Mormons on Mushrooms

Dripping Juicy Mangoes (#206)

Mormons On Mushrooms

This one starts with dried mangoes and somehow ends in existential reflection, language taboos, parenting, solo bathtime rituals, busted toilets, and Alanis Morissette. Naturally.

Mike turns 45 and reflects on everything that's changed over the past five years—starting the podcast, going back to school, diving into music, navigating separation, and trying to figure out how to balance it all without feeling like it's too self-indulgent. Doug shares a toilet disaster that somehow becomes the perfect metaphor for trying too hard to be needed.

We talk about:

  • Mangoes (dried and juicy) as metaphors for longing, indulgence, and satisfaction
  • Words we weren’t allowed to say growing up (and still feel weird about)
  • The difference between being wanted and being needed
  • That subtle guilt that creeps in whenever we try to do something just for ourselves
  • Dreams, divas, and dancing as Shakira (in various states of undress)

We circle around the idea that maybe what we’re afraid of—being too much, being selfish, not being needed—isn’t actually the danger. Maybe the opposite is true. Maybe what’s self-indulgent is exactly what’s needed.

There’s no tidy resolution. Just some juicy mangoes, a lot of laughter, and a few unexpected moments of truth.


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