Shows
The Gag is… PodcastFinding Your Balance in the Back-to-School ChaosSend us a textWe need to focus not just on getting our kids ready for back-to-school season, but also ensuring we're taking care of ourselves as parents because without us there's no them, and without them there's no us.• Take time to just breathe - whatever happens, it's going to be okay• Create a plan for your school-year routine, but view times as guidelines, not rigid requirements• Give yourself a gradual wake-up time instead of jumping out of bed• Coffee and tea will be your best friend, but budget for it - create...2025-07-3123 minThe Gag is… PodcastNavigating Back-to-School Shopping: Elementary to Middle School GuideSend us a textThe back-to-school season brings challenges for parents navigating lengthy supply lists and deciding between self-shopping versus purchasing pre-packaged kits from schools.• Elementary school supply lists grow longer each year with each teacher requiring different items• Self-shopping allows budget control with many supplies costing under a dollar during sales• Pre-packaged elementary supply kits cost $100-167 but save valuable time for busy parents• Middle school supplies are more specialized with specific color-coding requirements by subject• Middle school students are notoriously hard on folders and supplies, making extras essential• Community su...2025-07-2531 minThe Gag is… PodcastBack-to-School Prep: Emergency Contacts MatterSend us a textReturning with another back-to-school preparation episode, I focus on the critical importance of keeping your emergency contact information updated with your child's school. • Working in schools taught me how common it is for emergency contact numbers to be disconnected or outdated• Parents often forget to update contact information during school transitions (elementary to middle, middle to high)• In emergencies, schools sometimes must send police to homes only to find families have moved• Choose emergency contacts who are reliable, have transportation, and can actually respond if called• Provide teachers wi...2025-07-1823 minThe Gag is… PodcastBack-to-School Health Essentials: Physicals, Medications & MoreSend us a textCharlie Shante discusses the importance of scheduling back-to-school health appointments early to ensure your child starts the school year with all required medical clearances and in good health.• Start scheduling physical exams and immunization appointments in May-June while appointments are still available • Avoid using urgent care for school physicals as they don't know your child's full medical history• Make sure medication forms are completed and submitted to school with copies for your records• Consider creating an emergency info card with medication dosages for your child's backpack• Schedule vision and...2025-06-2725 minThe Gag is… PodcastFirst Impressions Start Young: Building Character Through CourtesySend us a textManners matter, and I've noticed an alarming decline in basic courtesy among children today, creating challenges for both adults and other kids who interact with them.• Children as young as five or six showing shocking disrespect to adults and peers• Parents often defend or deny their children's behavior instead of correcting it• Children should display good manners consistently, not just when parents are present• First impressions based on manners can open or close doors of opportunity• Even talented kids get overlooked when they display toxic attitudes• Teaching bas...2025-06-2022 minThe Gag is… PodcastRestructuring Your Life: Breaking Down the Path to Self-ImprovementSend us a textBreaking life into manageable pieces can make restructuring your life more achievable, just like eating a pizza is easier when it's sliced rather than trying to consume it whole. Using a "four quarters" approach helps identify goals, gather resources, develop self-determination, and create a sustainable game plan.• Identifying what you want to accomplish in both personal and professional aspects of life• Building a supportive network of people who offer rational perspective and genuine help• Changing negative thought patterns through daily affirmations and inspirational content• Creating sustainable plans to maintain...2025-06-1330 minThe Gag is… PodcastKids, Camps, and Climbing Utility Bills: A Parent's Summer RealitySend us a textSummer brings unique challenges for parents as they navigate planning activities, managing increased expenses, and keeping kids constructively occupied during the break. From sports commitments that don't pause for summer to the mysterious phenomenon of children who suddenly develop insatiable appetites the moment school ends, this episode tackles the realities of summer parenting with humor and practical advice.• Summer sports programs can provide structure but require significant time and energy from parents• Summer camps offer engagement but require early registration (February/March) and budget planning with costs ranging dramatically• Boys a...2025-05-3032 minThe Gag is… PodcastMemorial Day vs Veterans Day: Honor the Fallen CorrectlySend us a textMemorial Day is specifically for honoring military personnel who died in service to the country, not to be confused with Veterans Day which honors all who have served. I share my personal experience as a military widow and why the common phrase "Happy Memorial Day" is deeply painful for those who have lost loved ones in service.• Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May and is a day to mourn and honor deceased service members• Many people incorrectly conflate Memorial Day with Veterans Day (in November)• The confus...2025-05-2323 minThe Gag is… PodcastWhen Your Kid Leaves You Hanging: A Mother's Day SpecialSend us a textCharlie shares a heartfelt and unfiltered Mother's Day episode after her son's brief attempt to take over leaves her scrambling to create content. She opens up about her 25 years of motherhood, the joys and challenges of raising children, and why she wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.• Original plan for son to host the Mother's Day episode fell through when he only recorded a few minutes• Being a mother for 25 years with a significant age gap between her children• Balancing life as a single mother with no co...2025-05-0923 minThe Gag is… PodcastNavigating Life's Turbulence: Getting Back to Basics When Everything Gets OverwhelmingSend us a textLife is a cyclical journey of growth, discomfort, and returning to basics. When overwhelm strikes, reconnecting with fundamental self-care practices can restore balance and prepare us for the next phase of personal evolution.• Discomfort often signals upcoming growth and transformation• Getting back to basics helps rebuild a solid foundation when life feels unsteady• Small daily practices like morning walks and stretching can significantly boost energy levels• Trust your intuition when it warns you about upcoming challenges• Storms aren't meant to break you, but to strengthen and teach you•...2025-04-2517 minThe Gag is… PodcastEaster Memories and Modern DilemmasSend us a textEaster traditions create a stark contrast between childhood memories and adult responsibilities, highlighting the evolution of holiday celebrations within Baptist church communities.• Childhood Easter fashion included pageant-like dresses, frilly socks, patent leather shoes, and hair styled with beads and Blue Magic grease• Easter speeches required weeks of preparation and practice for children to perform in front of the congregation• Community Easter egg hunts featured age-specific areas and special prizes for finding golden eggs• Adult Easter brings uncertainty about cooking plans and holiday responsibilities without the structured church activities• Mo...2025-04-1820 minThe Gag is… PodcastPlay Hard, Rest Hard: Nurturing Young Athletes for SuccessSend us a textA conversation around the necessity of balancing sports with rest reveals vital insights into maintaining young athletes' health. Discover effective strategies for supporting children and respecting their limits while fostering a love for athletics.• Importance of regular rest breaks for kids involved in sports • Impact of over-scheduling on children's wellbeing • Dynamic of parent support versus pressure in youth sports • Strategies for integrating recovery practices into athletic routines • Emphasizing communication and encouragement over criticism • Fostering a positive environment in competitive sports settings Support the show2025-02-2827 minThe Gag is… PodcastBeyond Grades: Emotional Health and Academic GrowthSend us a textExpectations placed on children have evolved, but the impact of perfectionism often harms their mental health and social skills. This episode prompts parents to reconsider how they nurture their child's development, aiming for balance and communication rather than rigid standards. • Addressing the pressure for perfection in children • Exploring cultural expectations and their influence on parenting • The importance of letting kids have downtime and social interactions • Rethinking perfect attendance and its relevance in children's lives • Encouragement for parents to communicate openly with their children • Discussing the physical and mental burden of o...2025-02-2120 minThe Gag is… PodcastLaughter, Love, and Lessons: Navigating Dating Disasters and Celebrating Galentine's DaySend us a textThis episode humorously explores the absurdities of modern dating on International Loveless Day, as Charli and her best friend Suzanne share their wild and cringe-worthy dating tales. The conversation delves into understanding love's many expressions beyond romantic norms, emphasizing friendship and the power of laughter in navigating life's romantic disasters.• Examining the pitfalls of modern dating • Sharing awkward and hilarious dating experiences • Highlighting the importance of self-love and friendship • Celebrating Galentine’s Day as an alternative to Valentine’s • Discussing societal pressures surrounding love and romance • Reflecting on red fla...2025-02-1441 minThe Gag is… PodcastReflections on Grief and Personal GrowthSend us a textThis episode explores the journey of grief and healing following the 18-year anniversary of the host's husband's passing. It delves into the complexities of experiencing joy alongside sorrow, the relevance of therapeutic support, the ethics of monetizing grief, and the personal growth that emerges from loss. • Acknowledging the anniversary of loss while pursuing happiness• Understanding that two contradictory emotions can coexist • The role of therapy in managing grief • Reflections on online grief communities and their impact • Discussing the ethics of "grief for pay" • Personal anecdotes of growing up as a w...2025-02-0732 minThe Gag is… PodcastRethinking Health: Beyond Diets and Calorie CountingSend us a textThis episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of muscle groups and the significance of setting realistic fitness goals while navigating nutrition. It addresses the dangers of fad diets, discusses the importance of flexible, personalized nutrition, and advocates for a grounded approach to supplements and fitness.• The relationship between hamstrings and glutes for muscle development • Strategies for setting and resetting fitness goals after setbacks • The importance of individualized nutrition over generalized elimination diets • Understanding that you cannot starve your body to lose weight • The necessity of maintaining a healthy balance of fat and pro...2025-01-2432 minThe Gag is… PodcastUnmasking Fitness Myths and Embracing RealitySend us a textBonnie Maxon Lee shares her extraordinary journey from professional wrestling to fitness excellence, emphasizing the importance of accountability and self-advocacy in health. The discussion covers the pitfalls of fad diets, the impact of fitness influencers, and practical strategies for sustainable well-being.• Importance of having a coach for accountability • Avoiding fad diets and focusing on sustainability • Bonnie’s car accident and its impact on her fitness journey • Empowering oneself through self-advocacy in recovery • Addressing misconceptions surrounding fitness influencers • Strategies for building a healthy and balanced lifestyle Support the show2025-01-1721 minThe Gag is… PodcastAuthentic Growth and Realistic Goals for the New YearSend us a textThis episode invites listeners to reconsider the phrase "New Year, New Me" and explore the concept of "New Year, Improved Me." We discuss setting realistic goals, the importance of balancing nutrition and fitness, managing time effectively, maintaining meaningful relationships, and embracing self-acceptance without losing authenticity. • Celebrating the arrival of 2025 • Challenging the idea of complete reinvention • Importance of setting achievable fitness and nutrition goals • Strategies for effective time management • Navigating personal and professional responsibilities • Fostering authentic relationships amid growth • The significance of self-acceptance Support the showFollow...2025-01-0329 minThe Gag is… PodcastFrom Cringe to Courage: A Year in ReviewSend us a textLaughter and reflection take center stage as we celebrate 50 episodes of the Gag Is Pod while looking back at the wild ride of 2024. Join me as we discuss parenting expectations, customer service frustrations, and resilience during hurricane season, all wrapped up in humor and personal growth. • Celebrating the 50th episode • Reflecting on the highlights of 2024 • Navigating unreasonable kids' food expectations • Discussing expectations in customer service • Sharing personal stories about generosity and boundaries • Overcoming hurricane damage and its emotional impact • Highlighting personal growth through adversity • Closing with a hopeful message f...2024-12-2745 minThe Gag is… PodcastThe Art of Holiday Gift Giving and Merry MomentsSend us a textAmidst the chaos of the holiday season, Charli navigates the humorous and relatable intricacies of Christmas traditions, gift exchanges, and family expectations. • Exploring the evolution of family Christmas traditions • Sharing humorous experiences from Christmas morning • Navigating workplace gift exchanges and creativity • Discussing the significance and implications of gift cards • Highlighting the whimsical fun of Elf on the Shelf • Encouraging reflections on personal holiday stories and experiences Support the showFollow us on Instagram! @thegagispodEmail:TheGagIsPod@gmail.com2024-12-2025 minThe Gag is… PodcastFrom Storms to Serenity: A Birthday ReflectionSend us a textEver wondered how a birthday celebrated on Friday the 13th could become a personal new year filled with hope and renewal? Join me as I embrace the mystical charm of my unique birthday and reflect on the past year's journey of patience, understanding, and growth. Discover the invaluable lessons in prioritizing self-care and letting go of the uncontrollable. With an optimistic heart, I share my aspirations for a fresh start, focusing on what truly matters to me and my family.From weathering the storms—literally, thanks to a hurricane—to finding grat...2024-12-1323 minThe Gag is… PodcastRebuilding Life After the StormSend us a textWhat happens when life throws you the ultimate curveball, forcing you to rely on community, faith, and sheer ingenuity to survive? Join me as I recount my firsthand experience of enduring back-to-back hurricanes in Florida and the chaos that followed. From the gut-wrenching sight of my home damaged and streets blocked by fallen trees, to the creative solutions we devised to keep food on the table and my oxygen-dependent mother safe, this episode is a heartfelt exposition of resilience in the face of nature's fury. As we navigate the struggle of five days...2024-12-0626 minThe Gag is… PodcastMastering Black Friday: Smart Shopping Strategies and Budgeting TipsSend us a textWhat if you could transform your chaotic, impulse-driven shopping habits into a finely-tuned strategy that saves money and reduces stress? Join me as I recount my evolution from a spontaneous Black Friday enthusiast to a meticulous planner, bringing my best friend along for this exciting journey. This year, with hurricane damage prompting some necessary household upgrades, my priorities are clear: essentials like housewares, towels, and furniture. We’ll also discuss those surprising pre-Black Friday gems I found at the Nike outlet and track down the perfect pair of headphones.Expect to wa...2024-11-2931 minThe Gag is… PodcastCelebrating Traditions and Thanksgiving TwistsSend us a textBattling a cold couldn't keep me away from the mic as I dive back into the podcasting world just in time for Sagittarius season! With my birthday on the horizon (hello, December 13th!), I'm bursting with excitement and a head full of thoughts on Thanksgiving traditions. Ever seen those bizarre culinary experiments on social media? Trust me, that's a rabbit hole you don't want to tumble down—especially when it comes to sacred dishes like macaroni and cheese. Join me as I share a chuckle over those odd ingredients some folks dare to th...2024-11-2221 minThe Gag is… PodcastConfronting Cleanliness: Hygiene Habits, Roommate Realities, and Restaurant RevelationsSend us a textTO CELEBRATE THE 1ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHOW, WE ARE THROWING IT BACK TO THE VERY FIRST EPISODE!!Ever found yourself stuck in a standoff with a pile of dirty dishes or a laundry basket that's become a Mount Everest of socks? Join us for a hilarious and eye-opening conversation with Marco Polo as we confront the messy realities of adulting. We dish out personal stories and experiences, shedding light on the surprising (and sometimes gross) habits people have around cleanliness. From neglected shared spaces to the mystery of why some people...2024-10-0426 minThe Gag is… PodcastRaising Awareness: School Safety and Social MediaSend us a textAs a parent, I've faced the heart-wrenching ordeal of school lockdowns, living in constant fear for my child's safety. Join me, Charli Chanté, as I open up about my personal experiences and frustrations with gun violence in schools on this emotionally charged episode of The Gag Is Podcast. We reflect on the devastating effect recent school shootings have on students, families, and entire communities, underscoring the urgent need for collective awareness and action. This discussion isn't just a call to arms; it's a plea for the safety of our children and the sanctity o...2024-09-2033 minThe Gag is… PodcastNavigating Adult Friendships: Betrayals, Red Flags, and LoyaltySend us a textHave you ever felt betrayed by someone you considered a close friend? Join me as I unravel my experiences and observations about adult friendships, emphasizing why quality triumphs over quantity. Through personal stories involving my friends Tarvis, Tiffany, and Nikki, we'll navigate the red flags that are often ignored, the betrayals that can stem from such oversights, and the vital role of loyalty and karma in maintaining genuine connections. You'll gain valuable insights into why it's crucial to surround yourself with true friends who stand by you through thick and thin....2024-09-1331 min