We're Here to Help 271: Iowa Nachos & Off To Work! (with Mary Steenburgen)
Mar 16, 2026
Mary Steenburgen, award-winning actress and thoughtful critic, returns to offer a calm follow-up and apology about a prior crochet conversation. The hosts wrestle with Iowa nachos and awkward family lunches. They also troubleshoot a roommate who takes things and stage playful tactics to prompt a resolution.
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Bring Bag Lunches To Avoid Awkward Lunch Interruptions
- Do set clear boundaries with well-meaning family food offers when they conflict with your diet or work image.
- Bring pre-made bag lunches or explain a temporary medical/diet reason so your mom stops delivering Iowa nachos during Zooms.
Use A Temporary Diet Story To Decline Food
- Do craft a believable, low-friction explanation (food poisoning, fasting window, or a short fad diet) to decline unsolicited meals without hurting feelings.
- Use visible alternatives like almonds or a packed salad so Mom sees you're eating and isn't worried.
Fainting In The Shower And The Indifferent Roommate
- Jake shared a New York roommate story where he fainted in the shower and the goth roommate ignored him and left for work.
- The anecdote highlighted lacking empathy from roommates and why small red flags matter early.