Coffee And Cuddles

coffeeandcuddles67

We talk about coffee, brewing,drinking, etc. We also talk about couples and cuddles stuff. This is not a relationship primer. What works for us, may not work for you.We dont fit into just one category.

  1. MAY 2

    Coffee and Cuddles Season 4 ep 7 Teach Me:Why Teachers Are Reaching Their Breaking Point

    Welcome to May! In this episode, Craig (aka Coffee) and Anna (aka Cuddles) dive deep into the world of education. After a quick recap of a busy trip to Los Angeles and Pasadena—complete with a special delivery for a favorite barista at Ziggy's Coffee—the conversation turns to the heart of the show: the joys and intense challenges of being a teacher in today’s world. In This Episode: The "Rally Monkey" Mission: Why Craig had to jump out of the car at Ziggy's to surprise Mary Grace.Family Reflections: A heartfelt tribute to Craig’s cousin, Tony, and the importance of treating children with respect.The Reality of Teaching: Anna shares her 25+ year journey in the classroom, from the inspiration of her own 4th-grade teacher to the modern-day struggles of administrative "piling on," testing pressure, and student behavior.Success Stories: Moving memories of students like Victor, who found his voice through song, and Brittany, whom Anna cheered for all the way to her wedding day.The State of the Classroom: A candid look at why 40% of teachers leave the profession within five years and the hidden work that goes into sub plans and weekend prep.Favorite Quotes: "See a need, fill a need... You need stuff and I need room in my house. Win-win." — Craig"I think somebody was watching over me and saying, 'You're frustrated now, but think of the kids who need you.'" — AnnaShow your appreciation! If you know a teacher, buy them a coffee, give them a hug, or just acknowledge the incredible work they do every day. Connect with us: Check out Remainders Creative Reuse in Pasadena for amazing sustainable art supplies: https://remainderspas.org/ Don't forget to Rep the Halo! 😇☕️ Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    30 min
  2. APR 18

    Coffee and Cuddles Season 4 Ep 6 I Got You: The Relief of Not Being Alone

    Hosts: Craig (AKA Coffee) and Anna Episode Summary In this episode, Craig and Anna explore the profound difference between being physically present in a relationship and truly "having" your partner. They discuss the transition from past experiences of isolation—where they felt they had to handle everything alone—to a partnership defined by proactive support and mutual recognition. Using a mix of personal stories and a very famous movie metaphor, they break down why the simple phrase "I got you" is the ultimate relationship safety net. Key Takeaways The "Two People, One Brain" Connection: How treating your partner the way you want to be treated creates a relationship where needs are anticipated rather than negotiated.Proactive vs. Obligatory Help: Craig shares why he jumped in to help Anna when she was sick—not because it was his "job," but because he is wired to take the weight off her shoulders.The Art of Hearing: Why listening isn't enough. Craig explains how repeating back key parts of a conversation ensures your partner feels genuinely heard and validated.Breaking the Cycle of "One-Upping": A look at the toxic dynamic of "who had the worse day" and how to replace it with simple, restorative sympathy.Memorable Moments & Detours The Titanic Metaphor: Anna compares the feeling of a supportive relationship to the moment Rose realizes she isn't alone on that floating door.The 91 Freeway: A classic Southern California moment discussing the "parking lot" that is the 91 freeway.Bobby the Caretaker: A heartwarming story about a medical facility worker named Bobby and the power of a simple thank-you card.Portillo’s vs. Porto’s: The team clears up the very important distinction between cake shakes and potato balls.  Listener Challenge We want to hear your "I got you" stories! How do you show your partner that they aren't in this alone? The first person to send us feedback gets an exclusive Coffee and Cuddles fridge magnet!  Connect With Us Support the Show: Please share this episode if it resonated with you! Our Parting Shot: "This is just our 2 cents worth. Your mileage may vary."  "We love you all and God bless."  Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    19 min
  3. APR 4

    Coffee and Cuddles S4 ep 5 Orange You Glad

    In this lighthearted episode, Craig and Anna explore the "silly love tests" trending on social media—like the infamous mustard and ketchup tests. The duo puts their own relationship to the test with a "Love Meter" quiz, debating everything from matching western shirts to the "correct" way to load a dishwasher. Between the laughs, they share a deeper look at what real love looks like: doing the small things for each other without being asked. Key Discussion Points The Love Meter Quiz: Anna grills Craig with "inane" questions to test his devotion, including whether he’d let her choose his date-night outfit and if he’d watch her favorite "stinker" movies every year on their anniversary.The Matching Shirt Trauma: Craig recalls a cringeworthy fashion moment from his 20s involving matching western shirts with flame designs.Social Media "Tests": A discussion on the "Mustard Test" and why purposely making a mess to test a partner might be a red flag rather than a bit of fun.Household Harmony: The "Unicorn" husband reveals his secrets: Craig handles the laundry, dishes, and cooking, all while avoiding the "wrong way" to load the dishwasher debate.What is Real Love?: Moving past the silly tests to appreciate the everyday acts of kindness, from opening car doors to finishing the laundry before the other person gets home.Notable Quotes "If your way works, then it doesn't matter if your way works or not because there's no need to quibble." — Craig "Real love is the things that you do for each other without being asked to do them." — Anna "If you're in a relationship where you feel that you have to do testing on your partner, then break up and go find someone else." — Craig Mentioned in this Episode New Coffee and Cuddles Website: Check the link in our bio to find our new hub.The Beehiiv Newsletter: Sign up via the new website for monthly tips, tricks, and "fur baby" photos.Straight No Chaser: The source of their favorite matching t-shirts.Cheese in a Can: The ultimate "Love Meter" home game prize.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    25 min
  4. MAR 28

    Coffee and Cuddles S4 Ep 4 Newly Equipped

    In this episode, Craig and Anna test out their brand-new recording gear while diving deep into the great coffee debate. From local favorites in Lakewood to the "sugar bomb" blended drinks at Starbucks, the duo compares corporate chains versus mom-and-pop shops. The conversation also takes a culinary turn as they discuss managing health with Mounjaro, the surprising benefits of chickpea pasta, and a household debate over chicken breasts versus chicken thighs. Key Discussion Points The New Setup: The show features improved audio quality thanks to a new Bio OnX mixing board and new microphones.Coffee Culture:Ziggi’s Coffee: A new favorite spot in Lakewood located at Bellflower and South.Starbucks: A shoutout to the friendly staff (Liz and Hannah) and a discussion on Anna’s "sugar bomb coma drinks."Solid Coffee Roasters: A brief mention of past visits to this local establishment.Health & Diet:Craig shares an update on his seventh week using Mounjaro and managing weight loss alongside diabetes.Exploring low-carb alternatives like Banza chickpea pasta and red lentil pasta.In the Kitchen:Craig shares a DIY honey-garlic-chili sauce recipe featuring soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.A breakdown of their variation on the "Fluff and Poco" recipe from Quincy’s Tavern, including the transition from chicken breasts to thighs.Notable Quotes "She's gone to the dark side, or would that be the dark roast side? I'm not sure." — Craig "If you close your eyes and you hold your nose, it's almost pasta." — Craig (on chickpea pasta) Mentioned in this Episode Ziggi's CoffeeQuincy’s TavernMcCoy (The Podcast Dog)Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    21 min
  5. MAR 9

    Coffee and Cuddles S4 Ep 3 Swipe Right

    We apologize for the audio issue. It sounded like a good recording. Some pc gremlins had a field day with the post-production. After trying to fix it, we are unable to make it better. We will do better next episode. In this episode of Coffee and Cuddles, Craig and Anna dive deep into the world of modern dating. From the "three-second rule" of swiping on apps like Tinder and Bumble to the more detailed, old-school profiles of Match.com and eHarmony, they explore how we connect in a digital age. They share personal stories about their own "honest from the start" beginning in Second Life and recount the chaotic, nerve-wracking story of the first time they finally met in person at the airport. The Evolution of Dating: A look at the pros and cons of instant-match apps versus the more thoughtful "computer dating" of the past.  Real-Life Chemistry: Why meeting "in the wild" at work or school often feels more organic than a screen, despite the smaller dating pool. Honesty vs. "Perfection": Craig and Anna discuss why they never use the word "perfect" and the dangers of lying on your profile just to get a date. The Puppy Family Reunion: A quick recap of their recent day spent at the local park with five of McCoy’s siblings and a whole cast of new dog friends. The "Swipe Right" Game: Craig and Anna play a round of "what-if" questions, revealing their biggest profile red flags (looking at you, expensive eyewear and smoking!) and what emojis would best describe each other. Airport Adventures: The hilarious and stressful story of Craig picking up Anna at a major international airport and immediately asking her for directions the moment they pulled away from the curb. First Impressions Matter: You never get a second chance to make one, whether it's through a photo or a face-to-face greeting. Vulnerability Wins: Starting a relationship "from ground zero" with total honesty is the best way to avoid "the ship sailing" on a potential connection later. The "McCoy" Update: Even a submarine veteran can be overwhelmed by the anxiety of a crowded airport, but a pack of puppies at the park makes it all worth it. Connect with Us: Follow our journey as we navigate business, school, and life in Lakewood, CA. If you have a "dating app horror story" or a favorite "met in real life" moment, we want to hear it!  Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    30 min
  6. MAR 2

    Coffee and Cuddles S4 Ep 2 Riddle Me This

    Have you ever been minding your own business, perhaps blissfully watching TV, when your partner hits you with a total curveball like, "Would you still love me if I was a toaster?" This week, Craig (Coffee) and Anna (Cuddles) dive into the "Twilight Zone" of relationship riddles and those bizarre hypothetical questions that seem designed to land someone in the doghouse. The duo explores why these "impossible questions" exist, whether they are actually "emotional safety tests," and how to navigate the murky waters of vulnerability without resorting to kitchen appliance analogies. In This Episode, We Discuss: The "Toaster" Trap: Why partners throw out absurd hypotheticals and why there is rarely a "correct" answer that avoids a bit of backlash.Deciphering the Code: How questions about growing wolf ears or turning into a red panda are often just a "vulnerability mask" for asking, "Am I still lovable if I change?"Communication Styles: Craig explains why men often work better with facts and details, while Anna discusses the deeper emotional connection women might be seeking through these riddles.The Struggle of Overthinking: Anna shares her personal journey from being "locked in indecision" in the grocery store aisle to becoming more "go with the flow."Behind the Scenes of a 7-Year Relationship: A look into the groundwork required to make communication look effortless and the "playful rut" of trying to out-nice each other.Health Update: Craig shares an honest update on his journey with Mounjaro, managing side effects, and his recent progress.Notable Quotes: "The answer that you think is the right answer ninety-nine percent of the time will be the wrong answer... because it’s a question that truly has no answer." — Anna"I can't deal with crazy... obviously you're not a lampstand. You're not a traffic cone. You're a human being, and I would like to treat you as such." — CraigMilestone Alert! We are closing in on 1,000 downloads! We’ve officially crossed the 750 mark over 60+ episodes, and we couldn't have done it without you. Please keep sharing the podcast with your friends, family, and even people you don't like—we appreciate every single one of you. Tune in next week and God bless! Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    36 min
  7. FEB 15

    Coffee and Cuddles S4 Ep 1 Weight For It

    Welcome to the Season 4 premiere of Coffee and Cuddles! In this special edition, Coffee (Craig) and Cuddles (Anna) trade their usual espresso for tea as they navigate the highs and lows of a new health journey. The duo dives deep into the reality of starting GLP-1 medications—not just for weight loss, but for managing long-term health.  From the "food noise" that suddenly goes silent to the unexpected side effects like "Ozempic face," irritability, and extreme fatigue, they share a raw, honest look at what happens after the first shot. It’s a conversation about teamwork, lifestyle changes, and why having a supportive partner makes all the difference when the "hangry" moods hit.  What’s In This Episode? Season 4 Kickoff: Why we’re drinking tea and doing it all without Annette Funicello. The GLP-1 Journey: Craig shares his experience starting Mounjaro at a 2.5mg dose to lower his A1C. The "Food Noise" Factor: Understanding how these drugs shut off the brain's constant craving for snacks. The Reality of Side Effects: Dealing with extreme exhaustion, the loss of interest in favorite foods (even coffee!), and mood swings. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Anna discusses how she supports Craig through irritability and the "weepy" moments of the first week. PSA on Health: Why you must consult a doctor and have a medical team behind you before starting any major medication or diet program. Coffee Corner: Craig geeks out over his new espresso machine ritual—even if his body is currently saying "no" to the caffeine. +2Key Takeaways "You still have to put in the work. You still have to watch what you're eating, you still have to exercise... It doesn't just melt away without effort." +1"If you are choosing to take this journey, you need to have people who are going to be understanding and have your back no matter what."  Mentions & Resources Local Love: Shout out to Liz and Hannah at the Cover Street Starbucks in Long Beach! Cooking Tip: Stop buying jarred sauce—Craig insists you make your own marinara!  Disclaimer: We are not medical experts or doctors. This episode is based solely on our personal research and experiences. Always consult with a licensed professional before making medical decisions.  Connect with us! Reach out on social media with your questions or your own health journey stories.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    31 min
  8. FEB 1

    Coffee & Cuddles Season 3 Ep 20 Unpacking the Boxes

    Welcome back to another riveting episode of Coffee and Cuddles! This week, Craig (AKA Coffee) and Cuddles are diving into the metaphorical attic of our lives. We’re talking about the "stuff" we carry—not just the physical U-Haul boxes from past moves, but the mental and emotional baggage that follows us from relationship to relationship. Have you ever left a box unpacked for years, only to realize you didn't really need what was inside?. We explore why we hold onto bad decisions, old fears, and creepy emotional "slimes" instead of letting them go. From the "Schoolhouse Rock" inspiration of unpacking adjectives to the literal heart-break of a shattered coffee mug, we discuss how old triggers can create an avalanche in our current lives. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Metaphorical Attic: Why we shove painful emotions into dark corners and hope they simply disintegrate.The Trigger Trap: How a simple loud voice or a broken dish can send us down a rabbit hole of past trauma.The Keep, Toss, Donate Framework: A system for deciding which parts of your history belong in your future.The Fire Ritual: Why writing down your fears and watching them burn can be a powerful way to reclaim your peace.The Airport Suitcase Test: If you were at the check-in counter and your emotional luggage was overweight, what is the one thing you would leave behind forever?.A new chapter doesn't mean you have to have zero history, but it does mean choosing which parts of that history you actually want to live with. Connect with Us:We love our "three or four" regulars and everyone else joining the CNC trend!. If you have questions, advice, or just want to share what you’re leaving at the airport counter, find us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter @CoffeeAndCuddles. Remember: This is just our two cents—your mileage may vary!. Send us Fan Mail Support the show listen to all episodes on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0mpZTxFGmEGcDIVKkvuYsa?si=243a2e2be7b84990

    31 min

About

We talk about coffee, brewing,drinking, etc. We also talk about couples and cuddles stuff. This is not a relationship primer. What works for us, may not work for you.We dont fit into just one category.