KNOCK IT OFF Podcast

Better Late Than Never . . .. . . Better Wrong Than Never. Our monthly unscripted Knock It Off Convo.‘Tis the week for our unscripted conversation!Awkward? Yes.Cringy? Mmmhmm.Fun? The most.We have an unscripted convo (rather than writing) about once a month. Why? Because we’ve never felt so alive.If you missed the first time we did this, here’s the link to catch up!We have a great time with it, and we hope you enjoy. (If you typically read—rather than listen to—our stuff, you can listen to our convo by pressing the “play” button near the top of the post.)Here are a few highlights of this week’s convo:1:15 — Bethany cringes at herself & we use the “word of the week”4:05 — Retractions and follow ups re: Nora Ephron and Heartburn (also, check out Katharine Graham’s memoir)7:05 — Kara gives an update on her attempt to abstain from Starbucks and how much money she’s saved so far this year by not going (one of her 2024 things to do differently)9:45 — Discussion of Taylor’s Swift’s new album: The Tortured Poets Department13:10 — Bethany talks about her Costco wins and losses (check out our previous piece about Costco) (Here’s the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer Bethany talks about)18:08 — “Ask Bethany!” — A segment that allows our Knockers to ask Bethany anything you want and receive an honest, unfiltered response! Have a submission? Leave it in the caaaaaaawments!22:54 — From the “Pedigree of Paula” — An observation of giving and selflessness that reminds us of our mother27:00 — “Taste of Kara” — Conan O’Brien returned to The Tonight Show for the first time in 14 years! His first phrase to the audience was KNOCK IT OFF!31:45 — We call upon you Knockers to let us know your worst financial mistake in the caaaaawments! One of Kara’s is here.Thanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free at Knockitoff.substack.com to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work.*Our posts may contain affiliate links. This means if you purchase something through a link, we get a few pennies at no additional cost to you.* This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

15 American Observations Following a 7-day Adventure to England with ChildrenAudio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

"Do I Know You?" The simple question I couldn't ask.A raw look into my social awkwardness.Audio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Welcome to Spring, Knockers!5 "S" words about motherhood to kick off the seasonAudio version of written post on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free at knockitoff.substack.com to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

‘Tis the week for our unscripted conversation!Awkward? Yes.Cringy? Mmmhmm.Fun? The most.We have an unscripted convo (rather than writing) about once a month. Why? Because we’ve never felt so alive.If you missed the first time we did this, here’s the link to catch up!We have a great time with it, and we hope you enjoy. (If you typically read—rather than listen to—our stuff, you can listen to our convo by pressing the “play” button near the top of the post.)This just happens to fall on our one-year Substack Anniversary! We are so grateful to each and every one of you who has supported this journey, and we are excited for what’s to come. We are here for the Substack ride!Here are a few highlights of our convo:0:40 — Discussion of our one-year Knock It Off Anniversary and our new recording studio! (Bethany: “Where’s my chair?!” “It feels very classy in here. . . hopefully the environment will accept me at some point.”)2:16 — Discussion of the need for a “tight 30” (which we didn’t accomplish)3:09 — We reveal the winner of the follower naming contest! (“Everyone will be called ‘knockers.’” “It goes with our theme of vagary in being slightly perverse.”)5:07 — Your opportunity to move from an “offer” to a “knocker”6:15 — Kara talks about her first two-star book review (“That means I’ve sold one other than to my friends and family!” “I’m just going to eat it and move on with my life.”)8:22 — Update on our Knock it Off readership growth (“We both feel quite alive.” “If you didn't host a podcast in the 2024 era, were you even alive?” “If you don’t have one, get one!”)9:55 — Discussion of Kara’s reaction to the Britney Spears memoir, The Woman in Me (Bethany: “The only thing Kara could tell me is . . . you and her have the same initials.”)12:55 — Bethany tries a new word. Oooooof.13:46 — “Ask Bethany!” — A segment that allows our Knockers to ask Bethany anything you want! Have a submission? Leave it in the caaaaaaawments!17:29 — Bethany gives a quick Bachelor check in (“She’s beautiful inside and out.”)18:54 — “Taste of Kara” — talk about Heartburn by Nora Ephron (“Hilariously funny”: consider listening to the audiobook, narrated by Meryl Streep, who did “an incredible job” “You should taste some of these recipes and let me know if you like any of them.”)23:55 — In recent news: the Willy Wonka Bust (Kara: “My news content is pathetic.” “Imagine you buy these expensive tickets to the ‘Willy Wonka Experience’ . . . and . . .” “It’s just too much.”)30:30 — Kara gives her Starbucks update! (Bethany: “I could Schwab it all day!” Kara: “I haven’t taken a dime . . . I haven’t touched it.”)35:06 — From the Pedigree of Paula — an observation of good humanitarian efforts (The book we discuss: The Nurse’s Secret, by Amanda Skenandore)37:45 — Discussion of Genie Hall Photography and Bethany’s instance on an outfit change for a 15-minute shoot43:05 — Please practice kindness at all times (“If you don't like us, we don’t like you.”)Thanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free at knockitoff.substack.com to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

It's Time for You to Get a JobA joint effort to recall our first and worst workforce talesAudio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday(ish) and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Not the ChanelsA lesson in the real value of material things.Audio version of written post appearing on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

You Gotta Put Some Mousse On ItReflections and Tips for Flat-butt Mixed-European Descent HairAudio version of written post at knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

I'm Running Mojave ‘Tis the week for our unscripted conversation!Awkward? Yes.Cringy? Mmmhmm.Fun? The most.Here are a few highlights:0:37 — Why we got “Sad Mac’ed” while recording our pod2:00 — News about our beloved fish camp, our nostalgic trip this week, and our surprise rendezvous4:26 — Discussion of our mom’s reaction to our first unscripted Knock It Off convo (“You girls sure had a lot of fun . . .”)8:06 — Kara gives an update on how it’s going trying to abstain from Starbucks (one of Kara’s 24 improvements for 2024) (Kara: “I’m doing what I need to do on it.” Bethany on the money aspect: “Eight bucks a day keeps bankruptcy away! Save that money for your future!”)11:19 — Bethany discussing her relationship with Apple (“Guess what? I’m running Mojave.” “It’s all part of this grand scheme to get me to buy a new phone . . . and a new computer.” “They are backing me into a corner.”)16:47 — “Ask Bethany” segment! A very vulnerable question for Bethany from our Substack Community. Have a question to submit? Get ahold of us wherever you can or leave it in the cawwwments!20:06 — Super Bowl reactions (Taylor’s version, of course)21:28 — Bethany talks about her son’s request to have a specific dinner from 2022 (“Replicate it.”)22:53 — “Taste of Kara”: Kara talks about her recent Virgin River spiral (“I can’t quit Virgin River, no matter what I try. I can’t figure out what’s sucking me in.” “Don’t taste this.”)27:00— Bethany’s deep dive into the Gilded Age (Here’s the link for Anderson Cooper’s book we discuss— Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty)39:15 — Bethany talks taking her kids to a recent 20th Anniversary screening of Napoleon Dynamite and actor interviews (Bethany on failing to expose your kid to the arts: “He’s going to turn into that businessman who played soccer when he was a kid.”)47:10 — We thank anyone still listening (“Let us know in the cawwwments what you want for next time!”)Thanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free at knockitoff.substack.com to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Now That Valentine's Day is Over . . .. . . Should you get unmarried?Audio version of written post appearing on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Moms and Dads, Brace Yourselves for February 14Our childhood love stories are your Valentine's Day warning signsAudio version of written post on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things15 reasons why buying decent items with children is tantamount to lighting money on fire Audio version of written post on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Jingles and Milky WaysOur first unscripted KIO discussion Hi everyone! The day is finally here! Bethany’s first book, What Did Duke Do Today? is officially live on Amazon. If you missed our announcement earlier this week explaining the background and concept of the book, check it out here.As for our weekly piece, we tried a different format this week. Instead of writing together, we sat down and had an unscripted conversation. Awkward? Yes. Fun? Yes. We had a great time, and we hope you enjoy! Here are a few highlights:0:00 — Introduction of our new Knock It Off Jingle, written and performed by our own DAD, Jeff! (Bethany played a very minor role that she had to plug for herself. “I was the pianist in the background!”)3:00 — Kara & Bethany discussing the week, including a husband who left town and a kid attempting to get out of going to school first thing Monday5:28 — Kara talks about how it’s going trying to abstain from Starbucks (one of Kara’s 24 improvements for 2024) (“I am in the top 2% percent of all Starbucks customers.”)8:33 — Bethany discussing her so-so attempt at a home improvement project11:04 — Kara being gaslighted by Bethany for her badly hurt leg11:35 — Discussion of Taylor Swift helping the families come together despite possible subliminal messages embedded in the songs14:25 — “Ask Bethany” segment! A very vulnerable question for Bethany from our Substack Community. Have a question to submit? Get ahold of us wherever you can or leave it in the comments!18:05 — Bethany sharing her own vulnerable story (K: “My palms are sweaty right now.” B: “Well, what was I supposed to do?”)22:25 — Bethany ponders what preceded her finding a candy wrapper in a public restroom. (“Were you on the pot . . . and enjoying a Milky Way?”)25:17 — We thank anyone who is still listening (“We’re not like marketing geniuses. We are just trying to keep this thing going.”)27:00 — Bethany invents a new Knock It Off word27:28— We’re done. WE’RE DONE.Thanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work.**Our posts may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a small percentage of anything purchased through a link at no additional cost to you.** This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Knock It Off and Listen UpAn exclusive announcement to our Substack communityThe time has come. We are excited to share with you, our Substack friends first, that Bethany — with help from Kara — has set the release date for her first children’s book, titled, What Did Duke Do Today?, on Monday, January 29th!If you wish to support this piece of creative work, the paperback book is available on Amazon beginning Monday, January 29th, for $10.99. This is an almost 20% discount off the regular price of $12.99 and is available for our Substack community only until Monday, February 5th!Follow our work at Knockitoff.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Kick Your Heels Up and SHOUT!Traveling back in time to a childhood talent showWe are so very excited for this week’s collaboration piece. We had a heck of a time writing it, and we sure do hope you enjoy it. Special thanks to our mom, sister Jenny, and pal Alicia for traveling down memory lane with us.But first, some housekeeping.* Keep your eyes peeled for a special Tuesday drop in your inbox- an exclusive announcement for our Substack community!* A couple of reminders to make your experience more enjoyable and give you options:* If you don’t particularly love to read, but like following our work, we have an audio option! When you open any Knock It Off post on Substack, you will see an option to play the “audio version” at the top. Click on that, and you’re set to listen. Sometimes, we add impromptu bonus content on the audio version you may enjoy. This week is extra special because we recorded together!* Also, you can subscribe for free on your podcast app. Just search “Knock It Off” wherever you listen to podcasts and you’ll find our brand stamp there— once subscribed, the audio post of the week will immediately become available to you when it drops!Thanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

The Stanley TumblerA proud badge of being influencedAudio version of written post on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

What Are We Doing Differently in the New Year?24 changes to consider for 2024Audio version of written post at knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Instagram Just Isn’t Doing it for Me This YearShould I give ‘er the pink slip?Audio version of written post on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy AnimalAnd a happy new year Hey everyone,We took a break from writing this week to make all the Christmas miracles happen. We will be back soon! In the meantime, we want to thank each and every one of you for the support of KNOCK IT OFF. We wish you the very best holiday season, whatever you celebrate.All our love,Bethany and KaraThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. Knockitoff.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Do You Work Well Under Pressure?A story of the Enneagram One witnessing a Christmas miracleAudio version of written piece appearing on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. (Unless it’s holiday season—then the posts come when they come.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Finding Beauty Among Chaos Is it even possible?Audio version of written post appearing on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

This 1994 holiday flick leaves us enraptured and wanting more. If you want a unique Christmas movie experience, check out the under-rated and under-appreciated film, Mixed Nuts, that has all the makings of a classic but somehow hasn’t quite caught on in its 28+ years of existence. Perhaps it missed the boat because it pushes the bounds of acceptable comedic topics (even for the 90’s). In our minds, though, that’s part of what makes it great. Here’s what else makes it special. First, there’s the star power. This thing is stacked, in an early career, slightly awkward (possibly pre-pubescent?) sort of way. Directed by Nora Ephron and led by the one and only king of physical comedy, Steve Martin, cast members include Madeline Kahn (Mrs. Munchnik), Robert Klein (Mr. Lobel), Juliette Lewis (Gracie), Adam Sandler (Louie), Rita Wilson (Catherine), Anthony LaPaglia (Felix), Gary Shandling (Stanley), Liev Schreiber (Chris), and Jon Stewart (random rollerblader), among others. Second, there’s the ambitious, bizarre, and often curious plot. Set in the seaside town of Venice, California, we follow the journey of Philip—the quirky proprietor of Lifesavers, a suicide hotline—who is in danger of eviction from his apartment-based headquarters. Immediate financial hardship begins, not only with the altruistic suicide prevention business (if he could just find $5,000, all would be well…), but also within the personal confines of super-pregnant Gracie and her want-to-be artist boyfriend, Felix, who are expecting their first born. Other featured characters are mean old Mrs. Munchnik, who proudly declares she has a dead husband’s sister’s house she can go to for the holidays, and lovely/sweet Catherine, who has crush on Philip that is obvious to everyone but him. As the characters navigate the demands of the life retainment business and personal relationships, they encounter the random events of malfunctioning building components, an intolerant landlord (Stanley Tannenbaum), crude callers, and a vague understanding of their future. They meet uncanny friends, learn to dance (butt-out) amongst chaos, and solve dream-worthy conflicts as a cohesive, albeit dysfunctional, unit. Just when you think you have a handle on the situation, the story will dramatically toss you into the world of “nutty” leaving the viewer both mystified and utterly stupefied. Of particular comedic value in our eyes are the following observations in order of appearance:• A sad conversion of a “Now Serving” sign (typically seen in a grocery store deli) to saying, “Now Saving,” complete with a hand-written “a” on a piece of paper taped over the “er”—a pathetic attempt to document how many lives they’ve saved through the suicide hotline. • Gracie nailing peanut butter by the finger full, right out of the jar, while lamenting to Felix, her boyfriend/wall artist (who, sadly, is without a wall): “I want a businessman!”• Philip letting the suicide line ring multiple painful times (will the person hang up??) in order to perfectly hand document the call particulars, pre-call • The visual your mind forms when you learn, in the most random of ways, that Philip’s father died by getting hit by a truck full of mixed nuts • Mrs. Munchnik desperately having to pee after being stuck in an elevator and using old fruitcake to barge into the bathroom, the catalyst of a bizarre chain of events • Neighbor Louie playing the ukulele in the hall (seemingly the sole reason for Sandler’s appearance) as Philip educates Catherine about veterinarian Dr. Kinskey’s specialty (pot belly pigs) on their way to take Felix, a human, for a visit under the guise of him being an animal (Felix was hit in the head with the fruitcake—part of the bizarre chain of events—in a “lover’s quarrel”) • A transgendered female, Chris, who likes to compare herself to Kissinger, finding herself alone in the Lifesavers apartment (save a passed out Mrs. Munchnik) and answering the phone to be met with, “May I speak to a woman?” • Philip, desperate to show Chris his acceptance and “sympathy,” reluctantly engages Chris in the most hilarious, most delightful dancing scene that still has us in tears • A strange dinner scene with ukulele-playing Louie and a crescendo of Philip throwing the fruitcake out the window, only to shatter Mrs. Munchnik’s windshield while she is inside her car • Felix busting out of the hospital and retrieving a gun to make Gracie come back to him after she’s decided to leave him for good Quote-worthy quips include: • Mrs. Munchnik telling Catherine: “Men are not true to ANYTHING, they will have sex with a tree.” • Philip’s landlord, Stanley Tannenbaum, asking, “Tell me, in all of your calls, has anybody ever impaled themselves?” “Has anyone ever drank glass?” • Mrs. Munchnik telling Catherine, “You could see the bright side of a plague.” • Philip telling Dr. Kinskey, who is lamenting about women and their pillows: “Lifesavers is about to go under. I don’t care about pillows!” • Mrs. Munchnik, to

To Turkey Trot or NotAre you one of those people?Audio version of written post appearing on knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

The Unqualified Stamp of Approval (#1) Knock it Off and Listen UpThanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Well, Aren't We Dramatic!'Tis the season for sensitivity judgment Audio version of written post appearing at Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

I Fell In Love With a Maverick Audio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

The Elementary School Fall FestivalLifetime memories are made for kids when the community ralliesAudio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

I Feel Too Much of What My Children Don’t Even FeelA lesson on realizing kids have their own experiencesAudio version of written post on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Everywhere I Go, Someone is Dying to be HeardA lesson on listening like we want to be listened toAudio version of written post on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

My Morning QuestHow a seemingly minor blood draw can spook the October out of youAudio version of written post on Knockitoff.Substack.comWarning: This story has a few simple descriptions of bodily fluids. If this sort of thing grosses you out and/or you’re eating, maybe skip it for now.Thanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

The Fifteen Dollar Purchase That Changed My LifeA lesson on maintaining order amongst chaos via a family calendarAudio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.substack.com Here is the link to this sort of product, costing approximately $25.But I recall mine costing closer to $15. Of course, this was back in 2021, I believe it was. Inflation, you know.Thanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

What is it With Your Family and ‘Stangs?How one woman’s dream car morphed into a Mustang ranchAudio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Look At Her Tiny FeetA lesson on living in the moment.Audio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Embrace the Game10 lessons for the unqualified soccer parentAudio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.Substack.comSubscribe for free to receive new stories directly to your inbox every Sunday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Creativity - That’s Not a Thing!A lesson in not having to give a reason.Audio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.substack.comThanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

The Orange Tree That Sparked a Sister DuelHow a sweet family activity took a dark turnAudio version of written post appearing at Knockitoff.Substack.comSubscribe for free to support our work and receive new posts every Sunday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

CostcoWhere practicality meets paradise for the modern suburban familyAudio version of written post on Knockitoff.Substack.comKnow a Costco lover or someone you’re trying to convert? Share this piece! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Are You Ready For It?Reflections from the final show of Taylor Swift’s 2023 North American Eras TourAudio version of post appearing on Knockitoff.Substack.comShare with your favorite Swiftie or someone you’re trying to convert!Thanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

I Just Wanted to BowlSome things are worth preserving in the modern ageAudio version of written piece appearing at Knockitoff.Substack.comKnow an old soul who’d just want to bowl? Share this with them!Thanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Yes, We canLet’s Show up for the U.S. National Team competing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupAudio version of written post appearing on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

First thing first. Have you heard of the enneagram? If not, allow me to explain it to you.The enneagram is an ancient personality typing system. I know, I know. Yet another personality test. We take enough of those at the Human Resources department. However, I love the enneagram because it is so deeply rooted in the experience of what it is to be human. It ebbs and flows. It’s not stuck on one number, recognizing that we fluctuate as living, breathing souls. The foundations of the enneagram have been circulating for a long time.The traditional enneagram is in relative infancy, developed in the 1960’s by a man named Oscar Ichazo, according to enneagraminstitute.com. However, the philosophy is formulated from a variety of ancient wisdoms from the Christian, Judaism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Greek traditions.I dig a strong personality test because it assists us to delve further into understanding ourselves and how we relate to one another in this madhouse of a world. It helps answer the age-old question of why we are the way that we are — a phrase I often utter to myself in traffic regarding the driving behaviors of other people.I believe I was introduced to the enneagram by Richard Rohr, a spiritual author and teacher who trained in the Franciscan priest tradition. Side note: he is a fascinating mystic. The enneagram is composed of nine different personality types. Typically, a person self-identifies most with a particular number and often has some of the personality characteristics of the number closest to their primary number as well (i.e. an enneagram four has either a three wing or a five wing, an enneagram nine has either a one wing or an eight wing). It is normal to find some of oneself in most of the numbers but a person will likely identify more so with one number type. DANIELA-DESIGNS//GETTY IMAGESI quickly binged a couple of books and a few podcasts on the topic. I took a test. I took a different enneagram test. They both revealed I was a “one.” I checked in with a few close friends and family members to see if this “sounded like me.” They concurred. True to a one’s form, I had to ensure I was typing myself correctly, the first time. Ones are often called the reformers, the perfectionists, the idealists. Sounds kind of boring.A key pattern of being a one is a constant self-critique. How could I have done that better? What did I do wrong? This ties into the need for perfection. Ones have very high standards of self and others and tend to judge people often because of this. They like to follow the rules (and feel the world would be a better place if others would follow suit), they will sacrifice pleasure by working too hard or forgoing delightful activities because it feels irresponsible. They have learned to control their emotions, feeling like they have done something bad when they reveal them to others.Being a one, as a parent, has opened up pandora’s box of questioning of self and why I react or do things the way I do them when raising little humans. The self critic (highly characteristic of a one) has intensified brutally. The critic of others and the correct order of life has intensified. These developments have begged for heightened awareness. This reflective writing may be my feeble attempt to feed the continuum of growth as I journey the path of an enneagram one, raising three children.In order to help the reader understand this perspective, I have compiled the following list of examples that may describe what the day-to-day operations of being a one is like. The list is not at all exhaustive, nor fact-checked with the enneagram experts. It is meant to provide insight (and ideally, a chuckle or two) to the reader as to the challenges this number faces.* You internally criticize the daycare parking lot situation every time you pull up, lamenting as to why people choose to park directly next to one another when there is a full empty row across the way (literally a three second walk) knowing that we all have young children to unload and massive car doors to swing open. This is not the proper way to do things. Let’s work smarter, people.* When you pick your kiddo up and do a quick once-over, you immediately notice he is wearing two different sized shoes, and both are meant for the right foot (one is his big brother’s and three sizes too big). Your mind begets the question “How did this happen and why?” You may call your spouse to bring the correct shoe to basketball practice and their first reaction is to laugh (how refreshing, and also, how definitely NOT a one).* Feeling morally damaged when someone interrupts your thoughts, work, writing, etc.* Burning holes with your eyeballs into the same item lying on the floor as you pass by it over and over again. You decline to pick it up and put it away, however, because it’s not your responsibility, not your item. It is someone else’s responsibility to fulfill. Still, it haunts you.* Contemplating for the better part of a decade if and when you should go

Will You Have Another? Reflections on the size of our brood Audio version of written post on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Mom . . . Do You Want a Blanket?A lesson in being vulnerable with our children.Audio version of written post at Knockitoff.Substack.comSubscribe for free to receive new work every Sunday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

The Power of the StreakExpanding on the concepts in Kara’s first bookAudio version of written post appearing at Knockitoff.Substack.comSubscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

The Most Magical Place on EarthReflections from my time as an unwitting Disney passholderAudio version of post on Knockitoff.Substack.comSubscribe for free to receive new stories every Sunday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

How Taking Coffee Black Dropped the Freshman 15 and BeyondA lesson in finding contentmentAudio version of post appearing at Knockitoff.Substack.com We want to wish a very Happy Father’s Day to any dad who may be reading, especially to our own Dad and our husbands (who, lets face it, may or may not be reading). We are so very grateful to have them all in our lives.Thanks for reading KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

You Think It’s Overkill?We go BIG for recitals.Audio version of post appearing on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

You might know by now that at a certain point in our childhood, we moved to sunny California. But not the California that comes to mind when you think of the great Pacific Coast or the Hollywood sign or the cinematic scene painted by the “Real” Housewives of Beverly Hills. No, we lived in the middle of the Mojave desert in a small, rather isolated town of about 25,000 people along Route 395.Our dusty city was known as Ridgecrest. Its claim to fame was being the epicenter of earthquakes in the United States. Rumor has it that Ridgecrest also had the highest number of teenage pregnancies per capita in the country at the time, a statistic the city probably wouldn’t want to claim. The initial settlers called the town “Crumville,” with the official name being settled on in 1941 as Ridgecrest (following an intense race between Sierra View and Gilmore). Naturally, we took to calling it Crumville nonetheless.While we are on the topic of Ridgecrest anecdotes, here’s one more piece of trivia for you. The recently-filmed iconic scene with Tom Cruise in the airplane hanger appearing in the intro and ending of “Top Gun: Maverick” took place at the Inyokern airport, a sleepy pass-through town of 857 residents just outside the city limits of its big sister, Ridgecrest. When Kara watched the movie, she recognized the scene without knowing in advance where it was filmed. Dad, a private pilot, used to fly out of Inyokern airport, sometimes with one or more kids as passengers.There isn’t a whole lot to do in Ridgecrest, probably owing to its location, its dry heat, and its size. (The teenage pregnancy rumor is gaining more and more traction….) One summer, while we were attempting to entertain ourselves “laying out” in the backyard on beach towels while our little brother caught massive lizards with his buddy, our parents gave us an incredible gift.They bought a boat.This was a big deal. First, there were the financials. We have no idea what was paid for the boat or how it all came about other than to know that it was purchased used from a family friend, but we could sense this was an investment in fun like no other our parents had ever made. Even as young kiddos, we were intuitive enough to realize that mom and dad had taken a big leap on this adventure.Second, there were the logistics. Where in the desert could one use a boat? How would we learn the pasttime? What would we do on said boat?Third, there was the most important question: when could we take her for the first ride? (Somehow, the two of us missed out on the infamous inaugural outing that included rescuing two young men from a capsized fishing boat. We think it was probably because of a dance performance and a soccer game. But we rarely missed another trip.)About the logistics, dad found the perfect spot in Lake Isabella, just a “short” one-and-a-half hour ride away from our town. On designated boat days, we’d all pile in the blue Suburban with our Bayliner bowrider in tow, and drive out to the lake while fighting over how high to put the A/C and being threatened to “lose rear control” if we couldn’t figure it out among ourselves.As we rounded the corner nearing the lake, we’d spot the sign for the “Dam Korner,” a cleverly named fuel spot and mini mart. This sight would immediately trigger our taking serious license with saying the word dam as many ways and times as possible. We knew we were pushing the bounds when we started calling it the “dam it station,” so we’d typically dial it back at that point.Anyone who owns a boat knows the amount of money and prep work that continues to go into it even after it is acquired. To drive home this point, our dad often says that “BOAT” stands for “bring on another thousand.”To help our parents spend that initial wad, our first order of business was to get our hands on a catalog from Overton’s. Before the days of Amazon and easy shipping from Dick’s and like sporting-goods stores, Overton’s was the one and only source for all things boating. (We’re happy to report that Overton’s is still in business!) We ordered up a slew of O’Neill life jackets in all sizes and bright colors. We got some water skis and ropes. And we purchased Wild Thing.What is Wild Thing, you ask? It’s the name we awarded to a large inflatable rocket that multiple kids could ride at once while trailing behind the boat, waves splashing in our faces, dancing as we held on for dear life, simultaneously singing our famous theme song: “WILD THING . . . You make my heart sing. You make everything groovy. Wild thing. Wild thing, I think I love you. But I wanna know for sure . . .” (Wild Thing looked somewhat similar to this, currently available online from Overton’s, but without so many bells and whistles and bumps to keep the kids onboard. It was the 90’s, man.)Learning how to become a boater seemed to come quite naturally to dad. Mom had her strengths—including packing the most delicious turkey sandwiches, fried chicken, and Chips Ahoy cookies for our outings—but

Stick it to MeThe toddler stage is not for the faint of heartAudio version of post on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com

Why I Chose to Pressure Wash on Mother’s DayA lesson in finding solitude through sprays and humsAudio version of post on Knockitoff.Substack.comThanks for listening to KNOCK IT OFF! Subscribe for free to receive new posts every Sunday and support our work. Knockitoff.Substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knockitoff.substack.com