Taking a Moment

Having kids? Now? In this pandemic? Oh my!    Jessica Troconis joins Amy and Michael to discuss how parenthood impacts self-identity, having a "geriatric" pregnancy in her mid-thirties, honest conversations with partners about wanting a family (or not), IVF, and traveling with a newborn.    Oh, and she spills long-hidden secrets that the Parents' Illuminati don't want you to know.

Troublesome institutions. Spiritual shapeshifting. Hijacked wedding ceremonies.   Bethany Grove joins Amy and Michael to discuss how our beliefs can change with age, faith-inspired anti-racism work, and the fear of messing up. Married at 22, Bethany shares the impact on her faith, life, and marriage after leaving a toxic institution; Michael discusses growing up gay in Midwest Christian culture; and Amy airs her religious grievances.    Oh, and Lil Nas X is talked about, of course.

Fertility tests. DINKs. Babysitting dread.   Join Amy and Michael as they discuss the question that launched a thousand crises (and this podcast): deciding to have kids or not. They cover Amy's journey to figure out an answer, considerations for queer families, and finding peace when you're an overthinker.    Oh, and Amy and Michael's toxic traits.

LLCs. Rainforest Cafe. Friend breakups.   Themed-entertainment professional Jamie Bartkowicz joins Amy and Michael as they discuss how Jamie became an entrepreneur, the importance of mental health, and advice for those looking to start a business.    Oh, and the tipping point when selfies go from cute to chaotic.   You can connect with Jamie and her business on Instagram (@theessentialartdepartment) and Facebook (The Essential Art Department).

Buyer's remorse. Imposter syndrome. Bible-endorsed financial advice.   Join Amy and Michael as they discuss the possibility and predicament of owning a home, and renting vs buying (vs having a pet vs travel vs dreams).    Oh, and how life is so unfair.

Catfishing. Saying "I love you" drunk. DIY Bachelor contests.   Dating expert Sarah Lynn Robinson—featured in The New York Times, and more importantly, on the anonymous celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi—joins Amy and Michael to discuss dating on the other side of 30. They chat about Sarah's recent adventure in an online Bachelor-like contest vying for an all-inclusive trip to Tulum, being kicked off Raya, and when it's acceptable to add a significant other to your Contacts list (spoiler: it's marriage).    Oh, and a date that ended up in a cease-and-desist-like situation.   You can connect with Sarah on Instagram (@appyending), TikTok (@appyending) or her website (findyourappyending.com).

Pride Month saints. The Great Resignation. Birthing videos in home ec class.   Join Amy and Michael as they delve into what career satisfaction means to them, when a job becomes a career, the cute cute Boomer economy, Michael dining with his Emmy, and Beyonce's Sasha Fierce era.    Oh, and Michael has a "map moment."

Grindr phases. Christian Mingle. Bigfoot fanatics.   Join Amy and Michael as they explore the ways dating has changed over the years. They discuss judgments, trusting your gut, the ever elusive "spark," who is Spanx-worthy, and whether a gay man's constantly-changing hair color is a cry for help.    Oh, and a date with a Bigfoot lover.

Join Amy and Michael as they overshare, underachieve, and get vulnerable about navigating This Time of Life™ and the collective confusion it brings. For the overthinkers, the indecisive, the flabbergasted going through a quarter- or mid-life crisis—this podcast is for you.