Épisodes

  • LA’s Burning Again, Toothpaste Won’t Roll & We Just Graded Our Marriage?!

    LA’s Burning Again, Toothpaste Won’t Roll & We Just Graded Our Marriage?!
    Jun 26 2026

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    In this unfiltered episode of Plate & Ponder, Jen and Chris Fenton tackle the chaos that is Los Angeles right now — from the latest fire ripping through the city and the frustrating mistrial in the Palisades arson case to the ongoing crisis of homes still not being built.

    On a much lighter (and funnier) note, they obsess over their favorite Below Deck star, Chef Ben, swap hilarious stories about awkwardly pretending to remember people who clearly recognize you, and go full rant mode about modern toothpaste tubes that refuse to be rolled all the way empty.

    The couple also grades each other (on a scale of 1–10) across key marriage traits and shares some real talk about raising kids — specifically, the importance of remembering exactly who you were at that age.

    It’s the perfect blend of serious LA issues and relatable empty-nester chaos.


    #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNesting #LAFires #PalisadesFire #BelowDeck #ChefBen #MarriageGoals #ToothpasteProblems #EmptyNestLife #ParentingRealTalk #JenAndChrisFenton
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    36 min
  • "Wow, Okay" – Jen Is Back! 65lbs of Bikinis, Kids Hate Taxes, & Spencer Pratt Recap - Balls and Strikes!

    "Wow, Okay" – Jen Is Back! 65lbs of Bikinis, Kids Hate Taxes, & Spencer Pratt Recap - Balls and Strikes!
    Jun 19 2026

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    Jen and Chris Fenton are back with another raw, hilarious, and surprisingly deep episode of Plate & Ponder.

    They kick things off in classic empty-nest fashion — swapping stories about Dylan’s first full-time paycheck and his very Gen-Z request that Dad “figure out how to get the taxes back,” plus Kaylie’s legendary overpacking for Costa Rica (yes, we’re talking 65 pounds of bathing suits). From there, the conversation takes a sharp, entertaining turn into bigger cultural territory: the unexpected authenticity of Spencer Pratt, the brutalist architecture of the Obama Presidential Library, the many different (and loaded) ways to say “Wow, Okay,” and their growing frustration with gaslighting and the total disappearance of people willing to call balls and strikes in a tribal world.

    They close with a fun East Coast vs. West Coast comparison of the Knicks parade in NYC versus how Los Angeles does victory.

    It’s the perfect mix of parenting laughs and “we’re not crazy for noticing this, right?” cultural commentary.

    #WowOkay #EmptyNesting #EmptyNestLife #PlateAndPonder #CallingBallsAndStrikes #Gaslighting #Tribalism #SpencerPratt #ObamaLibrary #FamilyPodcast #ParentingAdultKids #RealTalk #Podcast #NewEpisode
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    39 min
  • Tribalism, Gaslighting, & Willful Blinders: The Lost Art of Balls & Strikes

    Tribalism, Gaslighting, & Willful Blinders: The Lost Art of Balls & Strikes
    Jun 18 2026

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    26 min
  • Left Home Alone by Their Parents, Surrounded by Sharks: Chris, Jon, & Taylor Fenton Discuss the BarBell Theory!

    Left Home Alone by Their Parents, Surrounded by Sharks: Chris, Jon, & Taylor Fenton Discuss the BarBell Theory!
    Jun 13 2026

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    In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Plate & Ponder, Chris is joined by his brother Jon and Jon’s daughter Taylor (a UCLA student) for a special family reunion. The trio dives into some of the wildest childhood stories from Chris and Jon’s upbringing — including the time their parents left them home alone for two full weeks while they traveled to Japan, and the unforgettable (and slightly terrifying) adventures of taking rowboats out into the ocean surrounded by sharks.

    From there, the conversation shifts to the present as Jon, Chris, and Taylor reflect on how both brothers are now in their empty-nesting chapter. They explore the “BarBell Theory” of parenting — the idea that life often moves from lots of freedom as young adults, to very little freedom while raising kids, and then back to freedom again once the nest empties. They also share their deep love for San Diego and what it means to watch the next generation (like Taylor) step into adulthood.

    The episode wraps with warm shoutouts from Jon to family and friends. It’s equal parts nostalgic, funny, and insightful — perfect for anyone navigating empty nesting or simply missing the chaos and closeness of family.

    #EmptyNesting #EmptyNestLife #EmptyNest #BarBellTheory #ParentingJourney #FamilyStories #SiblingStories #ChildhoodMemories #RaisingKids #LifeAfterKids #SanDiegoLife #FamilyPodcast #EmptyNestingParents #ParentingWisdom #Nostalgia
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    35 min
  • We Pulled Plastic from Flynn’s Ass + Jen’s Sister Allison Invades from London for Slang, Cravings, Morrissey Karaoke

    We Pulled Plastic from Flynn’s Ass + Jen’s Sister Allison Invades from London for Slang, Cravings, Morrissey Karaoke
    Jun 8 2026

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    DOG BUTT RETAINER RESCUE + TRANSATLANTIC CHAOS!

    We pulled a plastic MOUTH RETAINER out of Flynn the dog’s ASS… LIVE on air.

    Jen’s badass sister Allison crashes our LA studio from London for the ultimate sister showdown: UK food cravings, the latest British slang that’ll have you gobsmacked, and a savage “Who Knows Jen the Best?” contest. Chris goes full Morrissey karaoke with “Hairdresser on Fire” AND “Unhappy Birthday.” Winston Churchill drank ALL DAY, every day… and still made it to 90. We roast ladies’ eComm “returns” addiction, mourn the death of three-martini lunches, drag Thrifty Ice Cream, and spill the UK’s best museums & food halls.

    Empty-nesting has never been this unhinged.

    Watch the full episode NOW — you’re gonna want to share this one.

    #PlateAndPonder #DogButtDrama #FlynnTheDog #RetainerRescue #BritishSisterInvasion #MorrisseyKaraoke #ChurchillDrankDaily #BritishSlang #EmptyNesting #UKFoodCravings #WhoKnowsJenBest #ThreeMartiniLunches #PodcastGoneWild #ViralPodcast #JenAndChrisFenton
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    40 min
  • Jams Your Parents Left You to Handle Alone: The Over-or-Under Parenting of College Kids Ep.

    Jams Your Parents Left You to Handle Alone: The Over-or-Under Parenting of College Kids Ep.
    Jun 2 2026

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    Episode Summary – Plate & Ponder: Empty Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton

    In this laugh-out-loud, tear-jerking, and wildly relatable episode, Jen & Chris Fenton sit down at the table (plates fully loaded) to tackle the biggest question every empty-nester is secretly Googling:

    How do you parent college kids who are “technically adults”?

    They go full debate mode on over-parenting vs. under-parenting, then things get REAL when Jen asks Chris, “What jams did you get into as a kid that your parents literally couldn’t help you with?” Chris answers… then immediately flips the script and makes Jen answer the same question. The stories that follow? Absolute gold.

    From there the conversation flows exactly like a real dinner table should:

    • Philly’s greatest cheesesteak debate (they’re not afraid to name names)
    • Why West Chester, PA feels like actual magic
    • The sneaky reality of Spousal Separation Anxiety once the kids are gone
    • One dog’s legendary “protest poops” campaign
    • The sticker shock of inflated tuition bills
    • Dairy Queen runs that somehow fix everything
    • And the eternal love letter to Wawa (because yes, it deserves its own segment)

    …and a whole lot more random, wonderful, and very Fenton chaos in between.

    Equal parts parenting therapy, marriage mic-drop moments, hometown nostalgia, and “we’re just two empty-nesters cracking up at life,” this episode will have you nodding, snorting, texting your spouse “you HAVE to hear this,” and probably adding Wawa and Dairy Queen to your weekend plans.

    Grab your plate, hit play, and join the Fentons — because empty nesting has never sounded this fun… or this honest.

    #EmptyNesting #ParentingTeens #CollegeKids #OverParenting #EmptyNestLife #MarriagePodcast #CoupleGoals #ParentingWins #PhillyCheeseSteak #Wawa #DairyQueen #WestChesterPA #SpousalSeparationAnxiety #DogMomLife #PlateAndPonder
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    38 min
  • Michael Jackson’s Bob Fosse Obsession, “Michael” Biopic, Pizzeria Mozza Meatballs, & Why the Car Buying Process Sucks

    Michael Jackson’s Bob Fosse Obsession, “Michael” Biopic, Pizzeria Mozza Meatballs, & Why the Car Buying Process Sucks
    May 26 2026

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    Grab a glass of wine (and maybe order some takeout) because Jen & Chris Fenton are back with another heartfelt, hilarious, and deliciously real episode of Plate & Ponder: Empty-Nesting with Jen & Chris Fenton!

    Chris can’t stop geeking out over the brand-new Michael Jackson biopic Michael and Michael’s lifelong infatuation with dance legend Bob Fosse—complete with moves, music, and the kind of choreography that still gives them chills. Then the mood flips to pure family joy as they relive the epic Faux Father’s Day surprise Jen and the kids threw for Chris—full of love, laughs, and zero actual neckties.

    Of course the celebration involved their forever-favorite restaurant: the iconic Pizzeria Mozza, where they’ve been loyal regulars for a jaw-dropping 19 years. They spill all the secrets on those legendary meatballs and the addictive spicy tomato sauce that keeps them coming back (warning: you WILL get hungry).

    They also cheer on Princeton’s fantastic college lacrosse season (huge congrats, Tigers!), vent about the absolute insanity of buying a car in 2026—why the process feels engineered to drive you insane—and share the highs, lows, and hilarious truths of empty-nest life.

    Food, family, pop culture, and zero-filter real talk… this one has it all. Press play—you’ll be smiling, craving Italian, and maybe rethinking your next car purchase before the credits roll.

    #PlateAndPonder #EmptyNesting #MichaelJacksonMovie #MichaelBiopic #BobFosse #PizzeriaMozza #MozzaMeatballs #FauxFathersDay #PrincetonLacrosse #CarBuyingNightmare #EmptyNestLife #FamilyPodcast #FoodAndFamily #19YearsStrong
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    35 min
  • "BAD COUNSELORS" - 1200 American Reasons this Film ROCKS & the Stories Behind It!

    "BAD COUNSELORS" - 1200 American Reasons this Film ROCKS & the Stories Behind It!
    May 21 2026
    Send us Fan MailJen comes back to cohost this special (Trailer Link:) BAD COUNSELORS episode to mostly keep me in check from sounding too much like an infomercial, but honestly, I'm so inspired by this film that I'm not sure she was successful.In this episode we talk about how we beat the odds - the decade long process from idea to movie screen with BAD COUNSELORS. In fact, not only did we break records -- we CRUSHED them. From first reading the script on November 18, 2024 (and guess what? we exposed the original title of the script!) to rolling cameras May 2025 to hitting 1000-plus screens nationwide this July 22!How bout them apples!!!We also talk about all the players on this very blessed team from the amazing actors, to the crew members, to the producers, and to the writers and director - and, we even touch on all the NCAA Athletes and vendors involved after the cameras stopped rolling and the work to find a big audience begins.Bottom line, we hit it all... so if you're interested in knowing how a movie comes together and what the needs to ALL GO RIGHT for a movie to be great, you're listening to the right episode of #PlateAndPonder! Enjoy!! #BADCOUNSELORSMOVIEwww.badcounselors.comAnd here's the #RealClearPolitics op-Ed we refer to in the episode:Hollywood Sold Out. I’m Betting on America to Bring It Back!As production flees overseas and jobs disappear at home, a fully American-made film offers a path forward.By Chris FentonFor years, I helped Hollywood chase the world… And now I regret it.I sat in many rooms where movie deals were struck to open China’s market and others around the world, attract international audiences, and globalize production efficiencies. We believed we were building a more efficient entertainment industry without borders, powered by billions of consumers, cheap labor, and foreign incentives.In many ways, we succeeded—especially by short-term financial measures. But for America’s longer-term interests, we failed miserably.We told ourselves global commerce would lead to convergence, better monetization, and shared values. Instead, we created a slow-moving trainwreck of imbalance. Markets like China protected their domestic film industries with quotas, censorship, and restricted revenue shares, while Hollywood recklessly adapted for access. Scripts were adjusted. Pro-American themes, even in their most subtle forms, were nullified. Storylines softened. Creative decisions bent to the realities of mandates from the Middle Kingdom to the Middle East. This creative-stifling behavior complemented Hollywood’s fervent drive to keep production costs low by finding cheaper labor and grander incentives than America provided. Capitalism trumped patriotism, but at the time it simply felt like smart business. Looking back, however, the cost is now painfully clear.Los Angeles alone has lost more than 40,000 film and television jobs in recent years—roughly a quarter of its entertainment workforce. Production employment is down nearly 30% since 2022. On-location filming has dropped more than 20% in the last year alone and nearly 40% over the past decade. Atlanta—once the crown jewel of “Hollywood South”—saw production spending collapse from $4.4 billion in 2022 to roughly $2.3 billion today, a nearly 50% drop. Hollywood offshores more than 60% of its production annually now. As a result, America has lost a major economic engine along with significant global cultural influence. Hollywood didn’t slowly decline—it hollowed out—as did the industry’s appetite to project pro-American idealism globally.This isn’t a temporary slowdown. It’s deeply structural. Like many other industries, Hollywood chased efficiency and global scale for decades. Productions moved wherever incentives were strongest and labor was cheapest. Financing followed international capital. And foreign governments offered subsides aggressively, pulling jobs, expertise, and infrastructure out of the United States—often while using ruthless protectionist policies to nurture their own domestic players.The result was predictable. Reckless globalization didn’t just change where and how Hollywood’s films are made—it changed who makes them and stars in them too. Today, a disproportionate share of top-tier, box-office-leading English-speaking actors come from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. American-born stars account for less than half of the industry’s biggest global draws—despite the United States representing roughly three-quarters of the English-speaking world. Studios increasingly cast British and Australian actors as Americans, not just for talent but for global market appeal.Hollywood didn’t just export its films—it imported its priorities and American interests, favoring global optimization over domestic industry investment.We assumed American dominance in entertainment was permanent. It isn’t. Even worse, many are ok with that.If we want Hollywood to remain the global...
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    38 min