Unorthodox People
By Page & Amber
Unorthodox PeopleMar 18, 2023
Hunt, Gather, Parent
Join Page and Amber as we discuss the the book "Hunt, Gather, Parent the Ancient Wisdom for Modern Families," a podcast where we delve into exploring time-tested parenting techniques from indigenous and traditional cultures. The book talks about the TEAM approach—Togetherness, Encouragement, Autonomy, and Minimal interference—and we discuss how these insights can be applied to raising happy, well-adjusted children in our fast-paced, modern world. Tune in for practical advice, personal anecdotes, and inspiring stories that will empower you to rediscover the art of parenting through the wisdom of ancient cultures.
Atomic Habits
Page and Amber discuss best selling book Atomic Habits by James Clear
New Year New Me 2022
Page and Amber discuss their two projects they are working on in 2022, and what some of the new years resolutions.
Gnomi Food Failed Business
Page and Amber talk about their failed business Gnomi Food.
Newborn Baby
Page and Amber talk about what it's like having another newborn baby.
Engine 2 Diet
Page and Amber discuss the benefits of the Engine 2 diet
Our Failed Ideas
Page and Amber discuss the large ideas in life and why they failed.
Minding My Own Business
Page and Amber discuss minding your own business.
The Gym
Page and Amber discuss gym culture, challenges people face going to the gym, and what are good alternatives.
Eating Out vs Eating In
Page and Amber discuss the benefits of both eating out and eating in.
Zero Waste
Page and Amber talk about their zero waste challenge.
Minimalism
After recording this show, I saw my current “stuff” situation with fresh eyes. Like dust, cluttery plastic things seem to collect and require constant maintenance. Obviously, the solution would be to stop buying stuff on Amazon, or picking up random crap at Target (like the letter message sign I just bought.) It’s cool to be able to spell out “Welcome Home, Poopie Pie” and have Page laugh when he returns home from his upstairs at-home office. But, ultimately, I find there is more peace in my home and life...with less stuff.
In this episode we talk about Minimalism. I hope you find some places in your home to “make space.” Donating junk to Goodwill gets me high and filling up bags full of my used clothing really gets me going. Do you want to get high on the magic dust of tidying up?
Leave us a message with your question and comment and if it isn’t too weird we will answer it on the show. Click “Send voice message” and record right from your phone or computer.
1:10 Definition of “Minimalism
2:58 The “Laundry Mile”
5:00 The “Five Minute Rule”
7:00 Marie Kondo Show
7:37 Benefits of Minimalism
9:24 Arguing about clutter in the podcast studio/office/laundry room
11:30 How did our “minimalist” journey start?
12:07 Amber’s cleaning system
12:46 Getting rid of all our stuff and moving to Denver, CO
17:35 Can you be calm with clutter?
18:30 The Busytown Mentality
21:00 How to get rid of your extra stuff
24:30 What does spark joy even mean?
25:20 What about items you *might* need?
27:18 Scarcity mindset and stuff
29:11 Junk Drawers
32:48 KondoMarie Step
35:40 Page defends keeping his dead plants
36:54 What does Amber want to get rid of next?
39:56 The opposite of minimalism
42:00 Tiny Homes
45:30 We’re not your typical plant-based minimalists
48:05 Buying into Consumerism
Links:
Making Friends
“Nobody talks about Jesus’s miracle of having 12 close friends in his 30s”- Unknown
This past weekend, I went to a Vegan Thai Cooking class here in Austin. How cute? I learned to make authentic vegan versions of Panaag Curry with Fried Tofu and Tom Kai Mushroom soup. I met some new ladies, who honestly live far away, so sorry-- see ya never. My friend went with me and we bonded over spicy creamy food while it was over 100 degrees in Austin.
Making friends. Sometimes making friends is pretty like dinner parties, cooking classes, sharing laughs and snuggles. Other time, making friends feels sad and impossible. Building friendships requires time, energy and is full of disappointment. Meh. So why try, Especially in our 30s?
We need each other. We need friends and community to share the burden of life and the joy. My old friends are scattered around the country and sometimes I feel lost without my ‘ol reliable gal pals.
Page and I have different approaches to building relationships. I come into the scene like a snail and he busts through the wall like the Kool-aid man.
In this episode we discuss many aspects of friendships and ultimately land on one conclusion. It’s GOOD to make friends! Hooray!
Since recording this episode I went on a Peanut Date that went well and I had the other Peanut Mom reschedule, cancel, and not reschedule...I call that the drawn out cancellation. Oh well, that’s another subject for another podcast.
Making Friends
01:52 Friends as an indicator of health as you age.
2:22 Friends or acquaintances?
4:54 Friendship Roadblocks
6:30 Old friends vs. new friends
10:20 Friendship in your 30s
15:10 Nostalgia and friendship
18:13 Why don’t people use their last names anymore?
19:00 Amber’s adventures in making friends
22:45 Peanut App--Tinder for Moms
26:15 The Bachelor and other trash
28:54 Numbing with trashy TV and wine
33:04 Amber thinks everyone is hot
37:00 Amber chats with Peanut connections
38:09 Creating a tight group of friends vs. a loose bigger group
41:35 Making friends is something you do forever
47:05 Sober friendships
48:17 Page’s next steps in his friendship world
50:15 Is it harder for women to be friends?
56:45 Vulnerability and friendship
59:43 Losing a good friendship
61:20 One-sided friendships
Links
Pet Culture
In this wide-ranging discussion we talk about everything from kittens to having a baby. We adopted two kittens from a local shelter. Our new additions got us thinking about how owning a pet can be so special and how pet owners can be so annoying. Twitter: @unorthodoxppl
Deep Work
We discuss our thoughts and practical applications of Cal Newport's book Deep Work. We both struggle with focus and accomplishing the things we want to in this life. We believe "deep work" is a key component to meaningful work. If you ever wonder why you can't seem to tackle big projects or commit to solving tough problems then this podcast is for you. Spoiler alert: you are going to want to delete all your social media apps after this talk.
Conflict
Page and Amber discuss their experiences with conflict. In this episode we talk about how conflict is essential to growth and deepening relationship. We share some of our own experiences with conflict. We talk about whether or not it’s productive to chime in on the political discussion. In this episode you’ll learn why conflict and being heard are directly related. We hate the phrase “agree to disagree” and by the end of this you will too.
The Last Episode of Season 1
Page and Amber talk about what it has been like starting a podcast and recap some things that they missed from the previous episodes.
Digital Minimalism
Page and Amber talk about how we all really want community and belonging. They want the world to put down their phones. Amber shut down all her devices for four days. Recently inspired by the work of Cal Newport, they take a critical look at their own modern communication technology use. Amber shares how Instapaper has changed how she reads content from the web. They share their own struggles and triumphs of being part of the uprising of Modern Technology Critics.
Goals & Habits
In this unique episode Page and Amber walk through a goal-setting exercise. They work to set their individual goals for the last half of 2019. They talk about making a plan and forming good habits to reach your goals. You’ll learn about ways to increase the likelihood that you reach your goals. If you feel stuck, having a high aim in life will help you to move forward and grow. It’s not too late.
Being Sober
Amber traded IPAs for sparkling water. See what life is like for her after 5 months of being on the water wagon. She talks about not identifying with the term “alcoholic.” You don’t have to have a serious drinking problem to stop drinking. If you think alcohol is no longer serving you this is the talk for you. Page and Amber touch on the habit of getting up early, which is not possible if you have a hangover. You’ll get some ideas for replacing your drinking with healthier habits.
Plant Based and Loving it
Amber has been 100% vegan for 2 months and feeds her family a plant-based diet. Page and Amber talk about going from Paleo/Whole30 enthusiasts to bonafide Plant People. Eating meat is an ethical decision and while they don’t share the exact same beliefs they stay curious and support each other’s decisions. This Plant-Strong family is feeling great. They answer life’s greatest question...is a fake meat burger really a burger?
“For me being vegan is straightforward way to align my actions with my moral convictions.”-Amber
Unschool is Cool
Page and Amber discuss alternative education options and why they have chosen Self-Directed Education for their family. Amber talks about a love of reading and writing that wasn’t fully realized until she was an adult. They believe in following a child’s interests and promoting a love for life-long learning. They share some of their own public school experiences.
Moving is for Everyone
Page and Amber have moved a lot, they are never moving again...but you should if you never have. They get into the benefits of leaving your hometown and remind you that you can always go back.
Dinner Parties
Page and Amber’s dinner parties have ranged from homemade pizza parties with 30 people in a 600 sq. ft. apartment, ballin’ cheese platters, to simple meals of beans of rice. They discuss their dinner party Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be encouraged to throw your own party no matter the size of your living space or budget.
Ballin' on a Budget
Page and Amber discuss getting on a budget and paying off 70k in debt. Everyone needs a budget. You’ll learn about helpful budgeting tools like YNAB and Mint. Whether you use Dave Ramsey’s Baby Step Method or your aim is to F.I.R.E (financially independent retire early) this discussion will have you looking at your dollars differently. Page signed up for his first credit for a sandwich and Amber put a cruise on her first card. They’ve come a long way. Find your financial freedom, it’s not too late.
30 Day Challenges
Page and Amber discuss their eight year history of trying different “30 Day Challenges.” Some of their past 30 day challenges include: mailing a handwritten letter every day, no gossiping, joining the “5 AM Club,” 30 days of sunrises and sunsets, vegan/plant-based challenge, and no alcohol.They share their big wins and major challenge fails. After listening you’ll have new some ideas and be able to implement your own 30 Day Challenge.