Did we even have a summer? Well, the Blue Angels make an unexpected cameo in this episode — reminding us it is Seafair time — and, therefore, it is summer! Is there a rise in crime where you live? For some, even the nicer parts of town have gotten worrisome. Also in this episode we ask Coach Laurie an important question: who do we turn to to teach us how to spread love in these troubling times? You’ll love her answer. We also discuss what a present-day villain looks like. Claire and Anna both agree that – duh – he wears a black mask over his eyes!! — or not.

Whether it’s a wedding that brings family from all over together, or a baby shower for your son and his wife’s first child, or a picnic and concert with an old college chum you haven’t seen in a while – life feels much better when you have something to look forward to. Also in this episode, we celebrate those who have overcome hardships, but not without acknowledging those who have difficulty getting out of hardships maybe partly because they they’re not heard or seen, or maybe sometimes it’s because people aren’t willing to help them or include them. Also, is there life after working from home? What did you think when you had to go back to the office post-Covid? We’re sure EVERYbody was ready for office life to return!!! — or not.

Claire hires a shopper for the first time to help her pick out clothes for a special event. We talk about the benefits of having a “shopper” pick out clothes for you, especially if you don’t know that looks good on you anymore for whatever reason — whether it’s because of your age, or Covid made you not care about what you’re wearing anymore, or you don’t know what’s in style, or you’d just like a completely objective opinion about what looks good on you. A shopper can cut a lot of your shopping anxiety in half. By the way, since this episode (which was recorded on 7/7/22), Claire met with her shopper, purchased and completely ROCKED her new dress. ROCKED IT!!!! Also shout-out to Kristen Bell who wrote a children’s book about how to be a Purple Person, which – believe us – you want to strive to be one because, according to Kristen, a Purple Person embraces what makes you special while finding common ground with those around you. Speaking of Kristen Bell, poor Laurie Hardie still can’t get Anna D and Claire to watch Frozen 2. Maybe they’ll get to it by the time Frozen 3 comes out…..or not.

^ just one of many memes out there since the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe vs Wade decision. But, yes, we do want to talk about the elephant in the womb….and, yeah, this episode gets deep. This is probably a good time to remind our listeners that the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of our radio stations. Claire, Laurie and Anna D recorded this episode on 6/30/22 — days before the news of a 10 year old rape victim who is pregnant and ineligible for an abortion in her own state. Also days before someone planned and shot up a parade on the 4th of July. But you will find the concerns expressed in this episode show the very fear that these tragic events could very well occur…and sadly they did. Keep the conversations going, everybody. One of you will solve the world’s problems, we just know it. And big hugs from all of us from Listen and Learn or Not.

Is it our imagination, or have people become more emboldened to confront strangers about their behavior? What happened to “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”? Also, how do you handle a difficult office worker? Anna D plans to keep the New Driver bumper sticker on her car well-after her kids get their licenses because she believes you get better treatment on the road with it on. Claire gets to go to her first concert since Covid, and she is really stoked. Laurie gets a ticket that costs an arm and a leg. Maybe we should start a GoFundMe to help pay her fine…or not.

After this week, we’re pretty sure Claire’s pet Sadie has 9 lives, but Sadie’s a dog. Sadie’s a good girl! Also, Laurie Hardie might be a real-life Tess McGill (aka Melanie Griffith in “Working Girl”). She finds herself working through some office drama, gets much-needed validation from Anna D (think Joan Cusack as Cyn), and practices great discipline by having an Elsie-type attitude because she “Let it go, let it go!” (Elsie wasn’t in Working Girl). In the end, Laurie has a Tess McGill kind of happy ending. She even wins over Harrison Ford….or not.

Sadly, just about every school kid’s /parent’s /teacher’s nightmares came to life this week at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. This national tragedy has left many hurting inside, struggling to make sense of the latest shooting rampage…and what could happen next. Laurie, Claire and Anna D discuss the emotional toll it’s taking on loved ones who are students, teachers and parents. They talk about famous names who are expressing their sorrow and anger, most notably Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, both whom had tearfully addressed the Texas shooting. This time seems different, and these intense and unsafe situations are clearly triggering stress, trauma and second-hand trauma. We hope our conversation – and all anguished soul-searching conversations happening right now – help you unpack your feelings, raise questions and give you healing. Big hugs from all of us at Listen & Learn or Not.

The baby formula shortage has gone from an inconvenience to a national crisis real quickly.These last couple weeks have shown just how complex the shortage is and how there isn’t a seemingly simple formula to solving the problem. Laurie, Claire and Anna D talk about what this crisis reveals about the baby formula industry, as well as some solutions people have come up with lately. Speaking of babies, remember when Karen used to be a popular baby name? Now it’s become a stand-in for offensive behavior of women. Countless TikTok videos are dedicated to ‘Bad Karens’. But what about your family and friends who are really named Karen – having to be associated with the insult even if they are nothing like those memes. We chat about the sad truth that the name Karen was, indeed, hijacked. We give a shout-out to the many wonderful people named Karen that we know…especially Claire’s neighbor Karen, as well as the beloved Karen Carpenter, because, why not? Also, do you feel compelled to finish every single novel you start? We all know life’s too short to finish a book you don’t like, but you’d be surprised how many of us feel guilty about the thought of starting something without finishing it. Could be because the story will redeem itself at some point and you don’t want to miss out. Maybe it’s a sign of strength to slog through a novel you stopped liking after 50 pages. Maybe friends loved it and you feel like you need to keep trying. So go on! Finish that book you’re not all that into…or not.

Laurie, Claire and Anna talk about the loss of the beloved Naomi Judd. May is mental health awareness month. We want you to take care of you. Also, has petty theft become worse in your community? Quick! – Someone in your office building pulls the fire alarm. What do you do? Wrong answers only — or not.

The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Trial is the entertainment we didn’t know we needed this year. Between all the memes and some coffee stands having Depp vs Heard tip jars at the drive thru. Also a shout out to all the small business that have been surviving covid. A lesson about trying to sue famous musicians and thinking they will just settle. Our own Seth in the Morning confessed on Instagram one of his biggest fears. Listen as Claire, Laurie Hardie, and Anna D share their thoughts. Spoiler alert: we just want to give him a big hug. What do you think about having an annual Make An Appointment Day – a day dedicated to making your doctor / dentist appointments? Or your oil / filter change or furnace tune up? And a warning about this episode: there is a lot of singing…but we bring back R.E.M., They Might Be Giants, Rebecca Black, Starship…..and a bonus Silence of the Lambs soundtrack theme, which there are actually song lyrics to it!!! — or not!!!!