How Do We Deal?! Coping With the Confounding

What if most of the crap we worry about doesn't matter at all? What if our energy is directed in the wrong places? In this intro to season 4, Dara and Amber kick off a new theme: No one cares! (Or do they?) We're going to look at what matters, and what doesn't, and see if we can find some peace. This season will cover a lot, with huge perspective coming from the national crises unfolding under unfathomable idiocy in leadership. Amber has realized that being ignored by toxic people is freedom, but still struggles with how others perceive and judge neurodivergent people. Dara wonders if maybe she's worrying too much about being a few minutes late to school, or grabbing food out on a busy weeknight once in a while. They both wonder why they care about how aging affects their appearance and realize there is simply no reason to buy new shoes for an event, because no one cares. And that's amazing!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

A new elf arrived in town (Dara caved), belief is on the line (is Santa real?), and there's a lot of decor that may not be necessary (why is Amber doing all this?). Join Dara and Amber as they reflect on holiday magic, madness, wonder, and consumerism, and look back at how we survived and even thrived in the insanity of 2025.Side notes: Amber apologizes for talking too much in this episode and will calm down in 2026. Dara is still developing her "No Social Media Until 18" group and will update us as campaign progress unfolds. Thanks so, so much to all our listeners (Dealers) for coming along for the ride this year!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara and Amber stumbled on a new theory: Everyone is going insane because there's no room for error in today's world. Get sick? You could go bankrupt. Kid won't go to bed? Experts say they're doomed to fail in life. Not on top of work emails? You're on thin ice with your boss.Amber points out that with neurodivergent kids, getting to a pricy therapy appointment on time can be almost impossible because the usual parenting strategies are useless. And in workplaces like Dara's, people's lives are on the line and a mistake could be deadly. No big deal! Listen in as they explore all the ways we need to give ourselves a break (or at least a little grace). Also: Maybe don't allow robots in your home (build a village to help carry the load instead).  Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara and Amber talk about their POVs and experiences related to protecting kids from social media, at least until they turn 18. Dara has started a local movement by forming an alliance of parents who are supporting each other in delaying social media. Amber talks about her own battle to secure her teen's phone and what she learned at a recent school seminar about how phones shape kids' and teens' daily existence.We don't put our kids in the ocean when there's a riptide, yet so many children experience the digital equivalent: algorhythms that pull kids into dangerous online waters. Listen in to hear how Dara and Amber are dealing with this issue, trying to stay sane while keeping their girls safe.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Our world is more confounding than ever, but Dara and Amber are still finding ways to cope, and still laughing whenever possible. In this episode they discuss a recent revelation: that by heeding and not reflexively dismissing a sudden calling to pursue creative inspiration, they found solace, purpose, and a feeling of control in uncertain times. Hear how they listened to gut intuition, without a lick of experience or skill as a basis for their projects (typical!), and dove headfirst into gardening and painting, with shockingly good results. Maybe, just maybe, creativity provides pathways to dealing with these un-dealable times....and this very podcast just could be the ultimate proof of that. They hope that after listening, you'll let your creative spark shine, too.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

As our country spirals deeper into chaos, Dara and Amber continue to cope with the confounding by finding new perspective. This time, they confront the certain yet mysterious fate we all face: death. Dara and Amber reflect on the tragic loss of their dear friend Monica (interviewed last season in her 9th year living with metastatic breast cancer), another friend's need for a life-saving kidney donation, their own experiences with the death of family members... plus black holes, weirdly dark things Dara's kids say, and how 90's fashion was the beginning of the end for our society.  Episode resources:- Kidney donation for Joshua Mason (O blood type donor needed):If you are at all interested or know someone who might be, call the Umass Medical Center Transplant team at 508-334-1269, option #4 (living donation), and indicate that you are calling on behalf of Joshua Mason. You can also reach out to Paula Chesley at [email protected] with any questions. - Theme music by Amanda Zorzihttps://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU?si=OFaXUyJgQKS91AkpC2YXLgMusic by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

This is Part 2 of Dara and Amber's sitdown with Amber's father, Greg. Born in 1949, he's an optimistic yet empathetic guy who reps the best qualities of the Baby Boomer generation. His story prompts us to examine how we choose to respond to change, opportunity, and loss.While Part 1 focused on Greg's early years (growing up, going to Vietnam with the Air Force, and using the GI bill to go to college), Part 2 focuses on loss. In 2019, he lost the amazing woman who his wife, the love of his life, and Amber's mom, Barbara.How do you go on when you lose the one person your whole world has revolved around for close to 50 years? It's almost impossible, but he has found a way to somehow go on. Thank you so much to Greg for sharing so openly about the ups and dows of your incredible life's journey!And thanks as always to Amanda Zorzi for our podcast's theme music. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU?si=wR-qK7dMTy26mS80KHHaBgMusic by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

How do you deal with change, and respond to difficulties and opportunities that emerge along the way? Dara and Amber sat down with Amber's Dad, Greg, to talk about it! In Part 1, we get his take on growing up poor in our Massachusetts hometown in the 50s, including his parents' unique union (urban astral-projecting atheist meets bible-thumping farm boy) and his time in the Air Force, with a tour in Vietnam. Fun fact: He spent most of his childhood with broken front teeth due to lack of dental care, and you'll hear how a British doctor fixed his choppers on an airstrip in Da Nang with no pain meds!Boomers may get a bad rap but we think Greg exemplifies the best of this generation. We hope you agree that it's refreshing to hear the perspective of someone born in 1949 and who carries an appreciation and zest for life despite some hardships. Don't miss your chance to learn from "The Smartest Man in America" (his ridiculous tagline within the family).Thanks as always to Amanda Zorzi for our podcast's theme music. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU?si=wR-qK7dMTy26mS80KHHaBgMusic by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

As parents who often feel like they worry too much, or not enough, or have no idea what they're doing, Dara and Amber were thrillled to connect with the woman dubbed “America’s Worst Mom” only to flip it into a positive movement. Lenore Skenazy sure had a lot of deal with after unleashing a media firestorm with her 2008 column, “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone." But she didn't apologize or back down. Instead, Lenore has been tirelessly advocating for the common-sense notion that our kids are safer and smarter than our culture gives them credit for. We talked to her about her journey as a parent, and how she so bravely swam against the current of parental anxiety, using research, data and her own experience to illuminate the dangers of keeping kids insulated from the world. In 2018, she co-founded Let Grow, the nonprofit with a mission to give kids back the developmentally crucial independence that was deleted from childhood. She has lectured at corporations, conferences and schools across the country, and even the Bulgarian Happiness Festival. You may have seen her on The Today Show, The Daily Show, Dr. Phil, or her own reality show, World’s Worst Mom. Before all this, she was a reporter and columnist at The New York Daily News and New York Sun. Lenore lives in New York City with her husband and beloved computer. Her sons are gainfully employed.EPISODE LINKSThanks as always to Amanda Zorzi for our podcast's theme music. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU?si=wR-qK7dMTy26mS80KHHaBgLearn more about Let Grow:https://letgrow.org/Read the column by Lenore that started it all:https://www.nysun.com/article/opinion-why-i-let-my-9-year-old-ride-subway-aloneGet Lenore's book, Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow:https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/free-range-kids-giving-our-children-the-freedom-we-had-without-going-nuts-with-worry_lenore-skenazy/291195/item/3850903/Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara and Amber often chat about the crime and violence in the news, but it's hard to grasp. Are we too worried due to 24/7 media alarmism? Not worried enough? Is violence crime rising or falling? What causes all the violence in our society, anyway? They were lucky enough to get some answers from a special guest: criminologist and professor Dr. Mark A. Winton, who gave fascinating insights on violentization theory as a basis for how people become violent. Hopefully, deeper understanding can help us all deal just a little better. Dr. Winton is a Senior Lecturer with the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida, has a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Connecticut and is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Forensic Counselor and National Certified Counselor. He teaches various courses including Criminal Profiling, Serial Murder, Genocide, Terrorism, Sex Crimes, Hate Crimes, and Mental Disorders and Crime. Dr. Winton has also coauthored two books and published articles on sex crimes, genocide, torture, and family violence. He was also interviewed for the documentary “Why They Kill: The Creation of the Dangerous Violent Criminals."Follow Dr. Mark Winton on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fore...Learn more on his YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@netsociologistRead his bio:https://ccie.ucf.edu/person/ma...As always, thanks to Amanda Zorzi for our theme music! Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artis...Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

We're back! And our podcast title is more relevant than ever. Dara and Amber talk about how they're dealing with and resisting the dismantling of democracy, and how history and the universe are providing much needed perspective in the midst of confounding events.  Episode links: - https://www.discoveryplus.com/... series - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/.../28 Economic Blackout - https://thepeoplesunionusa.com... way down on the People's Union home page) Thank you to https://open.spotify.com/artis... for our podcast intro and outro music! Note: Please forgive some small glitches in this episode. We're continuing to work on audio quality!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara and Amber call Ebony their icon of positivity, guru of self-care, and Vitamin E, because of the boost her presence provides! So they brought her on the podcast to find out just how she keeps her light so uhnbelievably bright. As always, Ebony delivered, with insights on how positivity is a choice (not always easy, even for her), tips on improving self-talk, and so much more. Dara met her at work, where Ebony rose from administrative work to influential leadership positions driving initatives in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Employee Policies, and Wellbeing and Mental Health. Her mission is to not just live life authentically but to foster a culture of holistic well-being and inclusivity, both professionally and through her joyful social media engagement.Listen now and get your daily dose of Vitamin E!Visit Ebony's professional website:https://livingauthenticallyhappy.com/Find Ebony on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ebonytravis/Editing by Dara. Music by Amanda Zorzi.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Get ready to treat your ears and heart. Dara and Amber are huge fans of the alternative, dreamy pop songs of Amanda Zorzi, the Philly-based songwriter/independent artist who generously created the theme song for this podcast! But they're even bigger fans of her as a human. Amanda is a certified music therapist, foster mom to dogs in need of homes, and a professional advocate for neuro-inclusive workplaces (a path that connected her to Amber).Music has always been and remains a main source of expression and comfort for her. In this conversation, you'll not only hear about how the process of musicmaking and performing unfolds for Amanda, but how it helps her deal with challenges, fears, and whatever's going on in her life. Listen in full to the song by Amanda that Dara and Amber literally fell in love with (Keep Me Awake), and in the episode closing, hear the first song she released (Stealing Pictures). Find and follow Amanda Zorzi on Spotify.Remember to follow the show, give a 5-star review, or tell a friend! Thank you for supporting "How Do We Deal?!" Coping with the confounding is much easier with a village (even a tiny one).Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara and Amber have wanted Michael Henry on the pod since day one. Partly because a legal mind is needed to make sense of, and deal with, confounding gun and abortion laws. But also because his perspective is uniquely insightful. Before Michael was a health sciences lawyer (and for a few years, Dara's colleague), he was an NCIS Special Agent serving in the Middle East and East Africa. With his military bonafides and roots in Texas and North Carolina, you might assume certain red state stereotypes. Yet he's a definitively independent thinker, muscle-bound and covered in horror-themed tattoos.We covered a lot of legal, political and cultural ground in this episode. In a society throttled by extreme voices from the left and right, we hope you'll be as uplifted as we were to hear a powerful but reasonable voice for a change. While he informed us, Michael didn't claim to know all the answers but invited us to think deeper. The question may not be, "Why can't we enact reasonable legislation to protect women's rights and prevent school shootings?" but "What in our society has gone wrong to get us here?"Our music is by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Editing by Dara.Please boost our un-monetized morale with a five-star review, by telling a friend and/or following the show on your favorite streaming platform. Thank you for your support!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Struggling to deal with the loss of their husbands, one to the trap of addiction and one to a shockingly sudden death, Nicole and Suzanne connected and soon bonded over wine and karaoke. In this refreshingly candid "How Do We Deal?!" chat, they share how their friendship, forged out of grief and sustained by humor, helps them manage and embrace their lives as solo parents. Suzanne and Nicole give their hilarious and insightful takes on caring for their children as they all grieve, and the oddities of a social world that can't seem to handle the very common, fundamental topics of death or divorce (not to mention the people in the throes of them).Dara and Amber were blown away by their strength and wit, as they confronted the full weight and gravity of having recently lost their spouses. Nicole and Suzanne still haven't identified their signature karaoke songs, but they do have a lot of wisdom and laughter to share! Podcast theme music by the soulful and talented https://open.spotify.com/artis...Editing by Dara the amazing. We're always grateful for a follow, 5-star review, or a quick share-with-a-friend. Thank you for listening and supporting "How Do We Deal?!" We hope it helps you deal, just a little bit better, each day.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

In this special episode recorded in Mexico during a trip to see Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Dara interviews fellow DMB super fan and podcast host Renae Lipsmeyer. On "The Space Between Podcast," with close to 100 episodes released, Renae tells the story of DMB fans and how the band has been transforming and enriching lives for over 30 years. In her conversation with Dara, Renae shares her own journey, including how podcasting about the music she loves may have saved her life. Channeling her passion for the band into meaningful conversations on her podcast helped her deal with severe depression while working as a nurse during the pandemic. With heartfelt insight and humor, Dara and Renae also discuss what makes DMB so uniquely powerful to so many people, and what the band (and the experience of connecting with other fans, especially at live shows) means to them.You can find https://podcasts.apple.com/us/...You can also watch https://www.youtube.com/@kissonthelipsmeyerYou can find and connect with https://www.facebook.com/profi...Thanks to https://open.spotify.com/artis... for How Do We Deal's music!Support "How Do We Deal?!" by giving us a follow or a 5-star review, or tell one person you think might like the show! We're grateful for all our "Dealers."Find us online at https://www.howdowedeal.com/.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Our friend Bernard Grant, Ph.D. is many things, all of them remarkable. Multiply neurodivergent, they are an Autistic advocate, life coach to Autistics and parents seeking insight from an Autistic person on how better to support their Autistic children, neurodiversity trainer, award-winning writer of fiction and essays, and talented editor. To say that our conversation opened our eyes and minds would be the understatement of the century. You do not want to miss the opportunity hear their unique, clarifying perspective on everything from Autistic vs. neurotypical culture, racelessness and why racializing people perpetuates racism, and how they finally learned to love themself and disregard the judgements of (neurotypical) others during the calm and stillness provided by the pandemic. We loved our discussion so much, we look forward to having them back soon. Listen now, and you'll walk away with potentially life-changing insight!Links for resources mentioned in our discussion, and some definitions of terms that many may not be familiar with, are below.LINKS:Bernard's professional website: bernardgrant.comFollow Bernard on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bernardgrantHigh five habit with Mel Robbins on Instagram: @high5habitSheena Michele Mason's substack on racelessness: racelessness.substack.comYoga Nidra meditation playlist on YouTubePercival Everett's novel: ErasureTERMS:PDA: Pathological demand avoidance, while framed negatively by the medical establishment, applies to a neurotype with an intense need for autonomy and whose nervous system is set on alert by external demands.Info dumping: A form of communication reserved for trusted connections, in which a person shares in-depth, detailed information about a specific interest or passion.Dyspraxia: Also sometimes called developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), a neurological difference affecting movement and co-ordination (not related to intelligence or intellect). Increases the difficulty of tasks requiring balance or fine-tuned motor skills, like playing sports or learning to drive a car.CREDITS:Hosted by Dara and Amber.Music by Amanda Zorzi.Editing by Dara.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

This is the second and final part of Dara and Amber's powerful discussion Monica Jones, our childhood friend and an incredibly strong and kind human. She shares what it's like to deal with a terminal diagnosis, metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer, and reflects on defying the odds for almost a decade. In this episode, you'll also hear about her hopes and boundless love for her daughter, how this diagnosis has shaped relationships, what her friends' and family's support means to her, and how she focuses on the positive as much as possible. Listen and you're sure to be deeply moved and inspired, with room for some laughter, as we all learn from Moni in the ultimate "How Do We Deal?!" conversation. Our deepest gratitude to Moni for her time and openness in sharing. We love you, Moni! We are sending out into the universe a call and intention for science to find the right medications to keep you with us forever! And we can't emphasize this enough: F*CK CANCER!Note: Metastatic breast cancer research is under-funded. While 30% of breast cancer patients will metasticize, only 2-5% of funding raised for breast cancer research goes to this form of the disease. To educate yourself or help fund research, see the links below.Donate to MBC research and find resources:METAvivor (Metastatic Breast Cancer Research and Support)https://www.metavivor.org/Learn about MBC:Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Metastatic Breast Cancer Program)https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/breast-oncology/programs/metastatic-breast-cancerMusic by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

F*CK CANCER. In part 1 of 2 in the ultimate "How Do We Deal?!" discussion, we welcome childhood friend (from our Massachusetts hometown) and certified badass Monica Jones, who has been living with metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer for over nine years. During that time, she became a parent, defied odds and expectations, and jumped into fierce, much-needed advocacy to help address the most deadly type of breast cancer, which is severely underfunded and poorly understood by most. Get to know the amazing force that is Monica. Find out what it's like to deal with a terminal diagnosis, on top of all the other big and small struggles we all face, while cultivating hope. Learn how best to support friends facing this situation. And become aware of the biggest threat to women's health you've likely never heard of. Monica is an incredibly strong person, with whom we also have fun reminiscing, so you don't want to miss this! METAvivor (Metastatic Breast Cancer Research and Support)https://www.metavivor.org/Dana-Farber Cancer Institutehttps://www.dana-farber.org/ Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara and Amber are back, bae-bae! In the season 2 intro episode, they get hyped and give a preview of the issues and guestperts coming up on the podcast. This season brings a new format by welcoming friends with unique experiences and expertise that can give us all insight on how to deal. Join our hosts as they look forward to the discussions ahead, sharing thoughts, questions and a few laughs on everything from fitness habits to the roots of crime, the seismic shock of grief to the power of music, everyday self-care to the eternal afterlife... and more!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

In the season 1 finale, Dara and Amber look back, and forward, talking about the experience of podcasting, how they've dealt with the vulnerability, what they've learned, and the feedback they've received. As your hosts look to season 2, they prepare to welcome guestperts to tackle important topics, including everything from gun violence to self care. Hear about how it's gone, what the podcast and the listeners they call "Dealers" have meant to them, and the best that's yet to come. And get ready for a new level of dealing this fall!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

What is normal? It depends. But as podcasters, our new normal is getting positive, fun, and relevant input from our Dealers! In the course of day-to-day life, "normal" means something different to Dara and Amber. As the neurodivergent parent of an autistic child, Amber assumed the idea of "normal" was oppressive and bad. Dara realizes how important "normal" was to her, while growing up, as a survival tactic. Staying in the middle of the pack felt safer, but is it now affecting how she parents her children? Amber also has a realization when Dara points out that some degree of "normal" is important for humans, because being constantly surprised and thrown off guard (like during the pandemic) is unsustainable. Bizarrely, they create an episode-specific theme song. Listen for it.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara and Amber realize that while stereotypes divide us, they're also how our brains make sense of a fast-moving, diverse world. So how do we deal? By pausing to reflect on the assumptions we make, and the limits we place on the fullness of others' being. Dara and Amber explore input from our listeners (whom we lovingly refer to as "Dealers") on the stereotypes they face in their own lives. Your hosts also realize that they hold different stereotypes for the very same group (drivers of fancy cars). Do you stereotype? Pause, reflect, and be human with us. Life is ridiculous.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Social media can connect us across miles and years. But it’s also implicated in harming mental health–and the Senate is currently considering a ban for kids under 13. It's part of our lives, for better or worse, so how do we deal? Dara chooses to share and see the sunny side–emphasizing that obviously no one’s life is perfect–while keeping tabs on people she loves and is inspired by. Amber has finally learned to stop engaging in pointless political debates, and embraces a mantra of “balance” in setting boundaries for her teen daughter. They arrive at a couple of key takeaways, while wondering about the metaverse and why it makes any sense at all--if so, can they start a virtual farm?Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Anxiety is on the rise–and with all that’s going on, it’s no wonder. But we can’t let anxiety own us, so how do we deal? Dara slyly tries to skirt-skirt the issue, then dives in to realize how she gets angry to avoid feeling out of control. Amber’s life was absolutely ruled by anxiety–until motherhood led to an epiphany, medication, and change. A catchphrase from Dara’s mentor (“live lightly”) helps crystallize the issue in brilliant fashion. Mini revelations and big laughs ensue. (As per usual.)Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

We stayed out until the street lights came on. We went from typewriters to computers and we were the original hose influencers. "Parenting" wasn't even a verb when we were kids. Now we, Generation X, are parents of the Gen Zers and Alphas. There are no clear-cut rules except you must watch your children at all times! You must strategize and enforce screen time limits on ever present iPads and tablets. So how do we deal with parenting in such a quickly changing world? Join us as we try to find some solid ground, and reminisce about everything from bags of change to shady white vans!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

How do we deal with aging? It happens to every single one of us, if we're lucky. The alternative to aging is not something anybody would choose, yet we invest money, effort and energy into fighting it. Join us to hear about faces melting like candles, an optometrist trip leading to temporary readers--that immediately became permanent, the demise of happy hours, the rise of silver foxes, and our decision to have a gray off.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

April Fools! We’re taking a step back from the seriousness of the world to have a few laughs with you! We talk about Amber’s last name destiny. We hear Dara’s youngest child tell a joke. Dara and Amber’s outtakes and some hometown friends who keep us laughing!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

As a proud ADHD-er and mom of an autistic child, Amber shares her thoughts on the meaning, challenges and importance of neurodiversity and inclusion. Dara makes a key connection on the topic of masking and the extra energy it takes to translate socially and linguistically. Dara also shares a story of how she learned to meet someone where they were thanks to the shared knowledge from Amber. Dara was amazed with how uplifting and rewarding it felt to be able to recognize the difference, support a person which really opened her eyes to neurodiversity.Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Dara shares her experience growing up as a brown girl in mostly white Massachusetts town. Is it in her head or has she been gaslit her entire life? Amber brings the white girl perspective on being racist!Music by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU

Welcome to "How Do We Deal: Coping with the Confounding" with Amber and Dara, where we talk about the inspiration of this podcast and then give a preview of their next two episodes, Racism and Neurodiversity.Our website:How Do We Deal Our music:Amanda ZorziOur editor:David SantosMusic by the talented Amanda Zorzi. Find her on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7xuppzxE0ntRhDNncNtU