Episodi
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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!
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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!
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Episodi mancanti?
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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Max and Matt get into the wild world of kids and competition—when it's fun, when it turns toxic, and when parents accidentally make it worse. They talk about the pressure kids feel to be “the best,” whether competition builds resilience or just stress, and how to help kids navigate winning, losing, and everything in between. From the awkwardness of letting your kid win (or not) to the questionable ethics of “participation trophies,” they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids in a world that’s always keeping score. They also dive into the unexpected role of mindfulness and meditation—can teaching kids to slow down and breathe actually help with the pressure? Or is it just another thing for parents to stress about? Plus, they get real about their own childhood experiences with competition and how that shapes the way they parent today. Let’s gooo!
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Max and Matt take on the surprisingly tricky topic of self-image and how much parents shape the way their kids feel about how they look. They unpack the fine line between building confidence and accidentally creating little narcissists, why telling your kids they're beautiful might actually be a good thing, and how much of this is just about helping them avoid a future existential crisis in front of the mirror. They also wrestle with questions like: Is making your kid do their hair just basic hygiene or enforcing pointless social norms? How much should parents step in when their kid looks like a complete mess? And is there really any harm in letting your kid wear the same shirt two days in a row? From the dad mirror effect to the chaos of parenting in a world obsessed with appearance, they break it all down—while probably overthinking it. Let’s gooo!
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Max and Matt wrestle with the awkward tension of self-care, gratitude practices, and what it really means to put yourself first as a dad. They dive into the discomfort of talking about feelings, why terms like "self-care" and "gratitude practice" feel off-putting, and whether the resistance to these ideas is generational, cultural, or just straight-up nonsense. From the pressure to be a "good dad" while also keeping a piece of yourself intact to the absurdity of ranking your priorities in life, they explore why taking care of yourself isn’t just important—it’s essential. They also get into dad martyrdom, the social dynamics of making time for friends, and how a simple recurring event on the calendar might just be the key to happiness.
Let’s gooo!
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Do parents really have a favorite child? The research says… maybe. This week, Max and Matt discuss a fascinating new study exploring favoritism among siblings, why it happens, who it happens to, and how it affects kids long-term. They break down what makes one child the "favorite", why firstborns often get special treatment, and how parents can unintentionally send signals that stick with kids for life.
They also share their experiences as dads, from managing sibling rivalries to checking their own biases, and tackle the big question: If favoritism is natural, how do you make sure your kids don't feel like they're getting the short end of the stick? Plus, it's a hilarious look at birth order stereotypes, bedtime confessions, and how kids remember praise vs. rejection.
If you've ever wondered whether your kids think you play favorites (or you still swear your parents had a favorite), you won't want to miss this honest and slightly chaotic conversation!
#Parenting #Siblings #MomLife #DadLife #FamilyDynamics #RaisingKids #ParentingTips #BirthOrder #Fatherhood #Motherhood
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Max and Matt dive into the wild world of sick kids: the endless fluids, missed days at daycare, and the looming question of how much sickness is too much. They talk about everything from preventing illness to navigating the tricky moments when it strikes, including handling fevers, the viral load theory, and whether it's okay to send your kid back to daycare with a little Tylenol. Max shares his unconventional (and controversial) approach to keeping his family from getting sick, and the guys explore how the balance between taking care of your kids and taking care of your work responsibilities can lead to some seriously complicated decisions. Plus, they discuss the fine line between being a concerned parent and overthinking it. You won’t want to miss this honest, funny, and a little bit gross conversation about sickness, health, and parenting in the trenches.
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Max and Matt dive deep into the emotional complexities of work trips — how they feel before, during, and after leaving their families behind. The lead-up is filled with guilt and anxiety, and while the trip itself might offer a bit of relief, there’s no escaping the emotional rollercoaster of being away from the kids and the tension with partners. From the chaotic reentry period to the guilt of missing milestones, they talk through how to manage these feelings of guilt while balancing their roles as dads and professionals. They also discuss the dynamics with their partners and kids, the expectations that come with travel, and why sometimes, the family routine takes a little detour when dad's away. Max and Matt explore the mixed emotions of being away — the pangs of leaving your partner with the kids, the inevitable "tantrums" when you come back, and how these trips impact family life and the overall family dynamic. Let's gooo!
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In this episode, Max and Matt tackle one of the trickiest challenges of parenting—striking the balance between giving your kids a great life and ensuring they develop gratitude. On the one hand, you want to give them everything you can; on the other, being deprived of something can be a powerful teacher of gratitude. But when you have the means to give your kids what they want, how do you navigate that tension without sounding like a broken record about how good they have it? Max and Matt dive into the complexities of overindulgence and entitlement, discussing the natural ways kids learn and how to avoid pushing them too far into materialism or a lack of work ethic. It’s not as simple as just saying, “Be grateful,” and they share their own struggles with finding that delicate balance. Let's go!
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In this episode, Max and Matt dive into the complexities of self-criticism and why we’re so hard on ourselves. From feeling like we’re not doing enough to the constant nagging voice that says we’re failing, they break down the science behind those inner thoughts and how they can both push us to succeed and drive us crazy. The dads explore the brain’s Default Mode Network, the fine line between anxiety and excitement, and the paradox of wanting high emotional highs while battling self-doubt. Plus, they share practical strategies to deal with that voice in your head—from framing stress as information to simply cutting yourself some slack. It’s a raw, honest look at how we can stop letting our inner critics sabotage our peace and embrace who we are.
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In this episode, Max and Matt tackle the chaos of sibling rivalry with a side of humor and some eye-opening research. As Max navigates the constant tug-of-war between his three kids, from stolen toys to full-on brawls over forgotten objects, the dads dive deep into the survival instincts driving sibling conflict. They share insights on how to deal with the constant squabbles, why fairness is an illusion, and how empathy can help bridge the emotional gap between kids (and parents). From understanding the neurological reasons behind possessiveness to practical strategies for keeping your cool, this episode is all about surviving the madness and coming out with a little more peace of mind. Plus, Max shares how he's learning to manage the chaos by embracing the reality that, sometimes, they’ll just have to "dev out" of it. Tune in for a mix of science, parenting hacks, and a ton of laughs.
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In this episode, Max and Matt sit down with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, renowned therapist and author of The Way of Play, to dive into the transformative power of play for kids (and parents!). With her new book launching today, Dr. Bryson shares how play can be a powerful tool for emotional growth, resilience, and connection. From teaching kids emotional skills through action figures to using play as a strategy for tackling tough moments, Tina breaks down the why and how of incorporating play into everyday life. Whether you're the “fun parent” or you struggle to get down on the floor for playtime, this episode offers relatable tips and deep insights into how play can build brains, relationships, and make parenting a little more magical. If you've ever wondered how to make your time with your kids more meaningful or how to make the most of those fleeting moments of connection, this one's for you.
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Ok, so Santa is obviously real. Everyone knows that. This episode is for the parents who are navigating the tricky world of holiday magic. Max and Matt are joined by Kristen Kelly and Jen Sarbach, the dynamic duo behind The Wall Street Skinny, to dive into the ever-complex world of Christmas traditions, myths, and how we handle them as our kids grow older. We're talking about rituals, the North Pole resident who keeps an eye on your little ones, and the age-old question: how do we keep the magic alive when the questions start piling up? It’s a deep dive into belief, family traditions, and even the existential questions that come with growing up—plus a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re struggling to balance magic with honesty or looking for new ways to make the holidays special, this episode has something for you. So, sit back, relax, and listen in to this festive discussion on how we keep the wonder alive during the holidays. (Oh, and a heads up—there's a bit of holiday truth-bombing in this one, so adult ears only!)
Also check out Wall Street Skinny's episode #125 where Matt and Max talk about angel investing and how to analyze early stage companies and whether it's worth investing in it or not.Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here
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As we close out Season 3 and the year, Max and Matt reflect on the journey they've been on with Milkless. They share lessons learned, funny moments, and the parenting tools that have helped them survive (and thrive) through all the chaos. From big emotional moments to sleepless nights, this episode dives into what it really means to be a dad—and how to not totally lose it. Whether it's gaining perspective on tough parenting days or just trying to make it to the holidays without totally breaking down, this is a fun, reflective look back at everything they've tackled so far.
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Max breaks down his recent experience with his 4-year-old daughter’s sleep regression, and Matt’s got his back as they dive into the exhaustion, the tough choices, and the real moments that come with kids and their changing sleep patterns. From bedtime battles to unexpected sleep snuggles, this episode is packed with all the struggles (and laughs) that come when the sleep routine goes off-track. If you’ve been there, or you're about to, hit play and join the chaos—because this episode proves that no matter how tough things get, you’re not alone in this sleep-deprived adventure.
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This is Part Two of a two part episode. If you haven't heard part one, go back and start with Episode #84! Thanks!
One of the main reasons Matt and Max started this podcast was to become better parents themselves, and both of them think this might be the most helpful episode they've ever been a part of. Tina Payne Bryson, PhD - the renowned co-author of Best Sellers like Whole Brained Child, No Drama Discipline, The Yes Brain, The Power of Showing up, and the upcoming The Way of Play - joins the pod for a wide-ranging conversation on everything from discipline, to regulation, to the things we broadly misunderstand about "gentle parenting."
Dr. Bryson's work has preceded her in both of our households, with her and Dr. Dan Siegel's science-backed Whole Brain Parenting approach having informed the way we parent for years. This was the rare and wonderful occasion when the person herself totally lives up to the power of her work. Brilliant, honest, practical, relatable, and genuinely funny - Dr. Bryson is literally spitting wisdom out here. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.Buy Violet Archer on Amazon Here
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