))
Welcome to the Reading Aloud Podcast, a place where the creative, emotional and hilarious aspects of relationship communication are explored in real-time, by a real couple. Marisol and Adam provide you insight into how they communicate, navigate and thrive through married life (and a baby!).
Every month John and Adam break down the latest in gaming! From the latest news and what games we're playing to segments like Small Talk and The Last Word! We look at games from the lens of two old nerds balancing their love of games with kids, spouses, and mortgage payments. Check out all of our content at MegaDads.org! *Mega Dads Live is for audiences 18+*
This podcast is about being present. It is also about playful creativity and other things like curiosity and connection. I’m your host Stacy Julian. I am a life enthusiast, a storyteller and a believer! Helping people document life in doable ways is my jam. I love to talk about people, places, things and solutions and I want YOU to be a part of the conversation. I produce these episodes to inspire you to live life and tell your story—because you have exactly enough time!
As Marisol and Adam move forward with surrogacy, Marisol recounts the feelings of grief and loss she is experiencing at this otherwise joyful and exciting time. The couple went out of town this weekend with their son, Neo and noted that it felt like Neo had recently taken a large developmental leap. They both shared how he felt more connected to Ma…
R
Reading Aloud
1
145. Fantasizing in your Marriage and the Role of Escapism
34:57
34:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:57
Take the red pill or the blue pill... fantasizing about how your life might look if you weren't with the person you married, or if you didn't have kids, or if you never took that job offer. Perfectly normal and healthy form of escapism or a hurtful practice towards your partner? Marisol and Adam discuss the times where they feel distance from one a…
On this episode of MDL Adam and Antonio take a deep dive into the world of PSVR2 and explore the disappointing Bioshock wannabe that is Atomic Heart.By Adam Leonhardt
Marisol and Adam recently flew internationally with their (almost) two year old. Neo was a trooper even with a 104 degree fever. Listen is as they recant medicines, travel gear, entertainment and all of the snacks. Tips, tricks, and pitfalls of flying to Mexico with a toddler. Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a member of our Pateron! Check u…
Marisol and Adam ask one another rapid fire questions to hear their quick and unfiltered response. Want to hear the R rated questions? Become a member of our Pateron! Check us out at https://readingaloud.captivate.fm (Subscribe, Download, and Review) Follow along on this journey through life on Instagram or facebook at @readingaloudpodcast or send …
Is communication less about the gender binary and more about functional communication vs. expressive communication? Marisol and Adam received lots of comments about the episode "do men and women text differently" so they decided to revisit the conversation. How does American or Western culture limit our language or behavior in relationships? Is tex…
This month on MegaDads Checkpoint Evan and Berto are joined by Sebation Mauldin of The ProNerd Report to talk about single player games, gaming birthdays, exploding ping pong tables and the dreaded Diablo Finger. We also get a review of Hi Fi Rush, Titan Quest and Berto’s extended traipse through Final Fantasy 7 Land. You do not want to ride Sephir…
R
Reading Aloud
1
141. Sexpectations: Sex Goals and meeting your partners erotic expectations
14:44
14:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:44
What happens when couples set sex goals? Marisol and Adam set a numerical sex goal for 2023. This is the first time since their infertility journey they've put pressure on themselves around sex. This time, it's supposed to be strictly for fun. But will it be? Their hope is that they find a new depth to their relationship and sex life 8 years into t…
R
Reading Aloud
1
140. Let's do it again! trying for a second baby
21:14
21:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:14
You hit a moment in parenting when you kiddo is finally sleeping through the night. He can feed himself, wont drown in the tub, and can start to communicate his needs. It feels like you have unlocked a new level of parenthood... Then it hits, Baby Fever! Marisol and Adam describe a recent peaceful evening where it felt like the times before a baby …
This month on Mega Dads Live we’re actually talking about a NEW XBOX GAME! Hi Fi Rush is one of the BIGGEST games out there right now and Antonio is ready to sing its praises. Adam discusses the beautifully serene SEASON: A Letter to the Future, and Berto continues to eat crow for coming around on FORTNITE.…
R
Reading Aloud
1
139. Fighting about money & sticking to a budget
36:36
36:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:36
How do you are your husband/wife/partner approach a budget? how do you get on the same page about saving money and reaching your financial goals? Marisol and Adam discuss a recent fight they had around the family budget and strategize ways the fight could have gone better and how they each tackle ways to save money. Spending and saving money can be…
The time has come to crown the very best of 2022. This is the Mega Dads Game of the Year Top 3 Countdown!By Adam Leonhardt
SEASON: A Letter to the Future is a beautiful and contemplative adventure that chronicles the final days of a familiar yet fantastic civilization on the brink of impending change. This unique PlayStation Indie title is one of the first big games of 2023. See what we thought of it in this Mega Dads Review!…
Marisol and Adam have vastly different approaches to how they communicate via text. A recent texting mishap causes them to open up a conversation about why it seems that men and women text differently. Do you think about managing the feelings of those that you're texting? Or are you just sending a bunch of thumbs up?! Want more Reading Aloud Podcas…
Evan gets to fanboy out a little bit this month as he and Berto are joined by Colette Bennett, Destructoid writer turned respectable writer turned new novelist thanks to Enter The Meta (available now!). Berto talks about Masters Of Teras Kasi because he lost a bet, I guess, while Evan talks about children missing faces again. Plus Final Fantasy 7, …
Adam and Elliott are here to review the all-new Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion for the PlayStation 5 from Square Enix! This remaster of the classic PSP game tells a powerful story which expands the world and characters of Final Fantasy VII. Find out how we think this game holds up for today's audiences in this Mega Dads Review!…
Marisol and Adam talk through a list of questions that "new" parents should ask themselves before they have kids. Too late! But some of their answers may surprise you! Tune in to find out which ones. Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a member of our Pateron! Check us out at https://readingaloud.captivate.fm (Subscribe, Download, and Review) F…
On the latest episode of Mega Dads Live the Dads are doing a deep dive on all things Final Fantasy VII, discussing New Year's Resolutions and 2023 gaming predictions, and Antonio takes us on a journey with NORCO.By Adam Leonhardt
In this exciting 2-part episode, Marisol and Adam recap their 2022 words and set new words of the year for 2023. Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a member of our Pateron! Check us out at https://readingaloud.captivate.fm (Subscribe, Download, and Review) Follow along on this journey through life on Instagram or facebook at @readingaloudpodca…
After another setback in their IVF journey and a new update on the possibility of surrogacy, Marisol and Adam are back to the drawing board for kid #2. Tune in to hear how each of them navigates this ever-changing landscape and attempts to align (or not align) their approach with each other. Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a member of our P…
Evan and Berto round out 2022 on a big musical number! Ok no, but we did get Emmy-nominated composer/game designer/professor Charlie McCarron to come on the show. Evan gives us a horrific family recipe, Berto hates reading and Charlie questions some of his decisions. Plus God Of War: Ragnarok, Dadish and Pentiment all get some love. End music credi…
In this week's episode, Marisol and Adam discuss the differences between their first round of IVF and their second round. Why is the second round more "relaxed"? Is that an indication of the baby to come? This episode also includes a conversation on if men today are helping around the house (and with children) more than society thinks they are. Wha…
The topic of death comes up again on the podcast and Marisol is very interested to learn what Adam's wishes are when he dies. Are they the same as Marisol's? Tune in to find out! Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a member of our Pateron! Check us out at https://readingaloud.captivate.fm (Subscribe, Download, and Review) Follow along on this j…
This month on MDL we're getting in the holiday spirit with Christmas Carols, Stories of the worst presents ever, and arguing just like family does. We also discuss final thoughts on Ragnarok, Pentiment, Warhammer 40k and Switch Golf. MERRY CHRIMBO!By Adam Leonhardt
As Marisol and Adam continue to navigate their fertility journey for a second child, several (both expected and unexpected) pathways to pregnancy have emerged. Listen in as they explain each pathway, learn how to navigate multiple pathways at once, and give their honest opinions on the very real possibility of choosing surrogacy for their second IV…
Adam and Elliott are here to give their definitive review of God of War Ragnarok. This is the biggest game of 2022! This father-son review team have finished the game and are here to give their verdict. Review code provided by PlayStation.By Adam Leonhardt
Join Adam, Antonio, Berto and Evan as they celebrate Thanksgiving the only way they know how... by talking about Video Games. In this holiday special the panel discusses some of the best and not-so-best games of 2022 that they think you should be putting on your radar for some Black Friday deals!By Adam Leonhardt
My friend Marla is a memory keeper, podcaster, self-connection coach and overall champion of living with intention and I’m tickled she is on my show today. Marla does many things, but the thing she feels most called to do right now is to teach tools of self care and improvement and she does this in an experience called Camp Connection. Marla helps …
After receiving some difficult news at their latest IVF appointment for baby number two, both Marisol and Adam are in an emotional state. As they recap the experience, different perspectives lead to an argument about how Adam was communicating his overwhelm. Listen in real-time as they hash out the emotional rollercoaster of this IVF journey while …
Ever wonder what people are talking about in their cars? Listen in as Marisol and Adam journey to their appointment at the fertility clinic and debate whether or not they even want a second baby! Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a member of our Pateron! Check us out at https://readingaloud.captivate.fm (Subscribe, Download, and Review) Follo…
This month’s episode brings back Keith from TheOuterHaven.net to discuss voice acting celebrities, blood harvesting and of course, the weather. Keith joins Evan and Berto to talk about RimWorld, Marvel Snap and the dangers of the hype wagon. And we aren’t talking about safety standards. End music credit - Battletoads Opening Theme by David Wise…
Building off the ultra-popular episode "Adam Explains Star Wars" our hosts take a quick break from the second baby discussion to talk about Lord Of The Rings, why the magic is real, and - of course - how it all relates to having a second baby. Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a member of our Pateron! Check us out at https://readingaloud.capt…
On this all-new episode of Mega Dads Live Adam is joined by Nick and Berto to discuss their time with Plague Tale: Requiem, Overwatch 2, Marvel SNAP and more. They also break down the Silent Hill transmission as well as what is next for The Witcher franchise.By Adam Leonhardt
Why do you think genealogy and family history are so popular? My guest today is Janine Adams and her answer is that it’s so much FUN, plus it connects us to past history in general and it invites you to play detective! Yes to all of that. Janine is a professional organizer, family historian and podcaster and we’re talking today about how to get sta…
Kids can be expensive. Marisol and Adam discuss finances and check-in with one another about the cost and spending that comes along with adding another child into your life. Marisol and Adam talk about alternatives to the nuclear family and priorities when it comes to what they need to provide for a baby. Want more Reading Aloud Podcast? Become a m…
This week on Spotlight Adam is welcoming Jeff Cannata from the DLC podcast to discuss making the best life choices for your family, the changing landscape of games media and the joys of experiencing life through your child's eyes.By Adam Leonhardt
I can’t wait for YOU to hear how I met Colette Hokanson, because it was a truly memorable moment. Colette is an absolute JOY to know AND, she can help you find and connect to your roots—because she is an expert when it comes to research, records and roots! If the word genealogy just feels overwhelming to you then the next 30 minutes could change yo…
How much of our inner selves to do we feel comfortable sharing with others? How do we open ourselves up to one another and reveal our shadow selves, or parts of ourself that feels less safe? Is it our responsibility to share those things, or does that fall on the other person to ask the right questions and get us to open up? Adam and Marisol discus…
Adam and Elliott have spent the weekend busting ghosts and it makes them feel good. Watch our Mega Dads Review of the all new Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed!By Adam Leonhardt
Adam sits down with his friend and creator of the Xbox Expansion Pass podcast to discuss healthy living, how to thoughtfully present yourself as a creator and why Pirate games are cool.By Adam Leonhardt
Marisol and Adam discuss their recent experiences with ABC's The Bachelor and what has lead them to proclaim that they will no longer be tuning in. Did the show take things to far? where do you draw the line with over editing and the producers taking control over a storyline? Marisol and Adam discuss their perspectives, how they see themselves in t…
This week on Checkpoint Adam is welcoming his old friend Dave Moore, creator of The Snack Network to discuss the right reasons to be creative, how changing direction can be a good thing and how snacks are great.By Adam Leonhardt
How often are you and your spouse having sex? How often do you want to be having sex with your spouse? Marisol and Adam discuss their ideal sex life and what they need to maintain a physical and erotic connection in the day to day of their busy lives. Managing a toddler and a sex life can be a tricky balance and should Marisol have stuck with her i…
This month Evan and Berto are joined by Jacque Lamm, head esports coach for Minnesota State University, Mankato. Jacque fields questions from the terminally uncool hosts about running a varsity esports program at the collegiate level, what a “toxicity test” means and why you should encourage your children to stay inside and just play video games. E…
This week on Spotlight, Adam welcomes Kahlief Adams, creator and host of Spawn on Me. Together they have conversations about intentional actions in the space, ambition and the importance of exuding the right kind of energy in life.By Adam Leonhardt
Marisol continues to struggle with getting her hopes up with infertility. While they have a plan in place for next steps toward a second child; hope, luck, and chance are still at the back of her mind each month as they stop taking birth control. Marisol and Adam check in with each other around how they are dealing with this, their upcoming plans t…
This month on PlayStation Mega Bits Adam is joined by his son Elliott to discuss the September State of Play and to ponder whether or not they think God of War Ragnarok was enough to save the showcase.By Adam Leonhardt
This week on Spotlight Adam is sitting down with the creator and host of Gamertag Radio, Danny Pena. Danny is here to discuss his new children's book titled "Danny Loves Video Games" and he tells many tales of how he has chased his dreams to arrive where he is in a place of prominence amongst podcasters. You can buy Danny Loves Video Games now righ…
Should your marriage or your intimate relationships be difficult? Marisol and Adam discuss their recent anniversary and the age old sentiments that there are "ups and downs" or "good times and bad times." Should the hard times be a cornerstone of your relationship? If you are a good fit together, should you struggle to be together? Want more Readin…
Today on the podcast I get to tell the story of how I discovered Compendium, the makers of amazing, inspirational books, cards, and products. Far more important than that, I get to share with you the story of how Kobi Yamada—the President and CEO of Compendium—discovered and helped build into Compendium the inspiration that we all need and love. YE…
