Making Up As We Go

In this heartfelt and hilariously unscripted episode, Patrick sits down with the woman who (allegedly) is never wrong: his mum, Jane.Timed just ahead of Mother’s Day, Jane opens up about her journey—from growing up as one of seven in a tight-knit family in Ballycastle to navigating the profound challenges of the Northern Ireland Troubles. She shares the moving story of her brother Robert and how her family’s unshakable faith guided them through grief without bitterness.The conversation lightens up as they dive into:The Great "Mince" Mystery: How a pound of ground beef led to a 40+ year marriage.Parenting Then vs. Now: Jane’s take on the "gentle parenting" of today versus the "do it because I said so" era.The Nana Life: Why the rules for sugar and discipline seem to vanish once the grandkids arrive.Rapid Fire Revelations: Jane reveals her first celebrity crush, her "guilty" TV pleasure, and the one habit Patrick still needs to kick.Whether you're looking for pearls of wisdom on faith and resilience or just want to hear a mother chat to her son, this episode is the perfect pre-Mother's Day listen.[00:00] Intro: Meeting "Jinny Mac" and the struggle of changing Instagram handles.[05:30] The "Favorite Child" Debate: Jessica, Patrick, and Niall the "surprise" third.[09:15] Growing Up in Ballycastle: Family ties and losing her father at a young age.[12:40] A Legacy of Peace: Remembering her brother Robert and choosing faith over bitterness.[18:22] The Origin Story: Meeting Peter, long hair, and the "Mince" dinner date.[24:55] Navigating Health: Jane’s journey with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) and the power of community support.[32:10] Grandparenting vs. Parenting: Why being a Nana is "mission accomplished."[38:45] Rapid Fire Round: Annoying habits, celebrity crushes, and secret talents.

In this episode, Elanna returns from a "voice-losing" trip to London with Olive to see Matilda, sparking a conversation about the magic of the West End and why Paddy thinks he’s "too bro" for the theater. We dive into our upcoming family trip to Florida, sharing our (lack of) strategy for a long flight with three kids.Paddy gets vulnerable about his biggest life decision: leaving a secure career in electrical engineering to go all-in on Pearl Beauty. Plus, we settle a heated debate—are shoes considered clothing or accessories?—and we wrap up with a hilarious "Movie Guessing Game" narrated by 5-year-old Oscar.

Paddy and Elanna discuss the realities of work-life balance, the nostalgia of 90s cereal toys, and the differences between growing up in Canada vs. the UK. They also dive into a serious conversation about the pros and cons of homeschooling and why they’ve chosen a different path for their kids. Stay tuned for their weekly "Pearls of Wisdom".