This time of year is always a tough one for families, as back-to-school bumps in the road collide with a myriad of challenging family dynamics. It's even tougher this year as we hardly know what normal is anymore. This week we are back with a little chat about how we might all support each other. The struggle is real.

Second week in a row for us! We're here talking about the mind-blowing experience we had at the Banksy exhibit and how it reminded John of his brother Tom's artwork, how great art can inspire and move us to emotions, updates on Julie's studio, and more!

We're back in the studio! This week we're talking about the amazing view we had of the Chicago Air & Water show from our balcony, and some thoughts on death-defying stunts, getting back to school, and staying connected to good friends and important moments in these strange times we live in.

Somewhere between Delta variants and Julie having to unexpectedly relocate her new studio, we've had a bit of a week. While unforeseen setbacks can be frustrating and even devastating at times, within that is a tremendous opportunity to create an even better circumstance if we are willing to see it that way. We're talking about that, Simone Biles, and more - this week on Better!

Today we are podcasting from our downtown closet talking about everything from the power of dance to why we watch and read what we do. We end with a few back to school tips. Enjoy!

In this episode, we wrap up pride month as we talk about the amazing parenting opportunities that present themselves when your child is different than you maybe thought. And how we all can be better at turning toward the unique qualities in each other - and prevent a lot of heartbreak.

Today we are talking about our pandemic take-aways and the importance of taking the time to process all that we've experienced. As things return to "normal" we realize many of the memories, good and bad, feel like they're slipping away. So take a beat and talk it all through. We're all changed. "Let's get back to normal as soon as possible...as if normal was anything to aspire to." - Russell Brand, on "Armchair Expert"  

Today we are talking about a couple of John's new articles for CNN. We are breaking down the new gray divorce trend - a topic sparked by the Bill & Melinda Gates divorce and also discussing the stress of moving out of Covid restrictions.

Julie just opened a new art studio in the city and we were back in the stands for a Cubs game. Finding hope and joy as spring springs.

Jessica Lahey is the NYT best-selling author of a brilliant new book, "The Addiction Inoculation," out this week. Here, she has a LOT to share about her own addiction and recovery, the science of addiction, and ways in which we can truly mitigate substance use and abuse in our kids. There are revelations in here. This is a must-listen.

It's been a year since we first locked down. Today we are talking about the "wall" we've all hit and Julie shares her wake up call.

Today on the podcast we have Sue Borison of Your Teen Media, who is here to talk with John about all things raising teenagers. They discuss how to navigate the biggest problems affecting teenagers today, the importance of open communication, the role fear plays in parenting, and more!

We finally took the quiz and today we are discussing what we learned about our "love" priorities. Spoiler alert: don't touch John.

This week, John is joined by Dr. Helen Odessky to talk all about her new book, "Stop Fear From Stopping You." They talk about the difference between fear and anxiety, how to tell the difference between good fear and bad fear, and much more!

Today, we are talking about a little bit of everything - inauguration, insurrection, Bridgerton...but mainly, when you set an intention, the amazing things you can find and learn while out walking in the city.

Today, we are doing a quick holiday review and discussing our takeaways from 2020 and how we can realistically and intentionally move into 2021. Reminder to everyone to find out how and when you can get your vaccine.

This week we're podcasting from our brand new groovy downtown Chicago live/work pad and weighing options for how to spend the holidays in 2020. Can you believe John doesn't like to play games?!? or Thanksgiving food?!? or PIE?!?!?! (except for June's, which is objectively the best). Enjoy!

We're back! Alas, we are at the home stretch of this ever-eventful rotation around the sun. We attempt to avoid talking about the pandemic, but cannot resist the allure and hope of the vaccine that can return us to the promised land of normalcy. In the meantime, keep your nose tucked neatly into your mask, and we challenge you all to look for a little "light" in the coming weeks. Nama-freakin-ste!

This week, John sits down with David Kamp, author of the new book "Sunny Days," a history of the Sesame Street/Mister Rogers era of enlightened children's television. We talk about how counter-culture this type of programming was at the time, activism in the media during times of unrest, and more!

Today we are talking about how we are navigating everything 2020 and offering a couple ideas about how to tend to our collective mental health.

We found a way to joyfully gather with Julie's family over the weekend to celebrate her dad's 87th b-day. We also lost a national treasure and a personal mentor. Good news/bad news. Discussing it all on today's episode.

John has somehow stumbled upon a sacred reservoir of generalized contentment that's been getting him through his days. We retrace some of our recent steps in an attempt to understand how this phenomenon came to be, and if its replicable for us all, this week on Better!

Today we are talking about why it is important sometimes to focus back in on the smaller picture, and how to ground yourself and keep things moving and positive.

Fresh from John's bday getaway, today we are talking about what we are hearing from some kiddos on campus. It's heavy out there. We need to make it better. We eke out an upbeat takeaway at the end!