Two Millennials and Mom

019: The ‘Rules’ Are Rigged: Smashing Myths We Tell Women

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, Callie and Mecca dive into the lies, myths, and outdated rules society tells women to keep them "in their place." With Cole out sick (don’t worry—he’s already reserved the right for his rebuttal in a future episode), the ladies are taking full advantage of the opportunity to rage against the patriarchy! They are breaking down everything from beauty standards and age myths to double standards in the workplace and relationships. Are women "too emotional" to be leaders? Do we really have to dress a certain way after 40? And why does society keep pushing these narratives? Buckle up—this one’s a wild ride!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Breaking the "Rules": Society has a long history of feeding women outdated and oppressive expectations, from beauty standards to career limitations. From childhood fairytales to workplace norms, we dig into some common myths surrounding women, from aging and beauty expectations to the idea that women "expire" after a certain age. Spoiler: We don’t.
Fashion & Beauty Double Standards: Who decided white after Labor Day was a crime? Why does bold makeup suddenly become "too much" after a certain age? Is long hair offensive as we age? We debunk some of the weirdest fashion policing out there and the myth that women "peak" in their 20s. Aging is not something to fear but embrace. 
Personality Rules & Gaslighting Narratives: Be nice, but not too nice. Be independent, but not too independent. Be smart, but not too smart. We discuss how women are constantly expected to walk impossible tightropes. We also talk about the fallacy of "you’ll just know when it’s the right person" and why being picky in choosing a partner is actually smart. We discuss the unrealistic expectations placed on women in dating and relationships and the importance of self-awareness and personal growth.
The Workplace Double Standard: The Taylor Swift anthem "The Man" sums it up: when a man speaks up, he's assertive. When a woman does? She’s "too emotional." We unpack the infuriating reality of gender bias in leadership and success and why women’s emotional intelligence is actually a superpower, not a weakness. We explore how emotional awareness enhances leadership, decision-making, and relationships.
Weird Thought: What if we flipped sexism on its head? A thought experiment imagining a world where traditional gender norms are reversed—because if it sounds ridiculous the other way around, why are we okay with it now? We challenge listeners to rethink their biases by presenting everyday scenarios with reversed gender roles.
Good News: The All-Female Auto Shop: We share a feel-good story about an all-female auto shop in PA that is not only breaking stereotypes but also creating a supportive and empowering environment for women in an often male-dominated industry.
 
Memorable Quotes:
“There should be no shaming and it doesn't take away from a woman being a woman, if she chooses not to have children.” – Mecca
“I think it all comes down to your perspective and being willing to understand the shoes of somebody else.” – Callie
“We need to somehow become a stronger matriarchy; to appreciate each other and love on each other and encourage each other.” – Mecca
“Why is it okay to do this to women? Is it just because that's what we've always done and that's all we know? Are we too scared to learn to do things differently?” – Callie
“You don't go get a boob job because whoever you're dating wants bigger ones. If that's the case, you need to get rid of him.” – Mecca
“Nobody can give 100% 100% of the time. You have to recharge and regroup and reinvigorate your own soul.” – Callie
“I think our world would be very different if we allowed ourselves some space and the opportunity to be who we really are supposed to be and not measure that against some designated idea that we don't even know where it came from or who started it.” – Mecca
“I just don't think that greatness has a gender.“ – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Mecca's "Some of y'all don't know what happened to Earl and it shows" t-shirt (affiliate link)
GM's CEO Mary Barra's two-word dress code
Brene Brown’s discussion on relationships and emotional bandwidth on the Tim Ferriss Show
Taylor Swift’s "The Man" – because, well, it’s all too relevant
 
 
If this episode made you think (or laugh, or roll your eyes at the ridiculousness of some of these "rules"), good! Please, share it with a friend! Tag us on social media @TMAMPod and tell us what outdated rule you think needs to be smashed next. And if you enjoyed this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and follow us on social media. We all need the occasional reminder that some "rules" are meant to be broken!

018: What’s Your Texting Age? Generational Crimes of Communication

Are you a punctuation purist or an emoji enthusiast? In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, we take a very candid deep dive into the world of texting to uncover what our style, punctuation habits and emoji choices say about us. Turns out, our texting habits might be aging us unless your Mecca who seems to be getting younger! From the Oxford comma wars to the passive-aggressive power of "K," we take a CNN quiz that determines our "texting age"—with plenty of laughs and silly debates along the way.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
What’s Your Texting Age?: We take a quiz to determine whether our texting habits align with our own generational habits or others. Spoiler: the results are surprising! Each of us gets categorized based on our emoji use, punctuation style and texting etiquette.
Grammar vs. Chaos: The Great Comma Debate: Cole defends his excessive comma use while Callie and Mecca wonder why they engaged in this debate in the first place. The discussion covers punctuation in texting, whether the Oxford comma is necessary and how grammar influences tone in digital communication. And, since Callie writes the show notes, you won’t find a single Oxford comma here—much to Cole’s dismay! (Cue dramatic sigh from comma enthusiasts...)
Passive-Aggressive Texts and the Unwritten Rules of Messaging: Does ending a text with a period make you seem cold? Gen Z thinks so. The group debates when punctuation feels passive-aggressive, why "K" is never okay and how texting rules have changed over time.
Texting Etiquette and the Expectation of Instant Replies: How long is too long to wait for a response? They break down unspoken rules about response times, whether tap-backs count as real responses and the different expectations between work and personal texts.
Generational Miscommunication and the Pitfalls of Texting Styles: Do Mecca’s brief texts sometimes seem distant to younger generations? The team unpacks how different age groups interpret tone, why miscommunication happens so easily and why it’s better to just pick up the phone.
Weird Thoughts about Generational Gateways to Community: For Baby Boomers, cars were their keys to freedom, independence and social connection. Owning a car meant access to the world. Millennials, on the other hand, find their community and connections through technology. Whether it’s texting, social media or video calls. We discuss how each generation finds their sense of belonging and why Gen Z seems to be leaning more on various app usage.
Good News Spotlight: A retired police officer is using his infrared drone to reunite lost pets with their owners. What started as a small personal project has now helped dozens of families find their beloved furry friends. His innovative use of technology proves that even small actions can have a big impact on a community.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"I'm not gonna use a smiley face passive aggressively." – Cole
“I'm a funny girl.” – Mecca
“I do not want to send you a run on sentence. I don't want to read your run on sentences. I want to have the general idea of where things start and stop because this could get really crazy and go off the rails fast. Use punctuation, folks.” – Callie
"I finally learned the hotkey for italics on PC to make it way easier instead of having to go back and…God, my boomer is coming out." – Cole
“I wish I did voice to text more, but because of my accent, it doesn't work.” – Mecca
"What kind of feelings could you have about a period at the end of a sentence? Like it's just there to tell you that the sentence is over." – Cole
“So, the moral of this episode is Cole is a pest.” – Callie
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
Take the “What generation are you when texting?” Quiz 
Oxford Comma Stalin vs. JFK Meme
Your Guide to Understanding Emoji Meanings from Emojipedia!
 
 
Take the texting quiz yourself and tell us your results! Are you texting like a Boomer, a Millennial or Gen Z? Send us your funniest voice-to-text fails or most-used emojis—we’d love to hear from you!
 
Please don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Two Millennials and Mom to catch every new episode!

017: The Oligarchy Dilemma: Are We Already There? (Part 2 of 2)

In this thought-provoking follow-up to last week's episode of Two Millennials and Mom, Callie, Cole and Mecca continue their deep dive into the US government's function and what it means to live in an oligarchy. They begin raising questions on whether the signs of this power structure are already embedded in our society of the United States today. They explore the consolidation of wealth, corporate influence, media monopolies and the unsettling connections between big business and political power. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of America's founding as a constitutional republic and how that structure has evolved over time. While tackling some heavy topics, they also remind listeners of the importance of staying informed, questioning narratives and—of course—finding moments of levity (like a team of beavers out-engineering humans). Buckle up for part two of this illuminating discussion!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
The Foundations of Government: Mecca introduces a passage from Leigh McGowan’s A Return to Common Sense, explaining America’s constitutional republic roots and its gradual shifts over time.
Corporate Influence and Consolidation: The crew breaks down how massive corporations continue absorbing smaller ones, stifling competition and innovation while gaining unprecedented control over industries.
The Big Three in Finance: Cole exposes how BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard hold significant shares in thousands of companies, sometimes surpassing even the original founders in ownership influence.
The Illusion of Choice in Media: We discuss how six corporations control 90% of U.S. media, dictating narratives and limiting independent journalism’s reach.
Political Power and the Wealthy Elite: The team discusses concern for how some of the wealthiest figures in tech and business—like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg—seem to have outsized influence in Washington and beyond, from policy-making and presidential inaugurations to how our society functions and communicates with each other.
Citizens United and the Cost of Political Power: Cole explains how this court decision fundamentally shifted campaign finance, allowing corporations to pour unlimited funds into influencing elections.
The Frustrating Reality of Public Influence: A 2014 study found that public sentiment has statistically insignificant effects on policy decisions—while the elite and special interest groups hold a direct correlation to policy enactment. Truth be told, it's a tough pill to swallow.
Self-Perpetuating Power Structures: From revolving-door lobbying to political dynasties, the group examines how those in power remain entrenched, making systemic change even more difficult.
Weird Thought: Callie gets fired up about receiving a patronizing form letter from a senator’s office after sending a passionate email about media consolidation. (Dammit, Ted Cruz. Do better!)
Good News Spotlight: In a stunning display of nature’s efficiency, a team of beavers in the Czech Republic built a dam in two days—achieving what human engineers had spent seven years planning. Sometimes, nature really does know best!
 
Memorable Quotes:
"The top 1% [of the population in America], their wages grew increased by 206%. Just to give you hard numbers, in 1979, to be in the top 1%, your annual income had to be $267,000. In 2021, it was $820,000." – Cole
“There are so many channels and so many streaming services. And when you look at it from that perspective…it's the illusion of choice, but then it comes down and it's six companies running 90% of everything?” – Mecca
“They always say follow the money and when you start following it, it is a scary place to go.” – Callie
"If you take the median American family, that is the equivalent of them going to Olive Garden for dinner and spending $135. That's the same portion of wealth that Elon [Musk] spent on the 2024 election." – Cole
"Cough cough, oligarchy! Cough cough." – Callie
"Really? Is it different to be ignored than to be patronized?" – Mecca
"If 0% of the public supports a particular policy being enacted, it has the same likelihood of being passed as something that has 100% of support from the American public." – Cole
"Ted Cruz, read your email. Do better." – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
A Return to Common Sense by Leigh McGowan  (affiliate link)
The study about Public Influence in Politics by Princeton Professor Martin Gilens (coauthored with Benjamin Page of Northwestern University) Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens
The Motley Fool article breaking down the "Big Six" corporations controlling 90% of U.S. Media
History behind the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case and the creation of Super PACs
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight segment on corporate consolidation
 
Call to Action:
We want to hear from you! Do you think we’re already living in an oligarchy? What solutions do you see for shifting power back to the people? Share your thoughts with us on social media @TMAMPod or send us an email at TMAMPod@gmail.com. And as always, don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Two Millennials and Mom on your favorite podcast platform—because the more WE ALL talk about it…the better chance we have of making change happen!

016: Borrow, Spend, Repeat: The Cycle of U.S. Debt and What’s Next (Part 1 of 2)

In this eye-opening episode, we originally set out to discuss how presidents inherit economies from their predecessors. But as we dug deeper, we realized the bigger story lay in how the U.S. government borrows money, who holds this debt and what that means for us as citizens. Along the way, we uncover startling facts about national spending, the Federal Reserve and the disproportionate power held by the ultra-wealthy and large institutions.
 
Understanding how the government functions, how money flows through its systems and the massive levels of debt it has accumulated is crucial for every citizen. These issues impact policy decisions, economic stability and especially our daily lives. This isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue—it’s an American issue that affects us all, no matter who is in office. Before we dive into Part 2, we lay the groundwork by breaking down these fundamental aspects of government debt—buckle up!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
The Pivot to Government Debt: Our original plan was to analyze how presidents inherit economic conditions, but as we researched further, we saw a much larger and more pressing issue—the rising debt crisis and its long-term implications.
Who Owns the Debt? The national debt isn’t just a number; it’s owed to specific entities. We break down the biggest debt holders, including foreign nations, private institutions and even internal U.S. government programs.
Understanding Treasury Securities: The government doesn’t just print money—it borrows it through complex financial instruments like bonds, notes and bills. We explain what these mean, who buys them and how they shape economic policy.
The Role of the Federal Reserve: The Fed isn’t just a bank—it plays a crucial role in setting interest rates, controlling inflation and even holding a significant portion of U.S. debt. We discuss how it operates, its decision-making process and its impact on everyday Americans.
Mind-Blowing Debt Comparisons: A trillion dollars is an unfathomable amount, but we put it into perspective with real-world comparisons. If you spent $1,000 a day, how long would it take to reach just one trillion? The answer might shock you.
Government Spending vs. Revenue: The U.S. government consistently spends more than it earns. We analyze budget reports, highlight major expenditure categories and discuss whether deficit spending is sustainable.
The True Cost of Interest on Debt: The debt itself is one issue, but paying the interest on it is becoming an even larger problem. We break down how much of the federal budget goes toward simply servicing existing debt rather than funding new programs.
Corporate Tax Avoidance: While individuals shoulder a tax burden, many corporations manage to legally pay far less. We explore how tax loopholes and recent policy changes have shifted the tax burden away from the wealthiest companies and onto the rest of us.
Strange Laws Still on the Books: We take a humorous detour to discuss some of the weirdest and most outdated laws still technically enforceable in various states. From bizarre restrictions on attire to unusual rules about hunting and public behavior, these laws make us wonder—who wrote these, and why are they still around?
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Monetary policy determines how much money there is. Fiscal policy determines how much of it gets spent by the US government." – Cole
"What if our government used ChatGPT to figure out how to cut wasteful spending?" – Mecca
"the intent of capitalism at the start was not to create entities whose sole purpose is to generate profit, but it was to generate profit through innovation." – Cole
“Peanut brittle is damn good.” – Mecca
“This country does a horrible job of educating people on financial literacy. Maybe it's because they don't freaking know!” – Callie
"Our entire economy is built on a foundation of debt." – Cole
"We need to be able to differentiate between fact and opinion." – Callie
"They're spending more on interest to debt than assistance to individuals." – Cole
 
Resources Mentioned:
National Debt Year by Year from the US Department of Treasury via ABC News
To Whom Does the US Government Owe Money? as of September 2022 from the US Department of Treasury via Political Calculations
2024 US Government Revenue and Spending from the US Department of Treasury via USAFacts
Federal Government Finances over time using data from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Census Bureau, Department of Treasury and Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) via USAFacts
Government Debt Ranking as of October 2023 from Visual Capitalist
G20 GDP Comparison Chart via Visual Capitalist
A World of Debt Comparison Chart via Visual Capitalist
Years of Federal Government Finances Per Person, by Category from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Census Bureau, Department of Treasury and Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) via USAFacts
Corporate Profits of the US, by Industry via Statista
The 35 Percent Corporate Tax Myth Study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy on corporate taxation
 
Call to Action:
What are your thoughts on government debt and corporate taxation? Should corporations be paying more? Should spending be cut? Let us know your thoughts! Comment on YouTube or our social media, send us a message or an email with your thoughts. We want to hear you takes!
 
And don’t forget to tune in next week for Part 2, where we tackle the word no one wants to talk about—oligarchies. We’re diving into who really holds the power, how wealth influences policy, and what this means for the future of our democracy. Plus, we promise there will be FAR less math! Don't miss it!

015: Living, Dying and Southern Sayings: A Wild Ride Through Mortality and Manners

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, we take a deep dive into one of life’s most unavoidable topics—mortality. Inspired by Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal (affiliate link), Mecca leads a heartfelt (and fascinating) conversation about aging, hospice care and the importance of discussing end-of-life choices with your loved ones. Callie and Cole bring their own generational perspectives to the table, challenging traditional views on sentimentality, family roles and what it really means to prepare for the inevitable. And if that all sounds a little heavy, don’t worry—we lighten the mood with a round of our favorite (and most ridiculous) Southern sayings. Ever heard of being "happier than a three-peckered billy goat"? No? Well, aren't you in for a treat!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Discussing Being Mortal – Mecca shares insights from Atul Gawande’s book (affiliate link)and why it resonated with her. The crew dives into the broader themes of the book, including how modern medicine prioritizes extending life over ensuring quality of life and why doctors struggle to navigate conversations around mortality with their patients.
End-of-Life Choices – What does it mean to truly plan for the inevitable? The trio explores the importance of advanced directives, palliative care and the conversations families should be having before it’s too late. Cole debates whether a fiery send-off in a sports car is the way to go, while Mecca and Callie weigh in on what makes a meaningful, dignified end-of-life plan.
The Sentimentality Spectrum – Mecca accuses her kids of having zero sentimental attachment to family heirlooms, while Callie and Cole push back, arguing that sentimentality looks different across generations. They explore what truly holds meaning—objects, experiences or relationships—and why a pair of beloved shoes might hold more value than an antique.
The Nursing Home Conundrum – Is keeping our elders "safe" stripping them of their independence? A fascinating discussion on how small changes—like a pet-friendly nursing home or giving residents more autonomy—can vastly improve their quality of life. The crew also examines how societal shifts have led to more families placing elderly relatives in care facilities rather than taking care of them at home.
Southern Sayings Decoded – We break down the best (and most outrageous) Southern colloquialisms, from "all hat, no cattle" to "hotter than two rats ['bleep'ing] in a wool sock." Callie and Cole swap childhood expressions while Mecca gives a masterclass in old-school Texas talk, proving that some phrases truly stand the test of time.
Memorable Quotes:
"'Any man who would forsake liberty for safety deserves neither liberty or safety. Give me liberty or give me death.' I want to have the freedom to live my own life and if I don't have that I would rather just not be here." – Cole
“I don't want to be that grumpy old woman who just makes everyone miserable.” – Mecca
"If the camera adds 10 pounds, 'ma'am' adds 10 years. " – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande (affiliate link)
Find out where your words say you're from with The New York Times: The U.S. Dialect Quiz: How Y'all, Youse and You Guys Talk
Southern Sayings
 
Y’all, we had a blast sharing some of our favorite Southern sayings, but now we want to hear from you! Drop us a comment, email or DM us with your funniest or most unique colloquialism. Whether it's Southern, Texan or just something weird your family has always said, we’d love to hear them all. We also want to encourage you to have those tough conversations about end-of-life care with your loved ones. It’s not easy, but it’s critically important to ensure that everyone’s wishes are known. So…take a deep breath and start the conversation—it’s a step towards peace of mind for you and your family. You can do this; we believe in you!

014: Screen Time: Our Takes on TV’s Best and Worst

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, Callie, Cole and Mecca dive into the ever-evolving world of television. From classic sitcoms to binge-worthy dramas, they discuss their all-time favorites, guilty pleasures and the cultural impact of TV. They also discuss the portrayal of women in popular shows and whether television has made us meaner or simply reflects society. Tune in for a lively discussion full of hot takes, laughter and maybe even a few surprises!
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Current Watches & Initial Thoughts – The hosts share what’s currently on their watchlists, including Landman, Ted Lasso, Shrinking and Hacks. Callie and Cole debate the impact of Taylor Sheridan’s depiction of female characters, while Mecca shares her skepticism about overly dramatic shows.
TV Favorites & Rewatch-Worthy Series – From NCIS to Sex and the City, Suits and a late-to-the-party love of Ted Lasso, the hosts reveal the shows they keep coming back to and why good writing and strong characters make all the difference.
TV’s Most Disappointing Endings – Cole shares his frustration with Sons of Anarchy and Breaking Bad, while Callie confesses to never starting Game of Thrones or finishing Orange is the New Black. Mecca recalls shows that started strong but lost her interest.
Guilty Pleasures & Reality TV Confessions – Callie defends her love of Million Dollar Listing New York and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, while Mecca reminisces about early Dancing with the Stars seasons. Cole admits to some questionable anime binges.
TV’s Influence on Culture – A deep dive into whether TV has made us meaner or simply mirrors real life. The hosts discuss the shift from classic heroes like Roy Rogers to today’s antiheroes and morally complex protagonists.
The Ultimate TV Quiz – Callie tests their TV knowledge with iconic quotes from shows like Friends, The Simpsons, South Park and more.
Weird Thoughts: The hosts dive into the irony of modern streaming services, debating whether today’s fragmented subscription landscape is any better—or cheaper—than the cable packages they all abandoned years ago.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"I think [TV] has made us meaner." – Cole
“I could give up TV very easily. Not books.” – Mecca
“Hey, Taylor Sheridan, please stop hating women.” – Callie
"I want to be entertained but I don't want to be scared out of my mind. I don't want to be gored out. So, maybe I'm not a very good TV watcher." – Mecca
"I'm Ted Lasso and my dad is Hank Hill." – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
A veteran turned his PTSD struggle into kindness—becoming a free handyman and eventually finding a new love.
Tune into the fascinating series Callie binged where nature and miniature ecosystems come to life with the AntsCanada Rainforest Vivarium. (Grab some popcorn and get ready for a WILD show! Quite literally.)
 
What’s on your TV watchlist? Your all-time faves? Do you agree with Callie's frustrations with Taylor Sheridan? What are your guilty pleasure shows? And do you think TV has influenced our culture or is it the other way around where we've influenced TV? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media!

013: Dear Younger Selves: We've Got Notes

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, we’re diving into the advice we wish we could give our younger selves. From wearing sunblock and avoiding credit card debt to not reading the comments (seriously, don’t), this heartfelt yet fun conversation is packed with wisdom we’ve learned the hard way. Along the way, we share cringe-worthy moments, life lessons and even contemplate why today’s teens might not be in such a rush to get their licenses. Spoiler alert: our younger selves definitely needed this episode—and maybe you do too.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Letters to Our Younger Selves: We kick off the episode by sharing what we’d tell our younger selves, blending humor with heartfelt truths. From “Calm down” and “Let it go” to practical wisdom like wearing sunblock and looking at your poop (yes, really), it’s a mix of sage advice and comedic reflections that we wish we’d followed in our 20s.
Mistakes That Made Us: Callie opens up about a career-defining typo that taught her the value of learning from your mistakes, while Cole reminds us why listening in relationships (and not ignoring red flags) can save years of heartache. Mecca shares the importance of appreciating life’s moments without rushing through them.
The Great Driving Debate: Why were prior generations so eager to get their driver’s licenses at 16, but Gen Z is dragging its feet? We explore how fear, road rage and faster-but-flimsier cars have reshaped the driving experience across generations.
Financial Wisdom for Young Adults: The trio dives into lessons on avoiding credit card traps, the power of compounding interest and why saving early and routinely—even if it’s just $10 a week—can set you up for life. Plus, some advice on leveraging debt wisely, living within your means and allowing your money to work for you.
Building Community and Trust: Callie reflects on her goals to be a trusted confidant, sharing how fostering a judgment-free space makes it easier for people to ask for help. We discuss how mentorship and mutual support strengthen the fabric of our communities.
Weird Thoughts Thanks to Hilarious Teen Texts: Inspired by Chip Leighton’s What Time Is Noon?, we share laugh-out-loud moments from teenage inquiries, like “Do I put bear spray on before or after I see a bear?” and “Which country speaks cursive?” These quirky questions remind us we’ve all been clueless at some point.
Good News Spotlight: Meet Avery Colvert, a 14-year-old making a massive difference for wildfire survivors in California. Her initiative, @AltadenaGirls, combines compassion with creativity, proving that even the youngest among us can inspire change and provide comfort to others in need.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"It's okay for girls to be smart.” – Mecca
"You have to utilize debt to make something grow faster than the interest. That is what debt is for and the vast majority of people don't use it that way." – Cole
“Check your boobs and balls regularly for lumps.” – Mecca
“When you make a mistake, it's okay, but find out how to fix it and try really hard to never make that same mistake again.” – Callie
"Don't just work. Find something that means something to you and do that." – Mecca
"I think in the long run, being accountable is easier." – Cole
"Everybody's fighting these really huge battles in their lives. Some different, some big, some small but they're fighting them and having an opportunity to feel like yourself? What a gift." – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Bored Panda's 30 Harsh Life Realities 20-Somethings Don’t Realize Yet, According To People In Their 40s
How NOT to use a post setter tool (Not the original video and this guy is actually doing a much better job than the Gen Z guy we saw!)
Brad Paisley’s “Letter to Me” music video (Y'all remember when MTV and CMT showed music videos? Me too.)
What Time is Noon? by Chip Leighton (affiliate link) but don't miss his hysterical Instagram posts about Teenager Texts!
Follow @AltadenaGirls on Instagram to help support teen girls after the CA wildfires
 
Call to Action:
Do you have advice you’d give your younger self? We’d love to hear it! Share your thoughts on social media and tag us @TMAMPod. Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to our podcast to catch every new episode!

012: Callie's Got Questions: Spiders, Superpowers and Social Media Showdowns

This week, Callie brings the chaos with a list of quirky and thought-provoking questions that take the family from laughing about spiders in shoes to reflecting on superpowers and stereotypes. They also dive into timely topics like the potential TikTok ban and Meta’s controversial decisions about content moderation. It’s a blend of hilarity, hot takes and heartfelt debates that you don’t want to miss.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Callie's Question Time: Callie kicks things off with a list of hilariously random and unexpectedly deep questions, sparking debates over whether you’d rather have a spider or a Lego in your shoe, the best last meal if you were on death row and which superpower each of them would choose. The answers are as quirky and thought-provoking as the questions themselves.
Generational Stereotypes: The family unpacks stereotypes about Millennials and Baby Boomers. Are Millennials lazy? Do Boomers love ellipses in texts more than most? The trio debates the truth behind these labels with humor and personal anecdotes, offering a fun but meaningful take on generational differences.
Superpowers and Survival: What would you do with a rewind button for life? Could you survive three months in the wilderness with just a few tools? These questions push the conversation into a mix of fantasy and practical problem-solving, with Cole claiming he’d thrive on the TV show Alone and Callie asserting she might could last a month (as long as she wasn't calorically dependent on cockroaches).
What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? A deeply personal segment where the family reflects on the things they’d pursue or say if fear weren’t a factor, including Mecca’s passion for tackling food insecurity and Callie’s yearning to leap more in life.
Weird Thoughts: Things get less silly as the trio dives into their thoughts on the potential TikTok ban and Meta’s controversial decision to scale back fact-checking. Callie, Cole and Mecca share differing opinions on free speech, censorship and the balance between safety and liberty, all while bringing personal and global perspectives into the mix.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"You cannot expect equality of opportunity if you do not provide equality of education." – Cole
“There is too much food that goes to waste. There has to be an answer for people not going hungry, specifically in America. We could solve this.” – Mecca
“I just feel like education is the answer, not censorship.” – Callie
"I think that if we ban TikTok, nothing is solved. Nothing is fixed. It doesn't change the fact that China or some adversarial government across the world could still have access to us." – Callie
"Don't get me wrong. I used to threaten to kill y'all all the time." – Mecca
"Okay. You can't legislate morality."  – Cole
"We keep talking about the system being broken. The system is functioning exactly the way that it was designed. It just wasn't designed with us in mind." – Callie
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
Chuck Klosterman’s Hypotheticals: 50 Questions for Insane Conversations (affiliate link)
Callie's Not-Kale-y Kale Salad (c/o: PlaysWellWithButtter.com)
NYT Opinion: "The Supreme Court Must Intervene in the TikTok Case" (Boomer Move: It's behind a paywall. Sorry about that.)
How Ben Franklin's 'Liberty/Safety' Quote Lost its Context in the 21st Century
The Weaponization of Facebook in Myanmar's Rohingya Genocide
Lee McGowan’s A Return to Common Sense (affiliate link)
Tangle's Issac Saul: "Facebook ends its fact-checking program."
GoFundMe for the Fox's Restaurant Staff after their devastating loss in California's Eaton fire
Catch Former President Jimmy Carter's grandson, Jason Carter eulogizing his legacy
 
Call to Action: Have thoughts on the TikTok debate or which superpower you’d pick? Would YOU choose the Lego? Share your thoughts with us on social media! Maybe use Threads or something that's not about to be banned…? Just a thought.