In this heartfelt podcast episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak, along with guests Haley and Kyra, share their cherished memories of their friend Sonny. They recount how they met Sonny, their bonding moments over shared interests like musicals and Dungeons & Dragons, and the fun social activities they enjoyed together. The conversation highlights Sonny's creative talents, including his passion for writing and musical theater, and serves as a tribute to the impact he had on their lives....
Sep 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 21
Stephanie and Matthew Bushak celebrate the life of Sonny, exploring his passions for reading, writing, and music. They share stories of his activism, love for Les Misérables, and cherished memories at the beach and Renaissance festivals, painting a vivid picture of his vibrant legacy.
Sep 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 20
In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie and Matt Bushak share the story of their beloved son, Sonny, who passed away last year. They reflect on his life, from his birth as a twin to his love for art, music, and theater. The episode delves into Sonny's journey of self-discovery, including his coming out as transgender and his passion for acting, culminating in his role in "Forever Plaid." The Bushaks also touch on the challenges Sonny faced, his unique interests, and the profound impact he had on th...
Sep 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of the podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak discuss their vision for a better America, coining the phrase 'Make America Nice Again.' They explore various topics including driving etiquette, cultural nostalgia, political discourse, empathy, economic inequality, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation is filled with humor and candid opinions, aiming to inspire listeners to reflect on how small changes can lead to a more compassionate society.
Aug 26, 2025•34 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak share their journey of moving from their old home, where they raised their children for 20 years, to a new house. They discuss the challenges of buying and selling in a fluctuating housing market, the emotional aspects of moving, especially after the loss of their son, and the extensive renovations they undertook to prepare the old house for sale. The conversation highlights the ups and downs of home renovation, the importance of family memories t...
Aug 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, hosts Steph and Matt Bushak delve into the concept of helicopter parenting, exploring its definitions, implications, and the balance between involvement and independence in raising children. They share personal anecdotes about their parenting styles, the challenges they faced, and the importance of being present for their kids while allowing them to learn and grow. The conversation highlights the gray areas of parenting, the impact of their choices on their children's social liv...
Aug 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 16
In this poignant conversation, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak delve into the heavy themes of murder, loss, and the impact of domestic violence through personal stories. They share their experiences with the tragic deaths of loved ones, including friends and family members, and reflect on the emotional toll these events have taken on their lives. The discussion also touches on the complexities of grief, resilience, and the quest for justice in the face of tragedy.
Aug 05, 2025•31 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, hosts Steph and Matt Bushak share their personal journey into real estate, detailing their initial excitement, the challenges they faced, and the eventual decision to file for bankruptcy. They reflect on their naivety as young entrepreneurs, the financial struggles that ensued, and the lessons learned from their experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of financial literacy and the impact of credit on personal finance.
Jul 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 14
In this light-hearted episode, hosts Steph and Matt Bushak introduce their son, Ryan, to the audience. They engage in a fun and casual conversation, asking Ryan about his favorite activities, foods, and vacation spots. The episode also touches on Matt's upcoming surgery, adding a personal touch to the family dynamic.
Jul 24, 2025•8 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak delve into Stephanie's traumatic childhood experiences, particularly focusing on her relationship with her father, whom she refers to as 'Dippy Don.' The conversation explores the complexities of growing up with an abusive and neglectful parent, the impact of these experiences on her mental health, and the difficult decision to go no contact with him. They discuss the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma, the challenges of family expectations,...
Jul 15, 2025•24 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak share their childhood experiences, discussing their family backgrounds, frequent relocations, and the impact on their social lives. They reflect on the lessons learned from their upbringing, the friendships formed, and the challenges faced during their formative years. The conversation highlights the resilience developed through their experiences and the importance of connection in childhood.
Jul 09, 2025•35 min•Ep. 11
In this episode Matt and Steph Bushak recall how they met, and what it was like being in a long distance relationship while Matt was on active duty in the Marines.
Jul 02, 2025•29 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, hosts Steph and Matt Bushak explore their spiritual journeys, discussing their childhood experiences with religion, contrasting views on God, and the impact of military service on their faith. They delve into philosophical shifts towards atheism, rediscovering faith through community, and the role of love in religion. The conversation also touches on personal crises of faith, questioning religious texts, and finding acceptance in a diverse community.
Jun 26, 2025•47 min•Ep. 8
In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak delve into their son Ryan's journey with autism, discussing his behaviors, sensory integration challenges, and the various therapies and dietary changes they explored. They share personal anecdotes about parenting Ryan, including safety measures they implemented, the trials of treatments, and the joy of witnessing positive milestones in his development. The conversation highlights the complexities of raising a child with autism, the emotional toll...
Jun 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 7
In this episode Matt and Steph explore Ryan's autism diagnosis and reflect on the symptoms that lead to his diagnosis, how Ryan was diagnosed and what that would mean for their family.
Jun 10, 2025•35 min•Ep. 6
In this engaging and humorous podcast episode, hosts Steph and Matt Bushak play a game of 'Would You Rather?' that leads to deep reflections on life choices, childhood memories, and future aspirations. The conversation flows from light-hearted questions about clowns and theme songs to profound discussions about legacy and the nature of existence. Their playful banter and insightful exchanges create a captivating listening experience that balances humor with thought-provoking themes.
Jun 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 5
In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak, along with special guest Jen Edwards, share heartfelt and humorous stories from their childhood, exploring the dynamics of their family relationships. They reminisce about summer adventures, road trips, sibling rivalries, and the lessons learned from their experiences growing up together. The conversation highlights the importance of family connections and how their relationships have evolved into adulthood.
May 28, 2025•34 min•Ep. 4
In this episode of the Bled podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak share their travel experiences before having children, recounting various adventures, mishaps, and memorable moments from their journeys. They discuss creepy hotel encounters, road trips, family visits, skiing, and their first experiences with gambling. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and reflections on life lessons learned through their travels.
May 20, 2025•46 min•Ep. 3
In the inaugural episode of the 'Birth, Love, Experience and Death' podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak introduce themselves and share their life stories, including their marriage, parenting experiences, and the challenges they have faced, particularly regarding their son Ryan's autism diagnosis and their son Sonny's transgender journey. They discuss the purpose of the podcast as a platform for storytelling and therapy, while also touching on themes of humor, family dynamics, and the signif...
May 18, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1
In this episode of the Bled podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak share their heartfelt and humorous journey through pregnancy and the birth of their twins. They discuss the decision to start a family, the challenges they faced during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, and the emotional rollercoaster of childbirth. The couple reflects on their experiences in the NICU and the joys and trials of becoming parents, all while maintaining a light-hearted and candid tone.
May 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 2
