It's been a year since we first locked down. Today we are talking about the "wall" we've all hit and Julie shares her wake up call.

On Raising Modern Teens with Sue Borison of Your Teen Media

February 11, 2021 21:18 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MB

Today on the podcast we have Sue Borison of Your Teen Media, who is here to talk with John about all things raising teenagers. They discuss how to navigate the biggest problems affecting teenagers today, the importance of open communication, the role fear plays in parenting, and more!

We Found Out Our Love Languages

February 09, 2021 16:24 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MB

We finally took the quiz and today we are discussing what we learned about our "love" priorities. Spoiler alert: don't touch John.

Stop Fear From Stopping You with Dr. Helen Odessky

February 01, 2021 14:39 - 30 minutes - 41.2 MB

This week, John is joined by Dr. Helen Odessky to talk all about her new book, "Stop Fear From Stopping You." They talk about the difference between fear and anxiety, how to tell the difference between good fear and bad fear, and much more!

Lessons Learned From Walking, Watching, and Lucy the Dog

January 20, 2021 15:29 - 42 minutes - 58.6 MB

Today, we are talking about a little bit of everything - inauguration, insurrection, Bridgerton...but mainly, when you set an intention, the amazing things you can find and learn while out walking in the city.

Getting Our Bearings In 2021

January 05, 2021 14:44 - 41 minutes - 56.7 MB

Today, we are doing a quick holiday review and discussing our takeaways from 2020 and how we can realistically and intentionally move into 2021. Reminder to everyone to find out how and when you can get your vaccine.

A Very Covid Christmas

December 09, 2020 02:32 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MB

This week we're podcasting from our brand new groovy downtown Chicago live/work pad and weighing options for how to spend the holidays in 2020. Can you believe John doesn't like to play games?!? or Thanksgiving food?!? or PIE?!?!?! (except for June's, which is objectively the best). Enjoy!

The Home Stretch

November 17, 2020 17:07 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MB

We're back! Alas, we are at the home stretch of this ever-eventful rotation around the sun. We attempt to avoid talking about the pandemic, but cannot resist the allure and hope of the vaccine that can return us to the promised land of normalcy. In the meantime, keep your nose tucked neatly into your mask, and we challenge you all to look for a little "light" in the coming weeks. Nama-freakin-ste!

Television's Kindness Rebellion with David Kamp

October 22, 2020 00:14 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

This week, John sits down with David Kamp, author of the new book "Sunny Days," a history of the Sesame Street/Mister Rogers era of enlightened children's television. We talk about how counter-culture this type of programming was at the time, activism in the media during times of unrest, and more!

Department of Mental Wellness

October 14, 2020 15:57 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MB

Today we are talking about how we are navigating everything 2020 and offering a couple ideas about how to tend to our collective mental health.

Honoring Ken, Chuck, And RBG

September 22, 2020 00:39 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MB

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.

Joy?? In 2020?? It's Possible!

September 15, 2020 14:23 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

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!

Managing Your "Micro" For Mental Health

September 02, 2020 17:34 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MB

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.

On Campus

August 26, 2020 15:20 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MB

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!

How To Reset And Recharge

August 11, 2020 01:10 - 44 minutes - 60.5 MB

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.

Instagram Live Back To School Q&A

August 04, 2020 22:08 - 1 hour - 88 MB

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

Back To School And Back To Laughter

July 27, 2020 20:00 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MB

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!

The Tao Of These Times

July 14, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MB

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.

Black Lives Matter

June 11, 2020 13:57 - 40 minutes - 55.3 MB

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.

A Privileged White Man On Race

June 02, 2020 03:22 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MB

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...

Quarantine Check In With Julie & John

May 26, 2020 18:14 - 44 minutes - 58.6 MB

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

Instagram Live Quarantine Parenting Q&A 5/7

May 15, 2020 00:40 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB

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!

BONUS: John's Instagram Live Quarantine Parenting Q&A 4/30

May 06, 2020 19:47 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MB

"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.

Trader Judy

May 04, 2020 00:00 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MB

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: John's IG Live Quarantine Q&A

April 21, 2020 18:03 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MB

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 t...

Helping Those In Need During Quarantine

April 20, 2020 16:07 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MB

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.

This Quarantined Life

April 10, 2020 17:29 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MB

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!

Coronavirus Chronicles: Flattening The Second Curve

March 25, 2020 02:18 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB

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.

Coronavirus & A Temporary New Normal

March 16, 2020 15:15 - 46 minutes - 64.3 MB

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.

Zen Parenting Wrap Up

March 06, 2020 13:03 - 51 minutes - 70.5 MB

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.

Navigating The Terrain Of Our Adult Families

February 21, 2020 17:24 - 41 minutes - 56.2 MB

We've been hearing a lot of stories about strife, drama, disconnect and heartbreak in adult families. And we can wholeheartedly relate. It's so complicated. We are talking about this today and how to make it better.

Where We Get Our Hope

February 12, 2020 14:08 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MB

Today we are talking about some people, places and things that have recently given us hope.

On Kobe

January 29, 2020 13:58 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MB

Today we are taking a moment to process this sudden loss of lives.

Unexpected Chapters: The Joy & Hope

January 15, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MB

Today we are talking about the joy and hope that comes with making new and unexpected moves in life.

The Importance Of Moments

December 19, 2019 05:00 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MB

Today we are talking about how expansive and enriching it is to notice, create, and be in our moments.

"Raising Good Humans" with Hunter Clarke-Fields

December 11, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

Today, we are talking to our friend Hunter about her new book that teaches us how mindfulness can make us less reactive, more connected and joyful parents.

Nobody Understands Our Boys

December 04, 2019 05:00 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MB

Today we are talking about the ways we are missing the boat with our boys. They are too often over-judged, over-diagnosed, over-medicated, over-shamed, and wholly misunderstood, all as they are trying to form their individual core identities. And spoiler alert: they need more hugs.

Episodes