In this lighthearted and humorous final episode of the season, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushack share a collection of funny moments and original jokes. They discuss everything from dad jokes and the quirks of language to the challenges of opening child-proof packaging. The episode is filled with laughter, playful banter, and a touch of nostalgia as they reflect on their candid conversations and the joy of podcasting. As they wrap up, they encourage listeners to subscribe for future episodes and keep the laughter alive.
In this episode of the BLED podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak share their personal experiences with various surgeries throughout their lives. They discuss the challenges, pain, and recovery associated with each procedure, from childhood surgeries to recent health issues. The conversation highlights the importance of health awareness and the emotional impact of medical experiences on individuals and families.
This conversation reflects on the life of Sonny, a creative and talented individual whose journey was marked by both joy and struggle. His early years were filled with creativity and performance, but as he grew older, he faced challenges in friendships, bullying, and the complexities of his identity as a transgender person. The discussion delves into the impact of relationships, the struggles of transitioning, and the profound effects of the pandemic on his mental health. Ultimately, it addresses the heartbreaking loss of Sonny and the ongoing journey of grief and healing for his family.
In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak discuss their journey towards retirement, reflecting on the impact of the pandemic on their financial perspectives, the importance of financial independence, and the strategies they employed to achieve their goals. They delve into credit card churning as a means to eliminate debt and build wealth, while also exploring the emotional and practical aspects of transitioning into retirement. The conversation highlights the significance of health, family, and pursuing passions in this new chapter of life.
In this episode of the Bled podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt Bushak are joined by their longtime friends, Rhonda and Scott Stromsness. The group reminisces about their early days of friendship, sharing humorous and touching stories from their past. They discuss the challenges and joys of maintaining long-term friendships, the importance of intentional connections, and their shared experiences as parents. The episode is a warm celebration of enduring relationships and the bonds that have grown stronger over the years.
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.
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.
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 their lives. This episode is a touching tribute to Sonny's memory and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of his life in future episodes.
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.
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 tied to the home, and the cathartic process of creating a space that honors their past while looking forward to the future.
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 lives and mental health, and the evolving nature of their parenting approach as their children grow older.
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.
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.
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.
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, and the importance of setting boundaries for one's well-being. The episode concludes with reflections on the necessity of prioritizing mental health over familial obligations
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.
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.
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.
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 it takes on parents, and the unconditional love they have for their son.
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.