Dear Crinkle Episode 88: Excited Dad. Do I take a flyer or go out for hire? And Updates!

In this episode of *Dear Crinkle*, host Bonnie Burns and her panel—Paula Poundstone, Adam Felber, and Tony Anita Hall—tackle two listener questions with their signature mix of humor, absurdity, and surprisingly thoughtful advice. The first query comes from 'Excited Dad,' who’s seeking guidance on how to celebrate his wife’s first Mother’s Day as a mom. The panel offers a range of ideas, from staying home to plan a full day of self-care for the new mom, to more outlandish suggestions like painting 'Happy Mother’s Day' on a fitted sheet or getting matching family tattoos. The consensus leans toward giving the mom time and space to reconnect with her identity beyond motherhood. The second question involves a cook feeling stuck in a dead-end career, considering buying a struggling restaurant in a small town. The panel encourages taking the leap, emphasizing self-belief, financial due diligence, and the value of learning from failure. They suggest a three-year trial period, a winter skeleton crew, and partnering with a local business owner for operational expertise. The episode closes with a humorous coda about storing spatulas in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth—a life hack that’s met with skepticism. Throughout, the show maintains its irreverent tone while delivering heartfelt, if unorthodox, wisdom.