Trying2Parent

T2P Episode 34: Wise Advice From A Father Of Two (Special Guest Dre Payne)

What’s up everyone and welcome back to another exciting episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast!
We've got a lot to cover in this episode, so let's dive right in. Tomorrow, we're heading out to Vegas for my grandma's celebration of life. It's a bittersweet occasion, but we're grateful for the opportunity to honor her memory and be there with family.
In other news, Amanda helped a lovely old man this weekend get some coverage, and it was such a rewarding experience. Making a positive impact in someone's life is always a high point for us.
The weather has been scorching hot lately! Summer is definitely in full swing, and we're doing our best to stay cool and hydrated.
On the home front, we're ready to move into a house. Finding the perfect place to raise our growing family is a top priority, and we can't wait to settle into a home with a bit less noise.
Oh, and did we mention the solid UFC fights this weekend? We're huge fans, and it was a great card.
Now, let's dive into some parenting updates from the book I've been reading, "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook." One thing that's been confusing me are these baby size comparisons. They just don't seem very accurate. Have you experienced the same confusion? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
In terms of highs and lows, I've been chatting and helping some really great people recently. It's fulfilling to connect with others and provide support where needed. Additionally, we've started our group interviews on Zoom, and it's been a fun and insightful experience.
In the news segment, Amanda discusses the effects of stress while pregnant. It's an important topic that highlights the significance of managing stress levels during pregnancy for the well-being of both mom and baby.
We have a special treat for you today as we welcome a guest from the FTS Podcast. This guest will share their unique perspective as a dad at 16 and the father of two girls. It promises to be an eye-opening and inspiring conversation that we can all learn from. Be sure to give him a follow at the FTS podcast wherever you listen to us.
And now, it's time to take a trip down memory lane with our '90s nostalgia segment. Do you remember what JNCO jeans stood for? What about when the tragic loss of Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G.,  year did he pass and how old was he when he was killed? In the same year, what movie made history by becoming the first-ever film to gross over $1 billion. As for the popular sitcom "Friends," it centered around how many main characters that captivated audiences throughout the '90s?
That wraps up this episode of Trying 2 Parent. We hope you enjoyed our discussions, updates, and the guest interview. Stay tuned for more parenting insights, stories, and exciting guests in the upcoming episodes. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll catch you next time!

T2P Episode 33: You Hold That Belly Girl

Hey there, it's Shawn King, and welcome back to another exciting episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast!
Guess what? We're still pregnant! Speaking of pregnancy, have you ever found yourself walking around holding your pregnant belly just so people don't mistake it for being fat? Well that's what Amanda's doing and to be honest I would do the same thing at this middle stage of the pregnancy.
And let's not forget about those crazy pregnancy dreams! They can be so vivid and bizarre. We discussed some of the wild dreams Amanda's been having and how common they are during pregnancy.
On this episode, I'm rereading "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook." It's a great resource for expectant fathers, providing helpful insights and guidance throughout the pregnancy journey.
We also delved into the topic of hormones. Oh boy, the hormone rollercoaster is no joke! We shared our experiences and strategies for surviving the ups and downs, from laughing to crying and everything in between. Luckily for us it's been a pretty smooth ride.
Now, let's talk about a more intimate subject: sex while pregnant. We opened up about our experiences and discussed when the urge to engage in sexual activity changed during pregnancy. It's a personal and unique journey for every couple, and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
As the pregnancy progresses, it's time to start ordering new clothes. Everything is getting tighter, and it's important to stay comfortable. We shared Amanda's shopping adventures and the excitement of finding stylish and comfortable maternity wear.
In other exciting news, my parents are considering moving closer to us and my sister. It's a big step and one that fills us with joy. Family support is invaluable, especially during this exciting and challenging time.
In terms of highs and lows, I had a rewarding experience helping some great people at work this week. One woman I assisted said the nicest things ever to me, and it made my day. However, Amanda had some frustrations with a certain family member that really upset me.
In the news segment, Amanda shared some interesting stories from the Mommy Facebook pages she's a part of, specifically those with the same birth month. It's fascinating to see the different experiences and perspectives from other expectant moms. Some of these ladies are going through some wild sh!t.
And last but certainly not least, let's take a trip down memory lane with our '90s nostalgia segment. Do you remember when the first Harry Potter book was released?  How about when the first Hummer hit the roads? Do you recall when the first Goosebumps book, "Welcome to Dead House," hit the book shelves? And to wrap it all up who can forget the addictive and challenging Bop It game? Can you name the year it was released? 
Well, that wraps up this episode of Trying 2 Parent. We hope you enjoyed our discussions and shared in our excitement about our pregnancy journey. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and guests in the upcoming episodes. Thank you for listening, and we'll catch you next time!

T2P Episode 32: WE’RE FINALLY PREGNANT (12 weeks)

What's up everybody and welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast!
Big news, everyone—we're finally pregnant! We'll be sharing our pregnancy story with you, and let me tell you, the stress of constantly worrying if everything is okay was absolutely insane. But we're grateful that our baby is healthy and everything is going well so far.
Last week, we had our first mommy guest caller, and we hope you enjoyed that episode. The response has been amazing, and our list of upcoming guests is growing fast. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please reach out and let us know. We'd love to have you!
On this week's episode, we discussed how having a child will change our lives. It's such a profound and transformative experience, and we shared our thoughts and feelings about it.
In terms of highs and lows, we couldn't be happier that our baby is okay and that everything is going smoothly. It's a true high for us. As for lows, we didn't really have many this week, which is always a good thing.
We also delved into the insights from the book "Raising Good Humans." It emphasizes the importance of patience, being present, and not being overwhelmed by our child's emotions. It's a valuable reminder for all parents.
In the news segment, Amanda discussed the effects of stress during pregnancy and how it can impact the baby. It's a topic that many expecting parents are concerned about, and it's important to manage stress levels for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. We'll touch more on this next week.
We also want to hear from our listeners. How do you handle your child when they're crying and upset? Share your strategies and experiences with us, as it can be helpful for other parents "us" navigating similar situations.
And of course to wrap up the episode we can't forget our '90s nostalgia segment! 
We hope you enjoyed the podcast and found some value in our discussions. Stay tuned for more updates on our pregnancy journey and exciting guests coming up. Thank you for listening, and we'll catch you next time!

T2P Episode 31: We had our first Mommy Guest Caller Catherine Dolan

Welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast! We've got some exciting things to share with you today so buckle up!
While not much happened this week, we have some cool news coming up, so make sure to stay tuned for next week's episode. 
Now, let's jump right into it. We had our first parent call-in on the show, and I must say, the process went pretty smoothly. We had a fantastic conversation about all things parenting with our good friend Catherine Dolan, who's been a long-time listener and first-time caller. We had a blast discussing various topics and shared some good laughs along the way.
In terms of highs and lows, my high for the week is that we have some really awesome things happening in our lives, but we'll save those exciting updates for the next episode. Stay tuned to find out what's coming up!
On the other hand, sometimes in this business, you have slumps where things don't go as planned. And right now, I'm in one of those slumps. It happens, but I'm determined to push through it. So is life.
In the news segment, we discussed the effects of caffeine and alcohol during pregnancy. Is any amount too much? It's an important topic that many expectant parents want to learn more about.
We also want heard from our listeners on how you guys manage frustrations and handle agitation when dealing with your kids! Thanks for writing in. It's always helpful to learn from one another's experiences.
And of course, we can't miss our '90s nostalgia segment. Remember Kel Mitchell from "All That" and "The Kenan and Kel Show"? He famously loved one thing—orange soda! Tiger Woods won his first Master's at the age of 21. The Simpson family resided in Springfield, and the line "Keep the change, ya filthy animal!" is from the movie "Home Alone."
That's all for this episode of Trying 2 Parent. We hope you enjoyed it, and we'll catch you next time for more parenting discussions and fun segments. Stay tuned for our exciting news!

T2P Episode 30: This Everyday Product Is Horrible For Kids

Welcome back, everyone, to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast! Buckle up we've got a lot to cover today.
First off, let's talk about the amazing time we had hanging out with our buddy Tom and his family. We went over to Cozumel for the first time and had an unforgettable experience. We even went out on a boat, where we swam with a bunch of stingrays and encountered a very scary giant barracuda. We also ate some fresh caught fish and just had an all around great time.
During our trip, Tom brought up an interesting point about spending a lot of time with your spouse and doing everything together as a family. Some people find it weird, but we discussed the importance of building strong connections and creating memories together. I mean you marry your person for a reason right?
In other news, I'm expecting a nice little bonus from work at the end of this month. It's always a pleasant surprise to receive some extra funds.
On a different note, I restarted my new chest tattoo and have day two of the process today. Holy smokes I forgot how exhausting these things are to get.
Speaking of tattoos, it got us thinking about our kids getting tattoos when they're older. We had a discussion about our feelings on the matter and when we believe an appropriate age for getting a tattoo might be. It's an interesting topic to explore.
We're also getting really excited about our upcoming trip to Japan. Our national conference is in less than 60 days, which means we'll be heading to Japan in less than 90 days. The anticipation is building!
Before we move on, I want to apologize about the guest situation. Last week, I mentioned that we would have our first guest this week, but I forgot that my tattoo appointments were also scheduled for the same weekend. So, next week, we promise to have our first guest on to discuss all things parenting with us.
Now, let's talk snacks! One thing that gets me excited about having kids, especially as they grow older, is the fact that we'll always have snacks on deck. Snacking is something I truly enjoy, and I used to be the snack king at school. It's comforting to know that our future kids won't go hungry in the snack department ha.
However, I must admit that I haven't been getting great sleep lately, and it concerns me when I think about having a child and the inevitable sleep deprivation that comes with it. Lack of sleep can put you on edge and lead to arguments, as many new parents can attest to. It's a challenge we'll have to navigate when the time comes.
Moving on to highs and lows, the highlight of the week was Amanda getting her first sale since going full-time, and our agency is growing with three new agents coming on board. On the other hand, I felt a bit out of it with work this past week, and I'm not exactly sure why. Shit happens I'll bounce back.
One of our main topic of discussion this episode revolves around religion and the LGBTQ community. We'll be sharing our thoughts and stances on this important and sensitive issue.
In the news segment, Amanda delves into the topic of artificial food coloring and its effects on young children. It's alarming to see how it can contribute to uncontrollable behavior. We'll explore this further and share our insights.
Now, let's engage with our listeners. We want to know how you manage frustrations and handle agitation with your kids. It's an ongoing challenge, and we'd love to hear your strategies.
And as always, we'll wrap up with some '90s nostalgia. Be sure to tune in ever week to get your dose of the podcast. We've got some big news dropping soon. Much love everyone.

T2P Episode 29: Amanda Knows Black Culture

Welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast! We've got a lot to cover today so let's hop right in.
First off, let's talk about the delicious streak dinner Amanda and I made. It was absolutely incredible, and I highly recommend you coming over next time. On a different note, I must admit that I got a bit too high from a tiny little edible. I mean I was blasted!
I had Captain Crunch for breakfast this morning, and now the roof of my mouth hurts. Ah, the joys of old school cereal.
Moving on to the highs of the week, it was a solid one overall. We're planning a trip to see our friends on Cozumel. It's always great to have something to look forward to. Additionally, I found a new tattoo artist from Argentina whom I'm really excited to work with. Stay tuned for updates on that!
On the flip side, my mom left this week, and that's always a bit tough. Saying goodbye is never easy, but we're grateful for the time we spent together.
In terms of our book discussions, we dove into "Raising Good Humans" and discovered some helpful tips. When getting frustrated, adopting a mantra like "he's only one, he's only one," can help maintain perspective. We also explored techniques like relaxation, releasing stress with a smile, and practicing deep breathing (5 in, 8 out). Remember, your child's anger or frustration is not always your fault. Be present, tame your temper, and know that it will pass.
In the news, Amanda brought up a concerning topic: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). We discussed an Instagram ad for a baby sleeping unit that has been banned by multiple major sources but is still somehow being promoted. It's crucial to stay informed about safe sleeping practices for our little ones.
Now, it's time for our listener engagement segment. We asked you, our wonderful audience, what age you are most afraid of your kids turning. We can't wait to hear your responses!
And speaking of triggers, I shared mine as a parent: patience, specifically when it comes to waiting. It's a constant test, but we're all in this together... Right?
Finally, let's dive into the '90s nostalgia with our trivia segment. Jennifer Love Hewitt, known for films like "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "Can't Hardly Wait," was the brunette heartthrob we remembered. We also reminisced about "The X-Files," the mind-bending sci-fi classic that kept us hooked. Brandy, who hit it big with her song "The Boy is Mine" and starred on the TV show "Moesha," brought back memories. And let's not forget the iconic collaboration between Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg on the '90s classic "Nothing but a 'G' Thing."
Well that wraps up today's recap! We hope you enjoyed this episode of Trying 2 Parent Podcast. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and valuable insights. And remember, you're not alone on this journey of parenthood. Until next time!

T2P Episode 28: What’s Your Trigger?

What's up everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast! We've got a lot to cover today, so let's dive right in.
We recently watched the Super Mario Bros. movie, and let's just say it Amanda has an issue with Peach. We'll share our thoughts on that later in the episode. In other news, things are getting pretty heated with the Florida Governor, and it's been quite a spectacle to witness. Glad we don't live there.
This week, we're reflecting on our relationships with our parents while growing up. We discuss the good and the bad, exploring different aspects such as support, strictness, fairness, and communication. Our experiences with our parents have shaped who we are today, and we share some personal insights.
On a brighter note, we had some highs this week. My momma came to visit, and spending time with her has been wonderful. We also enjoyed some incredible beach days these last two days.
Unfortunately, there was also a low point. I had a rather intense encounter with a tattoo artist I recently started working with. Let's just say things got heated, but we'll share more details later.
We also some insightful notes from the book "Raising Good Humans" by Hunter Clark Fields. We discusses how anger is often a secondary emotion, with underlying causes such as embarrassment, fear, sadness, and more. We also dive into the topic of yelling at kids and its long-term effects. Research shows that yelling can lead to increased aggression, loss of trust, and a breakdown in the parent-child connection.
For our "Ask the Listeners" question, we want to know your triggers as a person or, more importantly, as a parent. Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
And of course, we can't forget our "I Love the 90s" trivia. Get ready to test your knowledge about the World Wide Web, minimum wage in the 90s, famous name changes, and a memorable boxing match involving Mike Tyson.
Thanks for tuning in. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with fellow parents. We appreciate your support, and we'll catch you in the next episode!

T2P Episode 27: Pretty Sure I Sh!t My Pants... Oh & We’re Going To Japan

What's up everyone. Welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast! We've had quite the eventful week, and we're excited to share all the details with you.
Last week, our friends came to town, and we had a decent time in Tulum. The beach club and cenote we visited was absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear water which still blows us away. We also had the honor of helping our buddy set up a surprise proposal for his now-fiancée, which was an incredible experience. Unfortunately, their little dog ran away while they were away, but thankfully, they were able to find him a few days later.
In sports news, the Nuggets are dominating the Lakers in the Western Conference finals, while the Heat are up waxing the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. Damn Nuggets. 
On the home front, we had a termite issue, which was definitely not the kind of excitement we were hoping for. But we handled it like pros "called our landlord ha". We also took our pup Nina to the beach, where she had a blast meeting other doggies and splashing around in the water "kinda".
In exciting news, we just booked our flights to Japan! We couldn't be more thrilled about this upcoming adventure and exploring all the wonders that Japan has to offer.
Now, let's talk about the highs and lows of our week. On the high side, being a part of our friends' proposal was such a special moment, and we even had a chance encounter with one of my best friends from high school at our grocery store. And to top it off, my mom is coming into town on Tuesday, which we're really looking forward to.
On the low side, it hasn't been the smoothest week for me. I've been dealing with some real stomach issues. I basically shit my pants at least two times this past week. It's been a real struggle. Plus, I managed to bite my lip in the same spot not just once or twice, but five times during lunch today with our friends. And to make matters worse, I'm sick. But hey, we're staying positive and hoping for a better week ahead ha.
Amanda also found a great article about the best time to teach your child a new language, which we'll be discussing in more detail. And for our "I Love the 90s" segment, we have some fun trivia questions about movies, sports, and TV shows from that era.
On a personal note, I'm is currently reading "Raising Good Humans" by Hunter Clark Fields so I'll share more about that as we the weeks go on.
Lastly, we want to wish all the incredible moms out there a belated Happy Mother's Day. And Amanda, I can't wait to celebrate your first official Mother's Day when our time comes. It's going to be an extra special moment.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with fellow parents. Be sure to tune in next week!

T2P Episode 26: These Kids & Their Slang Words

Welcome back to the Trying 2 Parent Podcast! On this episode, we have some exciting news to share, and some fun discussions to have.
Firstly, our friends are coming into town today, so we're recording this episode a little early. In the world of sports, the Lakers beat the Warriors in six games, while the Suns fell to the Nuggets and the Heat beat the Knicks.
In business news, I had my biggest day and week ever, with a 12k day and 14k for the week. But it wasn't all sunshine and roses - we had a lot of no-shows this week with people we could have really helped.
In other news, I've come to realize that we're getting old and I don't know anything about these young TikTok stars. Luckily, we found this article about Gen Z slang words, so we can brush up on our lingo. And, to follow up on last week's mango discussion, I'm happy to report that I didn't end up having to shit my pants.
We also discuss some of our childhood crushes. I reminisce about some of my earliest celebrity crushes, including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Megan Good, and Megan Fox.
In parenting news, we talk about some outdated advice from the 1960s that advised expectant mothers to smoke up to half a pack of cigarettes a day. Tight Move.
For our "I Love the 90s" segment, we have some fun trivia questions. I test Amanda's knowledge on Grunge, Creepy Crawlers, Parachutes, and how people used to find out if school was canceled due to snow.
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! We'll catch ya'll next week. 

T2P Episode 25: Do You Kiss Your Mom With That Mouth?

Welcome to episode 25 of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. We start off by diving into some updates from this past week. The Lakers are up 2-1 on the Warriors and the Suns are down 2-1 to the Nuggets. Not much happened this week, work was busy as shit and it flew by. Highlight, tonight we're making cheeseburger tacos, but we'll see how that goes because I may have overindulged on mangoes today - 6 to be exact - which could lead to some major bathroom problems.
On the entertainment front, we watched some solid UFC fights and had a nice seafood dinner on Saturday. Now, let's talk highs and lows. While not much happened, I'm excited to start reading some of the books you guys suggested and going full-time with Man's in the King Family Agency. However, it wasn't my best week mentally, but I'm looking forward to a good week ahead.
In the news, the gun violence in the US continues to be a major issue, with 131 mass shootings so far this year compared to 113 at this time last year. There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023, and it's a horrible reality we face.
On to our listener questions. If you had to describe your parenting style in three words, what would they be? And in our Overseas Parenting segment, we take a look back at some interesting advice from the 1950s, when experts believed that baby-proofing was a sign of lazy parenting and recommended parents yell at their children to learn what not to touch. And if a mother reported feeling sad after giving birth, instead of seeing a doctor or psychiatrist, they were advised to strip their furniture.
In our "I Love the 90s" segment, we test your knowledge on some 90s trivia. What sport did the 1992 Dream Team play? What was the best-selling game console of the 90s? And what 90s film was the first to be fully made by computer animation? We've got the answers for you.
We also dive into some parenting questions like when is it appropriate to stop giving your kids a kiss on the lips, and have you ever had something to hit when you're mad, like a punching bag or a pretend dummy guy?
Finally, we touch on the topic of technology and how it's advancing rapidly, including the use of fake IDs. And on a more practical note, we discuss the delicate art of pissing in a bottle in the car when your kids are with you.
Thanks for tuning in, and we'll be back next week with more Trying 2 Parent insights.