Those Are Daddy's Toys

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 is out, and within the film you'll find penis jokes, an alien whorehouse, and lots of murder. You'll also find hilarity amongst likable characters, an awesome soundtrack, a modern message about family, and an adorable Baby Groot. So this begs the question, is this film appropriate for children? The roundtable of guys also discuss whether or not we're prude, if violence in super-hero films is given a pass, and the great PG-13 films of the 1980's. In the end, we hope you'll find this episode to be a nuanced discussion about Disney, marketing, responsibility, and the ever evolving argument of something being "too much for the kids!"

In which Kurt & cultspark.com writer Bob Taylor break down the good, the bad, and the interesting regarding Disney's Moana. Did it live up to the Disney standard? Were the characters memorable? Were the lessons learned valuable? And more importantly, how was The Rock? The guys also discuss their childhoods and what it was like to roam the world untethered by overprotective parents, and whether they could let their kids do the same. Creeks, playgrounds, commodore 64 games, and the woods! Finally, they touch on next week's polarizing topic, was Guardians of the Galaxy volume 2 appropriate for kids?  

Kurt's Mother-In-Law is a big Harry Potter fan. He sets out to find out why and where this passion came from. They also discuss Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, and why she hasn't been to Harry Potter's Wizarding World at Universal. This plus dealing with her husband... who doesn't like this stuff. At all. Seriously. The man didn't see Star Wars in the theater. Really. 

Kurt and his co-host Devin The Dad discuss whether or not they should move. It's a question they both ponder nearly every day, with no real answer. Schooling, financial stability, extended family, and more details are discussed. The guys also talk about Devin's recent babysitter mishap, and just how often they fear for the world.

Totally Rad Dad Mark had dreamed of taking his own kids to Walt Disney World for years. Unfortunately, a series of health setbacks from his own Father kept delaying the trip. Finally, this past spring, three generations of his family made the trek to Orlando. In part two of the conversation, Mark and Kurt talk about Epcot, Hollywood Studios, the future of Imagineering, and what happens on an actual Disney Cruise. Moreover, Mark explains the emotions he felt upon making this particular dream happen...

Ever since he was a little dude taking RV trips to Orlando, regular contributor and all-around geek dad Mark Slack has dreamed of taking his own kids to Walt Disney World. Sadly, a series of health setbacks to his Father got in the way. Until now. This spring, he made it happen. In part 1 of this 2 part chat, Mark describes the reasons for the holdup, why he did this now, and why exploring is such an important facet to being a Dad. He also explains Magic Hours, Magic Bands, Frozen the Ride, Epcot escalators, and Disney Dining!

Who is the best Father figure in mainstream comics? What super-hero would make the worst parent? The most embarrassing? What villain would be the coolest parent? And faced with the same dire scenario as Jor-El, what would you do with your child? All this and more as Kurt gets geeky with two Dads representing both DC and Marvel in a battle of the nerds!

Making the decision to have your baby delivered at home comes with a whole host of other logistical questions. What room, what method, what items you need, and how long a hose for the tub? Wait- what? Kurt talks to a married couple about the differences between a hospital stay and a home stay, and why these two different settings sometimes don't play nice with one another. There's also a a giant pool, a monitor lizard, and doggie pads involved... you'll have to listen to understand...

In which Kurt sits down with a fellow father to discuss the pros and cons of raising two little ones in the city. Not just any city, New York City. Terrance grew up in NYC before it was Disneyfied, and now as a Father, he has conflicting feelings about the New York of old compared to the safer version that exists now. He gets real with Kurt about the challenges city life presents, from space to rent to that dude on the corner... They also talk about the wonderful cultural influences and unique exploring advantages a city provides him as a parent. He ponders life living somewhere else, but realizes that only in the city can he get anything he wants at three in the morning. For suburban dads to city dads, you'll find through this conversation that we're all in this together.  

Our first JUICEBOX MOVIE REVIEW edition of Those Are Daddy's Toys in which Kurt and a fellow father review The Lego Batman Movie. Did the kids like it? Did Mom & Dad like it? Was it funny to both children and adults? Was there a strong message? Diverse role models? A fun but interesting plot? Swearing and violence? Was the rating justified? How were the voice actors and ultimately, was it a memorable experience for the whole family? All this is discussed, plus the guys go deeper on the film in a way only nerdy Egghead fans can do. SPOILER FREE to begin, then a SPOILER WARNING thereafter. And finally, HOW MANY JUICEBOXES DOES THIS FILM GET?

Does reaching for the phone to snap a quick photo ruin the moment? How much is too much when it comes to posting on social media? And what are we going to do with all these inevitable hard drives filled with digital pictures?  Kurt sits down with a Father who makes his living as a photographer. They discuss the joys and perils of taking pictures of kids and what you can do to get better photos.  They also chat frankly about the never-ending fears that come with being a Father. Whether it be puddles of bacteria-infused water, barreling down the highway in a death machine, or the very real experience of seeing your kid have a seizure due to a fever... both guys know their anxiety is only going to get worse.  

In which Kurt brings back Disney expert Bart Scott to talk about a variety of topics. Most notably, the guys talk about pursuing the life of a creative, and how that passion sometimes gets in the way of being a parent. Are you more or less determined to "make it" as a creative now that you have kids?  Also, how do you support your child's dreams while also being open and honest with them regarding their aspirations?  Finally, it wouldn't be a Bart Scott show without some Disney talk. Bart advises Kurt on which attraction would be best suited for his little one to ride for the first time, the terror big-headed characters like Goofy can cause, and the uncomfortable position of forcing your child on a ride.

In which Kurt and Mrs. Geek reflect on the first 25 episodes of Those Are Daddy's Toys and update the audience on the most popular subjects and how things have changed in conjunction with them.

Introducing your child to solid foods can be daunting and dicey. When should I start my child on solid foods? How many? What types? And dear God, what do I do about allergies? Luckily for Kurt and the listeners, author and food editor of Parents Magazine, Jenna Helwig is here to quell your concerns. She and Kurt have a sensible, informative conversation about getting your child's eating habits off to a good start in life. Also, Kurt asks her about ice cream. He had to. And he likes her answer. And remember to pick up Jenna's book- "Real Baby Food, Easy, All-Natural Recipes For Your Baby & Toddler" At bookstores nationwide or your favorite online retailer. 

The Original Trilogy. The Prequels. The Force Awakens and Rogue One. You have kids and now must answer the toughest parenting question of all- what order do you show them the Star Wars films in? Do you start in chronological order? Can you skip whole chapters? Can you go 20 minutes at a time? What if you choose poorly, can you course correct? Kurt and two fellow fathers break it down and try to come up with some answers, all while knowing the debate will rage on.

The magic of Santa Claus. How long do you keep the ruse going? What tactics do you use to fool your little ones? When did they find out the truth? That plus music, movies, and Christmas traditions! Kurt sits down with two veteran Fathers to discuss how bad memories turn into good ones, the balance of the Christmas giving spirit with the meaning of Christmas, and what traditions from year's past they've adopted. The guys also talk favorite gifts and favorite memories from the past, and why Moms and Dads everywhere deserve a lovely holiday season...

Star Wars, Video Games, Legos and Monster High. Comic books, Hatchimals, and a board game with a pie. Navigating the toy aisles this time of year can be treacherous for even the most seasoned parents, luckily Dave the dad is here to help sort out the winners from the losers this holiday season.  In addition to breaking down the hottest sellers, Dave and Kurt discuss Christmas budgets, Christmas toys Dad will also appreciate, and Christmas toys of the past. It's all here in our 2016 Those Are Daddy's Toy's holiday toy talk! 

Mindfulness. What is it, and more importantly, can practicing it really help me as a parent? Kurt brings in an expert to discuss the basics, and how being present actually helped her deal with high level of anxiety. In short, wouldn't we all like to be Professor X? Maybe the method of mindfulness can help you achieve that...

As parents, what are you thankful for? A special Thanksgiving episode featuring a roundtable of four fathers as they discuss things they love about their partners, products they find invaluable, and the one thing their kid does that fills them with love. Oh yeah, they also talk booze, beards, and Bon Iver. Need to feel one with your fellow Dads? This is the place to be.

Your kid will likely pick up your personality traits. But which ones would you rather they not inherit? Kurt and another Father sit down to discuss anger, kindness, and the competitive spirit. Hear one man's tale of coaching his kid in soccer, while another man laments his "nose-hose outburst." This plus the guys discuss whether giving every child a trophy is a good thing, and whether we secretly like it when someone says the kid is a chip off the old block.