Sports

Are We Becoming a Golf Family? | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 68

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

Golf: It’s the sport of kings, retirees, and… the Seversons? This week, Tim and Jenni ask the question that haunts many a summer Saturday: Are We Becoming a Golf Family?

From the fairways of Minnesota to the chaos of the backyard putting green, join us for a heartfelt, hilarious, and sometimes wayward drive through golf history, local legends, family traditions, and all the weird, wonderful rituals that come with chasing a little white ball.

In this episode:

  • Jenni recounts her latest golf scramble victory (and confusion over what “best ball” really means)
  • Tim breaks down golf’s wild Scottish origins, pandemic boom, and why Minnesota might be the real golf capital of America
  • Why every Minnesota golfer has a story about a green shaped like the state (yes, there are pictures)
  • Movie drops from Tin Cup, Happy Gilmore, Bagger Vance, and Grease 2
  • Unwritten rules, etiquette, fireball shots, and what it actually means to keep the vibes high—even when you’re hitting double bogey

We get personal:
How do you introduce your kids to golf without traumatizing them (or yourself)? Why do so many Midwesterners grow up believing they’re only one good swing away from glory? And is it possible to teach golf, family patience, and math at the same time? (The answer, according to Jenni: absolutely not.)

This episode is for you if…
…you’ve ever survived a family golf outing, argued over “best ball,” or just love the sound of laughter mixed with the occasional curse word and the sweet thwack of a perfectly hit shot.

What happens when two parents—one golf-curious, one golf-skeptical—try to figure out if their family is on the road to becoming golf people? In this week’s episode, Tim and Jenni put the clubs on the table and get real about the slow, chaotic, and unexpectedly hilarious journey toward “golf family” status.

What’s inside this episode:

• Jenni’s Scramble Adventures:
Jenni recounts her third-ever golf outing (“all scrambles!”), why “best ball” is the worst-named format in sports, and the tiny victories that come with just getting your ball picked.

• Tim’s Deep Golf Dive:
Get a crash course on the actual origins of golf (spoiler: it’s Scottish, it’s complicated, and it was once illegal), how Tiger Woods and the pandemic changed the game, and why Minnesota is secretly the golfiest state in America.

• Local Color & Family Roots:
A new photo drop reveals Jenni’s mom as bona fide Minnesota carnival royalty—no circus, all fair. Plus, a nod to the “shortest family in Minnesota,” and stories about why Lions Club cheeseburgers are an actual county fair love language.

• Golf Culture, Movies & Meltdowns:
From Tin Cup’s infamous “hands off her ass, Roy” line to Happy Gilmore, Bagger Vance, and even Grease 2—Tim and Jenni break down what these movies get right, what’s iconic, and why Shooter McGavin is forever.

• Unwritten Rules & Keeping Vibes High:
Golf etiquette 101: where to stand, how to stay positive when the wheels (or the swing) come off, and why “play fast” might save your marriage. (Bonus: how music, hope, and a well-timed fireball shot can get you through almost anything.)

• Minnesota Golf Trivia & Farewells:
Did you know Minnesota is a national leader in golf courses per capita? Or that the legendary Les Bolstad Golf Course at the U is closing after 100+ years? Pour one out—and maybe book your final tee time.

Why listen?

  • You want to feel seen about the emotional rollercoaster that is family golf.
  • You need a pep talk to survive your next scramble (or just the family cookout).
  • You’re a sucker for nostalgia, Minnesota trivia, or arguments about who the real “golf movie GOAT” is.
  • Or maybe you’re just here for the side banter, hot takes, and jokes about carnival royalty.

Bottom line:
We may not have all the answers, but we know this: whether you’re carding birdies, doubles, or just trying to keep the vibes high, the journey to becoming a golf family is a story worth telling—and laughing about together.

🎧 Listen to “Are We Becoming a Golf Family?” Don’t forget to subscribe, and drop us a comment with your own family golf stories (or movie quotes—no judgment here).

YouTube
Spotify

Mystical, Magical, Messy Summer Break

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

The Kids Are In Bed Podcast, Episode 66

Remember That Feeling?

That last week of school—counting down the hours until freedom, the smell of fresh-cut grass, sunscreen, and the faint hope you’d get a tan before July. It’s a vibe that never quite leaves, no matter how grown up (or sunburn-prone) you get. For episode 66, we’re diving into the nostalgia, chaos, and pop culture of summer break—then vs. now.

Was Summer Break Always This Messy?

We always assumed summer break was invented so kids could work the family farm. Turns out… nope. In the 19th century, kids in cities got summer off because their schools were too hot—no AC, just sweat and daydreams. (Rural kids? Year-round school. Sorry, Little House on the Prairie.)

Today, America still leads the way with a full three months off. Most countries cap summer break at six to eight weeks. Is it good? Bad? Depends on if you’re a parent trying to line up 12 weeks of childcare, or a kid desperate to ride your bike until the streetlights come on.

The Evolution of Summer Break:

  • Elementary school: Think sticky popsicles, reading Babysitters’ Club on the deck, backyard baseball, and maybe a sunburn from that “just baby oil” SPF hack (Jenni…).
  • Middle & junior high: Peak freedom. Sleepovers, pool hopping, first concerts, way too many “mom, can I sleep in the tent tonight?” requests.
  • High school: Late-night drives, awkward jobs, and the thrilling/terrifying realization you’re sort of in charge of your life.

How Parenting Changed Summer

Here’s the twist: Gen X and elder millennial parents had all the freedom (and “don’t come home until dinner!” autonomy) but now, we’re the ones scheduling every minute and tracking our kids on GPS.
Fun fact: In 1975, 83% of American kids could roam the neighborhood unsupervised. In 2020? Less than 10%. Blame it on “stranger danger,” constant organized activities, or the slow creep of parenting anxiety. Our take: let’s bring back a little healthy chaos.

School’s Out: The Best Summer Movies

Cue the soundtrack and roll the montage. We go all-in on our favorite “school’s out” and summer break movies, including:

  • Now and Then (iconic girlhood, smoky bike rides, and Brendan Fraser handing out life lessons)
  • Stand By Me (“Nothing like a smoke after a meal,” and definitely not enough adult supervision)
  • Dazed and Confused (hazing, party prep, and the most iconic “Alright, alright, alright”)
  • The Sandlot (pickleball, fireworks, and the one kid who moved in after school got out)
  • Grease (does any movie capture that last-day-of-school feeling better?)
  • The Way Way Back, Heavyweights, Camp Nowhere, Dirty Dancing, American Pie 2—plus honorable mentions for every family who spent a summer at the lake or a questionable summer job.

Summer Nostalgia: The Soundtrack

What’s a summer without a song on repeat? We run through every Billboard “Song of the Summer” from 1999 to 2024, from Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” to Party Rock Anthem, Blurred Lines, Despacito, and the most recent earworms. Is there an official “Song of Summer”? Yes—Billboard uses radio play, streams, and sales from Memorial Day to Labor Day to declare the champion, but let’s be honest, it’s all about the vibes. Our hot takes might not match the charts, but we dare you not to start dancing.

Summer Parenting Today

Do kids still have magical, messy summers? Or is it all schedules, carpool, and $400 travel jerseys? We share our real experiences (and a few rants), with Jenni championing rec league soccer and Tim taking aim at the youth sports industrial complex. Spoiler: neighborhood games and lazy afternoons > ten weekends of “tournament play.”

Drops, Laughs, and “Mystical Magical”

This episode is loaded with throwback sound drops—from Now and Then and Stand By Me to the truly awkward ‘90s dancefloor anthem “Too Close.” Plus, our official declaration of Benson Boone’s “Mystical Magical” as the early contender for Song of Summer 2025 (fight us).

Let’s Get Messy

School’s out, the sun’s out, and we’re here for all the nostalgia, music, movie magic, and real talk on modern parenting. Tell us your favorite school’s out movie, your personal song of summer, or how your summer break memories stack up to today’s reality.

Hit play, drop a comment, and subscribe for more. The Kids Are In Bed, but summer is just getting started.

🎧 Listen now!

YouTube
Spotify

Rom-Com Mount Rushmore | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 52

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

The Best Rom-Coms for Valentine’s Day (Or Any Day You Need a Laugh & Some Love)

Valentine’s Day is here, which means two types of people are emerging:

  1. Those who are planning a romantic, carefully curated evening with their loved one.
  2. Those who are watching rom-coms in sweatpants with a glass (bottle) of wine.

Whichever camp you fall into, we’ve got you covered. This week on Thhttps://timtalks.net/tkaib/e Kids Are In Bed, we break down the best romantic comedies of all time—argue about them, overanalyze them, and ultimately give you the only rom-com list you’ll ever need.

Oh, and we also talk about the Super Bowl.

But before we get to our ultimate rom-com categories, let’s set the stage:

Super Bowl Recap: Where Was Taylor Swift?

Before we dive into rom-coms, we had unfinished business—the Taylor Swift Super Bowl prop bet from our last episode. Vegas set the over/under at 6.5 times on camera, and let’s just say…

Other notable moments:

  • 🏈 The Chiefs won. Again. And most of America was rooting against them.
  • 🎤 Kendrick Lamar crushed the halftime show. Filled with Easter eggs, hidden messages, and a not-so-subtle Drake rivalry reference.
  • 🎭 Super Bowl commercials have officially lost the plot. (If your big idea is just “put a celebrity in it,” that’s not marketing, it’s a group project with no leader.)

Alright, now that that’s out of the way—ROM-COMS.

The Best Rom-Coms of All Time—Categorized for Your Convenience

Look, picking the single best romantic comedy is impossible. So instead of one definitive ranking, we broke them into very serious, highly scientific categories.

Find the mood you’re in, pick a movie, and let the rom-com magic do the rest.

1. Adam Sandler Classics

Because sometimes you just want to laugh and listen to an absolute banger of a soundtrack.
🎬 The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, Click, Just Go With It, Mr. Deeds

2. The Bullock Effect™

Sandra Bullock has been carrying this genre on her back for decades. Respect.
🎬 While You Were Sleeping, The Proposal, Two Weeks Notice, Miss Congeniality, The Lost City

3. If You Lost the Ponytail and Glasses…

Where we pretend that simply removing glasses turns someone into a different human being.
🎬 Crazy Stupid Love, Hitch, Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s All That

4. Your Mom’s Favorite Rom-Coms

These are the rom-coms that built the genre and are still endlessly rewatchable.
🎬 When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle

5. If I Could Turn Back Time

Sometimes love takes a second (or thousandth) chance.
🎬 About Time, The Big Sick, 500 Days of Summer, Palm Springs, The Lake House, Midnight in Paris

6. That Would Never Happen… But I Love It Anyway

Romances that make absolutely no sense… yet somehow, we buy in every time.
🎬 Runaway Bride, The Holiday, What Happens in Vegas, Moonstruck, Serendipity

7. The “Technically Not a Rom-Com… But It Totally Is” Movies

Romantic comedies in disguise. You know it, we know it.
🎬 Jerry Maguire, The Princess Bride, Groundhog Day, The Devil Wears Prada, Silver Linings Playbook

8. We Shouldn’t Work… But We Do

When everything says this relationship should be a disaster, but somehow, it’s perfect.
🎬 Fools Rush In, Knocked Up, Trainwreck, Crazy Stupid Love, My Best Friend’s Wedding

So, What’s the Best Rom-Com?

That’s up to you. But if you’re looking for a great Valentine’s movie, this list is full of absolute gems.

💬 Drop your favorite rom-com in the comments—we want to hear your picks!

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Kids Are In Bed for all the debates, hot takes, and unnecessary deep dives into rom-com history.

#RomComs #ValentinesDay #TheKidsAreInBed #Podcast #SuperBowl #RomanticComedies #MovieDebate #ValentinesWeekend #SandraBullock #MegRyan #MovieRanking

YouTube
Spotify

Airport Theory, Super Bowl, & Viral Fort Building Crew | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 51

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

Jenni’s back from Cincinnati (which is, apparently, a city that doesn’t even house its own airport), and The Kids Are In Bed is back in full force. Tim is relieved to no longer be podcasting alone, and they waste no time diving into all the pressing matters of the week:

  • A group of kids accidentally going viral for building the ultimate backyard fort. What started as a fun project now has them raking in thousands of dollars—so what’s next?

DONATE TO THEIR GO FUND ME HERE

@rory_wes.jacob.micheal

Progress update number two #summer #fishinglifestyle2024

♬ original sound – rory.wes.jacob.micheal
  • Airport Theory. Are the “get there two hours early” guidelines just a trick to keep us shopping in terminals?
  • Super Bowl chaos. Will Taylor Swift make an appearance at halftime? How many times will she be shown on camera? More importantly—why do we all care so much?
  • Groundhog Day: A Movie and a Tradition. One is a Bill Murray classic, the other involves thousands of people standing in the freezing cold to hear a rodent make a weather prediction. Both are fascinating.

It’s the kind of episode that covers everything and nothing all at once—come hang out!

YouTube
Spotify

Wisconsin Dells & Paul Bunyan’s Axe | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 44

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

Hey everyone! Welcome back to The Kids Are in Bed podcast. In this episode, Jenni and I dive into our action-packed Thanksgiving weekend in the Wisconsin Dells, and we can’t wait to share all the laughs, mishaps, and memorable moments with you.

What We Covered in This Episode:

  • Wisconsin Dells Getaway: We spent four incredible days at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. From conquering multiple indoor water parks to navigating the sprawling resort, we share our tips on how to make the most of your stay without breaking the bank. Spoiler alert: We found clever ways to save money on food and arcade games!
  • Family Fun and Challenges: The kids had a blast, but not without a few hiccups. We talk about Clementine’s creative “Would You Rather” questions, her almost-epic meltdown over water slide restrictions, and how we managed to keep everyone entertained during long walks across the resort.
  • Gopher Football Triumph: We attended the Minnesota Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers game at Camp Randall Stadium, and let me tell you, it was a game to remember! We discuss the thrilling victory, the history behind Paul Bunyan’s Axe rivalry, and our firsthand experience of the game’s electric atmosphere—even in the chilly weather.
  • Road Trip Anecdotes: The journey itself was half the fun. From Clementine’s hilarious reaction to Wisconsin’s countryside aromas to an unexpected race that led to a minor phone mishap, we recount the moments that made our trip unforgettable.
  • Holiday Preparations and Movie Reviews: Back home, we jumped into the festive spirit with Christmas decorations and some holiday baking. We also share our candid thoughts on the new “Moana” movie sequel and a Christmas film that… well, let’s just say it didn’t make our must-watch list.

Why You Should Tune In:

If you’re looking for travel insights, family-friendly tips, or just a good laugh, this episode has it all. Whether you’re planning a trip to Wisconsin Dells, a fan of college football rivalries, or navigating the joys and challenges of parenting, you’ll find something to relate to.

Join the Conversation:

We love sharing our stories and would be thrilled to hear yours! Drop a comment below about your own family adventures, favorite travel hacks, or thoughts on the latest movies.

YouTube
Spotify

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Kids Are in Bed for more episodes filled with laughter, insights, and heartwarming moments. If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a review and share it with your friends!

Wicked, Football & A New Holiday? | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 43

/ Tim Severson / 1 Comment

What happens when you try to squeeze Wicked, tailgating & football, and Thanksgiving prep into one jam-packed weekend? Absolute chaos—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

In this episode of The Kids Are in Bed, Tim and Jenni Severson share a candid (and often hilarious) recap of their family-filled adventures. From their night out at Wicked—complete with matching outfits and 9 million real flowers—to their cozy home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, the weekend was full of love, laughter, and a few missteps.

Highlights include:

  • Mini Vacations vs. Full Vacations: Why short getaways can feel even more relaxing than extended trips.
  • The Magic of Wicked: Our thoughts on the stunning visuals, incredible cast, and Ariana Grande’s surprising performance.
  • Tailgate Wins (and Woes): Why packing chili at 6:30 AM is both genius and nauseating.
  • Thanksgiving Hot Takes: Is stuffing more important than turkey? Plus, our foolproof recipe for making Thanksgiving stress-free.
  • Holiday Reinvention: Could a pre-Thanksgiving “No Pressure Giving” holiday be the key to keeping your family drama-free?

This episode is filled with laughs, family-friendly moments, and hot takes on everything from holiday traditions to stadium traffic. Whether you’re a fan of The Kids Are in Bed or just discovering us, this one is a must-listen.

YouTube
Spotify

25 Years, H-O-T-T-O-G-O | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 37

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

This is the last week of our countdown through our 25 years together! Will 2023 have what it takes to swoop in at the final minute and steal victory? Tim and Jenni discuss Tim’s 40th birthday party and how Hot To Go by Chappell Roan feels like it has existed forever. They discuss Taylor Swift, the Eras tour, and Rhianna’s Super Bowl performance. Then they dive into their movie games with the box office winners and best picture nominees. For Tim and Jenni, 2023 was a year of travel – Palm Springs, Chicago, Chattanooga, Cabo San Lucas, and Bozeman. Jenni became a soccer mom, and the Severson family started a new tradition of Christmas caroling, but will it be enough to hold the top spot?

Read about Tim’s Unexpected Adventures In Chicago

YouTube
Spotify

Hot Dog Fingers & A Vasectomy | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 36

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

This week, Tim and Jenni kick off the podcast by discussing Tim’s recent 40th birthday and the Golden Gopher football victory over USC this past weekend. From there, the pair jump into the year 2022. They recap some of the year’s biggest stories: Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were in court, and so much more. They talked briefly about movies from the year and played their movie games before diving into what was happening for them in 2022. Tim relives his vasectomy; they talk about their trip to Florida and eat all of the Little Debbie snack cakes they could find. 2022 was a good year, but is it the best of their 25 years together?

YouTube
Spotify
Dress Appropriately
From 6th grade German to a birthday in Maple Grove, Tim Severson …
The Shepherd
A stranger arrives in town to raise sheep, faces skepticism about wolves …

2021 – Long Hair, Skinny Face (Timmy’s Version) | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 35

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

It’s Wednesday, and The Kids Are In Bed! This week, Tim and Jenni continue their countdown to the 25th anniversary of their relationship by discussing 2021. They talk about Jenni’s first watch of Tenet. They talk about some of the most memorable pop culture stories of 2021: Free Britney, Kim and Kanye Divorce, Bennifer 2.0 (RIP), Taylor Swift re-releasing her music, and Squidgame. From there, Jenni guesses what won the box office, and they discuss the best picture nominees despite seeing only a couple of the movies. Tim talks about losing 70 pounds and growing out his hair, showing off his “Long Hair, Skinny Face” look for the first time. 2021 brought a family road trip to NY, dinosaurs, and the Gophers beating Wisconsin AGAIN. Will 2021 be their best year yet? Only one way to find out!

Stories from 2021

Hot Timmy Summer
Unexpected Adventures In Boulder

YouTube
Spotify

2018 – Moving While Pregnant | The Kids Are In Bed Ep. 32

/ Tim Severson / Leave a comment

This week on The Kids Are In Bed, Tim and Jenni discuss their daughter starting kindergarten and how Tim sobbed as he packed her lunch before they launch into this week’s topic: 2018. They discuss some of the year’s most significant pop culture moments, what won the box office, and the Best Picture nominees briefly since they haven’t seen any of the movies. They discuss their obsession with Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” and “Shallow” from A Star Is Born. In 2018, the couple faced various challenges, including a medical emergency, difficulties with prescription medication, and a stressful eye surgery. They also appeared in a campaign ad for Senator Tina Smith and took trips to parks and football games. They moved to a new house, sold their old one, and prepared for the arrival of their second child. It turns out that moving while pregnant makes people busy. Despite the busyness and stress, they found joy in moments like the gender reveal and the Gophers winning the Axe. Overall, 2018 was a year of growth and change for the couple.

Read Tim’s latest story – Oh My Darlin’ Clementine

YouTube
Spotify