This week Melanie and Allison get back in the studio to get caught up on summer life. Allison begins by updating everyone on where she's been for the last month and what's it like to change careers in your late 40s and pass big scary tests (Note: she refers to taking and passing the SHRM-CP test and moving from banking to HR).

We then begin to discuss our plans for the rest of the summer and things we can do to actually relax on vacation (i.e. read a book, work on a hobby) and begin drifting off topic. Our first stop: cemetery walks and Allison's volunteer efforts to help people find where their relatives are buried.

We then head into unusual jobs that pay big bucks. You won't believe what Allison found while searching the Reddit.

Timestamps (approximate):

1:01 Changing Careers and Taking Big Scary Tests in your 40s

07:36 Historical Fiction and Cemetery Adventures

15:57 Ghost Stories and Paranormal Experiences

20:04 Unusual Jobs and Crematorium Insights

24:23 Cryotherapy and Crematorium Mysteries

24:50 Strange jobs that pay big bucks

42:55 Summer Homework and Future Plans


Things we mention for reference:

1.) Historical Fiction books by Phillipa Gregory
2.) Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
3.) Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, GA
4.) Huguenot Cemetery in St. Augustine, FL
5.) Evergreen Cemetery in St. Augustine, FL
6.) TacoLu's is located in Jacksonville Beach, FL. It was previously known as the Homestead Restaurant. It was originally a boarding house built in 1932 and was run by Miss Alpha Paynter. She later turned it into the Homestead Restaurant and later sold it in 1962. She died later that same year. Nowadays she can be seen by the big limestone fireplace in the main dining room, sitting in a rocking chair or standing as if to check on her customers. She's also been seen on the second floor and the stairs, and even in the mirror in the women's bathroom.
7.) Ghost hunting in a Tesla. Check out our Instagram account for the actual ghost hunt we went on shortly after recording this episode.

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This week Melanie and Allison return from an short and unplanned break. The episode begins with Melanie continuing her challenges with day-long dance recitals and how someone applied lipstick to her daughter without permission, not only triggering an allergic reaction but us saying "Don't touch my kid!". Naturally, the conversation expands to etiquette around touching others' children.

We also talk about saying 'no' to social obligations in an effort to keep our sanity and Melanie's daughter away from the things she cannot eat. And Melanie's mom provides some great advice on how to keep your kid's birthday parties under control.

Allison shares a story about wearing clothes that might be too comfortable around the house: Murphy's Law came knocking at the door! And, just what is the reason for all those tiny holes we sometimes find on our tee shirts?

Other things we talk about:

Things kids say... boys vs. girl version. If we kept a journal they would definitely be different!

Can a Tesla detect ghosts when you drive through a cemetery? Let us know if you've tried this --- and your findings!

Speaking of cemeteries, Melanie shares information about her experience at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and wonders what it's like to work there.

And, because we love animals Melanie shares that she now begun following pot belly pigs on Instagram, how she wants ANOTHER Newfoundland, her plans to leave Scarlett - her African Grey parrot - in her will.

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Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!

This week Melanie and Allison tackle the whirlwind of managing kids' extracurricular activities amidst the chaos of daily life. While one mom has her kid’s summer mapped out, the other one of us is not so sure how to make it through the next 7 weeks before school starts back up.

Melanie also shares her thoughts about dance recitals and wonders who made up this crazy 12-hour-long recital schedule for kids of all ages.

The joke’s on us though as we share how we BOTH were rear-ended within days of each other. Let the chaos ensue!

Timestamps: (Approximate)
4:35 Quick pre-birthday party errand
6:00 Car Accidents
16:00 Allison Studying
16:30 Activities for Kids and Schedules
20:35 Chicago Trip
22:45 Fireplace Envy
23:17 Just what is Allison’s day job anyway?
24:57 Keeping Kids Busy
40:35 Mall Walking
43:40 Kids Activities

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Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!

This week Melanie and Allison interview two very special guests... our kids! Just how silly will the podcast get when Melanie and Allison begin asking their kids basic questions about their school, friends, ideal jobs and who they think they're named after. We also take them way back to the olden days of the 1980s and ask them to identify old-timey gadgets. How do you think they did?

Timestamps (approximate):
00:53 Favorite Things
03:31 Future Aspirations
05:02 School Experiences
06:51 Favorite Movies
08:41 Fun and Games
14:19 Would You Rather
16:29 Pet Shark or Octopus?
17:42 Pizza or Ice Cream?
18:19 What Do Your Parents Do?
21:40 Meeting Your Best Friend
25:31 80s Nostalgia: VHS and Encyclopedias

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Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!

This week Melanie and Allison dive into a recap and give their thoughts on the last 2 episodes of the Reality TV show 'Seeking Sister Wife.'

We also have a special surprise for our listeners: new podcast equipment!

No matter if you are a regular Seeking Sister Wife fan or you’ve never watched the show, you’ll be entertained by these two midlife moms’ perspective of the polygamous lifestyle. There’s Nick Davis and his 3 not-so-married-wives, Becky and Justin Ryan who still haven’t found that special someone after 20 plus years, and Allison’s favorite returning couple Dannielle and Garrick Merrifield who always seem to get all the ladies.

We end the show discussing whether we should recap other Reality TV trash shows like 'Below Deck,' 'Bachelorette,' and 'Unexpected.'

Timestamps:

01:34 Recap of Seeking Sister Wife Begins

03:26 Nick, April, Jennifer and Danielle Davis (Jasmine, too!)

14:06 Justin and Becky Ryan

19:00 Garrick and Dannielle Merrifield

33:43 New Shows and Future Plans

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Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!

This week, Melanie and Allison will be tackling a hot topic: synthetic food dyes and allergies. Join us as we discuss the origins of these artificial colorants, their potential health risks - especially for children - and share personal stories and insights on navigating food choices. Whether you're concerned about hyperactivity, skin reactions, or just want to make healthier decisions for your family, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Synthetic food dyes, often derived from petroleum, are commonly used in the food industry to enhance the color and appeal of processed foods. Despite their widespread use, these artificial colorants have been associated with various health concerns, including allergic reactions.

Common synthetic food dyes include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These dyes can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild symptoms like hives and itching to more severe responses like anaphylaxis, especially in those with existing sensitivities or allergies. Moreover, some studies suggest a link between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity.

NOTE:
In this episode we discuss the California Assembly Bill 418 (AB 418) which specifically prohibits the sale of food containing red dye 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. As found on food-safety.com, studies have suggested the additives may be linked to serious health harms, such as cancer, reproductive issues, and childhood behavioral and developmental problems. More information about the bill can be found here.

Other Resources:

1.) Melanie mentioned using the EWG app while grocery shopping. You can download the app on Apple's App Store or by clicking here. More information about the Environmental Working Group can be found here.

2.) Here is a listing of food dyes that Melanie mentioned:

Red 40
Red 3
Yellow 5
Yellow 6
Green 3
Blue 1
Blue 2

More information about synthetic food dyes can be found on the Center for Science in the Public Interest's website or by clicking here. Alternative names for some synthetic dyes can be found here.

3.) The really hard word that Melanie and Allison were trying to pronounce is "Azodicarbonamide".

4.) Melanie mentioned following @thefoodbabe on Instagram.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:32 Synthetic Food Dyes and Health Issues

01:21 Personal Experiences with Food Sensitivities

02:13 The Impact of Food Dyes on Health

04:14 Navigating Food Choices and Alternatives

07:10 The Hidden Dangers in Everyday Foods

17:37 Challenges of Managing Food Allergies

23:08 Living with a Corn Allergy

37:18 Food A

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Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!

In this BONUS episode of "Midlife Moms Pod," Melanie and Allison spend a Friday morning together discussing things that are chaotic in their lives. Topics range from end of school year activities, sprained ankles, lost and found dogs, and WW2 movies, to name just a few.

We evaluate what everyday items bring chaos into our lives and how we wouldn't trade any of it for all the popsicles and coffee in the world.

Timestamps:

00:39 Early Morning Chaos

03:28 School Events and Fun Day

04:29 Midlife Mom Struggles

05:50 Dog Stories and Pet Chaos

16:25 Kids and Their Activities

19:35 College and Career Discussions

26:01 Homework and School Challenges

27:50 Daily Chaos and Mom Life

30:12 Differences Between Moms and Dads

31:39 Balancing Personal Goals and Parenting

32:56 The Never-Ending Mom Brain

33:30 Struggles with Sleep and Health

37:58 TV Preferences and Relationship Dynamics

49:29 A Day of Chaos and a Lost Dog

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Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!

In this episode of Midlife Moms Pod, Melanie and Allison travel back in time to 1993 and revisit our Proms. This episode starts with a few censor bleeps as Allison loses her mind followed by us laughing our way through what can only be described as take 3 of our attempt at recording this episode.

Once we shake off our technical failures, we share stories of our prom days of yore and compare them to the outlandish promposals and prom shenanigans of today.

As per usual we veer off course for a bit and discuss how Melanie wants to go to prom dressed up as an inflatable dinosaur (not sure I got that right) and how we think our kids would handle going to prom.

Allison stuns Melanie by telling her that kids today don't always get their driver's licenses as soon as they turn 16. We also share our marriage proposals and how they're not always those seen in a fairytale.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

3:37 Prom Season Nostalgia

9:09 The Evolution of Prom Attire

14:56 One word: Pantyhose

19:50 Shark Tracking Adventures

23:55 Back on topic…Promposals

26:42 Veering Off Course - Halloween Costume Plans

32:25 Vintage Prom Dresses and Hair

34:11 Upcoming Prom Events and crashing pre-Prom Dinners

37:25 Kids and Drivers Licenses

40:55 Romantic Proposals

46:07 Wrapping Up

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Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!