Almost Grown Up

The votes were counted. The signs came down. And Lexi Melton — a mom of two and nuclear medicine tech — was left sitting in the silence that comes after you give something everything you have.In Part Two of our conversation, Lexi unpacks what happens next — the grief, the relief, and the strange in-between where you’re rebuilding without a title, without applause, and without a clear next step.This episode is about resilience, identity, and what it means to keep showing up when the big moment is over. It’s honest, raw, and quietly powerful — a story about finding purpose on the other side of loss.

Nobody plans to run for office. Especially not while working in nuclear medicine and trying to keep two kids alive and semi-fed. But one local issue shoved Lexi Melton out of the stands and onto the field.In Part One of this two-part conversation, Lexi talks about what it’s like when an ordinary life collides with an extraordinary call - the fear, the chaos, and the kind of messy courage it takes to say yes before you feel ready.It’s not about politics. It’s about what happens when life stops letting you sit it out.

If the first half was about the stories we were handed, this half is about what we do with them now in the middle of real, messy life.In part two with Dr. Gwendolyn Dolske, we get practical about:Loving well when life feels overwhelming.Why certainty might actually be overrated.How to keep moving when you don’t have all the answers.Caffeine & Coping: the small, grounding things keeping us afloat this week.Because maybe the good life isn’t about perfection or clarity. Maybe it’s about learning to stay human in the chaos.linktr.ee/gwendolynd

We’ve all been told what a “good life” is supposed to look like: work hard, stay on the path, check the boxes. But what happens when you do all that and still feel like something’s missing?In this conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Dolske (philosophy professor & host of Good Is in the Details), we wrestle with:The recent death of Charlie Kirk and how moments like that force us to confront life’s fragility.The cultural blueprints we inherited about success and happiness.Why self-help quotes and Instagram memes don’t hold up when things get real.This is the first half of our two-part series on rethinking what it actually means to live well.Follow Gwendolyn & Listen to Good Is In The Details linktr.ee/gwendolynd

The second half of my conversation with Sean Critchfield is just as real, but with a whole different kind of energy.We get into his experience on Queer Eye Season 9 - what it was like to let the cameras in during one of the most vulnerable times in his life - and how that experience changed him. We talk about why he started sharing those quick hits of encouragement on TikTok, how family and nature have helped him slow down, and what he’s still learning about rebuilding life from the inside out.We close it out with Caffeine & Coping (his answer is classic Sean), and honestly, this half of the conversation feels like a deep breath.Sean Critchfield InstagramSean Critchfield TikTokSean Critchfield Linktree

Holiday season is here, and for a lot of people, that means family gatherings filled with mixed emotions. Some moments feel warm and familiar. Others feel uncomfortable, tense, or draining. And if you’ve ever walked into a holiday dinner hoping for a calm night and ended up dealing with old dynamics, hard conversations, and emotional pressure, you’re not alone.In this solo episode, I’m talking about what really happens when we show up around family during the holidays — the good, the complicated, and the parts no one likes to admit. I share a story from when our oldest daughter was a baby that still sticks with me today, because it opened my eyes to how unpredictable and overwhelming family interactions can be.We’ll get into:Why family gatherings feel heavier this time of yearHow old roles and old versions of ourselves show up without warningWhy certain topics (faith, politics, parenting, money, careers) hit so hardHealthy ways to respond without losing yourselfHow to step back without feeling guiltyWhat you actually can control in the middle of family tensionWhy this year feels especially difficult for so many peopleThis episode isn’t about calling anyone out or telling you to cut ties. It’s about helping you stay grounded, present, and honest with yourself while you’re around people who may not fully understand the person you’ve become. It’s about navigating real conversations without abandoning your own needs or slipping back into patterns you’ve worked hard to outgrow.If you’ve ever felt pressure to “keep the peace,” bite your tongue, or shrink yourself to keep the vibe calm, this conversation is for you. You deserve to show up as the current version of yourself — not the outdated one someone else remembers.Whether your family gatherings are supportive, complicated, or somewhere in between, I hope this episode gives you clarity, permission, and a little more confidence heading into the holidays.If this episode resonates, share it with someone who might need it. And hit follow so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Sean Critchfield spent 20+ years performing in Las Vegas until an injury ended that career overnight. You might know him from Queer Eye Season 9 or from his 30-second encouragements on TikTok, but this conversation goes deeper.In Part 1, we dig into what it’s like to lose the version of yourself you thought you’d always be, the unlearning that happens when you finally let people take care of you, and why strength has nothing to do with staying quiet. It’s honest, a little raw, and exactly the conversation we all need right now.Sean Critchfield InstagramSean Critchfield TikTokSean Critchfield Linktree

In part two of my conversation with Marissa Franks Burt, we shift from the past to the present and the future. We talk about what it means to reparent ourselves, raise kids without repeating the same cycles, and find some grace in the messiness of healing.This episode is honest and hopefully a reminder that while we can’t rewrite where we’ve been, we can choose a different way forward.Instagram: ⁠@mburtwrites⁠  |  ⁠@kelseykmcginnis⁠Threads: ⁠@mburtwrites⁠  |  ⁠@kelseykmcginnis⁠Facebook: ⁠@mburtwrites⁠  | ⁠ @kelsey.kramermcginnis⁠Bluesky: ⁠@mburtwrites⁠  | ⁠ @kkramermcginnis⁠TikTok: ⁠@mburtwrites⁠  | ⁠ @kelseykmcg⁠Substack: ⁠@mburtwrites⁠ | ⁠@kelseykramermcginnis⁠YouTube: ⁠@mburtwrites ⁠Website: ⁠Marissa⁠ | ⁠Pre-order bonus link⁠⁠Find the book on Amazon⁠⁠Order from Baker for guaranteed release day delivery⁠⁠Bookshop book link⁠

If you grew up in church culture, you probably know the pressure to pray right, act right, be “good,” and somehow make your family look like a picture of holiness. In this first part of my conversation with author and podcaster Marissa Franks Burt, we talk about what it felt like to grow up in that world, the invisible scripts it wrote for us, and how those patterns follow us into adulthood.This isn’t about blaming parents. It’s about understanding the systems that shaped us and finally putting language to what so many of us have carried in silence.Instagram: @mburtwrites  |  @kelseykmcginnisThreads: @mburtwrites  |  @kelseykmcginnisFacebook: @mburtwrites  |  @kelsey.kramermcginnisBluesky: @mburtwrites  |  @kkramermcginnisTikTok: @mburtwrites  |  @kelseykmcgSubstack: @mburtwrites | @kelseykramermcginnisYouTube: @mburtwrites Website: Marissa | Pre-order bonus linkFind the book on AmazonOrder from Baker for guaranteed release day deliveryBookshop book link

This week on Almost Grown Up, I catch up with my friend and former coworker Julian Vaca. Julian is an Emmy-winning writer and the author of two YA novels, The Memory Index and The Recall Paradox. He’s also a first-generation Mexican-American whose work often wrestles with themes of heritage, identity, and the stories that shape us.In this conversation, we talk about:What it means to grow up between worlds as a first-gen creativeThe family stories and memories that keep showing up in his workLearning to rewrite parts of your identity while holding onto what matters mostCheck out Julian’s work:The Memory IndexThe Recall ParadoxFollow Julian:Instagram: @JulianRayVacaTwitter/X: @JulianRVaca

We took a break.And somehow ended up more tired than before.Season 2 kicks off with Nic and Janna catching up on what was supposed to be “time off” — which turned into car wrecks, kid chaos, and the kind of parental burnout you can feel in your bones. It’s equal parts honest, funny, and mildly unhinged.They talk about surviving the end-of-school madness, the myth of the magical summer, and why “rest” as an adult feels like a setup.Then they close it out with the first Caffeine & Coping of the season — this one is not for the kids...This one’s for anyone who’s ever said, “We just need a break,” and then immediately regretted saying it.

They lied to us again. And by they, I mean our parents, teachers, church leaders, and literally every adult we trusted in the 90s.This week, Janna joins me for part two of our ongoing breakdown of the weird shit we were told growing up. Myths like:• Swallowing watermelon seeds = watermelon growing in your stomach• The 5-second rule is basically science• You’ll die if you go outside with wet hair• Quicksand is everywhere and coming for you• Flashing your headlights will get you murdered• You only use 10% of your brain (but what if… superpowers?)• You can get pregnant from a public toilet• Jesus could literally come back at any second• And yes… that permanent record they threatened us with still haunts me.We’re laughing, unpacking, and remembering what it felt like to grow up with so much fear wrapped in folklore. It’s nostalgic, hilarious, and a little unhinged just like childhood in the 90s.Plus, in this week’s Caffeine & Coping segment, Janna and I talk about the small stuff helping us feel grounded: new shoes, good coffee, and rewatching The Bear like it’s therapy.If you ever felt like adulthood is just trying to unlearn all the dumb things you believed as a kid… you’re in good company.

In this episode of Almost Grown Up, I’m asking the question I think a lot of us secretly wrestle with:Did I already live the best version of my life—and what the hell do I do if I did?Back in 2009, I was on fire. My wife and I were helping start a brand-new church. I was leading music, surrounded by a group of talented, passionate weirdos who felt like family. Every week was electric—playing music, recording albums in someone’s musty basement, building something from nothing. I felt seen. Needed. Fully alive.And now?I picked up my guitar the other day and couldn’t even hit the same notes. My voice cracked. I felt like a stranger in my own skin.This episode is a deeply personal reflection on: • Losing the intense emotional spark you used to have • What it feels like to be mid all the time • The grief of becoming someone new • Why some of us confuse emotional maturity with disconnection • Whether you can ever really “feel alive” again without going backI also talk about why I started this podcast in the first place—and how small moments (like watching my daughter draw adventure maps) have slowly started to bring me back to life.Whether you’re burnt out, numb, nostalgic, or just trying to figure out if you’ve “changed too much,” this one’s for you.Stay till the end for a Caffeine & Coping segment about Stranger Things, breakfast rituals, and finding new meaning in old habits.

Remember when swallowing gum meant a 7-year digestive sentence? Or how Pop Rocks + soda would literally blow your insides up? Yeah… turns out, most of what we were told growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s was straight-up bullshit.In this solo episode, I’m diving headfirst into the hilarious (and slightly unhinged) myths we were raised on — from Santa surveillance and poisoned Halloween candy.We’ll hit the classics: • Swallowed gum = stomach cement • Shaving = thicker hair (good news, teen boys) • MSG = instant death + third eyeball • And yes — razor blades in candy were 100% a thing… supposedlyBut I’m not just listing them. I’m breaking down what it felt like to actually believe this stuff as a kid in a world without Google — where the grown-ups’ word was law, and fear was low-key the parenting style of the decade.Expect unfiltered storytelling, dark humor, and plenty of “wtf were we even doing?” moments.Plus, a new Caffeine & Coping segment where I talk about how life has finally slowed down, why my wife’s recent success is a huge win for our family, and how I accidentally became a pipe guy. (Yes, like Sherlock Holmes — but with ADHD and YouTube tutorials.)No heavy life lesson at the end. No moral of the story. Just good old-fashioned childhood trauma, wrapped in nostalgia, and delivered with love.

Let’s just say it up top:If your version of masculinity requires silence, dominance, emotional shutdowns, and your wife walking on eggshells around your moods… you’re not strong.You’re just emotionally constipated.And it’s bleeding into every part of your life.This episode is not a TED Talk on men’s mental health. It’s a raw, personal unpacking of how toxic masculinity screws with our heads, our marriages, our kids, and our capacity to actually feel anything at all.I talk about the real cost of being raised to suppress emotions—from childhood pressure to “man up,” to church teachings that glorified male control.But it doesn’t stop there.We dig into what it means to unlearn all this bullshit, and why it takes more than therapy quotes and “doing the work” to actually change.We’re talking ego dismantling. Systemic deconstruction.We’re talking about what happens when you start listening to people who’ve been on the other side of your silence.Voices like:​ Jo Luehmann — “Healing without dismantling oppressive systems is just self-help for the privileged.”​ Cindy Wang Brandt​ Flamy Grant​ Kevin Garcia If you were raised to be “the man of the house,” but now you’re trying to raise kids who aren’t scared of you—or be a partner who doesn’t disappear emotionally—this episode is for you.And if you’re someone who’s been on the receiving end of that damage?I see you too. You’re not imagining it. And you’re not broken for being tired of carrying what he never learned to hold.We also get into my Caffeine & Coping segment:​ ☕ Caffeine: New job vibes as a Senior Strategist (aka being paid to professionally overthink)​ 🧠 Coping: Watching House of the Dragon spiral into generational trauma while trying not to spiral myselfThis one’s for the men doing the work, the partners holding space, and the people navigating the ripple effects of silence.You’re not who you were.And that counts for something.

Part 2 picks up right where we left off: two old friends, mid-story, trying to remember how we got here.This half goes a little deeper though. Some of the messier stuff from our time in Huntsville, what it looked like to stay connected even when life got weird, and why we’re still friends even though we barely talk and took totally different paths.Plus, Caffeine & Coping: • I had a final interview in Chicago for a job that actually fits. Still processing.... • Stranger Things Season 5 got a release date and I’m not okay. That’s it. That’s the coping.Listen if you’ve got a long time friend who knows too much about you and somehow still sticks around.

This is the story of how an unexpected friendship turned into a decade long bond full of chaos, kids, bad haircuts, late night hotel stories, and one questionable church season in Huntsville, Alabama.In Part 1 of this two part catch up, I sit down with my longtime friend Jason Cagle (someone who’s known me through multiple versions of life) to remember how our families met, the weird way we became instant friends, and all the unhinged moments that followed.We talk: • That one night in a hotel (yep, the naked one) • How our daughters gave each other “surprise” haircuts at church • The wild energy of being young parents in a weird church bubble • What it’s like to form real friendship without meaning toThis is two old friends sitting down to tell the kind of stories you only share when someone’s been around long enough to know where the bodies are buried.There’s laughter, nostalgia, and maybe a few “oh no, I forgot that happened” moments. Come eavesdrop...we won’t tell anyone.

What comes after the unraveling?In Part 2 of my conversation with life and faith transitions coach Leslie Nease, we move past the internal shifts and start talking about what happens when your beliefs have changed, your identity feels different and now you have to go out into the world and be a person again.This one’s about the messy middle: • Trying to make friends post-deconstruction (without small groups or Christian lingo) • Feeling unrecognizable to old communities and unsure in new ones • Building connection when you don’t fit cleanly anywhere • Living in the in-between without a roadmap or labelWe also talk about what it means to keep becoming when the idea of “arriving” just doesn’t hold up anymore.Leslie offers grounded wisdom from her own journey and I share what it felt like to go from worship pastor to spiritually unbranded dad, mowing the lawn and questioning everything.This part of the conversation is for anyone who’s still trying to figure out where they belong after shedding a version of themselves that once felt like home.Mentioned in this episode: • Honoring the Journey by Leslie Nease: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJYNZJK3 • Leslie’s Coaching & Podcast: https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

We’ve all told ourselves the lie: Once I get the job. Once I make the money. Once I leave that system… I’ll finally feel at peace.But what happens when you actually hit the milestone and it still doesn’t fix the internal chaos?In Part 1 of this conversation with author, speaker, and life + faith transitions coach Leslie Nease, we dig into the myth of arrival: that illusion that healing or clarity is just one big decision away.We talk about:The identity unraveling that comes after leaving ministry or faith systemsWhy success doesn’t automatically equal emotional peaceThe burnout of performance culture inside and outside of churchHow grief shows up even when you’re doing “the right thing”The slow, awkward process of becoming someone newLeslie shares how years of quiet inner work led her to a deeper, less polished version of healing and I share my own story of chasing career and spiritual milestones that didn’t deliver what I thought they would.This part of the conversation sets the foundation and how we’re just telling the truth about how weird it feels when “getting better” doesn’t feel how you hoped.Mentioned in this episode:Honoring the Journey by Leslie Nease: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJYNZJK3Leslie’s Coaching & Podcast: https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

What kind of parent hates playing with their kids?Apparently… me.In this episode, I’m saying the quiet part out loud: I don’t like pretend play. I love my kids deeply, but crawling on the floor doing silly voices while holding a Barbie? It drains me. And if you’ve ever felt that guilt—the kind that creeps in when you say “not right now” or zone out halfway through a game—you’re not alone.I talk about how my relationship with play and connection has changed over the years, especially as my kids have gotten older and I’ve gotten… tired. We dig into the pressure to be everything for your kids, how social media and shows like Bluey mess with our heads, and what it looks like to connect with your kids in ways that are actually sustainable.You’ll hear what play looks like for me now—card games, Xbox, lawn mowing, watching Stranger Things, and saying “yes” to the stuff that feels real.And of course, I wrap it all up with this week’s Caffeine & Coping segment featuring Sleep Token’s new album and—yes—Quaker rice cakes. Don’t judge me.In this episode: • The guilt of not wanting to play with your kids • Why connection doesn’t have to look like pretend play • The cultural pressure to be the “perfect parent” • What showing up looks like in real life • Caffeine & Coping: Sleep Token’s Even In Arcadia + the chaotic utility of rice cakesThis isn’t parenting advice. It’s just real talk from someone trying to stay present without burning out.

This week, I’m calling B.S. on one of adulthood’s biggest myths: work-life balance.Because if balance means being calm, focused, and fully present at work and at home, I’ve never had it. Not when I was a cop, not when I worked in ministry, and definitely not now juggling remote work, parenting four kids, and trying not to lose my mind in a Walmart parking lot.In this episode, I share: • Why “balance” has never worked for me (and maybe never will) • The emotional toll of always being on even when you’re technically “off” • The guilt spiral that hits when you try to rest • How I’m learning to redefine “enough” in a world that keeps moving the finish line • A story about my wife’s recent car accident that shook everything up • And why frozen fruit + Good Mythical Morning might just be my emotional support system right nowIf you’ve ever felt like you’re behind before your day even starts or wondered why you’re so exhausted when you’re “doing everything right” this one’s for you.PLUS: I’m testing out a new segment called Caffeine & Coping, where I share the little things keeping me semi-functional each week.It’s not a self-help guide. It’s not a five-step plan.It’s just me, trying to make sense of the mess out loud.

What happens when you stop believing the things that used to define you but you’re not sure what comes next? In this raw conversation with David Hayward, aka NakedPastor, we unpack the messy middle of faith deconstruction: losing certainty, grieving community, rethinking marriage, and learning to be present in your own body again.Whether you’re deep in the fog of religious doubt or just starting to question your beliefs, this episode is your reminder that you’re not broken. You’re becoming.We talk about: • Why growth isn’t a linear process • Marriage and identity after leaving church • Letting go of shame, certainty, and spiritual baggage • How to rebuild rhythms that actually work for youFollow David and his workFacebookInstagramTikTokPaintings, Cartoons, Books & More

What if ADHD isn’t a fixed disorder but a response to a world that just isn’t built for our brains?In this episode, I unpack what happened when I went back on Adderall after two years off and why it didn’t hit the same. I open up about the pressure to “function” post-job loss, and the unexpected emotional spiral that followed.Then I dive into the recent New York Times article, “Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?” and how it challenged the way I see ADHD not just in myself, but in my son too. We talk medication, masking, Minecraft meltdowns, and what it really means to create a safe environment for neurodivergent kids (and adults) to thrive.NYT Article - "Have We Been Thinking About ADHD All Wrong?"

I’m 39 today.And instead of pretending to have my life together, I’m celebrating the only way that makes sense: with a chaotic list of lessons, screwups, and random wisdom I’ve collected along the way.From parenting fails to career faceplants to why adulthood is basically one long improv show...it’s all here.Plus, stick around ‘til the end if you want a surprise birthday gift from me. Follow Almost Grown Up on SocialFacebookInstagram

You used to sneak into dressing rooms together to "try on clothes". Now you’re just hoping no one knocks on the door while you're having sex.This episode is about sex after kids. What intimacy looks like when you’re touched out, exhausted, and parenting tiny chaos goblins who interrupt literally everything.From high-drive spontaneity to calendar-based logistics, dry spells, mismatched desire, and redefining intimacy beyond just sex, Nic and Janna (married 19 years, 4 kids deep) get honest about how connection has changed for them. We talk about:    •    The death of spontaneity (and why that’s okay)    •    How to reconnect when you’re mentally spiraling and physically tired    •    The small non-sexual things that matter more than ever    •    And how they keep choosing each other even when the spark feels dimThis isn’t a how-to guide. It’s a real, messy, occasionally hilarious convo about what it actually takes to stay close when life is full, kids are loud, and nobody has time to “set the mood.”

In this episode, Nic is joined by his wife Janna for an honest, slightly awkward, and definitely unscripted conversation about how they’re learning to talk to their kids about sex while still healing from the way they were raised.This is part two of the Let’s Talk About Sex series. If part one (with Cindy Wang Brandt) was the wise, expert perspective… this is the messy middle. The part where you’re still figuring out what you believe, what language feels right, and how to even start the convo without passing on the same shame and silence you grew up with.Together, Nic and Janna talk about: • Growing up in purity culture and how it shaped their views on sex • What it’s like to rewrite the script while raising kids in real time • Why saying the words out loud (yes, even “vulva”) matters • How their views on intimacy have evolved over the years • The convos that worked, the ones that flopped, and the ones that came out of nowhere while folding laundryThis isn’t a how-to guide. It’s not a list of rules.It’s two parents, sitting together, trying to raise whole humans while still becoming whole themselves.If you’ve ever felt behind, unsure, or completely unqualified to have “the talk” with your kids—this one’s for you.

Most of us didn’t grow up with healthy, honest conversations about sex. Instead we got silence, shame, and weird youth group analogies about chewed gum and crumpled hearts. So how do we, as adults and parents, break that cycle?In Part 1 of this four-part series, I sit down with author and parenting expert Cindy Wang Brandt to talk about how purity culture shaped our understanding of sex (or completely distorted it), and what it actually looks like to raise kids with a framework of honesty, autonomy, and consent.We get into:​Why “The Talk” isn’t a one-time thing—and why starting early matters​How to talk to your kids about sex without passing on your own baggage​What most sex ed leaves out (like pleasure and body autonomy)​And how we can create a new legacy, even if we’re still figuring it out ourselves​Whether you’re a parent, unlearning your own shame, or just trying to do better, this one’s for you.Cindy's ResourcesWebsite (you can find all of her books, blog, and conferences here)Parenting Forward PodcastCome As You Are (Book) mentioned in the episode

This isn’t a how-to guide. No abs in 30 days. No fitness challenges.It’s just the real story of how I hit rock bottom. I was laid off, drinking daily, completely untethered and one day decided, “I can’t live like this anymore.”What followed was four years of figuring it out from scratch: P90X in the bedroom, breaking a rib deadlifting, botched bulks, body image issues, and eventually standing on a powerlifting platform with my kids holding up signs that said, “My daddy can lift a house.”This episode is about mental health, real-life fitness, screwing up and trying again and what it means to build something sustainable when life is already chaotic.If you’ve ever felt too tired, too behind, or like the gym isn’t made for people like you this one’s for you.

At some point, we all hit that “Is this actually my life?” moment. Maybe it sneaks up on you in a work meeting that should have been an email. Maybe it happens when you catch yourself getting way too excited about a new vacuum.Or maybe it’s bigger than that. Feeling stuck. Restless. Like something in your life isn’t working, but you’re not sure what to do about it.So… is this an actual crisis? Or just part of growing up?I sat down with David Achata to talk about it. He’s spent years coaching leaders through major life transitions. He’s seen what happens when people hit this moment and how to move forward without making decisions they’ll regret.We get into:- What a “midlife crisis” actually is (and why it’s not just about sports cars and bad decisions)- The difference between reinvention and running away- How to know if you actually need a big life reset or if you’re just reacting to stress- How to make major life moves without blowing everything up- Why fear and uncertainty don’t mean stop: they just mean pay attentionIf you’ve ever found yourself questioning your career, your relationships, or your life path, this one’s for you.Listen in. Let’s figure it out together.Connect with David Achata:- Business Coaching: achatacoaching.com- Personal Work: davidachata.com- Instagram: @davidachata

Grief is weird.You think you know how it works: someone dies, you feel sad, you move through the "stages," and eventually, you're fine. Except... that's not how it goes at all.Because nobody tells you that grief isn’t just for funerals. It’s not just for old people, dramatic movie scenes, or those “thoughts and prayers” moments. It’s something that sneaks up on you when you least expect it: a song, a smell, an old video that reminds you of who you used to be.And it’s not just about losing people. You can grieve pets. You can grieve past versions of yourself. You can grieve a life that once felt certain.In this episode, I talk about:- Losing my best friend Monte & how grief doesn’t happen in a straight line- Why John Mayer made me ugly cry in my car (yes, really)- The weird feeling of seeing an old version of yourself and realizing you’ll never be that person again- How grief forces you to confront your own mortalityEver had a random memory knock the wind out of you? Ever felt nostalgic for a version of yourself that doesn’t exist anymore? Ever lost someone and thought, I have no idea how to do this?Yeah. Me too.

Ever walk into a room and immediately realize: you’re the only one? The only Black person in a white space. The only woman in a boardroom full of men. The only creative in a room of corporate drones. The only one who didn’t grow up in church. The only single person in a room full of married couples calling each other babe.That feeling? It hits different.This week, I’m sitting down with Michael Thomas. A teacher, cheer coach, and a Black man navigating a very white school system in the South. He’s also married to a white woman, he's working on a doctorate, and trying to figure out life while constantly walking into spaces where he’s the only one.We get into:The pressure to “represent” when you never signed up for that job.Navigating identity in work, marriage, and life.When to speak up, when to blend in, and when to just let people sit in their own awkwardness.Why “being the only one” can be both exhausting and powerful.And, because this is Almost Grown-Up, expect some hard laughs, some real talk, and a few moments that’ll make you go, oh, damn.Follow Michael on TIkTok - @the_mr.thomas

Remember when you were a kid and adults would ask, “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” Like it was a simple question. Like there was just one answer. Like we’d all just wake up one day and magically know.Yeah. That didn’t happen.Instead, we grew up, got jobs, paid bills, had existential crises at 2 AM, and wondered if we somehow missed the memo on how to be a real adult.In this episode, we’re talking about the big question—the one that haunts every career pivot, quarter-life (or midlife) crisis, and late-night Google search: What if you never figure out what you wanna be?What if there’s no one thing? What if the idea of a “dream job” is a scam? What if the real question isn’t what you wanna be, but who you wanna be?Plus, I’m bringing in some expert voices on the subject:Short Takes – My 7-year-old daughter, who already has life figured out (spoiler: it involves catching dangerous animals and eating whatever she wants).Livin’ & Learnin’ with Pop-Pop – My dad, who went from rockstar to construction boss without ever overthinking a damn thing.What does it actually look like to live with this uncertainty and not lose your mind in the process?Let’s talk about it.

You ever stop mid-sentence while parenting and think, Wait… is this gonna mess them up?Because honestly, there should be a check engine light for parenting.🚨 DING! "Hey, maybe don’t yell about spilled juice, because, fun fact, they’re a toddler, and that’s just what they do."Today, we’re asking the question every parent secretly fears: Are we totally screwing up our kids?We’re talking about: Our biggest parenting fails (and the meltdowns we caused by accident) The ‘Wild Robot’ theory of parenting—AKA, no one knows what they’re doing Gentle parenting vs. old-school discipline—are we better, or just tired?At the end of the day, if you’re worried about screwing up your kids… you’re probably already doing better than you think.🎧 Listen now and let’s talk about it.

Why didn’t anyone warn us that adulthood = permanent exhaustion? They hyped up the “freedom” part but left out the nonstop responsibilities, unpaid Uber shifts for our kids, and the fact that rest is basically a myth.In this episode of Almost Grown-Up, we’re tackling the biggest scam of all: why we’re always so damn tired. The nonstop mental tabs running in our heads (Why can’t I remember what I walked into the kitchen for?) The chaos of driving kids everywhere like a full-time chauffeur (but with zero pay and constant attitude). Why the universe personally ruins every break we try to take (no, you’re not imagining it). Plus, I ask my 10-year-old son what he’s most excited about in adulthood… and then completely shatter his expectations with reality. If you’ve ever been too exhausted to function, but still had to function anyway, this episode is for you.

Making friends as an adult is awkward, weird, and somehow harder than dating. So why is it so damn difficult—and how do you fix it?This week, I’m joined by my friend Jonathan Hammond to break down:✅Why adult friendships feel impossible (and why nobody warns you)✅The awkward reality of trying to make new friends after 30✅How to actually keep friendships alive—even when life gets in the way✅What to do when you and your friends don’t agree on anything✅The bare minimum effort you need to keep people from fading out of your life.If you’ve ever stared at a text from a friend and thought,“Damn, I should probably respond to that”—this episode is for you.🎧Listen now, text that friend back, and let’s unpack the friendship struggle together.💬Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who sucks at texting back.

🎧I was diagnosed with ADHD at 34—and suddenly, my entire life made sense.Like so many late-diagnosed adults, I spent years masking my symptoms without even realizing it. I wasn’t forgetful, I was hyper-organized. I wasn’t inattentive, I was just meticulous. But in reality? I was overcompensating for a brain that was constantly running on overdrive.In this episode, I break down:✅The signs of ADHD I missed for years (that might surprise you)✅How masking ADHD can make you feel like a different person in every situation✅The emotional rollercoaster of getting diagnosed later in life✅What I’ve learned about ADHD from my son, who’s navigating neurodivergence at 13If you’ve ever wondered if your brain is running on a completely different operating system—this episode is for you.💬Loved this episode? Share it with someone who might be wondering the same thing.Podcasts on ADHD and Neurodivergence‘ADHD for Smart Ass Women’ – A podcast by Tracy Otsuka, who focuses on the unique strengths of ADHD brains, especially in women.‘Hacking Your ADHD’ – Will Curb hosts this one, and it’s all about practical tips and strategies for navigating life with ADHD.‘ADHD ReWired’ – Eric Tivers hosts a deep dive into ADHD management, featuring interviews with experts and real-life stories.‘The Neurodivergent Insights Podcast’– A podcast exploring ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence with a mix of science and personal stories.”Books on ADHD and Neurodivergence‘Driven to Distraction’ by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John Ratey – A classic in the ADHD world. It breaks down the science and offers practical advice.‘The ADHD Effect on Marriage’ by Melissa Orlov – A must-read if ADHD is affecting your relationships.‘ADHD 2.0’ by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John Ratey – A newer book that updates the science and strategies for living with ADHD.‘You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?!’ by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo – The title alone was enough to hook me, and the content delivers. It’s funny, insightful, and practical.Social Media Experts and Communities@the_mini_adhd_coach – Bite-sized, super relatable ADHD content.@howtoadhd – Jessica McCabe is a wealth of knowledge and has an incredible way of breaking things down.@neurodivergent_insights – They focus on ADHD, autism, and mental health with great visual explanations.

What happens when the life you built together starts to fall apart? In this very first episode of Almost Grown-Up, my wife, Janna, joins me to talk about how losing my faith nearly wrecked our marriage—and, somehow, made us stronger in the end.We’re diving into the messy middle of our story: the early days of being all-in on church and ministry, the fallout of questioning everything we thought we believed, and how we rebuilt a life and a marriage that’s rooted in loving each other for who we really are—not who we thought we had to be.It’s raw, real, and yes, a little funny, because nothing says “life lessons” like a brunch story that involves unsolicited dick pics.If you’ve ever questioned everything, felt like the ground beneath you was shifting, or wondered how to hold on when it feels like everything’s falling apart—this one’s for you.

Welcome to ‘Almost Grown-Up,’ the podcast for people who are technically adults but still feel like they’re faking it. Hosted by Nic, this show dives into the messy, hilarious, and real moments of life—faith deconstruction, parenting chaos, career upheavals, and everything in between. In this trailer, Nic shares the wake-up call that changed everything, why he’s questioning everything he once believed, and what’s coming next. If you’re ready to laugh, learn, and feel a little less alone in the chaos, hit subscribe and tune in to Episode 1!