🎙️ Show Summary: WE HIRED A SITTER FOR THIS Episode 203 “Eat. Pray. Dude.”
Patrick Holbert and Ross Erin Martineau reflect on the growing pains of their podcast, including low YouTube numbers (just 30 views last week) and shifting focus from couple talk to parenting content. They dive into the hellscape of social media moderation, noting Instagram’s tendency to flag pro-immigrant posts, and touch on troubling global politics like North Korea cozying up to Russia.
Patrick recounts awkward confrontations at Enterprise (with poor Wally, the rental car manager) and at a HOKA store over shoe prices, while Ross ties these moments back to patterns of impatience inherited from family. Listener feedback about the podcast’s pacing sparks an honest conversation about the show’s evolution.
The free version ends here, but Patreon subscribers can hear the rest — including Ross’s inside story about a Brooklyn yoga studio that veers into cult-like territory. For just $2/month, you get bonus episodes and exclusive deep dives.
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Patrick and Ross reflect on a vacation in Connecticut and the impact of personal experiences on their podcast narrative.
Ross provides insights on the Biggest Loser documentary, critiquing unhealthy weight loss practices and exploitation tactics in reality TV.
Patrick expresses remorse over previous reality TV production, highlighting the ethical issues faced by participants, especially minors.
Rising rent has led to the closure of beloved local restaurants in Williamsburg, sparking discussions on gentrification and community identity.
A movie theater incident caused by insufficient food intake led Patrick to consume a variety of snacks during the film, illustrating health management challenges.
Discussion on healthcare concerns centers around Gatekeeper insurance plans and potential Medicaid qualification, reflecting on systemic issues in healthcare.
Consideration of relocating to more affordable cities highlights financial pressures and the significance of their current apartment as a financial anchor.
Ross officially transitions to a birth/postpartum doula career, managing anxiety over financial stability and the nature of unpaid labor in the field.
The hosts express satisfaction with their summer experiences, mentioning one last camping trip before the school year begins.
Promotion of exclusive Patreon content, including a yoga class video, fosters community engagement and additional support for the podcast.
Notes
️ Podcast Introduction & Personal Updates (00:00 – 04:14)
Patrick and Ross hosting episode 202 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for this’ podcast, discussing recent activities including a day at a lake/pond in Connecticut with friends.
Ross hasn’t showered in 24 hours after swimming, joking about potential parasites and underwater life in ‘grundle area’.
Family recently returned from 3-week vacation, back home for 5 days as of Wednesday night.
Health & Maintenance Tasks (04:14 – 05:49)
Multiple upcoming appointments needed: Peggy (dog) needs vet checkup, both hosts need dental checkups, Patrick needs annual doctor visit, Fran needs bang trim before school starts.
Patrick interested in working out, went rollerblading twice during vacation and loved it, looking to ‘sweat’ more.
Media Discussion – The Biggest Loser Documentary (05:49 – 14:41)
Ross watched 2-3 episodes of Biggest Loser documentary, describing problematic aspects of the show including extreme dieting and 8-hour workout sessions.
Discussion of unsustainable weight loss methods, with one contestant using diet pills and cleanse in final weeks.
Critique of show’s exploitation and manipulation tactics, including rushed contract signing in limos.
Career Reflections & Reality TV Industry (14:41 – 17:49)
Patrick reflecting on shame regarding past reality TV production work, acknowledging exploitation of participants, especially minors.
Discussion of intelligent people in reality TV industry who could be doing more meaningful work instead of selling products.
️ Date Night & Neighborhood Changes (20:40 – 24:42)
Couple had date night Friday seeing ‘The Naked Gun’ at Williamsburg Cinema, followed by unexpected sushi dinner.
Discovery that longtime Williamsburg restaurants M Shanghai and Bozu have closed due to rising rent, along with Atlas Cafe.
Patrick’s frustration about neighborhood gentrification and loss of local businesses to billionaire real estate interests.
Movie Theater Incident (26:07 – 30:21)
Patrick experienced ‘the shakes’ during movie due to not eating all day, consuming only breakfast at 7:30am and bagel/cereal at 1pm.
Emergency food consumption included meat tube hot dog, small popcorn, Cherry Pepsi, M&Ms, and secretly eaten dark chocolate peanut butter cups.
Health Insurance & Healthcare System (33:12 – 37:38)
Discussion of ‘Gatekeeper’ insurance plan under Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, with Patrick critiquing the dystopian naming.
Current healthcare through One Medical and Tribeca Pediatrics, expressing concern about healthcare consolidation.
Need to purchase new health insurance today, considering whether income might qualify for Medicaid.
Housing & Financial Considerations (37:38 – 39:03)
Brief discussion of potentially moving to cheaper cities like Detroit or Maine, but acknowledging work location constraints.
Recognition that current apartment is their main financial anchor.
Ross’s Career Transition (40:38 – 43:28)
Ross completed certifications and training for new career as birth/postpartum doula, now official and accepting clients.
Discussion with therapist about managing anxiety over new career financial prospects and unpaid labor in the field.
Therapist’s advice to postpone financial worrying until January 1st and focus on meaningful work alignment.
Summer Wrap-up & Future Plans (43:28 – 44:45)
Satisfaction with summer vacation experience, school starting soon.
One more camping trip planned as final summer activity.
Patreon Content (44:45 – 46:08)
Mention of yoga class video available on Patreon, filmed by Patrick with ‘David Lynch’ aesthetic lighting.
Promotion of Patreon subscription for additional content
To hear the full episode, join our patreon! www.patreon.com/wehiredasitter
Family code for bodily functions developed by Ross’s daughter emphasizes creative family communication and humor.
Ross completed a three-week working vacation, balancing remote work with quality family time, to improve work-life harmony.
Franny engaged in hands-on activities like holding a blue macaw, showcasing the educational value of family outings, particularly to the Mystic Aquarium.
Ross and Heather practiced ‘forest bathing’ and embraced a digital detox, leading to personal reflections on guilt versus mental health needs.
Completion of postpartum doula certification during the vacation supports Ross’s career transition and aligns with insurance benefit requirements.
New client introduction anticipated with a focus on screening for compatible family dynamics and avoiding micromanagement issues.
Ross’s service philosophy combines breathwork and yoga to support postpartum mental health, offering reassurance to new parents through presence during sessions.
Rollerblading in local parks gives Patrick physical activity while highlighting public libraries as supportive community resources.
Franny’s interest in marine biology sparked by family experiences during vacation, including turtle spotting, promotes exploration of her emerging passions.
Notes
️ Podcast Production & Business (01:22 – 02:41)
Discussed need to legitimately schedule podcast recording in calendar instead of spontaneous 9:30 PM sessions
Received critique from Caleb Heron’s podcast featuring Ziwe, who criticized podcasts for talking too much about podcasting itself
Acknowledged feedback about discussing the act of podcasting excessively rather than diving deeper into topics
Family Terminology & Vacation Context (04:01 – 09:51)
Established family numbering system for bodily functions: number one (urination), number two (defecation), number three (diarrhea) – created by 5-year-old daughter
Currently driving back to Brooklyn from Connecticut after leaving daughter Franny with grandparents for two days, will pick her up Saturday
Completed three-week working vacation: Connecticut → Maine (one week) → Connecticut, with remote work throughout
Maine Vacation Activities & Experiences (11:26 – 20:21)
Patrick took Franny to Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Village where she held an 18-year-old blue macaw named Mickey owned by elderly man who frequents the area
Macaw details: intelligence of 8-year-old, 50-100 year lifespan, won’t speak in public but talks at home, nine tail feathers
Visited aquarium exhibits, particularly impressed by jellyfish displays described as ‘from another planet’
Nature & Wellness Activities (23:27 – 27:00)
Ross and Heather engaged in extensive ‘forest bathing’ and nature activities, including nude afternoon sessions
Ross experienced nervous system reset from unplugging from social media and news consumption during vacation
Struggled with guilt over disconnecting from world events, particularly genocide coverage, while acknowledging need for breaks
Professional Development (28:45 – 32:12)
Ross completed postpartum doula certification during vacation, fast-tracking requirements for insurance benefit compatibility
Now receiving multiple client introductions and interviews, representing years-long career transition goal
Established client screening criteria at age 42, rejecting micromanaging Type A personalities and families requiring childcare for older children
️ Service Philosophy & Approach (36:53 – 38:31)
Ross offers guided breathwork, meditation, and restorative yoga to postpartum clients to address anxiety and mental overload
Differentiates between postpartum physical embodiment and subsequent mental overwhelm of new parent responsibilities
Provides grounding presence by holding baby during meditation sessions, reassuring parents of safety
️ Physical Activities & Local Amenities (40:02 – 43:00)
Ross went rollerblading twice during vacation, using library loop with nature path including hills and curves
Praised public libraries as reliable institutions with clean facilities, master’s degree staff, and workspace access
Family spotted turtles during post-rollerblade walk, reinforcing Franny’s potential marine biology interests
Celebrated recording of Episode 200 of “We Hired a Sitter for This,” highlighting milestone achievements in active podcast engagement since launch.
Recorded Episode 199, described as a ‘fragmented mess,’ due to a delay, with plans to include a newly recorded intro to enhance the narrative.
Current recording location in Maine emphasizes privacy and personal safety, specifically at friends’ home, which reflects a strategic choice for content creation.
Personal challenges discussed include Ross’s stolen phone, recent biking accident, and ongoing health issues affecting the overall podcasting experience.
Commitment made by Patrick to upload yoga classes for Patreon subscribers, particularly addressing students like Tori, reflecting ongoing content support for dedicated listeners.
Ross plans to release comedy sets for Patreon, marking a significant step toward developing a full hour of stand-up material aimed for 2026 taping.
The hosts share a 14-year relationship history, planning to celebrate their upcoming 15-year milestone, underscoring bond continuity amidst personal and professional upheavals.
Connection to host family’s 20-year friendship highlights the foundation of community and mutual support, influencing personal growth narratives within the podcast themes.
Family preference for a single child and pet reflects underlying shared life philosophies emphasizing simplicity and focus within their personal lives.
Noted challenges include differences in health and well-being, bringing personal struggles into the shared space of podcast content, fostering authenticity in storytelling.
Notes
Episode 200 Milestone & Production Updates (00:00 – 01:28)
Celebrating Episode 200 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for This’ podcast, recorded on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025
Episode 199 (Block Island episode) delayed and described as ‘fragmented mess’ – planning to record intro and add time machine element
Recording location: Maine at Obama family friends’ house for privacy protection
️ Travel & Location Context (02:54 – 10:55)
Out of New York City for approximately 8-9 days during first week of August, feeling like a month-long absence
Currently staying with close friends in Maine who have a 10-year-old daughter they’ve watched grow up since infancy
Hosts are traveling ‘troubadours’ and ‘rubber tramps,’ reflecting a unique podcast format inspired by Bob Dylan’s terminology.
Currently, there are seven Patreon subscribers supporting the podcast, encouraging more audience engagement through patreon.com/wehiredasitter.
The host shared a personal story about having their phone stolen, hinting at future content but maintaining an optimistic tone.
It marks the first solo vacation for the hosts in years, allowing for 33 hours of child-free time while staying close to in-laws.
During the beach exploration on Block Island, three beaches were visited: West Beach (rocky), Mansion Beach (clear water), and Dory Cove Beach (private but rocky).
Hosts discussed their married life since 2017, emphasizing a sense of family and reflecting on the liberation felt during their beach trip.
Both hosts, age 44, addressed their physical fitness levels while hiking, expressing satisfaction despite feeling winded.