40 North Podcast

Covid had us feeling like Rocky Balboa in the ninth round against Apollo Creed.  It was a slight derailment, but after scraping our sad selves off the ground we decided it would be good to get life back on track and resume our little podcast.  Welcome back to random conversations about things that are relevant.  

If you haven't heard of it you're probably feeling it.  Pandemic fatigue.  It's a real thing.  But, there is apparently a whole lot more going on.  We need a professional for this one.  Anxiety, body/mind connection, defense mechanisms, coping, treating, therapy and more.   Grab a notebook friends!  

  Buckle up for this as Joe & Tara navigate some of the ridiculously unimportant issues at hand.  None more so than deciding what to do with $850 million dollars, Joe’s grievances with Comcast, Peacock & Walt Disney World, a love affair with Netflix, difficulties with getting dressed to go out, lingerie and soft pants, Aids & COVID Testing, reliving Karate Kid through Cobra Kai, the future of movie theaters and finding a new streaming platform.  

  Only forty percent of Americans make New Year resolutions. But why? Is it in part because we are still calling them resolutions? Sure they are cliché and rarely followed through on, but are we missing the bigger picture here? Could New Year resolutions truly offer us an opportunity to reset? Is January 1st the annual re-occurring calendar event that helps us focus on making change? This episode discusses the rarely dug into topic of resolutions. Join Joe & Tara as they pass along what was shared with them and changed their perspective on resolutions, fueling this important episode. You may be surprised to learn resolutions are not as trivial as thought, there is a deep-rooted history and science behind them. We all have areas in our life we can improve upon. The hope is you see the opportunities making resolutions can bring, and the positive that can come from change. Use this episode as your springboard. Challenge yourself in an area you have been wanting change in. Perhaps, listen with a friend, significant other or loved one and use each other as a support system. Do not allow past failure to dictate how you will take on this new year!  

Welcome to the B's chaotic Christmas! With clearly no fear of being judged, Joe & Tara welcome a couple VIP guests, their kids, on their inaugural holiday podcast. Thanks to Tara and her obsession with Christmas, the holiday season in the B's nest is quite the extravaganza.  From grandiose advent calendars, hordes of Christmas cookies and overblown Christmas lists, there is something in here that everyone can relate to.  overloaded with of rabbit holes, this episode is sure to make your family seem normal. Join the whole gang as they debate and argue the best of the holiday season, from songs to movies, food and traditions.  You may even find yourself playing along.  And if Christmas or the holiday season is not your thing, there are plenty of rabbit holes sure to entertain or make your family seen normal. Happy Holidays!  

Boys vs. Girls.  Men vs. Women.  Is one sex more important than the other? For many years men have ruled the world.  But were the women silently behind the scenes orchestrating their success? As the tide turns on gender inequality, women are being recognized for all they contribute in the workplace and at  home.  But is that enough to truly erase the stereotypes. At a time when talking about gender seems like a bad idea, Joe & Tara dive into this topic head first.  Join as they candidly talk about some of the questions they have about gender and what it means in this day and age, discuss stereotypes and debate the roles each take on. It doesn't take long to figure out which sex rules, but the journey is worth the listen.

Thanksgiving is here.  A day to focus on spending time with family and friends, eating a great meal and reflecting on what we are thankful for. But it is 2020.  And the reality, it is going to look different for many.  There will be a lot of traditions put on hold.  Many won’t be traveling to see loved ones, others won’t be hosting big gatherings, families may not be together and some may even be spending the day alone. Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of Tara & Joe’s.  And like many, finding thankfulness seems like a stretch this year.   But they are determined to pull themselves out of the COVID rut just long enough to reflect on what they love about Thanksgiving and the the holiday season it kicks off. Along the way you’ll hear (and maybe laugh) about Tara’s Thanksgiving dinner fails, Joe’s frustrations with fluffing a tree, Tara’s obsession with Christmas decorations (especially tree shaped ones) and of course this Thanksgiving Day dinner menu. In the end, it may not be that hard to find what we are truly thankful for.  Sometimes it just takes a little or support.        

  As we stare down the unknown of winter ’20-’21, you cannot help but channel the words of Jon Snow, “I know this is hard for you, but winter is coming. We know what’s coming with it and we can’t face it alone”. For those that do not like the winter, this one could put the icing on the cake.  A worsening pandemic, shorter days, colder weather and far less to do, facing the White Walkers may be a better choice. In this episode Joe & Tara offer some levity, laughs and a lighter conversation from the perspective of two people who are not looking forward to the winter and what is ahead. Sure, there is some doom & gloom along the way but as Tara says, “at least I can laugh at my pain.” So put your layers on, grab a blanket, make some hot chocolate, sit by the fireplace and listen to episode 9, “Winter Is Coming…And we know what’s coming with it.”  

While some avoid discussing it at all costs, others can't talk enough about politics.  And for those 2020 has been the Political Superbowl.  But how will it end?  Many will be disappointed, even angry while others have to come to terms with the fact their candidate lost and that means they ultimately did as well.  It is their "team' after all.  But why so sad?  The outcome was just a result of American democracy at its finest, right? What if there is more to voting than checking a box for someone who represents a party, or pulls on those heartstrings just right?  What if we are not choosing from the best available?  Should we settle for what is put before us and ultimately voted into office through an Electoral College rather than popular vote?  Are we voting someone in, or out, or worse, the "lesser of two evils." This episode takes on the question of, "Should We Vote?"  A different and far less popular perspective on politics in America.  Tired of the lack of balance and depth in mainstream political conversations, Joe & Tara, set out to answer one simple question.  What they got was a lot more. Knowing this was a big topic they invited longtime friend and political antagonist, Amir to help.  The objective was clear.  Have an honest, open, non-bias conversation that doesn’t end in broken relationships (or bones)!  And while talking politics may be one of the more dangerous discussions you can have, with the implementation of a “safe word” and the level-headedness of Tara, they have a chance.  And if they can get through it,  there may be hope for others. After many unexpected rabbit holes, some even surprising them a bit along the way, and very candid conversations, the verdict was clear.  So join as Joe, Tara & Amir offer three complete different political views and takes on politics and the question of "Should We Vote?"                                           --

Social media has been getting a lot of bad press lately, thanks in part to the "Social Dilemma" on Netflix.  While there was certainly a lot of dramatization, the message was loud and clear.  We cannot ignore the negative effects of social media, especially in kids. But is it all that bad? In this episode Joe & Tara take on the discussion of social media from two completely different perspectives.  They candidly dive into their own  relationship with social media and some of the platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest (yes, Pinterest).  Along the way they debate whether social media is necessary as some make it seem, how it is used in everyday life (or not), how they keep up with the kids on social and if there should be a "social media etiquette."  As you will quickly hear, this is not the average discussion people have on this topic.  Joe often gets fired up often as he explains his position on "followers," "likes," and "users" while Tara takes it in stride, calmly explaining her unique position on social media.  As serious a topic this is, there are plenty of laughs along the way as Joe & Tara seek to answer "The Social Conundrum: Is It That Bad?"            

You are either learning to grow together or drifting apart. How strong are your relationships? No matter who they are with, relationships are the most important things we have in life.  And knowing how to build and maintain them is one of the most important life skills.  But are we truly spending the time needed to work on them, or are we just going through the motions? In this episode Joe and Tara candidly discuss what has got them through some of the darkest times in their seventeen-year marriage, and what they are now doing to keep it going strong. It’s not just about marriage though.  They dive into relationships with their kids, parents and friends in an effort to know if they are truly investing enough. Join as they tackle the difficult discussions surrounding relationships and try to answer their own questions such as, do we take them for granted?  Are we getting the most of them?  What do those around us think of the relationships we have with them?  How can we make them stronger?  And, can we evolve the ones we currently have? You are sure to relate on some level to this, first in a series, of relationship talks.  And in the end hopefully come out with a little piece that you can plug into a relationships of your own in order to make the most of it. Please email Joe & Tara @ 40northpodcast@gmail.com with any question, feedback or otherwise. We love to hear from you. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Find more on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter @40northpodcast Thank you for listening to 40 North Podcast!

Discovering something new is a large part of the 40 North journey.  And for Joe & Tara, food may just be their favorite experience. The food journey is a long, if not lifelong journey.  One that you can take on your own, share with a loved one, friend, or include the whole family.  But taking on the challenge to discover food can be overwhelming.  As two later in life foodies, Joe & Tara have immersed themselves in the experience, still learning something new every day.  Luckily, along the way they have had some professional help from some accomplished chefs and food influencers.  That passion and knowledge that was instilled in them is what they now want to share with you. Perhaps food has always peaked your interest and you are just now thinking of beginning your journey.  Maybe you want to up your entertaining game or take on charcoal grilling, get a little more adventurous or gain some inside industry knowledge.  This episode has something for you. If you are new to this, be sure not to blow past some of the rules that were passed down to Joe & Tara.  They will help guide you towards your own amazing 40 North food experience. If you enjoy this episode please leave a comment.  Feedback is always welcomed and appreciated! Bon appetit!    

We all need a little therapy, right? That is just one of the topics discussed in this episode with Licensed Psychologist Dr. Joseph Buonadonna. Dr. B is not just any Psychologist, he is Joe’s dad, which makes for interesting conversation. In this first of a series with Dr. B, Joe & Tara turn to a professional to figure out if the concept of 40 North is attainable, what it would take to get there and if can one do it on their own. Join as they discover why “40” is such an important number that does not just represent an age but a dynamic transition in life. They will discuss why self-reflection plays such a large part in the journey and how mindfulness could help you get there faster. And while Dr. B’s in house, why not get a little free advice on how to cope in the day and age of COVID-19. It is not all serious, as you will hear Joe inject his opinions about mindfulness and psychology as Dr. B calmly explains how the craft has evolved and is not just focused on treating the sick, but helping all of us be healthy as we attempt to live our best lives. There is certainly a little for everyone in this 40 North episode of “Meet Dr. B.” If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. If you have any feedback or questions, please email:  40northpodcast@gmail.com  

Are you an eighties or nineties child?  Or did you parent through the eighties or nineties?  Either way, you may relate to this episode. Join as Tara & Joe debate their way through both decades in an attempt to figure out which one was more influential. If you loved "Silver City Pink" lipstick or Z. Cavaricci's, Took your kids to a NKOTB concert or bought them a Biggie Smalls album, watched Pretty In Pink or Silence of the Lambs, you are going to enjoy this trip.

Joe and Tara dive into the uncharted waters of parenting through a pandemic...in the day and age of social media.  Join as they give honest assessments of what has worked, failed and where improvements can be made, as they continue to navigate this new normal.    

On this introduction episode, you'll get your first dose of Joe & Tara, the spirited duo who make up Forty North Podcast. Throughout this humorous exploration of what Forty North is, Joe learns something new and somewhat shocking as Tara refuses to admit she is "getting older."  In the end they they lay the groundwork for what to expect throughout this journey. Welcome to Forty North!  

Give it a listen!  Forty North Podcast trailer.