S6E24 – Vonda: From Boot Camp to Broccoli, A Guide to Surviving Life (and Kids)

In this episode we welcome our guest Vonda. The discussion explores Vonda’s life from her roots in Madison, Alabama, to her time in the military, and her experiences in parenting. Vonda opens up about her challenging childhood with an abusive mother and her time in the Army Reserves, including her personal challenges such as an assault incident during her service. She shares her journey of becoming a young mother at 20 and raising her sons, Marcus and Tyler, along with husband Lawrence. Vonda tells us all about adopting her great-niece Mimi and their interactions with the foster care system.

 

Cocktail: Crown Royal and RedBull

Snack Time: Tortilla chips and Rotel tomatoes

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S6E23 – Tween Tantrums & Tiny Terrors: A Parenting Pumpkin Patch Special

In this hilariously honest episode of the Guide to Poor Parenting Podcast, Jason and Jennifer grab their pumpkin-spiced wine glasses and dive headfirst into the chaos of fall family life. From surviving a “wholesome” trip to the pumpkin patch (spoiler: there were meltdowns) to debating whether kids or dogs are easier to manage, it’s a full hour of relatable parenting mayhem.

Listen as our fearless hosts share therapy-worthy moments, Reddit parenting confessions, and the eternal mysteries of the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Plus, Jennifer recounts an unforgettable dinner with a 4-year-old food critic who has a lot of opinions about pizza.

If you’ve ever bribed your kid with snacks, argued about screen time, or pretended not to hear the word “Mom” for five minutes of peace — this one’s for you. Pour yourself a glass, laugh along, and remember: we’re all just doing our best (poorly).

Cocktail: Line 39 Red Blend

Snack Time: Chocolove Milk Chocolate

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#ParentingPodcast #FunnyParents #PoorParentingGuide #ParentingHumor #PumpkinPatchFails #TweenTantrums #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingFails #WineAndParenting #RealParenting #ComedyPodcast #RelatableParents #FallVibes

S6E22 – Toddlers: The Miniature Meltdown Masters

Welcome to a breezy edition of ‘Guide to Poor Parenting’ with hosts Jason and Jennifer! In this episode, we dive into the rollercoaster world of toddlers, featuring stories from our recent trip to a local pumpkin patch with granddaughters Ayana and Jalen. From epic meltdowns over bubble stations to the triumphs of conquering zip lines, we share our experiences dealing with the tiny but mighty tantrums that come with raising toddlers. Along the way, we also discuss the trials of discipline, memorable anecdotes from our past, and why toddlers seem to fight naps as if they’re training for the Olympics. As usual, there’s humor, heartfelt moments, and a healthy dose of real talk about the challenges and joys of parenting little ones. Pour yourself a glass of wine (we recommend a good Zaza), grab some cheese, and join us for another fun-packed episode!

Cocktail: Luis Gurpegui Rioja Crianza from Costco

Snack Time: Sartori Bourbon BellaVitano

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

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#ParentingPodcast #ParentingHumor #RedditParenting #MomLife #DadLife
#MomBrain #ParentingFails #ParentingStruggles #ParentingConfessions
#FunnyParenting #ParentingAdvice #RelatableParenting #ParentingReality
#PodcastForParents #ParentingLife #ParentingStories #ParentingUnfiltered

S6E21 – Chris: Anxiety, Adolescence, and Dad’s DIY Wisdom

In this week’s episode of the Guide Before Parenting podcast, Jason and Jennifer welcome Chris, a dad with a talent for mixing heartfelt reflection and hilarious storytelling. From surviving Dallas heatwaves and high school soccer fields in the ‘80s to raising a teenager in the social media era, Chris shares how life has shaped both his parenting and his patience.

The conversation dives into Chris’s journey with his daughter Julia, whose teenage years were marked by anxiety, tough choices, and a remarkable turnaround from near dropout to A-student. Chris is honest about what worked, what didn’t, and the regrets that still linger—especially when it comes to fostering independence.

Of course, it’s not all serious. Listeners will laugh along with the now-legendary “paint bucket incident” from Chris’s childhood, proving kids have always found creative ways to blur the line between mischief and innocence. Add in insights about his partnership with Judith, a little cocktail-fueled banter, and a cultural critique of parenting across generations, and you’ve got an episode that’s equal parts wisdom and wit.

Cocktail: Ginger Mule mocktail with Kirkland vodka

Snack Time: None this week

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

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#podcast #badparenting #ParentingPodcast #FunnyParenting #BedtimeStruggles #ComedyPodcast #ParentingHumor #BedtimeRoutineFails #WineAndParenting #DadHumor #MomLifeWithWine #BedtimeBattles #ParentingComedy #ParentingFails #AnxietyAndAdolescence #ParentingTeens #FunnyParentingTips #costco

S620 – Surviving Teenagers, Strep Throat, and Emotional Rollercoasters

Join Jason and Jennifer as they sip on some wine and spill all the tea about their latest parenting mishaps. The duo also dive into their weekly Reddit discussions, tackling questions on why parents often say ‘because I said so,’ the emotional toll of raising teenagers, and the choice between adopting and having biological children. Jennifer shares an endearing story about her nephew Noah, his memories of staying at her house, and their special bond. To round off the episode, they enjoy a bottle of ‘Dearly Beloved’ wine paired with Theo Organic Salted Toffee Chocolate, making for an entertaining and heartfelt conversation about the joys and struggles of parenting.

Cocktail: Dearly Beloved: I Thee Red from Trader Joe’s

Snack Time: Theo Organic Salted Toffee Chocolate

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

https://linktr.ee/guidetopoorparenting

 

#ParentingPodcast #ParentingHumor #RedditParenting #MomLife #DadLife
#MomBrain #ParentingFails #ParentingStruggles #ParentingConfessions
#FunnyParenting #ParentingAdvice #RelatableParenting #ParentingReality
#PodcastForParents #ParentingLife #ParentingStories #ParentingUnfiltered #traderjoes

S6E16 – Road Trips With Kids: A Comedy of “Are We There Yet?”

Buckle up, parents — we’re hitting the open road, minivan packed, snacks locked and loaded… and kids already asking “Are we there yet?” before we’ve even left the driveway. In this episode, we share the hilarious highs and disastrous lows of family road trips:

  • The eternal backseat sibling wars

  • Gas station snack negotiations that rival the U.N.

  • Car karaoke nobody asked for

  • And the dark art of packing 27 toys, only for your kid to play with a stick from a rest stop

Whether you’ve survived a 12-hour drive with toddlers or you’re gearing up for your first family vacation on wheels, this episode is your comic relief for the long haul. Warning: may cause flashbacks of Goldfish cracker crumbs in every seat crevice.

Cocktail: Mo Sierra Salinas Monastrell

Snack Time: Speculoos Cookies

#ParentingPodcast #FunnyParents #RoadTripWithKids #FamilyTravelFails #ParentingHumor #AreWeThereYet #TravelWithKids #ParentingStruggles #MomLife #DadLife #FamilyRoadTrip #ParentingComedy #CarTripChaos #ParentingFails #FamilyVacation #Costco

S6 E15 – Leslie – From Lesson Plans to Labor Pains: The Ultimate Mom Multitasker

What happens when you’re homeschooling three neurodivergent kids, battling Alabama’s baffling birth laws, and—oh yeah—giving birth in a moving vehicle? You get our guest this week: the ultimate multitasking mom. We talk about the highs, lows, and hilarious detours of homeschooling, why midwifery is practically outlawed in Alabama, and the unforgettable day she added “delivered a baby in a car” to her parenting résumé. Spoiler alert: no one got extra credit for this assignment.

Cocktail: Gen 5 Pinot Noir 2022

Snack Time: Merlot BellaVitano Cheese

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

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#ParentingPodcast #FunnyParenting #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingHumor #UnfilteredParenting #RealTalkParents #PodcastLife #HomeschoolMom #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolingAdventures #NeurodivergentParenting #DifferentNotLess #BirthStory #CarBirth #UnexpectedBirth #MotherhoodUnplugged #MomMultitasking #Costco

S6E14 – Television: Raised by Reruns and Mom’s Death Stare

This week, I sit down with my very own mom to spill the tea (and the Tang) on what it was really like growing up in the 80s and 90s. From being babysat by the TV, to surviving without the internet, to all the trouble me and my brother somehow lived through—Mom remembers it all. There’s laughter, there’s side-eye, and there’s a healthy dose of “back in my day” wisdom.

Cocktail: Kirkland Brand Boxed Pinot Grigio 

Snack Time: Murray’s High Plains Cheddar

#ParentingPodcast #FunnyParenting #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingHumor #UnfilteredParenting #RealTalkParents #PodcastLife #80sParenting #90sParenting #RaisedOnTV #RetroParenting #FamilyStories #GrowingUpInThe80s #GrowingUpInThe90s #NostalgiaTrip #BeforeTheInternet #MomStories #Costco #kirkland

S6E13 – Toddlers, Toilets & Tough Talks: Another Day in the Parenting Trenches

This week, we’re wading through the wild waters of Reddit to tackle some real parenting dilemmas: getting side-eyed (or full-on yelled at) for taking your toddler into the “wrong” bathroom, talking to kids about weight without messing them up for life, letting your child reinvent themselves one dyed strand at a time, and—oh yeah—deciding to have kids after 35, when you’re old enough to know better. It’s messy, it’s honest, and it might make you laugh, cry, or both at once. Welcome back to the parenting trenches.

Cocktail: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Snack Time: Nothing this week

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

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#ParentingPodcast #FunnyParenting #MomLife #DadLife #ModernParenting #UnfilteredParenting #RealTalkParents #ParentingHumor #ParentingAfter35 #ToddlerLife #PublicBathroomDrama
#KidsAndBodyImage #TalkingToKids #LetKidsBeThemselves #RedditParenting #ParentingTopics #BodyImageForKids #ParentingBoundaries

S6E12 – Birth, Blazes & Bare Living: A Parenting Chat with Beth

This week, we’re joined by the unstoppable Beth: executive director by title, full-time truth-teller by nature. She gets real about living with PCOS, giving birth like a warrior, and yes—why she prefers to roam her house in the nude. Oh, and did we mention she ran into two different burning houses to warn the people inside? If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to juggle motherhood, menopause vibes, and mild firefighting, this episode’s for you.

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Cocktail Trader Joe’s French Market Sparkling Lemonade mixed with Kirkland Brand American Vodka

Snack Time: Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Honey Grahams with sea salt

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

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#traderjoes #costco #ParentingPodcast #MomLifeUnfiltered #RealTalkParents #FunnyParenting #ModernMotherhood #MillennialMoms #PCOSAwareness #BirthStories #NakedAtHome #BareLiving #FirefighterMom #MomHeroes #NonProfitLeader #ExecutiveDirectorLife

S6E11 – Activities, Attitudes & Awkward Teen Talks: A Parenting Variety Pack

In this week’s parenting variety pack, we dive into the good, the bad, and the Reddit. From the eternal question of “Should I let my kid quit piano?” to family catchphrases that somehow become law, we explore it all. We also get real about the complexities of foster care in religious homes and the always-fun topic of talking to teens about birth control (spoiler: nobody wants to be the one to bring it up). Join us for laughs, feels, and a few uncomfortable flashbacks to our own teenage years.

Cocktail: Rioja Reserva Kirkland

Snack Time: Trader Joe’s Mozzarella Balls

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

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#ParentingPodcast, #FunnyParenting, #ModernParenting, #MomLife, #DadLife, #ParentingHumor, #RealTalkParents, #LetKidsQuit, #FosterCareStories, #TeenBirthControl, #FamilyCatchphrases, #ParentingReddit, #RedditReads, #ParentingTopics, #UnfilteredParenting, #ParentingRealness, #CostcoWine, #costco

S6E10 – The Screen Time Olympics: Everyone’s Losing

Welcome to the Screen Time Olympics—where the events include Netflix Negotiation, Tablet Tossing (by parents), and 100-Meter Dash to Find the Remote.

This week, we explore our complicated, co-dependent relationship with screens—those glowing rectangles that buy us peace and steal our sanity. Is screen time really the devil… or just the lesser evil when dinner’s burning and your toddler is feral?

We’re handing out zero medals, plenty of guilt, and a whole lot of laughs. Tune in to hear us discuss:

  • Why screen limits are a fantasy invented by childless people

  • The difference between “educational” and “please just be quiet” apps

  • And how we all became background characters in our kids’ YouTube videos

Spoiler: Nobody’s winning. But at least we’re all in this digital mess together.

Cocktail: Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

Snack Time: Target’s Favorite Day Peanut Butter Chocolate Trail Mix

#ParentingPodcast #FunnyParents #ScreenTimeStruggles #ParentingHumor
#iPadParenting #TabletTantrums #MomLife #DadLife #DigitalParenting #ModernParenting #MomConfessions #ParentFails #tullamoredew

S6E9 – Bar Exams, Baby Bottles & Band Practice: The Making of a Horror-Writing Dad

What do you get when you mix a law degree, a baby monitor, a well love drum set, and a vivid imagination? You get our guest this week, J.B. Mclaurin, a Southern dad who went from courtroom dreams to creepy fiction, all while juggling diapers and guitar solos. We chat about growing up in Alabama, navigating parenthood, surviving law school, being in a rock band, and somehow finding the time to write a horror novel. Spoiler alert: coffee was involved. Lots of it. Plus a little beer too.

 

Check out all J.B. Mclaurin links and social media:

https://linktr.ee/Jbmclaurinauthor

 

Cocktail Turbo Generator (German Style Dopplebock Lager) from Straight to Ale Brewery 

Snack Time: Gel Giosioso Asiago Cheese

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

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#ParentingPodcast #HorrorAuthor #DadLife #RockDad #WritingCommunity #BandDad #IndieAuthor #FunnyPodcast #SouthernDad #LawSchoolSurvivor #ParentingHumor
#CreativeDads

S6E8 – I Threw Away the Art and Survived: Parenting Truths from the Internet

Ever fantasized about being the perfect parent… before you actually had kids? Yeah, us too. In this episode, we dive into some hilariously relatable Reddit parenting confessions—featuring ungrateful children, guilt-free art-in-the-trash moments, and parents slowly losing their minds (but in a fun way!). If your kid just screamed because their banana broke in half or you’re secretly hiding in the bathroom for peace, this one’s for you. Grab a snack (you probably won’t get to eat it), and let’s laugh through the chaos together.

 

Call us with your story times at: (256) 274-1329

Email us at:  guidetopoorparenting@gmail.com

Check out all our links and social media:

https://linktr.ee/guidetopoorparenting