Category Archives: Uncategorized

Ep. 200 “Pinched Nerve Remedy” FULL EPISODE



  • 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
  • Daughter Franny attending YMCA summer camp in Brooklyn/Maine, providing childcare relief

Personal Updates & Challenges (02:54 – 23:59)

  • Ross’s phone stolen and got hit by car while biking with Franny – described as ‘tough couple weeks’
  • Patrick has vasectomy scars from summer 2021 first Maine trip comparison
  • Lost one Patreon subscriber (bot suspected) but acknowledging missed episode posting
  • Patrick suffering from painful sty in eye, trying tea bag and eye drop treatments
  • Ross has pinched nerve in neck from laptop posture issues

Content Creation Commitments (04:18 – 05:54)

  • Patrick promising to post yoga classes for Patreon, specifically mentioning Tori as student
  • Ross committed to posting comedy sets from recent weekends with Ian for 2026 hour development
  • Planning comedy taping in 2026 with goals for Fran’s own room and new car

Relationship & Friendship History (19:34 – 21:03)

  • 14 years together as couple, approaching 15-year milestone
  • Host family (Heather and husband) together for 20 years, married at wedding that was early couple experience
  • Heather is Ross’s college friend, moved to NYC together in 2004-2005, lived in 5-person apartment paying $400-600/month each
  • Ross’s sobriety date coincides with Heather’s birthday after hitting bottom night before

Family Dynamics (18:06 – 21:03)

  • Both families chose to have only one child and one dog, similar life philosophies
  • Ross’s parents together for 50+ years, currently caring for their dog Peggy
  • Patrick’s father using their empty Brooklyn apartment while they’re away

Ep. 199 “Block Island” FULL EPISODE



  • 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.

Ep. 198 “We Got Doored” FULL EPISODE



Overview

  • Patrick and Ross are co-parenting in NYC, focusing this episode on first aid and safety after a bicycle accident involving Patrick and Franny.
  • Franny attends a wilderness summer camp run by their friend Kirsten, with the family opting for bicycle transportation due to NYC traffic.
  • The accident occurred after Patrick installed a new front basket on the bicycle, with an Uber passenger opening a car door into their path.
  • Franny sustained three clean cuts requiring wound care, prompting Patrick to confront the Uber driver about safety violations.
  • Neighbor Troy assisted post-accident, while another Uber driver provided ice water, highlighting community support.
  • Patrick felt a mix of anger, shame, and guilt following the incident, and the original Uber driver expressed distress requiring consolation.
  • Franny resumed bicycle transportation five days after the accident, indicating a positive recovery and return to routine.
  • Patrick now rides at a slower pace, feeling skittish about safety in Brooklyn traffic following the incident.
  • Patrick’s recent comedy shows in Dallas received positive feedback, with plans to upload performances on Patreon to engage audiences.
  • Personal reflections include childhood injury experiences, contributing to heightened parental fears, with a family vacation planned soon.

Ep. 197 “Choke On It” LIMITED EPISODE



Overview
  • Podcast nearing milestone of 200 episodes, with plans for celebratory content and highlight reels.
  • Patrick announced upcoming comedy shows in Dallas (July 18-20) and Hanover (August 23, 2025), increasing audience engagement.
  • Ross completed BLS CPR certification, meeting requirements for continuing doula work and enhancing professional qualifications.
  • CPR training involved a diverse group, including a nun and nursing students, emphasizing varied participant backgrounds.
  • A disruptive participant consumed alcohol during the CPR training, leading to removal for inappropriate behavior and inability to participate.
  • Course content included the Heimlich maneuver (renamed abdominal thrusts) and chest compressions, important for lifesaving skills.
  • Ross received certification via email after successful completion of open-book test, highlighting effective training methods.
  • Technical issues arose from recording in 4K format, resulting in limited storage and a truncated episode.

 

Notes
️ Podcast Introduction & Announcements (00:00 – 02:56)

  • Patrick announces upcoming comedy shows: Dallas, Texas (July 18-20) opening for Ian Finance and Hanover, Pennsylvania (August 23, 2025) headlining at Church of Satire
  • Podcast has reached episode 197, approaching 200 episodes milestone with plans for celebration content
  • Patreon mentioned for bonus content including stand-up sets from Oklahoma City shows

Personal Updates (01:23 – 07:47)

  • Ross completed BLS CPR certification through American Heart Association for adult, child, and infant CPR as requirement for doula work
  • Child attending summer camp in Brooklyn, allowing parents to record without hiring sitter
  • Patrick mentions needing to get to a pool, having not been in water for nearly a week

CPR Training Experience – Main Discussion (09:22 – 16:38)

  • Training held at co-working space with diverse group including nun, nursing students, and problematic participant
  • Instructor Alba arrived 10 minutes late with two rescue dogs, despite strict punctuality warnings
  • Derpy participant described as disruptive individual with blonde beard, gym shorts, claiming to be surgical assistant

Problematic Participant Behavior (18:10 – 32:11)

  • Individual openly consumed beer during training, pouring tall boy into Poland Spring bottle
  • Became progressively intoxicated throughout session, using excessive profanity in front of nun
  • Made inappropriate comments about enjoying using CPR in medical situations
  • Eventually removed from class for inability to perform required demonstrations due to intoxication

Training Content & Certification (25:08 – 33:31)

  • Course covered Heimlich maneuver (now called abdominal thrusts due to family name removal) and chest compressions
  • Open-book test format with advance question review to ensure participant success
  • Ross successfully obtained certification via email following completion

Technical & Recording Issues (34:57 – 36:22)

  • Phone storage became full due to recording in 4K format
  • Episode cut short due to time constraints, with possibility of additional Patreon content

 

Action items
Patrick

  • Edit recorded episode segments together due to interrupted recording (36:22)
  • Consider uploading Oklahoma City stand-up sets to Patreon for bonus content (00:00)
  • Plan celebration content for upcoming 200th episode milestone (02:56)

Unassigned

  • Explore having producer create highlight reel for 200 episodes (02:56)

Ep. 196 “Liquid Billionaires”



Overview
  • Episode 196 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for This’ recorded on July 7, 2025, with hosts reflecting on a successful comedy performance despite a small audience.
  • YouTube channel viewership is limited to 17 views, risking a drop to 14 due to early episode cursing.
  • Discussed themes in the ‘Ocean Gate’ documentary, highlighting safety negligence in underwater exploration linked to wealthy individuals and current political commentary.
  • Patrick reflecting on his 22-year NYC journey as a sober companion, emphasizing the personal significance of the Kosciusko Bridge.
  • Current coaching role aids financial stability while aspiring to transition into comedy and filmmaking, with detailed plans for Patreon discussions.
  • Bespoke Patreon strategy includes direct outreach to 6 current subscribers and varying content tiers, such as risk story performances and yoga class for remote subscribers.
  • Ross actively participates in family responsibilities, involving quarterly toy and clothing donations, facing logistical challenges with drop-off scheduling.
  • Nostalgic discussions about past experiences, including reflections on childhood visits to Long Island, enhance personal storytelling throughout the episode.
  • Exploration of British reality TV shows sparks conversation about cultural preferences in entertainment.
  • Highlighted the need for improved audio equipment knowledge, referencing techniques from LCD Sound System performances.

 

Notes
️ Episode Details & Technical Setup (01:35 – 08:52)

  • Episode 196 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for This’ podcast recorded on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM.
  • Host Ross performed comedy at Grizzly Pair for six people and felt successful as a comedian.
  • Recording split format with intro together, then separate segments due to scheduling conflicts.
  • YouTube channel has limited viewership – 17 views that could drop to 14 with early cursing.
  • Audio equipment discussion regarding square microphone technique similar to LCD Sound System performances.

Personal Life & Entertainment (03:01 – 04:27)

  • Hosts watched ‘Naked Brits’ dating show on HBO featuring uncensored British participants.
  • Discussion of British reality TV preferences, including country home shows and wealth-focused programming.
  • Patrick working multiple doula jobs while maintaining podcast schedule.
  • Ross mentioned spitting habit of daughter Franny after teeth brushing.

Netflix Ocean Gate Documentary Analysis (05:48 – 07:17)

  • Watched Ocean Gate documentary about ‘liquefied billionaires’ and narcissistic wealthy individuals.
  • Documentary explores generationally wealthy submarine company owner who caused deaths through poor salesmanship and safety negligence.
  • Political commentary connecting documentary themes to current leadership and ‘death cult’ politics.

Patrick’s Early Morning Work Drive (10:30 – 19:46)

  • Recording at 5:40 AM on Tuesday, July 8 while driving to Manhattan for client work.
  • Working as sober companion/executive functioning coach for 9-10 years, helping clients with emotional disorders and neurodivergence.
  • Crossing Kosciusko Bridge triggers 22-year reflection on New York City career journey since May 2003 college graduation.
  • Bridge replacement project completed 6-7 years ago, previously was deteriorating brutalist steel structure.
  • Nostalgic memories of driving to Long Island to visit ex-girlfriend’s family on weekends.

Career Transition Goals (21:36 – 21:36)

  • Current coaching work serves as survival structure to support real passions in comedy and filmmaking.
  • Goal to transition out of current work, planning detailed discussion for Patreon subscribers about work specifics.
  • Past production assistant experience included overnight tape digitization when physical tapes were required for editing.

Patreon & Content Strategy (08:52 – 24:54)

  • Bespoke Patreon approach with individual outreach to 6 current subscribers.
  • Risk story performance content planned for $5 tier subscribers.
  • Yoga class content offering for subscribers who don’t live in New York City.
  • Two-dollar subscription level provides access to full episodes beyond the limited free version.

Family & Household Management (23:22 – 23:22)

  • Ross manages quarterly toy and clothing donations, currently bags waiting in car trunk for two weeks.
  • Blues Clues watch toy making repeated sounds from donation bags, creating mental distraction during drive.
  • Bushwick free store available on Tuesdays for donations, but car scheduling conflict prevents drop-off.

 

Action items
Patrick

  • Record individual podcast segment during 5:30 AM drive to Manhattan (08:52)
  • Record segment after teaching yoga class (08:52)
  • Create detailed Patreon content explaining work transition specifics (21:36)
  • Upload Risk story performance to Patreon for $5 tier subscribers (08:52)

Ross

  • Record individual podcast segment when alone (08:52)
  • Deliver toy donation bags to Bushwick free store or alternative location (23:22)
  • Consider recording yoga class content for Patreon subscribers (08:52)

Ep. 195 “Long Balls and a Broken Foot”



Support the podcast by becoming a patreon member! www.patreon.com/wehiredasitter
Follow Patrick & Ross on social media:
@itspatrickholbert
@itsrosserinmartineau
Overview
  • Episode 195 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for This’ features Patrick recording solo due to Ross’s injury; highlights adaptability in content creation.
  • Zoron Momdani’s win in the Democratic mayoral primary nomination sparked satirical takes from Patrick, showcasing engagement with current events.
  • Patrick battled strep throat mid-week, demonstrating resilience by performing on the Risk Storytelling podcast, receiving positive feedback.
  • Ross suffered a broken foot during a pool incident, impacting family mobility and leading to an early return from a trip.
  • The family is navigating a childcare gap as they transition from school to summer camp, requiring full-time arrangements during the interim.
  • Patrick reminisced about childhood summers at the Ulster County pool, creating connections between past and present experiences for his daughter.
  • Family visit to Stap Dairy Farm allowed Franny to interact with various farm animals, enriching their time together with hands-on learning.
  • Franny experienced a unique moment feeding domesticated deer, highlighting the importance of wildlife encounters in family outings.

 

Notes
️ Podcast Production Updates (00:00 – 01:33)

  • Episode 195 of ‘We Hired a Sitter for This’ podcast being recorded solo by Patrick due to Ross’s injury and scheduling conflicts.

️ Election Results (01:33 – 03:18)

  • Zoron Momdani won the Democratic mayoral primary nomination, with Patrick making satirical commentary about the outcome.

Health Issues (03:18 – 04:42)

  • Patrick contracted strep throat mid-week, initially mistaking symptoms for COVID before receiving proper diagnosis and antibiotics treatment.

Risk Podcast Performance (04:42 – 06:14)

  • Patrick performed a story he’s been telling since 2017 on the Risk Storytelling podcast Thursday night despite being ill, receiving positive feedback from Ross.

Family Injury (06:14 – 07:43)

  • Ross broke her foot doing a cannonball in Aunt Nat’s pool on Monday, requiring early return from upstate trip and affecting her mobility.

Childcare Gap (07:43 – 10:56)

  • Family navigating week between end of school and start of summer camp, requiring full-time childcare coverage.

‍️ Ulster County Pool Visit (10:56 – 12:18)

  • Patrick took Franny to the Ulster County pool in New Paltz, revisiting location from his childhood Summer Recreation program 35 years ago.

Childhood Memories (12:18 – 16:50)

  • Detailed recollection of summer camp experiences including memorable encounters with bus driver Jack and his distinctive shower habits.

Family Activities Upstate (16:50 – 18:19)

  • Visit to Stap Dairy Farm in Pine Bush where Franny interacted with farm animals including cows, goats, and kittens.

Wildlife Encounters (18:19 – 00:00)

  • Franny hand-fed domesticated deer in Walden, facilitated by tenant who regularly feeds them Cheerios.

 

Action items
Unassigned

  • Record another podcast episode with Ross when she recovers from foot injury (00:00)
  • Upload podcast episode by end of Wednesday to maintain schedule (00:00)
  • Plan summer pool and beach activities around NYC public pool schedule (11am-3pm, 4pm-7pm daily) (00:00)
  • Coordinate Franny’s summer camp pickup (3pm) with pool schedule timing (00:00)

Ep. 194 “What a Doozy” LIMITED EPISODE



Join the patreon to hear the full episode! www.patreon.com/wehiredasitter
Follow us on socials
@itspatrickholbert
@itsrosserinmartineau
Overview
  • Patrick’s daughter Franny consistently damages tissue boxes, prompting discussions on structured parenting approaches to address her behavior effectively.
  • Notable demographic shift in NYC polling sites with younger, queer-appearing workers replacing elderly Latino volunteers, highlighting changing community dynamics.
  • Voting error occurred when Patrick submitted an incomplete ballot, indicating potential confusion in the voting process ahead of the mayoral race.
  • Strong support exists for progressive candidate Zoron, despite concerns over his qualifications, reflecting a desire for change in establishment politics.
  • Significant criticism directed at Eric Adams’ policies, particularly regarding his leniency towards Trump and ICE, underscoring an anti-establishment sentiment.
  • Ross shared a personal recovery story reflecting on past financial irresponsibility, including spending student loan funds on non-essential items like a Ray-Ban and an iPod.
  • Patrick’s own experiences of irresponsible spending with work-study funds raises discussions about financial education and accountability among youth.
  • Advocating for socialized medicine and universal healthcare, the conversation critiques the existing insurance system and its complexities in delivering care.
  • Emphasis placed on wealth redistribution and collective care philosophy as counter to billionaire influence, highlighting economic justice themes.
  • Podcast production notes included observations on dog Peggy’s reactions to hosts, indicating the emotional impact of the recording process.

Ep. 193 “Fascist Season” LIMITED EPISODE



Join the patreon to hear the full version of this episode! www.patreon.com/wehiredasitter

Follow Patrick & Ross on social media!
@itspatrickholbert
@itsrosserinmartineau
  • Discussion centered on Brad Lander’s arrest by ICE, raising concerns about his potential mayoral candidacy amid local political unrest.
  • Commentary on Trump’s presidency led to fears surrounding an emerging fascist state in the USA, with a nuanced debate contrasting it against communism.
  • Highlights from the Israel-Palestine conflict, criticizing US support for Israel amidst ongoing violence and family separations due to immigration policies.
  • Noteworthy mention of feminist themes in the cult film ‘Opus’, praised for its strong storytelling despite low critical ratings.
  • Ross and Patrick addressed personal impacts of perimenopause, blending humor with serious reflections on bodily changes.
  • The conversation reflected on 12-step recovery programs as models of successful community support, emphasizing functional anarchy.
  • Insights shared on community safety in predominantly Hispanic schools amidst current immigration policies and ICE tactics.
  • The podcast is considering the addition of yoga classes on Patreon to enhance subscriber engagement, with a current count of only five subscribers.
  • Advocacy for age limits in politics was discussed, suggesting no government officials over 50, except possibly Brad Lander at 53.
  • Patrick described his work as a sober companion, highlighting a recent experience transporting a client to rehab

Ep. 192 “Wonka War” LIMITED EPISODE



To hear the full episode, join our patreon at www.patreon.com/wehiredasitter

For a couple bucks, you get the full unedited episodes. For a couple bucks more after that you get extra bonus episodes and content. And the peace of mind of knowing you’re supporting our little passion project of self expression and over-sharing

Overview
  • Ross recorded his first solo podcast episode (Episode 192) due to scheduling conflicts with Patrick, highlighting the challenges posed by their busy work lives.
  • Ross taught a Tuesday yoga class and conducted a kids’ session focused on mindfulness, reinforcing the importance of mental well-being in education.
  • Ross’s visit to the osteopath confirmed his spine condition is stable, showcasing the significance of regular medical care in maintaining health.
  • Franny’s upcoming 5th birthday on June 15th raises ethical dilemmas for Ross regarding convenience versus supporting larger corporations.
  • Ross identifies as ‘far left’, emphasizing that ongoing social issues like racism and classism are rooted in the actions of wealthy elites.
  • The Puerto Rican Day Parade was underwhelming for Ross, who desired more traditional cultural representation compared to previous years.
  • Ross reflects on gratitude for leaving the fashion industry for more fulfilling work, particularly amidst the social upheaval of the pandemic.
  • Financial goals discussed include the aim for both Ross and Patrick to shift from three jobs each to two, improving work-life balance.
  • Plans to expand Patreon content with virtual yoga classes are intended to enhance community engagement while diversifying offerings.
  • The podcast reflects on media narratives that often misrepresent community events, stressing the importance of critical media consumption.

Ep. 191 “In Awe of Thou” LIMITED EPISODE



Overview
In this episode of the podcast, hosts Patrick and Ross share exciting show announcements, including upcoming performances in New York City, Dallas, and Portland, while also marking Pride month. Ross discusses her recent success in completing an exam for her lactation specialist training, which covers all approaches to feeding infants and highlights the challenges of medical terminology and calculations involved. The pair reflect on the rigorous certification processes for lactation counselors and therapists, emphasizing the need for continued education and the implications of various certifications. Additionally, Patrick shares a personal story about intervening in a tense conflict outside his daughter’s school, prompting a discussion about biases and perceptions. The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to support the show through Patreon for exclusive content and to attend their upcoming performances.

 

Notes

Show Announcements and Introduction (00:00 – 05:32)

  • Patrick announced upcoming performances: June 26th in NYC for Risk podcast, July 18th weekend in Dallas opening for Ian Finance, and August in Portland, Maine opening for Rose Bud Baker
  • Episode 191 introduction during Pride month
  • Patrick mentioned attending a therapist conference as a videographer where he ‘held space’ for them
  • Ross completed a lactation specialist exam, with Patrick expressing admiration for her accomplishments
  • Discussion of the ‘I-thou’ relationship concept from Martin Buber about seeing partners as complete people rather than tools

Ross’s Lactation Specialist Training (05:33 – 19:58)

  • Ross took an exam for her integrative lactation and feeding specialist program that considers all forms of feeding (breast, formula, combination)
  • Exam was open-note and taken in a co-working setting with a colleague
  • Discussion of mathematical conversions required for baby feeding calculations (ounces to pounds)
  • Ross and colleague struggled with the math portions, using an app called ‘Breastfeed 2’ to help with conversions
  • Medical terminology challenges for those without medical backgrounds
  • Discussion of contraindications for breastfeeding including HIV considerations in different contexts

Certification Reflections (19:59 – 25:36)

  • Patrick reflected on certification requirements he observed at the therapist conference
  • Ross discussed the extensive certification process for IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Counselors)
  • Discussion about how some certifications require extensive education but don’t grant prescribing privileges
  • Ross’s interview interruption at approximately 00:24:01
  • Patrick mentioned being added to the Manhattan Birth Doula Directory

Patrick’s School Conflict Story (25:37 – 39:05)

  • Next day follow-up with Patrick alone while Ross is at yoga
  • Patrick described a conflict he witnessed outside his daughter’s school
  • Detailed account of a verbal altercation between a Black woman and a Latin American man
  • Patrick intervened to prevent physical conflict while his family proceeded to the school
  • The woman accused the man of using a racial slur; the man was upset about his phone being hit
  • Patrick reflected on his own biases in how he perceived and handled the situation
  • Patreon promotion at end of episode, encouraging listeners to subscribe for

    1.99/month for full episodes or

    5/month for bonus content

 

Action items

Unassigned

  • Listeners are encouraged to attend Patrick’s show in New York City on June 26th for the Risk podcast (00:00)
  • Listeners are encouraged to attend Patrick’s show in Dallas, Texas on July 18th weekend at Addison Improv (00:00)
  • Listeners are encouraged to attend Patrick’s show in Portland, Maine in August at Empire Comedy Club (00:00)
  • Listeners are encouraged to sign up for Patreon membership at

    1.99/month for full episodes or

    5/month for bonus content (38:41)