You Dirty, Dirty Savages -Part 1 - Episode 18

You Dirty, Dirty Savages -Part 1 - Episode 18

Fran and Laura sit down with Steve and finally reveal the truth, or some of it, behind the latest gym Survivor-themed challenge, and poor Steve finds out in real time that he may have been living among complete psychopaths. From hidden idols and strategic deception to fake alliances and absolute gym-wide paranoia, Team Unhinged Savages admits to tactics that leave Steve questioning everything he thought he knew about friendly competition.  Stay tuned for Part 2, after the confessional videos are released...

Episode 17 - Becoming Herself Again

In this episode, Fran sits down with her friend Katie as she shares what it was like becoming a young mom, a young grandma with fifteen grandkids, and having the strength to survive breast cancer. They talk about rebuilding your identity after life knocks you sideways, finding yourself again in midlife, and saying yes to new beginnings. It’s honest, hopeful, and full of the kind of wisdom you only earn the hard way. Follow Katie on Instagram @the_groundedcollective

Episode 16 - Side Effects May Include...Regret?

Fran sits down with Steve, and Laura dig into the GLP-1 conversation everyone’s having but no one’s saying out loud. They break down what the drug actually does, the side effects people don’t talk about, and how to weigh real medical benefits against the risks. It’s honest, funny, and grounded in the kind of midlife, Gen X clarity that cuts through the hype so listeners can make informed decisions without the drama. Disclaimer: This episode reflects personal opinions only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make decisions about your health. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation. Resources:  * www.ozempic.com - Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection for Type 2 Diabetes [https://www.ozempic.com/] * www.masteringdiabetes.org/ozempic-dark-side/ - The Dark Side of Ozempic [https://www.masteringdiabetes.org/ozempic-dark-side/]

Episode 15 - Apparently Things Were Working Out Right

In this episode, Fran looks back on a season where nothing seemed to go right...plans stalled, doors closed, and every path felt like a dead end. But with a little distance, the pattern becomes clear: things were actually falling into place the whole time. It’s a story about timing, redirection, and the quiet ways life works out even when it feels like it isn’t. If you want to see the project that ended up being the unexpected “it all makes sense now” moment, take a peek at the website Fran designed: https://seafoodrunllc.com Please follow Because We Said So: Gen X Unfiltered on FaceBook and Instagram.

Episode 14 - The Years No One Believed Me: Our P.A.N.D.A.S. Story

In this deeply personal solo episode, Fran opens up about one of the hardest chapters of her life: her son’s journey with P.A.N.D.A.S. What started as subtle changes turned into years of confusion, fear, and frustration—made even harder by the fact that almost no one believed anything was wrong. Except for one extraordinary school counselor who saw what others didn’t. Fran shares the emotional toll of advocating for a child when the world insists everything is “fine,” the heartbreak of watching him struggle, and the long road toward answers. And then, the part every parent needs to hear: he’s now a thriving freshman in college. This episode is raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful. If you’re in the thick of it—fighting for your kid, feeling dismissed, or carrying the weight of worry—you’re not alone. There is a path forward. There are people who will listen. And sometimes, telling your story lifts a weight you didn’t realize you were still carrying.  Resources & Hope: If you’re listening to this episode because you’re in the thick of something similar—confusion, fear, dismissal, or that gut‑level certainty that something is wrong with your child—you’re not alone. P.A.N.D.A.S. can be incredibly hard to navigate, especially when symptoms come on suddenly and don’t fit neatly into what people expect. Here are a few credible, general‑information resources that can help you learn more and feel less alone: General Information About P.A.N.D.A.S. * Cleveland Clinic - P.A.N.D.A.S. Overview. * A clear, accessible explanation of what P.A.N.D.A.S. is, the types of symptoms that may appear, and how providers approach diagnosis and treatment. (This is the source Fran used for definitions and symptom descriptions.) * National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – PANS & PANDAS Q&A Offers general information about sudden-onset symptoms, what researchers know, and how families can seek support. Support & Community * PANDAS Physicians Network (PPN) Provides general educational resources and helps families understand what coordinated care can look like. * PANDAS Network Shares family stories and general guidance for navigating conversations with healthcare providers. 💛 A Note of Hope If you’re in the middle of this journey, please hear this: things can get better. Symptoms can change. Kids can stabilize. Families can find the right support. And sometimes, the person who finally sees your child clearly is that one counselor, teacher, or provider who listens when no one else does. My son went from years of struggle to thriving as a freshman in college. That doesn’t erase what we went through, but it proves something I want every parent to hold onto: You are not imagining things. You are not overreacting. You are not alone. And there is a path forward.