The Middle Life Podcast

This was another episode we weren't expecting to happen. We finished recording an episode and just kept on talking. This natural conversation just occurred around all things breakfast and morning-time. 

With a global pandemic on our hands we have nothing better to do than reunite to bring some entertainment to your lives! In this episode we catch up on the events of our lives living through the pandemic so far and then discuss which of the 3 of us would be the first to: Loot, eat expired food, perform a surgery, etc...if a much worse apocalyptic situation were to ever happen.

Do you frequent Goodwill looking for treasures? Mikey does. Recently, he found a game called "Master Debaters" and the crew plays it together, debating different entertaining topics while joined again by Jason. Do you agree with our opinions?

This week the crew continues on with a similar conversation started a few episodes back, "At what age are you too old to..."? Hear us talk about different scenarios and our opinions regarding age. At the end of the episode we try a microwave meal with an undisclosed meat.

We're back for another music "draft" episode. Joined by our good friend and MLPC alum, Jason, the crew sits down and drafts our favorite albums from the 2000's. Take a listen and see if you agree with our picks and let us know if we missed your favorites! 

This marks a first in MLPC history as the show only has 2 hosts for this episode. Don't worry, it doesn't mean the episode is only 2/3 as good...more like half! Jamie talks about his newest car purchase, which takes he and Mikey on a trip down memory lane. Mikey goes on a rant about several things that irritated him that morning. 

This week the gang tackles the question, "Are you too old to..." and answers various questions from our point of view at our age. How do you feel? 

Jamie, Maegy, and Mikey sit down and start up a conversation about fall. Which one of us hates pumpkin patches, which of us hates pumpkin guts, and which of us loves to gut things in general? Listen and find out! We also have a discussion about things that are hot topics for many to see if we really care about them or not.

Music has played a big part in all of our lives. Being kids of the 90s, music from that decade had a giant impact on shaping our tastes. We invite Maegy's brother (and MLPC alum) Nate to join us as we try to build our 90s album dream teams via a 90s music draft. Listen and see if your favorite 90s albums made our lists and help us vote for the winner!

In this episode the crew gets together to get a quick update on Jamie's adoption story (over a year in the making), and then dive into the topic of parent shaming, and we wrap up by answering questions that our kids asked us! 

This one wasn't even planned! We sat down in front of our microphones, just to check our sound levels, and Mikey randomly started talking about buying new underwear. What you're about to hear was completely unscripted, and what usually happens when the 3 of us get together to just hang out. Enjoy!

We love it, and we know most of you do too! Dive in with us as we discuss our passion for a good brew and taste test various methods of brewing coffee! Also, check out our behind the scenes video content at: https://youtu.be/DpVNqU9Q5M0  

Welcome to Season 3 of the Middle Life Podcast! The crew is back to discuss what they've been up to since you last heard from them almost 6 months ago. New puppies, houses, cars and life perspectives fill the conversation and then we dive into some different topics about elementary/middle school that you'll surely be able to relate to. It's good to be back! facebook.com/themiddlelife instagram: @themiddlelifepodcast

Today is Mikey & Maegy’s anniversary, as well as Mikey & Jamie’s friendiversary. Join the celebration and listen to us discuss controversial topics like “parking etiquette” and bad habits while driving. See you if you agree with our thoughts and let us know what you think!

Had a bad week? Well, Jamie sure has. We’re back to the banter in this episode as we help Jamie through a tough time, get an adoption update, and end with several “Would You Rather” scenarios that could cause anyone to have a bad day.

Keeping up our theme of "top" lists. This week we do a "draft" of SNL actors (alumni & current) to each create an 8 cast roster. Take a listen to hear who picked the best team and let us know what you think. Did we leave our one of you personal favorite cast members? Let us know!

We're back! After a long, refreshing fall/winter break the gang is back with a new format! For a little while we are going to be focusing on our "top" lists from some of our favorite things! Up first, "Top 10 Disney Animated Films." This does not include fully computer animated films. Take a listen, see if you agree, and help us decide who posts the most solid list!

You’re in for a real treat in this Halloween themed episode, featuring guest Matt Skjeie! We discuss all things Halloween, from our favorite treats to best childhood costumes, and give our thoughts on the question, “Should there be an age limit for trick or treating?” We also dive in to a discussion about our dreams and whether or not they have deeper meanings than just the “left-over” thoughts from the day. Enjoy!

In a similar style to our “This or That” episode, we asked for listener help to finish the question, “How much would someone have to pay you to ____________?” We tackle topic from licking the walls of outhouses to having more children. We’re interested to see what you think, so check it out!

The Middle Life Crew celebrates the podcast’s 51stepisode (since we totally missed that the last one was our 50th) in style, by discussing more recent surgeries, tampon purchases, and puberty. Oh yeah, we also help lay to rest a martial dispute suggested by our listeners!

This episode starts out with a tribute to one our favorite childhood TV “neighbors.” We then discuss several different “mythical” creatures and whether each of us are fully convinced they don’t exist, plausibly believe they could exist, or adamantly express that they are real. We finish off with a conversation about extraterrestrial existence and whether God could have created other beings in the universe that is just “out of this world” (a bad pun, we know). Enjoy!

Since our conversation constantly dives into topics from our past, we decided to take an episode and focus on the topic of nostalgia! We talk about our most memorable birthday parties as kids, and how to build nostalgic memories for our own children. We then give our opinions on the question, “Will ‘pop-culture nostalgia’ die with the 1990’s?”

Coming off a close encounter with being poisoned, Jamie and Maegy are still a little sore with Mikey. They quickly get over it and move on to conversations about “Things that do not exist anymore, but did you notice they were gone?” They then discuss holidays and traditions in American culture that are just plain bizarre when you think about them. They may be spoilers for young kids, so you’ll want to turn the volume down when that section comes up!

In this episode Mikey nearly poisons the crew on accident. Hear our genuine live reactions as we realize on the podcast that we’ve ingested something bad by mistake. But before all that occurred we were having a great time talking about back to school and our thoughts about what we felt about it as kids versus now as adults with kids. See if you agree with our opinions and enjoy our hilarious freak-out session towards the end of the podcast.

“Is it bad to take advantage of the ‘system’?” Mikey gives several examples from his adult life where he has skirted the line to save a buck or two and asks Jamie and Maegy to evaluate if what he did was “Playing By the Rules”, “Taking Advantage of the System”, or “Just Plain Wrong.” In this one we think Mikey set out to provide some quality entertainment, but ultimately came out looking a little like a bad person…or maybe he’s a genius, you decide.

Jamie’s back and provides a brief update on his adoption, time with his girls at home, and his experience parenting so far. The group then dives in to answer the question “Is there no such thing as coincidence?” The Middle Lifers use faith, personal opinions, and share their own experiences to back their answers…and they don’t all completely agree.

Due to the popularity of our "This or That" poll posts on our page, we decided to dedicate a whole episode to comparing two things and discussing them! This whole episode is based on suggestions from our listeners! Check it out, your name might be dropped as well.

As mentioned in the title, we’re super excited about this one! We get a chance to share and discuss the biggest story we’ve ever had on the podcast. We can’t say any more, you just need to listen to this one. Take our word for it…it’s amazing. Like our official photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

This recording was originally going to be Episode 3 of Season 2, but never got aired! Now, it’s been resurrected for your listening pleasure! In the episode we start by talking about Mike and Maegy’s spoiled anniversary, Jamie and Danielle’s awful first dates, and stories about plans that just went wrong. The conversation moves to a discussion about the importance of music relating to past events in our lives. What was the first radio tune we remember? What was the first album we bought with our own money? The grand finale of this episode is the group listening to and dissecting pieces of a 6 song EP called “Jesus Project” that Mikey wrote and self-recorded when he was a teenager. Like our official photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

This week the Middle Life crew is graced by the wisdom and life experience of our good friend, Mark. It is quickly noted by the group that Mark is old enough to be our parent, so the “seasoned” jokes start, and don’t stop! Seriously though, he’s probably one of the coolest people we know. Along the way, we have some amazing discussion about generation gaps, including the importance of having mentors, how to stay relevant to younger generations, generational misunderstandings, and so much more. This episode is jam packed with amazing discussion! We hope you love listening to it as much as we loved recording it! Like our official photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]  

Matt Skjeie is back again! Right out of the gate Matt confesses to a pretty heinous eating habit that the group breaks it down. The group answers the question, “If money were no object, what job would you like to try for a day or two?” We dive into talking about our biggest insecurities, and whether or not they’re valid. Like our official photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

This episode starts off with an epic intro, so make sure to start listening at the very beginning! We invite our long-time friend Matt Skjeie over (at the last minute), not to share a specific story of his, but just to jump in on the conversation and it turned out to be a lot of fun! We start the dialogue about talking about the differences in how we capture memories with video today versus when we were kids. How is this affecting our own kids’ future memories? We then talk childhood crushes, how old we were when we first experienced “that feeling” for someone, and how we used to show affection.   Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

In this episode, we came prepared to talk about…nothing. We set out to do a little social experiment, which is to see what sort of conversation “just comes up” when we sit down to chat. Some of those topics included foods that we hated as kids and love now, who likes to be served more than serving, and what our love languages are. We come up with a new dating website idea that would guarantee a perfect match. Listen carefully as there’s an opportunity to be entered in for our next Middle Life mug raffle. Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

One of the MLPC crew almost died a couple of weeks ago. Listen in to hear who and what happened. This leads into a topic about our perceptions of death now versus when we were kids. We then address questions and topics given to us by listeners on social media! Topics include: summer vacation memories, favorite vacations, home purchases, the places we’ve lived, and odd neighbors. Jamie also defends his childhood. Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

We bring our most visited with guest from Season 1, Maegy’s brother, Nate to join back in and catch up. We ask Nate the question everybody wants to know, “What was it like growing up with Maegy?” We then dive into the father’s role in parenting and through pregnancy. Does society in general forget about dads in the process? Listen to see what we think. We discuss parental protectiveness and give Nate parenting advice, then let him choose the “MVP of advice”. Nate provides throwback snacks for us to enjoy! You could say the timing of this episode is an ode to Father’s Day, but it’s mostly just a coincidence. Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

In this episode we discuss one of our favorite pastimes: spending time at the mall! What stores & industries from our past are dying, and how do we feel about it? Are our kids safer today to be on their own in public versus when we were kids? Is commerce moving to predominantly online sales good overall? How are we helping to socialize the upcoming generations in a healthy way? We end with a discussion about “What’s the right amount of technology?” Mikey & Maegy announce a challenge they are going to do as a couple and Jamie gives relationship advice. Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

“I’m a Peach” – Ft. Josh Schmutzer   In this episode we are joined by our awesome friend and MLPC Season 2 photographer, Josh Schmutzer! We ease into the conversation talking about “hugging culture” and narrowing age gaps in friendships. From there we venture into the area of tattoos. Why get them and what do they mean to us? We also answer the question “Have you ever done something without the full support of your family and what were the results?”   What dreams did you have when you were younger? What did you want to do and be? We wrap up the discussion by answering these questions and talk about if we pursued our dreams or let them die. Josh provides childhood snacks for us to experience again! This is our longest single episode to date, but so worth the listen!   Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

***Stick around after the episode for all-new commentary and thoughts!!*** In this “revealing” episode we start with a Heart 2 Heart Conversation answering the question, “What’s your greatest strength & weakness?” From there we tread the topic of most awkward dating stories. From french-fry meals to dead pets Jamie, Mikey & Maegy share their unforgettable moments. We also take some time to talk about and share our thoughts on what happened to Jamie’s old coffee stand after it was taken over by scantily clad women.

In part two with our special guest, Jason Taylor, get ready for some awesome nostalgic conversation about video games! We share our fondest memories of games as children and how they have been involved in our lives growing up. We also try to tackle the question, “Is playing video games a usable skill?” Jason also provides snacks for us to try from the past in another “Back in My Day” segment to decide if they are still relevant or better left in the past. If you haven’t listened to part one, go check it out first!! Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

In the debut episode you’ll find out the answer to the “age-old” question, “What is ‘Middle Life’?” We take some time getting to know Jamie, Mikey & Maegy and then dive into discussions about what 90’s movie each would star in. In a segment called “20 Years Past,” we flash back to 1994 to talk about pop culture and technology. The episode crosses the finish line with “Bogus Bands” where each host announces their made-up band name “rock star” style in front of a cheering audience! Stick around for some brand new commentary after the episode!

In this episode a new voice is introduced to the MLPC! Guest Jason Taylor joins in on the fun and comedy as the group tackles life’s toughest questions: Are Nerd Culture & Pop Culture one and the same? What is bringing certain elements of nerd culture into the mainstream? Mikey & Jason confess to a super nerdy secret activity. Jamie declares what’s wrong with our country by analyzing playing cards, and which MLPC member just got their first speeding ticket? This session was so much fun to record, we actually had to make 2 episodes about it!   Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) com/portfolio [email protected]

Have you recently made a decision to make a major change in your life? The MLPC is happy to introduce (or for you Season 1 followers, reintroduce) our first Season 2 Middle Life guest…Danielle! Married to Jamie for almost 4 years now, we last heard from Danielle on their honeymoon in Disneyland. Jamie and Danielle announce a decision to make a major upcoming change in their lives and we discuss it as a group. Jamie and Mikey also discuss their dreams to own a boat and how the MLPC Podcast puts people to sleep.   Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) thejoshuajournal.com/portfolio [email protected]

Almost everyone has a past relationship. Some of them were good experiences, and some you just wish you could write off your “record”. Tune in this week to hear Jamie, Maegy and Mikey’s letters they wrote to their unnamed exes of the past and see how some of their major past relationships helped shape them into who they are now. They also drink Bawls and Yoo-hoo in this one.   Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) thejoshuajournal.com/portfolio [email protected]

After a 3+ year hiatus the Middle Life crew reunites for Season 2! Join Mikey, Maegy & Jamie for a brief catch-up session, followed by a 20 year old conversation as we reminisce about what was popular from 1998. Wrapping up our debut episode we try a favorite food from our childhoods to determine if it's "still relevant" or "better left in the past." Like our photos? Check out Josh Schmutzer at: Joshschmutzerphotography (Instagram) thejoshuajournal.com/portfolio [email protected]