On this episode Melanie and I talk about - wait for it - COLLEGE FOOTBALL. It's the week of SEC Media Days, and that always sparks a little football reflection (and also hope!) in the two of us. Given that, we enjoy a little pre-season analysis of A&M's September schedule before we recap our weekends and discuss a movie that we both unexpectedly adored. What a time. Melanie also brings some rom-com concerns to the forefront, and it's her turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on ...
Jul 17, 2025•52 min
Our hearts are so heavy for everyone who has been impacted by the devastation of the Texas flooding, and we talk about that at the beginning of this episode. We didn't know how to transition into our normal brand of silliness without addressing it, and we're praying that the presence and the comfort of the Lord will be so palpable for everyone who is hurting. Jesus, be near. We also talk about my trip to Canada, Melanie's trip to Knoxville, and what we've been watching. Basically we just try to ...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr
I'm on the Atlantic Ocean somewhere between Canada and Maine this week (Melanie opted out of the trip because of the aforementioned ocean), so we recorded this episode before I left Birmingham, and we asked our friend Cole Cubelic - who is one of our all-time favorite people - to join us. As some of you may remember, Melanie and I met Cole a couple of years ago after he saw us at an event where my hair clip was in a constant state of malfunction. Now he's like the little brother we didn't know w...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min
This week Melanie and I talk through our reactions to the College World Series (Razorbacks, we feel your pain, and Tigers, we congratulate you), we break down what's been going on in our respective lives over the past week, and we share some delight over all the good television that's been released since we last recorded. We also discuss the fact that Melanie ordered some chicken on the bone at a restaurant, and it's her turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon ...
Jun 26, 2025•48 min
On this week's episode Melanie and I talk about the fact that Caroline is now home from her long European journey, I sampled the most delicious homemade pies, and why we shouldn't underestimate Gen Z's persistence in selecting the perfect nail polish colors. It's been an eventful week. We also have an unplanned - but lively! - discussion about AI, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets are on sale n...
Jun 19, 2025•49 min
This week Melanie and I have lots of Super Regional developments to discuss, along with what I am referring to as Mississippi State's First Official Baseball Pageant as we welcomed our new baseball head coach Brian O'Connor. We also talk about a new Birmingham restaurant favorite and Melanie's awareness of her challenges with European geography. On top of all that, I get in my feelings a little bit about Pentecost Sunday, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on P...
Jun 12, 2025•47 min
As you might expect on this episode, Melanie and I have a lot to say about this past weekend's college baseball regionals (if you're not aware, there were some incredible underdog stories in the field of 64). We also talk about State's baseball coach news (very exciting!) before we consider all the things we don't know or understand about this current generation of toddlers. On top of that, Melanie shares Perry's new YouTube discovery, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Joi...
Jun 05, 2025•44 min
Well, 'tis the season for NCAA baseball regionals, so this week Melanie and I discuss the fact that the Bulldogs are headed to Tallahassee, and we also briefly analyze the SEC uniforms this season (you may be surprised by the team I have designated as the uniform winner). Plus, we talk about Mel's adventures with getting Caroline's suitcase(s) packed for Europe and the complications that arise when husbands decide they want to be healthy eaters. As (almost) always, we break down what we've watch...
May 29, 2025•50 min
This week Melanie is helping Caroline get ready for her Europe trip, I'm gearing up for the SEC Baseball Tournament, and we're both feeling mildly fascinated by the Busch Apple phenomenon. We talk about all of the above, of course, as well as what we've watched this past week (I'm really having to process my feelings about The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives). We also discuss some Mississippi-adjacent things that have made me super happy, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join ...
May 22, 2025•51 min
This past week has given Melanie and me plenty to talk about: Caroline Shankle graduated from A&M, Alex Hudson traveled to Japan, and Hazel had a whole vet exam in the back of my car. Life comes at you fast, friends. In addition to all of that, there have been some college baseball developments. For better or worse. We also discuss what we've been watching (of course), and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - 2025 Graduation Gift ...
May 15, 2025•48 min
Well, on this episode Melanie and I are both at the mercy of our children's airline travel woes, which means we got interrupted by phone calls and texts while we were recording since we were trying to help with troubleshooting and whatnot. Besides that, though, we talk through Japan travel prep, David's best technological day, and Hazel's sassy new Pilates-esque accessories. We also learn about a Netflix show that Melanie has loved, and we share our Graduation Gift Guide for 2025. Hope you enjoy...
May 08, 2025•51 min
On this week's episode Melanie and I recap our weekend travels: she and Caroline flew to Birmingham while I was driving to Baton Rouge, and then on Saturday we all met up in Auburn. We got to watch a baseball game, we got to hang out with a real-live Auburn legend, we got to celebrate our friend Ella's birthday, and we even got to take a boat ride. We also talk through some San Antonio live show ticket into, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon S...
May 01, 2025•51 min
This week Melanie and I recap our weekend activities, Melanie shares all about the big fun of Caroline's senior portraits, and we talk about our upcoming trip to Auburn. Plus, the wallet that Melanie lost in Fayetteville has once again been found - an Easter miracle. :-) We also discuss a difficult situation with Melanie's toenail polish color, and it's her turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - San Antonio Live Show (10/23/25) tickets go on sale for ...
Apr 24, 2025•41 min
We've had some bluebird spring days in San Antonio and Birmingham over the last week, so on this episode Melanie and I talk about how we've been soaking up the great weather. Melanie also bemoans the endlessness of a day after waking up early, and I share about my harrowing unintended career change into world of first aid and medical transport. On top of all that, we discuss the outstanding array of Alabama baseball's walk-up songs, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us ...
Apr 17, 2025•43 min
This week Melanie and I have so many post-live show thoughts...about air travel, about the fun we had in Arkansas, and about all the basketball we've watched since we've been back at home. We also marvel at the ways our college baseball fortunes improved over the course of the weekend. On top of that, Melanie discusses the perils of losing your wallet, and it's also her turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop Show Notes: - The Graduate in Fayetteville - ...
Apr 10, 2025•49 min
While Melanie went to Round Top with Caroline this past weekend, I watched a lot of basketball and Netflix, so we catch up on this episode about all of our respective adventures (on my end of things, to be clear, "adventures" is a super strong word). There's also a post-book club recap of our Here Be Dragons discussion with Perry, which was the 2025 gift we didn't even know we needed. Also, I share about how I decided to celebrate my mama's birthday this year, and it's my turn for Five Favorites...
Apr 03, 2025•41 min
This week Melanie and I both have a case of the Basketball Sads, so we process our sports-related heartache before we catch up on the latest with Mabel and Hazel and discuss the details of our weekends. We also talk through some activities that are potentially inspiring on the creative front, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayetteville Live Show Tickets Show Notes: - our latest Patreon episode with Retha - Mississippi State'...
Mar 27, 2025•47 min
This past week Melanie and I have done a little bit of traveling, and we've also had some quality familly time. In this episode we talk about our road trips, Melanie's shopping trip with Caroline, my birthday meal for Alex, and the SEC basketball tournament. Also, Melanie shares about a new hobby that might be on the horizon for her, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayetteville Live Show Tickets Show Notes: - Grace Valentine - Dr. Mar...
Mar 20, 2025•51 min
This week Melanie and I discuss our texting needs from people who aren't Enneagram 9s (just FYI: "Ok" as a response means we're going to think we're in a fight), we recap our time in Birmingham and Nashville, and we discuss how happy she is to be back at home. Also, I share all about a little field trip I took to Montgomery this past weekend, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayetteville Live Show Tickets Show Notes: - Retha, ou...
Mar 13, 2025•47 min
What a week it has been! Melanie's book hit #5 on the New York Times bestseller list, I got a new HVAC unit (not as exciting, but still, significant), and Hazel has full-blown PTSD from all the people who have been in and out of our house. Life is a series of highs and lows, right? Anyway, this week we talk about all the Here Be Dragons fun, share our thoughts on some sports developments, and finally get some insight about why A&M serves Pepsi products. We also talk about my very active TV l...
Mar 06, 2025•41 min
This past week Melanie's been to Austin and College Station, I've been to San Antonio and Auburn, and we've both gotten to spend time with our college kids. On this episode we recap all of the above, and we also discuss the fact that I have watched not just one but TWO movies over the last few days. The Lord is always doing a new thing. We also discuss some exciting new computer developments, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Hope y'all enjoy! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - F...
Feb 27, 2025•48 min
It's Here Be Dragons week, and Melanie is gearing up to be out of town a lot while I am gearing up for quick trips to San Antonio and Auburn. On this episode we discuss A&M's new basketball uniforms, college baseball opening weekend, and our critical computer situations (true story: Melanie's headphones wouldn't connect while we recorded, and my microphone didn't, either, so this week's sound isn't great, Bob). We also talk about what we've been watching, and it's my turn for Five Favorites....
Feb 20, 2025•51 min
This week Melanie and I dig into the dynamic between her and Caroline as far as wardrobe planning is concerned (it's a complex situation), and we talk through my recent discovery related to using mascara. We also discuss my Severance obsession, which is significant. On top of all that, Melanie has a new book out next week (!!!), and it's her turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayetteville Live Show Tickets Show Notes: - Melanie's book tour info - Gu...
Feb 13, 2025•48 min
It's been a week full of cross-stitching and watching Samford Step Sing and catching up with friends since we last recorded, so Melanie and I talk through all of these things as well as how she might be able to deal with the handling of the chicken in a recipe I made over the weekend. We also discuss what Melanie's been reading and watching, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Please do enjoy. :-) - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayetteville Live Show Tickets Show Notes: - Melanie's he...
Feb 06, 2025•53 min
This week Melanie and I both have tried some new things: Mel has ventured into a new workout experience, and I have decided to pick (back) up a hobby I enjoyed back in high school and college. There's also a mouse update (in light of the Polar Vortex), and Mel shares a great recipe for a dinner party. Mel also has a new nighttime skincare ritual, and it's her turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayetteville Live Show Tickets Show Notes: - Patrick M...
Jan 30, 2025•45 min
Our dear friend (and most frequent podcast guest) Travis Cottrell is with us this week, and what a treat it was for Melanie and me to get to catch up with him. We talk about college football, NFL football, what we've been watching lately, and how we feel about looking up setlists before a concert. We also discuss 80's music (WHO AMONG US IS SURPRISED), and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayetteville Live Show Tickets Show Notes: - Travis...
Jan 23, 2025•53 min
On this week's episode Melanie and I talk about my snow days here in Birmingham, her playroom clean-out in San Antonio, and our thoughts about the upcoming national championship college football game. We also discuss a couple of epiphanies I experienced this past week (and, as a follow-up to our last episode, one of them is Wicked -related). As if that weren't enough, we have an exciting heating pad update / development, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Enjoy, everybody! - Join Us on ...
Jan 16, 2025•53 min
Clearly the Lord is up to something in 2025, because on this episode Melanie shares a tip for cooking with a rotisserie chicken, and I talk about seeing a movie that I had been resisting because of its rampant popularity (so sorry, I'm weird, still haven't seen Titanic , etc.). On top of that, we recap our exciting New Year's Eves ("exciting" is a relative term, but alas). We also get an exciting update on the health of Melanie's scalp, and it's my turn for Five Favorites. Hope you enjoy! - Join...
Jan 09, 2025•53 min
It's our first regular episode of 2025, and we're off to a strong start with some inconvenient (though entertaining) challenges. The Aggies lost their bowl game, one of Mel's refrigerators has gone on to its eternal reward, and the Shankles have had some unexpected visitors in their laundry room. VIVA LA 2025! We also reflect on our words / phrases for 2024, discuss our words and phrases for the new year, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. - Join Us on Patreon - Our Amazon Shop - Fayett...
Jan 02, 2025•52 min
When we recorded this episode, Melanie was making cinnamon rolls, and I had just completed a grocery run full of vegetables and several different kinds of sugar. In other words: Christmas Day is upon us, and on this episode we talk about all of our last-minute preparations and even some plans that have gone awry. It's also my turn for Five Favorites. Merry Christmas, everyone - we are so grateful for you, and we hope your Christmas is full of time with the people you love the most! - Join Us on ...
Dec 26, 2024•51 min
