Parenting Roundabout

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 6, "The Fall," a crisis prompts Alexander to test the limits of his confinement. His hotel family (and his keeper, Osip) must work together to protect him, just as he strives to protect Sofia.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the seventh episode of the series, "An Assembly." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost. 

​Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find this week is another kids' nonfiction book that relies on a scatological title to grab the attention of reluctant readers (see also: Butt or Face?). This one's called Fish Farts: And Other Amazing Ways Animals Adapt by Joanne Settel.​Terri's random recommendation is a new venture from actor, author, and audiobook narrator Julia Whelan. It's called Audiobrary, and we'll be interested to see how it does as it takes on Audible.In the archives, we checked in on free-time activities for adults, first discussed in 2021.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E6, "The Fall," on Tuesday, August 13Lost S1 E6, "House of the Rising Sun," on Wednesday, August 14Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 15Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode brought Jack to the brink, as he was haunted (maybe literally?) by his dad and his past demons, so much so that he ran himself right off the side of a cliff. The good news is that Locke was there to save the day, so that Jack could resume his job as de factor leader and mom to all. Mentioned: The Lostpedia page on this episode.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 6, "House of the Rising Sun." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 5, "An Arrival," Alexander gets a crash course in fatherhood and learns it's very different from being the fun uncle. Mentioned: A Screenrant recap of this episode.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the sixth episode of the series, "The Fall." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost. 

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find this week is a movie that somehow seems to be very popular in her library system: Sasquatch Sunset. If you're looking for an adventure/comedy told entirely in grunts, this one's for you!​Terri's random recommendation is a book she thinks is worth your while: Hands of Time: A Watchmaker's History by Rebecca Struthers. It's especially appealing in the audiobook version, narrated by Anna Ploszajski.In the archives, we checked in on what our obsessions were seven years ago, and what they are now.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E5, "An Arrival," on Tuesday, August 6Lost S1 E5, "White Rabbit," on Wednesday, August 7Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 8Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we got more of Locke's back story, which also gave us more a lot more to wonder about when it comes to the properties of this island. On the parenting tip, Michael searched for a babysitter and decided on someone who doesn't speak a word of English.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 5, "White Rabbit." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 4, "Good Times," Alexander has become a gentlemanly waiter, and is realizing that life in the hotel is not representative of life in the real world. And by the end of the episode, he's become a surrogate father (...maybe grandfather, at this point) again. Mentioned: Brian Grubb, a TV writer who always appreciates the line "We're not so different, you and I" (heard in this episode).Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the fifth episode of the series, "An Arrival." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost. 

​Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is another scary nonfiction series for children: Deadly Biters (including Grizzly Bears Bite!, Piranhas Bite!, Hippos Bite!, and more). Mentioned: The similar series Animal Battles and Who Would Win?.​Terri's random recommendation is a set of games that test your knowledge of movies, actors, fun facts, and the way they all intersect: Cinematrix, Movie Grid, and Movie Pyramid. Mentioned: The This Had Oscar Buzz podcast.In the archives, we found that four years after our original discussion, we could come up with a few more mom confessions. Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E4, "Good Times," on Tuesday, July 30Lost S1 E4, "Walkabout," on Wednesday, July 31Weekly roundup on Thursday, August 1Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode, "Tabula Rasa," focused on flashbacks to Kate's back story, so we learned more about how she was pursued all the way to Australia by a U.S. Marshal (if not exactly why she was in his sights). We also saw a real parenting win when Locke recovered Walt's dog, but let Michael be the hero who reunited the two.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 4, "Walkabout." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments, like a library find and a visit to our archives.

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. In episode 3, "The Last Rostov," the Count's reckoning with all the changes in his world brings him to the brink, but a kindly beekeeper rescues him. He also deepens his relationships with Anna (the actress) and Osip (the official who supervises his captivity). Plus. Nina's back—as a teen know-it-all. We can relate.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the fourth episode of the series, "Good Times." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost. 

Here's what's on our minds (and playlists) this week:Catherine's library find is a book she judged by its cover. Glassworks's art and blurbs appealed enough for Catherine to give this debut novel by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith a try (it also happens to be on the Staff Picks table at her library right now, chosen by another staff member). It's a creative, but uneven, tale of four generations trying, and often failing, to connect with and support one another.Terri's random recommendation is the latest album (collection of songs?) from HARDY, titled "Quit!!" She's enjoying the artist's transition from country music to F-bomb-laden hard rock. In the archives, we revisit a rant from four years ago: Simply Refusing to Simplify, about the (many) issues we have with listicle-format advice on minimalism.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E3, "The Last Rostov," on Tuesday, July 23Lost S1 E3, "Tabula Rasa," on Wednesday, July 24Weekly roundup on Thursday, July 25Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. Happily for Catherine, the second part of the pilot was much less migraine-inducing than the first part. The castaways are likely not as happy, as they are dealing with mysterious monsters, mysterious fellow passengers, and mysterious raw fish dishes. As for parenting, we're giving Michael a pass for now, but he's going to need to step up his game.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 3, "Tabula Rasa." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments from our recent Weekly Roundup format.

On Tuesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+. "An Invitation," the second episode of eight, did in fact bring a couple of invitations (some threatening, some not), along with a secret expansion of the Count's living quarters and--sadly—the departure of his young friend, Nina.Next Tuesday, we'll discuss the third episode of the series, "The Last Rostov." We'll be back tomorrow with a discussion of our other current TV watch/rewatch, Lost. 

Each Thursday, join us for a weekly roundup that's an update on our most recent podcast format. We'll bring you a library find, an update from Terri on life or pop culture or whatever's on her mind, and a pick from our archives.Catherine's library find this week is a lushly illustrated children's picture book called Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson, with art by Sharon King-Chai, because there's always room for another animal alphabet book (especially when it's this beautiful). Mentioned: Some of Donaldson's other titles, Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo, and The Gruffalo's Child (all illustrated by Axel Scheffler). Terri's random recommendation is the exciting news that she has started a Substack newsletter! Find out more and subscribe: Too Old for Cool. It's free (although you're welcome to pay her if you'd like).In the archives, we revisit a classic from two years ago: Choosing Your Parenting Battles.Next week's lineup: A Gentleman in Moscow E2, "An Invitation," on Tuesday, July 16Lost S1 E2, "Pilot Part 2,"

Each Wednesday, we discuss an older entertainment property--something one or both of us has watched and wants to revisit, or something we missed the first time around. We're kicking it off with Lost, which premiered almost 20 years ago. Terri enjoyed it, in all its convoluted weirdness. Catherine hasn't seen it before, but is willing to risk migraines to find out more.Next Wednesday, we'll discuss season 1, episode 2, "Pilot Part 2." We'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some of our favorite segments from our recent Weekly Roundup format.

Welcome to a new and improved Parenting Roundabout podcast! About a year after our last reinvention, we're switching things up again. As parents and parenting writers, we can’t help but see everything through a parenting lens. But as our kids have become adults, we find ourselves more interested in getting caught up on movies and streaming than on going over the same parenting topics over and over.So since we’re pretty sure we can find parenting wisdom anywhere, we’re going to talk about what we’re watching, what we thought about it, and maybe what we can learn from it, if only what not to do.On Tuesdays, we’ll share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. We’re kicking it off with A Gentleman in Moscow, a limited series on Paramount+ that premiered at the end of March. It's based, pretty faithfully so far, on a 2016 book of the same name by Amor Towles, which Catherine loved but Terri has not read. And it stars Ewan McGregor, who is fully inhabiting the titular gentleman. He's not a parent, but he's

On our latest weekly roundup, Catherine needed some tech support, and Terri needed to spend a lot of time following the latest Taylor-Travis news. Mentioned: The Senior Swifties Sideline.What we're watching: After watching the Ripley TV series, we decided to visit/revisit the 1999 movie, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Tom and co. are younger, in color, and more focused on music than visual art (no detours to the Italian Renaissance) in this version, but there's no cat! Mentioned: Purple Noon, a French movie adaptation of the story.Catherine's library find this week is a first novel that's gotten a lot of attention since it was published in 2022: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. It's a charming story with two unlikely leads: A 70-year-old cleaning woman and a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus.In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed a new member of Terri's family (July 3, 2023), the work-life seesaw (July 1, 2020), and fake life deadlines (July 3, 2019). Disclaimer: Terri is not

On our latest weekly roundup, Catherine reported on her son living it up in NYC, seeing lots and lots of theater. Mentioned: A past episode in which we discussed a BroadwayHD presentation of She Loves Me.What we're watching: We finished up season 3 of Bridgerton with episode 7, "Joining of Hands," and episode 8, "Into the Light." Yay for Penelope and Colin, but there were too many Bridgertons and altogether too much going on in this season. We wanted more Polin, less everything else (but still had fun with it).Catherine's library find this week is a trio of children's books that will strike fear in the heart of our former podcasting pal Nicole Eredics: Frankie D, Vegan Vampire by Sally and Brian Dutra, illustrated by Tiffani Brown; Harold the Iceberg Is Not a Super Food by Lisa Wyzlic, illustrated by Rebecca Syracuse; and 1 Big Salad: A Delicious Counting Book by Juana Medina.In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed mandatory attendance at family events (June 29, 2023), occasions worthy of p

On our latest weekly roundup, Terri went to the New Jersey Special Olympics, and now will never hear How Far I'll Go from Moana the same way again.What we're watching: We're into the second half of Bridgerton season 3 now and watched two episodes: 5, "Tick Tock," and 6, "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton." While thrilled to be engaged to Colin, Penelope is now juggling her secret identity, her fractured friendship with Eloise, and some serious scheming from Cressida.Catherine's library find this week is a follow-up to a previous find, The Sandal-Making Workshop. This time, we're learning ​How to Make Custom-Fit Bras and Lingerie (or, rather, discussing why we won't be doing that, thank you). In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed proud parent moments (June 19, 2023), scary advice (June 17, 2020), and ambiguous kid-speak (June 19, 2019).​Next week, we'll discuss the final installments of Bridgerton, season 3: Episode 7, "Joining of Hands," and episode 8, "Into the Light." Until then (and anytime you

On our latest weekly roundup, Catherine's dogs are getting a little too close to nature, while Terri's pup seems, thankfully, not to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor.What we're watching: In the final episode (for now) of Ripley, "Narcissus," Tom's got a pretty good thing going in Venice, including a new friend played by John Malkovich.On Bridgerton's season 3, episode 4 ("Old Friends"), it's finally time for the carriage scene everyone's been waiting for—although Terri thinks Lord Kilmartin's gesture is far more romantic.Catherine's library find this week is an earthworm-themed two-fer: I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt and The Worm Family Has Its Picture Taken by Jennifer Frank, illustrated by David Ezra Stein.In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed keeping everything on Zoom (June 11, 2020), parenting ghostwriters (June 13, 2019), and talking vs. texting (June 16, 2016).​Next week, we'll discuss the next two installments of Bridgerton, season 3: Episode 5, "Tick Tock," and e