Balancing Chaos

Hey, look who's back in your ears! This week, we interview Paige Wilcox, of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness about how she ended up owning a gym (it was never in her plans!) to how she and her husband grew the business to the point that they left work behind (physically) to spend a month in Costa Rica with their young family. Like us on Facebook, and Instagram, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Recorded & produced at Dave Gordon Media Mentioned on the podcast Wilcox Wellness & Fitness After-school Restraint Collapse Portrero, Costa Rica   Our Favorite Things Gretchen: Marden's  - recent purchases, all new-in-box, include: Muck Arctic Ice Mid boots for $60, vs $180 Speck Presidio wallet case for $3, vs $50 Aftershokz Titanium bone-conduction headphones for $60 vs $100 Heyday Over Ear Headphones for $35 vs $60 Kelley:  goodr sunglasses Kelley's are "Flamingos on a Booze Cruise" (not 'drunk on a boat,' - but close.) Paige: Loom Screencasting  

It's a new year! We reflect on how well our 2018 resolutions went, and what we have planned for 2019.  Like us on Facebook, and Instagram, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Recorded & produced at Dave Gordon Media Mentioned on the podcast Tabletop Claw Machine Get Your Kid's Ears Pierced at a Tattoo Shop Because They Know What They're Doing The Case for Using a Paper Planner Erin Condren (save $10 on your first purchase!) Float207 Everything You Need to Know about Sensory Deprivation Tank Therapy EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce Try YNAB free for 3 months! Dave Ramsey Meet The Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living Becoming The Hate U Give Yes, Please Parks & Recreation Our Favorite Things Gretchen: Product GIR The Rainbow Bundle mentioned) Kelley: Whispersync    

Yeah, December got so away from us that we are only publishing our last episode of 2018 now! (But there's another one on deck!) We talk about the end of the year craziness, and share some favorite things of 2018. Like us on Facebook, and Instagram, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast Club Mobay Jewel Runaway Bay Our Favorite Things Gretchen: Ecobee 3 Lash Paradise mascara MantleClip Stocking Holders Penobscot Theatre Kelley: Jane Iredale Makeup Honda Odyssey Educated: A Memoir TOMS shoes Vitamix A2500 Gretchen's Cheat Sheet on which Vitamix to buy (this was based on what was on sale- the 2300 is great! It just wasn't on sale!): 

The election is over, and Gretchen won! She talks about the campaign and election day and the road ahead. Gretchen is headed to Jamaica and in December we are back to a regular schedule! Like us on Facebook, and Instagram, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast Yale: Lessons from GOTV experiments   BDN: How Bangor residents voted on Election Day  Pizza to the Polls ntension - tension fabric signs and structures Lilac Girls An adult tries Lunchables After years of LePage, Maine went very blue Tuesday Janet Mills becomes first woman elected Maine governor Exit polling gives Golden an edge in 2nd District ranked-choice count Democrats’ blue wave was much larger than early takes suggested Our Favorite Things Gretchen: Delta ShieldSpray Kelley: (She got a present instead! check it out on our Instagram!)

Gretchen and Kelley are back! We are talking how we keep organized, and how Gretchen fell into giant paper planner shaped rabbit hole.  Like us on Facebook, and Instagram, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast What to expect at a skin screening Gretchen for Bangor Google Calendar https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelwmiller/how-to-start-a-bullet-journal Passion Planner (printables) Panda Planner (printables available with an email) Erin Condren (use this link for a $10 discount!) Erin Condren Life Planner ERIN CONDREN 2018-2019 LIFEPLANNER™ LAUNCH & ACCESSORIES | Unboxing and First Impressions Teachers' Strategies for Pronouncing and Remembering Students' Names Correctly Delta Mateo Faucet Calendarpedia (templates to make simple custom printed calendars) Pickering Square Squeak     Our Favorite Things Gretchen: https://1se.co/ (Here's August!) Kelley: Stainless Steel Straws

Gretchen and Kelley talk about what college students - and parents of college students - should know about higher education!   Mentioned on the podcast Mental Health Issues Overlooked in College Transition Rooming with your best friend in college: The kiss of death? Who Changes Majors? Not who you think.   Our Favorite Things Gretchen: Vitamix Ascent 2300 (I DID NOT PAY RETAIL!) Kelley: YETI 30 oz Rambler with Magslide lid in PINK

Gretchen and Kelley are headed back to school, and sharing how they feel about that and what they do to prepare. Fact Check: We had eight snow days and five early release or delayed start days, so Kelley was actually more right than Gretchen. (Near the end, during favorite things, you hear a big jet taking off, even though we were recording in her basement! It's not a plane at your house.) Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast Prominent pink paper-mache pig a product of political passion Target Boys' Clothes Hanna Andersson Hollister Old Navy Old Navy Maternity Tween Pants Distressed Rockstar Jeggings Aeropostale JCPenney Talbots Lee Plain Relaxed All Day Pants TOMS Fox shoes Melitta Pour Over Filter https://balloonsblow.org/    Our Favorite Things Kelley: Bodum french press Gretchen: Pyrex Simply Store 20 piece set (There are sets available at lots of places, but this combination had the right amount of what I needed.) Here's the glass divided lunch container that Kelley mentions: Bentgo glass lunch container  

Kelley and I interview Dustin Smiley (husband of Sarah Smiley from two past episodes) about retiring from the Navy, becoming a LifeFlight helicopter pilot and real estate agent, and realizing that Bangor was going to be their forever home. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast Lifeflight of Maine Dustin Smiley, real estate agent (We talked a lot about Sarah's various articles, so here are some that were mentioned!)  Sarah Smiley: What makes this state stand out Sarah Smiley: Snowblower Lesson Spells Trouble Sarah Smiley: Dustin hoards shoes - for mowing the lawn  Sarah Smiley: More than two years later, tough decision to stay in Maine worth it Our Favorite Things Kelley: Lucerne Beach Club Gretchen: Fujitsu Heat Pump Dustin: Bangor, Maine

Kelley and I are back to talk about what we've been reading that's made an impact.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast Vitamix A2300  Vitamix App Saints for All Occasions https://5calls.org/  With the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh, Roe v. Wade is likely dead How to Raise an Adult Protecting the Gift When Breath Becomes Air When Will It Be Time’s Up for Motherhood and Marriage? EWG: Cell phones Safer Electromagnetic Radiation Connecticut Department Of Public Health Recommends Reducing Cell Phone Exposure Welcome to the Quiet Skies   Our Favorite Things Kelley: Honda Odyssey Gretchen: Lottie, the best dog ever (who is a goldendoodle)

It's a rebroadcast of our second conversation! Work travel for the techie teacher got in the way of recording a new episode on time! Kelley talks about her resistance to being called Dr (and she totally is one!) and Gretchen talks about her resistance to "leaning in."  Mentioned: Hillbilly Elegy Talbot's  National Institute of Nursing Research Favorite things: Kelley: DevaCurl Gretchen: Plated 

Sometimes the best-laid plans and best ideas get waylaid by the occasional reality check. Kelley and Gretchen share a few of the monkey wrenches thrown into their summer adventures. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast Honda Odyssey Subaru Crosstrek Fly Bangor The Dollop Podcast Bar Harbor Whale Watch Diver Ed's Dive In Theater Dorr Museum of Natural History Vitamix Our Favorite Things Kelley: Great Cranberry Island Gretchen: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

We interview Rebecca Liberty, a Lutheran Pastor and life coach, about her journey to her career, and to Bangor. She shares some insights onto Christianity today. And yes, at points you can hear our kids, because we are nothing if not an accurately named podcast, and it is summer and we recorded with them in the building for the first time.   Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!  Mentioned on the podcast Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Harvard Divinity School Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Reconciling in Christ Open and Affirming The Liturgists Podcast Liturgists: Evangelicals episode Choosing Our Religion: the Spiritual Life of America's Nones, Elizabeth Drescher California avocado farmer struggles to find workers Treasure Hunt of Your Life Redeemer Lutheran Church is seeking a new pastor!   Our Favorite Things Rebecca: Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and This is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are, by Melody Warnick Kelley: Whole Foods Gretchen: She Should Run Incubator  

With the news from the Supreme Court this week, we decided to rerun how we are trying to stay sane during this moment of history. We have a new episode coming next week!    Are you rage-screaming into a pillow every day, or happily moving through each day (mostly) blissfully unaware of the newest presidential gaffe? Gretchen and Kelley talk about how they manage the influx of insane news. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast YNAB Classes Zillow for Bangor The Women's March Never Ended. These Stats Prove It. News Sources Bangor Daily News NYTimes Huffington Post Fact Check Washington Post Boston Globe Twitter Sarah Kendzior Andy Slavitt Ben Wikler Alexandra Erin The debate over DACA ICE detains a Polish doctor and green-card holder who has lived in the US for nearly 40 years Read Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's powerful statement to Larry Nassar It Began with Rachael Denhollander and it Ends with Her Podcasts PodSaveAmerica Lovett or Leave It 538 Politics Slow Burn: A Podcast about Watergate Late Night Shows Late Night with Seth Meyers Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Doomsday Clock Hawaii missile alert: How one employee 'pushed the wrong button' and caused a wave of panic SNL The Skimm Politico The Hill Our Favorite Things Kelley: BOGS Arcata Stripe Women's Insulated Boots Gretchen: Allerpet Gretchen and her daughters at the 2018 Women's March  

Kelley recaps her trip to Jamaica (mildly NSFW - but really funny) and we talk about our summer plans. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast Sandals Negril Dr. Hyman: Top 10 Big Ideas: How to Detox from Sugar Donate to RAICES for Gretchen's birthday Geocaching DLLT Dedicates the Trail to Tomorrow Great Wolf Lodge New England Moms, Put on that Swimsuit   Our Favorite Things Kelley: Baggallini Bryant Pouch Gretchen: Crosswalks  

When your state's motto is literally "VACATIONLAND," people have questions about traveling here. While most people think "Lobsters and Lighthouses," there is SO much more to visiting Maine. Melanie is the grant manager for the Maine Highlands, a beautiful region of the state that is anchored by our hometown, Bangor, and includes one of the endpoints of the Appalachian Trail, Mt. Katahdin. Melanie shares her best tips and secret gems of the Highlands. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast https://www.themainehighlands.com/ Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit Maine's Needhams: A Sweet Treat Of Earthy Potatoes Maine Whoopie Pie Festival Specialty Sweets Maine Needham Whoopie Pie Anthony Bourdain No Reservations S06E12: Maine Flatlanders Smokehouse, Patten, Maine Katahdin Cruises      Our Favorite Things Kelley: Back Cove Trail, Portland Gretchen: https://www.autoslash.com/ Melanie: Her new cat!     

Deborah is a stage IV metastatic melanoma patient in long-term remission. She shares her story with us, from diagnosis to where she's at today.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast https://www.melanoma.org/ Cancer Immunotherapy Targeted Therapy Gamma Knife Cancer Staging Ocular Melanoma Iritis LLBean Sunbuster Beach Shelter Melanoma Just Got Personal AAD SpotMe - find free screenings in your area     Our Favorite Things Deborah: Facebook Kelley: EWG Sunscreen Guide Gretchen: LLBean Tropicwear Hat

Jane Drichta is a midwife, author, and founder of the Global Motherhood Initiative. We got to talk to her just days before she left to spend a year in Iraq setting up a maternity and mental health clinic in a Yezidi refugee camp.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Global Motherhood Initiative Who are the Yazidis and why is Isis hunting them? The group least likely to think the U.S. has a responsibility to accept refugees? Evangelicals. "By more than two-to-one (68% to 25%), white evangelical Protestants say the U.S. does not have a responsibility to accept refugees." lost mothers: maternal mortality in the u.s. Centering Pregnancy The ONE Thing Mountains Beyond Mountains, Tracy Kidder Partners in Health #HomeToVote – and what it means to watch Irish women boarding planes to Repeal the 8th I'm begging you: Stop donating canned goods to food banks Donate to Global Motherhood Initiative        Our Favorite Things Jane: Iron Man Kelley: What do you do with an idea? - Kobe Yamada Gretchen: NoseFrida

Kelley keeps texting us pics of her on a beach, so Gretchen interviewed Alexandra Hinrichs, a children's book author, about her favorite books, how she managed to be a guest at the Getty Museum, and suggestions for aspiring writers! Also, Gretchen has some things to say about pockets.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Alexandra SD Hinrichs At the end of Winter: Central MA poet Susan Roney-O’Brien Amos & Boris, William Steig The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear Anne of Green Gables Tourism PEI A Ring of Endless Light http://www.loislowry.com/ Lois Lowry on Twitter Judy Blume on Twitter Island Readers & Writers A Summer to Die Lurlene McDaniel (the Dawn Rochelle collection) Dying Teenagers in Love Tears are the highest praise for Lurlene McDaniel’s brand of sick lit Honoring Teen’s Sexual Reality: Judy Blume Little Wings: Willa Bean series The Book Thief       That dystopian fiction was preparation tweet A Brief History of Young Adult Books From Tapestry to Picture Book: a Unique Collaboration Therese Makes a Tapestry   Getty: French Tapestry Exhibit The Gobelins Manufactory The Month of December Renee Graef Casey Robinson Iver & Ellsworth Jamie Deenihan SCBWI 12x12 Challenge StoryStorm All the World Everywhere Babies The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors What If Chris Van Dusen A Bear Sat on My Porch Today     Our Favorite Things Alex: The Children's Book Podcast Gretchen: Good Reads

Kelley is on a tropical vacation this week, so we are rebroadcasting one of our most popular episodes. After the initial podcast ran, we each had people contact us to let us know it compelled them to take action of life insurance, wills, and other important things that are hard to think about. Jamie was very gracious in sharing her story, with the hope that it would encourage people to think about the unthinkable, and that's exactly what happened. It's never too early to buy life insurance (but it can be too late to do so, so do it!) - G Kelley and Gretchen are joined by Jamie, who was widowed at 34, and has advice for planning for the unexpected. Enjoying Balancing Chaos? Tell two friends, like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Select Quote (you want TERM life! Not whole life.) The TransAmerica Pyramid Sarah Susanka, The Not So Big House The Red File: Include marriage certificate, birth certificates, passports, wills, POA, mortgage information, list of accounts, health care providers etc. Sheryl Sandberg, Katie Couric & Adam Grant on Living Option B* Google's Inactive Account Manager (aka the Death Tool) Medical School Anatomical Gift Programs Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, Mary Roach How to setup and use Do Not Disturb on your iPhone *I heard this as audio via the Death, Sex, and Money podcast, but it was originally from the 92nd Street Y.   Our Favorite Things!  Jamie: Motion Activated Toilet Bowl Light & Amazon Echo Kelley: Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Glass Gretchen: Hopkins Arctic Plow Snow Remover

Kelley and Gretchen are celebrating commencement season at work, and have some advice they'd give to new graduates as they seek their first professional jobs! You don't have to be a new grad to get tips on the job search, though!  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast This Is the Simplest, Most Successful Way to Save Enough Money for Retirement The 5 Essential Retirement Moves to Make in Your 20s and 30s 85% of all jobs filled by networking Ask a Manager Prepare for a video interview Evidence based interview strategy for new nurses Ask a Manager: CEO's wife ruined my job prospects! (spoiler, she didn't, he did.) Ask For It, Linda Babcock How to refuse to share your salary history GlassDoor 48 Days to the Work You Love Thank you notes after interviews examples Evaluating your benefits package Gretchen's Healthcare Helper      Our Favorite Things Kelley: HydroFlask Gretchen: Overcast

Sometimes an event that happens thousands of miles away will impact a person in unexpected ways. The Parkland shooting shook up Kelley's life in unexpected ways - hear how she's figuring it all out.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Vermont's New Gun Laws Florida's New Gun Laws The Firing of the House Chaplain Maine's Medicaid Expansion The Liturgists Podcast Citizens United & the NRA California Launches First State Funded Gun Research Waffle House Hero's GoFundMe Raises Money for Victims Ex Maine Police Officers Claim Law Enforcement Failed in its Duty to Confiscate Lake's Guns Days before graduation, crash kills Lakewood High senior; injures two others Room to Live (Video) Surviving an Active Shooter - Ohio State (Video) NRA bans guns during convention speeches Kelley's Gun Research (Google Doc)    Our Favorite Things Kelley: Factcheck.org Gretchen: Cuisinart Stick Blender      

Sara left her nursing job (but kept her online instructor job!) and has been traveling the world since 2016. She talks about her experience getting started with Remote Year Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Remote Year State Department travel advisories   Australia's safety warnings about the US   Our Favorite Things Sara: Food Tours! (Here's a list of what Forbes calls the world's best!) Kelley: Air BNB  Gretchen: TSA Pre Check    

We're on vacation this week, but since this week is the anniversary of the Columbine shooting, we are rebroadcasting our episode with Sarah Walker Caron. Since we first aired this, there has been some movement forward - Dick's Sporting Goods (and other stores) have implemented new sales policies, the governor of Vermont, with an A rating from the NRA has signed new policies into law, and even Florida has had some movement on the legislation front, signing new policies into law as well. We'll be back next week with an all new episode!   Sarah Walker Caron is the mother of a survivor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. She joins us and shares her experiences from that day, and in the years after. You also hear from Gretchen's daughters - one who was in 1st grade when Sandy Hook happened, and one who is in 2nd grade now, the same age that Sarah's son was when Sandy Hook happened - about lockdown drills.  (Heads up, this one is definitely a heavy subject.) Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Sandy Hook School Shootings http://sarahcaron.com/ My son survived Sandy Hook. I want to tell him it won’t happen again, but I can’t. School starts at new building for Sandy Hook kids Sandy Hook Elementary School design finds safety, security in openness PD: Man arrested for making threat at Sandy Hook Elementary School Sandy Hook Elementary Students Return Day After Bomb Threat Parkland Student Emma González Opens Up About Her Fight for Gun Control Diane Alston's Twitter thread on 'remember, they are teenagers.' Pennsylvania church plans a ceremony with AR-15 rifles — and a local school is getting students out of the way Police: Ellsworth student who made threat had access to weapons Oregon passes gun control bill aimed at domestic abusers Ex-Maine police officers claim law enforcement failed in its duty to confiscate Lake’s guns Kate Braestrup on The Moth: The Blessing We’re used to experiencing mass shootings online. But Parkland brought us into the classroom. March for Our Lives The Briar Patch's teacher portrait project: "We are already armed." Our Favorite Things Kelley: Harvard Injury Control Research Center Americans Widely Support Tighter Regulations on Gun Sales Gretchen: Everytown for Gun Safety Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Giffords Courage to Fight Gun Violence Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Sandy Hook Promise  

Megan Yockey's daughter is the inspiration behind Harper's Quest, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research into the rare genetic disorder, Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome. She talks about the journey of learning about Harper's disorder and starting a nonprofit to fund research in LSS. On April 18, 2018, the flagship Kendra Scott store in Austin will be hosting a Harper's Quest fundraiser from 5-8pm CT, where 20% of all sales will be donated to Megan's organization. Not local? Call direct and order, and they will ship to you for free!  April 18, 5-8pm Central Time For Austin locals: 3800 NORTH LAMAR BOULEVARDAUSTIN , TX 78756United States If you want to call in and order over the phone (mention Harper's Quest if you call outside of the event times!) (512) 879-3422    Enjoying the podcast? Be sure to like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, tell two friends, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Harper's Quest http://www.lambshaffer.org/ Kendra Scott Our Favorite Things Kelley: How I Built This Kendra Scott's Episode Gretchen: The library! Megan: Autry Cellars, Becker Vineyards      

Traveling with and without kids - does it stress you out or get you excited? This week, we talk about how we manage vacations and kid travel! Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Sandy Hook School Shootings Wendy's twitter Fenway Park IKEA Ektorp Sectional Club Mobay Great Wolf Lodge Storyland Boston GO Card New England Aquarium Boston Skywalk Boston Duck Tours Airfare Watchdog Hipmunk Google Flights Hamilton Lottery Our Favorite Things Kelley: What the Heck Do I Eat?   Gretchen: TSA PreCheck    

Kelley marched on Washington and Gretchen marched on Bangor, and they tell their stories from the March for Our Lives events they attended. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast You Need a Budget Twinkle Stainless Steel Cleaner Weight Watchers March For Our Lives Maya interviews Grandpa about the March on Washington in August 1963 Anatomy: Landing a Plane at Reagan National Airport FDR Memorial (This is a blog, but shows most of the quotes that are there.) The story behind 11-year-old Naomi Wadler and her March for Our Lives speech Parkland survivor vomits during gun speech MLK's Granddaughter Shares A Dream Of Her Own At March For Our Lives March for Our Lives: Top moments that made up a movement Emma González and the wordless act that moved a nation Everytown's Gun law Navigator - research gun laws in your state. Our Instagram: BalancingChaosPodcast The gun guy from Bangor's march "I HUNT NO AR-15" Kelley's debate-ending graph evidence:  Number of murder victims in the US in 2016, by weapon Snopes: Are Four Times More People Stabbed to Death Than Killed with Rifles? A story about gun crimes that uses statistics from the FBI's annual national crime report is flawed. Our Favorite Things Kelley: Audra Day: Rise Up Gretchen: BOSCH 500 Series Dishwasher    

On Saturday, Kelley and Shira will be marching in Washington DC, and Gretchen will be marching in Bangor, for the March For Our Lives to stand up and speak out against gun violence and demand safe schools. Because of that, we are taking this week off from a new episode and throwing it back to episode 7, when we had Shira join us to talk about this issue. As of publication, there was yet another school shooting, this time in Maryland, and it has been classified as domestic violence as well. On Saturday, March 24, there are 828 events scheduled worldwide to participate in the March For Our Lives, if you want to join us. We'll be back with a new episode next week!    This week, we have guest number two, Shira, a prosecutor (and new mom) who works on domestic violence and child abuse cases talking about links between domestic violence, homicide, and even mass shootings. She also gets some advice about going back to work after maternity leave! Links Mentioned Calif. gunman killed his wife before rampaging through community, trying to storm elementary school Maine concert promoter pleads guilty to domestic violence charge, maintains he didn’t do it Facing the Sins of the Democratic Party Our Favorite Things! Shira: The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, Helen Russell Kelley: Essential Oils - She mentions DOTerra, (the ones that Gretchen uses that are not MLM are from Plant Therapy) Gretchen: Find My Friends the app that keeps track of everyone (if they let you)  

Our kids are the best, right? How do you celebrate them without being a braggart? How do you manage when you realize they are maybe NOT the best, like you thought? Plus a tangent on Betsy DeVos. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast John R. Braden. A very famous horse. Signs Aimed At Crazy Sports Parents Should Include These Extra Warnings Kelty Love Seat ("Sideline Sofa") DeVos Digs Herself Deeper How Betsy DeVos Used God and Amway to Take Over Michigan Politics Urban Decay Optical Illusion Beautyblender Makeup Sponge     Our Favorite Things Kelley: The Not So Empty Nest, Bangor ME Gretchen: Sephora   

International Women's Day is March 8, and in honor of that, we highlight women we admire, from our professions, celebrities, and people in our lives.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast Sandy Hook School Shootings International Women's Day LadyPodSquad on Facebook, #ladypodsquad Margaret Sanger danah boyd Panicked about Kids’ Addiction to Tech? Here are two things you could do Oprah Winfrey Amy Poehler Amy Poehler's Smart Girls Sephora     Our Favorite Things Kelley: DevaClips Gretchen: Smith Chromapop

Sarah Walker Caron is the mother of a survivor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. She joins us and shares her experiences from that day, and in the years after. You also hear from Gretchen's daughters - one who was in 1st grade when Sandy Hook happened, and one who is in 2nd grade now, the same age that Sarah's son was when Sandy Hook happened - about lockdown drills.  (Heads up, this one is definitely a heavy subject.) Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast   Sandy Hook School Shootings http://sarahcaron.com/ My son survived Sandy Hook. I want to tell him it won’t happen again, but I can’t. School starts at new building for Sandy Hook kids Sandy Hook Elementary School design finds safety, security in openness PD: Man arrested for making threat at Sandy Hook Elementary School Sandy Hook Elementary Students Return Day After Bomb Threat Parkland Student Emma González Opens Up About Her Fight for Gun Control Diane Alston's Twitter thread on 'remember, they are teenagers.' Pennsylvania church plans a ceremony with AR-15 rifles — and a local school is getting students out of the way Police: Ellsworth student who made threat had access to weapons Oregon passes gun control bill aimed at domestic abusers Ex-Maine police officers claim law enforcement failed in its duty to confiscate Lake’s guns Kate Braestrup on The Moth: The Blessing We’re used to experiencing mass shootings online. But Parkland brought us into the classroom. March for Our Lives The Briar Patch's teacher portrait project: "We are already armed."    Our Favorite Things Kelley: Harvard Injury Control Research Center Americans Widely Support Tighter Regulations on Gun Sales Gretchen: Everytown for Gun Safety Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Giffords Courage to Fight Gun Violence Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Sandy Hook Promise  

  Author Sarah Smiley joins us again to talk about how she balances her private life as a mom and wife with her public writing, which is often about being a mom and a wife.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! Mentioned on the podcast www.sarahsmiley.com  Dinner With the Smileys: One Military Family, One Year of Heroes, and Lessons for a Lifetime Got Here As Soon As I Could: Discovering the Way Life Should Be SNL Internet Comments Talk Show Sarah Smiley's State Dinner Dinner With the Smileys on Katie Couric    Our Favorite Things Kelley: Polar Seltzer (in a can!) Gretchen: Fisher Farm CSA Sarah: iPhone 8+

 Have you run into everyday sexism? Those little (or big!) ways where it's obvious that the world is designed with men as the default setting? Maybe you haven't even noticed it until it's been pointed out. We talk about it this week! Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast Take religion. Remove God. Add #resistance. Meet The Satanic Temple. The Gender Politics of Pockets Generous Maternity Leave Has Made Me a Better Academic When Moms Are Gatekeepers The Female Price of Male Pleasure Hobby Lobby Still Covers Vasectomies and Viagra Two Graphs That Show Why We Still Need Feminism The 'Tampon Tax' explained Gender-Neutral Clothes Are Great But Where Are The ‘Cute’ Boys’ Clothes? Primary LIST VIEW ON OFF 18 Kids' toys that prove girls start paying the 'pink tax' early NYC Canceled All Its Daddy-Daughter Dances and Reactions Are Mixed       Our Favorite Things Kelley: Native deodorant Gretchen: Instant Pot Duo 6 quart

Weight and wellness go hand in hand. Kelley clarifies her own practices with choosing foods, and explains how she balances the occasional trip to McDonald's with her organic plant-based diet following the 80/20 rule. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast Food Rules, Michael Pollan In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan Engine 2 Diet Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense What the Health EWG Dirty Dozen Butter Keeper Did you know? Why some ice cream is a "Frozen Dairy Dessert" Can a 'Poop Transplant' Change Your Weight? Workplace wellness programs aren't working, new research finds I've spent years trying to get skinny. Oprah's Weight Watchers ads convinced me to stop. If You Stop Thinking Of Exercise As A Way To Lose Weight, You May Actually Enjoy It This American Life: Tell Me I'm Fat Runner's World: Ultra - Mirna Valerio        Our Favorite Things Kelley: Honey Gretchen: Doctor on Demand

Winter in Maine means snow, cold, and worst of all, DARK. Why do we trick ourselves into getting excited for the seasons, and how do we beat the winter blahs?  (Also, editor/husband Dave would like to clarify that he DID come with us to Sugarloaf once last year, and it hasn't been three.) Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast City of Bangor Thrillist: Definitive Ranking of States New Maine News Writer for Maine Magazine Rescued After Accidentally Venturing 20 Miles Inland Bangor Y Bangor School Department Bangor Police Department Facebook Easy: Season 2, Episode 1 Waterfront Concerts Bangor Rock City Vitamin D Choosing a Light Box    Our Favorite Things Kelley: Spiralizer 5 blade Vegetable Slicer Gretchen: iPhone 8+ Kelley hates the cold & Gretchen is double-poppin' (and they are BOTH wearing their LLBean Shirt-Jacs, because it's January in Maine.)    

Are you rage-screaming into a pillow every day, or happily moving through each day (mostly) blissfully unaware of the newest presidential gaffe? Gretchen and Kelley talk about how they manage the influx of insane news. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast YNAB Classes Zillow for Bangor The Women's March Never Ended. These Stats Prove It. News Sources Bangor Daily News NYTimes Huffington Post Fact Check Washington Post Boston Globe Twitter Sarah Kendzior Andy Slavitt Ben Wikler Alexandra Erin The debate over DACA ICE detains a Polish doctor and green-card holder who has lived in the US for nearly 40 years Read Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's powerful statement to Larry Nassar It Began with Rachael Denhollander and it Ends with Her Podcasts PodSaveAmerica Lovett or Leave It 538 Politics Slow Burn: A Podcast about Watergate Late Night Shows Late Night with Seth Meyers Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Doomsday Clock Hawaii missile alert: How one employee 'pushed the wrong button' and caused a wave of panic SNL The Skimm Politico The Hill Our Favorite Things Kelley: BOGS Arcata Stripe Women's Insulated Boots Gretchen: Allerpet Gretchen and her daughters at the 2018 Women's March  

Kelley and Gretchen talk about making - and maintaining! -  friends as an adult.  Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast The Secret Language of Girls on Instagram Michelle Carter, who urged her boyfriend to commit suicide, found guilty in his death iCloud Family Sharing Investors to Apple: Fight iPhone addiction among kids Was DARE Effective? Fire and Fury Why Your Brain Loves Good Storytelling Why Inspiring Stories Make Us React: The Neuroscience of Narrative Our Favorite Things!  Kelley: Mint Gretchen: Chatbooks Head to our Facebook page where you can get a code to get your first Chatbook free! Gretchen's Bitmoji:  

Kelley and Gretchen are joined by Jamie, who was widowed at 34, and has advice for planning for the unexpected. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Select Quote (you want TERM life! Not whole life.) The TransAmerica Pyramid Sarah Susanka, The Not So Big House The Red File: Include marriage certificate, birth certificates, passports, wills, POA, mortgage information, list of accounts, health care providers etc. Sheryl Sandberg, Katie Couric & Adam Grant on Living Option B* Google's Inactive Account Manager (aka the Death Tool) Medical School Anatomical Gift Programs Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, Mary Roach How to setup and use Do Not Disturb on your iPhone *I heard this as audio via the Death, Sex, and Money podcast, but it was originally from the 92nd Street Y.   Our Favorite Things!  Jamie: Motion Activated Toilet Bowl Light & Amazon Echo Kelley: Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Glass Gretchen: Hopkins Arctic Plow Snow Remover

Kelley and Gretchen look back on their accomplishments from 2017, and look ahead to what they want to accomplish in 2018. Like us on Facebook, email us at balancingchaospodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher!   Mentioned on the podcast Dave Ramsey (and his famous 7 Baby Steps) You Need a Budget Young House Love (I got the code for 3 free months of YNAB from their podcast!) American Civil Liberties Union LLBean Pathfinder Lighted Beanie Dependent Care FSA How Starting A Side Hustle Could Be Your Best Investment Yet Subaru Ascent 6 Dimensions of Wellness   Our Favorite Things!  Kelley: Dirty Dancing on Tour (and of course, the IMDB page for the original movie: Dirty Dancing ) Gretchen: PopSockets

Kelley and Gretchen are joined by Amy, who talks about growing up Jewish in an area where there were not many others like her, while Kelley and Gretchen talk about their experiences as a Christian and an Atheist at the holidays. We had such a good time talking, we had to split it into two parts! This one might seem to start quickly, but you can pick up the first part at episode 12!   Mentioned on the podcast   Netflix: Fireplace for Your Home (there are multiple versions!) Hulu: Thermostat Wars Chocolate Trifle / Sex in a Bowl Monkey Bread (this is the recipe I use, only I swap out some of the biscuits for the cinnamon rolls in a can - a once-a-year treat!) Framingham Heart Study Judaism 101: Torah What is a mikvah? History of the Christmas tree Stephanie Larsen, the Mormon who runs the support network for LGBTQ youth Ellen meets Alabama hero dad Nathan Mathis When TV went to bed: 13 classic signoffs     Our Favorite Things! Amy: PJ Library - free books about Jewish heritage for kids Kelley: LLBean: Primaloft Lined Shirt-Jac Gretchen: Schlage Keypad Lock  (It isn't this exact one, but very similar and same brand!)

Kelley and Gretchen are joined by Amy, who talks about growing up Jewish in an area where there were not many others like her, while Kelley and Gretchen talk about their experiences as a Christian and an Atheist at the holidays. We had such a good time talking, we had to split it into two parts! This one might seem to end abruptly, but you can pick up the rest at Episode 13!   Mentioned on the podcast   Netflix: Fireplace for Your Home (there are multiple versions!) Hulu: Thermostat Wars Chocolate Trifle / Sex in a Bowl Framingham Heart Study Judaism 101: Torah What is a mikvah? History of the Christmas tree Ellen meets Alabama hero dad Nathan Mathis When TV went to bed: 13 classic signoffs     Our Favorite Things! Amy: PJ Library - free books about Jewish heritage for kids Kelley: LLBean: Primaloft Lined Shirt-Jac Gretchen: Schlage Keypad Lock  (It isn't this exact one, but very similar and same brand!)

Kelley is a wellness coach, but Gretchen is a late-onset athlete, who has struggled with "Gympostor Syndrome," and has to work harder (mentally) to feel like she's allowed to be part of the gym scene.   Mentioned on the podcast Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome The Oatmeal: At the Gym, Who's Looking at Whom USDA School Lunch Guidelines Whole30 http://www.easylunchboxes.com/ Silicone Cupcake Liners Kelley's kids' colorful lunches:     Our Favorite Things! Kelley: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo* Gretchen: Moving Comfort/Brooks Jubralee sports bra, 90 Degree by Reflex high waist leggings, Stronglifts 5x5 App  *Or try what Gretchen mentioned, How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets  

Kelley is back with her story about traveling with Oprah (yes, that Oprah!) and as tribute to her, we have a full episode of our favorite things. Only, our favorite things are not in the Oprah price range, they are in OUR price range. Our Favorite Things! Gretchen's: You're a Creepy One, Elf on the Shelf Bluetooth Headphones: I have these but Skullcandy has great options and wonderful customer service. We have the Crusher, Hesh3 is similar. For an earpiece, I use a Plantronics one like this (but there are lots of options.) Roku: the model I have isn’t sold any longer, but the Ultra is most similar Scotch Laminator Pro TL906 Amazon Basics Laminating Pouches Podcasts: Pod Save America, The Dollop, My Favorite Murder Heated Mattress Pad Invisiwire Ultra Plush Sewing Machine I won a Janome Skyline S5, but I can also recommend the Brother CS6000i as an excellent beginner machine, or if you are looking for a kid (Don’t buy a toy one!) Varidesk Instant Hot Tap Goodreads.com Authors: Rainbow Rowell, Liane Moriarty, Jennifer Weiner Odyclub (your car probably has a forum, too) Headlamps: I have a Petzl Tikka and kids are getting Tikkinas Long charging cables: 6 feet or nothing! Grid it cable management  Kelley's: Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover DoTerra Past Tense The Millionaire Next Door Pickles. Just Pickles. The Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise Shark Tank LLBean Ultralight 850 Down Coat, Long   Talbot’s CardCash Taboo Guesstures WellCoaches Golden Doodle Puppy Les Mills Cops with Cakes Whole Foods

This week Gretchen talks with author and columnist Sarah Smiley about raising independent kids who are allowed to take risks. (Kelley had to balance her chaos by missing this week, but she's back next week!)   Mentioned on the podcast www.sarahsmiley.com  Dinner With the Smileys: One Military Family, One Year of Heroes, and Lessons for a Lifetime Got Here As Soon As I Could: Discovering the Way Life Should Be Lenore Skenazy (who wrote Free-Range Kids, How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry)) now blogs at www.letgrow.org To the Parents Who Called the Cops After My 80-year-old Dad Chatted with Your Child at the Supermarket The Modern American Brag: “My Kids Were About to be Trafficked, Too!” Gavin de Becker's Protecting the Gift: Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane) Jessica Lahey's The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed Tom Wayman: Did I Miss Anything? Our Favorite Things! Sarah: Tim Horton's Large Unsweetened Iced Tea (I couldn't find the caffeine content!) Gretchen: Polar Seltzer (especially the seasonal flavors!)

This week, we talk about what we are thankful for! Mentioned in this episode Maine Governor Paul LePage Threatens State Lawmaker With Profanity-Filled Voicemail These Are the Happiest Cities in the United States Maximizers vs Satisficers: Who Makes Better Decisions? Party Lines: 10 Aspects of Old Telephones That Might Confuse Younger Readers If You're A Real Grown-Up, Minivans Are Cooler Than Crossovers Parents, Just Buy the Damn Minivan Our Favorite Things! Kelley: Facebook Gretchen: The Wirecutter and for this week, their Black Friday deals page

This week, we have guest number two, Shira, a prosecutor (and new mom) who works on domestic violence and child abuse cases talking about links between domestic violence, homicide, and even mass shootings. She also gets some advice about going back to work after maternity leave! Links Mentioned Calif. gunman killed his wife before rampaging through community, trying to storm elementary school Maine concert promoter pleads guilty to domestic violence charge, maintains he didn’t do it Facing the Sins of the Democratic Party Our Favorite Things! Shira: The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country, Helen Russell Kelley: Essential Oils - She mentions DOTerra, (the ones that Gretchen uses that are not MLM are from Plant Therapy) Gretchen: Find My Friends the app that keeps track of everyone (if they let you)  

In this episode, we talk about election results, being politically active, and where we stand on health care and gun reform. Links mentioned: The question every parent should be asking before a playdate It was a Florida law that prevented doctors from asking about guns in the home. Here's a Washington Post article that explains it: Have a check-up? Why your doctor might ask you if you own a gun. The Dickey amendment prevents funding for research on gun violence: Why gun violence research has been shut down for 20 years After Maine approves Medicaid expansion, Governor raises objections   Our Favorite Things! Kelley: Devafuser Hair Dryer (that's the whole shebang, but you can buy the creepy alien hand diffuser to use on your existing hair dryer for $50, too.) Gretchen: Netflix and especially Parks and Rec. I also love that you can skip the intro on every episode! No ads, no waiting through the theme song. Perfect. (and yes, we talked about Netflix last week, but after a 10 day internet blackout, returning to the comforts of our cord-cutter lifestyle was much appreciated.)

This week we have our first guest, Leah, a women's healthcare provider who talks about contraception, sex education, and abortion - and about how the terms "pro-life" and "pro-choice" aren't exactly what they seem. Discussed in this episode: Our Bodies, Ourselves (this is the new edition, but this link goes to the cover I remember so well from childhood - I was right about the signs! - Gretchen  Taking Charge of Your Fertility Robie Harris series of sexuality education books: It's Not the Stork! Ages 4+ It's So Amazing! Ages 7+ It's Perfectly Normal Ages 10+ (also, not mentioned but worth noting - if you have daughters the American Girl series is great - The Care and Keeping of You 1 is for younger girls, and The Care and Keeping of You 2 is the next step for girls 10+.)   Our Favorite Things! Leah: Netflix Original American Vandal* Kelley: iPhone Smart Battery Case Gretchen: Kindle Paperwhite**   *This convo included recommendations to so many other things, including other Netflix originals like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Love, Making a Murderer, Atypical, and the podcast My Favorite Murder. **And also the Flipster app and my local public library!

Who isn't influenced by HGTV!? Kelley and Gretchen talk about how the ideals that HGTV puts forth are not the ones that actually make the best options for choosing a home. Balancing the idea of being content with what you have and striving for more - how does it work with your home? Links Mentioned: Tiny House Hunters Protecting the Gift, Gavin de Becker ANM Properties Favorite Things: Kelley - Facebook Marketplace Gretchen - Delta Faucet temp2.0 hand shower  The most HGTV feature of Gretchen's house, the new paint job:   

This week we discuss the concept of Leaning In - if it's about supporting a woman's ambition, what if the ambition is to be a stay at home mom? (and what are the risks when you choose that?) Patton Oswalt on Annihilation - "It's chaos, be kind." Lean In NYTimes: The Opt-Out Generation Wants Back In Tom Perrotta, Little Children Our Favorite Things! Kelley: Chalk Paint (this is the brand she used, and it definitely gave that buffet a new look.) Gretchen: Ask A Manager Blog (and to get started, check out the writer's favorite posts: http://www.askamanager.org/favorite-posts  

Kelley talks about her resistance to being called Dr (and she totally is one!) and Gretchen talks about her resistance to "leaning in."  Mentioned: Hillbilly Elegy Talbot's  National Institute of Nursing Research Favorite things: Kelley: DevaCurl Gretchen: Plated 

Meet Kelley and Gretchen in the debut of Balancing Chaos. Both professionals, both moms, but one is a moderate Christian and one is a liberal atheist. More alike than different, and both seeking to find meaning in the chaos, just in different ways. In this episode, meet the hosts and hear about their experiences in religion. Mentioned: Tim Murphy resigns from Congress STD Rates Continue to Rise for Older Adults UU Our Whole Lives: Lifespan Sexuality Education   Favorite things: Gretchen: Tile: https://www.thetileapp.com Kelley: Plan to Eat: https://www.plantoeat.com/welcome