What makes a community? Is it where you were born? The people you choose? The people you're stuck with? And do ten people screaming at each other on Twitter count? (Royce has thoughts.)

In “Building Community,” Brett and Royce explore the communities we're born into, forced into, and actively choose. We discuss family, parenthood, cancer, HOAs, and their beloved Besties themselves. Then longtime friend Heather Blakeslee joins the conversation and promptly takes things from neighborhood togetherness to evolutionary biology, political polarization, the origins of the universe, and humanity's upcoming battle against killer robots.

Beneath the laughs is a surprisingly hopeful question: in a world that seems increasingly determined to pull us apart, can we relearn how to live with one another? Even when we disagree? Heather argues that we can. It starts with curiosity, knowing our neighbors, making room for disagreement, and, perhaps most importantly, cleaning up our own yard first.

Turns out building community is messy. So are humans. But maybe it’s so valuable because it’s so difficult!

Welcome to our favorite community: The Best We Can Do!

Watch our full interview with Heather Blakeslee

Meet Heather

Learn more about Braver Angels and Root Quarterly

Find a local Braver Angels Alliance

Take the Depolarizing Within eCourse

Sign up for The OmniAmerican Society’s Substack

Join the community at Founder’s Weekend (Philadelphia, PA | November 6-8, 2026)

Learn more about Nicholas A. Christakis, the Human Nature Lab, and the book Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society

How can Pennsylvania have only one town? When you have a town like this, you only need one! Welcome to Bloomsburg, where King Lear hangs out on Main Street, the Fair is practically a religious holiday, and winning a single high school football game is a reason to cancel school.

In “The Only Town in Pennsylvania,” Brett and Royce head home to the small community where they spent their first 18 years. They revisit childhood summers at the Town Park, the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, doomed Fair jobs, and the many reasons they once couldn't wait to leave. Then Bloomsburg Mayor Justin Hummel joins them to talk about his own “Bloomerang” story, what a small town mayor actually does, and how the community has evolved.

Underneath the orange drink and sibling incriminations is something more complicated: what it means to grow up feeling different, leave home, and eventually see that place with new eyes.

Turns out you really can go home again.

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Watch our full interview with Bloomsburg Mayor Justin Hummel

Learn more about Bloomsburg

See what’s playing at Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble

Visit The Bloomsburg Fair

Learn about Justin’s campaign

We’re back for Season 2! And apparently the best way to celebrate is by voluntarily going back to our school days, in more ways than one.

In “Back To School!” we revisit the glorious anticipation of Back-To-School season: racing to the elementary school to discover our homerooms, the trauma of being separated as five-year-old twins, shopping trips for Lee jeans, and school supplies featuring mysterious objects called “protractors.” Then we jump to today, with Brett sending one son off to college, Royce revealing the controlled chaos behind the scenes at schools, and both of them offering advice of highly variable usefulness to parents and educators.

And then comes the SAT.

Decades after taking it the first time, we sit down (completely unprepared) and discover what age, experience, and the total disappearance of Algebra from our brains have done to us. Along the way there’s nostalgia, sibling rivalry, genuine love for teachers and students, and a compelling case for banning math whenever it becomes personally inconvenient.

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Want to take the same practice SAT we did and compare your score to ours? Here you go! 

Practice SAT (PDF)

Practice SAT answer key and scoring sheet

Practice SAT answer explanations

Let us know how you did at hello@thebestwecando.com.

Season 1 only encouraged us!

In their Season 2 Preview, Brett and Royce return with a 90-second sneak peek at what’s ahead: new conversations, new stories, new adventures, and presumably several opinions you didn’t need them to share. Consider this the coming-attractions trailer for another season of laughter, curiosity, sibling disagreements, and whatever else happens when you give them microphones.

This preview has been approved for all Besties. Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Pack your bags, overthink your itinerary, and emotionally prepare for Disney trauma. In their Season 1 finale, Brett and Royce dive headfirst into the glorious chaos of vacations: the good, the bad, and the nerve wracking. From dreamy gondolas in Venice and camel rides in India to cruise ship buffets that raise serious questions about humanity, the brothers swap favorite trips, vacation disasters, travel tips, and strongly worded opinions about camping, spontaneity, and Florida.

Along the way, they debate the difference between a “trip” and a true vacation, explain why tourists freeze to death in San Francisco every summer, and make a compelling argument for train travel, staycations, and pecan pie (or “pee-can,” depending on which twin you trust).

Alongside the laughs and sibling shade is something warmer: a heartfelt reflection on what creating Season 1 together has meant to them. It is funny, nostalgic, silly, and touching.

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Childhood memories are strange little creatures. Some get warmer with time. Some get weirder. And some involve hot spaghetti crimes that probably still haunt innocent civilians decades later.

In this nostalgic (and often ridiculous) episode, Brett and Royce head back to childhood to share the stories that shaped them. They share everything from magical fishing trips and surprise Christmas boxes to nuclear war anxiety, Cub Scout catastrophes, and the unforgettable trauma of accidentally watching the worst possible movie with their mother. Along the way, they explore how memory changes over time and how moments can last a lifetime with the help of a green book.

Plus, everyone’s favorite segment returns with a brand-new installment of “That’s My Myrna!” as the twins call their mom to share her own hilarious memories of raising them.

Warm, hilarious, personal, and occasionally alarming, “Twice Upon a Time” is a celebration of family memories, flawed storytelling, and the strange magic of growing up.

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

What if your worst financial decisions were simultaneously brilliant and ridiculous? In Royce-enomics, Royce introduces his long-mocked “economic theory” that insists if you spend less than you could have, you’re basically turning a profit (you’re welcome, Nobel committee).

From an ill-fated giant ladder purchase to a surprise TV that may or may not have been approved by his husband, Royce makes his case with unwavering confidence. Meanwhile Brett does what any good brother would do: lovingly dismantle it piece by piece while mocking him mercilessly. Along the way, they spiral into debates about “good money vs. bad money,” the true cost of burritos delivered to your face, and why nobody is comfortable talking about money, even though we’re all thinking about it constantly.

Beneath the jokes (and light theft of office supplies), there’s something real here: how we justify our choices, how we define “need,” and how money quietly shapes our lives in ways we rarely admit out loud.

Are you saving money… or just telling yourself a great story? 

But most importantly: you’re MAKING money on this episode!

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

The twins sit down for another episode of Twinterview, asking each other questions about all kinds of topics. And oh boy, does it get deep.

In “Return of Twinterview,” Brett and Royce revive one of their most beloved formats, only this time the questions go deeper, stranger, and occasionally way off the rails. One minute they are celebrating unsung heroes, and the next they are debating issues involving Jabba the Hutt. Naturally.

But underneath the jokes, something real sneaks in. Conversations about fear, legacy, and what it means to be remembered take center stage, revealing a level of vulnerability that neither brother fully planned but are fully ready to share. It is funny, it is heartfelt, and it is unmistakably them: a mix of absurd hypotheticals, sibling roasting, and genuine love.

Because sometimes the best way to understand someone is to ask the question you were not sure you should ask. Learn more about them as they learn more about each other.

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

What happens when you ask two opinionated twin brothers for advice? Chaos.

In “The Advice Desk,” Brett and Royce open the floodgates to listener questions from around the world, ranging from the deeply meaningful to the delightfully absurd. We share book recommendations that spiral into literary judgment, a heartfelt conversation about supporting a loved one with an illness, and a surprisingly intense debate about whether an iPhone belongs in the bedroom (you will definitely have an opinion on this one). Along the way, they tackle unwanted small talk, vacation strategy (including the concept of “time friends”), and the eternal mystery of enjoying exercise.

And just when you think it couldn’t get better, they include a segment of “That’s My Myrna” with their mom! The twins’ mother joins the show to deliver wisdom, warmth, and a gentle reminder that you do not owe anyone an apology for living your life well.

Underneath the jokes, though, is something real: how we care for each other, how we set boundaries, and how we figure out what actually works for us.

Take the advice…or absolutely do not. Trust your judgment. 

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

What does it really mean to be “of service”? Is it sacrifice? A job? A mindset? Or just…putting your grocery cart back like a decent human being?

In this episode, Brett and Royce take on the big, messy, deeply human idea of service, sparked by an unexpected Lyft ride with a Marine named Joe (who, naturally, arrived five minutes early and ended up changing Brett’s outlook on life). From there, the twins explore service in all its forms: military, teaching, parenting, public service, and the often-overlooked dignity of everyday work.

Along the way, they wrestle with what counts as real service (looking at you, politicians), whether “thank you for your service” actually means anything, and why failing to bag your own groceries is a moral failing.

Beneath the laughs, there is something deeper: a belief that, despite everything, people still want to take care of each other (even if we do it imperfectly).

Also, seriously—return your cart.

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

It’s movie night on The Best We Can Do! Brett and Royce head to Hollywood (figuratively–we don’t have a travel budget) to talk about the magic, madness, and occasional disasters of the movies. But before long, the twins stumble into their classic debate: Brett loves films (serious, artistic, meaningful), while Royce proudly champions movies (popcorn, superheroes, and senseless violence). Naturally, chaos ensues.

Along the way they share their all-time favorites, spanning everything from nuclear war comedies, timeless camp classics, and the movie that made Royce love horror movies. They share the movies everyone else loves that they simply cannot stand (including one shocking confession that permanently damages the brothers’ respect for each other) and celebrate the joy of “so bad they’re good” classics (“Bring me the bore worms!” and “I want you to be nice until it's time to not be nice.”). Brett even invents a brand new movie genre!

There is Oscar talk, horror love, and an unforgettable childhood story involving how sleepwalking and bodily fluids came together to give a bad super hero movie a permanent nickname.

Because at the end of the day, movies are like people. Love what you love. Laugh about what you hate. And always enjoy the show.

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

It’s game time! What happens when the twins are handed random words and zero preparation? Chaos. Cinema references. Catholic guilt. And, somehow, emotional honesty.

In this audience-suggested episode from London’s own “Captain Good Times,” Brett and Royce pull words from a hat and blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. One word leads to a shocking family confession about inheritance. Another goes full “Wizard of Oz” (because of course it does). One discussion reveals white-knuckle movie trauma and the daily anxiety of simply existing. And in yet another, let’s just say the gays and the parents both feel seen.

Along the way, there are tangents about refrigerator magnets, Cape Fear, spiders, social media, Catholicism, and whether bourbon should be considered a co-host. The surprise is not how different the brothers are, but how often their minds land in the same strange ballpark.

Free association turns into free therapy, and the result is funny, revealing, and just a little Jungian (Brett insists “Jungian” is a word). Play along with the brothers and enjoy listening to their mind games!

Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

In this episode, Brett and Royce tackle The Big C (yes, that one) with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Drawing from their own diagnoses, personal history, and years spent living alongside cancer, the twins talk openly about the fear, the awkward conversations, and the moments no one prepares you for.

They share stories of telling people the hard news, navigating wildly inappropriate medical moments, and discovering that “gallows humor” can be both a coping mechanism and a lifeline. Along the way, they uncover some surprising upsides: unexpected kindness, deep gratitude, and the strange joy of being told “you look amazing” (we forgive you).

This episode does not minimize how terrifying cancer can be, but it makes space for laughter, love, and connection right alongside the fear. A reminder that there is no “right” way to go through something awful, only the way that helps you persevere and remain the best version of yourself…with a lot of help (and yes, even laughter) along the way. Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Julia Sweeney’s Cameo message to Brett

Parenting: one brother does it, one brother does not, and both have opinions!

In this episode, Brett and Royce take on parenting with honesty, intensity, and plenty of laughs. Brett shares what it is really like raising kids, from firm boundaries and formal titles to the terrifying emergence of his alter ego, “Mama Bear.” Royce brings his perspective as a proud non-parent, offering observations about why kids act the way they do and demonstrating why he has no business being a parent in the first place. Together they tackle “friendship parenting,” discipline strategies, and developing “the look.” 

The episode also introduces a brand-new segment, “That’s My Myrna!”, featuring the twins’ mother, who delivers wisdom, stories, flying-slipper lore, and a deeply moving reflection on what it means to raise decent humans. It is funny, chaotic, and emotional (just like their mother).

It’s a love letter to parents doing the hard work now for the sake of the future. Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Meet our Mom! (December 2025)

Inspired by a listener who bravely asked, “Why didn’t anyone tell us adulthood would be like this?”, Brett and Royce dive headfirst into the strange, snack-filled, mildly alarming reality of being grown-ups. Topics include Count Chocula as a gateway cocktail (with Kahlúa, because…adulthood), the crushing disappointment of staying up late, and the shocking realization that freedom mostly means wanting to go to bed at 9:30pm. The twins debate whether adulthood is an age, a mindset, or simply the moment you realize older people might actually know things, even as you forget your spouse’s name and lose your keys in the freezer. They cover bodily betrayals, parenting vs. not parenting, adult-only resorts, “adult movies” (poor phrasing from Brett), and the true gift of aging: caring less about what does not matter. Beneath the jokes is a reassuring truth: there is no correct way to be an adult. If you are figuring it out, forgetting things, trying new stuff anyway, and eating kiddie cereal the way you want, you are doing it right. Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Armed with bubbly courage and a stack of mystery prompts, Brett and Royce take turns riffing on whatever the other brother pulls from the hat. No prep, mild fear, maximum chaos. Expect airport anthropology (will she make the gate?), cinematic “improvements” that should probably be illegal, and the great bug-snack debate no one asked for. Between sips, they veer from time-machine regrets to parenting truths (kids are miracles… who complain about Indian food). It’s loose, tipsy, and oddly heartfelt. If you like your laughs with pulp and bubbles, this one pours heavy. Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Brett and Royce unwrap Christmas in all its sparkling, chaotic glory. They go from childhood He-Man trauma to adult cookie-related breakdowns in a festive episode that’s equal parts nostalgia, sarcasm, and holiday warmth. They revisit the Great Castle Grayskull Incident, roast the annual Christmas cookie meltdown (“Christmas hell, but make it buttery”), and confess their family’s bizarre truckstop-at-midnight tradition (nothing says Christmas like the Pope on a coin-operated TV next to stuffed wildlife). They also tackle the other big holiday tradition: lying to children about Santa. Beneath the jokes, the twins land somewhere sweet: reminding us why we endure the stress, the chaos, the baking, and the lies: because Christmas, at its best, is wonderful. If your holiday season is equal parts magic and madness, cookies and crying, Mariah and mayhem, welcome home! And welcome to The Best We Can Do!

Ana Gasteyer performs "Sugar and Booze" (Late Night with Seth Meyers)

Cher performs “DJ Play A Christmas Song” (Live from iHeart Radio's Jingle Ball 2023)

Brett swears he’ll keep a story short (Royce knows better), then recounts a night at a tiny bar in Sullivan County, PA that turns into a masterclass in seeing the best in all people. Expect the Western-saloon record scratch, a surprise round of drinks from a stranger, a tipsy sing-along to the Gatlin Brothers, and that sweet moment when the jukebox hits play and the whole room feels lighter. From there, the twins tussle over the Golden Rule (spoiler alert: Royce hates it) and unpack how assumptions harden when we only live inside our own safe, familiar bubbles. The takeaway is tender: most folks are trying to be good to one another, and stepping into someone else’s world can shift your own, especially if the other person is buying the drinks. This is The Best We Can Do!

You asked, they answered. Brett and Royce finally tackle the question they’ve been asked more than any other: “What’s it like being a twin?” From who’s “older” (by a tragic 13 minutes) to mistaken identity punches and one disastrously fake red-carpet appearance, the brothers share the myths, mix-ups, and magic of twinhood. Along the way, we learn about “same thing, different color” childhood fashion trauma, a possibly psychic nosebleed, and why Brett owes Clarabelle an apology. Beneath the laughs, this episode lands somewhere tender: what it means to be known so deeply that words aren’t needed (no, not psychic, just love). If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a built-in best friend who is willing to take a punch for you, this one’s for you. Welcome to The Best We Can Do!

This one’s a showdown between Brett’s love of dinner jackets, fine wine, and French cuisine and Royce’s deep devotion to hoodies, free refills, and restaurants with pictures in the menus. The twins relive dueling graduation dinners: Maison Robert’s coq au vin vs. Bugaboo Creek’s animatronic bison. They then spiral into first-class vs. coach, bibs vs. no bibs, and whether a tablecloth is a promise or a threat. Along the way they discuss their childhood home decorated with aggressively posed taxidermy, a tie-tying confession (hello, half-Windsor), and a spirited debate about formal vs. informal language…plus selective profanity. Under the roast, there’s a sweet understanding: your “fancy” might be French Pastries or it might be French Fries, and both are fabulous. If you’ve ever argued about dress codes, you’ll feel very seen. Welcome to The Best We Can Do!