Parenting Roundabout

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a series of picture books by Helen Lester starring the disheveled but lovable Tacky the Penguin. Plus, a middle-grade read called The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow. ​ Terri's random recommendation has come, once again, from the Facebook Reels algorithm. It's the That Was Us podcast, a This Is Us rewatch podcast hosted by actors Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan. ​ Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode (week 10, the semi-finals). In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019, Parenting Let-Downs. Next week, we'll be off for Thanksgiving, but will be sharing some of our past turkey-themed chats on social media. After that, we'll return to our regular lineup: Lost The Lowdown Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's The Lowdown. The show has great casting and writing, even if the plot is a bit hard to follow (that's why Lee needs a big ol' murder board to keep track of it all). Mentioned: Scott Shepherd as menacing, fleece vest-wearing Allen Murphy. Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 3, "Dinosaur Memories." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This episode was a great big fakeout leading to the reveal of another member of the Oceanic Six. Also, Ben's facial trauma makeup artist is back, and Ben still knows how to get Locke's goat. Mentioned: "You gotta see the baby!" on Seinfeld. ​ Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 5, "The Constant." Tomorrow, we'll continue our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is Seriously Good Chili Cookbook: 177 of the Best Recipes in the World, which prompted a look at other celebrities who've published cookbooks (and a shout-out to their savvy publicists and unsung ghostwriters). Mentioned: Kevin spills the chili on The Office and the 2010 Primetime Emmys opening number. ​ Terri's random recommendation is her daughter's new employer, Chick-fil-A! Get yourself some waffle fries to celebrate. Mentioned: "Chick-fil-A (...But It's Sunday)" from Bobby Bones. Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode (week 9, celebrating the show's 20th birthday). In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019, Parenting Do-Overs. Mentioned: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Next week's lineup: Lost The Lowdown Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and as of this week, that's The Lowdown. It stars Ethan Hawke as the kind of person whose mouth (and pen; he's a journalist of sorts) often gets him punched in the face. He does have a smart and savvy daughter who, so far, doesn't want to injure him. Mentioned: Duster, Perry Mason, Alan Sepinwall's review of this episode. Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 1, episode 2, "The Devil's Mama." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. This mostly flash-forward episode identified another one of the Oceanic Six and showed us yet another way that Ben has found to torture the castaways. On the island: Love triangle! Sneaky deal-making! A secret room full of passports and cash! ​ Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 4, "Eggtown." Tomorrow, we'll kick off our discussion of a newer show, The Lowdown. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a pair of twisty, plot-filled novels. She recommends them both: A Very Inconvenient Scandal by Jacquelyn Mitchard and All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman. ​ Terri's random recommendation is another book: A memoir by TV and film producer Ed Zwick called Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood. Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Mentioned: Mournful covers of "Hey Ya," "Take on Me," and "Love Shack." .​ In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021, Parent Saving Time. Next week's lineup: Lost The Lowdown S1 Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. This was the season finale, so per usual, the murders were solved, and another body was discovered. While the show has drifted from its original focus, it's still an enjoyable watch, as long as you don't care about logic or a plot that hangs together. Next Wednesday, we'll kick off a new watch: The Lowdown on Hulu. It comes from Sterlin Harjo, who also created Reservation Dogs, another show we enjoyed very much. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we get four new characters (there have been some deaths; it was time to restock), along with flashbacks for all of them. Plus, the brief and somewhat triumphant return of Vincent the dog. ​ Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 3, "The Economist." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is an important addition in the field of Teaching Children Through Scatological Humor: It's the third Butt or Face book, Butt or Face 3: Super Gross Butts. ​ Terri's random recommendation is on vacation this week as Catherine reports on her recent trip to Venice, Italy! Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's Halloween episode. .​ In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2021, Feelings About Fundraisers. Next week's lineup: Lost Only Murders in the Building Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. Since we missed discussing the show last week, we doubled up this time and covered E8, "Cuckoo Chicks," and E9, "LESTR." These featured some fun scenes, but we're still scratching our heads over the mystery itself. Best to just enjoy the actors and let the plot wash over you. Mentioned: The official OMITB podcast, hosted by Michael Cyril Creighton. Next Wednesday, we'll discuss the season 5 finale of Only Murders in the Building. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we're flashing forward with Hurley, whose post-island life seems pretty similar to his pre-island life, in several meaningful ways. Meanwhile, on the island, the castaways are splitting into factions, making for some interesting combinations. Mentioned: Lance Reddick as newly introduced baddie (? unconfirmed, seems like a safe assumption) Matthew Abaddon. ​ Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 2, "Confirmed Dead." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is what her library calls "Boomerang Books." These are titles that aren't cataloged and can't be checked out. You can just borrow them for as long as you need them, then bring them back for the next person to enjoy. Mentioned: Beach Read by Emily Henry, Little Free Libraries. ​ Terri's random recommendation is Dancing with the Stars-themed this week. She suggests checking out the DWTS episodes of celebrity contestant Danielle Fishel's podcast, Pod Meets World, as well as the official DWTS podcast, hosted by last season's winner, Joey Graziadei. And of course, you can hear our thoughts every Tuesday night on YouTube. ​ In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2017 that asked, Should Teens Trick-or-Treat?. Next week's lineup: Lost Only Murders in the Building Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Usually on Wednesdays, we discuss a newer entertainment property. But since yesterday's Lost episode was tantalizingly close to the end of season 3, we decided to bump Only Murders in the Building and devote today's chat to the two-hour season 3 finale, "Through the Looking Glass." People die, people almost die, people seem to be dead but aren't really dead. People seem to be in the past when they're in the future. People seem to be on Team Ben or Team Jack or Team Anyone But Those Two. We're still waiting to untangle this web of motivation and allegiances, so on to season 4! ​ Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 4, episode 1, "The Beginning of the End." And next Wednesday, we'll return to Only Murders in the Building for season 5, episodes 8 and 9. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup. ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we actually get a series of pretty happy flashbacks to the "greatest hits" of Charlie's life. Of course, this is because he's resigned himself to his fate, which is to die to save Claire, Aaron, and the rest of his friends. Plus: Complicated plans are put in place for the big season finale. ​ Tomorrow, we'll finish season 3 with episode 22, "Through the Looking Glass." Next Tuesday, we'll kick off season 4 with "The Beginning of the End," and return to Only Murders in the Building the following day (Wednesday, 10/29). ​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a fun, funny, and punny spooky season pick: Stompie the Zombie by Margery Cuyler, with adorable illustrations by Binny Talib. ​ Terri's random recommendation is a little album you may have heard about called The Life of a Showgirl. Once you realize it's all about snappy, poppy, danceable tunes, you'll fall in love. ​ In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2020 on old moms learning new tricks. Next week's lineup: Lost Lost Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. While we have mostly lost patience with the mystery here, there are still some entertaining moments, such as a payoff for Oliver's years of name-dropping. Mentioned: Actors Dylan Baker and Becky Ann Baker and the movie Trading Places. Next Wednesday, we'll discuss Lost's season 3 finale. We'll return to Only Murders in the Building in two weeks with S5, E8 and E9. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we get our first look at Ben's backstory. Would you be surprised to learn that he, too, had a Bad Dad? Mentioned: Actors Carrie Preston (as Ben's mom, Emily; she's Michael Emerson's wife in real life) and John Gries as that bad dad. ​ Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 21, "Greatest Hits," and we'll follow that up with the season finale, "Through the Looking Glass," next Wednesday. Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week. Catherine's library find is a podcast, recommended to her by a library coworker, called If Books Could Kill. Mentioned: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, The Anxious Generation, Blink, He's Just Not That Into You (and its movie version). ​ Terri's random recommendation, speaking of books, is the Barnes & Noble premium membership, which gets you lots of discounts and the all-important tote bag. Bonus content: Dancing with the Stars week 4, "Disney Night." ​ In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2022 on future planning for young adults. Next week's lineup: Lost Only Murders in the Building Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. This week's episode took a Lost turn by showing us flashbacks from Oliver's formative years in Brooklyn. Plus, Meryl Streep returns, after a fire in Loretta's apartment that is hand-waved away much too quickly. We're sure it will be back. Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 5, episode 7. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.