One of the best, and worst, parts of putting yourself "out there" into the public domain is the critics. I'm sure this is true whether you are a podcaster or radio personality, an actress or just your run-of-the-mill celebrity.

For the Manic Mommies our true critics, and the ones we really care about, are our listeners. And our primary source for receiving reviews is through Apple's iTunes store.

Of the 194 reviews we've received, a total of 6 have been negative. Obviously, we love the positive reviews, which feed my constant need for validation. But the negative reviews were hard to swallow. Why is it that one negative review can feel so much more impactful than over 50 great reviews? But after two years, I have learned to take the bad with the good, and found a special place in my heart for the negatives.

In the last two years we've been called annoying (I can see that), sacrilegious (there goes my spot in heaven) and whiny (again, I can see that). Our show could focus more on the children (never), and seriously lacks depth and insight (no duh!). But the latest one really cracked me up:

No Middle Ground (1 star)
It's ok. It used to be a lighthearted podcast but now they take themselves too seriously. One is overbearing and the other is too light. They are blissfully unaware of most things.

I suspect I'm the one who is too light and I can't decide which is worse - being overbearing or too light. But blissfully unaware? Really? I guess since I'm unaware of what I'm unaware of, I can't disagree. But I'm pretty sure I am not blissful.

Unless I'm not aware of it.