While the future is unknown, one thing seems pretty clear - 2026 is going to be a weird, wild, and, quite possibly, very stupid year. To help them manage their own anxious feelings about the near future, Marcus and Esme decided to practice some “positive anticipation” strategies in an effort to have some things to look forward to in 2026. They also share some tips and tricks that can help you identify your own list of things to look forward to this year.

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Esme celebrate the holiday season by replaying a holiday -themed fan favorite from earlier in the year (episode 9: Gratitude, but not in a woo-woo kind of way). They also share some updates and issue a few corrections related to last Friday’s episode. Are the updates related to biker-gang activity in Delco during the 70s? There’s only one way to find out.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus and Esme pay tribute to Rob Reiner. They discuss how unfortunate it is that we often don’t take time to appreciate the impact some artists have on us while they’re still alive, and they reflect upon how the peak of Reiner’s career aligned so perfectly with their formative years.

It’s time for another Movie Night! Marcus and Esme, having recently rewatched the romantic-ish comedy Punch-Drunk Love (2002), sit down to discuss its depiction of mental illness and social anxiety. They also attempt to answer the question, “What happens when a fancy pants director (Paul Thomas Anderson – Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, One Battle After Another) joins forces with an actor (Adam Sandler) who, at the time, seemed better suited to roles that required him to scream gibberish at Bradley Whitford and get into a fist fight with Bob Barker?” Not to give too much away, but . . . the answer is a really good depiction of what it feels like to live with chronic anxiety.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus and Esme bemoan the time management and merchandising requirements imposed upon them by a seasonal decorative item. Marcus explains how having a BA in English often interferes with one’s ability to just enjoy things, and Esme shares a few more examples of sanity-saving content she turns to when the news gets too heavy.

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Esme revisit the male loneliness epidemic from a very unique angle. What if men didn’t have to choose between “traditional” and “positive” masculinity. What if the solution to developing a healthy identity is to simply be . . . weird? From the dangers of the manosphere to the radicalization path algorithms push young men down, they explore why weirdness—unique passions, abilities, and character traits—can be a powerful shield. Backed by science, creativity research, and even relationship studies, Marcus and Esme explore how being different isn’t a drawback but a strength. And yes, they’ll talk about why embracing weirdness doesn’t mean giving up on human connection.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Esme takes a victory lap as she describes how she has recently demonstrated mastery over many neurodivergent people’s greatest foe: time itself. Then, Marcus is relieved to learn Debbie Harry is okay, but is embarrassed to see how she is depicted in a random AI slop video.

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Esme take time to issue some corrections and contend with one very specific piece of feedback about the religious practices of biker gangs in Delco during the 1970s. Marcus and Esme then share some perspectives they learned at a recent parent group meeting in their daughter’s school district, and reflect on how different families experience the maze of mental health resources available to them. While the array of experiences is frustrating, the O’Kayviuses take comfort in the hope that the future provides opportunities to build new and better systems that put peoples’ needs first.

It’s that magical time of year when many of us travel to our points of origin to enjoy the warm fires of home, break bread with loved ones, and contend with those other family members whose untreated mental health challenges always make dinnertime interesting.  In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Marcus and Esme take time to recognize that the season can be overwhelming—especially for neurodiverse folks navigating crowded rooms, noisy kitchens, and tense family dynamics. However, the O’Kayviuses would rather light a candle than curse your darkness. In that spirit, Marcus and Esme want to send you off to dinner armed with an array of non‑sequiturs and fascinating factoids—perfect for steering the conversation away from politics, grievances, or awkward interrogations. So this year, don’t argue with Uncle Billy; just dazzle him with miscellany until the whiskey train takes him all the way to Sleepy Town. Toot-toot!

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus makes an unusual case for appreciating his favorite position on an American football team. Esme reminds us of the importance of taking breaks from the never-ending anxiety factory that is the news and shares a few of her favorite sanity saving tv shows.

Marcus and Esme dive headfirst into the bane of many a neurodivergent person’s existence: overstimulation. From the chaos of department stores to the “wet, unholy cacophony” of the breakfast table, they unpack how sensory overload shows up in real life, describe their own experiences battling unwanted sensory input, and discuss coping strategies and treatment options that can actually help.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Esme takes us along on her adventures learning how to use her sewing machine as part of her quest to craft the perfect pair of pants. Meanwhile, Marcus takes an ADHD-fueled plunge deep into the rabbit hole that is the Isley Brothers legendary story and back catalog.

Prepare to have your minds blown. Also prepare to skip the first few minutes if you don’t want to hear a mini rant about John Fetterman (you will, however, be deprived of hearing what happens when you shave Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, from head to toe). In this episode of Crazy Together, hosts Marcus and Esme dive into hypermobility and its surprising connections with ADHD, autism, dysautonomia and chronic pain. They unpack personal experiences, summarize emerging research showing higher prevalence of hypermobility among neurodivergent people, and explain how connective-tissue issues can affect balance, breathing, and mental health. They also discuss practical next steps — from advocating with medical providers to targeted physical therapy — and highlight the need for more research while sharing hopeful, actionable advice for managing symptoms.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus demonstrates the perils of being distracted when your doctor shares some helpful recommendations which you promptly forget. Esme then walks us through the thought process that led her to make a heartfelt and utterly unnecessary admission of guilt earlier this week. There’s also references to sewing and the music of Johnny Cash throughout.

In this milestone episode, Marcus and Esme celebrate a full year of podcasting—reflecting on their favorite moments, standout episodes, and the impact those conversations have had. They share key lessons learned, offer a candid look at what they hope to improve, and preview topics they’re excited to explore in the coming months. To close, they invite listeners to help shape the future of the show by sharing ideas and feedback.

The hosts of the Crazy Together podcast have a special message for their fellow Pennsylvanians about the upcoming election on November 4, 2025.

In this Halloween-themed Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus revisits the surprisingly polarizing costume choices of his youth. Then, he and Esme address the design and canonical flaws of the mass-produced smock and mask costumes of the 80s. Esme closes the show with a passionate defense of wearing Halloween costumes at work if for no other reason than to stick it to the man. Fight the power.

In this week’s episode, Marcus and Esme delve into the topic of phobias. They start by revealing their own personal phobias and then broaden the discussion to explore the nature of phobias, how they develop in the mind, and the various treatment options available for overcoming them. BUT FIRST! They have an important announcement and some heartfelt thanks to share with their listeners.

In this week’s Hyperfocus Bonus, Marcus shares some valuable lessons he learned about managing his ADHD and anxiety after an unnecessarily emotional trip to the x-ray technician. Later, Esme reveals the two activities that have been fueling her hyperfocus this week: seasonal throw pillows and genealogy.

Esme finds community among like-minded, freedom-loving Americans at a No Kings protest. She also dresses up as a raccoon. Meanwhile, Marcus is hepped up on antibiotics which contributes to the somewhat shorter duration of this week’s episode.