Today we venture in the bazaar that is all things Volleyball Tournaments. Full of surprises, heckling with vendors, a variety of smells, non stop sound, and a sea of activity only for the brave to venture. Watch out for those wild serves though! In addition Mel gets the giggles, Dustin leaves her in Vegas to escape his responsibilities and much mor…

As we get closer to Father’s day, 3 words come to mind that we’d love to hear from our mother’s, sisters, or even a friend on facebook, relayed, from your own dads…We share that deep sentiment with our friend and hitchhiker today, Derrick Stroup! We get into his early life talents in sports, but also theater? His parents personality dynamics, and s…

If we don’t say it enough, let us say it again, we are SO grateful for you, backseaters. For showing up, sharing the show, and spreading the laughs with us week after week. And speaking of gratitude, you can thank today’s guest Anjelah Johnson for hopping on with us today to talk about her own newfound motivation for giving thanks. In addition, she…

They said we’d never do it. They said, it “seemed unlikely” that it could be good…Well, today backseaters, buckle up, we’re putting our taste buds to the test with a strong round of instant coffee tastings! We pair that with a breakdown on why Nordstrom Rack is a necessary errand on the weeknight date list, how birthing humans may be the greatest h…

Greg Warren returns to the show with all new moves, chants, and pom poms in hand. There’s no denying that Greg goes above and beyond for his bits, and today is no exception. We hear about his no lose attitude, dehydration problems, and much more! Join us at the Dustin Nickerson Comedy Fans Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/dustinnicker…

Can you hear me now? Shake your head yes if you’re millennial who rarely has technology issues? All of you, well, that’s one thing Brad Upton would agree we’re all good at, for better or worse! Brad joins us today to share his incredible mid-life as a professional track athlete, racing horror stories, current coaching perspectives, and lifelong com…

Can you hear me now? Shake your head yes if you’re millennial who rarely has technology issues? All of you, well, that’s one thing Brad Upton would agree we’re all good at, for better or worse! Brad joins us today to share his incredible mid-life as a professional track athlete, racing horror stories, current coaching perspectives, and lifelong com…

Across America, countless families with kids share the joys, tears, and flags of none other than Little League. Gotta cancel spring beach plans for a game? No problem! Missing church for post-season playoffs? Save me a seat! We breaks own what makes little league so fantastic, Mel drops a sizzling take on hotel buffets, we share your cry kit movies…

Word on the street backseaters is Steven Rogers is dating again and we’ve got to make some decisions together; is having two cats and being single a red flag? Does he talk about being a comedian on a first date? Is it actual a good things to “be yourself”? We also determine how to stop the Chicken Jockey craze caused by the Minecraft movie’s wild s…

What’s better than a warm summer day, cold beverage in hand, towel in the other, on your way to the pool for what is usually a good time, unless it’s for your first swim lesson in front of your kids, other kids, and other speedo sporting aquamen just trying to get some laps in between meetings. Well, that’s was Brian Bates experience and he can’t w…

Parents of small children, where are you right now? In your car? In the snow? Rain? The pit of despair? Has the light and glimmer of a hope to be a glorious parent faded from your eyes? Well, Chappell Roan has an opinion about that and so do we! We descend into her hot to go take on this in addition to some weekend college visit recap, and your ema…

Backseaters, scoot on over for today’s hitchhiking fun uncle, John Crist! He arrived early on the call and ready to dive into our chat on sending reels to your loved ones, self-reflection and validation, picking and winning fights on social media, sports parents in the group texts, gossip, and what Mel really thinks about during communion. To parti…

It’s that special tournament time of year back seaters, where we come together to pick our top four favorite um, snacks that we love to steal from our kids lunches? That’s right. We asked you, what are the best kids snacks that you love to eat, and we put together an incredible bracket to decide which snack rules them all! We break down the top 16 …

If you’re are the kind of person that really loves your weekends backseters, then I’d strongly advise against kids. Now, on the other hand, if you’re a fan of cults, then having kids who play travel sports is your ticket through those heavenly gates of parenting. We break down Mel’s weekend of Volleyball and Dustin gets the small town treatment in …

It's not for the weak, it's not for your teacher, grandparent, neighbor, or friend. You guess it yet? It's puke. Coming off 7 days of in home mayhem and a tornado of liquids, Mel brings us her top tips for making it through the trenches, rubber gloved and bleach blasting your way to victory. We also get into your emails and more. Let us know your t…

When it’s below 30 in Minnesota, it’s the kind thing to pickup those stranded highway hitchhikers and we did just that! We caught Kelsey Cook and her cat Mia on the show today to hear all about her new midwest life, her parents incredible careers and successes, totally normal life with her boyfriend Chad Daniels, and more. In addition, Mel prepared…

The great Aaron Weber joins us today on show, and was he late? Sure was. Do we care? Nope. When you’ve gotta newborn in in tow, you get a pass on basically, everything. He shares all about his newfound parenting revelations, embraces car seat safety, we answer if we have a favorite child, your emails and more! Let us know about your favorite child …

That very special lovey dovey romantic day is upon us and if you need that sorta over-the-top self affirming song and dance to show love to that special someone, then we’re glad you’ve got that. We may take a different approach, and you’ll just have to listen to check out that hot take because today, we’re digging into all your Holiday Hot Takes fo…

You probably didn’t notice, but Buzzfeed was so kind to let us know that a study on Middle Children, and their observable adult character traits, is going Viral this week! We’re excited for Mel to confirm or deny if the data stacks up, and let us know your thoughts on the Facebook group. In addition, we break down our weekend in Vegas with Nateland…

It’s been a journey backseaters, but Dustin is happy to report that after 20 years of marriage that he did eventually begin to carry his fair share around the house! And of course, there is still PLENTY of room for improvement. In addition to sharing how that shakes out these days, we get into some bad advice for first-time flyers, TV shows that ar…

What do Glamour shots, Cinnabon, a Gorilla, and D2: The Might Ducks all have in common? - You guessed it, the Mall. And thanks to Gen Z, they are on the rise and showing no sign of slowing down. This week, Dustin returns home from his weekend out with Taylor Tomlinson, Mel braves a 12hr Volleyball/College Visit to Orange County, TikTok returns, we …

Well January certainly claimed it’s name as the worst month this year. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families effected by the LA Fires, First Responders, and sending tons of encouragement to everyone out there volunteering and helping however they can. In addition this week, we take sometime through misty eyes to update you on our son’s …

We’re back and even though it’s Thursday, it sure feels like a Monday, because it’s January. All of a sudden, everything you ever planned and postponed in December, is HERE! Piles of tasks, appts, and reminders that you emptied your bank account at Christmas, Holiday parties, and to your kids. Well, join us in our misery, as we recap the tonight Sh…

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or however you celebrate, we asked you for you favorite clips over the past two years, so we brought a few of them together for you today in our first Listener’s Choice Best Of… and then come on back after the new year with an all new episode. What’s some of your favorite podcast moments from the past 2 years to add…

The Hot Takes continue as Christmas quicky approaches backseaters. You continue to send the heat, as we break down your submissions like, is Thanksgiving better than Christmas?, Two Christmas trees, Are socks a good gift?, and who’s actually enjoying Elf on a Shelf? What’s some of your favorite podcast moments from the past 2 years to add to our gr…

We asked, you delivered, backseaters. Today, we bring you the first batch of your holiday hot takes and you are COOKIN! We look back on holiday fundraising for sports as teens, Dustin brings his Hottest Holiday Travel Tips, do we prefer Christmas with Teens over little kids? - PARENTAL WARNING, multiple sensitive spoiler Santa details in this episo…

The Christmas season is finally here and it’s truly a miracle that we even have time to do this podcast, or that you have time to even listen to it if you’re a parent. You may be the backseaters, but we see you on the frontlines waiting in dark parking lots during practices and afterschool activities, stuffing holiday cards at tournaments, and post…

Today Dustin and Melissa join the Nateland podcast for Thanksgiving week! They debate whether Aaron is like a wine, whether Dustin looks like the Green River Killer, and most importantly whether the SEC or Big Ten is the superior conference. Then they eventually get into this week's topic of Road Trips by sharing tips, tools, and stories from the r…

We asked, and you delivered, Backseaters! Today, we drop your hot takes on Thanksgiving, and you didn’t hold back. Healthy sides? Turkeyless Tables? Ribs? Let’s hear it all! We also share some exciting family news and more! What’s your hottest HOLIDAY take? Travel? No Lights before Thanksgiving? Let us know at Dustin Nickerson Comedy Fans Facebook …

If you’re in the dark about entertaining your kids when the time change hits, you’re not alone, backseaters. We’re happy to bring you some much needed survival advice to make it through those critical late afternoon hours when you’ve still got homework and sports to go before the days end. Also, who is it that got your kid sick this season, is Dust…

While we continue to recover from election anxiety on our way to Veteran’s day, we wanted to honor many of our listeners today that grew up in MIlitary families, like Melissa! From movie-like cafeteria insecurities to 2nd grade gaslighting, Mel shares with us the complexities of identity and belonging as a young daughter of an Air Force Veteran. We…

It’s that time of year, and the studio got a spooky renovation! Mel really pulled out the art teacher vest vibes and went to town on the decor, and it wouldn’t be Halloween without it! Thanks for joining us today, we’ve got your responses from the Facebook Group question, “It Wouldn’t Be Halloween Without…?”. Some great stories you sent in via emai…

Well Backseaters, it’s been a nice 9 years with ol Ant Sandy the minivan. As much as we’ll miss the broken handles, discolored floors, decaying arm rests, and hidden under-seat snacks, we’re in the market for a new ride! Should we get another minivan? Or an SUV? We’ve got so much to consider and we need your thoughts. Let us know in the comments or…

We’ve been hoping and searching for a bridge, an olive branch, or some commonality us millennials can find with our Gen Zers and thanks to Spotify, we’ve arrived at such a solution. The answer may be more depressing than you expect, but serves up some nostalgic ear candy that you don’t wanna miss. Sulking aside, we’re curious about your post 20s su…

Join us backseaters, by participating in ADHD Awareness month, letting us know on our Facebook Group all the wrong ways we should do about this. There’s a good chance we’ll have forgotten all about this by the time we reach the end of this show summary. For the first time, we are inviting a guest to the carpool, Greg Warren joins the show to chat a…

Finally, something Gen Z and Millennials can agree on…the joys of Autumn. Turns out, when your future looks bleak and ominous, it’s not hard to overly enjoy the smell of cinnamon pinecones at your nearest grocery store this month. We want your thoughts on who is the next BIG restaurant chain to start closing. Does Mel need to get her eyes checked? …

In retrospect, there may be a number of different choices we could have taken to make our lives better. And becoming a Disney Adult should have been on that list. While Dustin’s Seattle sports teams continue to send him on perilous emotional rollercoasters, we also break down the nightmare of public school schedules, the difference between a mall a…

We’ve got a small mystery and convincingly the worst social media trend on the planet to discuss on our hands today, backseaters. We careen through today’s topics, themed homes, if Tesla invented a minivan, Mel’s late night worries, the glory of the oncoming Fall season, how band’s could cater to parents anf families, and all the while wondering; W…

“Good morning Backseaters, this is your captain speaking wanting to let you know we’re expecting smooth skies today, and to welcome our premium pet flyers Bailey and snickerdoodle on the flight, who’ve recently earned their Gold star miles and will receive a special nail and claw lotion from our attendants as our way of saying, that’s a good dog.” …

It may not be a Sunday, but today Mel takes us to church backseaters. Bring and ring the handbells, because perhaps for the first time on the podcast, Dustin learns something totally new about Melissa. Between teaching us about Paper Maché, Native American headdresses, and other bad art attempts, Mel spends most of her weekend in the car. Do you al…

We’ve all sat in traffic, bad traffic, the worst traffic. But no traffic scenario compares to the school Drop-off line. Between lost grandparents and disorderly dads, is it even possible to escape that scenario with your sanity? We find out today while we also explore fun family names, illegal and dangerous lawn games, Elyse Myers, and more! Join u…

It’s no small feat building your marriage and family for 20 years, and the Nickerons take their celebration to unexpected heights! This week, hear all about their very special surprise invitation to join Dustin’s favorite band, The Head and the Heart, on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. We also very seriously consider where we’d rather spend our lu…

Back to school is upon us backseaters, and like us, did you ever feel a sense of betrayal by your favorite fall school supplies like Trapper Keeper, Lisa Frank, and Peachy folders? Was it all a scam to get us to actually like going to school? We expose the lie and more on today’s show, unpacking cities nicknames, Melissa’s arrival at her personal f…

We have a couple admission to make first, Fort Wayne, we’re sorry. Watch for details. Secondly, is it possible to be TOO NICE? The Midwest know how to be “nice” more than anyone backseaters, but is there a limit? And, we think Dustin found it. This week, The Nickerson’s also found themselves on a lovely kayaking adventure in Chicago, moonlight hour…

Remember when we were young and the Olympics were the gauntlet for super-star athletes and childhood heroes? Not even realizing the peril of adulthood that would follow medal-less olympians, unaware of the international pay gap, and cardboard beds. Backseaters, our eyes have been opened and we can’t look away. Amidst these concerns, we also conside…

Hey Back Seaters and Hello Folks! This week we have a very special crossover episode of Don't Make Me Come Back There and The Nateland Podcast. Dustin and Melissa Nickerson join the hosts of the Nateland Podcast on the new Nateland set in Nashville, Tennessee. Why the crossover episode, you ask? Because we're excited to announce that Don't Make Com…

What’s better than a date night pop in to a Nordstrom Rack, back seaters? That’s right, when it’s next to an IKEA. There’s nothing like the windowless, clockless, maze of interiors that really stirs up the romance, and we’re here for it! This week, we listen in awe as Mel shares about her flight with all 4 kids while Dustin leisurely scootered arou…

We’re back from our summer version of a solid 15, refreshed, and excited to keep dredging through your travel horror stories. Dustin offers a special summer message for parents, why the pool is is for everyone but maybe not at the same time, Mel gives us a Bingo Dingo on Inside Out 2, and is Summer overrated? Enjoy the show! Join us at the Dustin N…

We’ve packed the water, snacks, and backup phone batteries, because while we love our children’s educational progress, there is simply no reason for arriving hours in advance for an hours long middle school graduation ceremony. Has the work even begun? While we wait, we discuss why we miss the Paw Patrol years, Mel’s 40th birthday surprise and what…

Get ready for a fun filled summer building questionable tree forts, riding your bike for miles beyond your neighborhood, playing in ravines, and defending yourself. At least that’s how it was in the 90’s, now summers are just skincare, screentime, and questioning the vibes. Dustin reminds us how we lived fortnite, why skincare should be banned on T…