Parenting Roundabout

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a book by Caroline Dooner with a title that appeals: The F**k-It Diet: Eating Should Be Easy. Terri might be skeptical of the advice, but she salutes anyone who's figured out how to make money with their writing.Terri's random recommendation is our old pal Zoom, which allows us to record together from different time zones and even helps us with transcripts.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021 on one-star reviews of parenting experiences.Next week's lineup:Shrinking S3 E5, "Hold Your Horsies," on Tuesday, March 3Lost S5 E3, "Jughead," on Wednesday, March 4Weekly roundup on Thursday, March 5Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode continued the theme of fallout from the Oceanic Six's departure, as Hurley struggles with maintaining the lie that the group told. Back on the island, Daniel's trying to figure out what timeline they're all in, and Frogurt becomes Fried-gurt.Next week, we'll continue with season 5, episode 3, "Jughead." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Shrinking. This time, Liz tried to extend her mom powers by surveilling Brian and Charlie, but crashed and burned with her actual offspring at a critical moment. And Derek learned a lesson about taking candy from children.Next week, we'll continue with Shrinking S3 E5, "Hold Your Horsies." We'll be back tomorrow to discuss Lost.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a book to read to your dog (probably while your child is listening): The Bedtime Book for Dogs by Bruce Littlefield. She also made the happy discovery of a fourth title in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mysteries series: The Rushworth Family Plot. Mentioned: The Book with No Pictures, The Monster at the End of This Book.Terri's random recommendation is the music video for Taylor Swift's "Opalite," which is a charming little rom-com that got its start when Taylor appeared on The Graham Norton Show.In the archives, we checked in on episodes on the Winter Olympic Games from 2014 and 2018. Mentioned: Canadian Olympic athletes wearing Lululemon capes, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier's “Vincent” free skate, U.S. curler Aidan Oldenburg.Next week's lineup:Shrinking S3 E4, "The Field," on Tuesday, February 24Lost S5 E2, "The Lie," on Wednesday, February 25Weekly roundup on Thursday, February 26Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. We kick off season 5 with a check-in on the Oceanic 6. How are they doing? Not that well, as Kate has to flee from a pushy lawyer, Hurley's going viral in a compromising photo, and Ben's popping up to be menacing.Next week, we'll continue with season 5, episode 2, "The Lie." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Shrinking. This episode brings us that old sitcom standard: A new baby! And a huge crowd of people hanging around nervously (Brian) and bossily (Liz). Mentioned: Childbirth scenes on thirtysomething and ER.Next week, we'll continue with Shrinking S3 E4, "The Field." We'll be back tomorrow to discuss Lost.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a cozy mystery inspired by the Bernie Sanders mittens meme. It's called Feel the Bern (of course), and the author is Andrew Schaffer.Terri's random recommendation is a browser add-on called Wakeout, which prompts you to do a minute or two of exercises every time you open a new tab. (It's also available as an app.)In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2023 on real-life conversation hearts.Next week's lineup:Shrinking S3 E3, "D-Day," on Tuesday, February 17Lost S5 E1, "Because You Left," on Wednesday, February 18Weekly roundup on Thursday, February 19Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In the final two hours of season 4, the Oceanic Six finally, officially, leave the island. The island also leaves its former location, and Ben beats it, too, leaving Locke in charge. But we also know that that won't last forever. So, a lot to come in seasons 5 and 6. Next week, we'll continue with season 5, episode 1, "Because You Left." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Shrinking. This week, Paul was sidelined from his job, but still managed to provide some therapeutic and parenting advice to Derek. And Gabby vented her anger at Louis, but also nudged him to live his life instead of staying stuck in place.Next week, we'll continue with Shrinking S3 E3, "D-Day." We'll be back tomorrow to discuss Lost.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is the universe of graphic novels for kids. In addition to mainstays such as Pokémon, Captain Underpants, and Dog Man, you can find beloved series like Magic Tree House and Baby-Sitters Club in graphic novel format, along with classics including Pride and Prejudice. Also mentioned: Cobble Street Cousins series, Nancy Drew: Girl Detective.​Terri's random recommendation is geological (and meteorological) entities on social media, because they're a lot more fun than humans are. She suggests: the San Andreas Fault, Mt. St. Helens, the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Tahoe, Karl the Fog from San Francisco. Mentioned: Library humor on Instagram, like a game of James Patterson Go Fish.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2020 on parenting points challenges.Next week's lineup:Shrinking S3 E2, "Happiness Mission," on Tuesday, February 10Lost S4 E13/14, "There's No Place Like Home," parts 2 and 3, on Wednesday, February 11Weekly roundup on Thursday, February 12Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode kicks off the three-part season finale. The Oceanic Six are scattered from beach to jungle to freighter, with a very quiet baby in tow. However will they manage to get off the island?Next week, we'll endeavor to find out in season 4, episodes 13 and 14, "There's No Place Like Home, Parts 2 and 3." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday (formerly Wednesdays, but we've made a shift), we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, we're happy to be back with our friends from Shrinking. They're facing both new and evolving issues: an emptying nest, a refilling nest, a difficult diagnosis, and more. But they're doing it together.Next week, we'll continue with Shrinking S3 E2, "Happiness Mission." We'll be back tomorrow to discuss Lost.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a parenting book. Its title caught her eye, but it's not necessarily what it seems (who woulda thought?). That title is Just Do Nothing (for Parents): How to Parent Better By Doing Less by Joanna Hardis.​Terri's random recommendation is not to do nothing, but instead to pray regularly. The Prayminder app is helping her do that. Like an Apple Watch for the soul, it issues reminders to keep you on track.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019 on snow days, which are themselves becoming a thing of the past.Next week's lineup:Shrinking S3 E1, "My Bad," on Tuesday, February 3Lost S4 E12, "There's No Place Like Home," on Wednesday, February 4Weekly roundup on Thursday, February 5Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and for this week, we binged A Man on the Inside's season 2. As with last season, we enjoyed the gentle, loving Mike Schur sitcom of it all and the many wonderful actors, even if the mystery wasn't especially strong. Mentioned: a You've Got Mail scene and manic pixie dream girls.For next week, we'll switch up our order and discuss Lost on our Wednesday episode, and switch our newer series watch to Tuesdays with the return of Shrinking (season 3). We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. What made Locke the way he is, you ask? Well, you'll find out in this episode, and encounter some creepy characters from the island and its orbit along the way.Next week, we'll adjust our schedule a bit and continue with season 4, episode 12, "There's No Place Like Home, Part 1" on Wednesday. Tomorrow, we'll discuss a newer show, season 2 of A Man on the Inside.This episode was recorded before a live studio audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a nonfiction series for kids that starts with What If You Had Animal Teeth? and moves on through animal hair, scales, feet, eyes, and more. The author is Sandra Markle and the illustrator is Howard McWilliam, and we congratulate them on finding a hook and running with it.​Terri's random recommendation is twofold: First, the Big A## Calendar, which is currently organizing her life from its place on her office wall. But her second recommendation is to be more cautious with Facebook ads than she was. Think, and verify, before you buy!In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2022 on monetary motivation for kids.Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E11, "Cabin Fever" on Tuesday, January 27A Man on the Inside, season 2, on Wednesday, January 28Weekly roundup on Thursday, January 29Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. The season finale wrapped everything up in a fairly tidy bow, even including a wedding (for Francis's mom). Overall, we enjoyed this show, even as it swung from silly to serious and back.For next week, we'll binge all of season 2 of A Man on the Inside and discuss it on our Wednesday episode. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This was another Jack-is-a-mess episode, even though there was a brief period of things going well for him. But his bad dad came around to ruin it all, as he frequently does.Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 11, "Cabin Fever." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a book that made her chuckle and got us talking about the kids and pets we've named: The Terrible Meanings of Names: Or Why You Shouldn't Poke Your Giselle with a Barry, by Justin Cord Hayes.​Terri's random recommendation is the UPS app, because if you have an iPhone, you get a nifty widget that alerts you to the imminent arrival of all your packages.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2020 on daily leaps of faith.Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E10, "Something Nice Back Home" on Tuesday, January 20The Lowdown S1 E8, "The Sensitive Kind," on Wednesday, January 21Weekly roundup on Thursday, January 22Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. As we might expect from the penultimate episode of the season, things are looking very bad for Lee, as he makes the very poor decision to confront Pastor Mark in his own church (right after messing things up with Francis). Mentioned: TV critic Alan Sepinwall, who announced that the show will be back for a second season.Next Wednesday, we'll finish the season with season 1, episode 8, "The Sensitive Kind." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This Ben-centric episode gave us a face-to-face meeting of bad dads, as Ben paid Charles Widmore a visit. On the island, Locke's flock worked together to take care of Claire and Aaron, and Bernard showed off a new skill.Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 10, "Something Nice Back Home." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a title from our former podcast pal from the About.com years, Kathy Ceceri. Her book The Silk Road: Explore the World's Most Famous Trade Route is one of her earlier publications, but it's still on library shelves. Catherine's also encountered other books from authors she knows at the library: My Basmati Bat Mitzvah by Paula Freedman and My Neighbor Saw Me Naked: And Other Reasons You Need Drapes by Annie Elliott.​Terri's random recommendation is Taylor Swift: The End of an Era, the docuseries on Disney+. Watch if you're a Swiftie, or if you're curious about what happens behind the scenes of a production like the Eras tour. Mentioned: Shrinking season 3, coming soon.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021 on making New Year's resolutions for our families.Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E9, "The Shape of Things to Come" on Tuesday, January 13The Lowdown S1 E7, "Tulsa Turnaround," on Wednesday, January 14Weekly roundup on Thursday, January 15Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. Like the previous episode, this one featured an amazing performance from a beloved actor, Graham Greene, but no Francis. Also like many previous episodes, it featured Lee making some very dumb decisions. We need him to shape up, soon! Mentioned: Paul Sparks as Pastor Mark.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 7, "Tulsa Turnaround." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. Despite having seen this episode before, Terri had no recollection of it. It dropped a lot of exposition about what happened to Michael and Walt when they left the island (uh, nothing good), and ended with a tragedy for Alex, which we're guessing was all part of Ben's evil master plan.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 9, "The Shape of Things to Come." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is from the children's department, and introduces Terri to a current kid obsession, axolotls, with a picture book called Axolotl and Axolittle. It's a sibling tale by Jess Hitchman, with illustrations by Sarah Rebar.​Terri's random recommendation is also for your eyes and ears: a book, Future Boy, and an Audible series, The Film Makers. Mentioned: My Beloved: A Mitford Novel by Jan Karon.​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2022, Keeping Score on Family Squabbles.We will be off for the next two weeks for the holidays, but walking down memory lane on our social media. When we return:Lost S4 E8, "Meet Kevin Johnson," on Tuesday, January 6The Lowdown S1 E6, "Old Indian Trick," on Wednesday, January 7Weekly roundup on Thursday, January 8Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. Lee's reprieve from beatings and fights was short-lived, as this episode brought an old frenemy back into his life and they quickly came to blows. We didn't see much of Francis in this episode (Lee finally listened to our advice to leave her out of his dangerous life), but in return, we got a wonderful performance from Peter Dinklage. Mentioned: The Station Agent, also starring Dinklage.We're taking the next two weeks off for the holidays, so we'll continue with season 1, episode 6, "Old Indian Trick," on Wednesday, January 7. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode's format kept us fooled until the end: One character's story was told in flash-forwards, while another's was in flashbacks. Tricky! We also got more of Kate acting like a sassy teen, and a big reveal on the freighter.​We're taking a few weeks off for the holidays, so we'll continue with season 4, episode 8, "Meet Kevin Johnson," on Tuesday, January 6. Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a couple of titles that take inspiration from literary classics: Texts from Jane Eyre: And Other Conversations with Your Favorite Literary Characters by Daniel M. Lavery (from 2014) and Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen's Unsung Characters, a recently published anthology of nine tales. Mentioned: The Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery series. ​Terri's random recommendation is Mystic Monk Coffee. Her shipment finally arrived, after taking a detour from New Jersey to New Hampshire and back again, and she's pleased with the flavors. (But also, someone stop her before she orders more coffee.)In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2017 on making kids' issues our own. Mentioned: "I Miss My Ex's Dad" from Saturday Night Live.Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E7, "Ji Yeon," on Tuesday, December 16The Lowdown S1 E5, "This Land?," on Wednesday, December 17Weekly roundup on Thursday, December 18Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. Lee makes it through this episode with no new bruises or broken bones, which is a first. And while Allen Murphy seems not to be a threat any longer, his yet-to-be-revealed boss certainly is. Mentioned: Ty Mitchell as Jimmy.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 5, "This Land?." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. The previous episode, "The Constant," is a hard act to follow, and this one isn't really up to the job. It's best to look at it as an info dump to get us an inch or two closer to what we need to know. Sorry, Juliet, we know it's hard to be an Other! Mentioned: The Hoberman Sphere (the toy Terri likened to the ever-expanding romantic tanglements among the castaways and island-dwellers).​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 7, "Ji Yeon." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a pair of children's books for insect-lovers: Spi-Ku: A Clutter of Short Verse on Eight Legs and Bugs by master balloon artist Masayoshi Matsumoto (who you can also check out on Instagram). ​Terri's random recommendation is the flavored coffee sampler from Grounds & Hounds. If you hate flavored coffee, skip this one. But if you don't, you'll find the flavors tasty and the presentation gift-worthy.In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019 on holiday requirements (hint: we have very few).Next week's lineup:Lost S4 E6, "The Other Woman," on Tuesday, December 9The Lowdown S1 E4, "Short on Cowboys," on Wednesday, December 10Weekly roundup on Thursday, December 11Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. Per usual, Lee gets himself beaten up and captured by some bad guys, but this time, he charms them with his storytelling skills. Mentioned: Duster, another show where a precocious daughter tags along on dangerous missions.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 4, "Short on Cowboys." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. We've actually discussed this well-known and beloved episode before, in 2017, when Terri challenged Catherine to watch it. She liked it then and now, because you can appreciate the romance (and the need for a constant) even without having seen all that comes before.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 6, "The Other Woman." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

We're off this week, but not to worry: We have plenty of leftovers to reheat for you. This episode is from November 27, 2015. Enjoy!Was your Thanksgiving happy? Did you eat a lot of traditional family foods? Did many of them involve cream-of-mushroom soup, marshmallows, or Jello? To start off this week's group chat, we run through the many possibilities for turkey-day cuisine and draw the line at the things we will not eat. Or will, enthusiastically! It's like the battle of the Tootsie Rolls all over again.Next, we move on to the other big activity of this holiday weekend: trying to find good deals on holiday gifts. Do we rush out and elbow folks at the Walmart for the best deal on a big-screen TV, or do we hide at home with our computers and cybershop? We discuss the merits of online versus standing-on-line shopping, strategies for holiday cards and gift cards, how early in the year it's acceptable to care about this stuff, and the impossibility of shopping for spouses.Finally, we shared our recommendations for the week: Catherine suggests consulting her Round 3 podcast with grandparenting expert Susan Adcox on gift-giving issues; Terri mentioned our episode of Libsyn's Thanks, Podcasting! podcast; Amanda recommended an article on 8 Ways to Help Your Child With Food Sensitivities Enjoy the Holidays; and Nicole enjoyed reading about how sweet-potato casserole came to be.Thanks to Jon Morin for producing this episode and to Kristen Eredics for our happy in-and-out music.

We're off this week, but not to worry: We have plenty of leftovers to reheat for you. This episode is from November 27, 2017. Enjoy!​Cyber Monday Shopping: Will we be proactive about replacing things that are about to break or just keep clinging to them because we fear change?Make It a Habit: We have a checkered history when it comes to habit-forming. Does it count if we're good at creating the same good habits over and over again?Speed Round: We Can't Remember: What was it we were going to talk about? It must be written down here somewhere. (Mentioned: Google Inbox's snooze feature.)Roundabout Roundup: Catherine is using dinner prep kits from her local supermarket, while Nicole is using Instacart to have the market come to her. And Terri's feeling productive with the Tide app.Shameless Self-Promotion: Preschoolers' Fears Explained; pre-order Nicole's book at Brookes Publishing and save 10% with the code Eredics; fun and shareable quotes from the podcast on Facebook.Thanks to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music.

We're off this week, but not to worry: We have plenty of leftovers to reheat for you. This episode is from November 25, 2016. Enjoy!On this week's group chat, we talk about special-occasion pressure, discuss the start of the holiday shopping season on our Friday speed round, shout out some stuff we like on the Roundabout Roundup, take a quiz about table manners, and do some shameless self-promotion. Here's your road map to the episode:Holiday Downsizing — Extended family all loving and rosy-cheeked around a food-stacked table is a heartwarming image, but the fact of it sometimes gives us heartburn. We talk about the pressure — external and internal — to have a portrait-worthy holiday and our attempts to bring expectations down to snapshot size.Speed Round: Do You Shop on Black Friday? — Some folks can't wait to hit the stores for bargains, some would rather jump off a cliff than go fight strangers for sales items, and some find the whole idea of making Thanksgiving weekend all about commerce offensive. Turns out, we're not quite any of those.Parenting Roundabout Roundup — Terri enjoys just looking at the homepage loop for the time-tracking site toggl (click on the little speaker in the corner for the perfect accompanying music); Catherine enjoyed a roundup of Fitness Marshall dance videos on Buzzfeed; and Nicole appreciated an article about coaches.A Well-Mannered Quiz — In place of our usual interview segment, Catherine came up with a quiz about etiquette rules for children that may have you using your napkin in a whole new way.Shameless Self-Promotion — Terri shared a special-needs version of the "Would You Rather" meme; Catherine offered some help on dealing with sports parent burnout; and Nicole will have an article up on the Friendship Circle blog any time now.Thanks to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a series of picture books by Helen Lester starring the disheveled but lovable Tacky the Penguin. Plus, a middle-grade read called The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow.​Terri's random recommendation has come, once again, from the Facebook Reels algorithm. It's the That Was Us podcast, a This Is Us rewatch podcast hosted by actors Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan.​Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode (week 10, the semi-finals).In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019, Parenting Let-Downs.Next week, we'll be off for Thanksgiving, but will be sharing some of our past turkey-themed chats on social media. After that, we'll return to our regular lineup:Lost S4 E5, "The Constant," on Tuesday, December 2The Lowdown S1 E3, "Dinosaur Memories" on Wednesday, December 3Weekly roundup on Thursday, December 4Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. The show has great casting and writing, even if the plot is a bit hard to follow (that's why Lee needs a big ol' murder board to keep track of it all). Mentioned: Scott Shepherd as menacing, fleece vest-wearing Allen Murphy.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 3, "Dinosaur Memories." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode was a great big fakeout leading to the reveal of another member of the Oceanic Six. Also, Ben's facial trauma makeup artist is back, and Ben still knows how to get Locke's goat. Mentioned: "You gotta see the baby!" on Seinfeld.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 5, "The Constant." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is Seriously Good Chili Cookbook: 177 of the Best Recipes in the World, which prompted a look at other celebrities who've published cookbooks (and a shout-out to their savvy publicists and unsung ghostwriters). Mentioned: Kevin spills the chili on The Office and the 2010 Primetime Emmys opening number.​Terri's random recommendation is her daughter's new employer, Chick-fil-A! Get yourself some waffle fries to celebrate. Mentioned: "Chick-fil-A (...But It's Sunday)" from Bobby Bones.Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode (week 9, celebrating the show's 20th birthday).In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019, Parenting Do-Overs. Mentioned: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.Next week's lineup: Lost S4 E4, "Eggtown," on Tuesday, November 18The Lowdown S1 E2, "The Devil's Mama" on Wednesday, November 19Weekly roundup on Thursday, November 20Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and as of this week, that's The Lowdown. It stars Ethan Hawke as the kind of person whose mouth (and pen; he's a journalist of sorts) often gets him punched in the face. He does have a smart and savvy daughter who, so far, doesn't want to injure him. Mentioned: Duster, Perry Mason, Alan Sepinwall's review of this episode.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 2, "The Devil's Mama." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This mostly flash-forward episode identified another one of the Oceanic Six and showed us yet another way that Ben has found to torture the castaways. On the island: Love triangle! Sneaky deal-making! A secret room full of passports and cash!​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 4, "Eggtown." Tomorrow, we'll kick off our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a pair of twisty, plot-filled novels. She recommends them both: A Very Inconvenient Scandal by Jacquelyn Mitchard and All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman.​Terri's random recommendation is another book: A memoir by TV and film producer Ed Zwick called Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood. Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Mentioned: Mournful covers of "Hey Ya," "Take on Me," and "Love Shack.".​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021, Parent Saving Time.Next week's lineup: Lost S4 E3, "The Economist," on Tuesday, November 11The Lowdown S1 E1, "Pilot" on Wednesday, November 12Weekly roundup on Thursday, November 13Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. This was the season finale, so per usual, the murders were solved, and another body was discovered. While the show has drifted from its original focus, it's still an enjoyable watch, as long as you don't care about logic or a plot that hangs together.Next Wednesday, we'll kick off a new watch: The Lowdown on Hulu. It comes from Sterlin Harjo, who also created Reservation Dogs, another show we enjoyed very much. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we get four new characters (there have been some deaths; it was time to restock), along with flashbacks for all of them. Plus, the brief and somewhat triumphant return of Vincent the dog.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 3, "The Economist." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is an important addition in the field of Teaching Children Through Scatological Humor: It's the third Butt or Face book, Butt or Face 3: Super Gross Butts.​Terri's random recommendation is on vacation this week as Catherine reports on her recent trip to Venice, Italy!Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's Halloween episode..​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021, Feelings About Fundraisers.Next week's lineup: Lost S4 E2, "Confirmed Dead," on Tuesday, November 4Only Murders in the Building S5 E10, "The House Always..." on Wednesday, November 5Weekly roundup on Thursday, November 6Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. Since we missed discussing the show last week, we doubled up this time and covered E8, "Cuckoo Chicks," and E9, "LESTR." These featured some fun scenes, but we're still scratching our heads over the mystery itself. Best to just enjoy the actors and let the plot wash over you. Mentioned: The official OMITB podcast, hosted by Michael Cyril Creighton.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss the season 5 finale of Only Murders in the Building. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we're flashing forward with Hurley, whose post-island life seems pretty similar to his pre-island life, in several meaningful ways. Meanwhile, on the island, the castaways are splitting into factions, making for some interesting combinations. Mentioned: Lance Reddick as newly introduced baddie (? unconfirmed, seems like a safe assumption) Matthew Abaddon.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 2, "Confirmed Dead." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is what her library calls "Boomerang Books." These are titles that aren't cataloged and can't be checked out. You can just borrow them for as long as you need them, then bring them back for the next person to enjoy. Mentioned: Beach Read by Emily Henry, Little Free Libraries.​Terri's random recommendation is Dancing with the Stars-themed this week. She suggests checking out the DWTS episodes of celebrity contestant Danielle Fishel's podcast, Pod Meets World, as well as the official DWTS podcast, hosted by last season's winner, Joey Graziadei. And of course, you can hear our thoughts every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's Wicked-themed episode.​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2017 that asked, Should Teens Trick-or-Treat?.Next week's lineup: Lost S4 E1, "The Beginning of the End," on Tuesday, October 28Only Murders in the Building S5 E8 and E9 on Wednesday, October 29Weekly roundup on Thursday, October 30Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Usually on Wednesdays, we discuss a newer entertainment property. But since yesterday's Lost episode was tantalizingly close to the end of season 3, we decided to bump Only Murders in the Building and devote today's chat to the two-hour season 3 finale, "Through the Looking Glass." People die, people almost die, people seem to be dead but aren't really dead. People seem to be in the past when they're in the future. People seem to be on Team Ben or Team Jack or Team Anyone But Those Two. We're still waiting to untangle this web of motivation and allegiances, so on to season 4!​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 1, "The Beginning of the End." And next Wednesday, we'll return to Only Murders in the Building for season 5, episodes 8 and 9. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we actually get a series of pretty happy flashbacks to the "greatest hits" of Charlie's life. Of course, this is because he's resigned himself to his fate, which is to die to save Claire, Aaron, and the rest of his friends. Plus: Complicated plans are put in place for the big season finale.​Tomorrow, we'll finish season 3 with episode 22, "Through the Looking Glass." Next Tuesday, we'll kick off season 4 with "The Beginning of the End," and return to Only Murders in the Building the following day (Wednesday, 10/29).​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.