Two Millennials and Mom

036: Shots Fired & Lines Crossed: When Political Rhetoric Turns Deadly

Political violence isn’t new, but it is escalating. In this episode, we’re not just talking about the headlines. We’re grappling with what happens when political rhetoric gets weaponized and public servants become targets. After a shocking and tragic shooting in Minnesota that left one lawmaker and her husband dead, we dive into the ripple effects of dehumanizing language, media responsibility and the increasingly dangerous temperature of our political climate. Can respectful disagreement survive this moment? And if serving the public becomes life-threatening, who will step up?
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
A Tragedy That Hits Too Close: The episode opens with a deep dive into the Minnesota shooting that left Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead and nearly claimed the lives of Senator John Hoffman and his family. The group explores what we know about the suspect, his political motives and how this tragedy fits into a growing pattern of targeted political violence across the U.S.
Pro-Life? Pro-What Now? Callie and Mecca unpack the disconnect between claiming to be “pro-life” while justifying deadly violence. The conversation zeroes in on the moral hypocrisy and questions whether these ideological extremes are really about values or just tribalism masked as principle.
Echo Chambers, Firehoses & The Death Star Effect: Cole brings the nerdiest analogy to the table (and it works well!): echo chambers and algorithmic media polarization act like a laser-focused Death Star. The crew talks about how social media and mainstream news contribute to radicalization and why curating your information diet is more urgent than ever.
Do Names Matter? The Case for No Notoriety: A wide-ranging debate on whether naming perpetrators in the media fuels the contagion effect. They explore media responsibility, how naming shooters can unintentionally glorify them and why victims’ names and stories deserve center stage instead.
If Public Service = Life-Threatening, Who Will Serve? In this episode’s Weird Thought, the team wonders what happens to democracy if public office becomes too dangerous to pursue. They talk about the risk of only tyrants stepping up and whether leaders can remain both accessible and safe in today’s political landscape.
Start Where You Are: Accountability from the Ground Up. The conversation closes with a hopeful but urgent challenge: don’t wait for change to come from the top. Personal accountability, respectful disagreement and informed engagement are tools everyone can use—starting now. The best time to plant that tree was 25 years ago… or today. Don't wait.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Preventing other people from doing things that you don't agree with is not justice. It is tyranny." – Cole
“If you're not willing to have the conversation, then you don't really know where I stand. And I don't really know where you stand.” – Mecca
“Ignoring the fire hose doesn't stop the flood from coming.” – Callie
"You can't just have this thought process of you think differently than me. You must be wrong. You have to be my enemy." – Cole
“If we've got people who are failing to be compassionate, failing to be empathetic, then I think we owe it to society to say, I need you to stop.” – Mecca
“The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago or today. Plant your accountability seeds today and start growing it right now.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Here's the Washington Post editorial on dehumanizing rhetoric and political violence that we quoted.
Cole brought up the 299 Days book series about rebuilding society after a government collapse.
We also discussed the No Notoriety campaign started by parents of one of the Aurora, CO movie theater shooting victims, which urges media to avoid naming mass shooters.
 
Call to Action:
This episode asks some hard questions—and maybe that’s exactly what we need right now. Political violence isn’t just a headline or someone else’s problem. It’s a reflection of what happens when rhetoric replaces reason and when we forget that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization.
 
Whether you're overwhelmed by the noise or tempted to tune it all out, we invite you to stay in it. Stay curious. Stay accountable. Talk to people who think differently than you do. And most of all, be the kind of voice this moment needs. If this conversation resonated, challenged you, or made you think, share it with someone else and keep it going. That’s how we change the temperature—one thoughtful conversation at a time.

035: Good Night, and Good Clicks: What Edward R. Murrow Knew That's Being Forgotten

Inspired by Good Night, and Good Luck, this episode dives into media bias, journalism’s role in democracy and the blurry boundary between fact and truth. From Edward R. Murrow’s courage during McCarthyism to the modern algorithm-fueled chaos of outrage news, the crew wrestles with what it means to be informed in 2025—and what we can do about it. Is media bias inevitable? Can objectivity and opinion coexist? And what happens when truth gets traded for clicks?
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Edward R. Murrow, McCarthy and the Cost of Speaking Out: The crew unpacks Good Night, and Good Luck—both the Broadway production and the 2005 film—as a case study in media integrity. They reflect on Edward R. Murrow’s decision to publicly challenge Senator Joseph McCarthy at the height of the Red Scare and the courage it took to report truthfully in the face of real political retaliation.
The Fairness Doctrine: What We Lost When It Was Repealed: This once-mandated FCC policy required equal airtime for opposing views—and Murrow followed it, even inviting McCarthy to respond. While the Fairness Doctrine only applied to broadcast radio and television (since cable news and social media didn’t exist at the time), had it remained in place, future regulations may have evolved to include those platforms—potentially curbing the hyper-partisan, unchecked spin we see across today’s digital media landscape.
Fact vs. Truth: Are They the Same Thing? Mecca, Callie and Cole get into a spicy debate over whether facts and truth are interchangeable. From hair color and legal definitions to media manipulation and cherry-picked data, the group explores how context shapes meaning…and how removing it can weaponize even accurate information.
Algorithms, Outrage and Media Literacy: Today’s media isn’t just biased—it’s built for rage. The team examines how engagement-based algorithms reward the most divisive, emotionally charged content. Whether it’s Fox News, CNN or your cousin’s Facebook feed, we’re stuck in echo chambers that feed us what we fear or what we already believe.
Trust Issues: Why Nobody Believes the News Anymore: With media trust at a 50-year low, the team breaks down new data from Pew, Gallup and the AP showing sharp partisan divides. Republicans trust fewer outlets, while Democrats still rely on a broader set—but skepticism runs high across the board. Local news may do better, but it’s often owned by national players with their own spin.
Can Journalism Be Saved? The group asks the hard question: is a fair, balanced media still possible in 2025? They shout out Tangle News as a strong example of how to present multiple perspectives clearly and transparently—but note that real change requires accountability, financial sacrifice and a public willing to demand better.
Weird Thoughts: Can you ever tell a story without bias? And if media bias is inevitable, is the solution better labeling or just more noise? Also, where does "I hope you die" land on the free speech vs. human decency spectrum?
The Edward R. Murrow quote we could all use a reminder of: "No one familiar with the history of this country can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. His primary achievement has been in confusing the public mind, as between the internal and the external threats of Communism. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men – not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular." –Edward R. Murrow, 1954
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Yeah, who has time to go and fact check everyone else's bullshit?" – Cole
“I, in my head, thought news is news. But it isn't. It depends on where that news is coming from.” – Mecca
“With the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine anything can be said everything can be said.” – Callie
 "The level of deceit that is being used by media in general on, again, both sides of the political spectrum to me is disgusting." – Cole
“There's a caution here that we need to say: guard your words, protect your words and make sure that they're relevant. Don't just be a bully.” – Mecca
“'We're going to utilize this time and we're going to use our viewers to sway this direction, this way.' And it all has to do with money.” – Callie
"You cannot cast an informed vote without being informed." – Cole
“You have to stand up and you have to do that with a willingness to be open-minded.” – Mecca
“We have to be smarter consumers and demand better content.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Good Night, and Good Luck – The Broadway production aired recently on CNN and the 2005 George Clooney film sparked this episode’s deep dive into journalism, truth and courage.
2025 stats from the Pew Research Center showing sharp partisan divides in trust toward national news outlets.
A Gallup Poll (Sept. 2024) revealed that only 31% of Americans have confidence in the mass media’s fairness and accuracy—a record low.
This Associated Press article explores how trust in the media has become increasingly polarized, with Republicans and Democrats reporting sharply different levels of confidence in news coverage.
Check out @MoreWithMJ's breakdown on the Fairness Doctrine and its modern-day implications. She's a New York attorney.
Explore the AllSides Media Bias Chart to see how major news outlets are rated across the political spectrum based on their content and reporting.
We're big fans of Tangle News. It's a nonpartisan newsletter that clearly separates facts from opinion and offers both right- and left-leaning perspectives on current issues.
Read up on the Fairness Doctrine. It was a former FCC policy that required balanced reporting, was repealed in 1987 by the Reagan Administration and is routinely discussed as a turning point in media accountability.
We also mentioned The Dunning-Kruger Effect – a psychological concept explaining why people with less knowledge often feel more confident than experts, applied here to media consumption and political discourse.
Looking for balanced, thoughtful takes from independent voices? Callie recommended you check out Moesh News, Sharon McMahon, and Katie Grossbard for news coverage that aims to inform without inflaming.
This heartwarming story, from Good News Network, highlights Dr. Michael Zollicoffer—“Dr. Z”—who spent decades providing free care to his community, only for that same community to rally together and raise over $280,000 to support him during his cancer treatment.
 
 
Call to Action:
Edward R. Murrow reminds us, “We are not descended from fearful men,” and that challenge still echoes today. If we want better journalism, we have to be better consumers—more curious, more skeptical and more willing to seek out context, not just confirmation. Diversify your news sources. Question the algorithm. Push back on sensationalism. Have meaningful conversations with people who don't think like you do. And when you see bias, omission or spin—say something. Because a free press only works if we demand that it works for us. Good night, and good clicks.

034: Frustration by Design: The Hidden Genius of James Madison's Federalist 51

What do James Madison, comma placement and a 1996 episode of Home Improvement have in common? This week, we dive into the not-so-dusty world of Federalist Paper No. 51—a founding document that still punches above its weight in modern politics. We explore why our government was designed to argue with itself, how minority voices were supposed to stay protected and what happens when parties gain too much power. Plus: a viral moment from 90s TV has the internet rethinking what “woke” really means—and what good parenting looked like then vs now.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Why Our Government Was Built to Argue with Itself: Federalist 51 wasn’t just a dusty civics essay—it was a strategic blueprint. Madison argued that conflict between branches of government wasn’t a flaw but a design feature meant to slow things down and prevent tyranny. We explore how that tension plays out today and whether it's still serving its original purpose.
Ambition vs. Ambition: The Balancing Act. Madison’s mantra, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition,” sets the tone for a deeper look at checks and balances. We talk about how each branch of government was intended to act independently but still depend on the others and how this design is supposed to keep personal or party ambition in check.
The Two-Party System: Anti-American by Design? The founders didn’t anticipate a rigid two-party system and we examine how it undermines the intention of a fluid, diverse government made of shifting coalitions and minority voices. Instead of healthy factional friction, we’ve got entrenched power and a disappearing middle.
Representation, Gerrymandering and the Broken House: We break down how the original design of the House of Representatives was based on smaller, more intimate groups—where reps actually knew their constituents. Fast forward to today’s oversized districts, gerrymandered lines and diluted accountability. You can see how we’ve drifted far from Madison’s vision and intention.
Building Blocks, Not Blankets: Rethinking Lawmaking. Big, bloated bills crammed with riders and compromises? Also not what Madison had in mind. We talk about how modern legislation often bypasses real representation and how slower, more intentional lawmaking—though frustrating—could bring us closer to true consensus.
You Are Your Own Political Party. We imagine a world beyond party loyalty. What if every voter was their own political party, pulling ideas from multiple sides and making space for nuance? The group discusses how identity, personal values and individual issues don’t fit neatly into red or blue—and why that’s actually the point.
Weird Thoughts: Tim the Toolman Taylor Goes….“Woke”? A Buzzfeed article leads us to revisit a 1996 Home Improvement episode where Tim Allen’s character teaches his son about respecting women—and how the internet is suddenly calling it “woke.” What was once seen as classic good parenting is now being reframed through today’s divided lens. We break down the scene, the backlash and why full context (not just a viral clip) still matters.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"We're witnessing the consequences of not paying attention, in real time in our government, right now." – Cole
“We're fighting so hard to keep all of those little minorities out when that was the intention. We need those minorities to really make our government work the way it's supposed to work.” – Mecca
“We're being intentional with our thoughts rather than just lazy.” – Callie
"Being pro-woman isn't woke. But being pro-woman doesn't mean that you have to be anti-man. Two good things are possible to exist at the same time, and those two things can exist together." – Cole
“The laws control the government as much as they control the people.” – Mecca
“You're going to have to make some choices that you're never going to see the fruits of your labor. You're going to have to make some votes and make some calls and make some sacrifices that you will never see come to fruition.” – Callie
“Every news reporter should be referencing the Federalist Papers regularly, especially if they're talking about anything Constitutional.” – Cole
“I need to get really familiar with my representatives. I need to know them and I need them to know what I am thinking about and what I am supporting.” – Mecca
"You know what freedom is because you also understand tyranny." – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Read the Federalist Paper No. 51 to see James Madison’s original essay on checks, balances and why ambition must be made to counteract ambition.
Explore the United States Constitution as it was originally written—especially useful when comparing what it says to how it’s applied today.
Take the HarvardX American Government: Constitutional Foundations course that Mecca and Callie are auditing. It’s free, it's online and it's packed with context that delivers a better understanding of our government (all that stuff we didn't get or forgot about from high school civics and history classes) and really brings these crucial documents to life.
Check out the BuzzFeed article that ignited the debate over whether that Tool Time scene would be considered “woke” today.
From our Good News story, check out The Haven Collection, Britt Riley’s innovative solution that's redefining how modern families can live, work and raise kids.
Watch the TikTok Cole mentioned about the context of the Bill of Rights, highlighting how representation was meant to be much more intimate—and why our current system has drifted far from that intent.
 
Frustration might be by design—but apathy isn’t. If Madison could foresee the dangers of concentrated power in 1788, the least we can do is pay attention in 2025. If this conversation sparked something for you—confusion, curiosity or even conviction—don’t stop here. Go read the original Federalist 51, take this as your invitation to dig deeper, ask better questions and get more involved. Learn about your local representatives. Reach out to them and start a conversation that matters. That’s kind of the point. The founding documents were meant to be living, breathing tools—not museum pieces. Let’s use them.

033: Tin Foil Hats & Tall Tales: Our Favorite Conspiracy Theories

This week, the TMAM crew dives headfirst into the fun, freaky and sometimes surprisingly plausible world of conspiracy theories. From moon landings to musical icons, Bigfoot to body doubles, we're covering the greatest hits and the weirdest myths. We’re not here to prove or disprove anything! We're looking to laugh, learn and maybe question everything… just a little.
 
Cole’s got the science, Mecca’s got the CIA deep dives and Callie brings Bigfoot and pop culture flair. It's all in good fun—unless it’s not…!
 
So grab your tin foil hat (or don’t) and come spiral with us through some of the most legendary (and laughable) conspiracy theories out there.
 
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
More Than One Gunman? The JFK Theories That Won’t Die: We kick things off with the mother of all conspiracy theories: Was Oswald really the lone shooter? Cole, Mecca and Callie discuss CIA surveillance, Jack Ruby’s strange involvement, the mysterious "Umbrella Man," and how 65% of Americans don’t believe the official version. Mecca brings in newer details from recently declassified files and congressional efforts to uncover more.
To the Moon…or Just to Science Class with Cole? Cole launches into a full-on cosmic TED Talk to debunk the moon landing hoax—complete with gravity breakdowns, star visibility, light refraction, and why crumpled flags aren't waving. It’s a crash course in space logic, while Callie and Mecca toss in pop culture skepticism, soundstage suspicion, and the lingering question: if the government lies, could they have faked this? (Spoiler: probably not. But it was fun to ask.)
America’s Favorite Fuzzy Fugitive: Callie brings us into the woods with the ever-elusive Bigfoot. From Skunk Apes to tourist traps, they explore why this cryptid has remained a pop culture icon despite zero physical evidence. It’s fun, freaky, and just maybe—comforting?
Elvis & Tupac…Did They Really Leave the Building? Mecca and Cole bring up persistent rumors that The King and Tupac faked their deaths. From typos on gravestones to YouTube “confessions,” they break down the lore, explore what keeps these myths alive and even touch on recent legal developments in Tupac’s case.
The Doppelgänger Pop Princess: Did the real Avril Lavigne die in 2003 and get replaced by her body double “Melissa”? Callie explains the fan-led theory and why it spread—from changes in her voice and face to the evolution of her music. It’s absurd and weirdly compelling… like all great pop conspiracies!
Why We Have a Love/Love Relationship with Conspiracies: The group steps back to ask the bigger question: why do people want to believe in conspiracy theories? They discuss pattern recognition, the need for control, brain-based bias and how shared belief builds community—even when it’s about Bigfoot. Cole reminds us we’re all just “big dumb monkeys,” but with internet access.
Rigged Questions and Scripted Wins: When Game Shows Got Busted. Tucked among the big conspiracies, the crew unpacks the real-life cheating scandals of 1950s quiz shows like Twenty-One. Contestants were fed answers, ratings were rigged and America got a crash course in media manipulation—decades before reality TV made fakery feel normal.
 
 
Memorable Quotes:
"There has been content that has come out that is just completely made up satirical content in relation to this and people will pick it up and run with it and use it like it is fact." – Cole
“Our brains are really, really, really good at lying to us.” – Callie
"I can assure you, birds are biological creatures. They are not robots." – Cole
“The more I read, the more I am convinced that our brains lie to us on a regular basis. The older I get, the less I am convinced that there is a way to recognize what is truth.” – Mecca
“We're educating our mother on the history of Tupac Shakur. I love this.” – Callie
"I think I'm relieved because like I remember watching like History Channel Bigfoot shows growing up and just being absolutely terrified." – Cole
“It just makes you discredit our government even more if that's really the truth.” – Mecca
“If you tell the truth, you don't have to worry about keeping up with the lie. Just tell the freaking truth, guys.” – Callie
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
"Devolution" by Max Brooks (affiliate link) is a fictional account of a Bigfoot massacre in the Pacific Northwest. Callie mentions the audiobook with full-cast narration (featuring Judy Greer and Jeff Daniels).
"101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think" by Brianna Wiest – Referenced by Callie during the psychology of belief section.
Game Show Scandals of the 1950s – Learn more about the real-life quiz show cheating that rocked America, including the infamous Twenty-One scandal, at PBS: The American Experience – Quiz Show Scandal.
 
 
Whether you’re a hardcore skeptic, a secret believer or just here for the laughs, conspiracy theories remind us how much we all crave mystery, meaning and a little bit of magic in the mundane. From moon landings to music legends, they’re not just stories—we use them to explore trust, truth and the strange ways our brains try to make sense of the world. If something in this episode got you thinking (or spiraling), we want to hear about it! Share your favorite conspiracy theory—or the one you just can’t quite let go of—with us on social or by email. And hey, don’t forget your tin foil hat on the way out. ;)

032: Guilty by Comment Section: Why Public Outrage Strikes Before the Facts

This week, we’re buckled in for a charged conversation about the way media—and society at large—has turned cancel culture into a weapon and truth into collateral damage. From courtroom drama turned content (think Depp vs. Heard or Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni), to politicians using shame as a tactic instead of justice, we're asking: Who gets canceled, who gets a redemption arc and is justice even the point anymore?
 
Callie, Mecca and Cole explore how performative outrage, social media mobs and profit-driven platforms are changing our relationship with facts, empathy and accountability. Spoiler: we’re tired. Tired of extremes, tired of moral laziness and tired of mistaking cruelty for truth.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Cancel Culture or a Modern-Day Scarlet Letter? We unpack the difference between accountability and digital exile and why nuance so often gets lost in the online mob. Whether it's something said last week or 20 years ago, the court of public opinion rarely allows for growth or grace.
Truth Is Out, Clickbait Is In: From misleading headlines to viral soundbites, we look at how media monetizes outrage. When emotion drives engagement, facts become optional—and that's a dangerous game with real-world consequences.
The Cost of Being an Asshole: Callie argues there's no such thing as a free insult. Someone always pays—whether it’s the person being attacked or the collective erosion of decency. We explore how cruelty has become incentivized, especially online.
Justice or Just a Narrative? We dig into political smear tactics and the weaponization of shame, including the bizarre DOJ comments about “using shame” when no charges can be filed. Are we still seeking truth or just using stories to punish our enemies?
Why We Don’t Trust the News Anymore: There’s no Walter Cronkite today. The group talks about how bias has become unavoidable in nearly every outlet and how cherry-picked data and manipulative editing fuel confirmation bias on both sides.
Reclaiming Nuance, Accountability & Empathy: We're calling for a reset: more curiosity, less judgment. That means allowing people to apologize, learn and grow without being burned at the digital stake. Also, just maybe, we all need to try a little harder to not be jerks.
Weird Thoughts: Apologies, Surveillance and Digital Receipts. We get into the messy gray zones of modern morality with a lightning round of big questions: Is public apology even possible anymore—or has silence become self-preservation? If we treat real-life scandals like reality TV, are we complicit in the spectacle? And honestly… would any of us survive a full forensic audit of our group texts or search history? We also unpack how convenience has quietly convinced us to hand over our privacy—one algorithm at a time.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Maybe they did something when they were a kid that was really terrible and now they're a better person. None of that is taken into account. You did this one thing one time and now you're just not allowed to be part of society anymore." – Cole
“[Media/Journalists,] I want you to be responsible to the American people and I don't really care what the hell that means to your platform. You owe the American people. They put you in there. That's what your job is.” – Mecca
“Blake Lively is much more well off than I will ever be. And If she doesn't have the money to go out and say, 'hey, I was wronged,' what hope is there for me?” – Callie
"We've become an 'ends justify the means' society." – Cole
“Every one of us have done things that we are embarrassed about, are ashamed about, but that doesn't give an entire country who doesn't know me this carte blanche to crucify me.” – Mecca
“Separate platform from person. Just because Callie said this on Twitter does not make this Callie's whole personality.” – Callie
"Our society has just been built around economic status so much that it's really tough to incentivize good behavior." – Cole
“There was benefit to me, as a parent, coming to you and saying, 'I did this wrong and I'm sorry, and I will try to be better.'” – Mecca
“Outrage equals engagement and engagement equals profit. That is how social media works. That's why it is so profitable.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
“The Smear” by Sharyl Attkisson – A deep dive into political media manipulation. (affiliate link)
Mary Jane aka @MoreWithMJ – A legal voice breaking down complex cases with nuance.
Ed Martin and the weaponization of shame in the DOJ
Scott Galloway's "The Four" – A sharp, provocative breakdown of how Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google became the most powerful companies on Earth—reshaping our behavior, values, and relationships along the way. Galloway explores the cultural cost of tech dominance and how these companies exploit human psychology, including our desire for validation, speed, and status. (affiliate link)
 
We’re not here to cancel people—we’re here to question systems. This episode isn’t about picking sides or defending bad behavior. It’s about stepping back from the noise and asking: What are we really doing when we click, comment and share? Are we seeking truth—or just picking a team?
 
If this conversation made you think (or made you a little uncomfortable), that’s the point. Share it with someone who could use a little more curiosity and a little less outrage in their feed. Start a conversation. Ask better questions. Be the person who says, “I’m not sure—I want to learn more,” even when it’s easier to pile on.
 
And hey, if you’ve ever been wrong online (who hasn’t?), this is your reminder: growth matters more than a hot take. Accountability beats cancellation. And kindness is never wasted.
 
If you loved this episode, leave us a review, tag a friend and keep showing up for the conversations that matter—even when they get messy.

031: The Happiness Equation: Grit, Gratitude & the Truth About Joy

Is happiness a destination, a choice or just a chemical reaction to cookies? In this uplifting (and brutally honest) episode, Callie, Mecca and Cole dive into what it really means to be happy. Drawing from ancient philosophy, cutting-edge research and their own life experiences, they explore the difference between fleeting pleasures and lasting joy. From the Harvard 80-year study to the power of gratitude, they unpack why happiness isn’t something you stumble into—it’s something you practice. And yes, there's a quiz. Because what’s joy without a little corny game show music?
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Hedonia vs. Eudaimonia: What Kind of Happy Are You? Callie kicks off the episode by breaking down the two classic types of happiness—hedonia, the quick-hit pleasure you get from a dessert or a TikTok binge and eudaimonia, the deeper satisfaction that comes from meaning, purpose and values. Cole and Mecca explore how both show up in real life and why lasting joy requires more than just feel-good moments.
The Secret to a Long Life? Relationships: The Harvard Study of Adult Development (the longest-running study on happiness) found that strong, healthy relationships—not money, not cholesterol—are the best predictor of longevity and well-being. Mecca shares how even bickering couples with trust outlive those with surface-level peace and Cole reflects on how connection gives us reasons to care for ourselves.
Optimism Isn't Magic—It's a Muscle: A Mayo Clinic study found that optimists live longer, have lower rates of disease and cope better with stress. But optimism isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a skill you can build. Callie shares re-framing tricks like “Think This, Not That,” and the team talks about choosing positive self-talk and building habits that support a healthier, more hopeful mindset.
Does Money Make You Happy? Yes… But Only a Little: In a game-show-style quiz, Callie busts myths around wealth and happiness. While money can help up to a baseline (around $75K/year), more doesn’t equal more joy. Rich people still struggle with loneliness and depression and experiences consistently bring more happiness than stuff. The team discusses the “hedonic treadmill” and how lifestyle creep can sabotage our joy.
Grit, Purpose and the Joy of Doing Hard Things: Happiness isn't always easy—it often comes from pushing through discomfort. Cole shares a personal example from gaming (yes, really) that illustrates how challenge and perseverance deliver deeper satisfaction. The group also reflects on Angela Duckworth’s concept of “grit” and why talent alone doesn’t cut it—purpose and passion matter more.
Small Kindnesses, Big Impact: From paying for a coffee to offering a heartfelt compliment, the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting ripples. Mecca shares a moving story about a child who was planning to end his life—until someone helped him pick up his books. The group discusses how these moments of connection are often the most meaningful and how kindness is both healing and free.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Those dopamine hits are a drug." – Cole
“Don't you think that anything in life that you have to work for, you feel better about?” – Mecca
“The point is to spend time in your community doing things, experiencing things that you love, that bring you joy.” – Callie
"Look at every interaction as an opportunity instead of a chore, that can change your whole perspective and changing your perspective can make a world of difference." – Cole
“I think we do get in a habit of saying no to things. And maybe we need to be more open to saying, let me try that.” – Mecca
“Social media is the highlight reel; not the movie of someone's life.” – Callie
"Be relentless in your search for solutions because there is no better feeling than saving the day." – Cole
“I just don't think people want to think about happiness being hard.” – Mecca
“I think that gratitude is so much more powerful than many of us assume. And then once you start practicing it, it's life changing.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
The Harvard Study of Adult Development has tracked people for over 80 years and found that strong relationships are the most important factor in long-term health and happiness.
A 30-year Mayo Clinic study showed that optimism is linked to lower disease rates and longer life expectancy.
Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky’s book The How of Happiness outlines how 40% of our happiness is within our control through intentional habits. (affiliate link)
Angela Duckworth’s Grit explores how passion and perseverance are more predictive of success than talent alone. (affiliate link)
In The Algebra of Happiness, Scott Galloway shares candid insights on success, love, money and meaning. (affiliate link)
World Happiness Report: A global ranking of happiness by country, based on metrics like well-being, trust and social support.
Elden Ring is the game Cole mentioned that was notoriously difficult and rewarding (affiliate link)
Tiny Kindnesses: A social media account sharing real stories of small acts of kindness and their lasting impact.
Country artist Chris Janson’s music video for Buy Me a Boat from our discussion about whether money can buy happiness—or just the tools to enjoy it with others.
 
What does happiness look like for you? This week, practice one small act of kindness, write down three things you’re grateful for and reframe one negative thought. Tag us @TwoMillennialsAndMom and tell us how it goes! Let's keep choosing joy—on purpose.

030: Lost Boys: The Unspoken Crisis of Modern Manhood

What’s happening to today’s men? In this eye-opening and deeply personal episode, Callie, Cole and Mecca dive into the quiet crisis unfolding for modern men. From school systems and dating culture to shifting gender roles and emotional isolation, they explore the cultural crossroads where today’s men find themselves. How do we even define what strength and masculinity even mean in 2025?
 
Inspired by The Diary of a CEO episode with Scott Galloway and Logan Ury, the TMAM trio digs into the messy, emotional and often contradictory world of modern manhood. Are we raising boys to fail? Are dating apps making connection harder than ever? And why does progress for one group so often feel like loss for another?
 
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Gender roles are shifting rapidly: Women are ascending in education and earnings, while young men are falling behind in school, employment and emotional health.
The overcorrection of feminism? The group wrestles with the idea that in celebrating women's progress, society may have inadvertently diminished men. Instead of bringing women up to join men as equals, did we push men down in the process? The conversation explores how empowerment doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game.
Dating app disasters: With bleak swipe statistics and impossible expectations, modern dating is skewing heavily against men. Logan Ury’s advice to give second dates a shot sparks conversation.
SEEKING: "Tall, rich, politically aligned unicorns only!" Social filters and expectations are shrinking the dating pool to near-extinction for everyday guys. From unrealistic height and income filters to viral TikToks about finding a “man in finance, 6’5, blue eyes,” dating expectations are more skewed than ever. Logan Ury’s data shows men are swiping hundreds of times just to get one match—if that match even responds. Women’s standards keep narrowing, creating a shrinking pool of “acceptable” men and leaving the rest out in the cold.
Defining (and redefining) masculinity: What does “emasculation” actually mean? Can a man wear pearls, cross-dress and still be masculine? Cole shares personal moments where he’s felt emasculated, even if only by a frisbee. They explore how phrases like “man up” and jokes about taking someone's “man card” reinforce unhealthy standards and discourage emotional honesty.
The problem with saying “boys will be boys”: Cole bluntly calls out the difference between harmless antics and excusing harmful behavior under the gendered cliché.
Boys in Crisis: From a lack of male teachers to schools designed for female learning styles, boys are struggling from an early age. The team discusses how the system doesn’t accommodate boys’ developmental needs, how the absence of male role models affects identity and how emotional expression is often stifled in boys but expected in adult men. The consequences ripple into adulthood.
Emotional Intelligence & Brotherhood: Creating Space for Men to Show Up
The conversation turns toward what could help men thrive—from Logan Ury’s story of monthly men’s groups focused on vulnerability and accountability, to Cole’s more casual but meaningful disc golf outings. The TMAM crew explores how emotional intelligence, community and intentional connection could be key ingredients in helping men feel seen, supported and whole.
Redefining (or Retiring?) Masculinity The group wrestles with the elusive concept of modern masculinity. Is it strength? Responsibility? Vulnerability? Intelligence (intellectual vs. emotional)? As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that a single definition might not cut it anymore. Maybe it’s not about rigid gender roles at all—but about striving to be better humans, regardless of labels.
A Weird Thought: Should We Redshirt Boys in Kindergarten? In a world where boys are statistically falling behind in school, we discuss a provocative idea—what if we started them a year later, like redshirting in sports? The trio explores whether this unconventional approach might better align with boys’ developmental timelines and set them up for long-term success. Or would it leave them more socially disjointed? Do these risks outweigh the rewards of disrupting the traditional education timeline?
 
Memorable Quotes:
"'Boys Will Be Boys' is jumping off of the shed trying to use a trash bag as a parachute. Boys Will Be Boys is racing your car down the highway and getting a speeding ticket. It is not raping women." – Cole
“Good Lord, if you hold me to everything that I utter out of my mouth…I'm going to get in a lot of trouble.” – Mecca
“We have created an environment that is not conducive for the different sexes to thrive.” – Callie
"If you've got two levels, you had men here and women were here, it should have been bringing women up to meet the men instead of bringing the men down to meet the women." – Cole
“Our definition of masculinity isn't really cutting it anymore. It is such a weak definition between everybody of what that means.” – Mecca
“We're judging men based on whether or not they're six feet tall. Their whole character is judged based on that 90 second clip, that 180 character bio and we're missing out on great men.” – Callie
"We are making it more difficult for ourselves to communicate with each other because of the vagueness, how vague our language has become." – Cole
“I really wanted y'all to fail while you were at home so that you had somebody to support you when you did.” – Mecca
“I think that there is such a stigma around being tough and being manly and being macho that anything that strays from exactly that "macho" definition makes you a girl.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
The Diary of a CEO episode with Scott Galloway and Logan Ury (YouTube)
"When Someone You Love Is Upset, Ask This One Question" by Jancee Dunn for the New York Times
 
Call to Action:
We want to hear from you—especially the men listening. What’s your definition of masculinity in 2025? Have you ever felt like society expects too much or too little from you based on your gender? And for our women listeners, what are the expectations you’ve been taught to look for? Let’s keep this conversation going. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @TwoMillennialsAndMom or email us at tmampod@gmail.com. And don’t forget to rate, review and share the podcast—especially with the good men in your life.

029: Redditors Gone Rogue: Persuasion, Deception & Digital Mind Games

What happens when your well-reasoned Reddit debate turns out to be with a robot? In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, Callie, Cole and Mecca unpack the jaw-dropping story of the University of Zurich intentionally releasing AI bots into Reddit’s “Change My View” subreddit—all without telling Reddit or its moderators. These bots weren’t just lurking—they were designed to sound human, persuade real users and even used fictional backstories. The crew explores the ethical fallout, questions whether persuasion by a bot still counts and asks: if you changed your mind because of a lie, is it real? They also tackle the challenges of AI detection, the limits of legislation and why education might be our only defense. Plus, a chilling “weird thought” about an AI-generated victim showing up in an Arizona courtroom and weigh in on the 100 men vs a gorilla debate.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
You’ve Been Debating a Bot: Callie introduces the disturbing story about a study where AI bots—disguised as real people—quietly infiltrated the Reddit's “Change My View” subreddit to see how successfully they could persuade humans. The team debates the ethics of deploying bots in public discourse without user consent and whether consent even matters when the argument feels real.
Disclosure Changes Everything: Mecca draws a hard line: using AI in public dialogue is only acceptable with transparency. The group discusses how easy it should be to label AI-generated content and why disclosure might be the only thing standing between innovation and the erosion of trust. Callie also compares it to CVS’s attempt to flag Photoshopped images in advertising.
Is It Still Persuasion If It's a Lie? Cole and Callie go deep on the nuance between persuasion and manipulation, especially when bots present false backstories (e.g., pretending to be a rape survivor or an abuse counselor). The crew agrees: changing someone’s mind through fiction or fabricated identity crosses a major ethical line.
AI Detection: Already a Losing Game? Cole flags a disturbing stat: some large language models are now passing the Turing Test at a 75% rate, making them indistinguishable from humans in conversation. The gang wonders if AI is advancing too quickly for detection tools to keep up—and whether society is already too far behind to catch up.
Education Is the Only Real Fix: Referencing Finland’s national approach to teaching children how to spot disinformation, Callie argues that education is our best (and maybe only) hope. The conversation shifts to how U.S. schools are failing to prepare kids for an AI-saturated future and why critical thinking should be prioritized over standardized testing.
Please and Thank You: Politeness in the AI Age: Do you say “please” to a chatbot? Should you? The team explores why politeness toward machines may be more about preserving our own humanity than sparing robot feelings. OpenAI's Sam Altman has a cryptic tweet—“Tens of millions of dollars well spent. You never know.” that sparks our questions about what kind of world we’re training ourselves for.
When AI Speaks for the Dead: In a dark and thought-provoking “Weird Thought” segment, they dissect a real court case where AI was used to simulate a murder victim during sentencing. While the bot’s message was one of forgiveness, Cole argues the legal precedent is chilling. If AI can speak in court on behalf of the dead, where does it stop?
 
Memorable Quotes:
"I am not going to change my opinion on how physics works because of Star Wars." – Cole
“I don't think ignorance is bliss. Ignorance is ignorance.” – Mecca
“We don't have time to NOT be worried about this. Do I want to be worried about it? No. Do I want this to be an issue? No. That doesn't make it not one.” – Callie
"Even if in this instance they attempted to use [AI] in a positive manner, it still sets the precedent to use it the other way." – Cole
“I'm feeling like I taught y'all better than I learned.” – Mecca
“Persuasion and manipulation are two sides of the same coin.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
The University of Zurich’s AI research study released bots into Reddit’s “Change My View” subreddit without disclosure, raising major ethical and consent concerns.
This Purdue University study found that large language models like ChatGPT provided incorrect information over 50% of the time, prompting questions about trust and accuracy. (Here's a Gizmodo article covering the research findings.)
CVS’s “Beauty Mark” campaign attempted to label Photoshopped images in ads, serving as a comparison for how transparency can rebuild trust in media.
Finland’s national education model, which includes teaching students to spot disinformation, is held up as a proactive response to the AI and misinformation era.
The study comparing U.S. and U.K. users that found most people say “please” and “thank you” to AI, with some doing it out of habit—and others just in case of a robot uprising.
The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google by Scott Galloway (affiliate link)
Check out the use of an AI-generated video played in the sentencing portion of a trial in an Arizona road rage murder case.
 
We want to hear from you—do you think bots belong in public discourse if they disclose their identity, or does the whole thing feel like manipulation no matter what? And what about your own habits: do you use manners with AI tools like Alexa, Google or ChatGPT? If so, is it because you're polite… or a little worried about a robot uprising? Send us your thoughts, theories, or weirdest Reddit encounters. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend (real or artificial), leave us a review wherever you listen and don’t forget to stay curious, stay polite and stay human. We’ll catch you next time on Two Millennials and Mom.