Two Millennials and Mom

027: The Millennial Blame Game: How Millennials Had To Make Their Own Rules

Why does everything get blamed on millennials? In this episode, we unpack the reputation of a generation accused of killing industries, ignoring tradition and redefining adulthood. Callie is tired of being the scapegoat, Cole defends no-show socks and artisan bar soap and Mecca admits she might’ve been converted to some of these “ruined” trends. From housing crises and avocado toast to boutique soap and diamond rings, the team dives into the real stories behind millennial choices and challenges—and why being different isn’t the same as being destructive.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
“Thanks, Millennials!” – Blaming an Entire Generation: Callie opens with a playful yet pointed gripe about millennials being blamed for ruining everything from bar soap to napkins. What starts as a rant turns into a breakdown of how millennial preferences are reframed as societal downfalls—when in reality, they’re often just a shift in values or innovation.
Coming of Age in Crisis: The crew discusses the lasting impacts of growing up during major national and global events—9/11, the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. These defining moments shaped millennial anxiety, finances and career paths in ways that older generations sometimes overlook.
Killing Industries or Demanding Better? From chain restaurants and diamonds to wine and napkins, millennials are accused of “killing” industries. But the group reframes these shifts as a generational desire for quality, ethics and practicality—less Irish Spring, more goat’s milk soap.
Goodbye, Diamond Standard: Mecca is surprised to learn millennials have turned away from traditional engagement rings, opting for moissanite, tattoos or nothing at all. Cole points out the artificial scarcity and ethical concerns of diamonds, while Callie highlights how generational values around love and commitment have evolved.
Redefining Success and Loyalty: Callie and Cole explain how job-hopping, gig work and side hustles aren’t a lack of commitment but a strategic and often necessary response to toxic workplaces and wage stagnation. Mecca reflects on how her generation equated loyalty with staying put, even when it wasn’t rewarding.
Therapy, Boundaries, and Bougie Soap: The trio highlights how millennials are prioritizing mental health, self-awareness and sustainable living—even if it means getting mocked for cloth napkins and snail mucus skincare. The conversation touches on generational trauma, setting boundaries and why being “bougie” might actually be healthier.
The Rules We Ditched as Adults: Callie asks a fun and reflective question: What’s a household rule you had growing up that you no longer follow? From cussing in front of parents to ditching dress codes and social expectations, the answers are as funny as they are telling.
Dying to Serve: One Man’s Final Mission: The team shares the inspiring story of a terminally ill Texas man traveling to all 50 states to volunteer and give back while he still can. His “Dying to Serve” tour is a beautiful reminder of purpose, kindness and the power of intentional legacy.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"We all already have extremely high anxiety because we can't pay our bills, have a mountain of debt, the job markets are still relatively tight and we have degrees that are already obsolete." – Cole
“For all of the gains that you guys have made, mental health, therapy, emotional intelligence, it's almost like it has been wiped out for that next generation of men.” – Mecca
“We as a society have become bougie. Millennials just get blamed for it.” – Callie
"We don't want to participate in an inefficient consumer waste machine!" – Cole
“Eating McDonald's is not going to help your skin. I'm just saying.” – Mecca
“I think that we were kind of forced to deal with things differently and forced to accept things differently to the point that, okay, we're just comfortable being uncomfortable.” – Callie
"We brought down the diamond industry and got rid of crappy bar soap. We're getting blamed for good things like they're bad things." – Cole
“I'm sitting here reminding myself that you're both very well adjusted people and not feeling bad about spanking you when you were little.” – Mecca
“They ate Tide Pods, Cole. [Gen Z is] not exactly the most intelligent generation there's ever been.” – Callie
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
A TikTok-er takes on how Millennials have set the new standard for aging.
Ed Sheeran’s fast food opinions on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
Some math on the paper towel vs cloth napkin debate
Doug Ruch's Dying to Serve Tour
 
Call to Action:
Are you a millennial who’s been blamed for something ridiculous? Or a boomer who’s benefitted from the changes? Let us know what you think! Leave us a review, share this episode with your favorite scapegoat and follow us for more cross-generational chaos!
 
 

026: Mo’ Money, Mo’ Misery: The Hustle That Hijacked Our Happiness

Despite being the wealthiest country in the world, the United States consistently ranks surprisingly low in happiness. Why? In this episode, we're talking about the disconnect between economic success and emotional well-being. From social isolation and constant distraction to instant gratification and wealth inequality, Callie, Mecca and Cole take on the big question: Can we be happy in a culture obsessed with growth? We explore what happiness looks like today, why it feels harder to find and how we can be more intentional about creating it.
 
Plus, a weird-but-true story of shocking forgiveness after a wrongful conviction, and a good news segment that has Callie chanting the F-word with joy!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Growth ≠ Happiness: America may lead the world in economic output but trails far behind when it comes to happiness. The gang digs into why the “booming economy” narrative doesn’t match how most people feel—citing rising loneliness, disconnection and an uneven distribution of wealth that leaves many Americans struggling while productivity surges.
The Great Divide: Wealth Without Access: Cole unpacks how wealth concentration skews national stats. While the U.S. appears rich per capita, most people don’t see those benefits. The conversation highlights how a handful of outliers mask the reality of paycheck-to-paycheck living, inaccessible healthcare and limited opportunities for meaningful experiences.
Doomscrolling > Doing Stuff: From social media to streaming, our constant content consumption has replaced real-life interaction. Callie points out how divided attention leaves little room for intentional connection, while Mecca reflects on the days when being bored meant going outside or talking to someone instead of endlessly scrolling TikTok.
Crumbs vs. the Sandwich: Callie introduces a new metaphor: instead of striving for deeply fulfilling experiences (the sandwich), we settle for low-effort, low-reward dopamine hits (the crumbs). The trio explores how instant gratification—from same-day shipping to streaming binges—trains us to undervalue the slow-burn joy of planning and anticipation.
The Myth of More: Even as we chase “more”—more productivity, more activities, more engagement—our lives feel emptier. Mecca talks about families burning out from overscheduling and Callie shares a story of how simplifying a family's calendar actually increased their happiness. The takeaway? Less can be more, especially when it’s aligned with our values.
Weird Thoughts: A man wrongfully convicted of killing his wife spends 37 years in prison—even after someone else confesses to the crime. The twist? The falsely accused husband befriends the real killer and forgives him. Cue the Bone Valley podcast and a full-on philosophical discussion about accountability, justice and humanity.
Good News: He's here, he's there, he's every F-ing where—Roy Kent! That's right folks, Ted Lasso is officially coming back for season 4. Callie’s excitement meter is off the charts and the team is thrilled about the return of wholesome optimism to TV soon-ish.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"We are so focused on economic growth yet so few people are benefiting from it." – Cole
“We are less focused on health and happiness than we are on economic growth.” – Mecca
“I think that we, as a society, have become so accustomed to instant gratification that we ignore the long game.” – Callie
"We have less money now than we ever have in the past. The number may be bigger, but the value of that number is smaller." – Cole
“Your generation is significantly less happy than my generation. And I am worried that my grandchildren's generation is going to be even worse.” – Mecca
“I think there's some self-reflection and introspection that needs to take place so that you can start kind of asking questions. 'What actually is important to me? What actually does fill my cup up rather than drain it?'” – Callie
"I think that calling the United States, on average, a wealthy nation is not really all that accurate, to be perfectly honest with you." – Cole
“I don't want to be just that regular American who's unhappy eating alone in the corner.” – Mecca
“We have filled all of our time with stuff that in the grand scheme of things doesn't matter.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Wealthy and Unhappy: The New York Times article that launched this discussion
Here's the more in-depth findings of the authors' study: The U.S. Economy Is Racing Ahead. Almost Everything Else Is Falling Behind.
Here's the episode of Young House Love Has A Podcast where John and Sherry interview Emily Ley and talked about simplifying her family's lives.
Check out the 2025 World Happiness Report
The Bone Valley podcast (Detailing the 1987 murder of Michelle Schofield and Leo Schofield's wrongful conviction)
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) Season 4's Official Announcement
 
Call to Action:
Are you settling for the crumbs or holding out for the whole sandwich? Think about what truly makes you happy and what’s worth your time. Then let us know—what’s your “hell yes”? Share it with us on Instagram or email us at TMAMPod@gmail.com!

025: Buzzwords & Battle Lines: The Internet's War on Words

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, we’re unpacking some of the most controversial (and confusing) buzzwords in modern discourse: “woke,” the “manosphere,” and the whole red pill vs. blue pill rabbit hole. Where did these terms come from, how have they evolved and why do they spark so much debate and division?
 
In one of our more…spirited(!) and thought-provoking episodes, we dig into the history, co-opting and weaponization of language—while also questioning the media narratives that pit us against each other. And don’t worry, we’re still bringing the laughs and plenty of the side-eye. Plus, our good news story features a little Jurassic Park flair: dire wolves are (sort of) back!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
What does “woke” even mean anymore? We explore the term’s origins in Black communities as a call for awareness and justice, how it was co-opted during the civil rights movement and the dramatic shift as it became a political lightning rod. Callie breaks down the timeline of how “woke” evolved from a vigilant mindset to an insult, while Mecca and Cole weigh in on why it’s now so polarizing—and why some choose not to use it at all.
The “woke mind virus” and polarized thinking: Cole introduces the idea of the “woke mind virus,” explaining how echo chambers can create ideological rigidity and intolerance. The group digs into how this absolutist mindset shows up on both sides of the political spectrum (with no room for nuance) and how it further feeds division rather than understanding.
The Manosphere: masculinity or misogyny? Mecca shares how a Reddit rabbit hole led her to research the manosphere—a tangled online world of men’s rights activists, incels and “men going their own way.” We talk about the reactionary roots of the manosphere, its hatred of feminism and how overgeneralizing men or women leads to harmful stereotypes and fractured connection.
Who’s wins in a culture war? We tackle the metaphor of “teams” (red vs. blue) and how media narratives fuel conflict for profit. Cole points out that most Americans aren’t on either extreme but get dragged into cheering for sides that are more about profit than progress. Callie introduces the raccoon metaphor—how we latch onto one belief so tightly that we can’t pull our hand (or brain) out of the jar. We discuss how holding onto single-issue identities or ideas keeps us from seeing the bigger picture or growing.
Red pill, blue pill... neither? Cole breaks down the original Matrix reference and how “red-pilled” has become a stand-in for being “awake” to hidden truths, often weaponized by the political right. But like “woke,” it’s evolved into a slippery, overgeneralized label. We discuss why these binary identities are too rigid to be useful and how they fail to capture real human complexity.
Weird Thoughts on Epistemicide: the death of knowledge Cole introduces a new word—epistemicide—and explains how the flood of information, misinformation and opinion on the internet is drowning truth itself. It’s not just censorship—it’s dilution and it’s changing how we engage with facts, nuance and each other.
Dating across party lines? We dissect a viral text exchange where a potential date goes off the rails after a political question. Who dodged the bullet? Who failed the test? What happens when politics becomes the first filter in relationships? And is respectful disagreement even possible in dating anymore?
Why respectful conversation still matters. Despite some heat in this episode, we circle back to the mission of the show: fostering dialogue across generational and ideological lines. We may not change the world, but we can make space for conversations that challenge, educate, and grow us—and that’s the first step toward change.
Good news: Dire wolves are back! Kind of. In our feel-good closer, Cole shares a story about geneticists reviving a species of dire wolves through DNA research. Whether it’s a scientific marvel or the start of a real-life Jurassic Park, it’s a wild reminder of what humans are capable of—for better or worse.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"If your beliefs are driving animosity towards other people, maybe you need to go and reevaluate your beliefs and your values a little bit." – Cole
“You can't look in history and NOT identify black people that have contributed significantly to society.” – Mecca
“If something is important to you or has impact on you, I think that it is wise for you to go and educate yourself and do the hard work, do the heavy lifting. But we as a society have decided that we're just going to stick with lies and emotions and call those facts and that's good enough. And that's wrong.” – Callie
"There are so many voices talking to us all of the time that we are systemically annihilating knowledge by diluting it." – Cole
“Without putting my head in the sand, I think that I'm going to try to eliminate some of these words. Also, when they are used around me, try to say, 'Explain. Tell me what you mean.'” – Mecca
“Whether or not you read it from the New York Times or Fox News, I don't give a shit. Go verify it with other sources, other kinds of factual-based data, statistics, accurate places.” – Callie
"Am I advocating for bringing T-Rexes back? Probably not." – Cole
“I am forever grateful that when we hurt each other's feelings or we disagree, that we can still come to the table and have a conversation and love each other.” – Mecca
 
Resources Mentioned:
Jefferson Fisher's 'The Next Conversation', (He's an attorney known for sharing respectful communication tips)
Dean Withers' Instagram Reel about "spewing facts"
Dr. Dana Crawford breaking down the definition of epistemicide
The Matrix Red pill/Blue pill scene (in case you've been living under a rock)
TIME's 'The Return of the Dire Wolf'
 
If you’re using a word like “woke,” “red pill” or “manosphere”—pause and ask yourself (or the person you’re talking to): What does that really mean to you? Definitions matter. Understanding matters. And conversation? It’s the only way forward.

024: The Quarantine Effect: How COVID Changed Everything

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, the crew reflects on the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic five years later. They discuss how life shifted during lockdowns and how those changes stuck (or didn’t). From remote work and social habits to mental health and personal growth, the conversation spans the unexpected silver linings and enduring scars left by the pandemic. With characteristic humor and honesty, they share personal memories from quarantine, explore generational differences in how the pandemic was experienced, and discuss how society collectively reshaped itself — for better or worse.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Pandemic or Zombie Apocalypse? At first, it felt like something out of a movie—empty roads, shuttered stores and a creeping fear that every surface (or stranger) would infect you. The crew remembers how surreal those early weeks were: thinking it would all blow over in a few weeks, only to watch it stretch into months of eerie quiet, isolation and social disconnection. The normal rhythms of life vanished almost overnight.
A Generation Interrupted: Whether they were just starting school or navigating high school, kids and teens had their entire sense of “normal” ripped away. For little ones, COVID disrupted critical years of learning and development and many still haven’t caught up. For teens, it meant missing milestones like prom, graduation and sports—but also brought some unexpected upsides, like more sleep and a break from overpacked schedules. Studies even suggest adolescents benefited from the slower mornings. The crew also touches on how women, especially mothers, disproportionately took on the burden of schooling, caretaking and emotional toll during that time.
The Metaphorical and Literal Butterfly Effects: During COVID-19, the reduction in human activity led to dolphins vocalizing more due to fewer boat disturbances, turtles laying more eggs in safer, less crowded areas and significant reductions in pollution. National parks saw record attendance but struggled to address increased trash, traffic and trail damage as they navigated the challenges of handling such a surge in visitors.
Divisions and Tensions: COVID-19 sharply divided people along lines of belief, particularly regarding mask-wearing and vaccination. Many debates became polarized, with individuals becoming staunch in their positions, whether based on facts, misinformation, or personal conviction. This created awkward situations where people felt compelled to ask about vaccination status and those answers often had significant impacts on businesses, households and entire communities, influencing financial security and social dynamics.
Working from Home had Benefits and Challenges: The shift to remote work during COVID-19 was a game-changer for many businesses and industries that never thought it was possible. It highlighted a delicate balance of responsibility and freedom, where some thrived in the flexibility, becoming more productive, confident and efficient, while others struggled with boundaries and sometimes abused the setup. Ultimately, working from home allowed people to prioritize self-care, which became a major theme in daily lives of many during the pandemic while simultaneously presenting challenges in maintaining work-life balance.
Stimulus Checks and Child Poverty: The stimulus checks provided during the pandemic made a significant impact on the lives of children, pulling many out of poverty. However, in 2022, when these checks ended, child poverty rates doubled, highlighting the crucial role extra money played. This situation also sparks a broader conversation about capitalism—how we would love to see its intentions shift to better reward innovation and creativity, rather than perpetuating the hoarding of wealth by a select few.
Weird and Wonderful COVID Moments: We reminisce on some unforgettable and oddly delightful moments that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise—like Stanley Tucci casually teaching us how to make Negronis on Instagram Live, or the Iditarod winner getting stranded in Alaska with his 16 dogs after his flight was canceled (he eventually caught a ride home on a historic plane headed to a Norwegian aviation museum). TikTok brought us new shared recipes and the unexpected rise of sea shanties, popularized by young men who learned them from a video game. We also revisit the chaos of the Ever Given container ship getting stuck in the Suez Canal, disrupting global trade, and of course, the legendary “I am not a cat, your honor” Zoom courtroom moment, thanks to a stubborn filter left on by a kid.
 
Memorable Quotes:
“It added perspective. It's not just about us. It's not just about me. I'm not the only one who matters.” – Callie
"There's no in between and I feel like we have not recovered from that divisiveness." – Cole
“I feel like a corporate overlord all of a sudden!” – Callie
"It's way better for your health if you stop trying to impress everyone around you. Just be you." – Cole
"As a mother, I'm going to go, 'lalalala!'" – Mecca
"Drinking has never once in my life made me make better choices." – Cole
"The camaraderie that COVID created was incredible. 'Hey, we're all in this together. It totally sucks and is really weird. And we don't know what's going on, but we're all in this together. We'll figure it out.' That is what I wish we had better taken away." – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
The Upshot Article about the lasting effects of COVID.
Watch Mairi Karen kick some butt in her post-COVID high heels on CCTV Video
 
COVID-19 changed us all. Some of those changes were massive and obvious—like how we work, how we connect, or how we think about public health. Others were more subtle, like rediscovering self-care, rethinking priorities, or learning the lyrics to a sea shanty we had no business singing. Whether it brought out new habits, new divisions, or new Negroni recipes, the pandemic left a mark that’s still shaping how we live today. Five years later, quarantine may be over, but The Quarantine Effect is still unfolding.
 
We want to hear how you changed. Did you start a new routine you still follow? Are you working from home in your pajama pants right now? Or did you—be honest—become a bread-baking, sourdough-starter evangelist? Share your stories with us on social media or shoot us an email. And don’t forget to rate and review our show—it helps more people find our cozy corner of the podcast world.

023: Love at First Click or Swipe Fatigue?

Ever wonder how dating has evolved from meeting at the local bar to meeting online? In this episode, the TMaM crew takes a look into modern dating and even tackle some eyebrow-raising topics like chivalry’s fate and the strange connections we make in relationships. Tune in for personal stories, laugh-out-loud moments and a deep dive into what makes relationships work (or fail) in the digital age.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Online Dating Evolution: Callie introduces a fascinating Reddit thread about how couple-meeting methods have shifted dramatically from 1930 to 2024, emphasizing the rapid rise of online dating to over 60%.
Personal Online Dating Experiences: Callie reflects on her brief venture into online dating, sharing funny yet awkward moments, while Cole explains why he’s mostly avoided it.
Chivalry & Traditional Gender Roles: A deep dive into whether chivalry still exists, what it means today and the contrasting expectations for men and women in modern relationships. Is chivalry dead or has it just evolved?
The Transactional Nature of Relationships: Cole highlights how relationships, especially online, can feel transactional, with both men and women navigating a sea of expectations.
Love Languages and Modern Relationships: The trio explores the importance of understanding love languages and finding balance in relationships, rejecting superficial criteria for deeper, more meaningful connections.
Mecca’s Love Story: Mecca shares how she and her husband met, offering a glimpse into a pre-Internet romance based on character, not just characteristics.
Weird Thoughts: In this Weird Thought segment, we dive into the hilarious yet intriguing idea of treating dating like Yelp reviews for people. Imagine rating your exes with comments like, 'Great in bed, but a total mouth breather—5 stars!' or 'Softest hair ever, but her dog farts—4 stars! Would date again.' The crew explores how funny and helpful it could be if people evaluated their past relationships like a service experience, turning dates into a series of ratings and reviews.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"I get really annoyed by people, in person, if they're annoying." – Cole
"I feel like I just got called a skank! By my mom! On the internet!" – Callie
“Your dad has been so significant in my relationship, it is hard for me to not want that same for you. And in my head, that definition is a partner. And that may not be accurate.” – Mecca
“I think that a relationship should be an active negotiation from both sides coming to the table saying, 'Here's where I am.'” – Callie
"I think it's really important for a woman to have her own identity; to be a partner and every relationship defines that partnership differently." – Mecca
"I did not know that you gave so much credence to the opinions of Uber drivers." – Cole
 
Resources Mentioned:
'How Couples Met' Reddit thread for the chart showing the journey between 1930 and 2024
The Five Love Languages Quiz
 
Dating in today’s world comes with its own set of challenges and funny stories—so what’s your take? Have you experienced the awkwardness of online dating or the thrill of an unexpected connection? Share your favorite (or least favorite!) dating ‘review’ with us over on social media! And while we're still fresh in your ears, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Let’s keep the conversation going on what makes modern love work—or hilariously fail. We're all ears!

022: Bizarre But True? Debunking Weird Laws Across the U.S.

Ever heard that it’s illegal to flick a booger into an Alabama breeze or that you can’t wake a sleeping firefighter in Wisconsin? Turns out, a lot of the wackiest laws we’ve heard about might not be what they seem. In this episode, we dig into the origins of some of the strangest so-called 'laws' across the U.S.—some real, some exaggerated and some totally bogus. From outlawed mustaches in church to faux butter bans in Wisconsin, we separate fact from fiction and have a few laughs along the way.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
California’s Mousetrap Myth: The infamous claim that you need a hunting license to set a mousetrap has a kernel of truth—California’s Fish and Game Code does regulate trapping mammals, but it’s intended for larger wildlife, not household pests. The law was meant to oversee hunting and conservation efforts rather than everyday pest control. The exaggeration likely comes from misinterpretations by legal blogs and online myth-spreaders looking for clickbait.
Alabama’s Fake Mustache Law: It’s said to be illegal to wear a fake mustache that makes people laugh in church, but it actually stems from general disorderly conduct laws. While causing a disturbance in a place of worship can get you in trouble, there’s no official mustache-specific statute. This one is a prime example of how people take vague laws and spin them into something oddly specific—and hilarious.
Ohio’s Drunken Fish Law: There’s no record of a law against getting fish drunk—this myth likely arose from agricultural regulations about water contamination. The closest real law relates to restrictions on dumping fermented grain or other alcohol-related byproducts into water sources, as they could harm fish populations. Interestingly, Ohio did once have a real (and bizarre) ban on women wearing patent leather shoes in public, supposedly to prevent men from seeing the reflection of what's under ladies dresses.
New Jersey’s Full-Service Gas Stations: Unlike most of the fake laws we found, it’s 100% true that pumping your own gas in New Jersey is illegal due to the state’s Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. The law was originally passed in 1949 due to concerns about fire hazards and gasoline fume exposure, but it has since been defended as a way to protect jobs. Today, New Jersey remains one of the last states to mandate full-service gas stations.
Virginia’s Coin Toss Ban: Allegedly, it’s illegal to flip a coin to decide who pays for coffee in Virginia. While gambling was once banned on Sundays, no evidence exists of this specific law. This myth likely evolved from early blue laws that restricted commercial activities on Sundays, including various forms of gambling. However, there is no documented case of anyone being arrested for flipping a coin over a coffee bill.
Galveston’s Sidewalk Sleeping Rule: In Galveston, Texas, it’s illegal to sit or lie down on the sidewalk—but only in specific areas and only between 7 AM and 2 AM. The law aims to prevent obstructions in the central business district, but between 2 AM and 7 AM, it’s totally fine to take a nap on the pavement. This odd rule suggests that Galveston may have a soft spot for late-night revelers who need a break before heading home.
Weird Thoughts: What if some of these were real? We imagine what could have prompted these laws if they had been written in earnest. Could there have been a rogue mustachioed prankster in an Alabama church? A drunken fisherman in Ohio? We also reflect on the disappointment of finding out some of the funniest laws were just internet fabrications.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"If you're drunk and you pass out on the sidewalk after the bar closes, totally fine. As long as you're out of there by 7 a.m." – Cole
“Can you imagine your arrest record showing public nuisance for flicking boogers?” – Mecca
“Public decorum versus private decorum, totally different things.” – Callie
"I do not catcall women. I'd have to speak to women before I started catcalling them." – Cole
“I'd never ask for a butter substitute.” – Mecca
“So, we're keeping people from being pervs. That's good.” – Callie
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
Check out Solly's Grille, Home of the Butter Burger (made with Real Wisconsin Butter!) in Milwaukee
 
Call to Action: Have you heard of a weird law in your state? Send it our way! We’d love to dig into it and see if it’s legit. Follow us on social media and let us know which myths you’ve fallen for!

021: The Power of Profanity: Does Swearing Make You Smarter?

This week, we tackle a spicy topic—swearing! Is a well-placed F-bomb a sign of intelligence and creativity, or just lazy language? We explore the generational and geographical shifts in profanity, how social media has changed our perception of swear words and whether cursing actually helps us cope. Mom is a little nervous about this one, but we’re diving in anyway!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Generational Perspectives on Swearing: Language evolves with each generation and swearing is no exception. We discuss how past generations viewed curse words as a sign of poor manners, while today’s younger people often see them as tools for emphasis and emotional expression. From our grandparents avoiding even mild words like "heck" to Gen Z using expletives in casual conversation, we explore how swearing has shifted over time.
The Geography of Cursing: Ever notice how some areas seem to swear more than others? A New Yorker might drop F-bombs in everyday speech, while someone raised in the Deep South might avoid it entirely. We look at the cultural, social and even religious influences that shape how comfortable people are with profanity based on where they live.
Swearing in Social Media: The internet has given people more freedom to curse without consequences but has this desensitized us to profanity? We discuss how platforms like TikTok, Twitter and Reddit have changed the way we perceive and use swear words. Plus, we dive into viral trends where toddlers cursing get millions of likes—why do we find it funny and…should we?
Profanity in the Workplace: Swearing in a professional setting can be a tricky topic. Some industries (like creative agencies or oil rigs) tend to take a more 'anything goes' approach to language, while others (like education or law enforcement) expect employees to keep things clean. We discuss when and if swearing at work is acceptable and how it can impact team dynamics and workplace culture.
The Psychology of Swearing: Can cursing actually make you smarter? Research suggests that people who swear often have a larger vocabulary and swearing can even help with pain management by triggering a dopamine release. We explore studies that connect swearing with emotional intelligence, creativity and even physical endurance (hello, weightlifters who swear to power through their final reps!).
Context is Key: There’s a difference between swearing to express frustration and swearing to insult someone. We break down how intent, audience and situation all play a role in whether a swear word is appropriate or offensive. Is replacing "f*ck" with "fudge" really any different? Who decides what words are "bad"?
Weird Thoughts: Are all sweatshirts sweaters? If not, what’s the difference? Also, Gen Alpha seems to have completely redefined the word "preppy"—we try to decipher out why a Stanley Tumbler now qualifies as 'preppy' fashion.
Good News Story: A creative dad in England finally got a massive pothole fixed—by sticking a pair of fake legs into it! Public works ignored the issue until enough people called in about what looked like someone having fallen in. Sometimes, humor is the best problem-solver!
 
Memorable Quotes:
"I understand that it's not your responsibility to not offend me. But I also feel like if you are speaking to me in a certain type of way, that it's now reasonable for me to return the favor." – Cole
“I know some people who cuss like a sailor and it doesn't mean that they're smart.” – Mecca
“So when you are first meeting somebody that you have never met before, you don't know anything about them in any context, the first 10 words out of your mouth probably should not contain a curse word.” – Callie
"Just because you swear, it doesn't make you smarter, but not swearing doesn't make you stupid." – Cole
“Duolingo is not teaching me to cuss.” – Mecca
“The F word has so many uses. You could use it to express sexual intercourse or ignorance or trouble or fraud or aggression, displeasure, incompetence, suspicion, enjoyment. You could make a request, show hostility, use it as a greeting... And the list goes on and on.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Studies on swearing and intelligence: CNN. The New York Times, The Swaddle, Healthline, BBC, Science Direct, The Cleveland Clinic and The Independent
Huffington Post's History of the F-word.
Right after we recorded this episode, we stumbled upon this video about “How To Know A Texan Actually Likes You” that was just too relevant not to share here! 🤣
 
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020: From Farts to Philosophy: Surprises, Struggles & Our Wild Ride to 20 Episodes

We've made it to 20 episodes! In this milestone (for us!) episode, we reflect on our podcasting journey so far—what’s surprised us, what’s challenged us and what’s made us laugh (and cry). From deep conversations to tech troubles, we dive into the behind-the-scenes of Two Millennials and Mom. Plus, we discuss listener feedback, our favorite moments and even some unexpected fan favorites (yes, y'all are STILL talking about farts!).
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
The Big 2-0: A Milestone Worth CelebratingWe’ve officially hit 20 episodes! We reflect on how Two Millennials and Mom has grown from our casual family chats to a full-fledged podcast and whether we ever expected to make it this far.
Expectations vs. Reality: The Podcasting Learning CurveWhat started as a fun idea turned out to be a bigger commitment than we imagined. From research and editing to staying consistent, podcasting has required more time and effort than expected—but it’s been worth every challenge!
The Hard Conversations: Disagreements, Tears & GrowthWe knew this podcast would involve tough discussions, but we didn’t anticipate how personal they’d feel. We share a behind-the-scenes moment when a post-recording disagreement got emotional, proving that respectful debate can be tough—even among family.
Listener Reactions: The Surprising Fan FavoritesSome of the biggest audience responses have caught us off guard—like the is every fart funny debate (who knew people felt so strongly about FARTS!?). We also discuss feedback about Cole’s unexpectedly “sexy” voice. We also reflect on why even the tough moments are actually a sign of our podcast’s success—because we’ve been surprised ourselves and those around us as  the opportunity to go deeper and have real, raw conversations has taken root.
Tech Talk & Learning Curves: The Struggles Are RealPodcasting isn’t just talking—it’s troubleshooting LOTS of tech issues, managing audio quality and keeping up with evolving setups. Cole shares his challenges managing the technical side remotely, while Callie talks about balancing perfectionism with efficiency.
Our Favorite Episodes: The Ones That Stuck with UsEach of us shares a standout episode: Callie loved the AI Chatbots discussion, Mecca found the Luigi Mangione episode compelling and Cole’s favorite was bringing on our first guest, our older brother Trey, for an unexpectedly deep conversation.
Weird Thoughts & Good News: The Classic TMaM EndingIn Weird Thoughts, we break down six things ER doctors wish people would stop doing (cough Cole’s VERY millennial avocado-cutting technique cough). And in Good News, we highlight an 87-year-old Pennsylvania man who handwrites invitations to his neighbors just to bring people together—a small but powerful reminder of why community matters. It's really sweet and we're only a tad bit jealous!
 
Memorable Quotes:
"It's mandatory to have those conversations and it's okay to disagree. The important part is keep coming back to the table." – Cole
“Trying to get the three of us to shut up is a challenge in itself.” – Mecca
“We're real people who really do love each other and really do have these conversations on and off the podcast. And because of that, sometimes our feelings get hurt.” – Callie
"There's a whole lot more nuance to all of these topics than just saying, 'I am right and you're wrong.'" – Cole
“One of my favorite hugs was with a stranger because she hugged a neighbor and I asked her if she was giving out free hugs today and she said yes!” – Mecca
“On the podcast, you black out and say weird shit.” – Callie
"You shouldn't be treating everyone like a criminal that you interact with because that is going to lead to more negative interactions." – Cole
 
Resources Mentioned:
Some of our favorite episodes so far:
AI Chatbots, Luigi Mangione, and hosting our first guest
The infamous Peeping Tom podcast cameo (On Instagram)
Links to find us on social media:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Threads
 
We’ve learned a lot over our first 20 episodes, but now we want to hear from you! What are your favorite moments or biggest takeaways? Drop us a comment or message us on social media! And, here's to the next 20 episodes of Two Millennials and Mom!