This time of year is always a tough one for families, as back-to-school bumps in the road collide with a myriad of challenging family dynamics. It's even tougher this year as we hardly know what normal is anymore. This week we are back with a little chat about how we might all support each other. The struggle is real.

Better.

The Fall Family Blues

Second week in a row for us! We're here talking about the mind-blowing experience we had at the Banksy exhibit and how it reminded John of his brother Tom's artwork, how great art can inspire and move us to emotions, updates on Julie's studio, and more!

Banksy, Art, and Emotions

We're back in the studio! This week we're talking about the amazing view we had of the Chicago Air & Water show from our balcony, and some thoughts on death-defying stunts, getting back to school, and staying connected to good friends and important moments in these strange times we live in.

Defying Death

Somewhere between Delta variants and Julie having to unexpectedly relocate her new studio, we've had a bit of a week. While unforeseen setbacks can be frustrating and even devastating at times, within that is a tremendous opportunity to create an even better circumstance if we are willing to see it that way. We're talking about that, Simone Biles, and more - this week on Better!

Embrace The Pivot

Today we are podcasting from our downtown closet talking about everything from the power of dance to why we watch and read what we do. We end with a few back to school tips. Enjoy!

A Closet Conversation

In this episode, we wrap up pride month as we talk about the amazing parenting opportunities that present themselves when your child is different than you maybe thought. And how we all can be better at turning toward the unique qualities in each other - and prevent a lot of heartbreak.

Pride 2021: A Parenting Opportunity

Today we are talking about our pandemic take-aways and the importance of taking the time to process all that we've experienced. As things return to "normal" we realize many of the memories, good and bad, feel like they're slipping away. So take a beat and talk it all through. We're all changed. "Let's get back to normal as soon as possible...as if normal was anything to aspire to." - Russell Brand, on "Armchair Expert"  

Processing The Pandemic

Today we are talking about a couple of John's new articles for CNN. We are breaking down the new gray divorce trend - a topic sparked by the Bill & Melinda Gates divorce and also discussing the stress of moving out of Covid restrictions.

Gray Divorce & Maskless Faces

Julie just opened a new art studio in the city and we were back in the stands for a Cubs game. Finding hope and joy as spring springs.

A Little Joy: Art and Baseball

Jessica Lahey is the NYT best-selling author of a brilliant new book, "The Addiction Inoculation," out this week. Here, she has a LOT to share about her own addiction and recovery, the science of addiction, and ways in which we can truly mitigate substance use and abuse in our kids. There are revelations in here. This is a must-listen.

The Addiction Inoculation with Jessica Lahey

It's been a year since we first locked down. Today we are talking about the "wall" we've all hit and Julie shares her wake up call.

Coronaversary and a Wake Up Call

Today on the podcast we have Sue Borison of Your Teen Media, who is here to talk with John about all things raising teenagers. They discuss how to navigate the biggest problems affecting teenagers today, the importance of open communication, the role fear plays in parenting, and more!

On Raising Modern Teens with Sue Borison of Your Teen Media

We finally took the quiz and today we are discussing what we learned about our "love" priorities. Spoiler alert: don't touch John.

We Found Out Our Love Languages

This week, John is joined by Dr. Helen Odessky to talk all about her new book, "Stop Fear From Stopping You." They talk about the difference between fear and anxiety, how to tell the difference between good fear and bad fear, and much more!

Stop Fear From Stopping You with Dr. Helen Odessky

Today, we are talking about a little bit of everything - inauguration, insurrection, Bridgerton...but mainly, when you set an intention, the amazing things you can find and learn while out walking in the city.

Lessons Learned From Walking, Watching, and Lucy the Dog

Dr. John Duffy, clinical psychologist, best-selling author and parenting and relationship expert, is joined by his wife, Julie, to talk about how to make life, parenting, marriage, and family better.

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Better.

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