Two Millennials and Mom

010: Resolution Revolution: We're Doing It All Wrong

In this lighthearted and humorous episode, Callie, Mecca and Cole dive deep into the world of New Year's resolutions and goals. From SMART methodologies to quirky traditions and big aspirations, they discuss what makes resolutions stick—or not! Listen in for tips, laughs and a reminder to be kind to yourself as the new year comes into focus.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Historical Origins: Callie shares a brief history lesson on New Year’s resolutions, tracing the tradition back to the Babylonians over 4,000 years ago. They used the New Year to repay debts, return borrowed items and reaffirm commitments to their gods. The hosts reflect on how this ancient practice connects to modern traditions.
The Power of SMART Goals: Callie explains the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound—and why this  methodology is essential for setting goals you can actually see and achieve. They explore examples, from fitness plans to financial goals, to make resolutions practical and actionable.
BuJo Benefits: Mecca discusses her love for bullet journaling, sharing how it helps her align goals with values. She highlights the importance of monthly reflections as a way to celebrate wins, remember sweet moments and adjust focus for the future.
Personal Reflections: Callie and Mecca describe their monthly recap practices, from Instagram reels to journaling, as a way to stay connected to gratitude and joy. They discuss how these small practices enrich their lives and hope to inspire others to embrace reflection.
A Millennial’s Take: Cole candidly admits his struggles with traditional goal-setting, attributing it to the instant gratification culture. However, he shares his success in adopting a healthier lifestyle and highlights how personalized approaches to goals can lead to meaningful results.
Accountability Partners: The trio emphasizes the value of having someone to hold you accountable. Callie and Mecca share stories about how their shared fitness goals kept them motivated and on track, turning routines into fun bonding experiences, even from great distances apart.
Weird Thoughts: Callie reveals her weird/quirky obsession with trying to flex out of a blood pressure cuff, sparking a hilarious discussion about personal strength, curiosity and finding joy in the absurd. (She's easily amused. What can wee say?)
 
Memorable Quotes:
"I'm not a very goal oriented person. I feel like this is the millennial in me where I need that instant gratification." – Cole
“Christmas is not my favorite time, but I love the beginning of a new year. It just feels like you get to start over.” – Mecca
“'Hey buddy, you have 22 inch arms. Can I put this blood pressure cuff on you real quick?' Not gonna be weird at all.” – Callie
"I think it's us that are inherently flawed, not the resolutions themselves." – Cole
"I have weird children." – Mecca
"I think that we're onto something with not having these big, huge grand goals and resolutions and trying to be the next best version of ourselves starting here in a couple of days. I think that we are exactly who we're meant to be. And I think that we have plenty of room for improvement, but God, how lucky are we?" – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Young House Love's Monthly Superlatives and Reflections (The original inspiration to Mecca's monthly roundups)
SMART Goals methodology (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Jesse Itzler's advice on how to start your year
Ryder Carroll’s bullet journal philosophy
 
Call to Action:
Take a moment to reflect on what truly brings you joy and what you’re grateful for. Share your mini-adventures or winning habit ideas for 2025 on social media and tag us @TMAMPod. Let’s inspire AND hold each other accountable. (Gentle, ribbing, remember? cough cough)

009: The Assassination Paradox: Brian Thompson and Luigi Mangione

In this candid yet intense episode, Callie, Cole and Mecca discuss the alleged assassination of UHC CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione. The trio dives deep into the societal, ethical and philosophical implications, addressing public reactions, historical comparisons and the challenges of justice in a broken system. They grapple with questions of morality, systemic failures and what it takes to ignite change.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Understanding the Players: Mecca presents a more detailed profile of both individuals: Brian Thompson, a UHC CEO with a controversial legacy tied to healthcare denial policies, and Luigi Mangione, a young, well-educated man shaped by chronic pain and frustration with healthcare inequities. Their contrasting backgrounds provide insight into the broader issues at play.
Post-Assassination Reactions: The team unpacks the immediate and visceral reactions from the public, including the generational divide in views. Older generations leaned toward rejecting vigilante justice, while younger age groups showed surprising levels of acceptance or rationalization, highlighting deep frustrations with systemic failures.
Ethics and Vigilante Justice: The conversation wrestles with whether vigilante actions, even when born out of righteous anger, can ever be justified. Cole raises the haunting Nietzschean question, "Is it better to out-monster the monster or be quietly devoured?"
Historical Context: Callie draws parallels to historical assassinations, such as Julius Caesar's, which led to the rise of the Roman Empire; Abraham Lincoln's, which derailed Reconstruction efforts; and Martin Luther King Jr.'s, which galvanized the civil rights movement but at the cost of losing a pivotal leader. They explore how these events reshaped societies, for better or worse, and what lessons apply today.
Social Media Amplification: The team critiques how social media platforms fuel instant outrage and illusory truths, fostering a culture where hot takes overshadow nuanced understanding. Callie shares snippets from an article about how algorithms escalate polarization and distort reality.
Philosophical Paradoxes: Mecca’s poignant reflection on whether a conversation between two highly intelligent individuals could have prevented violence underscores the tragedy of lost opportunities for understanding. While the Millennials question the feasibility of conversations between CEOs and regular Joes, including the one Mecca more directly works for.
Weird Thought: The trio ponders how social media would have amplified the immediate, often emotional reactions to historical events had it been present or more widely used at those times. They discuss how it can create narratives that can unite or divide society even when it is frequently detached from reality, highlighting the platforms immense power and our societal responsibility to wield it wisely.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Social media has allowed us to think that we're right in being the judge, jury and executioner." – Callie
"I'm not ready to tout Luigi as a hero, but I'm also not ready to condemn him as a villain." – Cole
“ I think one of the dangers is when you decide someone is the enemy without knowing who they are.” – Mecca
“If we can't find progress in this and we can't utilize the death of these two men essentially to be better, to find progress, to find solutions, to garner change, then it's all for nothing.” – Callie
I think if we want to remain human and remain accountable, then we have to try to have those conversations and make those changes and we cannot default to violence. – Mecca
"The system is not broken. The system is working exactly the way that's designed. That doesn't mean it was designed with us in mind." – Callie
"I think if you choose to sanction what Luigi did, then you are sanctioning chaos." – Mecca
 
Resources Mentioned:
Tangle Newsletter in response to Brian Thompson's Assassination  by Isaac Saul
Emerson College polling data
"Our society's popular understanding of events can become significantly detached from and even at odds with the facts that eventually emerge." Time Magazine article: "The Internet Missed the Point on Luigi Mangione"
"Eat the Rich" origin and a perspective shift courtesy of a poem on Tumblr
 
Call to Action: What are your thoughts on this complex and confounding case? Share your perspectives with us on social media or send us a message! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Two Millennials and Mom wherever you listen and consider supporting Title I teachers through initiatives like @Things.I.Bought.And.Liked's Giving Tuesday efforts as every bit helps make a difference.

008: Family Traditions: Deviled Eggs, Lost Boys and A Minty Fresh Sasquatch Hooker?

This week, we’re diving into the heart of what makes holidays, family and friendships special: traditions! Whether it’s a laugh-until-you-cry game night, the highly competitive battle for deviled eggs, or welcoming "Lost Boys" to our table for a less traditional Christmas, we’re talking all about the moments that bring us together. Foodies at heart, many of our favorite traditions revolve around the kitchen—from Cajun-style deviled eggs to hash brown casseroles, and even a Santa-themed Pinterest fail that still haunts Mecca to this day.
Here’s a taste of what we’re serving up in this episode:
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Deviled Eggs, Hidden Treasure Edition: The year Cole almost cried over a disappearing platter of deviled eggs and how our Mom experiments with various flavors like Cajun and Elote corn. She accidentally sparked a tradition we can't live without.
Lost Boys Christmas: Callie talks about feeling called to open up their home to people without a special place to go for the holidays and how that has become a tradition she cherishes and credits her parents for inspiring.
Telestrations and a Minty Fresh Sasquatch Hooker: How an illustrated, Telephone-like game went hilariously off the rails and left us in tears from laughter.
Silly String Birthdays: Cole’s childhood birthdays were a colorful ambush of love, laughter and a sneaky family tradition of surprise.
Food and Fellowship: From fish fries to hash brown casseroles and everything in between, we’re celebrating how food fuels our family traditions and keeps us connected through shared meals and memories.
The Tradition Twist: Why traditions don’t have to be big and grand or tied to a holiday. Weekly dinners, happy hours, movie nights or even something quirky like Silly String ambushes can create meaningful memories and unique connections.
Plus, Callie shares about her intentions to build a journey-inspired ornament tree, and Cole drops some wisdom on how traditions can happen anywhere, with anyone you consider family.
 
Weird Thought Food Corner: We take a bite out of some strange food experiments—Matthew McConaughey’s viral tuna salad, Santa Claus deviled eggs (yes, really), and that one time Mecca tried to pass off Portobello burgers as beef patties (spoiler: it didn’t go over well).
Good News Story of the Week: Watching how a simple kiss changes the lives of shelter dogs in the sweetest way possible.
 
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Feeding people is my love language." — Callie
"Family traditions don’t have to be big or tied to a holiday. It’s about the time you spend together." — Cole
"It’s not about a clean house; it’s about fellowship." — Mecca
 
Resources Mentioned (some links contain affiliate links):
The Game of Things
Telestrations or Telestrations: After Dark!
Keto Cajun Deviled Eggs Recipe Video on Instagram
Kissing Shelter Dog Video
 
RECIPES Mentioned:
"Night Before" Breakfast Casserole (Makes 9 large or 12 small servings)
1/2 stick margarine, melted
1 loaf French bread (or any other bread of choice)
1 1b. cooked sausage, ham or chicken, crumbled or diced
2 cups shredded cheese (1 white and 1 yellow, any combination)
5 eggs, well-beaten
2 cups half & half cream
1 teaspoon dried mustard
Instructions:
The Night Before: In a 9x13" Pyrex baking dish, melt margarine in oven.
Tear or cut bread (or bread blends, wheat/French/white) into cubes and coat in melted margarine, leaving in bottom of pan.
Sprinkle with cooked meat, then cheese.
Mix egg, half & half, and mustard, and pour over cheese.
Pat with fingers until mixture in pan is completely wet.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The Next Day: Uncover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes.
 
Callie's Quinoa Salad (Makes 4 large or 6 smaller servings)
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
2 cups butternut squash cubed
2 cups Brussels sprouts halved
1 large apple diced
⅓ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans
2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Cider Vinaigrette
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons minced shallot
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook quinoa:
Rinse quinoa thoroughly.
In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water/broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and let cool.
Roast vegetables:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
Let cool.
Make dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, shallot, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Assemble salad:
In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, roasted vegetables, diced apple, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds (or pecans), chopped sage, and thyme leaves.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Can be served immediately or chilled for an hour or so to let flavors meld.
 
Call to Action:
Grab a snack (maybe some deviled eggs!) and join us as we celebrate the goofy, heartfelt and delicious traditions that make our lives special. Don’t forget to share your favorite traditions with us on social media!

007: Reading Into It: The Books That Shape Us

This week, Callie, Cole and Mecca dive into their love of reading, sharing personal stories about the books and genres that have shaped them. From childhood favorites to life-changing memoirs, they discuss the power of perspective, the allure of fiction and why reading remains a cornerstone of their lives. Expect some laughs, revelations and even a little rundown of the best (and worst!) books they've encountered.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
The Roots of Reading: Discover how family influences shaped the trio’s love for books, from childhood trips to the library to the traditions of gifting novels during the holidays. Mecca’s lifelong reading habits left an indelible mark on both Callie and Cole, fostering a family culture of storytelling and exploration.
Genres and Perspectives: Each host shares their go-to reads and what draws them in. Mecca adores witty, feel-good romances and deeply reflective novels. Cole escapes into the intricate worlds of sci-fi and fantasy, while Callie gravitates toward memoirs and historical fiction, drawn by their ability to offer new perspectives on life.
Books That Left a Mark: From Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes to Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, the hosts highlight books that shaped their values, broadened their horizons, or simply brought joy. They also reflect on the surprising emotional connections forged through fiction and memoir.
Reading Styles and Rituals: Physical books, Kindles, or audiobooks? The trio debates the best formats and shares the quirks of their reading habits, like Cole's love for audiobooks during long drives and Mecca's fondness for reading with music in the background.
Debating the Best and Worst Reads: The hosts hilariously critique their least favorite books (watch out, Catcher in the Rye and The Secret History) and gush over their favorites. Their varied tastes lead to lively discussions on everything from fantasy epics to Gossip Girl novels.
The Legacy of Books: Books aren’t just entertainment—they’re tools for connection, learning, and even philanthropy. Mecca shares a heartwarming story of donating books to a juvenile detention center, underscoring the power of reading to inspire and uplift.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"More than anything for me, I like reading because I like having a better understanding of other perspectives beyond my own." – Callie
"Spaceships and laser beams or swords and knights and dragons, like either one, I'm happy." – Cole
"I'm sitting here looking at the two of you thinking both of your names came from books." – Mecca
 
Callie’s Book Mentions
Gossip Girl series by Cecily von Ziegesar
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
The End of Normal by Stephanie Madoff Mack
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Devolution by Max Brooks (Audiobook)
The Survivalist Series (Going Home is Book 1) by A. American 
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A Return to Common Sense by Leigh McGowan
The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz
The Questioneers Series by Andrea Beaty (e.g., Rosie Revere, Engineer; Sophia Valdez, Future Prez; Iggy Peck, Architect)
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Callie hated this book!)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
 
Cole’s Book Mentions
Legacy of Ashes by Tim Weiner
To Start a War by Robert Draper
Galaxy’s Edge series by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole
Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne series by Brian Staveley
Dune by Frank Herbert (Audiobook)
Legionnaire by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole
A Song of Fire and Ice Series (Game of Thrones is Book 1) by George R.R. Martin
Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
The Guardians of Ga’Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky
Pendragon series by D.J. MacHale
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
Go, Dog. Go by P.D. Eastman
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (Cole's least favorite book!)
King's League by Jason Anspach
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
 
Mecca’s Book Mentions
The Mother Road by Meghan Quinn
Mitford series by Jan Karon
Mr. God, This is Anna by Fynn
James by Percival Everett (a National Book Award winner, written from Jim’s perspective in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Olivetti by Allie Millington
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Robert E. Lee and Me by Ty Seidule
Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (Mecca disliked!)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
 
Other Resources Mentioned:
Meagan's Book Club Instagram
 
Call to Action:
We want to hear from you! What book has had the biggest impact on your life? Have any that you chose not to finish? What have you read and loved? Share your recommendations with us on social media or in the comments. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review our podcast to help us reach more listeners!

006: Post-Election Blues and Red Flags: Risk, Apathy, and the Power of Doing Something

In this candid and emotionally charged episode, Callie, Cole and Mecca share their raw reflections on the recent election results, diving into themes of fear, hope, privilege and the need for action. As they explore the broader implications of political apathy verses personal responsibility, they reveal the challenges and rewards of engaging in hard conversations across generational and ideological divides.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Post-Election Emotions: The trio reflects on their personal reactions to the election results, highlighting the spectrum of emotions from grief and disappointment to cautious optimism for the future.
The Sliding Scale of Change: A nuanced discussion unfolds about how personal perspectives and privilege shape individuals’ perceptions of progress, compromise, and the sacrifices required for meaningful change.
Fear and Decision-Making: Mecca discusses the role fear plays in political choices and how it impacts individuals’ willingness to act versus staying in their comfort zones.
Empathy as a Catalyst for Action: Callie delves into the emotional weight of her privilege, exploring how empathy for others motivates her to advocate for change, even in the face of uncertainty.
Analyzing Political Apathy: Cole raises critical points about the paralysis that comes from overanalyzing situations, sparking a discussion on whether waiting for the "perfect" solution hinders progress.
Conversations That Build Bridges: Despite sharp differences in opinion, the trio models how respectful dialogue can deepen understanding, strengthen relationships and foster collaboration across ideological lines.
Generational Lessons on Leadership: Mecca draws on historical parallels to emphasize the importance of seeking leaders who value integrity, education and accountability over partisanship or populism.
Guess That Movie... Without Saying the Movie!
In a silly detour, Callie challenges Mecca and Cole to share and identify Disney movies using only a line from the movie. Mecca’s attempt to play along sparks laughter when she confuses classic lines with entirely unrelated references, much to Callie’s amusement (and exasperation). From nostalgic favorites to unexpected tangents, this playful segment is a much-needed dose of levity amidst heavier discussions.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"I think one of my things that I'm standing by is this is our new president. And while it's not the person that I wanted, it is the President of the United States. And I'm going to do my very best to honor that position." – Mecca
"Mom, I'm writing you in. If we have shitty candidates in four years from now, I'm writing you in." – Callie
"I would say that we are outliers, the three of us in our differences of opinion on many of these matters are outliers. And that's kind of been the whole point of this podcast is to be able to have those conversations because most people aren't. Because here's the thing, Callie, you and I feel very differently about a lot of things. But you and I can have a conversation about those things and we can we can leave that conversation still disagreeing with each other but there have been so many people that, 'You voted this way, we can't speak anymore. We can't be friends, you're a bad person.' And I don't think that's the truth." – Cole
“I'm going to say this if you can't expect goodness in your life then what the hell are we doing?” – Mecca
“Just be careful. Don't let apathy come and take control because that is how evil wins.” – Callie
 
Call to Action:
Have thoughts on the challenges of balancing risk and action in today’s political climate? Share them with us! Also, as a new podcast, we would certainly appreciate it if you'd rate, review, and subscribe to Two Millennials and Mom wherever you listen, and connect with us on social media for more thoughtful conversations. You can find us on most all socials @TMAMpod.

005: State of the Disunion: Endorsements, Ego and Everything In Between

In this episode, the family dives into the current state of America, from the political landscape to cultural shifts. Callie, Mecca, and Cole share personal experiences, opinions, and disagreements on everything from political endorsements to the role of humility in American society. With humor and sharp insight, they tackle big questions about the future of the country and what it means to engage as citizens.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Political endorsements and surprising shifts in support for candidates: The crew discusses the unexpected endorsements of Kamala Harris by prominent Republicans like Dick Cheney, reflecting on how these endorsements reveal cracks within political party lines.
The importance of humility in America’s divided society: Mecca brings up the idea that Americans have lost their sense of humility, and the conversation explores how a little humility could help bridge the deep divides in the country.
Fear as a motivator in politics and society: The family explores how fear, though effective, is often used unethically in politics, with Cole reflecting on the damaging effects of fear-based leadership.
How we can hold ourselves and each other accountable for change: Callie passionately emphasizes the importance of holding one another accountable for societal progress, advocating for taking small steps to create ripples of change.
 
Weird Thoughts:
A little reflection on the cultural evolution of swearing: A light-hearted segment where we discuss how politicians using curse words reflects cultural shifts and how what was once taboo in public discourse seems to be losing its shock value.
 
Memorable Quotes:
"Open up yourself and your table. Open up your table to people who this particular thing matters to them, whether you agree with them on everything else or not, to get that well-rounded perspective so that you guys can start finding teeny tiny solutions, because those individual teeny tiny solutions have that ripple effect and turn into bigger things.” – Callie
"Our egos are so fragile, it’s more important to complain about something being wrong than to simply do the work to fix it." – Cole
"We, as Americans, are not very humble. And we may need to be." – Mecca
 
Resources Mentioned:
Megan McCain’s podcast Citizen McCain
Thought-provoking quote from Seerut K. Chawla that Cole stumbled upon
The Lex Friedman podcast's Donald Trump Interview
Trump's Border wall statistics (Fact-checked via PolitiFact)
The Princeton Study about Public Opinion and the study explained.
 
Call to Action:
Do you agree that Americans need more humility? How do you think we can start making small changes that lead to bigger shifts in society? Should it be commonplace for politicians to curse? Share your thoughts with us on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe for more discussions on life, politics and everything in between!

004: The Illusion of Connection: AI Chatbots, Loneliness and Hugs

 In this episode, Callie, Cole and Mecca dive into the complex world of AI chatbots and their impact on human interaction and loneliness. From AI-generated characters to the implications for mental health, this conversation balances humor, warmth and thought-provoking questions about what makes connections authentic. They also reflect on gratitude, family traditions, and a fun historical quiz on American dishes and sports team names.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
The AI Chatbot Craze: Mecca introduces the trend of AI chatbots designed for personalized interaction. The group discusses the pros, cons and ethical considerations, especially concerning youth and mental health.
Real vs. Virtual Connection: The team reflects on the potential harm in relying on digital companions, discussing how real-life social skills, empathy and resilience might be undermined.
Gratitude in November: Mecca shares her yearly gratitude tradition, inspiring Callie and Cole to reflect on the power of thankfulness, no matter how small the acknowledgment.
American Food and Fun Facts: They wrap up with a quiz on iconic American foods and the quirky origin of the Los Angeles Dodgers' name—adding humor and warmth to the episode.
 
Memorable Quotes:
“So chatbots are the new version of an imaginary friend with harmful consequences.” –Callie
"Is the solution to our society a hug?" – Mecca
“How much bias is in [chatbots] and how much are we protecting [ourselves] from bias and do we have a responsibility?” – Mecca
"In the timeframe that Callie and I grew up, computers to us are a tool. Computers were never our companions. I grew up playing video games, but video games were never a companion." – Cole
"When it comes to artificial intelligence and the internet and all of these things, I have this statement that I stand by: It will never, ever replace a hug from somebody you love." – Callie
"Do it scared." – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
See a snippet of Callie's Beetlejuice Halloween costume here.
The Kevin Roose article on a teen death at the hands of AI Chatbots (New York Times)
The Anxious Generation book by Jonathan Haidt (affiliate link)
History of the Dodgers name
American Food: The 20 Greatest Dishes
 
Call to Action:
Reflect on who/what you’re grateful for this month. Start your own gratitude challenge by texting someone one thing you’re thankful for each day, and see how it transforms your perspective.

003: From Prime Day to Payday: The Cost of Consumerism and Why Every Fart is Funny

In this episode, Callie, Cole, and Mecca dive deep into consumerism’s quirks and traps—from  Amazon Prime Day habits to bizarre advertising tactics. They explore how ads influence perception, debate consumer trust, and question modern financial literacy. With humor and heart, they bring fresh perspectives on how we’re all navigating today’s capitalist landscape.
 
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
Amazon Prime Day and Consumer Culture: The hosts dig into the phenomena of Amazon Prime Days and online shopping, exploring how modern consumerism shapes spending habits, what makes a “deal,” and how capitalism plays into buying behaviors and social influence.
The Evolution of Advertising: From Super Bowl ads to social media influencers, they discuss how ads have shifted from targeted, thoughtful campaigns to repetitive, sometimes absurd tactics designed to capture attention—often at the cost of trust and authenticity.
Teaching Financial Literacy: Cole, Callie, and Mecca dive into the importance of teaching financial basics and responsibility, reflecting on their own experiences and the generational shift in how financial skills are taught (or not) from childhood through adulthood.
Work Ethic Across Generations: They explore differing generational views on career advancement, the pursuit of meaningful work, and the contrasting desire between staying loyal to one job and exploring new opportunities for growth and purpose.
Self-Sufficiency and Consumer Skepticism: The trio discusses why trusting consumer products and services is harder than ever, and how they navigate making responsible choices in an increasingly profit-driven market.
Maximalism and the Amazon Effect – Callie takes a humorous look at today’s maximalist trend and how influencers push quirky gadgets, sparking laughs over the daily temptation of "life-changing" Amazon finds. 🙈
 
Weird Thoughts and Good News Stories: 
The Eight-Year-Old Target Adventure: An eight-year-old girl from Ohio shocked her parents and the neighborhood by taking her mom's SUV for a 13-mile joyride to Target, cash in hand with $400 to spend. Despite her age, the young driver managed to make it there safely before being spotted by a concerned citizen who called 911 to report the “erratic driver.” The incident raised a few eyebrows—and a lot of laughs—as her family and the community reflected on how she managed such a bold and unusual shopping trip.
Giving Tuesday Traditions with @Things.I.Bought.And.Liked: The popular Instagram account @Things.I.Bought.And.Liked has a unique tradition for Giving Tuesday each year. With her large platform, the account's creator curates donation links and resources, encouraging her friends and followers to support Title I school teachers via their Amazon Wishlists. Her Giving Tuesday efforts are dedicated to making a real impact, fostering a spirit of community, and sharing the joy of thoughtful giving among her more than half a million followers. We couldn't be more excited about this year's efforts!
 
Memorable Quotes:
“Every fart is funny. Every single one. And I'm not even a fart joke guy. All farts in reality are hilarious.” – Cole
"Your brain would rather lie to you than admit that it doesn't know." – Callie
"I'm not sure Men ever grow up. They're always 12 years old somewhere." – Mecca
"I think extorting corporations for donations to our education system and teachers is fantastic. I support this 100%."  – Cole
"I don't know that you could even read that and not think that there's goodness in the world." – Mecca
“We have got to become less selfish as a people.” – Callie
 
Resources Mentioned:
Mountain Dew's 2016 "Puppy Monkey Baby" Commercial (It's strange. Don't say we didn’t warn you!)
An article on Mecca's new favorite 8-year-old Target shopper
@Things.I.Bought.And.Liked's Instagram profile so you can get ready for Giving Tuesday!
 
Call to Action:
Whether it’s rethinking your relationship with spending, reflecting on your work-life purpose, or having meaningful conversations with family, try coming to the table with a more open mind. What small changes can you make to live a bit more intentionally or see from a new perspective? Connect with us on social media to share your takeaways from today's episode, tell us if the box breakdown circular saw is really life-changing. We're learning together!