This week is a full on catch up with all the chaos we swear is “normal” at this point. Becky officially enters her sourdough era (starter, folds, the whole nine yards) and brings two kindergarten stories that prove you truly can’t be prepared for what five year olds will say, especially when bathroom help is involved. Allyson shares a birthday weekend tradition that takes a turn when one kid gets sick plus a surprise snow day and the very real Indiana obsession with delays (weather… or basketball… or both). And Katie recaps marathon weekend: carb loading, expo crowds, and a finish line moment that turns into a “guardian angel” story, complete with salt tabs, a Boston Qualifier, and a new coffee date. Same friends, same chaos… and somehow, it all comes full circle.

We’re kicking off a refreshed season of the podcast with a new pace and a slightly reworked format, shorter episodes, more current updates, and plenty of room for real life catch ups. This episode is less about a single topic and more about reconnecting, checking in, and easing into what this next season will look like.Katie is in full marathon weekend mode, from carb loading and expo crowds to race day traditions that have become events of their own. Allyson and Becky share what it’s been like stepping back into teacher life after break. Planning ahead when you can, adjusting on the fly when you can’t, and navigating testing season, class sizes, and the never ending juggle of work and home life.It’s the same friends, the same chaos, and the same relatable conversations, just with a new rhythm that fits real life a little better.

A fresh start without the pressure—just real talk, small wins, and big-picture goals for 2026.

It’s officially post-Christmas, winter break is here, and the girls are in that weird in-between space where Friday feels like a month ago—but the new year is right around the corner. In this episode, they debrief the last chaotic days before break (winter performances, a surprisingly peaceful “three-kids-left” classroom miracle, sock exchanges, escape rooms, and finally an approved Grinch watch), while also looking ahead to what January can bring.

From running goals and race planning (Katie heads into marathon season with a January 11th finish line in sight) to the teacher “fresh start” that hits differently than a typical calendar-year reset, the conversation is a mix of practical, funny, and honest. They chat gym crowds, travel chaos, why teachers think in school-years instead of calendar years, and how it feels when former students are suddenly grown enough to work alongside you.

Plus: a little elf mischief, a lost tooth surprise, and a reminder that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be intense—bulleted lists are welcome, vision boards are optional (and may cause anxiety). The girls wrap up by inviting listeners to share their own resolutions, traditions, or goals so they can spotlight them in the next episode.