How Do We Deal?! Coping With the Confounding

No one cares

What if most of the crap we worry about doesn't matter at all? What if our energy is directed in the wrong places? In this intro to season 4, Dara and Amber kick off a new theme: No one cares! (Or do they?) We're going to look at what matters, and what doesn't, and see if we can find some peace.  This season will cover a lot, with huge perspective coming from the national crises unfolding under unfathomable idiocy in leadership. Amber has realized that being ignored by toxic people is freedom, but still struggles with how others perceive and judge neurodivergent people. Dara wonders if maybe she's worrying too much about being a few minutes late to school, or grabbing food out on a busy weeknight once in a while. They both wonder why they care about how aging affects their appearance and realize there is simply no reason to buy new shoes for an event, because no one cares. And that's amazing! Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Holiday Confessions and a Look Back at 2025

A new elf arrived in town (Dara caved), belief is on the line (is Santa real?), and there's a lot of decor that may not be necessary (why is Amber doing all this?). Join Dara and Amber as they reflect on holiday magic, madness, wonder, and consumerism, and look back at how we survived and even thrived in the insanity of 2025. Side notes: Amber apologizes for talking too much in this episode and will calm down in 2026. Dara is still developing her "No Social Media Until 18" group and will update us as campaign progress unfolds.  Thanks so, so much to all our listeners (Dealers) for coming along for the ride this year! Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

No Room For Error

Dara and Amber stumbled on a new theory: Everyone is going insane because there's no room for error in today's world. Get sick? You could go bankrupt. Kid won't go to bed? Experts say they're doomed to fail in life. Not on top of work emails? You're on thin ice with your boss. Amber points out that with neurodivergent kids, getting to a pricy therapy appointment on time can be almost impossible because the usual parenting strategies are useless. And in workplaces like Dara's, people's lives are on the line and a mistake could be deadly. No big deal! Listen in as they explore all the ways we need to give ourselves a break (or at least a little grace). Also: Maybe don't allow robots in your home (build a village to help carry the load instead).   Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

No Social Media Until 18!

Dara and Amber talk about their POVs and experiences related to protecting kids from social media, at least until they turn 18. Dara has started a local movement by forming an alliance of parents who are supporting each other in delaying social media. Amber talks about her own battle to secure her teen's phone and what she learned at a recent school seminar about how phones shape kids' and teens' daily existence. We don't put our kids in the ocean when there's a riptide, yet so many children experience the digital equivalent: algorhythms that pull kids into dangerous online waters. Listen in to hear how Dara and Amber are dealing with this issue, trying to stay sane while keeping their girls safe. Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Capturing Inspiration When It Calls Us

Our world is more confounding than ever, but Dara and Amber are still finding ways to cope, and still laughing whenever possible. In this episode they discuss a recent revelation: that by heeding and not reflexively dismissing a sudden calling to pursue creative inspiration, they found solace, purpose, and a feeling of control in uncertain times. Hear how they listened to gut intuition, without a lick of experience or skill as a basis for their projects (typical!), and dove headfirst into gardening and painting, with shockingly good results. Maybe, just maybe, creativity provides pathways to dealing with these un-dealable times....and this very podcast just could be the ultimate proof of that. They hope that after listening, you'll let your creative spark shine, too. Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU