Sometimes you just can't not. Join Mike Jensen and Vonia Arslanian as they discuss the weeks highs and lows, from entertainment and politics, to parenting in Los Angeles, to everyday life in New York City. Mike and Vonia keep the love alive and the coasts
Vonia and Mike are back with a slightly shorter episode, but stories about what they've been up to. They discuss a movie they both liked, Mike has both an album and film that have made an impression on him, and Vonia is into a streaming show and a reality competition host. Then it's technology that doesn't work, a disappointing action movie, a broken sign, fixed, and an autobiography voiced by the writer. So much to be thankful for.
Vonia is home with the kids, and Mike is having continuous issues with his apartment. Also, he has a new podcast, and Vonia loves to golf. Then they discuss some television programs, including a couple of returning shows they're both enjoying, and a recent film that cheered Mike up after a hard day. There are a few summer activities shared, a discussion on the healthy act of crying, and a goodbye for now. Enjoy the summer!
Bada boom, bada bang, Vonia bought a bike! Also back from vacation, Mike tells tales of summer journeys, Tony wins, and a creepy series that will stay with you while Vonia is binging some Platonic High Desert fun. It's summer baby! Enjoy yourself!
Mike was on the news (sorta), and Vonia has an eye... condition. Mike finally has a key to his building, and Vonia's kids are starting their last week of the school year. Then it's a trip through the highlights of the most recent Broadway season, and a new multi-verse super hero movie that Vonia is very glad she saw in the theatre. Also, Mike would like to know where he'll be sleeping next week. They both talk about things that boost their spirits, Vonia shares the word of the week, and Mike received a post that he found to be very very moving. Don't sneak!
Vonia starts us off with an absolutely terrifying story from her week. Rest assured, everyone ends up ok. As far as Mike's week goes, he mostly just worked a lot. Then they discus two series that had finales this last week and Vonia saw a couple of movies she really enjoyed. Mike is still dealing with a two recurring issues, and Vonia has a mild complaint, must is mostly trying to live in gratitude.
Vonia got some dental work, and Mike had a friend in town. Plus he's been seeing theatre. Vonia is loving a podcast that Mike did a guest spot on, neither of them can stop talking about Somebody, Somewhere, and Mike has some final thoughts on Mrs. Davis. Then, they talk about the upcoming Tony Awards, what it's like to lose and then get your voice back. In the end, a lack of a topic becomes a discussion about the current writers strike, and Vonia ends with some information on voice and breath.
Vonia is more than a bit under the weather, so while she rests up, Mike presents the first episode of the new season of his other podcast, We Couldn't Help But Wonder, A Journey Through Sex and the City. He and Elise Castle break down the new teaser trailer, and discuss possible ideas for the forthcoming chapters of And Just Like That... Plus, they announce that they are planning on announcing something. So that's exciting. Right...?
Vonia's parents are visiting and Mike has had quite the week. Plus, Vonia is part of a multi-cultural committee, and is also loving a new pseudo-reality show. Mike has too much TV to talk about and goes on quite the ramble. They discuss the issue they have when characters aren't good at their jobs. Vonia is continually looking for more free time, and Mike can't figure out where he stopped watching Better Call Saul. And then Vonia shares a somewhat nightmarish story about her kids sleepwalking and Mike's brother got his Masters Degree.
Vonia is still coaching volleyball, and Mike went for a walk on a very rainy day. Then, Mike meanders a bit though some TV, from finishing The Fall, to beginning Dead Ringers and Mrs. Davis, plus a Broadway documentary that he mostly enjoyed. Vonia is continuing to enjoy Mrs. Maisel and has a few inspirational passages about creativity. Then, Vonia is done being sick, and Mike is growing weary of television programs about terrible people. They talk a bit about Covid era moments of joy, and both have random notes to end on. Congrats to the Tony nominees! (And the TONY nominees...?)
Schmicago is still blowing our minds this week! And first it's the tale of Vonia drinking from her sick child's cup...spoiler, she gets the sickness. Then it's Mike honoring his cousin and reminding us to hold the ones we love dear. We talk comedies, new books about parents and a new film about a bi-racial composer that brings a special story to light. Next week we will hear of Mike's theatre adventures and hope the sickness makes it's way out of Vonia's house. Happy Spring everyone!
Vonia had (a lot of) guests, and Mike visited Salt Lake City! Then they have a host of fun things they're enjoying, including their second ever double diggin', with the return of a much loved comedy series. After that, Vonia is yearning for stamina, and Mike hates spoilers. They have a somewhat spooky conversation about the unexplained, and Mike is excited for the return of Samantha Bee. Also, his feelings are a little hurt if you still haven't watched Schmigadoon!
Mike and Vonia chat about upcoming visitors, and upcoming visits. Vonia has a new song she's listening to, and a Volleyball team to coach. Mike finished an audio book, saw a lovely new film, and is continuing his journey though the discography of Joni Mitchell. He'd like to know why he can't just purchase or even find certain items, and Vonia would like to know why her son refuses to acknowledge one of the great musical artists of our time. Then they talk about things they do that they know they'll regret, and end the podcast with an appreciation of Anna Quindlen. Also, Mike would like to acknowledge that his road trip took place in 1994, not 1992. Truth matters.
Mike and Vonia have a lot to discuss, from recent tragedy, to parental involvement, going back to work, and an upcoming coaching job. Vonia has a couple of new karaoke options, Mike has a whole lot of television both ending and beginning, plus a book on tape. Then it's check writing, Broadway shows, and a renegade watch (it's been fixed).
After mostly just talking about The Oscars last week, Vonia and Mike have a lot of catching up to do. From sick kids, to cold weather, to shows seen, and movies gone to. Then it's a movie seemingly made just for Vonia, to a streaming film Mike hopes gets some attention. Mike is still dealing with paperwork, they're both endlessly looking for motivation and inspiration, Mike has a quick update about last weeks ceremony, and Vonia found a solution to her knee and hip pain!
Mike and Vonia are back for the 3rd year in a row to discuss this years Oscar ceremony. After a quick catch up, it's right to the show. From planes flying through very cloudy skies, to Jimmy Kimmel doing a great hosting job, to intense auditorium lighting, to a Jenny the donkey stand in, to Ruth E. Carter having perfectly matching note cards to read from, to Elizabeth Banks presenting with "Cocaine Bear," to Rooney Mara absolutely not wanting to stand up even when her director told her to, there were some beautiful speeches, ecstatic winners, and overall what a great year!
Vonia has a lot going on with her house, and Mike has had a series of unfortunate events. Then, Vonia got to go to the live stream of a new comedy special, Mike has a couple of Oscar nominees that he wants to shout out, Vonia speaks out on behalf of drag, and Mike is still filling out paperwork. They both kind of end on bummer notes, but promise there's funny stuff in there too!
Vonia has been spending time in her kid's class, and Mike went for a walk at Coney Island. They talk about numerous things, including podcasts, poetry, comedies, documentaries, and stand up specials. There's an issue with a recent drama episode, and a troublesome meaning to the idea of "freedom." After that, its coverage of the recent SAG Awards, a rumination on creativity, success, and what the point is. Vonia brings it home with a beautiful reading, and Mike is still having issues with the DMV.
Vonia went to Disneyland and Mike went to London! So they have a lot to talk about. Then, Vonia is loving a new drama series, and Mike is into a new streaming comedy, plus he's being wowed by a particular miniseries actress. Vonia has a few Disney related complaints, and Mike would like to be done with all the paperwork. They finish up with stray Disney cats and some wild London related facts. Cheers!
Mind the gap! With our two hosts spending a glorious week together in Los Angeles we give you a bonus episode to bridge the gap between Mike & Vonia Can't Not seasons. First it's the Avatar, The Way of Water and how the smell of fish should not be included, then it's a lovely "little film" that captured our hearts and made Vonia's children ask some big questions. We talk Golden Globes and Mike's Top 10 list! Also, Mike is about to embark on a world tour and Vonia is trying to save money on groceries. Aw what a world we live in! Thank you for joining us on this journey. We will be back next season...
It's the last episode of season 2. Vonia is getting ready to travel, and Mike did a bunch of fun stuff. He also has some fairly big news to share. Then, it's a night at the theatre for Vonia, and a movie about a theatre for Mike. They talk about being hard on yourself, and a dislike of the finales of a certain limited series. There's a very heavy conversation about plans, goals, resolutions, and more. And we finish it all with a quote, and few facts about Amazon digital rewards. We wish everyone a wonderful season and a happy New Year!
It was Thanksgiving, Mike went on a trip to Pittsburg, and a vacuum got fixed! Then it's a new sequel, a docuseries, a podcast episode, two comedy series Mike already talked about on the last episode and feels the need to bring up again, and a film on Hulu. Vonia and Mike both have some sad news that they are working through, and finally it's talk about memory, and some things we may only think we remember.
Vonia is home with the kids. Still. And Mike is studying up on the best way to prepare a turkey. Then it's a Julia Child related reality show, some returning comedies, a new film out in theaters, frustrations about being sick, recognition of the events in Colorado Springs, a disappeared eye clinic, a further discussion on mental health, and Mike makes an absolutely ridiculous claim (and, later in the day Mike immediately takes it back).
Vonia had the Gala she's been planning, but also a not so great week. Mike walked the Brooklyn Bridge and had dinner with friends. Then, Vonia had a (mostly) great time at The Hollywood Bowl, and fun watching YouTube, and Mike saw what he refers to as "a joyous celebration of creativity." Later we have the act of trying to get out of a parking lot, eating too much "buttery" popcorn, a discussion about anxiety and panic attacks, who we spend our time with, and some Grammy nomination talk.
Vonia had quite the water related incident at home, and Mike had a very sweaty marathon Sunday. No, he did not run it. Then it's an animated Rom-Com, awards season in general, and another fantastic Weekend Update segment in particular. Vonia had a serious discussion at school, and Mike has some serious sadness involving friends and coworkers. They have a discussion on the merits and detriments involved in posting on social media, and then it's some helpful advice, and a quick look back. Hope you all voted!
Mike and Vonia dressed up for Halloween this year and Vonia fended off her rabid children for who demand candy 24/7. Mike is still loving the Irish murder mystery and the haunting intro music and Vonia is all about the spooks! Then it's a dancing tampon, some candy fueled depression, a good mannered southern kitty and a deep talk about God and rewiring the brain with some positive affirmations. Also, don't tell Vonia's kids, but yes, she threw away 75% of her their candy and they didn't bat an eye.
Vonia celebrated her husband's Birthday, and Mike saw Into The Woods again! Then it's new SNL (a couple of moments and performers in particular), some returning shows and an amazing new film. Vonia talks about the down side of a recent dining experience and Mike recounts the struggle he had with a recent music release. Then it's candy and scary movies (tis the season), and a few comments about Nellie Bly. And the bakery was called Fauchon!
Vonia was out of town at a wedding, and Mike has had quite the week (including an amazing concert)! Then it's some music and a book, an incredible performance, some little (in one case literally) things that are annoying the two of them, some talk of weddings both from the past and yet to come, a new way of listening to books, and an update on how to watch Mike be a zombie. Spooky!
Mike visited his former work place, and Vonia had a dog walking incident. Then it's a children's art show, a new song, an older movie, and a new sitcom. Mike and Vonia both talk about possible unintended consequences. They also discuss former jobs in NYC, finances, an Emmy Award winning actor, and a ticket to a performance Mike is very much looking forward to. (It was everything he had hoped for and more)
Vonia is at the beach with family, and Mike is back from Georgia. She celebrated her birthday, and he put his Halloween decorations up. Then it's a new sequel, a cast recording, a somewhat familiar aggravation, conversation about childhood favorite films that maybe don't quite hold up, animals who can't star gaze, workout motivation, and the end of an era. Also, Mike spent almost a whole week on vacation and, for the most part, exclusively took pictures of cats...
Mike is on holiday with his sister in the Bavarian Village of Helen, Georgia and Vonia lives vicariously through him whilst dodging mountain lions (or more appropriately a mountain lion of a hot summer). Listening to the screams of a rollercoaster, Mike avoids bears and murder....hornets. Then it's a wolf of a female comedian, a must see comedy, a new obsession with an Irish dark comedy thriller and disturbing stories of stage moms.
Vonia went to a wedding, and Mike finally got a new watch. Or two. Plus he went to a show, saw maybe his most favorite person in person, and got the new booster. Then it's fun with friends, a (not so new) album, a PBS documentary, a long train ride, a very long security line, more memories of Cape Cod, an independent study contract, and the dark web. Scary.
Mike and Vonia are back with a somewhat longer episode, partly because Vonia threw two birthday festivities, and Mike spend four nights on (in? at?) Cape Cod. Plus, Vonia is unwinding to a fairly stress free reality program, Mike is excited, and somewhat apprehensive, to start the final season of one of his favorite dramas, they talk crime, the inability to watch the final season of another drama, and then it's their take on this years Emmys, from winners, to speeches, to so many screens. They end with a recent Kangaroo related incident, and an RIP to Mike's Apple Watch...
It was Mike's Birthday, and Vonia and her husband celebrated their anniversary. Then Vonia is enjoying one of Mike's previous mentions, Mike is watching one of Vonia's, Vonia loved a summer blockbuster, and Mike is watching two very different, very odd television shows, and super enjoying them. Vonia wants people to stop being mad, and Mike wants them to stop playing music in shared spaces. They both look back at Birthday memories, and talk quite a bit about A League of Their Own.
Vonia experienced a very traumatic event, and Mike had a trip to Florida. Then Vonia shares two new series, and Mike touts both a returning series and a recent podcast episode. He also has some complaints on spoilers, and Vonia has a few things she could do without. They discuss the finale of So You Think You Can Dance, and Mike finishes up the episode with a new favorite food and a YouTube discovery. Also, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Great actress, and a fun name to say out loud!
Vonia's children are back in school, and Mike spent the week on Fire Island! Also, Vonia has picked up an old hobby, and Mike has another new album he's loving. He's not loving a particular production aspect however, and Vonia is worried about some of what her kids may be learning. Then it's the semi final episode of So You Think You Can Dance, a passage that's moving Vonia, and one last note on Mike's recent vacation rental.
Vonia spent a very long day at the emergency room, and Mike has some thoughts on his "dry week." Then it's an oft mentioned, much loved, recent reality competition season, a new work of art from one of today's most accomplished artists, some pushback on "sampling," a head cold, the latest SYTYCD, words of hope, recycling, and Mike revisits an under appreciated album from the 90s.
Vonia is back in California, getting the kids ready to return to school, and Mike is In New York with a whole bunch of stuff to complain about. All right, some good stuff happened too. Then it's a returning comedy, the first season of a new superhero saga, a book on tape, and a cast recording. Vonia is dealing with the cost of groceries, Mike has to wait to listen to one of his favorite podcasts, and he's mourning the cancelation of a late night show. Vonia and Mike go through this weeks So You Think You Can Dance, and then Vonia lays down some info that caused Mike to do his laundry as he was editing this episode. Seriously.
After a week off, Mike and Vonia are back with a (slightly longer) new episode! Vonia talks about her time spent at home with family and a cool trip she and her husband went on, and Mike covers a couple of shows he saw, and an E-mail that he wasn't expecting. They also discuss the recent Emmy nominations, and some goings on on Broadway. Then Vonia got a sneak peak at an as yet to be released Netflix film, plus talks about a mini series she loved, then wasn't wild about, but ultimately gave her all the feels, and Mike has a new drama series that he can't say enough about. They both have some medical issues to share, and then it's a whole lot of So You Think You Can Dance. They try to keep it quick, but there's so much to say! Plus Cat Deeley! Excellent!
In lieu of a new conversation this week, Mike and Vonia listen back on the very first episode they ever recorded, and invite you to do the same. It was early November, 2020, which feels like several decades ago. "The Queens Gambit" and "The Undoing" were all the rage on TV, Vonia was constantly in a Zoom meeting, and Mike hadn't flown on a plane in almost a year. And, unlike Mike's prediction, we did not know the results of the election by the time this episode came out. What a world!
Vonia and Mike share their Independence Day stories and the complicated feelings they had in regards to it this year. They also talk "discussion" versus "arguing," and thoughts on never being too old to learn. Then it is two new half hour hours series, an awful children's show, "clipboard people," talk of Independence Days past, a few random facts, and a poetry reading. A day of reckoning, indeed.
Mike took part in New York City's Pride, Vonia is dealing with children and the heat, and they both have a lot to say about recent Supreme Court decisions. Then Vonia shares about a reality series, Mike talks about a book he's reading and a returning drama series he's cautiously continuing with. Then it is feelings on opinion as fact, personal motivation, New Years Eve remembrances, and both Vonia and Mike read excepts from things that have recently moved them. Keep caring. Keep fighting.
Vonia is back to teaching and Mike did his laundry! They also have a conversation about Juneteenth and one of the biggest challenges America is facing right now. Then it's a new comedy series, some books on theatre, a documentary, a couple things Vonia sent many texts to Mike about, a new So You Think You Can Dance, plus how Vonia first got Mike hooked on it, some words on story telling, and a laundry hack Mike did not know about and is still leery of.
Vonia's kid has started a new summer camp, and Mike had a very busy Tonys Sunday! Then it's a summer blockbuster, a particularly impressive drama series, a frightened pet, an hours long journey in search of the right pants, a closer look at several Tony Award moments, some Tony Awards facts, a quick assessment of yet another summer blockbuster, and fun news about a returning favorite!
Vonia had two very proud moments with her kids, and Mike saw another Broadway musical! Then Vonia talks about a few shows she's watching, a nature show she's loving, and some up coming shows she's looking forward to. Mike also has a bit of a list, leading to a reality competition he had not planned on watching and is now obsessed with. Then it's more COVID, a complicated conversation on religion, some looking back on fun at the pool, information on sunscreen, and a few Hamilton lottery line memories. Marco!
Mike saw The Music Man, and Vonia attended an outdoor workout class! Then it's pontificating on Mike's favorite artist, a sports related mini series, something silly, something sad, something about dog poo, Mike and Vonia share some memories concerning the first podcast they both worked on, Mike is happy to bid farewell to a workout routine he's spent the last many months working through, and then Vonia talks about... trash. We promise, it's... pretty interesting.
After taking a moment to express their anger and sorrow over the most recent mass shooting in Texas, Mike and Vonia discuss his recent visit to Los Angeles, some fun times Vonia has been able to have, and the really cool event Mike got to attend in New York City. Then, its an autobiography, a winding journey leading Mike to an amazing new documentary, nose bleeds, too expensive Broadway theatre tickets, some memories of flying, recent SNL episodes, and a crazy happening on Broadway, that Mike couldn't believe he didn't know about. Now just don't get distracted by Ana de Armas..
It's Vonia's last week at her current job, and Mike had to run in traffic to get to his job. Also, Vonia talks Mother's Day and Mike saw four Broadway shows! Then it's a couple of new Drama series, a follow up on a comedy special mentioned last week, and an astonishing Broadway debut. Vonia could do without subscription purchases and Mike could do without... well, it involves teeth... sort of. They have a discussion on separating art from the artist, and finish up with space exercise, plans for the night, and a fun trip happening next week! Hey, LA. I'm coming your way. (For two nights)
After venting about the recent SCOTUS news, Vonia talks about her job, and Mike saw a whole lot of theatre! Then it's a comedy special, a music video, a returned comedy series, pet issues, movie theatre shenanigans, memories of their first Broadway shows, an hilarious kid story, and a reading from around 20 years ago. The greatest city in the world, indeed...
Vonia is still dealing with kids and a dog, and Mike has an update on his DMV required vision test. He also has a bit to say about some new outdoor spaces in NYC. Then it's a fun new movie, an actress in an amazing role, a shoutout to a listener, and a few very deep topics including what it means to be a feminist. And to finish up, Vonia has found some amazing pointers for remaining human and present, and Mike has some info on Manhattan's 13th Avenue. It's really a thing!
Vonia and the kids had a fun Easter, and a not fun day after Easter. Both Mike and Vonia dealt with taxes, and talk about the rescinding of the mask mandate. Then it's being grateful for what we have, a series Mike is tentatively enjoying, graying hair, DMV issues, and the end of a magazine era. After that the topic is the Hollidays, and Vonia and Mike both have to some very random knowledge to drop. Donald Duck the war hero... who knew?
Vonia and Mike catch up on the last couple of weeks, including tooth developments, longs road trips, and Broadway performances. Then it's amazing actresses showing their talent in various mini series, a new reality competition, a Netflix comedy, Vonia seconds Mike's annoyance at the lack of "previously ons," Mike think's that everything is too long, and they both bemoan phones in theatres. Then it's a discussion of Spring Break, Vonia has a great poem, and Mike shares some beautiful places he hopes to see one day. It's good to be back!