The Couple Shift | An ALS Story - podcast cover

The Couple Shift | An ALS Story

Maria Aleandra and Julian Rodriguezmariaaleandra.com
We're a husband and wife living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). This is a story of sorrows and joy, grief and magic. A first person account of how to navigate the unthinkable, a space to uncover the truth of what love and courage really look like. We hope that through Jules and his story you feel inspired to live life to the fullest. Thank you listening, subscribing and sharing. #thecoupleshift
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Episodes

I wasn't ready to die

In this special episode we share both of our perspectives on life after a tracheostomy. Why did Jules decide to go for it? How easy is it for MA to take care of it? What has changed? All this and more. It feels good to be back! Thanks for listening. With love, Jules & MA Instagram: @teamhighoctanejules Website: www.teamhighoctane.com ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com ALS, MND, Terminal Illness, Couple Goals, Marriage, AI, AI Technology, New Beginnings, Don't Give Up, Courage, Resilience...

Feb 28, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 182

Continuing to adapt

This is another solo quick episode I created with my AI cloned voice to talk about our challenges that we keep running into. Thank you for seeing us. With love, Jules & MA #RightHereRightNow 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review. ⚡️ Follow us on Instagram: @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Check out our Website: www.teamhighoctane.com ✨ Check out MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com ALS, MND, Terminal Illness, Couple Goals, Marriage, AI, AI T...

Aug 20, 20243 minSeason 1Ep. 181

The next chapter awaits

It's a new beginning for me. It is just AI voiced Jules. This short episode really challenged me. It is one thing to write out your thoughts. Its another thing to do with your eyes alone and then edit it. Thank you for seeing us. With love, Jules & MA #RightHereRightNow 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review. ⚡️ Follow us on Instagram: @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Check out our Website: www.teamhighoctane.com ✨ Check out MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TC...

Aug 02, 20243 minSeason 1Ep. 180

How we process emotions

Permission to feel, all of it. Learning how to process our emotions as a couple has been a cornerstone of our growth - the good, the painful and everything in between. With ALS in the mix, we've learned powerful lessons about what it takes. In this episode, we continue to experiment and stumble through new beginnings, thanks for coming along. Your support makes a difference! Like, comment, rate, subscribe and share. Thank you, Jules & MA #RightHereRightNow 🎧 Please subscribe, share with fri...

Jul 23, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 179

New Beginnings

History in the making perhaps? Either way, we are THRILLED to be back with another episode. Here's to shifting, and then shifting again. Join us for this brand new version of our podcast. Jules takes his new AI voice for a spin, don't miss it. Your support makes a difference! Like, comment, rate, subscribe, share share share. Thank you, Jules & MA #RightHereRightNow 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Instagram: @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Website: www.teamhighoctane.c...

Jun 27, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 178

Word of the Year: 2024 Edition

The other day a listener asked us... but what's your word of the year this year?? Here's the answer :) Plus a few highlights and updates from the past couple of weeks. As always, thanks for being here. And to all our new friends, welcome. ALS won't stop us. #RightHereRightNow 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Instagram: @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Website: www.teamhighoctane.com ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com...

Apr 04, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 177

The Awkward Pause... communication with ALS

Did you miss us? It's so good to be back! Ever been caught in an awkward moment in conversation, listen in to find out why those awkward moments matter. We also talk about Tobii etiquette and how to speak to someone who uses an eye gaze device or who has trouble communicating. ALS won't stop us. #RightHereRightNow 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Instagram: @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Website: www.teamhighoctane.com 📣 MA's DC speech: https://youtu.be/6th6Z5NLlIQ ❤️ GoF...

Mar 11, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 176

Scary times: Life with ALS

What happens when a simple cold sends you to the ER? This is life with ALS. Join us a we take you through a few recent milestones, both joyful and sorrowful. It feels so good to return to one of our favorite places, in front of the microphone, looking into each other's eyes and sharing all of the feels that accompany this tender and beautiful life we life. We share, we cry, we laugh. The Couple Shift is back, as vulnerable and wonderful as ever. Thank you for being here. ALS won't stop us. #Righ...

Nov 28, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 175

Grief, Loss and Baseball

We're back for an update, sharing honest thoughts that we hadn't even expressed to each other until this moment. Thanks for staying connected with us. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Follow us our brand new Instagram account! @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Get your merch: www.teamhighoctane.com 📣 MA's DC speech: https://youtu.be/6th6Z5NLlIQ ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra...

Sep 30, 202335 minSeason 1Ep. 174

Recharged - What does renewal look like with a terminal illness?

Lots has happened - from our new beer to the comedy fundraiser to media interviews and a meeting with Conan O'Brien!! (huge bucket list item for Jules!). We've also been through a tougher than expected period as a couple and have welcomed help at home to support Jules care routine. Here's a quick recap of what's been happened - and what it means to be Recharged. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Follow us our brand new Instagram account! @teamhigho...

Aug 03, 202324 minSeason 1Ep. 173

I'm in the business of living

Jules shares his post PEG (feeding tube) experience, what pisses him off about hospitals and ALS plus our thoughts on the new Michael J. Fox documentary. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Follow us our brand new Instagram account! @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Get your merch: www.teamhighoctane.com 🎤 Comedy fundraiser: https://tinyurl.com/5ctshaxv 📣 MA's DC speech: https://youtu.be/6th6Z5NLlIQ ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 ✨ MA's website: htt...

Jun 25, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 172

Playing footsie, laughter and adjusting to changes

It's risky to live 'in the moment' it requires courage, vulnerability and flexibility. It requires having an open mind and keeping an open heart. 'It's not about the feeding tube.. it's about what happens after, what we make of each moment'. ~ Jules ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Follow us our brand new Instagram account! @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Get your merch: www.teamhighoctane.com 🎤 Comedy fundraiser: https://tinyurl.com/5ctshaxv 📣 MA's DC ...

Jun 14, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 171

Birds, feeding tubes & finding ourselves again

What started as a casual update became one of our favorite podcast episodes to date. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Follow us our brand new Instagram account! @teamhighoctanejules 🧢 Get your merch: www.teamhighoctane.com 🎤 Comedy fundraiser: https://tinyurl.com/5ctshaxv 📣 MA's DC speech: https://youtu.be/6th6Z5NLlIQ ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com...

May 30, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 170

We moved!

May. Is. Jam. Packed. Plus... We moved!! Because... ALS won't stop us. Items mentioned: - Our fab graphic designer sister in law: https://instagram.com/ale.y.su.arte?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== - Comedy producer: https://instagram.com/laughwitheli?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ⚡️ Follow us our brand new Instagram account! @teamhighoctanejules ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website:...

May 09, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 169

Therapy, Wonderland and Processing Emotions

Welcome to another beautifully real episode, filled with life's little updates and sweet realizations of what moves us forwards. Because... ALS won't stop us. Book mentioned in the episode: 'A Fresh Cup of Counseling' by Thomas L. Norris (Order here: https://tinyurl.com/4s8m63ya) 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaalea...

Apr 07, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 168

Bonus: Conan needs a friend... Jules!

Who does Jules really want to meet and why? It's a fun short episode! Thanks for listening, supporting and subscribing. Remember to live Right Here, Right Now. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com ⚡️ Follow Jules on IG: @highoctanejules...

Apr 05, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 167

Monumental Happiness

How do you find real happiness? Is it in the big 'accomplishments' or in the subtle day to day moments? ALS won't stop us. Interview mentioned in the episode, watch here: https://youtu.be/3W7mLo_11Uo 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com ⚡️ Follow Jules on IG: @highoctanejules...

Mar 19, 202324 minSeason 1Ep. 166

Deeply Personal

Jules cracks open in this deeply personal episode. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com ⚡️ Follow Jules on IG: @highoctanejules

Mar 06, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 165

Symbols are Everywhere

What do Valentine's Day, spa treatments, ladies nights and gold have in common? You can say this episode is one of our most authentic yet, lol. Is it a podcast or is it couples therapy? We'll take both! ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com ⚡️ Follow Jules on IG: @highoctanejules...

Feb 25, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 164

Love is Memory Foam

Why is love memory foam? You simply have to listen :) ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com ⚡️ Follow Jules on IG: @highoctanejules

Feb 19, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 163

Our words of the year

Do you have a 'word of the year'? We've each been picking a theme for the past few years, each of us individually plus a word as a couple. This year's theme is urging us to expand into new territory. We also chat about a recent ALS Symposium and the beauty of insurance. Mini rant ahead! Thanks for listening! ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Please subscribe, share with friends and leave a review! ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https...

Feb 11, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 162

A throne fit for a King

Honest moments between a husband and wife... from toilet seats to caregiver guilt to ALS symptoms to 6 year old shenanigans and more. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing with friends and leaving a review. ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk ✨ MA's website: https://mariaaleandra.com/ ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com

Feb 04, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 161

Celebrate the GOOD

Are you celebrating your good days? Jules once again brings his beautiful perspective and humor, plus he shares all about his new favorite tv show (worth watching for incredible storytelling). ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing with friends and leaving a review. ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 🦖 Our family vlogs: https://youtu.be/UTwd_0EkFvk 👉 Milton's IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_milton_show ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com To learn more about MA's...

Jan 31, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 160

What drives you?

'Be brave enough to be bad at something new'. In this episode we talk about motivation, fear, purpose and what happens when Jules falls (it's happened a few times). ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing with friends and leaving a review. ❤️ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 👉 Milton's IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_milton_show ✉️ Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com To learn more about MA's coaching and astrology services visit www.mariaaleandra.com...

Jan 29, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 159

We'll never be the same again

What happens when you venture into completely unknown terrain? You grow, you face your fears, you stretch, you're never the same again. Listen in as we share one of our most daring adventures to date. Notes: We reference our interview with Chris Beckette and Taylor Lew, if you want to listen, look for Episode 134. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing with friends and leaving a review. GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com To learn more a...

Jan 20, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 158

2023... here we come!

Happy New Year friend, thanks for coming back. Our podcast has a fresh coat of paint as we embark on new adventures and stories. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing with friends and leaving a review. GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/77ead571 Email us: TCS@mariaaleandra.com To learn more about MA's coaching and astrology services visit www.mariaaleandra.com

Jan 16, 202335 minSeason 1Ep. 157

Lessons from the road, our top 5

It's time for another vanlife episode! In this one we share the top 5 lessons each of us has learned on this trip. Traveling when you have special needs is not easy, there are so many things that you gave to adapt and work around. Join us as we share what our life looks like, what were grateful for and what has impacted the most. Plus the inevitable rant or two, lol. ALS won't stop us. 🎧 Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing with friends and leaving a review. Our friend Inarra started a Go...

Nov 14, 202233 minSeason 1Ep. 156

Road Trip! 3000 miles of magic, obstacles and fun.

Jules, MA and Skyler are coming at you from the van! Yes, we recorded this on the road and it feels good to be back on the podcast. We keep on making memories and magic as we embark on a 3000 miles journey across 8 states and multiple stops along the way. We share stories from the road and the big and little obstacles we've faced. ALS won't stop us. Vanlife is sweet 😎 🎧 Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing with friends and leaving a review. Our friend Inarra started a GoFundMe to help ou...

Nov 01, 202233 minSeason 1Ep. 155

Journey with Plant Medicines: Chapter 4 ✦ Peyote in Mexico

In this episode we take you to Mexico with us... Diving into the unknown can be both scary and thrilling. The past few months have been filled with experiences that have changed the paradigm of how they think and feel. It's been a big time of growth, shifts, sorrow, joy and magic. We unpack what it means to explore plant medicines, indigenous ceremonies, sacred rituals, spirituality, magic, Kambo, Ayahuasca, Bufo, Psilocybin, Peyote and much more. We navigate the line between Eastern and Western...

Sep 04, 202237 minSeason 1Ep. 154

Journey with Plant Medicines: Chapter 3 ✦ Finding the Balance

The other day we were asked... 'how do you balance plant medicines with your regular doctors?' It's a very good question, in this episode we share our views. Diving into the unknown can be both scary and thrilling. The past few months have been filled with experiences that have changed the paradigm of how they think and feel. It's been a big time of growth, shifts, sorrow, joy and magic. We unpack what it means to explore plant medicines, indigenous ceremonies, sacred rituals, spirituality, magi...

Aug 05, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 153
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