Mike and Vonia Can't Not

After another long absence, Mike and Vonia are back and they have a lot to talk about. Mike had a very unpleasant sleep, and lost his bag, but also got to go a screening of the short film he was in. Vonia tore a muscle, and forgot her ID when going to the airport, but also had lovely vacation to celebrate her Mom's birthday. Then it's a new album, a very well made horror film, and a new "comedy," followed by some thoughts on the state of Broadway, and reality television. And it ends with Vonia and Mike having plans to see the same movie this week, and they can't wait to come back and talk about it. Wait for me, indeed. 

This is a fun one! After catching up following a week off (a lot is going on, y'all), Mike and Vonia finally get to talk about the hottest album of a decade ago. Beyonce's Lemonade! And as if that wasn't enough, Vonia has two different series she's enjoying. A reality show from the past, and a current dramady. And Mike finished The Comeback and saw an animated movie he was certain he would not like, but very much did. Stylin'!

Mike and Vonia have a lot of catching up to do. Volleyball tournaments, a trip to the beach, auditioning for drama programs, a restaurant management shift, and a mortifying trip backstage at a Broadway show. Then it's new music, a couple of fantastic television programs, a kid in trouble, and a couple of almost too big to process issues. Also, Speed the Musical is coming back!

Mike and Vonia finally found time to talk about last week's Oscar ceremony. They share their favorites, the moments that made them cringe, the awards that needed to go a certain way, and thoughts about opera and ballet. They also take some time to discuss Vonia's new podcast venture, and progress on the editing of Mike's live show. Plus, a little Lemonade... 

After an unintended break, Mike and Vonia are back to talk about the past two weeks, being a single Mom, hockey practice and teams, birthday celebrations, Oscar nominations, a new comedy recording, a recent episode of Fresh Air, Mexican food, and boba tea. And, of course, Heated Rivalry. Partly cuz hockey. 

After an unintentionally long break, Mike and Vonia are back with a lot to talk about. For now, they try to keep it recent, so Mike hasn't been feeling well, and Vonia started a new job. They speak a bit about impossible to ignore recent events, before discussing the Golden Globes and how they felt about various winners, and categories. This leads to Mike's favorite film of the year, and an audiobook that Vonia is diggin.' Vonia has some questions about television viewing options and Mike has news of an upcoming trip to the West Coast! They end with a few moments to reflect upon the passing of a very special and sweet presence that is certain to be missed. We love you forever, Beaches. 

Vonia visited New York City! She and Mike talk about all the fun stuff they got to do, from biking around Governor's Island, to amazing food, cool things along the Hudson river, and seeing a Broadway show. Then, Mike talks about two divisive films that he wants to speak up for, they both share their worries about the current government shut down, and Mike has a very big (and kinda scary) announcement. 

Vonia has some very dramatic pet stories, and Mike wants to cut his hair. Then, he talks about having a very small part in a friend's short film, a few films he's seen lately, and Vonia talks about a documentary she found sad, but moving. Then it's bath towels, special edition albums, an upcoming cultural event, and a post PTA President debrief. Coming soon... NYC!

After an unexpected week off, Mike and Vonia are back to talk about what's been going on in their lives, from kid's birthdays, to amazing concerts, they talk books, and plans, things they need to get done, things that are distracting them, and, of course, this years Emmys! 

Mike and Vonia are back! They have so much to say about what has happened over the summer, from weddings, to vacations, to new pets! Pets!! Plural!!! They share a bunch of stuff they've been digging' and a few things they could do without, but most importantly, Vonia and family are coming to NYC! Also, Vonia says the C word, so hold on to your hats...

Mike and Vonia are back for one more episode before they break for the summer. There are kitchen disasters, doctor visits, a couple of Broadway shows, an action packed movie, and Beyoncé! Then, Vonia shares a song she can't stop listening to, and Mike has a lot of thoughts about a recent drama series. Finally, it's a deceitful ad, an eventful bike ride, and apple cider vinegar. 

Vonia and Mike both talk about how they spent Mother's Day, as well as a few other anecdotes from the week. Then, Vonia loves a new mini-series, Mike loves a returning comedy, and they both have some blasts from the past. After some silly things that are making them both bonkers, they discuss poetry, high school musicals, and Mike's other podcast, that is coming back very soon. 

Vonia is looking towards the end of the school year, and Mike has some Texas stories to tell. Vonia saw a movie that deeply affected her (as Mike knew it would), and Mike also enjoyed a movie this week, albeit in a very different genre. Then it's acid reflux, allergies, kids misbehaving and a lot of random tidbits, ending in an announcement from Vonia that feels a bit like burying the lede.

After an unexpected week off, Mike and Vonia are back. Vonia talks about the event that stopped her from being able to record last week, and Mike talks about a few shows he's seen and also previews his upcoming album. Then it's a new miniseries and a comedy from the past, fingernail issues, and an actor who should shut the hell up, and finally, an exciting award win and questions about what is healthy to be listening to right now. 

Mike and Vonia are back after a long spring break! Vonia went to Cabo, and Mike went to Pittsburg. They have a lot to share, from a book Vonia just finished, a series she's currently reading, a series she's watching, a series they both agree is one of the best things to come along in a while, a returning comedy, a book Mike can't believe he didn't know about, and a movie Mike really enjoyed. Then it's some thoughts on taxes, a plot line that's causing Vonia anxiety, another concert Mike is looking forward to, a musical he's also excited to see, and a project Vonia is working on. So much to talk about!

Mike and Vonia have a lot of thoughts and opinions about this year's ceremony, from comedy bits that killed, moments that shone, and speeches that made them deeply uncomfortable. They share them all here. Probably too many. There's one director that is definitely never going to hire Mike. Cheers!

Vonia had her first day teaching, and Mike is seeing a lot of movies. He talks about a few documentary shorts he particularly liked, and then discusses a phone function he would like to get rid of, while Vonia is mourning the loss of a beloved store. They talk a bit about working in the service industry, and Mike ends the episode with a prediction and a quote. 

Mike has a tuna update and he saw a new play. Vonia is on her way with her new venture and is happy to be home after a full weekend. There are several returning dramas happening right now, but it's really all about SNL 50! They discuss some highlights of that programming, as well as some low points regarding current political situations and having an online presence. Finally, Mike gives some roasting advise and Vonia pitches a last minute California trip. 

Vonia got to spend time with a friend, both Mike and Vonia had fun Super Bowl viewing experiences, and Mike watched the Critics Choice Awards for the first time. They both still can't stop talking about The Pitt, and Mike is in the midst of an intriguing mini-series, and saw moving animated film. They have a brief conversation about the Super Bowl half time show, Mike has a podcast related, and also health care related gripe, but also some very fun news, and Vonia is ready to talk more about her upcoming business venture! 

Mike and Vonia are back to discuss the week in politics, news, and pop culture (the Grammy Awards happened!). Then, Mike talks about the (not scary) film he saw last week and Vonia reads part of a monologue from a play that is moving her. They discuss how you talk to children about scary things, Vonia shares a very inspiring quote from the book she's reading, and Mike has a bone to pick with a few supposedly romantic sayings. 

What starts as a simple catch up between Mike and Vonia quickly turns into a discussion about social media, how it affects them, and how it might be affecting the next generation. Then, it's a whole bunch of SNL related content, and a novel Mike recently finished that he can't speak highly enough of. There's a bit of conversation about the recent Oscar Nominations, a silly and then a serious thing Mike could do without, improv talk, and a lesson in salad dressing you never knew you needed. 

Vonia and Mike are back to start season 5! They discuss their respective Holliday Seasons, and the horrific wild fires affecting much of Southern California. There's a lot to talk about in the diggin' category, from an animated film, to a couple of indies, to a new drama that both Mike and Vonia are watching (and Vonia is even caught up). There's a silly TV related dilemma that Mike is facing, and actual heartache that Vonia is dealing with. Finally, a little puzzle related news, and not about a crossword.  

In their last episode of 2024, Mike and Vonia have a conversation about joy. How to find it, how to keep it, and how to remember it. Then, Vonia finds comfort in a classic television program that used to cause her anxiety, and Mike has a performance, a new spy series, and a heartfelt film that have moved and entertained him this week. They share dissatisfaction and how they hope to improve as well as a spoiler free conversation about the series (?) finale of Somebody, Somewhere. (More, please!) Finally it's an incomplete quote that Mike still thinks is highly affective, a couple of Birthday shoutouts, and then a farewell. For now...

Mike and Vonia share Thanksgiving memories and talk about what's been going on in the last two weeks. Then Vonia talks Volleyball, they both discuss a TV series they can't stop talking about, Mike has a few others he's enjoying, and also a film he can't stop thinking about. There's talk of worrying about the future, Mike wants his laundromat to be up and running, current politics, and ending with early presidential trivia, and a list Mike was very happy to be on. 

Due to technical difficulties this is a quick one, but after telling a few stories from their weeks, Mike saw a very impressive Broadway show, and an episode of television that made quite the impression. Vonia saw a movie suitable for the whole family, and a comedy series that's helping her get through it all. Then it's some quick restaurant etiquette, a reminder to slow down, and some advice on fostering animals. Just in case.

Mike and Vonia have a lot of catching up to do! After they talk about what's been happening in their lives over the last month or so, Mike has a movie he loved and a couple of television shows he's enjoying. Vonia also has some TV favorites of her own along with a recent animated film. Then they talk about feelings and ramifications concerning the recent election and Mike has a few things to say about art. Then it's excitement about the upcoming Grammy Awards, and a few words about Megan Thee Stallion hosting the VMAs.  

Vonia and Mike are back! They share a few things that have been going on, including birthdays, and trips out of town, but it's really about the recent Emmy Awards where Mike has some thoughts and opinions on the shows that won, as well as those that didn't. Then, Vonia has a few programs that have been keeping her entertained, and Mike has a Variety special that he can't stop thinking about. 

Vonia is preparing for the upcoming school year, and Mike went on a whirlwind tour of some Southern cities, and ended up spending an extra day in Florida. Then it's a stand up comedian Mike wants to get to know better, a couple documentaries, and a new drama series Vonia is enjoying. They talk more about the highs and lows of the current Olympic Games, flying adjacent to a tropical storm, and awkward moments watching Drag Race with children. There are, of course, several mentions of Mexican food. Yum. 

Mike and Vonia have quite the discussion concerning hopes, dreams, wants, expectations, and even where better days may be. Vonia watched a documentary and was deeply moved, Mike saw two very different films, and they've both been staying up too late. There's much talk of the Olympics, some possible trouble makers near the Seine, and Mike is going on a bit of a journey. Excited to tell you all about it next week.  

Vonia and her husband got to go on a vacation, and Mike had company in town! They also discuss the major optical development of the week, then it's an album from over 30 years ago, and a piece of entertainment Vonia got to see in Vegas. They both talk about television programs they are either struggling to get through or have recently struggled though, and then their individual relationships with horror films. Mike finishes it off with some very fun Emmy facts, and there might be a little music teaser after the credits...

Vonia and Mike share a bit about their weeks, but discussion soon shifts to the political climate and recent shooting. Then they lighten things up with a documentary they both loved, and a few other things that are making Vonia happy. There's talk of a returning series they are both having issues with, and a thing that Mike wishes he could return. This week's topic is childhood trauma, and they have some doozies. Let's revisit that documentary they were talking about...

Mike and Vonia discuss how they spent the Fourth of July, and how they may spend the next one. Then, Vonia saw a horror movie, listened to an inspiring podcast, and Mike finished the final season of a series he highly recommends. He's struggling a bit with a different television program, has to figure out some things with his new computer, and Vonia wants to bitch a little about a blockbuster from the 90s. Later, the conversation turns to generations, and how they relate to each other. To end the episode, Mike reads part of an entry from a journal he kept 30 years ago, showing how little things change, and the inspiration for a song. Clips of the song included!

It's been a busy week of ups and downs for both Mike and Vonia and they take some time to discuss where they both are mentally and emotionally. Vonia is enjoying walks around the neighborhood, and Mike saw an intense movie that took him out of his own problems for 100 minutes. Everything is going to be fine...

Vonia talks through some mic and computer issues as she nears time to record new episodes for another podcast she's been hired to be on! Mike recounts a couple of random stories from the past week, they are both excited for a new recap podcast a friend is doing, then it's a movie Vonia wasn't wild about, and some existential dread. They have a conversation about nostalgia and how it effects the things we hold on to and the things we throw out, and share some plans for the upcoming week. Happy Pride! 

Vonia's kids have started a new summer program, and Mike has quite a few things to talk about, mostly good, some frustrating. Then it's a new limited series, an animated film that brought Mike to tears, a recurring theme of acknowledging ones self, trouble on the playground, some talk about The Tonys, adventures in sushi, and a text message. 

Mike has continued to have quite the time of it, and Vonia and the family went camping! Vonia is still singing the praises of a returned comedy series, as well as a returning fantasy/drama series in it's last season, and Mike finished a limited series that he thinks is worth checking out. Then it's a discussion of theatre prices, working through the summer, and a few things that Mike actually got done. Next week, The Tonys!!

Vonia has had a lot going on between the school musical and the school year ending, and Mike has had a lot going on... in less wonderful ways. But they still have theatre and television to bring them joy! From a (sort of) one woman show, to a new play on Broadway, and two very different TV programs. Then a discussion of motivation versus self flagellation and some worries about the world right now, final thoughts on this season of So You Think You Can Dance, and plans for the coming week. We're going to be ok...

First off, Mike explains why they've been off for a couple of weeks, and it's not pretty. Thankfully, Vonia has a few stories of joy to help make up for it. Then there's a whole lot to dig. Between books, theatre, music, and television, Mike and Vonia share what's getting them through these often tough times. Mike has a few thoughts on some art he thinks could have been better, and they both have thoughts on the last few episodes of SYTYCD. It'll all be fine...

Mike has a lot to talk about with his family having just been in town. Then it's a discussion of aging, Vonia's family's experience during the Armenian Genocide, some television programs Vonia and Mike have already mentioned here, but deserve repeating, a conversation about compromise, and a very silly experience jogging. Vonia and Mike become a little more critical in their examination of So You Think You Can Dance, while trying to remain positive. Finally, it's an exciting upcoming event, a song Mike didn't know, and a touch of trivia. Let's all carry each other...

Vonia's musical went great, and Mike got rained on! Then, it's a comedy series set in Northern Ireland that Vonia just discovered, a conversation about Cowboy Carter, a singer Mike recently fell for, a returning comedy, and a reality competition Mike is always happy to have back on the air. Speaking of which, Mike and Vonia have a (mostly spoiler free) conversation on the most recent So You Think You Can Dance, share some computer woe, and Mike talks about an errand he's about to run that last time he did, Vonia still lived in New York and went with him. Sigh... 

After an unplanned week off, Mike and Vonia are back! Vonia has had quite the busy couple of weeks and that isn't going to change any time soon. Meanwhile, Mike had fun at a Birthday celebration and has some exciting news regarding his music. Then, Vonia talks about the album the whole world is buzzing about, Mike has thoughts on two new television shows, and is very upset about a different show that has yet to come back. They both share their thoughts on the newest season of So You Think You Can Dance, and end with many random facts that could potentially help you at trivia night. Or an escape room...

Mike was in California for a few days and saw Madonna in concert again, and Vonia spent the night and also had a vacation in Palm Springs! Then it's a couple of comedies keeping Vonia laughing, and a new album and limited series that Mike is enjoying. They discuss manufactured drama and the staggering cost of health care. Then it's a few previously unmentioned moments from the Oscars to wrap things up. 

It's Mike's favorite night of the year again, and he and Vonia are here to talk about it all. The winners, the presenters, the bits that worked and the bits that maybe didn't so much. They also tease some of the stories coming next week, because a lot has been happening!

Vonia got to visit with her sister, and both she and Mike have been very busy. They use their busy weeks to discuss when wanting to give it your all is helpful, and when it's a hindrance. Then, Vonia has great news, Mike saw a new film and mini-series, he also has a complaint about a current Oscar contender, some thoughts to share on two more recent awards ceremonies, Vonia has a super fun fact, and Mike has a way everyone can have an opinion about one Academy Award category, without even leaving their homes! And two weeks from now, they'll both be back to cover the 2024 Oscars Ceremony!!!

A trip to a Home Goods, a trip to buy sound equipment, and a trip to Long Island! Then it's a project Vonia is working on, a Broadway revival Mike saw (along with a story of long held shame and embarrassment), and a new limited series. After that, a kid getting into trouble, and some ups and downs of the recent Grammys and Super Bowl. Last, but certainly not least, be kind.

Vonia has been working on her taxes, and Mike went to a party. Also, he's singing more these days. Then it's a blast from the past, a memoir, health issues and more talk about taxes. In the end, Mike explains why they won't be back next week, but he'll have plenty to talk about the week after. Maybe including a cold plunge! (Probably not)

In this week's episode Mike and Vonia talk through the Oscar Nominations and Vonia learns something about voting. Mike and Vonia dig some new and old TV mini-series and reminisce about the greatness of Oppenheimer. Then talk gets dark and a hopeless feeling creeps but the light persists. Thanks for listening, friends.  

Mike and Vonia share stories from their Holliday seasons! Then it's a documentary that is coming out soon, an acceptance speech that Mike found moving, those terrible announcements that take us to commercials, and dietary choices. Mike shares a few thoughts about recent awards shows, and they finish up with a revealing dating show, and a bizarre oversight. Find Christina Applegate a new job!

Mike and Vonia are back (already!) to break down the 2024 Golden Globes. From experiences they had day of, to the somewhat infamous opening, to each presenter and winner, they share their thoughts on bits that worked, bits that didn't, and what they think separated the two. Let's all get in party mode! (Or not. Everyone do your own thing)

Mike saw Madonna in concert, and Vonia has been pluggin' away getting ready for the Holidays. She's also really gotten into some animated films, and Mike has two outgoing TV programs to acknowledge, as well as a new one. Then it's the lack of Female led comedy specials, and a word about race etiquette. They talk about the nominated songs from Barbie, and music in general, as well as the season, a friends actual job title, and, believe it or not, colon health. Remember, it's the Holiday, you can order anything!