#20: Staycations, Home Repair Nightmares & The Curse of Stuff-itis

Welcome to Episode 20 of Doing the Most!Scarlet and Mitchell are back — caffeinated, chaotic, and fresh off a “staycation” that went absolutely nothing like planned. From dreams of productivity to real-life drywall sagging, leaks, existential crises, and a whole lot of straddling in the shower (context matters, people), this episode covers it all. In This Episode • Staycation Expectations vs. Reality Mitchell begins hopeful: tidy the garage, clear the studio, fix a leak, maybe even relax.What actually happens? …Not that. At all. Scarlet, ever the realist, focuses on laundry, exercise, meditating, drinking less, and tackling the infamous kitchen ceiling stain. • The Great Shower Leak Saga The shower has been leaking for months — but only if you stand in the middle (Mitchell’s “straddle technique” has been masking the problem).Cue: Misdiagnosed drain issues ABS pipe mysteries A two-day battle with a corroded nut A ceiling cut open slightly larger than intended Mitchell and his son tag-teaming tools in a cramped ceiling cavity Still leaking? Yes. But less leaking. Progress? • The Bathtub That Hasn’t Worked Since 2021 A flashback to Scarlet pregnant, taking a bath, and water cascading into the basement.Mitchell thinks he has it solved… until a new leak appears above the fix.Cue despair. • Homeownership vs. Renting — A Debate The couple dives into the philosophical and financial purgatory of maintaining an aging home: Is owning actually worth it? Would renting be easier? Is equity overrated? Why does every home repair require cutting a hole in something? Why does Kohler call within 0.0003 seconds of you clicking submit? Scarlet: Wants simplicity, maybe a rental in Portland.Mitchell: Wants someone else to deal with leaks, wiring, ceilings, roofs, and the existential dread of homeownership. • The Psychology of Stuff-itis Mitchell’s term for the overwhelming accumulation of things — especially in the garage. Symptoms include: Narrowing pathways Boxes that stare at you accusingly Emotional spirals The Peter Penguin Dance to navigate clutter Romantic fantasies of a tidy workbench lifestyle that may never come Scarlet, meanwhile, is unbothered: “This is a lived-in home.” • Holiday Spirit (Sort Of) They put up the Christmas tree early because their son remembered a promise.Does it feel festive? Hard to say.Does the house still leak? Yes. • What They’re Watching PLUR1BUS on Apple TV+ (Rhea Seehorn + Vince Gilligan)Four Seasons — comedy perfection for couples who argue about chores and plumbing. • Haircut Anxiety: The Final Act Mitchell vents about: Barbers who don’t use enough clipper pressure The sacred ear-crease hairs The delicate dance of returning to a barbershop without offending anyone The elusive search for someone who cuts firmly and consistently The emotional trauma of switching stylistsScarlet: “Maybe just… tell them what you like?” Favorite Moments “Straddle the drain so it doesn’t leak!” “Do the Peter Penguin Dance to get to the workbench.” “This staycation stole my soul.” “You romanticize everything.” “If you know a good plumber… please send help.” Call to Action Have thoughts on renting vs. owning? Send us your feedback!DM us on Instagram or TikTok: @lescatspleaseFind full episodes and clips on YouTube: @lescatsplease