Episode 2 continues the Skibidi Dad chaos with more curious questions, unexpected facts, and sibling-powered laughs.
Dana and Dad dive into seriously wild territory—like why nature activists are cutting down trees (yes, really), whether Donald Trump’s tariff plans should exclude skis, and a Hot Seat grilling that leaves Dad totally roasted.
🌱 Why are environmentalists cutting down trees in New Zealand?
At first, it sounds like a contradiction. Environmentalists are supposed to save the planet, right? So why are they out there with chainsaws, cutting down pine trees?
This episode’s Big Question started when Dana asked:
“Are nature lovers killing trees?”
It turns out, the answer is yes—but for a good reason.
The trees in question are wilding pines—fast-growing, invasive pine trees that were never meant to spread across Aotearoa. These trees aren’t part of the natural New Zealand ecosystem. They consume huge amounts of water, push out native plants, and increase fire risk.
So when conservationists remove them, it’s not destruction—it’s restoration. That’s what conservation often is: making room for what should be there, not just what’s grown by accident.
💼 Trump’s tariffs: what do politics have to do with skiing and cats?
In our World Views segment, we explored Donald Trump’s 2025 campaign and his plan to slap massive tariffs on imported goods. For policy nerds, this is about economics. But for Dana? It’s about ski gear prices, and cat food.
We asked:
- Could higher tariffs in the US affect what people pay in New Zealand?
- What happens when global politics make everyday things more expensive?
- And—most importantly—would cats go on strike if their treats got taxed?
This conversation was a reminder that even global issues have personal impacts. If ski holidays become too pricey or your favourite snacks vanish from shelves, it all connects back to the decisions being made far above our pay grade.
For kids and teens growing up today, the line between “big news” and everyday life is thinner than ever.
🅿️ The most relatable Skibidi Moment ever: trying to find a car park
We’ve all been there. Driving around, looping the same row of parking spots, wondering why a weekday feels like Christmas Eve traffic. Dana shared her story about a frustrating car park search—and declared it officially Skibidi.
So what makes a moment “Skibidi”?
According to Dana: it’s random, weird, slightly chaotic, and somehow unforgettable.
This segment continues to define the Skibidi Dad brand—embracing the unpredictable parts of life and turning them into something we can laugh about.
🎿 Hot Seat: Dad gets grilled (and dragged down a mountain)
For this week’s Hot Seat, Dana put Dad through a lightning round of 10 ridiculous, revealing, and deeply personal questions. The highlights?
- Dad once skipped half a university exam (literally) to chase powder on the mountain.
- Marriage is apparently a black-diamond ski run with moguls, backflips, and the occasional double twist.
- And when forced to choose between skis, a cat, or his podcast mic—Dad picked family. (Awww.)
This segment balances comedy with connection, showing how personal stories can also be a gateway into deeper conversations about priorities, memories, and growing up (and old).
🐾 Saying goodbye to a foster cat—and why it mattered
Toward the end of the episode, we opened up about something a little emotional. Dana and the family have been fostering Max, a black kitten full of mischief and magic. But now it’s time to say goodbye, as Max heads off to his forever home.
Dana reflects on what it means to let go of something (or someone) you’ve helped raise. Whether it’s a cat, a project, or a stage of life—it’s a reminder that small things leave big impressions.
💡 What we learned this week
- Environmentalists cutting down trees might be saving the planet
- Global tariffs can hit closer to home than we think
- Parking lots are emotional minefields
- Dads can be both wise and ridiculous at the same time
- And cats? They’re just sleeping while we talk
If you loved this episode, share it with someone who likes weird facts, chaotic questions, and honest conversations between a curious dad and his Gen Alpha daughter.
🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.
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