The holiday season is officially here! 'Tis the season for joy, cheer, and, well… managing the chaos that is family gatherings. 



Looking for ways to survive the next couple of months while navigating these complicated dynamics? We’ve got your back. In this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult,” Molly and Matt chat with Dr. George James (LMFT), founder of George Talks and host of the podcast LEAPcast, about how to actually enjoy the holidays with our families. 

Learn how to successfully navigate the holidays with family as an adult (especially when transitioning from being seen as a kid to asserting yourself as a grown-up). Arm yourself with tips on how to step away from potentially harmful discussions. Set yourself up with a support system, set healthy boundaries, and more!

Sources Cited: 
“Season of Joy? Actually, Season of Stress for 88 Percent of Americans” - Perrigo Company via PR Newswire
“9 Causes of Holiday Stress (and How to Manage Them)” - Lyra Health
“The Importance of Setting Boundaries: Ten Benefits for You and Your Relationships” - BetterHelp
“6 Ways to Stop Comparing Around the Holidays” - TalkSpace
“Mental Health and the Holiday Blues” - National Alliance of Mental Illness

The Bear Television Series, Season 2, Episode 6 “Fishes” FX/Hulu

The holiday season is officially here! 'Tis the season for joy, cheer, and, well… managing the chaos that is family gatherings. 
 
Looking for ways to survive the next couple of months while navigating these complicated dynamics? We’ve got your back. In this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult,” Molly and Matt chat with <a href="https://georgetalks.com/">Dr. George James</a> (LMFT), founder of <a href="https://georgetalks.com/?page_id=13">George Talks</a> and host of the podcast <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-leapcast-90549789/">LEAPcast</a>, about how to actually enjoy the holidays with our families. 
Learn how to successfully navigate the holidays with family as an adult (especially when transitioning from being seen as a kid to asserting yourself as a grown-up). Arm yourself with tips on how to step away from potentially harmful discussions. Set yourself up with a support system, set healthy boundaries, and more!
Sources Cited: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/season-of-joy-actually-season-of-stress-for-88-percent-of-americans-300758622.html">“Season of Joy? Actually, Season of Stress for 88 Percent of Americans” - Perrigo Company via PR Newswire</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.lyrahealth.com/blog/holiday-stress/">“9 Causes of Holiday Stress (and How to Manage Them)” - Lyra Health</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/general/the-importance-of-setting-boundaries-10-benefits-for-you-and-your-relationships/">“The Importance of Setting Boundaries: Ten Benefits for You and Your Relationships” - BetterHelp</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.talkspace.com/blog/social-media-comparison-holiday-stress/">“6 Ways to Stop Comparing Around the Holidays” - TalkSpace</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nami.org/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2014/Mental-health-and-the-holiday-blues">“Mental Health and the Holiday Blues” - National Alliance of Mental Illness</a></li>
</ul>
The Bear Television Series, Season 2, Episode 6 “Fishes” FX/Hulu

Do your eyes glaze over when looking at a long list of annual health insurance enrollment options – or maybe while you’re trying to calculate how much you owe the IRS? You might be wondering the same thing we are: Where’s the guidebook for all of this grown-up stuff? Whether opening a bank account, refinancing student loans, or purchasing car insurance (...um, can we just roll the dice without it?), we’re just as confused as you are. 

Enter: “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult” a podcast dedicated to explaining the complexities of adulthood for which most of us are woefully under-prepared. In each episode, we seek out folks who can actually help us start to make sense of all the basic life skills required to be, well, a grown-up.

Do your eyes glaze over when looking at a long list of annual health insurance enrollment options – or maybe while you’re trying to calculate how much you owe the IRS? You might be wondering the same thing we are: Where’s the guidebook for all of this grown-up stuff? Whether opening a bank account, refinancing student loans, or purchasing car insurance (...um, can we just roll the dice without it?), we’re just as confused as you are. 
Enter: “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult” a podcast dedicated to explaining the complexities of adulthood for which most of us are woefully under-prepared. In each episode, we seek out folks who can actually help us start to make sense of all the basic life skills required to be, well, a grown-up.

Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult

Navigating Family Dynamics like a Grown-Up

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/47b67c46-3f61-4445-9418-b0c1003a23e8/transcript

Plants are truly incredible. House plants in particular provide so many benefits. They clean the air, increase humidity, and boost moods. They also make our homes look super grown-up. And some of us can use all the help we can get to elevate our apartment decor. But We have to remember that plants are living things that require TLC, but not too much. 

In this episode of Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult, Molly and Matt are learning about the many benefits of indoor plants and how to keep them alive and thriving. Instagram’s Plant Kween, Christopher Griffin shares their knowledge on all things plant parenthood, from finding the best plant for your home to propagation and everything in between. With Christopher’s help, Molly might just stand a chance at keeping a snake plant alive! 

Do you have a topic or question you want to learn about on the podcast? Send us a note or voice memo to GrownUpStuffPod@gmail.com and we may feature your message on an upcoming episode. 

Cited Sources: 
“Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses” - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
“Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement” - NASA
“Interaction with Indoor Plants May Reduce Psychological and Physiological Stress by Suppressing Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Young Adults: a Randomized Crossover Study” - Journal of Physiological Anthropology
“Real Foliage Plants as Visual Stimuli to Improve Concentration and Attention in Elementary Students” - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 

Plants are truly incredible. House plants in particular provide so many benefits. They clean the air, increase humidity, and boost moods. They also make our homes look super grown-up. And some of us can use all the help we can get to elevate our apartment decor. But We have to remember that plants are living things that require TLC, but not too much. 
In this episode of Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult, Molly and Matt are learning about the many benefits of indoor plants and how to keep them alive and thriving. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/plantkween/?hl=en">Instagram’s Plant Kween, Christopher Griffin</a> shares their knowledge on all things plant parenthood, from finding the best plant for your home to propagation and everything in between. With Christopher’s help, Molly might just stand a chance at keeping a snake plant alive! 
Do you have a topic or question you want to learn about on the podcast? Send us a note or voice memo to <a href="mailto:GrownUpStuffPod@gmail.com">GrownUpStuffPod@gmail.com</a> and we may feature your message on an upcoming episode. 
Cited Sources: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9224521/">Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses</a>” - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077">Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement</a>” - NASA</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4419447/">Interaction with Indoor Plants May Reduce Psychological and Physiological Stress by Suppressing Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Young Adults: a Randomized Crossover Study</a>” - Journal of Physiological Anthropology</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/5/796">Real Foliage Plants as Visual Stimuli to Improve Concentration and Attention in Elementary Students</a>” - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health </li>
</ul>

Indoor Plant Care for Grown-Ups

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9334c812-add7-47e8-a7a8-b177003aff78/transcript

Laundry is one of those core adulting skills we should all know how to do. And perhaps, you may be thinking “I’m good, I know how to do laundry.” Trust us; this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult” is still going to shock and surprise you when it comes to laundry. 

Molly and Matt are learning all about common laundry mistakes and helpful hacks from guest experts Kyshawn Lane (The Weekly Home Check on Instagram) and Patric Richardson A.K.A “The Laundry Evangelist” (Host of the TV show “The Laundry Guy,” and author of “Laundry Love”). 

Kyshawn and Patric share insights on the importance of properly maintaining washing machines and dryers, using the right amount of detergent, avoiding fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and staying present and not panicking about stains.

Do you have a topic or question you want to learn about on the podcast? Send us a note or voice memo to GrownUpStuffPod@gmail.com and we may feature your message on an upcoming episode. 

Cited Sources: 
“Loads of Fun? Survey Finds Laundry Tops List of America’s Favorite Cleaning Tasks” - The American Cleaning Institute
“SWASH: Laundry Time” - OnePoll
“CDC —Phthalates Factsheet - b1” HHS and CDC
“Phthalates Fact Sheet” - Biomonitoring California
“This Chemical Can Impair Fertility, but It’s Hard to Avoid” - The New York Times
“How Often You Really Need to Wash Clothes to Keep Them Clean” - Real Simple

Laundry is one of those core adulting skills we should all know how to do. And perhaps, you may be thinking “I’m good, I know how to do laundry.” Trust us; this episode of “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult” is still going to shock and surprise you when it comes to laundry. 
Molly and Matt are learning all about common laundry mistakes and helpful hacks from guest experts <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weeklyhomecheck/?hl=en">Kyshawn Lane</a> (The Weekly Home Check on Instagram) and <a href="https://laundryevangelist.com/">Patric Richardson</a> A.K.A “The Laundry Evangelist” (Host of the TV show “The Laundry Guy,” and author of “Laundry Love”). 
Kyshawn and Patric share insights on the importance of properly maintaining washing machines and dryers, using the right amount of detergent, avoiding fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and staying present and not panicking about stains.
Do you have a topic or question you want to learn about on the podcast? Send us a note or voice memo to <a href="mailto:GrownUpStuffPod@gmail.com">GrownUpStuffPod@gmail.com</a> and we may feature your message on an upcoming episode. 
Cited Sources: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/newsroom/releases/2019/loads-fun-survey-finds-laundry-tops-list-americas-favorite-cleaning-tasks">Loads of Fun? Survey Finds Laundry Tops List of America’s Favorite Cleaning Tasks</a>” - The American Cleaning Institute</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.onepoll.us/portfolio/swash-laundry-time/#:~:text=The%20study%2C%20part%20of%20a,how%20to%20do%20laundry%20correctly.">SWASH: Laundry Time</a>” - OnePoll</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/cdc-phthalates-factsheet-b1#:~:text=The%20Phthalates%20Chemical%20Factsheet%20has,toys.%22%20CDC%20has%20posted%20an">CDC —Phthalates Factsheet - b1</a>” HHS and CDC</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://biomonitoring.ca.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/FactSheet-Phthalates.pdf">Phthalates Fact Sheet</a>” - Biomonitoring California</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/25/parenting/fertility-pregnancy-phthalates-toxic-chemicals.html">This Chemical Can Impair Fertility, but It’s Hard to Avoid</a>” - The New York Times</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-often-should-i-wash-this">How Often You Really Need to Wash Clothes to Keep Them Clean</a>” - Real Simple</li>
</ul>

Laundry for Grown-Ups

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2125250b-aa69-47f5-86bf-b1770025150d/transcript

Are you ready to take on all the grown-up responsibilities of dog ownership? One of the best things about being an adult is you get to make all the decisions for yourself, like eating ice cream for dinner, staying up late to watch a scary movie and finally getting a puppy. But each of these decisions comes with responsibilities and consequences; the biggest of which is becoming a puppy parent. They’re cute and fluffy, loving and loyal, but they require your time, energy, attention and money. 

Matt and Molly are joined by certified professional dog trainer and dog behavior consultant Irith Bloom. Figure out just how much of your time, money, and home you should set aside for your new furry best friend. And learn some of the most important lessons to teach your dog. 

Cited Sources: 
“Industry Trends and Stats” - American Pet Products Association
“About Half of U.S. Owers Say Their Pets Are as Much a part of Their Family as a Human Member” - Pew Research Center
“The Cost of Dog Parenthood in 2024” - The Dog People Powered by Rover.com
“Cost of Dog Ownership Statistics 2024” - USA Today 
“81% of Pet Owners with Pet Insurance Report It’s Worth It” - Marketwatch
“Setting Schedules and Developing a Routine for Your New Puppy” - American Kennel Club
“Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do it Right” - American Kennel Club
“Visual Communication: How Different Breeds Seek Eye Contact” - American Kennel Club

Do you have grown-up stuff that you want to figure out and learn more about? Send us an email or voice memo with your ideas and questions to grownupstuffpod@gmail.com You may hear your question on an upcoming episode! 

Are you ready to take on all the grown-up responsibilities of dog ownership? One of the best things about being an adult is you get to make all the decisions for yourself, like eating ice cream for dinner, staying up late to watch a scary movie and finally getting a puppy. But each of these decisions comes with responsibilities and consequences; the biggest of which is becoming a puppy parent. They’re cute and fluffy, loving and loyal, but they require your time, energy, attention and money. 
Matt and Molly are joined by certified professional dog trainer and dog behavior consultant <a href="https://thesophisticateddog.com/">Irith Bloom</a>. Figure out just how much of your time, money, and home you should set aside for your new furry best friend. And learn some of the most important lessons to teach your dog. 
Cited Sources: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats">Industry Trends and Stats</a>” - American Pet Products Association</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/07/about-half-us-of-pet-owners-say-their-pets-are-as-much-a-part-of-their-family-as-a-human-member/">About Half of U.S. Owers Say Their Pets Are as Much a part of Their Family as a Human Member</a>” - Pew Research Center</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.rover.com/blog/cost-of-dog-parenthood/#:~:text=The%20annual%20costs%20of%20caring,average%20from%202023%20to%202024.">The Cost of Dog Parenthood in 2024</a>” - The Dog People Powered by Rover.com</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/pet-insurance/how-much-does-a-dog-cost-per-year/">Cost of Dog Ownership Statistics 2024</a>” - USA Today </li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/pet-insurance/pet-insurance-study-2023/">81% of Pet Owners with Pet Insurance Report It’s Worth It</a>” - Marketwatch</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/setting-schedules-and-developing-a-routine-for-your-new-puppy/#:~:text=Keep%20to%20a%20regular%20routine,puppy%20than%20one%20long%20one.">Setting Schedules and Developing a Routine for Your New Puppy</a>” - American Kennel Club</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-socialization/">Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do it Right</a>” - American Kennel Club</li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-breeds-seek-eye-contact-differently/#:~:text=Staring%20into%20your%20dog%27s%20eyes,we%20look%20at%20our%20children.">Visual Communication: How Different Breeds Seek Eye Contact</a>” - American Kennel Club</li>
</ul>
Do you have grown-up stuff that you want to figure out and learn more about? Send us an email or voice memo with your ideas and questions to <a href="mailto:grownupstuffpod@gmail.com">grownupstuffpod@gmail.com</a> You may hear your question on an upcoming episode!

Dog Ownership for Grown-Ups

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f03fcf5b-64d4-49d8-b9cc-b1680173cb8c/transcript

Navigating Family Dynamics like a Grown-Up

In 1 playlist(s)

Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips