This is Week One of the #MaxFunDrive and you can join or upgrade your membership and get awesome thank-you gifts at maximumfun.org/join -- AND WE THANK YOU. Biz is joined by Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen to unpack parenting and work in the time of Covid-19. Parents are being asked to do impossible things right now as we all try to figure out how to work and take care of our children and educate our children. We all know that something needs to change. Where will the support come from and what ...
Jul 15, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 363
Biz is joined again by special guest co-host Rebecca Blum to talk about all things stepparenting. Rebecca tells us about her journey becoming a Stepmom. What happens when kids show up in your house and you are suddenly a parent without any time to practice? Rebecca reminds us what we have already learned time and time again: be kind to each other because you never know what someone else is going through. Plus, Biz feels pressure and we announce this year's Max Fun Drive! Check out Theresa’s book...
Jul 08, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 362
Biz is joined by guest co-host Rebecca Blum this week to talk about how our children see the future. What do our kids think adulthood will be like? We revisit the games we played as kids that fed our fantasies of life as grown ups. If life turned out like the game MASH, then we would all be married to our childhood crushes and live in mansions. Do we crush are children’s visions of the future or let them dream? “Sure you’ll live with Mama forever. Your partner will LOVE it!" Plus, Biz is trying ...
Jul 01, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 361
Biz and Theresa would like for everyone to stop touching us. Everyone is regressing during the pandemic, which we understand, but also, we don't like it! Our kids have to be on our bodies at all times and sometimes we just want them to leave us alone. Plus, Biz is the jacks master, Theresa is back, and we talk with Lydia Elle about helping our kids and ourselves be AntiRacist. Learn more about Lydia Elle and her course called "We Need To Talk" on her website at LydiaElle.com . Also, check out he...
Jun 25, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 360
Biz is joined by author and activist Anastasia Higginbotham to talk about how to discuss deeply uncomfortable topics with our kids. Would you rather try to get your toddler to wear mittens or would you rather talk with your kid about death? Let's be honest, both are difficult things to do, but one may be the real parenting job. Anastasia’s books cover topics like death, sex and whiteness and we cannot recommend them enough. Plus, Biz is a steely ship and we are all still doing a good job. Follow...
Jun 17, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 359
Biz is joined in the virtual studio by James Arthur M., host of Maximum Fun's Minority Korner podcast. We talk about ways in which parents can educate our kids to be anti-racists. We are on the front lines of human rights activism by teaching our children about equity and equality. Follow James on his website at mjamesarthur.com and on Twitter @JamesArthur_M . Find out more about his Saturday Zoom dance classes here . Get involved at JoinCampaignZero.org . Minority Korner Listicle Doc of Books f...
Jun 10, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 358
Biz is joined by Renee Colvert, from Can I Pet Your Dog? We start the show off and end with a reflection on the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in from the continued threat of the pandemic to the centuries long threat of injustice towards people of color. As parent, we are on the front lines to teach our children to understand the issues around racism, privilege, and history. We also talk about boredom. "I'm bored!" is something we are hearing 8 or 9 times a day with all this time stuc...
Jun 04, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 357
Summer is here. While there is a lot that we cannot do right now, we can sit back and bask in the warmth of the Genius Fail Spectacular Plus Rants. Check out Theresa’s book! It Feels Good To Be Yourself is available now wherever books are sold. Our book You’re Doing A Great Job!: 100 Ways You’re Winning at Parenting! is available wherever books are sold. Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of MaximumFun.org . Our sponsors this week are Story Time Chess and Care...
May 28, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 356
Biz and Theresa talk about trying. Whether it's art projects, quality time, walks outside or just keeping everyone safe and fed, we try and try and try. We want to make things fun for our kids, and then it blows up in our faces. Trying is really hard!! Plus, Biz wears an Ellis suit, Theresa is back again, and we speak with Angela Siefer about digital inclusion. Follow Angela Siefer on Twitter @angelasiefer and visit her website at AngelaSiefer.com . National Digital Inclusion Alliance: https://w...
May 21, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 355
Biz is joined by guest co-host Drea Clark, producer, film festival programmer, and podcaster. We discuss how motherhood is portrayed in the movies, from the effortless high-heel wearing mothers of the 50's and 60's, to the outright terrible mothers in horror films, and the surprising representation in action movies. Drea gives us a movie mom watch list that we can get behind. Plus, Biz is slipping, we miss Theresa, and we talk to Chloe Cooney about her article, " The Parents Are Not All Right ."...
May 14, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 354
Biz and Theresa want to know when all this will be over. Are we there yet?? In this stay-at-home "journey," all we want to know is, how close are we to being done with this? Just like a road trip to Grandma's house, we want to know how many more songs we need to play until this trip is complete. Plus, Biz is wallowing, Theresa is back, and we talk with Courtney Enlow about trying to be a Superhero during these times. Follow Courtney on Twitter @Courtenlow and on Instagram at courtneyenlow . List...
May 07, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 353
Biz is joined by guest co-host Renee Culvert from the podcast, Can I Pet Your Dog? How does COVID-19 affect how we interact with other people's animals? What does it look like to have a dog during this time? Plus, Biz feels normal, we miss Theresa, and we talk with Bess Kalb about her new book, Nobody Will Tell You This But Me. Follow Bess on Twitter @bessbell and on her website at besskalb.com . Her book, Nobody Will Tell You This But Me , is available now. Mental Health Resources: Suicide Prev...
Apr 30, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 352
Biz and Theresa revisit an old college drinking game with a new parenting-during-a-pandemic spin. Never have I ever allowed my children to climb all over me while I eat dinner. "Drink!" We find ourselves doing things differently during this not-normal time, for the better and the worse. Plus, Biz marks the passage of time and Theresa loves Jesse. Check out Theresa’s book! It Feels Good To Be Yourself is available now wherever books are sold. Our book You’re Doing A Great Job!: 100 Ways You’re Wi...
Apr 23, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 353
Biz and Theresa are reminded that this isn't actually normal, even if sometimes our brains try to trick us into thinking that it is. Why is this so hard? Oh yeah...this is absolutely not normal! Also, we are not really doing "fine." It is helpful to acknowledge that and to remember that we are all doing a good job during this very not-normal time. Plus, Biz revisits cake parenting, Theresa doesn't want to wait, and we talk with Scotty Iseri of The Imagine Neighborhood podcast . Follow Scotty on ...
Apr 16, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 352
Biz and Theresa ask a very important question: How are you? No, really...how are you? We dedicate the entire topic to exploring this question that, although never has a simple answer, has become even more complicated. Have we figured out how to homeschool? Is there crying in homeschool? Have we figured out our routines? Is crying part of the routine? Are we tired of questions and ready for complete silence by 3 pm everyday? Yes. Hard yes. Plus, Biz doesn't want to be competitive, Theresa starts ...
Apr 09, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 351
Biz and Theresa ponder how the “stay at home” order really amps up the idea that when things go wrong for our kids, it is “ALL YOUR FAULT!!!” “Why didn’t you tell me there was an art assignment? Even though I saw everything you did, you should have told me!” Can we just reply, “We didn’t tell you because we want to ruin your life?” The extra patience we have to call upon is intense and self blame is creeping around every corner. Plus, Biz has a secret and Theresa gets musical. Suicide Prevention...
Apr 02, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 350
Biz and Theresa find ourselves in a familiar place: we need help but feel overwhelmed by ALL the “help.” Social distancing and stay at home orders, closed schools and working from home….yep…everything we ever discussed on the show just got dialed up to eleven. Plus, Biz has a list and Theresa is at home in the world. Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call or chat. They are here to help anyone in crisis. Adults, children, LGBTQ, disaster survivors, you name it, they can help. https://suicidepreventionl...
Mar 26, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 349
With most of us confined to our homes and the MaxFunDrive placed on hold, Biz and Theresa drop everything this week to recognize as many of your awesome pandemic-related genius moments as possible. Together we recognize the struggle, accept that it won’t be pretty but it will be something, remember to take the good ideas when they come, and remember that no one is doing “pandemic winning” at us. It is weird out there and we are all doing a good job at least once a day, so join us in celebrating ...
Mar 18, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 348
Biz and Theresa talk about what it is REALLY like when we are home all day with the kids…or better yet…the whole family. Be it a weekend, a sick day, school breaks…summer…it seems like a fun idea in theory but there are a LOT of hours in a day. A lot. Sleep isn’t even safe. Plus, Biz is scared of an uncertain future, Theresa is on edge, and we talk to Ann Napolitano's about her new novel, Dear Edward. Follow Ann on Twitter @NapolitanoAnn . Her new book, Dear Edward, is available now ! Check out ...
Mar 12, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 347
Biz and Theresa discuss what “alone time” means to us (...besides a code for masturbation). Plus, Biz is dreaming about summer, Theresa has a Target adventure, and we talk to author Aida Salazar about moon ceremonies, celebrating gender expansive kids coming of age, and her beautiful new middle grade novel, The Moon Within . Find out more about Aida Salazar at Aidasalazar.com . Her book The Moon Within is available now and we highly recommend it! Check out Theresa’s book! It Feels Good To Be You...
Mar 05, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 346
Biz and Theresa discuss our kids’ ability to exploit “Mama’s weaknesses.” "Just one more game?" "You love donuts, can we get donuts?” “Let’s do a movie night!” Sure, it sounds fun, but there are limits that need to be reinforced and bedtimes that need to be kept! We can’t say yes every time…can we? Plus, the lies come easy for Biz, Theresa is full of crisp mountain air, and we talk to Lauren Schneider of Our House Grief Support Center about handling grief as parents. Find out more about Our Hous...
Feb 27, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 345
Biz and Theresa revisit the trash our kids want to keep. Did we say trash? Treasure! We mean treasure. How have our opinions changed about what to keep and what to toss? If we open a box labeled “kindergarten art” five years after tucking it away in storage, do we still want to save it? Really? Plus, Biz gets the guilt job and Theresa finally shows up. Check out Theresa’s book! It Feels Good To Be Yourself is available now wherever books are sold. Our book You’re Doing A Great Job!: 100 Ways You...
Feb 20, 2020•58 min•Ep. 344
Biz and Theresa get ready for a visit from Aunt Flo. Just like all family visits, some are welcome and some are not. That's right, we're talking about our periods! We reflect on our experiences getting our periods and discuss how we can prepare our children for puberty. Plus, Biz has a bad feeling about this, Theresa can’t live with them and can’t live without them, and we talk to Maureen Theresa Smith, author of Your Moontime Magic: A Girl's Guide to Getting Your Period and Loving Your Body . C...
Feb 13, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 343
Biz and Theresa play doctor and realize we may not be qualified. As soon as we become parents are we suddenly supposed to be medical practitioners? Is “Stop picking it!” not good enough? Plus, Biz visits the stars, rest may not be the best medicine for Theresa, and we talk with Molly Bloom of the podcasts Brains On! and Smash Boom Best . Follow Molly on Twitter @Mollyb and find out more about Brains On! at Brainson.org . You can listen to Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and the history podcast Forev...
Feb 06, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 342
Biz and Theresa try to figure out why we can’t seem to solve our personal challenges the same way we used to, by making a plan and then sticking to it. Surprise! Turns out there are a LOT of reasons why what used to work may not work now that we have kids in our houses. Do we sense a recurring theme here?!?! Plus, Biz misses consistency, Theresa is still ruining birthdays, and we talk to Patrice Karst and Dr. Dana Wyss about helping children process grief, loss and separation with the new Invisi...
Jan 30, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 341
Biz and Theresa hang ten as we ride the waves of parenthood enjoyment. Is it something that is out of our control or do we have the power to control the tides? More importantly, can we use MORE wave metaphors? Yes. Plus Biz wonders if a witness makes it real and Theresa takes the Docs for a walk. Check out Theresa’s new book! It Feels Good To Be Yourself is available now wherever books are sold. Our book You’re Doing A Great Job!: 100 Ways You’re Winning at Parenting! is available wherever books...
Jan 23, 2020•59 min•Ep. 340
Biz and Theresa talk about a thing that keeps happening where our six-year-olds are going along, having The Best Day Ever, and then suddenly something switches and they decide their day is ruined and it is all Mama's fault . Sure, our kids' emotional regulation skills are in the process of emerging, but that doesn't change the fact that it really sucks to get yelled at! Especially after we just spent hours facilitating play dates and/or engaging in quality time activities with our kids. Plus, Bi...
Jan 16, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 339
Biz and Theresa take turns RIPPING the bandage of trust off our children. Plus, Biz believes there are two types of people in the world and Theresa has frozee toezees! Check out Theresa’s new book! It Feels Good To Be Yourself is available now wherever books are sold. Our book You’re Doing A Great Job!: 100 Ways You’re Winning at Parenting! is available wherever books are sold. Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of MaximumFun.org . Our sponsors this week are M...
Jan 09, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 338
Let's celebrate the decade with our 4th Ever HOLIDAY Genius Fail Spectacular Plus Rants show ...take that 20-teens! No matter how much you loved or hated the last 10 years, let's bask in the glory of how we are all killing it, in good and bad ways. You are doing a good job! Check out Theresa’s new book! It Feels Good To Be Yourself is available now wherever books are sold. Our book You’re Doing A Great Job!: 100 Ways You’re Winning at Parenting! is available wherever books are sold. Thank you to...
Jan 02, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 337
Biz and Theresa ponder the age old concept: “It’s cute, till it isn’t.” Be it singing or asking questions or adorable bedtime routines, it’s all cute…till it isn’t. Does it stop being cute with time? When we’re out of patience? When a friend stops by and we notice they don’t think it’s cute? Plus, Biz brought the fudge, Theresa makes some changes and we talk to Jen Lumanlan of the podcast Your Parenting Mojo. You can download Your Parenting Mojo wherever you listen to podcasts or at Yourparentin...
Dec 19, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 336
