Every birth story leaves a lasting imprint. Whether your experience was joyful, complicated, or deeply challenging, the way you remember and tell it shapes how you carry it into the rest of your life. You’ll hear why birth is more than a medical event, how to shift from trauma to transformation, and practical ways to reclaim your story as a powerful rite of passage. — To go deeper on this topic, check out the following resources: Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). " Posttraumatic grow...
Aug 14, 2025•59 min•Season 8Ep. 95
Food is never just food. In this episode, we explore the many ways meals shape our social lives, reflect our culture, and reveal our inner world. From family dinners to first dates, guilty cravings to sacred moments, we unpack what’s really happening when we sit down to eat. Pull up a chair—this one’s for anyone who’s ever had feelings about food. — Produced by Zach Van Dyke
Aug 07, 2025•55 min•Season 8Ep. 94
Here we go again, choosing conversation prompts from a bowl and answering them on the spot. From Tara’s big 80’s hairstyle to David’s brown Ford Pinto, our stories take a turn into vintage territory. Whether you’re looking for a way to move past routine topics on date night, make family dinners more fun, or add some joy to a road trip, we hope this episode gives you great ideas for questions that lead to connection. — This topic and the conversation questions were inspired by a list from https:/...
Jul 31, 2025•49 min•Season 8Ep. 93
In this playful episode, we take turns pulling fun conversation prompts from a bowl and answering them on the spot. From the time we accidentally camped by the side of the highway, to Tara’s sushi struggles, to David’s unapologetic love of pickle and bologna sandwiches—this episode is full of lighthearted stories and laughter. Whether you’re looking for a way to move past routine topics on date night, make family dinners more fun, or add some joy to a road trip, we hope this episode gives you gr...
Jul 24, 2025•33 min•Season 8Ep. 92
Some dates live on in our bodies, minds, and hearts. Whether it’s recognizing a birth, a loss, a wedding, or a tragedy, anniversaries can be time-stamped reminders of who we are, where we’re headed, what we’ve learned, and what we’ve lost. In this episode we talk about how grief can echo across generations, and how rituals and reflection can help us navigate the emotional terrain of significant dates. — We’d love to hear about your anniversary practices, celebrations, and rituals. Email us at wi...
Jul 17, 2025•48 min•Season 8Ep. 91
What if emotions aren’t just something we feel on our own, but something we do — together ? In this episode, we sit down with Batja Mesquita, author of Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions , to explore the idea of emotions as not just internal experiences, but relational ones. Drawing from cross-cultural research and personal stories, Batja challenges the Western idea that emotions live solely inside us, waiting to be expressed. Instead, she paints a richer, more connected picture—one where ...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 8Ep. 90
What makes a relationship healthy—and what signals that something might be off? In this episode, we dive into the essential topics of red flags, boundaries, and deal-breakers. We talk about how clear, healthy boundaries create safety, build trust, and protect love—not restrict it. We also explore the warning signs that a relationship may need help, and the serious signals that indicate deeper problems. This conversation will help you ask the right questions about your relationship, recognize unh...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 7Ep. 89
Busted! Top 5 Relationship Myths What if the relationship advice you believed was actually hurting your connection? We’re calling out the lies we’ve been told about love, like “fighting = failure” and “compromise always means 50/50.” This week we’ll take a look at some common myths about relationships, and identify what’s realistic, what’s red-flag material, and what actually leads to real connection. — If you liked our guidelines for healthy conflict, take a listen to past episode “ Cheers to H...
Jun 26, 2025•49 min•Season 7Ep. 88
While seasons of waiting are universal, they’re rarely easy. Why does uncertainty feel so stressful? What makes waiting so uncomfortable? And more importantly—how do we live well when the outcome is still unknown? In this episode, we explore the emotional and spiritual tension of living between hopefulness and helplessness . We discuss the differences between passive and active waiting, and offer gentle practices for the in-between times: rhythms to nourish your soul, glimmers of joy to help you...
Jun 19, 2025•56 min•Season 7Ep. 87
Do you ever feel like the cultural pressure to stay busy pushes you to your tipping point? In light of our own experience living on the edge, we discuss finding the balance between productivity and wellbeing. We share personal anecdotes about the simpler, less hurried times in our lives and discuss strategies for mitigating the sense of rush, such as focusing on fewer things, working at a natural pace, and prioritizing quality. We also highlight the significance of rhythms, such as regular walks...
Jun 12, 2025•39 min•Season 7Ep. 86
Whether you're continents apart or just living on different schedules, long-distance love can bring its own struggles and strengths to a relationship. In this episode, we share personal stories from our own seasons of separation, surviving on handwritten letters that took weeks to arrive. We explore the value of intentional communication, the risk of growing too used to separate rhythms, and the often-overlooked challenge of reintegration after time apart. Whether you're currently navigating dis...
Jun 05, 2025•59 min•Season 7Ep. 85
Where do you go to gather ? This week we're diving into the idea of “third places”—those everyday gathering spots that create space for connection, conversation, and community. We start by reflecting on where we used to hang out as kids (baseball fields or malls, anyone?), then explore the sociological roots of the term coined by Ray Oldenburg. Third places—like libraries, parks, and coffee shops—are neutral, welcoming, and unstructured, offering room to just be with others. They're not just nic...
May 29, 2025•55 min•Season 7Ep. 84
In this episode, we explore why real, face-to-face conversation feels harder than ever — and why it still matters so much. We reflect on the dying art of meaningful dialogue, and share why David’s teenage prank phone calls might have actually helped him practice tools for conversation. Whether you’re looking to connect more deeply or just get past awkward small talk, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical tips to help you engage with others in a more curious, connected, and balanc...
May 22, 2025•58 min•Season 7Ep. 83
Parenting doesn’t stop when our children become adults — it just changes, sometimes in ways no one prepares us for. In this episode we are joined by longtime friends Adi and Ema Ban, who share both personal experience and professional insight from their work in marriage and family ministry in Romania. Together, they explore the tender and often challenging transition from raising children to releasing them — navigating shifting roles, unspoken expectations, cultural nuances, and the deep desire ...
May 15, 2025•59 min•Season 7Ep. 82
Whether hospital candy striping, cub scout camping, youth sport coaching, or 5K fundraising, our vision for volunteering is about building community, character, and connection. In this conversation, we share our earliest (and most memorable) volunteer moments, how service shaped our marriage, and why we keep saying yes to unpaid work. Whether it’s for a one-time event or a long-term commitment, we believe showing up and sharing your skills is always worth it.--- * here's a great way to volunteer...
May 08, 2025•51 min•Season 7Ep. 81
Most people are pretty serious about sleep, and yet we’re often just not getting enough. If solid, uninterrupted sleep is so vital for our body’s health and repair and our brain’s optimal functioning, it’s also an important foundation for healthy relationships. This week we discuss the pros and cons of new trending ways to get more zzz’s, including mouth taping and the “sleep divorce.” We also walk through our own family bedtime routines that led to peaceful slumber. --- produced by Zach Van Dyk...
May 01, 2025•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 80
In this laugh-out-loud episode, we take a lighthearted dive into the little things that get under our skin. From expensive greeting cards to 4-way stops, from audible breathing to ducks in Jeeps—no bugaboo is off limits. But it’s not all rants and eye-rolls. We also share some thoughts on how to handle pet peeves without letting them pile up or mess with your relationships. Because sometimes, the most annoying things are just reminders to laugh, breathe, and let the small stuff stay small. --- P...
Apr 24, 2025•56 min•Season 7Ep. 79
If we can’t force forgiveness, how do we take the first step? In this episode we talk about why forgiving someone who wronged us is undeniably good for our own health. We examine some common misunderstandings about forgiveness, and debunk the idea that to forgive means to forget or accept the hurt. Through a true and remarkable story of a woman who forgave unimaginable offenses, we learn about the supernatural power of forgiveness that leads to true freedom. — The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom...
Apr 17, 2025•51 min•Season 7Ep. 78
Join us as we talk with Jessica Love, a friend and singer-songwriter who blends her passion for music with therapeutic practices. Jessica discusses the impact her son and his medical challenges have had on her life and career, and together we explore the intersection of music, therapy, harmony, and healing. Stay tuned for Jessica’s thoughts on the power of presence over performance, and get the scoop on exciting new projects she is working on, including community-based therapeutic music experien...
Apr 10, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 77
Going out with friends is fun ... until the check arrives. Money talks, and we are listening. In this episode we discuss the intricate dynamics of managing money within relationships. We share our experience with the etiquette of splitting bills , and the ways modern tools like PayPal and Venmo have changed the game. Our conversation explores the potential conflicts and emotional impact involved in giving and receiving, and invites personal reflection on generosity, fairness, and relational bala...
Apr 03, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 76
You’ve heard us talk about the way location and place can impact our ability to thrive. We are delighted to highlight an organization that is creating beautiful spaces for people who need a fresh start. Love Your Neighbor creates custom designed environments that have a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families transitioning out of poverty, violence, and hard circumstances. We enjoyed learning more about Love Your Neighbor’s mission and purpose in a chat with found...
Mar 27, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 75
Do you love the place you live or do you long to leave? We are fascinated by the ways geographic location impacts our identity, roots us in community, and influences our sense of belonging. Whether you’re a mover, a stayer, or feeling stuck, we can find ways to flourish where we are and invest in our environment. – Check out “This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are” by Melody Warnick – Produced by Zach Van Dyke
Mar 20, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 74
Join us to discuss the thought-provoking film 'Conclave'. We won’t spoil the plot, but we do have some fun facts about the papal election process. Tune in for engaging conversation about challenging themes of faith, doubt, and power dynamics within the context of the church. From examining the roles of tradition and certainty to addressing gender roles and political influences, this episode will stimulate your mind and encourage deep reflection on faith and culture. – Watch the trailer of the mo...
Mar 06, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 72
The joys of domestic life are often rudely interrupted by mundane tasks and whose turn it is to do them. This week we dive into the tricky nature of dividing chores and managing expectations in relationships. From traditional gender roles to modern-day flexibility, we share stories about ways we’ve shifted the load of responsibility at different stages in our relationship. We reflect on the importance of open communication, trust, and finding the humor in the dirtiest work. — Share, subscribe, a...
Feb 27, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 71
You asked for it, we’re bringing it! We’re talking about how to build and maintain healthy communication. We discuss our framework for enhancing relational interactions: C.H.E.E.R.S. – curiosity, humility, empathy, emotional regulation, and sharing. With examples and personal anecdotes for each practice, we offer ideas for communicating effectively, managing conflict well, and connecting deeply.-- Produced by Zach Van Dyke
Feb 20, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 70
Who knows everything? Not us! This week we explore our personal responses to the unknowable and the mysterious. We talk about the illusion of control , and the importance of developing a wide window of tolerance. Drawing from our experience with death, birth, and other challenging times, we share strategies for building resilience in the face of ambiguity. — Produced by Zach Van Dyke
Feb 13, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 69
In this episode we’re exploring the world of etiquette and discovering which rules our family breaks at every single meal! We learn about quirky guidelines of the past ( never let a woman carry anything heavier than a purse ), the way cultural norms shape politeness today, and how manners evolve alongside society. We also chat about the heart behind table manners—not setting rigid rules, but creating distraction-free moments that strengthen connection. Join us for personal stories, a few laughs,...
Feb 06, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 68
We might be the only ones in our community who don’t know where we stand on the Enneagram or the latest online personality quiz. While we can certainly appreciate the benefits of self-discovery, we also wonder about the limiting influence of labels on personal identity, relationships, and professional dynamics. We examine our natural tendency to categorize people, from mental health diagnoses to high school stereotypes, and advocate for a deeper understanding of our unique value as human beings....
Jan 30, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 67
We reveal who was actually behind the wheel when a deer came out of nowhere, and explain how this incident broke a streak of driving mishaps for one of us. But more importantly, we dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in our lives and our people-focused careers. We explore the potential benefits of this new technology as well as our fear that it will replace genuine human connection. — Your feedback is important to us! Publish a review today and let us know how we’re doing. Che...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 65
A Christmas reading of the greatest story since the beginning of time. David and Tara read from the Holy Bible, Isaiah 9:2,6-7; Luke 1:26-56; Luke 2:1-20. --- To read along with the Scripture, see our show notes page on the With U Podcast website . --- Music credits: - Music by Jesse P from Pixabay - Music by Clavier Clavier from Pixabay --- Produced by Zach Van Dyke
Dec 25, 2024•7 min•Season 5Ep. 65
