Are you in your dream job? Do you sometimes wish you could be like Jerry Maguire and rebelliously leave your current workplace behind and break out on your own? Or are you thinking, “Yeah, right, in this economy? I’m glad I HAVE a job!”

We had a chance to interview Pamela Slim, author of the blog and book called Escape from Cubicle Nation. She is a seasoned coach and writer who helps frustrated employees in corporate jobs break out and start their own business. We turned the interview into an ebook, which you can download for free. In it you will:

• Gain insight on whether you should break free from the cube or stay right where you’re at.
• Get great advice for starting a business.
• Discover the most important childlike trait an entrepreneur needs to be successful.
• Learn tips for balancing a business and parenthood.
• Uncover the hidden opportunities in this current economic climate.
• Find the answer to the question, “If chasing my dream is hard, am I doing it wrong?”

The ebook contains our interview with Pamela, as well as few additional articles, a handful of Kim & Jason comics, and some fun useless trivia. Download it here, or listen to the audio version of the interview below.

P.S. Have you recently started a business and feel like you might be crazy? Read Pam’s explanation of why you’re perfectly normal.

One of the best ways to spend a summer day or night is at the old ballpark. We love the crack of the bat, the smell of hot dogs, and the enthusiastic banter of the public address announcer. Did you ever wonder what it would be like to have that job, watching and talking about baseball all summer long? There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye (or ears, in this case), as we found out from Aaron Sims, the voice of two Wisconsin-based minor league franchises.

Ryan “Cubby” Culbertson is a Navy guy, father of seven, and all around cool dude. He routinely delighted us with his creative entries in the Thursday Giveaway. A few months back, I wrote an article outlining some important tips for finding your dream job. Ryan commented on the article with a hearty, “Here, here.”

A little while later, his wife Melynda chimed in to tell us that there was more to the story behind the simple comment.

She shared that Ryan was beginning his dream job. For years, he had served in a mind-numbing job that he found boring and redundant. But he was good at it and it paid the bills. Eventually, Ryan decided to step out and go after something he really wanted to do: become a Navy pilot. Said Melynda, “Actually, he wanted to be Superman, but being a pilot is as close as reality can take him. For the first time since he was a teenager he loves his job. For the first time ever he wakes up excited to go to work.”

We wanted to chat with Ryan to hear more about the story in the hopes that it might serve as inspiration for others who have a steady job but yearn for something more. He shares his struggles and successes, as well as his infectious enthusiasm. He also explains what it feels like to fly and reveals one of the main things his family does to deal with Adultitis.

Run Time: 19 minutes, 34 seconds

According to its website, Grace Before Meals is centered on one fundamental concept: the simple act of creating and sharing a meal can strengthen all kinds of relationships. Founded by Fr. Leo Patalinghug in 2003, Grace Before Meals has grown from a simple idea to a worldwide movement, producing a book, blog and even a pilot for a TV show endorsed by PBS.

Research shows that having frequent family dinners can reduce the susceptibility of teens to risks like teen pregnancy, smoking, drug use and depression. And these benefits don’t just apply to traditional families or people with kids. Stronger families foster stronger communities, and that’s the goal we’re striving for–one meal at a time.

We sat down with Fr. Leo to learn more about where his love for cooking came from and what inspired him to start Grace Before Meals. In this candid and humorous interview, Fr. Leo also shares why it’s so important to have regular family dinners and gives advice to people who are having a hard time fitting it into an increasingly busy schedule.

Run Time: 20 minutes, 39 seconds

• Visit the website – www.GraceBeforeMeals.com
• Watch the videos – www.GraceBeforeMeals.com/videos.php
• Read the book – Grace Before Meals: Recipes for Family Life

Typically, couch potatoes are people who spend a lot of time in front of the television. And many people have blamed television and video games as a major reason for the rise in childhood obesity in this country.

But your television can actually serve as a catalyst to help you lose those unwanted pounds AND bring your family closer together.

Don’t believe me? Then you’ve obviously never strapped a white Nintendo Wii controller to your wrist. Mickey DeLorenzo is a regular guy from South Philadelphia who lost weight with his beloved Wii and had fun doing it. In 2006, he began his “Wii Sports Experiment,” in which he simply added 30 minutes of Wii Sports to his day for six straight weeks. Pounds melted away and a media onslaught followed.

We caught up with Mickey for an interview. We asked him about the details of his workout regime, his favorite Nintendo game, and got him to share some tips for people who’d like to try using their Wii to get fit.

Run Time: 20 minutes, 52 seconds

In this episode of the Escape Adulthood Show, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we share 10 awesome tips for spicing up family dinners and making fun memories that will last a lifetime. We also talk about peanuts, share a poem written by a member, and give an update on our effort to crown the All-Time Greatest Childhood Food. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Check out Gourmet Mom on-the-Go for even more fun ideas!

• Did you miss our eBook of Gross and Gruesome Halloween Treats? Download it here!

• Don’t forget to vote for your favorites in the All-Time Greatest Childhood Food Tournament!

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

• Show Length: 30 minutes, 49 seconds

• Shout Outs: Thanks to Jenny for sharing her “Kitty Litter” story, and the Judy for the awesome poem!

In this episode of the Escape Adulthood Show, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we list our Top 10 Food-Related Adultitis Hospitals. We also discuss doormats, a “no-stress school” in California, and a tournament we’re hosting designed to crown the All-Time Greatest Childhood Food. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• No Stress School is a Tough Sell (The Mercury News)

• Top 10 Links

• Cold Stone Creamery
• Cereality
• P.B. Loco
• Krispy Kreme
• Crumbs
• Maid Rite
• Texas Roadhouse
• Dave & Busters
• Dylan’s Candy Bar
• Hard Rock Cafe

• How will you look when you’re old? Try out Careerbuilder.com’s Age-O-Matic.

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

• Show Length: 36 minutes, 48 seconds

• Shout Outs: A big welcome to all the new members from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin!

Judy (right) and Melanie prepare for their drive on the wonderfully curvy Pacific Coast Highway 1

In this episode of the Escape Adulthood Show, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we talk about adults who are ruining Halloween, how the economy is affecting things, and a restaurant that is serving snake on its holiday menu. We also read some fun and funny Halloween memories submitted by listeners. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Snake on Menu for Halloween (The Sun)

• Halloween Sales Reportedly Up (CBS59.com)

• Let Kids Enjoy Halloween (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

• Halloween is Best Left to the Kids (TulsaWorld.com)

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

• Show Length: 38 minutes, 32 seconds

• Shout Outs: A big thank you to everyone who shared their Halloween memories!

In this episode of the Escape Adulthood Show, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we interview Toby Sells, who runs his own creature makeup effects shop and makes creatures and gore effects for film and television. We also talk about the World Series, baby showers, and embarrassing teenagers. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Check out some of Toby’s gruesome creations on his MySpace page.

• Visit dicksmithmake-up.com to learn more about Dick Smith’s work (he’s the guy responsible for the make-up done on the Exorcist) and get info on his highly recommended make-up course.

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

• Show Length: 51 minutes, 24 seconds

• Shout Outs: A big welcome to all the new members from Milwaukee, WI, Pulaski, WI, and Lifeline Wisconsin.

In this episode of the Escape Adulthood Show, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we talk about llamas (again), the hidden danger of sour candy, our latest trip to Boston, and share 6 easy but awesome Halloween costume ideas. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Halloween Horror: California Dental Hygienists Issue Warning About the Dangers of Sour Candy (MarketWatch.com)

• Check out these sites for more cool homemade costume ideas: costumeideazone.com and www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com

• Me and My Llama: Here it is…the nostalgic and possibly disturbing video Kim remembered from Sesame Street.

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

• Show Length: 28 minutes, 24 seconds

• Shout Outs: A big welcome to all the new members from Greeley, CO, Jamestown, ND, and Belchertown, MA

In this episode, brought to you from studio 303 in Greeley, Colorado, we talk about the secret to living to 112, yearbook pictures, Jason’s first trip to Fenway Park, and share 6 tips to make your workplace more fun. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• The Secret to Long Life (Happynews.com)

• Yearbook Yourself: Find out what your yearbook picture might have looked like had you graduated in a variety of different decades (Thanks for the link, Steven!)

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

• Show Length: 34 minutes, 4 seconds

• Shout Outs: Thanks to the Pinto family for the baby care package. And a big welcome to all the new members from Baxter and our new friends from New Hampshire, California, and Baraboo, Wisconsin!

In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we talk about Office Olympics, popular fruits, our very first trip to North Dakota, and share 5 fun games you can play with your co-workers. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Meet the Heroes of the Office Olympics (Wales Online)

• LaCrosse Comedy: Check out the comedy stylings of “Heart of LaCrosse”, featuring Club K&J member Lisa Warsinske. They have shows scheduled throughout September!

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

Thanks to David D. for the great suggestions!

• Show Length: 34 minutes, 45 seconds

• Shout Outs: A big welcome to all the new members from Grande Cheese Company and our new friends from North Dakota.

In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we talk about the Olympics, uncover an interesting distinction between coal miners and office workers, and share 5 tricks for fighting fall frenzy. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• 5 *BONUS* Tips for Fighting Fall Frenzy…

1) Sleep Soundly
Don’t cheat yourself out of sleep. Make sure you’re getting your optimal hours. This is a simple step that goes a long way towards keeping you thinking straight, while maintaining patience and peace amidst an increase in busyness.

2) Unplug the TV
TV is more of a distraction than an asset in times of busyness. Your time will magically multiply if you leave the boob tube off. That doesn’t mean you can’t record (or Tivo) your favorites to watch at another time. Whatever you do, don’t sit down with the remote and surf. That’s one of the biggest time stealers out there.

3) Avoid Big Projects
As you transition into a new time of year, allow yourself to make the actual transition a project. This is not the ideal time to paint a room, start a renovation project, or clean out the closets. Set yourself up for success by increasing your awareness on setting up and maintaining a healthy daily routine.

4) Take a Sick of It Day
Sometimes the best cure for a frantic pace is to stop altogether for a day. Sleep in, go out for lunch, rent a movie, read… whatever fills you up. You can even send yourself flowers, if that’s a pick-me-up for you.

5) Create Calm
In the evenings right before bed, spend some quiet time reflecting on the day and thinking about the next day. Light a candle. Have a treat. Listen to your favorite playlist. Create a calm haven that you can look forward to at the end of a busy day.

• Stressed Office Workers Get Less Sunshine Than Coal Miners (Daily Mail)

• Kim 4 Pres: Check out the buzz Kim is getting in her run for President! (Thanks Steven)

• Happy 50th!: Check out how Judy extended her 50th birthday with a little help from her friends…

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

Thanks to David D. for the great suggestions!

• Show Length: 34 minutes, 17 seconds

• Shout Outs: A big welcome to all the school teachers from the Madison diocese!

In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we talk about new changes to the show, the pros and cons of “staycations,” and share 5 totally fun (and extremely cheap) things to do with the rest of your summer. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• The Year of the Staycation (News Examiner-Enterprise)

• Paying the Price For Your Staycation (BloggingStocks.com)

• Staycation, schmaycation. Try these instead (LA Times)

• Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

• Show Length: 31 minutes, 47 seconds

• Shout Outs: Thanks to Judy Irené for the cool e-mail!

One of the things all kids do is delight in the little things. They appreciate the stuff that us adults often take for granted. In order to bring a little excitement back into our lives, it’s important that we see the world through new eyes, just like children do.

The following is an audio excerpt (Chapter 1) from my book, Escape Adulthood: 8 Secrets from Childhood for the Stressed-Out Grown-Up. Listen in to learn how you can get back into being excited about the little things. It has a way of making life a lot more fun.

Last week Kim and I were interviewed for Top Story by Kelly Klaas & Scott Martin from 1310 KLIX AM in Idaho.

The topic?

Adultitis.

It was a fun interview and very cool to see what sorts of things the guys recently did to try and counteract Adultitis. Even the “Adultitis Guy” made an appearance.  Just click play to listen.

In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we continue the second half of our two-part interview with Bob from Sesame Street. We ask him about his secrets of success and his favorite part about working on the show. We also talk about recess at work, a sweet chocolate calculator, and our favorite Sesame Street characters. Just click “Play” to listen to the shows…

Show Notes…

• Learn more about Bob and buy his music and books at BobMcGrath.com.

• Get the full history of Sesame Street over at Wikipedia.

• News: Recess At Work Day costs little and may pay off in profits (Arizona Daily Star)

• Learn more about Rich DiGirolamo and Recess at Work Day at www.nevergrowup.com.

Win Stuff: Sarah F. won last month’s promotion. You can win a $20 gift certificate to the Lemonade Stand by letting us know, “What is your favorite way to have fun at work?” E-mail us or leave us a message at 608-554-0803.

Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

Show Length: 54 minutes, 14 seconds

Shout Outs: Thanks to Bob McGrath for the interview!

In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we interview Bob from Sesame Street. We ask him about how he became one of the original cast members and what it was like working with Bird Bird and Oscar the Grouch. We also talk about the effects of stress on children, an awesome retro tote bag, and dressing up like characters from the Wizard of Oz. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Learn more about Bob and buy his music and books at BobMcGrath.com.

• Get the full history of Sesame Street over at Wikipedia.

• News: A million children ‘mentally ill’ through stress (Telegraph)

Win Stuff: Jillian Gaudio won last month’s promotion. You can win a $20 gift certificate to the Lemonade Stand by letting us know, “Who is your favorite Sesame Street character and why?” E-mail us or leave us a message at 608-554-0803.

Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

Show Length: 54 minutes, 12 seconds

Shout Outs: Thanks to Bob McGrath for the interview and Joanna and Chris for the feedback!

In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we interview Jason and Jodi Womack, a husband and wife team who help people manage time and increase personal productivity. They are a great example of how to put more life into work life balance. We also talk about the rise of work rage, organizing your greeting cards, and a minature Adultitis antitdote. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Learn more about how to save time and be more productive at www.jasonwomack.com and don’t miss the video on Speedkeys.

• Jason Womack recommended the following books: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker.

• News: ‘Work Rage’ Spreads as Stress Takes Hold (HR Zone)

• Pre-order the forthcoming book from Running Press, Escape Adulthood: Rediscover the Carefree Kid Within. It’s a miniature-sized treat for people who are not big fans of reading books without pictures :)

Win Stuff: Michelle Rosborough won last month’s promotion. You can win a $20 gift certificate to the Lemonade Stand by letting us know, “What is your favorite time saving tip?” E-mail us or leave us a message at 608-554-0803.

Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

Show Length: 54 minutes, 52 seconds

Shout Outs: Thanks to Jason and Jodi Womack for the interview and Sara Lilly for the feedback!

In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we interview Frida Waara, an adventurous woman who describes snow as her favorite toy and was part of the first all-female unsupported expedition team to ski to the North Pole. We also talk about the rise of adventure travel, missmatched gloves, and recap the first-ever Kim & Jason Escape Event. Just click “Play” to listen to the show…

Show Notes…

• Learn more about Frida Waara and her adventures at her website, www.fridawaara.com.

• News: Adventure Travel on the Rise (Pueblo Chieftan)

• The first ever Kim & Jason Escape Event was a big hit. We made homemade shrinky dinks. Check out what the other top finalists did here.

Win Stuff: You can win a $20 gift certificate to the Lemonade Stand by letting us know, “What is your favorite thing to do in the snow?” E-mail us or leave us a message at 608-554-0803.

Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

Show Length: 60 minutes, 57 seconds

Shout Outs: Thanks to Frida Waara!