This week we’re talking about intentional creativity—how we resist the pressure to chase every new trend, spend money we don’t have on tools we barely use, and say yes to every opportunity that comes our way. Sometimes the best thing you can do as a creative is just chill.

We get into tech FOMO, saying no, creative tool graveyards, and choosing joy in the craft over the illusion of progress.

In Episode 4 of Sandbox Mode, Jarrett and Reggie unpack how nostalgia plays a surprising role in parenting, creativity, and slowing down our fast-paced lives. From Mario Kart meltdowns to Daniel Tiger life lessons, they reflect on how old-school moments—from physical media to old sitcoms—can spark better conversations, emotional intelligence, and family bonding.

What starts as a casual convo about cash and CD players turns into a powerful discussion on screen time, culture, safe emotional spaces, and how we show up for our kids in a world with infinite distractions.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

• Why physical media is making a comeback in parenting rituals

• How Bluey and Bernie Mac are opening up real conversations

• Rethinking screen time with “pause and talk” moments

• Creating emotional safety through apologies and transparency

• Passing down culture (and calling it culture time)

• Vices, vaping, and when your kids become your accountability buddies

• Why every millennial parent is making it up as they go—and that’s okay

This one’s for the dads, the parents, and anyone reflecting on what they didn’t get as a kid—and how to give that now.

In this episode of Sandbox Mode, Jarrett and Reggie dive deep into a provocative quote from the CEO of Suno, an AI music tool, and unpack what it really means to create in the age of AI. They explore whether AI-generated art strips away the soul of creativity or simply represents a new tool in an ever-evolving toolbox. From Dr. Dre and samplers to JPEGMAFIA and AI-generated samples, the hosts reflect on how creators can maintain joy, authenticity, and community in their work, even as automation accelerates. This one’s about soul, speed, and staying grounded in your why.

In this episode of Sandbox Mode, we unpack the love-hate relationship we have with the tools that power our creative lives.

First up, we talk about software we love but can’t stand to pay for—Airtable, Adobe, and even Figma make the list. We dig into how subscription models have reshaped the way we work and why some tools feel more like a trap than an asset.

From there, we shift to Framer vs. Webflow, exploring why Framer is becoming the go-to for lightweight, fun web design while Webflow holds its ground for more complex projects.

Then, we get into the role of AI in creativity—not just as a tool, but as a collaborator. How do we balance AI’s usefulness with our own creative instincts? And what does it mean when we start turning to AI for advice, mentorship, and even therapy?

We also talk practical purchases that made our lives better—from label makers to soap dispensers—and why the simplest tools often bring the most joy.

Finally, we reflect on personal finance, productivity, and making intentional choices, from avoiding lifestyle inflation to the eternal debate over keeping or ditching the Apple Watch.

Tune in for a conversation that’s part tech critique, part creative therapy, and 100% real.

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Sandbox Mode! 🎉 In this premiere, we’re diving into:

✅ How Montessori education influences creativity

✅ Teaching kids entrepreneurship & problem-solving

✅ Why hobbies matter (for kids and adults)

✅ The battle between creation vs. consumption

✅ Using ChatGPT to plan personal growth

✅ Sharing passions with kids & why we even take on random creative projects

This podcast is all about creativity, parenting, and building things that matter. Whether you’re a parent, a creative, or just someone who loves making cool stuff, you’re in the right place.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on creativity, parenting, and making things!