Give It To Me Straight – Episode 73 Summary

Episode Title: Giving you push presents, unwanted visitors and hand-me-downs
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Hosts: Alex ("A") and Jon ("B")

Overview

In this candid and humorous episode, new parents Alex and Jon dive into the chaotic and emotional experience of early parenthood. They give raw, unfiltered advice on navigating postpartum life, relationship challenges, family boundaries, and expectations around gifts and support. The show answers listener questions on everything from "push presents," to mother-in-law boundaries, to failed friend support, all wrapped in their signature blend of playful banter, tough love, and vulnerable confessions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Chaos of Early Parenthood

Timestamps: 00:00–06:45

• The hosts open with a reflection on how their new baby, Lucy, has upended their home and routines. Both admit to feeling exhausted and overstimulated.
  • Alex jokes: “One little human feels like 20 extra people were added to our house.” (00:01)
  • Jon: “There’s no adrenaline. I feel stressed, and it’s chaos to start this today." (00:40)
• The couple recounts struggles balancing baby duties, pet care, and household management. Jon admits to snapping at their dog, Kobe, out of sheer overwhelm.
  • “I can hear Kobe lick his paw from like, five rooms away. It’s just the most triggering sound for me.” – Jon (01:45)
  • Alex: “Poor Kobe, he licked his paw once and you were like, it is the most overstimulating thing.” (02:16)
• Both acknowledge they’re “complaining out of love,” recognize their privilege, and emphasize the roller coaster of emotions in these first weeks.
  • Alex: “Two things can be true at once. We could be thankful and really fucking tired.” (05:59)

Hosting Visitors – Setting Boundaries

Timestamps: 04:10–10:10; 47:04–56:42

• The couple discusses the challenges of hosting guests while sleep-deprived: wanting to catch up with visitors, but also wanting to rest.
  • Jon: “When you have people at your house, you’re not in your comfortable space. You’re still a host and accommodating.” (04:31)
  • Alex: “I should be napping, but when people are over, you still want to catch up...But I’m not a napper.” (04:50)
• Later, both express the importance of setting clear boundaries—especially with family—about when visits are welcome after childbirth.
  • “We had the conversation before having Lucy...Can we compromise and can they stay in a hotel? … It makes everything so much easier when you clarify what you want, you make it very clear.” – Jon (51:47–52:45)

Jon’s Social Mishap – Never Assume Pregnancy

Timestamps: 07:30–10:50

• Jon shares a cringeworthy story about accidentally asking a woman at the gym about her (nonexistent) pregnancy status.
  • “Never say it. Never, ever. Until they say it first…Unless it is truly confirmed.” – Alex (10:09)
  • Jon admits to feeling deeply awkward: “Now every time I go to the gym, I have my headphones in and walk by fast.” (09:52)

Postpartum Mood, Social Media, and Mental Health

Timestamps: 16:49–18:40

• Alex shares how an emotional Instagram post about motherhood led to a mental health resources notification, highlighting how social media doesn’t always translate reality.
  • “Someone thought I actually meant I need help, mental help...But when I was actually the most depressed after we lost Leo...Instagram didn’t flag me.” – Alex (17:04–17:49)
• They emphasize the importance of seeking support if struggling post-birth, and note that postpartum emotions are extremely volatile and normal.

First Pediatrician Visit – Rookie Mistakes and Vulnerability

Timestamps: 18:40–22:34

• Alex and Jon recount their chaotic (and ill-prepared) first doctor visit with Lucy, including forgetting a diaper bag and Jon becoming emotional during the exam.
  • Jon: “Where’s the brief? I don’t fucking have one.” (19:44)
  • Alex: “You looked like you wanted to punch our pediatrician…But when it’s your own kid, you’re like, I will protect you.” (21:01–22:06)

New York Living—Cash-Only Frustrations

Timestamps: 22:46–26:37

• The couple rants about New York’s cash-only restaurants, feeling like outsiders for not knowing, and suspecting some establishments are “a little bit illegal” for not making payment options clear.
  • “If you’re cash only, have a fucking ATM…” – Jon (25:09)
  • Alex: “Is it a little bit shady? Is it a little bit illegal?” (24:54)

Social Trends—Postpartum Honesty, Comparison and Unique Journeys

Timestamps: 30:59–33:47

• Alex pushes back on viral takes that all women “lie” about postpartum, highlighting that every parent’s journey is unique.
  • “You can’t have a blanket statement...Don’t compare, or get afraid, or feel like you were lied to.” – Alex (32:49)

Listener Questions & Their Takes

1. Push Presents and Relationship Resentment

Timestamps: 33:50–41:14

• Listener is hurt they didn’t receive a “push present” after labor and wonders if expectations are unfair.
  • Jon is blunt: “Gift giving seems like such a...whiny, selfish thing. Your present is a healthy, fucking baby.” (35:37)
  • Alex is more nuanced: “It depends how someone enjoys being loved…A little gesture goes a long way.” (39:04; 41:11)
• Tone is playful with moments of bickering, but both urge clear communication and perspective (“Divorce is a strong word...maybe talk about getting a push present later.”).

2. Will Having a Baby Ruin Our Relationship?

Timestamps: 41:14–47:01

• Listener’s husband is afraid their relationship will suffer with a baby.
  • Alex shares an analogy: “How do you explain to someone in college that life after college gets better in a different way?...It’s harder, but it’s more rewarding.” (42:18–43:32)
  • Jon admits his rough post-college years, providing comic contrast.
• Their takeaway: Life with a baby is a transition—not worse, just different and rich in new ways.

3. Unwanted Hospital Visitors

Timestamps: 47:04–50:48

• A soon-to-be mom dreads having in-laws immediately after birth, but her husband disagrees.
  • Jon: “Your husband needs to be accommodating to you. This isn’t a moment for him…If you don’t want them there, I think he should go with your wishes.” (47:40)
  • Alex: “You have to decide what you’re most comfortable with. Communication, communication, communication.” (50:48)

4. Overbearing Mother-in-Law and Boundaries

Timestamps: 50:48–56:42

• Listener seeks advice on a mother-in-law ignoring postpartum boundaries.
  • Jon: “Don’t be passive aggressive. Tell them exactly what you want…If they do the opposite, you can be like ‘I’ve already told you where we stand.’” (51:49–52:45)
  • Alex offers examples from their own family, advocating direct, clear discussion and consistency.

5. Friends Who Don’t Show Up After Baby

Timestamps: 57:35–61:57

• Listener feels abandoned by friends since welcoming a baby.
  • Alex: “It’s a two-way street...Sometimes even just a little touch point goes a long way. A lot of relationships change.” (60:23)

6. The Hand-Me-Downs Dilemma

Timestamps: 61:57–66:53

• Listener wonders if she’s wrong to sell baby gear after being burnt by a cousin who did not return borrowed items.
  • Jon: “Everyone go fuck themselves. I would pull out a credit card and fuck up that chick’s credit...Oh, your cousin is a rat.” (64:08–65:01)
  • Alex: “You don’t owe anyone anything. This boils down to communication.” (66:31)

7. Being a New Parent’s Friend – How Much Space is Enough?

Timestamps: 66:53–72:23

• Listener is unsure if she’s overstepping by checking in with a new parent friend.
  • Jon: “It’s not about you. Leave them alone. Wait for them to let you know they’re ready.” (68:59)
  • Alex: “Don’t take it personally. They’re just in the trenches right now.” (70:59)

8. Reciprocating Friendship Support Postpartum

Timestamps: 72:26–77:45

• Listener feels she’s been a better friend postpartum than what she received in return.
  • Jon: “This person seems like she’s really only concerned about herself...I wouldn’t say anything right now, but I’d want to see if she has an epiphany down the road.” (73:44–77:13)
  • Alex: “If she’s actually that shitty of a friend, then you’re just going to not end up being friends with this person down the road anyway.” (76:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Overstimulation as New Parents:
  “One little human feels like 20 extra people were added to our house.” – Alex (00:01)
  “It is the most overstimulating thing.” – Alex, about Jon snapping at the dog (02:16)

• Perspective on Push Presents:
  “Gift giving seems like such a...whiny, selfish thing...” – Jon (35:37)
  “A little gesture goes a long way.” – Alex (41:11)

• Boundaries with family:
  “Don’t be passive aggressive. Tell them exactly what you want.” – Jon (51:49)
  “Communication, communication, communication.” – Alex (50:48)

• On Postpartum Experience Comparisons:
  “Don’t compare, or get afraid, or feel like you were lied to. Everyone’s experiences are going to be so unique.” – Alex (32:49)

• On Bad Hand-Me-Down Etiquette:
  “Oh, your cousin is a rat.” – Jon (65:01)
  “A normal, level-headed person would understand that.” – Alex (66:53)

Recommendations (“Wrecks”)

Timestamps: 77:51–80:29

• Alex: Non-alcoholic wine: Spring in a Bottle by Wolfer Estate; also, series “The Girlfriend” on Amazon – enjoyable, White Lotus vibes.
• Jon: Video game Stardew Valley: “My little farm…It’s peaceful. My little unwind time.”

This episode is a rich, honest, and comedic exploration of new parenthood and relationships, highlighting that the chaos is real, communication is everything, and everyone’s journey is unique. The hosts' banter keeps it engaging, with Jon’s abrupt hot takes and Alex’s more empathetic approach offering something for everyone in the parenting trenches—or anyone supporting them.

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