Two Parents & A Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The 411 on Toddler Communication: Milestones, Red Flags & Tips (w/ Dr. Ari Brown) Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined again by Dr. Ari Brown — board-certified pediatrician and author of the bestselling 411 series — for a conversation all about toddler talking and communication. You guys loved her last episode, and we’re so excited to officially bring her on as a RECURRING GUEST once a month!!

Dr. Ari breaks down what toddlers actually understand before they can talk (spoiler: a lot), what counts as a real “word,” and the core language milestones between 12–24 months. We get into receptive vs. expressive language, nonverbal communication, and the difference between “they don’t understand me” and “they’re choosing not to listen,” which… hits home.

We also cover the big “is this normal?” questions — pointing and waving, only repeating you, not responding to their name, mixing languages — and when it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician. Dr. Ari explains why early intervention leads to the best outcomes, and gives simple tools parents can use at home (talk time, books, songs, naming emotions, and turning off our own screens).

And because communication and behavior are so connected, we talk through the toddler frustration cycle — the pointing, the grunting, the meltdowns, the boneless moments — and how to help kids feel seen and understood even before they have the words. We’ll go deeper on discipline NEXT MONTH, but this episode gives the foundation every parent needs to understand what’s happening in that little toddler brain!!

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast
00:01:20 Reintroducing Dr. Ari Brown
00:03:45 How much toddlers actually understand before they can talk
00:05:10 The speech and language milestones from 12–24 months
00:06:35 Do toddlers really understand the word “no”?
00:10:55 What counts as a “word”? (mispronunciations, animal sounds, sign language)
00:13:10 What toddlers don’t understand at this age
00:15:55 When to bring communication concerns to your pediatrician
00:17:05 How pediatricians evaluate & support a child who isn’t speaking
00:18:30 Rewarding early communication
00:20:55 Why it’s so confusing and frustrating to be a toddler
00:23:58 Handling tantrums and “boneless” moments
00:27:45 Why “no” becomes their favorite word
00:29:50 What toddlers can understand when it comes to discipline
00:34:20 Audience Question: Babbling but no pointing/waving — when to worry
00:38:35 Audience Question: 1-year-old ignores “wait/come here/stop”
00:42:42 Audience Question: Only repeating words — does that count?
00:43:33 Audience Question: Discipline with a speech delay
00:44:27 Audience Question: Multilingual or bilingual schools
00:45:23 Audience Question: Do bilingual kids talk later?
00:46:47 Audience Question: Helping kids feel seen and understood
00:50:10 Understanding communication red flags & early intervention
00:53:45 Summary of communication red flags
00:54:55 Top 3 things parents can do at home for language development
00:57:30 Thank you for listening!

Thank you to our sponsors this week:
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Find our guest:
Website | https://www.draribrown.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aribrownmd
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@aribrownmd

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Parental digital distraction, traveling with friends & childcare plans for baby #2 Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — we’re back in ATX and easing into 2026 (our christmas decorations are still up). We kick it off by talking about why traveling with friends (especially with kids) is the ultimate compatibility test, how wild it is that a one-year-old can actually ski (like WHAT), and why our current neighborhood setup feels like college (in the best way!!!).

Then we get into the thing everyone keeps asking: our childcare plan for baby #2. We talk about Maria’s mom (Peggy!! our angel), how the cross-house setup actually works, and what we’re looking forward to most with this set up!

Then we spiral into airline-mile skepticism, childhood “world-class” foods that absolutely do not hold up, and our early thoughts on Heated Rivalry (NOTE FROM JULES: it’s 9pm wednesday night and they’ve texted me that they’ve already changed their minds). Alex explains her beef with dramatic New Year’s resolutions, and Harrison shares the four phone-reduction rules he’s committing to in 2026 — no phone before 8am, no phone at dinner, no phone in the bathroom, and no doom-scrolling in bed.

We also talk couples who work out together, our current coffee-order identity crisis, babysitter etiquette (and the horror stories you sent in), “technoference” and how parental phone habits affect toddlers, Illinois’ new paid pumping-break law, and whether caviar really is “breast milk for adults”????

LOVE YOU GUYS and thanks for listening!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:01:32 You learn a lot about people when you travel with them (ESPECIALLY with kids)

00:05:11 Our childcare plan for baby #2

00:11:23 Are airline miles worth it or is the points game a scam?

00:15:05 When “world-class” childhood favorites don’t hold up

00:21:01 We’re watching Heated Rivalry

00:25:42 What’s Alex’s beef with New Year’s resolutions?

00:28:36 Harrison’s 4 phone-reduction goals for 2026

00:33:50 Couples who work out together are 600% more likely to hit their fitness goals

00:36:30 We’re switching up our coffee orders?!

00:40:10 Babysitter etiquette & horror stories

00:46:50 Things We DMed Each Other: “technoference” & parental digital distraction

00:49:22 Things We DMed Each Other: paid pumping breaks for moms in Illinois

00:50:40 This Week I Learned: Is eating caviar for adults kind of like breast milk for babies?

00:53:06 LOVE YOU GUYS!

#twoparentsandapod

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*Ollie: Cozy up with your pup this season! Go to https://www.ollie.com/twoparents and use code twoparents to get 60% off your first box!

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod

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Follow Alex Bennett:

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TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett

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Q&A: what we'll do differently with baby #2, parenting style differences & our #1 goal for 2026 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — it’s the FIRST EPISODE OF 2026!! (Happy New Year!!!) And we’re kicking things off with a little Q&A (answering all of YOUR questions!!). We’re talking through what we’ll do differently with baby #2 (and what we’re keeping the same), how we think about screen time for Tate (& baby #2) AND ourselves, and how we navigate parenting style differences with friends as we build our village.

We also get into preparing Tate for baby boy, whether sibling jealousy is inevitable, and how we’re balancing friendships with people who don’t have kids — without making it weird. Plus, we share the one thing that made parenting noticeably easier this year that no one really talks about, and our #1 goal for 2026 as we go from a family of three to four.

And if you’ve already been through the toddler-to-newborn transition… please DM us your best advice. We’re collecting it all :)

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:01:49 Q&A: Do you rotate who gets up with Tate in the morning and who does bedtime routine?

00:08:07 Q&A: Things you’ll do differently with baby #2?

00:13:27 Q&A: Things you won’t change with baby #2?

00:17:33 Q&A: Starting to get nervous with giving birth - best advice?

00:22:36 Q&A: Opinions on screen time?

00:25:58 Q&A: How do you handle parenting and disciplining differences among friends with kids?

00:31:32 Q&A: How do you think Tate will react once baby boy comes? Any jealousy?

00:34:39 Q&A: Best activities to do with your single friends as a parent?

00:37:49 Q&A: What’s one thing that made parenting easier this year that no one talks about?!

00:39:27 Q&A: What’s your #1 goal for 2026?

00:41:40 LOVE YOU GUYS!

#twoparentsandapod

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

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Follow Alex Bennett:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett

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Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman

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Our vibe going into 2026, Montana recap & babymoon plans Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast — HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 🎉

We kick off the episode by talking about where our heads are at going into the new year (I call it the new year vibe lol) and what it looks like for us to mentally (and logistically) prepare for TWO UNDER TWO. Energy is finally coming back, priorities are shifting, and we’re very much in “get our lives dialed” mode before baby #2 arrives.

We recap our Montana trip (snow, dog sledding, cozy winter magic) and talk about traveling with a toddler, including a screen-free airplane hack that surprised us (for $19.99!!!!). We also get into a screen time “in the wild” discussion and the debate ongoing question of whether vacation is for meeting new friends… or fully opting out.

Then we get into Harrison’s (and Jules’) ChatGPT Wrapped (it knows us a little too well), rank international airlines, learn there’s now an airline for dogs (??), and share our top internet moment, show, and movie of 2025.

In Things We DMed Each Other, we talk about: (1) A study showing Friday family rituals can cut teen anxiety by 40% (adults too!). (2) A dad who goes viral for “crying back” to get his kid to stop crying (it works!). And (3) The most happiest corner of the internet: kids reacting to surprise gifts (link below, you’ve been warned).

We wrap with a classic Bicker of the Week about bar seating etiquette, our Whistler food recommendations, and a proper New Year’s send-off!!

LOVE YOU GUYS and cheers to 2026 :)

Things We DMed video (kids reacting to surprise gifts): https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrTBA5v7/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:00:55 iPhone vs. “real” camera: why does the iPhone win?!

00:02:44 Our vibe going into 2026

00:07:40 We’re planning a babymoon!

00:11:26 Should we redo our studio?!

00:12:48 Our Montana trip recap (dog sledding + other the activities)

00:13:52 Genius toddler travel hack + screen time convo

00:19:58 Meeting friends while you travel

00:24:48 ChatGPT Wrapped

00:27:54 Best international airlines (+ an airline for dogs?!)

00:36:25 ChatGPT Wrapped cont.

00:39:07 Top internet moment of 2025

00:40:12 Top show of 2025

00:40:47 Top movie of 2025

00:42:26 Things We DMed Each Other: Friday rituals cut anxiety by 40%

00:46:16 Things We DMed Each Other: Dad “cries back” to stop kid crying

00:47:29 Things We DMed Each Other: Surprise gift reactions that made us cry

00:49:17 Things I Learned This Week: Choline in pregnancy = smarter babies?

00:50:37 Bicker of the Week: Two “singles” vs “party of two” at the bar

00:53:10 Whistler recommendations

00:55:40 Happy New Year!!!!!

#twoparentsandapod

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Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping at https://www.nutrafol.com with code TWOPARENTS.

*Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/TWOPARENTS.

*Veracity: Make the switch to GLP 1’s the natural way. Head to https://www.VeracitySelfCare.com during their Black Friday Sale for up to 50% off your order.

*SKIMS: Shop Alex’s favorite pajamas at https://www.skims.com/TWOPARENTS. #skimspartner

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod

Follow Alex Bennett:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett

Follow Harrison Fugman:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman

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Fertility Specialist: Understanding female & male fertility, when to get help & how treatments work (with Dr. Lucky) Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Lucky Sekhon — board-certified OB-GYN and fertility doctor— to break down fertility in a way that’s clear, calm, and actually helpful.

We start with the true fertility basics: what you need to know, what tests actually matter, when you should start thinking about fertility before trying, and the biggest myths she wishes would disappear — including the idea that fertility is only a “woman’s problem.”

This episode is heavily audience Q&A–driven, covering the most common causes of infertility (for women and men), why infertility feels more and more common, the “fertility cliff” after 30 (it’s not as steep as you’re made to think!), secondary infertility, and how long to try naturally before seeking help.

We close with a walkthrough of treatment options (IUI vs. IVF), thoughts on hormonal birth control and fertility, and how friends and family can truly support someone going through infertility or loss.

If you want real context and less panic, this one’s for you. Also - check out Dr. Lucky’s book, The Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility & How to Get Pregnant NOW, coming out January 13th!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:00:29 Introduction to Dr. Lucky Sekhon

00:04:15 If someone wants to understand their fertility, what are the first basic things they should know and tests or checks that actually matter?

00:12:38 How early should people start thinking about their fertility before they want to start a family?

00:15:50 What’s the biggest fertility myth you wish people would stop believing?

00:17:38 Men are 50% of the equation — what should they understand about their fertility?

00:20:28 What should men do to prepare their bodies when trying to conceive?

00:22:50 What are common habits men do that could be hurting their sperm health?

00:26:55 Audience Question: What are the most common causes of infertility in women? In men?

00:29:49 Audience Question: Why does it seem like so many people in their 20s and 30s are dealing with infertility today?

00:33:27 Audience Question: After 30 is there really a steep fertility cliff?

00:38:57 Audience Question: What is the fertility “cost” of waiting a little longer?

00:40:58 Audience Question: Can you explain secondary infertility?

00:43:48 Audience Question: How long should people try naturally before seeking help?

00:45:20 Audience Question: Thoughts on hormonal birth control pills and how they affect fertility short-term and long-term?

00:50:30 Audience Question: What treatment options are available for women dealing with infertility?

00:58:24 Audience Question: How can friends and family best support couples struggling with infertility or loss?

00:59:53 Thank you for listening!

#twoparentsandapod

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Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Fabletics: Get 80% off everything on Fabletics when you sign up as a VIP at https://www.fabletics.com/TWOPARENTS.

*Magnetic Me: Make changing time easier for you and your little one with Magnetic Me’s smart magnetic closures. New customers get 15% off their first order at https://www.MagneticMe.com.

*Nurture Life: Get 55% off your first order + free shipping at https://www.nurturelife.com/TWOPARENTS with code TWOPARENTS.

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod

Follow Alex Bennett:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett

Follow Harrison Fugman:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman

Find our guest:

Website | https://theluckyegg.com/

Book | https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/lucky-egg-9781250408716/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drluckyegg

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Holiday travel with a toddler, borrowing husbands & should Santa presents be unwrapped?! Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast – HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

We kick things off with gift giving convo (because DUH), including the internet weighing in with their opinions on our neighbor gifts and the ONE toddler toy that has truly earned its spot (because ever notice that toddlers seem to prefer household items over toys???).

Next, we get into holiday travel with a 1-year-old (new airplane-only toys, long flights, and managing expectations). We also share how we’re spending the next two weeks (RELAXING) before diving into the viral discourse of the week around “borrowing husbands” and the Kroger wife situation (and why helping people in your community should not be controversial).

Harrison brings in 1,000 years of relationship advice from the Curiosity Chronicle (do not keep score, never stop dating, and genuinely enjoy each other). Then the fun stuff. We spiral briefly into dental TikTok with a question about blowing on your kid’s food, share a great Austin policy about waived parking tickets for responsible rides home, and talk about when kids develop critical thinking and why Santa works so well (your words become their inner voice).

We wrap with a holiday classic debate about whether gifts from Santa should be wrapped (apparently every household does this differently??) and finish with a conversation everyone can agree on: New Year’s is the most overrated holiday.

LOVE YOU GUYS and happy holidays. 💛

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:01:12 Gift giving (love languages, internet opinions on our neighbor gifts, & our top toddler gift)

00:06:24 Why do toddlers prefer household items over toys?!

00:10:25 Traveling for the holidays with a 1-year-old

00:14:25 Is it okay to use your partner’s Netflix profile?

00:16:00 How we’re spending the next two weeks

00:24:40 “Can I borrow your husband?” & the Kroger wife discourse

00:31:37 1,000 years of relationship advice from the Curiosity Chronicle

00:43:05 Can blowing on your kid’s food cause cavities?

00:44:46 Things We DMed Eachother: Austin parking tickets waived for responsible rides home

00:45:48 Things We Learned This Week: When kids develop critical thinking (and why Santa works)

00:48:18 Do you wrap gifts from Santa?

00:53:00 Is New Year’s the most overrated holiday?

00:54:55 LOVE YOU GUYS!

#twoparentsandapod

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Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Nurture Life: Get 55% off your first order + free shipping at https://www.nurturelife.com/TWOPARENTS with code TWOPARENTS.

*Hers: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://www/forhers.com/TWOPARENTS to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.

*Magnetic Me: Make changing time easier for you and your little one with Magnetic Me’s smart magnetic closures. New customers get 15% off their first order at https://www.MagneticMe.com.

*Fabletics: Get 80% off everything on Fabletics when you sign up as a VIP at https://www.fabletics.com/TWOPARENTS.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod

Follow Alex Bennett:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett

Follow Harrison Fugman:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman

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Evidence-based parenting decisions: breastfeeding, vaccines & screen time (with Emily Oster) Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re back with Emily Oster (bestselling author, economist, and the data-driven voice behind ParentData.org) this time diving into some of the most common (and most stressful???) early parenting decisions.

From breastfeeding and formula to alcohol while nursing, sleep training, childcare, discipline, screen time, and vaccines, Emily explains what’s actually supported by research versus what’s been inflated by guilt, outdated thinking, and internet panic. She breaks down why some benefits are smaller than they’re often made out to be, why rigid “rules” can miss the bigger picture, and why parents deserve clearer context without shame.

If you’ve ever questioned the parenting “rules,” this episode offers more context (not more rules) so you can decide what works for your family!!!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! (pt 2 with Emily Oster)

00:00:48 Introduction to Emily Oster

00:01:48 Breastfeeding: what benefits are actually proven (and how big are they)?

00:07:50 Alcohol while breastfeeding: do you ever need to pump & dump?

00:09:25 Sleep training / cry it out: is it safe — and what does the data say long-term?

00:14:46 Child care: does daycare/nannies affect kids — and what should parents prioritize?

00:17:31 Spanking & discipline: does spanking work — and what’s the better alternative?

00:23:48 Screen time: what matters for toddlers — and is “overstimulation” real?

00:36:30 Vaccines: should you follow the schedule, space them out, or opt out of any?

00:43:54 Thank you for listening!

#twoparentsandapod

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Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/TWOPARENTS.

*Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping at https://www.nutrafol.com with code TWOPARENTS.

*Kachava: Get 15% off your next order at https://www.kachava.com with code TWOPARENTS.

*Quince: Step into the holiday season with layers made to last. Head to https://www.quince.com/alex for free shipping and 365-day returns.

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod

Follow Alex Bennett:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett

Follow Harrison Fugman:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman

Find our guest:

Website | https://parentdata.org/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/profemilyoster

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@profemilyoster

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Food poisoning, pacifier weaning & dressing up for flights?! Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast - Wednesday morning was… action-packed, to say the least. Long story short: do NOT recommend getting food poisoning while pregnant. (Long story long: watch the episode.)

From there, we recap our Happy Everything Toy Drive from this past weekend (a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came, helped, donated, or sponsored — we’re still blown away!!!). Then we spiral into a bunch of travel topics (ever notice how podcasters love to talk about planes??): balancing work travel and parenting, meeting people IRL at the airport, and a heated debate over whether you should dress up for flights (spoiler alert: NOOO).

Next up: a PSA for dads — you are in charge of mom’s stocking. We break down how to actually make it good (and not an afterthought!!). And we also share 5(ish) creative ideas for weaning off the pacifier. Important note: we haven’t tried these yet — they’re methods we’ve heard work and are about to start figuring out ourselves!!

Finally, in Things We DMed Each Other: positive stats that helped ease working-parent guilt, plus Toyota’s new self-driving pod for kids???

LOVE YOU GUYS!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:00:41 Food poisoning during pregnancy

00:13:42 Happy Everything Toy Drive recap!

00:15:51 Balancing work travel and parenting

00:17:46 Can you actually find a date at the airport?!

00:25:53 Should you dress up for flights?

00:31:57 Are we wearing fur hoods wrong?!

00:32:41 Our holiday travel plans

00:33:25 Stockings for moms

00:36:22 5 creative ways to wean off the pacifier

00:42:40 Things We DMed Each Other: Positive statistics for kids of working moms

00:45:12 Things We DMed Each Other: Toyota’s self-driving pod for kids

00:50:34 LOVE YOU GUYS!

#twoparentsandapod

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Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Fabletics: Get 80% off everything on Fabletics when you sign up as a VIP at https://www.fabletics.com/TWOPARENTS.

*Aura Frames: Aura Frames is the perfect holiday gift. Shop now and save with $35 off when you use code TWOPARENTS. Visit https://www.auraframes.com and enter code TWOPARENTS at checkout.

*Nurture Life: Get 55% off your first order + free shipping at https://www.nurturelife.com/TWOPARENTS with code TWOPARENTS.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Baby Formula 101: Ingredients to look for & avoid, how it’s regulated & letting go of feeding guilt Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined by Laura Modi — co-founder & CEO of Bobbie — to talk through everything parents actually need to know about infant formula, without the fear, guilt, or internet panic.

Laura breaks down formula in a way that finally makes sense: what it is, how it’s designed to mimic breast milk, how to read ingredient labels, and which things actually matter (+which ones parents can stop spiraling about). We also get into why formulas that look nearly identical can be priced so differently, whether European formulas are really “better” than U.S. formulas, and why seed oils have become such a hot-button topic in this space.

We also talk openly about recalls, safety standards, switching formulas, and the emotional weight that comes with feeding decisions — including the guilt and pressure so many parents experience when breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned or when formula ends up being the right choice for their family (because feeding your baby should not feel like a moral test).

If you’ve ever stood in the formula aisle feeling overwhelmed, gone down an ingredient-label rabbit hole, or wondered if you’re “doing it right” (you are) — this episode is here to bring clarity, confidence, and a whole lot of relief (and maybe help you close 17 browser tabs).

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome Back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:00:32 Meet Laura Modi, Co-Founder & CEO of Bobbie

00:03:15 Formula 101: What It Is, How It Mimics Breast Milk & How to Read a Formula Label

00:04:50 The Top 3 Ingredients to Look for in Infant Formula

00:06:03 The Top 3 Ingredients to Avoid in Infant Formula

00:07:00 Why Formula Prices Vary (Even When Ingredients Look Similar)

00:10:17 How Formula Is Approved, Tested & Regulated in the U.S.

00:14:38 Are European Formulas Really “Better Than” U.S. Formulas?

00:17:08 Why Seed Oils Became So Controversial

00:25:00 What Infant Formula Would Look Like Without Seed Oils

00:29:09 The ByHeart Recall & How Parents Should Think About Safety

00:31:13 The Biggest Formula Myth Parents Need to Unlearn

00:35:24 When a Formula Isn’t Working & How to Know It’s Time to Switch

00:37:25 Feeding Guilt, Shame & Choosing What’s Best for Your Baby

00:40:46 Where Laura Hopes Bobbie Will Be in 10 Years

00:42:00 Thanks for Listening!

#twoparentsandapod

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Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/

*MasterClass: MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to https://www.masterclass.com/TWOPARENTS for the current offer.

*Veracity: Make the switch to GLP 1’s the natural way. Head to https://www.VeracitySelfCare.com and use code TWOPARENTS for up to 45% off your order.

*Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off at https://www.magneticme.com with code TWOPARENTS.

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod

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Website | https://www.hibobbie.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lauraclairemodi

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How your relationship impacts your kids, our first trip away & push presents for dad?! Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re talking about something we’ve been noticing in real time — how our relationship and everyday behaviors are already rubbing off on Tate. From tone to little habits to how we treat people, she’s absorbing way more than we realized (and we’re sharing what we learned about all of it!!!!).

Before that: our first 3-night trip away from Tate (!!) — how it went, what surprised us, and whether toddlers truly can’t tell the difference between 7 minutes and 7 hours?? We also recap a very chaotic week at home: the car getting booted (and the boot mysteriously disappearing), Solidcore-gate taking over our For You Pages, toy drive prep, and more.

In Things We DMed Each Other: 2026 parenting trends — dad push presents (NO!!!!), the end of beige nurseries & low-stimulation play taking over. Plus we learned the REEL story behind why Flappy Bird was deleted (and it’s kind of adorable).

LOVE YOU GUYS ❤️

Ps. Do you have to wait for pan to cool before washing after cooking?!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast!

00:02:36 Holiday tip for donating clothes/toys!

00:04:55 The car gets booted… and mysteriously un-booted overnight??

00:09:32 Solidcore-gate

00:14:40 Our first 3-night trip away from Tate + NYC recap

00:25:56 Have you ever heard of a “sussy”?

00:29:05 Would you share a toothbrush with your partner?

00:31:48 Bicker of the Week: Do you have to let the pan cool before washing it?

00:35:36 Growing up with socially confident parents & the “social skills lottery”

00:37:48 Kids are always watching: modeling kindness, affection & everyday behavior

00:42:05 How we’ll handle arguments in front of our kids & closing the loop after conflict

00:46:43 Things We DMed Each Other: Biggest parenting trends that’ll be everywhere in 2026

00:57:46 Things We DMed Each Other: The real story behind why Flappy Bird disappeared

01:01:11 LOVE YOU GUYS!

#twoparentsandapod

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Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Hungryroot: For a limited time, get 40% off your first box PLUS a free item in every box for life. Head to https://www.Hungryroot.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS.

*Quince: Keep it classic and cozy with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to https://www.Quince.com/alex for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

*Cozy Earth: Give the gift of everyday luxury this season. Head to https://www.CozyEarth.com/TWOPARENTS and use code TWOPARENTS for up to 40% off.

*Aura Frames: Aura Frames is the perfect holiday gift. Shop now and save with $35 off when you use code TWOPARENTS. Visit https://www.auraframes.com and enter code TWOPARENTS at checkout.

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Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple:

https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod

https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386

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Follow Two Parents & A Podcast:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod

Follow Alex Bennett:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett