This past week Kristin gave a talk at her alma mater in which she discussed the joys and pitfalls of putting her personal life online. So we’re talking about some of the lessons we’ve learned in the process of podcasting after all these years and nearly 300 episodes. It matters not whether we’re cranky or sunny, honest or veiled, or blissfully unaware about most things, some will agree and some will not. And as we often preach to our kids, at the end of the day, that’s what makes the world go ’round.
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Links mentioned: JFK Intern from Wheaton College | Mars Center for Science and Technology | Cinderella At My Daughter | The Bachelor | EW.com | Courtney from Bachelor video | Revenge
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17 Responses to Podcast: Putting Our Lives Online
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Mommies, I like your show as much as the next mommy but all good things must come to an end, as they say. If it’s making you miserable is it really worth it?
Hi Ladies,
I kinda had a slight feeling from this podcast that you might (in the near future) hang up your podcasting headphones. I can’t imagine how much work it is to produce a show every week, but I love you ladies and I’ve pretty much been listening since the beginning. I hope you don’t give it up anytime soon. Or at least consider a bi-weekly show. I have to say that I also love the show Revenge. I always excited on Wednesdays.. even though it competes with Top Chef. I always watch one and record the other. I don’t understand why listeners get so upset with your comments. I just think that it’s your opinion and it doesn’t have to match my opinion… and that’s okay. On the dog front, I tried fostering 2 puggle puppies at my house this weekend and I couldn’t do it. I had to take them back to the shelter for someone else to watch them. My cats were vomiting from the stress and puppies don’t always use there puppy pads… not at all! I couldn’t keep up with it all. I’ll just stick with my 2 cats & rabbit for now.
I appreciate all of the hard work that you do! Hugs!
As a former dog owner and dog lover I had to write and tell you I laughed hysterically at your dog barking in the car story. I have so been there and didn’t have the wherewithal to take care of it as efficiently as y’all did. Too funny! I love the podcast and have from the beginning. Thank you for being willing to keep us all laughing and giving us a weekly reality check!
I really hope you don’t stop the show. I agree with the commenter above, maybe biweekly. When I was on maternity leave in 2008, I was searching and searching for a mom podcast. I downloaded a bunch. Yours was the only one I continued listening to. What was even cooler was Erin’s move to the Rochester area. I live in Canandaigua,NY (transplant as well) and love your take of the city. If it was not for your podcast, I wouldn’t have discovered certain shows, books, or even other podcasts such as You had to be there that Erin recommended. Please Please please stay on. This is one of the few podcasts I look forward to.
Hi Erin and Kristin, I haven’t yet finished listening to your podcast but wanted to comment right away. Erin, with regards to the negative feedback you received as a result of your comments on Whitney Houston, you should never feel on the defensive for expressing your opinion. The whole appeal of what you ladies do week after week is that you are both regular working moms, dealing with the same day to day issues that we all face. I listen to you each week for some much needed validation that I’m not the only one cleaning up after the sick puppy, yelling at the husband who neglected the children and stressing to meet work deadlines. If someone doesn’t happen to agree with you that can be the basis for some healthy dialogue or they can just stop listening.Erin, I know that I’m one of many listeners out there who are especially appreciative that you’ve continued the weekly podcasts even after taking on a new full time job with a killer commute. So keep on keeping on for the rest of us, okay?
Hey ladies! I thought about calling, my favorite method of expressing my opinion, as we know, but I decided to put it in writing this time. I have listened to you ladies for over 6 years, and I know (as other listeners should also know) that your comments are simply your opinion, and you are entitled to it! It saddens me when you guys seem to hold back and/or censor yourselves because of criticism you have received (people who thought your comments on Whitney Houston were too harsh, for example). I cannot imagine the amount of time and dedication you two have put in to this weekly podcast, and I am SO very grateful that you have done so (and continue to do so, even through life changes). PLEASE do not let the negative comments discourage you. Erin, you are not always cranky just as Kristin is not always light and happy. You are ALWAYS real, and that is why I listen, why I will continue to listen, and why I will miss you like I have lost two of my best friends when you do, eventually, end the show.
I also wanted to say that the main reason i listen is b/c i enjoying hearing both of your opinions on different topics. If you tried to stay clear of saying what you think it would be extremely boring to listen to. Please, please PLEASE don’t stop recording! I listen to you at work and I feel (like the many other comments i’ve read) that we are friends! Thanks so much for putting your lives online!
Just wanted to echo the other ladies and let you know that I LOVE your podcast, your honesty and your humor. Even though I haven’t always agreed with 100% of what’s ever been said on the podcast in the five years I’ve been listening, I realize that intelligent women and even friends can disagree without the need to voice harsh criticism. Some people feel the need to complain about everything, but please don’t let those people take anything away from the thousands of us who enjoy and love your work and the service you provide. You are an amazing support to so many of us who don’t have time to gather with other working moms, and I hope you will continue candidly sharing your thoughts and opinions which make the podcast so much fun to listen to. PS–There are other mom podcasters who have talked about their high school kids, so there are others who have tread that road–but no other mom podcasts are nearly as entertaining as yours!
I’m sitting at my desk at work listening to your podcast in tears about the dog in the car with the collar. Oh my goodness, I so needed that laugh.
I couldn’t agree more with the other comments. I love you ladies and beg you to continue the podcast as you always have – being honest, open and hilarious! Erin you are not “consistently cranky” – you’re a mom. We all have our good and bad moments. Thank you for sharing yours with us!
Hi ladies! I’m jumping on the bandwagon of support. It would be so dull if you guys weren’t being honest in how you feel about things – Whitney Houston, your kids, hubbies, etc. I wouldn’t listen if you weren’t! It’s your hilarious candor and frankness that I love and why I’ve listened religiously for the last 3 years. I’ve been living out of the US for the last 8 years and it’s been listening to the 2 of you since I’ve had kids that’s kept me sane. Keep up the good work.
I’ve thought about calling for the last couple of shows – and let me begin by saying that the ladies that have responded previously — are — completely — on — target…!! The medium of podcasting is one where you should be able to voice your opinion and hang anyone else who doesn’t agree. While Whitney was wonderfully talented, it doesn’t mean that you had to like her music – and while tragic that talent was wasted and her life ended way too quickly – that’s truly life – things like that happen.
Erin, I don’t think your cranky – I think you’re realistic – a new job, a puppy, two young boys, a husband – oh, and a hellish commute – you’re adjusting and it’ll take a while. Kristin is your ‘yang’ and y’all’s interaction keeps me coming back – whether discussing boobs (old show with lots of feedback) or anything – you both are a welcomed and necessary part of my week. I couldn’t get through without hearing you both.
Get together and chat – or have interviews – it won’t matter to me – I never fail to laugh and be totally engaged regardless of the topic of your shows. I’ve listened faithfully for I guess 6 years!! It must be challenging to add one more thing to your schedules to shoehorn something else into all that – but, please, please, please, don’t stop -!!
You have a devoted and faithful fan base – who would be lost without the two of you…!
Thanks again for all you both do for all us Manic Mommies out here!
T
I was one of the ones who made a brief comment re: Whitney Houston. I think as much as we learn from Erin and Kristin some listeners felt that they wanted to offer another perspective. We should try to be more sensitive when it is warranted. That’s all.
I can’t beilive no one else can think about this in an unselfish way. I check for a new MM podcast every monday morning and when there isn’t one I’m bummed. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling like Erin and Kristin are friends and if I had a friend who was getting reall busy and stressed I would understand if should couldn’t chat every week.
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I just finished listening and rather than call and leave a discomboulated message, thought I would share my thoughts here:
1. My 5th grader and I both read The Hunger Games triology. Yes, very intense, but fabulous. He’s a very mature reader and has read several “Young Adult” series (Daniel X, Alex Rider). I think you have to know your own child and I’m happy to have read it with him. I loved it. My daughter (3rd grade) won’t be allowed to read them until she’s 20. She’s very sensitive. Their librarian at school won’t let them check the books out without parental consent.
2. I just got an e-mail from my daughter’s Brownie troop that our International Mother/Daughter festival is scheduled for the weekend of my Mom’s getaway with my girlfriends. I haven’t decided what we are going to do about it yet, but my first thought as I read it was “OPT OUT! OPT OUT!”
3. And lastly, the Whitney Houston coverage was over the top. Yes, she was a talented musician. But seeing her funeral broadcast live in the airport, and seeing people dressed in all their Whitney gear at Logan was insane. I’m right there with you. It just didn’t care. I’m sad that she has her addiction problems, but enough already.
kristin,
the last time i visited our alma matter was back in summer 2010 and i saw the science center being built. i was super impressed by the new art center. amazed at how many changes have been made.