Tangle Podcast Episode Summary: The 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Special Release Date: February 14, 2025

Hosts: Isaac Saul and Phoebe Padgett
Special Guest: Their newborn son, Omri Fuller Saul

1. Introduction

In the heartwarming third annual Valentine's Day episode of Tangle, Isaac Saul and his wife Phoebe Padgett open up about their journey into parenthood. Balancing personal milestones with professional insights, the couple delves deep into the complexities of being new parents, the challenges of paternity and maternity leave, and their evolving political perspectives shaped by their experiences.

2. Becoming Parents: Initial Reactions and Adjustments

The episode kicks off with the joyful introduction of their three-week-old baby, Omri. Isaac shares the overwhelming love he feels for his newborn, while Phoebe discusses the profound changes motherhood has brought into her life.

Isaac Saul [03:05]:
"This is straight bourbon. This is the good stuff."

Phoebe Padgett [05:25]:
"It's trying to figure out, or trying to, like, get to know who I am in this role."

3. Maternity and Paternity Leave: Challenges and Reflections

Phoebe provides an intimate look into her maternity leave from law school, highlighting the absence of formal support systems and the pressure to balance academics with motherhood. Isaac reflects on his role during Phoebe's leave, describing himself as "the intern while your wife is the CEO," emphasizing the shift in household dynamics.

Isaac Saul [08:01]:
"There's so much downtime. That is probably like the thing I didn't expect."

Phoebe Padgett [10:01]:
"I've never been a mother before. It's hard to know how much to attach to this version of myself."

4. Impact on Personal and Professional Lives

The couple delves into how their new roles as parents have reshaped their identities and daily routines. Phoebe grapples with feelings of lost independence and the guilt of desiring personal time, while Isaac struggles to disconnect from work, highlighting the intricate balance between professional responsibilities and family life.

Phoebe Padgett [16:05]:
"I miss that, like, selfish thing that I got to give to myself."

Isaac Saul [41:48]:
"I want some sort of, like, policy or cultural perspective that acknowledges that and grapples with that."

5. Policy Perspectives: Paternity Leave and Beyond

Isaac shares his evolving stance on paternity leave, advocating for more generous and flexible policies. He discusses the high cost of childcare in the U.S. and contrasts it with policies in other developed nations, expressing a commitment to offering unlimited paternity leave within his own company, Tangle.

Isaac Saul [20:29]:
"For the rest of my time, I'm going to give people unlimited paternity leave."

Phoebe Padgett [32:01]:
"It may start and it may be really brutal... That's scary."

6. Abortion Debate: Personal Reflections and Political Views

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Isaac's reflections on abortion, influenced by their pregnancy and impending parenthood. He discusses the tension between pro-choice and pro-life perspectives, acknowledging the deep emotional and physical connections involved in pregnancy.

Isaac Saul [59:52]:
"I'm definitely more on the pro-choice side... It's a dangerous thing to happen."

Phoebe Padgett [73:20]:
"The baby was here and we changed some diapers and had a meal... it's so personal."

7. Phoebe’s Career as a Public Defender: Experiences and Challenges

Phoebe offers insights into her role as a public defender in Philadelphia, managing early hearings and advocating for clients facing drug-related charges. She emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional rights, regardless of personal feelings about a client's guilt.

Phoebe Padgett [91:42]:
"My job is to advocate for the person who can't afford it. It doesn't matter if they're guilty or not."

Isaac Saul [96:10]:
"Don't you rather have a system where a guilty man goes free than an innocent man is locked up?"
Phoebe Padgett [96:35]:
"Most Americans want the state to have to prove beyond doubt that you're guilty before stripping you of your liberties."

8. Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Isaac and Phoebe express their gratitude to their listeners and reflect on the profound journey they've embarked upon. They anticipate future discussions on how parenthood continues to shape their political and personal outlooks, promising insightful content upon their return from paternity leave.

Isaac Saul [105:11]:
"I miss writing every day. I'm excited to come back and share more with the Tangle community."

Phoebe Padgett [105:13]:
"We love you back. Say goodbye, Omri."

Notable Quotes:

• Isaac Saul [41:48]:
  "I want some sort of, like, policy or cultural perspective that acknowledges that and grapples with that."

• Phoebe Padgett [86:58]:
  "Working as a public defender is heavy work. I wasn't sure I could handle it."

• Isaac Saul [75:29]:
  "Watching you give birth was like making contact with a different dimension."

This episode offers a candid and heartfelt exploration of the intersection between personal life changes and broader political beliefs, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on modern parenthood and its implications on societal policies.