The Really Very Crunchy Podcast

Parenting is no joke, and in this episode, Jason and I dive into the trenches of what works (and what really doesn’t) with our 7- and 5-year-old. We’re sharing some of our favorite hacks and strategies, including our go-to acronym SMILE—Singing, Movement, Imagination, Loving, and Engaging. It’s how we’ve kept the peace (mostly) and the fun (usually) alive in our household.  But it’s not all sunshine and Montessori rainbows. We’re also getting real about the challenges, like the dreaded “hand-over-hand” technique that often ends in frustration for everyone involved. If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it as a parent, this one’s for you. Tune in for laughs, relatable moments, and maybe a tip or two that’ll make your parenting journey just a little bit easier—or at least more entertaining.  Books we reference in the podcast: The Whole Brain Child https://amzn.to/40wUaLU Joyful Toddlers & Preschoolers https://amzn.to/42iihiP Simplicity Parenting https://amzn.to/3PE2hQN Emily’s Books Really Very Crunchy https://amzn.to/4fTfVKB Little Helper, Big Imagination https://amzn.to/3C9RwCv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know those moments in life where you just stop and think, How did I even get here? In this episode, Jason and I dive into some of our most surreal “pinch me” experiences. Both of us share a few of our celebrity encounters, (and the one time Jason spent the day with a star from The Office), and where one famous comedian even asked him for a bag of cocaine.  And then there’s me—of course, I take a turn down memory lane for a few of my “I can’t believe I’m here" moments, a couple being the birth stories of our two kids. There’s laughter, there’s chaos, and yes, there’s some oversharing. Because what’s a podcast without a little too much information, right? Whether it’s brushing shoulders with fame or bringing tiny humans into the world, we’re unpacking those once-in-a-lifetime moments that shape our lives and make for some really great stories. Join us for the ride—it’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and a little bit messy. Just like us! Listen now and let us know your own “I can’t believe I’m here” stories. You might just make it into a future episode! The first MRCOOL Video with Brian Baumgartner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7llhZrgi7SM And the second MRCOOL Video with Brian Regan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g56Dqs47OZg&t=23s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason are back with a lighthearted yet insightful take on New Year’s resolutions! Jason shares surprising (and slightly depressing) stats about how most resolutions fail and why the key to success lies in setting achievable goals. Together, they discuss their own plans for the year, from better overall health and keeping the house perpetually drop-by ready to Jason's ambition to write write another book this year. Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without their signature humor: Emily reflects on her crunchy mom approach to health goals, while Jason grapples with the practicality of living in a perpetually clean home with kids. Along the way, they drop some nuggets of wisdom about embracing progress over perfection. Whether you’re a die-hard resolution maker or you’ve sworn off goals entirely, this episode will leave you laughing, inspired, and ready to take on 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we’re diving into the often-misunderstood world of crunchy living. Emily and Jason break down the stereotypes surrounding crunchy people—like the idea that they’re overly judgmental, hyper-political, or rigidly conservative—and unpack why these misconceptions persist. Emily shares insights from her recent interview with The New York Times, where the reporter framed her story through a narrow lens, leading to a thought-provoking conversation about narratives and agendas.  At the heart of it all, Emily and Jason ask an important question: Why can’t we all agree on the basics of being healthy, happy humans? With their signature humor and candidness, they challenge listeners to embrace a more open-minded view of what it means to live naturally—and remind everyone that crunchy isn’t a one-size-fits-all label.  If you haven't checked out Emily's book, it's available everywhere: Really Very Crunchy: The Beginner's Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding them to Your Personality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holiday season feels different as an adult, with its mix of joy, stress, and nostalgia. This year, Jason reflects on his first Christmas since the passing of both his parents and the bittersweet challenge of keeping traditions alive. Emily shares a heartfelt story about how "Dial-a-Carol" became a surprising source of comfort during a time of intense anxiety. Together, we explore how our perspectives on Christmas have evolved, the ways we’ve found meaning through hard seasons, and the small joys that keep the season magical. Plus, we each share our top three favorite Christmas movies and debate what makes them timeless classics. Whether you’re celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a heartfelt and festive conversation about the complexities of the holidays—and why they still matter. Here's a link to the Maileg Mouse Emily talks about. And please be sure to check out our tour dates! https://www.reallyverycrunchy.com/tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Emily and Jason dive into the eternal battle of glass-half-full vs. glass-half-empty. Jason channels his inner realist (or pessimist, depending on who you ask), while Emily’s sunny optimism shines through. But here’s the twist—studies show the truth isn’t as simple as you’d think! Does optimism really lead to happiness, or do pessimists have the edge in facing life’s challenges? They debate, they laugh, and they uncover surprising research that might just make you rethink your outlook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason Morrow dive into the joys (and inevitable chaos) of holiday traditions. Emily recounts her epic Thanksgiving pie disaster. Meanwhile, Jason laments their kids’ uncanny ability to catch a mysterious illness at every single family gathering, leading to a serious discussion: Should they boycott family get togethers during the holidays?  From cringe-worthy holiday fails to the sweet and sentimental moments we all cherish, this episode is packed with laughs, relatable rants, and maybe even a little holiday spirit. Check out our holiday gift guide here! And here's the advent book Emily mentioned in the episode! And here's the Advent companion guide! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason Morrow dive into the fascinating world of personality types and how they shape the way we handle criticism. Are you the type to brush harsh words off with a shrug, or do they linger in your mind for days? Emily candidly shares about finding a recent reddit thread about herself—because, let’s be honest, we all know you should NEVER read a Reddit thread about yourself. Emily and Jason explore how different personalities process feedback—whether it’s constructive or just plain mean—and share their own wins and fails when facing criticism. From marriage to parenting to public life, they reveal the surprising ways personality types can clash or complement. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a reminder that criticism is just part of being human. Join us on our tour! We'd love to see you there. Tour dates and locations are available at the link below. https://www.reallyverycrunchy.com/tour Want to check out our holiday gift guide? Find it at the link below! https://www.reallyverycrunchy.com/giftguide2024 Hate mail? (or non-hate mail is fine, too) Really Very Crunchy PO Box 7326 Paducah, Ky 42002 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have had some questionable job titles—and even more questionable exits. This week, they’re digging into their work histories to bring you tales from their younger, much less public days. Jason spills the tea about life as a convenience store clerk, and the chaos of being a trash man. Emily reveals the dark secrets of working at Subway—spoiler: you can steal anything but the bread and cookies. They both tell about their woes of being fired or "not asked back." From bizarre bosses to cringe-worthy mistakes, this episode will (hopefully) have you laughing. Hope you enjoy this one - it's as juicy as a footlong with extra sauce! Check out our holiday gift guide! https://www.reallyverycrunchy.com/giftguide2024 We're going on tour with 1000 Hours Outside! https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2008113/1789559/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenthood is often seen as a pathway to fulfillment, but does the reality live up to the hype? With a mix of laughter, honest conversation, and a dash of crunchy wisdom, Emily and Jason unpack the science, cultural expectations, and real-life experiences around parenting and happiness. Are parents really happier than their child-free friends, or is it all just a myth? And how does happiness shift across different stages of raising kids? Tune in as they navigate these questions, sharing insights and perspectives that will resonate with both parents and non-parents alike. Be sure to check out Emily's books! Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner’s Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding Them to Your Personality  Her children's book: Little Helper, Big Imagination Intro/Outro Music Produced by Shannon Rose Webb Check out her music here. Really Very Crunchy Socials YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok Snapchat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason Morrow dive headfirst into the wild world of conspiracy theories! Armed with the top 10 conspiracy theories as posted in a Popular Mechanics article, they break down each one and rank them on their own very scientific scale, from “likely just a tall tale” to “maybe there’s something to this.” But this isn’t your typical deep-dive podcast—Emily and Jason keep it light, poking fun at each theory with a healthy dose of skepticism and humor. They also wonder: Why can’t we have fun with conspiracies anymore? Why does everyone seem so quick to take sides and kill the fun? Tune in for some laughs, some “what ifs,” and a refreshing reminder that not every theory needs to be a battle. Be sure to check out Emily's books! Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner’s Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding Them to Your Personality  Her children's book: Little Helper, Big Imagination Intro/Outro Music Produced by Shannon Rose Webb Check out her music here. Really Very Crunchy Socials YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok Snapchat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Emily and Jason answer your most burning questions: how often are they barefoot? What’s the crunchiest thing Emily’s done? And does Jason really hate kombucha? Get ready for fun, surprises, and a whole lot of crunchy insights! Emily will also be speaking at the Cultivate: Women's Homestead Retreat. For more information, check out the link below. https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the best era to live in. If they could go back, which time period would they choose? They explore the notion of "the good ol' days" and question whether every generation believes their present is the worst. Was life truly simpler and better back then, or is this just nostalgic thinking? Join them for a fun and insightful conversation that blends humor with history as they reflect on time periods they love—and those they’re glad to have missed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason Morrow dive into the importance of family culture and daily rhythms, sharing how these routines create stability—despite the struggle to get it just right. They also give listeners an update on their camping adventure through the Northeast, where the cost of food has them questioning reality. Plus, they tackle a serious issue: how the game of Monopoly has been tearing families apart since the dawn of time. Tune in for laughs, thoughtful discussion, and their signature crunchy take on the challenges of modern family life! Emily will also be speaking at the Cultivate: Women's Homestead Retreat. For more information, check out the link below. https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're diving into the benefits of travel, even when the budget is tight. Sure, jet-setting across the world is great, but even stepping just outside your city limits can bring big rewards. We’ll talk about how getting out of your routine boosts creativity, refreshes your mind, and brings new perspective to life—without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a quick day trip, we’re here to show you why every little adventure is worth it. Pack light and join us for the journey! Emily will also be speaking at the Cultivate: Women's Homestead Retreat. For more information, check out the link below. https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason dive into their shared love of books and the many ways reading enriches our lives. Whether it's curling up with a paperback, listening to an audiobook, or reading on an e-reader, they explore how stories spark imagination, reduce stress, and expand our minds. Join them as they reminisce about childhood favorites, discover new genres, and share tips on incorporating more reading into your busy life. If you're a book lover—or want to become one—this episode is packed with literary inspiration and crunchy insights! Want to see Emily speak at the Wellness Collective!? Check out the link below for more information. https://www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com/product/VIRTUAL-EVENT-TICKET Emily will also be speaking at the Cultivate: Women's Homestead Retreat. For more information, check out the link below. https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and Jason recap their chaotic yet heartwarming Autumn Equinox party, where a surprise storm brought everyone closer—literally. Emily reflects on how life’s unexpected twists can lead to beautiful moments, even when plans fall apart. She also shares an update on a mishap at the Wild and Free conference, while Jason opens up about feeling down when it comes to parenting. From party planning disasters to the highs and lows of raising kids, this episode dives into the realities of embracing imperfections and finding joy in the mess. Check out our sponsor, Earthley Wellness! Get 10% off with Promo Code RVC10. https://earthley.com/rvc Also, want to see Emily speak at the Wellness Collective!? Check out the link below for more information. https://www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com/product/VIRTUAL-EVENT-TICKET Emily will also be speaking at the Cultivate: Women's Homestead Retreat. For more information, check out the link below. https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Emily and Jason Morrow dive into the fascinating world of memory. Our brains have an incredible capacity to store information, but why is it that the memories we want to hold onto often slip away while trivial details linger? Is it possible to find a balance between capturing life’s most meaningful moments and actually living in them? Whether it’s your child’s first steps or a forgotten grocery list, we discuss how to navigate the ebb and flow of memory, and how to let go of the pressure to record everything while still holding onto what matters most. Tune in for a conversation that’ll make you reflect on how we cherish—or miss—the moments that shape us. Emily will also be speaking at the Cultivate: Women's Homestead Retreat. For more information, check out the link below. https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/ Also, want to see Emily speak at the Wellness Collective!? Check out the link below for more information. https://www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com/product/VIRTUAL-EVENT-TICKET Check out our sponsor, Earthley Wellness! Get 10% off with Promo Code RVC10. https://earthley.com/rvc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Emily and Jason Morrow dive into the pitfalls of trying to create a "magical childhood" for your kids. While Pinterest-worthy activities and perfectly curated memories sound great, the pressure to constantly entertain and wow your children can leave you exhausted—and them with too-high expectations. Check out our sponsor, Earthley Wellness! Get 10% off with Promo Code RVC10. https://earthley.com/rvc Also, want to see Emily speak at the Wellness Collective!? Check out the link below for more information. https://www.wellnesscollectiveevent.com/product/VIRTUAL-EVENT-TICKET Emily will also be speaking at the Cultivate: Women's Homestead Retreat. For more information, check out the link below. https://www.cultivatehomesteadretreat.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Emily and Jason Morrow tackle the controversial question: Is comedy dead? With cancel culture on the rise and society seemingly more easily offended than ever, the duo explores whether comedy is losing its edge or simply evolving. They discuss the fine line between humor and insensitivity, and whether comedians can still push boundaries in today's cultural climate. Join Emily and Jason as they navigate the challenges facing comedians today, sharing their thoughts on the future of comedy in a world where a single joke can spark outrage. Is comedy truly dying, or is it just adapting to new societal norms? Tune in for a lively discussion that might just leave you laughing—or questioning the future of humor. Check out our sponsor, Earthley Wellness! Get 10% off with Promo Code RVC10. https://earthley.com/rvc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices