Turning This Car Around - podcast cover

Turning This Car Around

Lex Friedman, John Moltz and Jon Armstrongart19.com

America's number one best and favorite podcast about fatherhood hosted by Lex Friedman, John Moltz and Jon Armstrong.

Turning This Car Around is a podcast about parenthood from three dads, Lex Friedman, John Moltz and Jon Armstrong. You can follow us collectively on Twitter as @ttcashow

Follow us on Tumblr!


Lex Friedman is the Chief Revenue Officer at ART19. He is a pretty important guy in the world of podcasting. He's also a writer; he authored humor books like The Snuggie Sutra and The Kid in the Crib.

He was also a senior contributor to Macworld, an author of technology books, and the co-host of Not Playing, a podcast where Dan Moren and Lex watch movies that everyone else has already seen. Mr. Friedman was formerly the cohost of Unprofessional.

Lex’s blog is called Lex, Briefly.

Lex lives with his wife and three kids in New Jersey.

Follow Lex on Twitter


You might know John Moltz as a person on the Internet. Many people do! However, he also appears in other guises, sometimes as a large, golden bull and others as a phalanx of beautiful swans! Usually, however, he appears as a guy working at a desk. Other important points that John Moltz would like to share:

  • John Moltz is fluent in English and conversational in two other languages.
  • John Moltz is the ship that made the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs. He’s fast enough for you, old man.
  • John Moltz is actually made up of thousands of smaller John Moltzes, all furiously working tiny little gears to keep the larger construct you know as “John Moltz” functioning.
  • John Moltz is a little too comfortable talking about himself in the third person.


Jon Armstrong is a long time blogger at the barely alive Blurbomat, a UX/UI consultant, a web/business developer, a photographer and the impetus for this show. In a past life he executive produced a popular blog and ran the business. Yes, business. Turning This Car Around marks Armstrong’s first foray into podcasting.

You can see his photos on Flickr and Instagram.

Follow Jon on Twitter

Jon splits time between Brooklyn, New York and Salt Lake City, Utah. Armstrong has two wonderful and amazing biological children and two also wonderful almost-stepchildren.

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Episodes

211: Car Terrors

Jon talks about the Black Mirror episode Arkangel. Jon reminisces about his dad's Volkswagen Rabbit and Moltz about his parents Chevy Malibu Classic wagon. Moltz still likes the looks of the Saab 900 Turbo. Jon and kids liked Ready Player One. Our thanks to March of Dimes. For every parent who’s ever done a frantic online search at 2:00 AM. For the first days home from the hospital, and every long night after that. For every family who’s ever lost a child. For every healthy mom and strong baby. ...

Apr 13, 201846 min

210: Spring Break, Dad Edition

Lex would like to talk about his Swagger Wagon. The guy you might recognize is Brian Huskey. Armstrong recommends the game Werewolf. Our thanks to March of Dimes. For every parent who’s ever done a frantic online search at 2:00 AM. For the first days home from the hospital, and every long night after that. For every family who’s ever lost a child. For every healthy mom and strong baby. March of Dimes is there... Join us at MarchOfDimes.org/TTCA. Follow us: @ttcashow. Lex Friedman can be found @l...

Apr 06, 201838 min

209: Professional Dad Opinions

Do not click on this link to Share My Shit, it is only being included for completeness. Our thanks to CanvasPeople.com, a really easy to use Photo-to-Canvas service that takes your favorite photo memories and turns them into beautiful artwork for you to enjoy every day. Use promo code "TTCA" to get a FREE 11x14 canvas, you just pay shipping! Our thanks as well to Perfume.com for sponsoring this episode. With more than 7,000 women’s and men’s fragrances, it's the perfect place to get a Valentine'...

Mar 29, 201829 min

208: I don't need that

Here's how to delete your Facebook account or just lie to them. Looks like it's time to regulate companies like this. Jon says the kids like VSCO. 99 texting acronyms your kids might be using. Hank ready to do Easter battle. Our thanks to Away, high-quality luggage that is designed to be resilient, resourceful, and essential to the way you travel. The Carry-On is able to charge anything that’s powered by a USB cord – a single charge will power your iPhone five times. For $20 off a suitcase, visi...

Mar 24, 201846 min

207: It's Been Awhile

Jon and kids liked Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. Please enjoy The Wolverine podcast. Or the trailer for Avengers: Infinity War. Our thanks to Care.com for sponsoring this episode. Care.com helps you find any kind of care help you need: babysitters, nannies, dog walkers and elder care. Go to Care.com/TTCA and you'll get 30 percent off a premium membership. Our thanks as well to Perfume.com for sponsoring this episode. With more than 7,000 women’s and men’s fragrances, it's the perfect place to ...

Mar 17, 201838 min

206: Old Men Talking

A terrific and sad read about Ichiro Suzuki. Jon suggests the Star Wars Force Bands for the Sphero. The OP-1 keyboard from Teenage Engineering looks pretty cool, but expensive. Their Pocket Operators are pretty cool, too, at $50. This thread that started with a girl who likes Star Wars is terrific. Back in the day, we had to rely on toys like The StarBird. Jon had the Magnavox Odyssey and Moltz had the Fairchild Channel F. The Big Trak is probably the closest '70s analog to the Sphero. What toys...

Mar 09, 201850 min

205: Not In An Armstrong Way

Hank used to play tetherball in all kinds of weather. Lex speaks of the movie The Tall Guy. Lex and his daughter are reading The Ocean At The End Of The Lane. Lex plugs a podcast from his DEAR FRIENDS Scott Aukerman and Adam Scott called R U Talkin' R.E.M. RE: ME? Our thanks as well to Perfume.com for sponsoring this episode. With more than 7,000 women’s and men’s fragrances, it's the perfect place to get a Valentine's gift. Get free shipping, free returns AND an extra 25% OFF with the code TTCA...

Mar 03, 201837 min

204: The Kids Are Alright

This week: Liam is turning seven, we don't want our kids buying guns and we think maybe young kids shouldn't walk out of schools when high schoolers protest. Meanwhile, Kathy Lee Gifford thinks "the F word" maybe is "fart." Lex likes HotelTonight for $80 hotels in New York City. Queer Eye on Netflix is wonderful. Lex's wife Lauren was once made over on Queer Eye For the Straight Girl. Armstrong loves the Triple Jump. Our thanks to CanvasPeople.com, a really easy to use Photo-to-Canvas service th...

Feb 23, 201840 min

203: Kool Aid House on a River of Guns

Jon speaks highly of Black Panther. What type of flu do you have? Should a kid with rumpled hair and pants too small for him raise red flags? The Olympics feature the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Leslie Jones's Olympics twitter coverage is the thrill of victory. McSweeney's asks that you please not get murdered at school today. Our thanks to Perfume.com for sponsoring this episode. Get free shipping, free returns AND an extra 25% OFF with the code TTCA25 at Perfume.com! Our thanks ...

Feb 17, 201846 min

202: Work Emergency Possibly Involving Wolverine

If you haven't heard, Lex's favorite team won the Super Bowl. He might have gotten a little emotional. Jon wonders if the iPad is computer enough. Moltz's family used to have this wicked boss Betamax. Check out some of Jon's pics. Our thanks to Perfume.com for sponsoring this episode. With more than 7,000 women’s and men’s fragrances, it's the perfect place to get a Valentine's gift. Get free shipping, free returns AND an extra 25% OFF with the code TTCA25 at Perfume.com! Our thanks also to Cont...

Feb 09, 201847 min

201: Steam Cleaning and Salad Questions

Do you know the history of the Caesar salad? Our thanks also to the new podcast, Life on the Fast Track. Cheer on three girl scouts as they design, build and race wooden cars in the Ford Girls Fast Track Races. Download and subscribe to Life on the Fast Track wherever you get your podcasts. Our thanks also to Sleep Number, the best sleep of your life. In honor of 52 years of football’s favorite Sunday, take $52 off any item over $100 from Sleep Number. Find a Sleep Number store near you at Sleep...

Feb 02, 201841 min

200: Self-Waterboarding

This year's flu is pretty gnarly. If you get it, what should you do? Look beautiful, of course. Jon suggests NeilMed, presumably made by guys named Neil. Does your baby have snot? Just suck it out. But, please, not like this. The 2018 Women's March did pretty well. Support for this episode comes from Health IQ. Health IQ gets you lower rates on life insurance for living a health-conscious lifestyle. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ.com/TTCA or mention the promo code T...

Jan 25, 201851 min

199: Best Fathering ProTips: Top 300 ways to embarass your kids

Please enjoy this Reddit thread on how to embarrass your kids. Kids, dont eat Tide pods. What is the matter with you? Support for this episode comes from Health IQ. Health IQ gets you lower rates on life insurance for living a health-conscious lifestyle. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ.com/TTCA or mention the promo code TTCA when you talk to a Health IQ agent. Our thanks also to the new podcast, Life on the Fast Track. Cheer on three girl scouts as they design, build...

Jan 19, 201844 min

198: Doing It Wrong. Again.

Science proves Moltz right about smoke detector batteries. If, like Moltz, you haven't been on Radiator Springs Racers at Disney, you can see a taste of it here (the actual racing part starts about five minutes in). Our thanks to Care.com for sponsoring this episode. Care.com helps you find any kind of care help you need: babysitters, nannies, dog walkers and elder care. Go to Care.com/TTCA and you'll get 30 percent off a premium membership. Our thanks also to Sleep Number, the best sleep of you...

Jan 12, 201843 min

197: Snownado 2018

No Armstrong this week but Lex and Moltz talk about snow, skiing and air travel. Moltz blew his buffer and couldn't remember the name of Whistler. Despite Moltz's belief that they're falling out of the sky left and right, air travel was extraordinarily safe in 2017. Support for this episode comes from Health IQ. Health IQ gets you lower rates on life insurance for living a health-conscious lifestyle. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ.com/TTCA or mention the promo code ...

Jan 05, 201837 min

196: Not Good With Babies

Lex made a candy bar and was forced to dress up (https://www.instagram.com/p/BdDpbBqHsu7/?taken-by=lexfri) ridiculously for the privilege. He then tortured one of his children on this ride: https://www.instagram.com/p/BdGKVuEnFFH/?taken-by=lexfri As if that wasn't enough, he got handsy with Reeses Peanut Butter Cup (https://www.instagram.com/p/BdGOgZGHOmu/?taken-by=lexfri) and a jar of chocolate syrup (https://www.instagram.com/p/BdGYF1fH13T/?taken-by=lexfri). We also recommend not killing your ...

Dec 29, 201728 min

195: Have a Nice Xmas

Jon and Moltz have enjoyed a little move called Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Moltz recommends the holiday song Fairytale of New York even though it has a slur in it. Lex is partial to Wonderful Christmastime. One of Jon's favorites is Darlene Love's version of Christmas (Baby Please Come). Liam makes a plea for a podcast explaining Christian holidays. The Santa Clause trilogy (yes, it's apparently a trilogy) is actually pretty dark. Someone is going to be enjoying the Sphero R2-D2 this Christmas we...

Dec 23, 201741 min

194: Video Mad Libs

Moltz recalls the old ads for Raceway Park. Please pick up some fine Fireball products at Target. Lots of people suffer from stage fright. Only one has thrown up in Moltz's driveway. If you wanted to buy any of us a Mac Pro as a holiday gift we probably wouldn't say no. Lex's kids play Prodigy which is not this Prodigy. James Bridle details some real problems with kid videos on YouTube. Our thanks to CanvasPeople.com, a really easy to use Photo-to-Canvas service that takes your favorite photo me...

Dec 09, 201743 min

193: Probable Hershey Trip

Here is the Game of Thrones character known as Buffalo Wildlings. Al Franken is resigning. Moltz makes a reference to Steve Jobs unveiling the original iPhone that no one thinks is funny other than himself. Lex's Disneyland plan is discussed. Our thanks to Omaha Steaks. Go to OmahaSteaks.com and type "TURNING" in the search bar, add the Family Gift Pack to your cart and get a whole mess o' meat for an 75% savings! Great meat at a great price, just $49.99! Our thanks to Fathead, makers of durable...

Dec 08, 201743 min

192: Men Really Really Really Really Suck

Moltz is hoping to get a Tacoma Rainiers hat for Christmas. Talking to your kids about Matt Lauer. We discuss Slater-Kinney and Carrie Brownstein. The Day After was not exactly the feel-good hit of the summer back in 1983. Zombieland is also apocalyptic but decidedly more fun. We hear good things about Coco. Sad to hear that John Lasseter is also a predator. Things in the world a pretty bad but the Avengers: Infinity War trailer is great. Our thanks to Fathead, makers of durable vinyl wall decal...

Dec 02, 201742 min

191: Who Needs Oral Hygiene When You’re Dead

Jon makes a reference to the seminal movie Conan the Barbarian. Secret Hitler could be a good game for your kids. Or, perhaps, the great taste of Prongles if you can find some. Lex's daughter is reading some Judy Blume books. Jon's kids wanted to watch Annie but couldn't. Lex recommends Wonder if you want to bawl your eyes out. The Logan doll does not come with retractable claws. Moltz never finished his story about watching Nurse Betty on a plane but his point was there's a grizzly murder in it...

Nov 25, 201745 min

190: Caramel Earwax Swirl

We talk about clogged ears in this episode but do yourself a favor and don't click on any of these links that Jon was texting us while recording. If you do, you might need to guzzle a bottle of Aftershock. Ed. note: Important Data from Lex Our thanks to BeFrugal for sponsoring this episode. BeFrugal lets you earn up to 40% cash back on your purchase from over 5,000 stores, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy's, and more. Visit BeFrugal.com/TTCA and get a $10 bonus when you join for free. Our...

Nov 18, 201751 min

189: Divorce doesn't have to suck

Moltz is sadly not on this episode. Jon saw Thor and says kids 8 and will love it. There is some hilarious talk about Thor's relationship to his hammer, Mjölnir. The younger kids will not get the reference, but their parents will. Lex voted. His wife and children supported his right to vote. Lex and Jon talk a bit about iPhone X's camera and Lex shares a scary selfie. Lex's resemblance to Jeff Goldblum is discussed. Our thanks also to Sleep Number, the best sleep of your life. Set your sleep num...

Nov 12, 201741 min

188: Headless Horseman Situation

Liam is adorable and somehow Lex still manages to not eat his face. Here's part of Jon's Halloween costume. Here's Lex as the Spartan cheerleader. How did Moltz not know that Heathers was made into a musical? Please join the Resistance: bring back Reeses Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups. Our thanks to Pro Flowers, fresh flowers delivered straight to your door, guaranteed fresh for seven days. It's a no-brainer gift for any occasion. Go to ProFlowers.com, click on the microphone and enter the code "...

Nov 03, 201743 min

187: Butt Puns

Deathwatch may not sound like a book for kids but it won the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. The movie Race With The Devil is probably not for the kids. Also not for the kids is Conan playing Grand Theft Auto. Cabel Sasser's Buggy Saint's Row. Good luck getting the image of Lex and his wife as the Spartan Cheerleaders out of your head. Jon's going to be a mod for Halloween, a la Quadrophenia. Moltz recalls Mischief Night. Lex wrote about Hurricane Sandy for The Magazine. Our thanks to Off...

Oct 27, 201746 min

186: Respect the Dead

Want to see something scary this month? Watch The Haunted Mansion. It's scary bad. People has supposedly been known to scatter ashes of their loved ones on the Disney Haunted Mansion ride. As always, be sure to check Common Sense Media to find out which bad movies are right for you children to watch. Peter Falk had a glass eye. True story. Our thanks to Lily and Grey, makers of curated gift boxes. Make gifting simple with tailor-made boxes filled with handmade items and goodies from small busine...

Oct 20, 201740 min

185: This week's show is cancelled due to Harvey

There's a new Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer out. Hocus Pocus is another movie. Yes, it is. Emma Thompson has some words to say about Harvey Weinstein. Our thanks to Lily and Grey, makers of curated gift boxes. Make gifting simple with tailor-made boxes filled with handmade items and goodies from small businesses and artisans. Visit LilyAndGrey.com and use promo code "TTCA" to get 10% off! Our thanks also to Sleep Number, the best sleep of your life. Set your sleep number from 0 to 100 to adju...

Oct 14, 201741 min

184: Favorite Teachers

Is this coach kidding? Ryan Gosling's Papyrus skit on SNL was pretty good. Farewell Mr. Bunting is really good, too, but it's not for the kids. Our thanks to Pro Flowers, fresh flowers delivered straight to your door, guaranteed fresh for seven days. It's a no-brainer gift for any occasion. Go to ProFlowers.com, click on the microphone and enter the code "TTCA" at checkout and get $10 off your purchase of $29 or more.

Oct 07, 201737 min

183: Lightning Fast Hunter and Pecker

Jon references Agile because this is a tech podcast. He's also playing Rocket League. Is the C64 Mini real? Alas, probably not. If you haven't yet, please enjoy Computer Show. Our thanks to Lily and Grey, makers of curated gift boxes. Make gifting simple with tailor-made boxes filled with handmade items and goodies from small businesses and artisans. Visit LilyAndGrey.com and use promo code "TTCA" to get 10% off! Our thanks as well to Blue Apron. Blue Apron ships you ingredients and amazing reci...

Sep 29, 201736 min

182: Lex and Moltz Learn About Mormon Stuff

This week we delve into Mormonism. You might want to brush up on the Salamander letter. Mormon leaks is a site that tries to increase transparency within the church. Birdy isn't a great movie for kids but Bye, Bye Birdy is fine. Do you want your child to get into the best colleges and universities, have the best schooling, whether it's public, private, charter or homeschool? Read "Education a la Carte" by parenting expert and educator Dr. Kevin Leman. Go to Revellbooks.com to learn more. Our tha...

Sep 23, 201744 min
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