^ 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 she’s a dog…and a good girl! Also, Laurie Hardie might be a real-life Tess McGill (aka Melanie Griffith in “Working Girl”), finding herself working through a bit of office conflict, getting some validation from Anna (think Joan Cusack as Cyn)…all while having a good attitude and practicing great discipline as she does what Elsie from “Frozen” would do: “Let it go, let it go!” In the end, Laurie lives happily ever after. She even wins Harrison Ford’s heart….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. This time seems different, and these intense and unsafe situations are clearly triggering stress, trauma and second-hand trauma. 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. 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 in our lives. From jaw-dropping moments throughout the trial to all the hilarious headlines to Johnny and Amber-assigned tip jars at coffee stands, all of it is sparking debates in and out of courtroom. Also a shout out to all the small businesses that have been surviving covid. Ed Sheeran fights and wins against those who try to make pop stars “easy targets” for copyright claims. Our own Seth in the Morning confesses 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? And a warning: there is a lot of singing in this episode. But it’s ok. We bring back R.E.M., They Might Be Giants, Rebecca Black, Starship…..we even sing to the Silence of the Lambs soundtrack — or not!!!!

Seattle Space Needle is 60 years old, but it doesn’t look a day over 50. Claire, Laurie Hardie & Anna D go over a little history of the landmark. We also discuss rethinking the mask mandates during this shifting pandemic. Don’t you want to relive the first months of the pandemic in 2020? Neither do we, but there are books and shows that do just that…and it freaks us out. Also, there’s little weird fact we found out about Elon Musk. We also share a feel-good police officer story that put tears to Claire’s eyes. Laurie Hardie reveals some big news! Bun in the oven — or not?

Another ear worm has been born, and this time it’s in the form of Katy Perry and Jimmy Kimmel singing about every toddler’s topic of choice — poots & doo doo. You get to hear it here first if you hadn’t already. Claire teaches us a lesson about having the courage to try new things. Laurie challenges us to shout shout let it all out. Anna D needs you to binge watch “Severance” and “WeCrashed’. Or else you may regret it — or not.

Our country is, again, divided. This time over Will Smith and Chris Rock. Listen as Laurie Hardie, Claire and Anna D dissect, pull apart and psychoanalyze the SLAP heard around the world. Keep in mind, this episode was recorded on 3/31, the day before Will announced his resignation from the Oscars academy on 4/1. It’s no April Fools. This is real. Our biggest take away is the realization that Ye now might be a safer bet than Will when the Academy sends out invites….or not.