We are back after our "Sabbatical" we check in on holiday cooking, enjoying nature, and fascism, you know, the lighter stuff!! As always follow us on Twitter at @JustCheckingPod or email the show at [email protected].   Industrial Whimsy promo code Xmas20 for 20% off here    

This week we discuss how Ben is coping with a family tragedy. We spark a little joy by discussing our favorite conspiracy theories, Kamala Harris, and reality TV. Send us your feedback to [email protected] or tweet us at @JustCheckingPod   Engaging with conspiracy theorists   Visit www.Industrialwhimsy.net and use promocode MitchandBen25 to receive 25% of your entire order!   Pre-Order Zorro's Shadow now!

This week we begin fresh with our new format. We discuss three topics from the grab bag. Join in the discussion by emailing us at [email protected] and follow us on Twitter.   Enjoy!

This week awe are joined by our old college friend Ryan Beaty. We discuss who would win in a fight between his Dad and Father in law. We get his perspective on recent political events and how the absence of sports is affecting our society. As always, you can join in the discussion by emailing us at [email protected] or on Twitter @JustCheckingPod. Enjoy!  

This week we discuss the idea of defunding police and funding social programs. Mitch wears some oddly timed hats. Join the discussion by emailing us at [email protected] or tweeting us @Just CheckingPod   The Suzanne links; Having an important conversations about race: https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716700866/talking-race-with-young-children https://www.parenttoolkit.com/social-and-emotional-development/advice/social-awareness/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-race-and-racism https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1539-talking-to-toddlers-about-differences Check out these resources for building a diverse library for your child: http://hereweeread.com/ https://bookriot.com/2018/09/19/childrens-books-about-diversity/ https://thetinyactivist.com/ https://inclusivestorytime.com/   As an educator, I used this website for a variety of inclusion activities.  It’s worth a look: https://www.tolerance.org/   Enjoy!

This week we check in on a recent trip to Arizona, the George Floyd killing and protests, and what we feel is an appropriate response from white people. Email us your response to the question posed in the episode at [email protected] or Tweet us @JustCheckingPod   Links for topics discussed in the show: Minnesota Paradox Adverse Childhood Experience or ACE Test   Song: "Goes On" David Bazan, Bazan Monthly Vol. 2  

This week we are joined by Louisiana State University History professor, Stephen Andes. He discusses his new book Zorro's Shadow, what a mask means in today's environment, and what education could look like in the future. As always, you can join in on the discussion by emailing us at [email protected] or you can tweet us @JustCheckingPod   You can pre-order Steve's book by clicking here   Enjoy!

This week we catch up on how each other is doing after the "Lost Episode". Enjoyed some Mother's day cake and a found the wild man in a dream. Join in the discussion by sending your questions/comments to [email protected]. Or you can follow us on Twitter @JustCheckingPod

This week we discuss fatigue while raising toddlers, allowing room for the spiritual side of things in therapy, and how not to throw a water balloon. Join in the discussion by sending your feedback to [email protected]     Follow us on Twitter @JustCheckingPod       Theme Music - "You've been had by Agent Orange" - Moss Bluff

This week we answer a listener question, discuss what has brought us joy during the quarantine, and how fear affects responses to this pandemic. Send us your feedback to [email protected] and follow us on Twitter @JustCheckingPod