MILKLESS

Max and Matt break down one of parenting’s hardest skills, keeping your cool when everything’s falling apart. They talk about why kids always seem to test your patience at the worst times, what those triggers are actually teaching you, and how to recover after you blow up. From dad guilt to morning chaos to practical tools that actually help, this one’s a mix of real talk, science, and the kind of humor that makes you feel seen. Whether you’ve yelled at your kid today or just felt close, this episode is for every parent trying to stay calm and connected. Let’s gooo! Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & Catch-Up 2:45 – Losing Patience Moments 6:10 – Why We Snap 10:25 – Repair After Anger 14:00 – Dad Guilt Explained 18:15 – Triggers & Awareness 22:30 – Staying Calm Tips 27:45 – When to Apologize 33:00 – Letting Go Grace 36:03 – Closing Thoughts Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

Max and Matt dive into the messy middle ground of parenting as a team, when to be a united front, and when it’s okay (even good) to be different. Sparked by a spicy Instagram post, they unpack what happens when one parent loosens the rules while the other holds the line, and why those differences might actually teach kids resilience. From solo weekends with the kids, to pizza dinners and Dave & Buster’s meltdowns, to the hidden pressures moms and dads face when parenting alone, they bring stories, studies, and plenty of laughs. They also break down research on authoritative vs. authoritarian parenting, how consistency shapes kids’ brains, and why the most important thing might just be that your child goes to bed knowing they’re loved. Let’s gooo! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro & Dave & Buster’s Chaos 3:10 The Instagram Post That Sparked It 7:45 Solo Parenting: Dad vs. Mom Styles 13:20 Do Kids Need a United Front? 19:05 Parenting Styles in Research 25:50 The “Easy Kid” Study & Harsh Parenting 30:40 Why Predictability Shapes Kids’ Brains 35:15 Communication & Avoiding Parenting Resentment 39:37 Closing Thoughts Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

Max and Matt dive deeper into the chaos of youth sports this time focusing on the scoreboards, standings, and the paradox of winning. They break down why so many leagues avoid keeping score, how that overcorrection misses the point, and what kids actually learn from wins and losses. From family dinners lost to the club system, to the pressure of turning every child into the next Messi or LeBron, they unpack the real purpose of youth sports: joy, community, and learning to compete without tying your worth to the outcome. With stories from City League, shoutouts to multi-sport athletes, and a few hilarious detours (including puppies and Red Bull cans), this episode challenges the broken system and imagines a better way forward for kids and families. Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

Max and Matt tackle the wild world of youth sports in America, where rec leagues are disappearing, travel teams dominate, and parents feel trapped in an expensive cycle of tournaments, uniforms, and endless weekends on the road. Max shares his experience founding City League, a local nonprofit bringing back competitive, affordable, community-driven sports for kids. They unpack how the “club track” pressures families into year-round specialization as young as eight, why that’s burning kids out, and what’s really lost when fun disappears from the game. From $600 uniforms to 10-hour car rides, to why multi-sport athletes are actually more likely to succeed, this episode is part rant, part blueprint for a better way forward. Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

Max and Matt get into the delicate art of making fun of your kids when it builds connection and when it crosses the line. They unpack why playful teasing, if done right, can actually strengthen relationships and even teach kids emotional intelligence. From family jokes to inside roasts, they share how humour becomes a love language and why tone, timing, and context matter more than the words themselves. They also dive into the do’s and don’ts of raising your kids, the dangers of punching down, and why sometimes the best joke is letting your kids give it right back. With plenty of stories, laughter, and a few cautionary tales, this episode is all about finding joy in the banter without causing lasting damage. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

Max and Matt unpack the chaos of raising independent kids in a hyper-scheduled world. As their children grow up, they explore what it looks like to let go of bike rides without parents, drop-in sports, and the lost art of knocking on a friend’s door. They dive into why “playdates” might be ruining everything, the myth of the dangerous world we live in, and how over-parenting may be quietly chipping away at our kids’ sense of self-worth. Through stories, rants, and a surprisingly touching gratitude moment (plus a THC suppository joke), this episode is all about trusting your kids, checking your anxiety, and remembering that sometimes, boring is beautiful. Just waiting for the main episode, then you are all good to upload. Hopefully, within the next hour Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

Max and Matt dive into the surprising science behind overprotective parenting and how it might literally shorten your child’s lifespan. They explore a British longitudinal study that found links between childhood autonomy and living a longer life, and reflect on what that means for modern parenting. From the fine line between support and smothering, to how bulldozer parents might be raising emotionally fragile kids, this episode is packed with insight and reflection. They break down the value of boredom, unsupervised free play, and why kids need to feel struggle to grow strong. It’s not about neglect, it’s about building resilience through real-life friction. Oh, and there’s plenty of tactical flannel, meditation talk, and rectal gummy jokes too. Welcome to another classic Milkless mix of science, dad life, and existential comedy. Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

We sat down with Caitlin Murray of @BigTimeAdulting to talk about why we made Violet Archer — a mystery story for kids that actually slows down, leans on story, and treats young brains with some respect. We talk about what’s broken in modern kids’ content, how Violet Archer came to life, and how modern content for kids seems to favor attention grabbing visuals and sounds over story and imagination. Caitlin also shares why she signed on to voice Violet herself - and yes, we do manage to roast a few shows along the way. If you’re a parent who’s tired of kids content that feels like a sugar rush with a theme song, this one’s for you. Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok LISTEN + WATCH VIOLET ARCHER Follow on Instagram

Max and Matt get together with Amanda Brinkman and get real about what happens when you lose your temper as a parent. They unpack the moments where things boil over the yelling, the guilt, the emotional hangover and how to rebuild connection after the storm. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being human. They talk about how to repair trust with your kids, why shame keeps us stuck, and how to make apologies that actually mean something. From their own stories of dad meltdowns to simple tools that help in the heat of the moment, this episode is full of honesty, humour, and hope for anyone who’s ever thought, “I can’t believe I just said that.” Let’s gooo!You like that Amanda Brinkman lady? So do we! And when she's not talking about perimenopause, she spends much of her time travelling the country talking to big ol' crowds about finding Purpose. She's even got a course on it, y'all. Check out the links below.Amanda Brinkman: https://amandakbrinkman.comThe Purpose Pursuit Course: amandakbrinkman.com/purposepursuitInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakbrinkman/ Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt tackle one of the trickiest parts of parenting: what to do when your partner doesn’t quite nail a moment with the kids—and vice versa. From bedtime blowups to moments when one parent needs a “tap out,” they unpack how to handle these situations without throwing each other under the bus. They talk through the awkwardness of siding with your partner vs. comforting your kid, and how to navigate those moments without losing the united front. The guys get honest about apology dynamics, how to course-correct as a team, and why it’s worth talking about the little things before they become big things. From real-time tension to therapy takeaways, this one dives deep into how couples can keep parenting (and marriage) strong—even when things get messy. Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt dive into the hilarious and humbling world of parenting quirks, especially the ones we're not proud of. From sarcastic “what's” to psychological warfare masked as calm questioning, they unpack the subtle ways dads sometimes offload their stress onto kids. The guys explore the fine line between gentle correction and straight-up shaming, reflect on the power of reframing discipline, and offer surprisingly touching ways to show unconditional love, like telling your kid you'd choose them if you could. They also get real about sibling dynamics, how to model empathy, and even how small rituals (like walking together or joking about being thirsty) build deeper family connection. It’s part confession, part strategy, and full-on dad therapy. Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt dig into a conversation sparked by an article Matt’s dad (aka Skip) sent their way: “Stop Trying to Raise Successful Kids.” What unfolds is a vulnerable, hilarious, and deeply practical look at what we’re actually teaching our kids through our words, our reactions, and our silence. They explore how achievement culture subtly hijacks parenting, why kindness needs louder applause, and the power of modelling empathy over outcome. Along the way, they unpack wild studies (like why helpful kindergarteners earn more as adults), personal stories of parenting wins and misses, and why standing up to a bully might be more valuable than acing the SATs. It’s about raising good humans, not just high performers. And yeah, there's some goldfish, lost letters, a tip jar moment, and a healthy side of dad-cry goosebumps. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt sit down with their longtime friend Amanda Brinkman for an honest, hilarious, and eye-opening conversation about perimenopause—what it is, why it matters, and why so few people are actually talking about it. Amanda shares her personal experience navigating brain fog, rage surges, sleep disturbances, and the emotional chaos of midlife… all while raising a daughter who's hitting puberty herself. They unpack the medical blind spots, cultural silence, and outdated advice still lingering around women’s health, and how this stage of life can be both deeply disorienting and wildly empowering. With help from some actual science (and a lot of jokes), they explore how to better support your partner, your friends, and yourself through this phase—and why knowing what’s going on might be the most powerful tool of all. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt get deep into what our emotions really are—and what we can do about them. They explore the mind-blowing science of how emotions aren't just reactions but predictions, shaped by past experience and cultural cues. Drawing from the work of Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, they unpack why your anxiety, stress, or anger might not mean what you think it means, and how we actually have way more agency than we give ourselves credit for. From parenting triggers to intrusive thoughts, from yelling at your kids to feeling stuck in shame, they talk about how to hit pause, reset your emotional reactions, and stop being a passenger to your own feelings. Oh, and yes, they manage to fit in the Buddha, Gabor Maté, and why a toddler yelling “I tooted” might be the wisdom we all need. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt get honest about parenting on autopilot—when you're technically doing everything right but feel totally disconnected from your kids. They unpack the invisible exhaustion that builds up from work, stress, and just keeping the family machine running—and how easy it is to slip into a mode where you're reacting, not connecting. They talk about how small moments of presence (like a 15-second eye gaze!) can rewire your entire day, why we confuse doing "enough" with actually showing up, and how a toddler’s sheep-scented toot became the emotional reset one dad didn’t know he needed. They also get into parenting guilt, meditation, sibling rivalry, and how sometimes the biggest shift is the smallest gesture. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt are back with Bettina Schultz-Jobe to dive deeper into the messy, emotional world of education choices. They unpack the tension between protecting kids and preparing them for the real world, the guilt around nontraditional schooling, and why no one path—public, private, homeschool, or micro-school—is a magic bullet. They get into how important it is for kids to build resilience without being bulldozed, why "fit" matters way more than prestige, and how parents have way more power (and responsibility) than they think when it comes to raising curious, lifelong learners. From playground politics to project-based learning to why the right school is like the right bike helmet (you just have to want to wear it), they break down how to make education work for your unique kid. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt sit down with guest Bettina Schultz-Jobe to explore one of the hottest parenting questions out there: What should school actually look like? They dive into homeschooling, hybrid models, micro-schools, and the wild world of education alternatives beyond the standard public school path. Bettina shares her journey from therapist to school founder, what she’s learned about how kids learn best, and why some traditional school settings might be killing our kids’ natural love for learning. From balancing structure with freedom to the challenge of building real social-emotional skills, they talk about how different environments shape kids—not just academically, but as full humans. They also tackle hard questions about socialization, bullying, screen time, and the myth that there’s one “right” way to educate your kid. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt get raw and real about every parent's worst nightmare — when playtime goes sideways and lands you in urgent care. Matt recounts the heart-wrenching experience of holding down his two-year-old daughter while she got stitches, and the emotional aftermath that rocked the whole family. They unpack the guilt, the helplessness, the fear, and the surprisingly powerful role of storytelling in helping kids (and parents) make sense of scary stuff. From traumatic dreams that seem to echo real-life events, to the quiet confidence kids lose and regain after getting hurt, they dive deep into what it means to be present, supportive, and human through it all. And yes, there’s plenty of love, reflection, and even a few laughs along the way (dead dogs in swimming pools? Don’t ask). This episode is about parenting through pain, building resilience, and rewriting hard memories with empathy and connection. Buckle up — this one hits hard and heals a little, too. Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt dive headfirst into the mental mush that is modern life and ask the big question: are we all getting dumber… or does it just feel that way? They unpack the "reverse Flynn effect" (yes, it’s a thing), why IQ scores might be slipping, and how tech, social media, and even GPS might be slowly draining our brains. But instead of panicking, they explore what we can actually do about it—especially as parents. From building friction into our kids' lives to rediscovering slow learning as adults (yes, even number theory), they talk about reclaiming our attention, our curiosity, and our time. They also get real about AI, addiction to distraction, and why being intentional might be the only way out of the algorithm trap. Let’s gooo! The essence of calculus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUvTyaaNkzM&t=5s Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok

Max and Matt open up about the weird limbo of life after college — when you’ve checked all the boxes but still feel totally unmoored. They talk about that creeping feeling of “Is this it?” even when things look fine on paper, the identity crisis that hits when your career path doesn’t match who you really are, and the invisible pressure to keep pushing forward even when you're not sure where you're going. From chasing purpose to confronting the emotional hangover of growing up, they break down why so many people feel lost after doing everything “right.” They also talk about friendships in adulthood, the struggle to stay curious, and how slowing down might actually be the way forward. Let’s gooo! Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here Milkless on Instagram Milkless on TikTok