In this episode ...
We have finally neared the end of the home remodeling phase of our Shit Show of a life.
Our bathroom is nearly done and the stress has probably maxed us out. Maybe we're going to slow down and take some time off of remodeling homes ... but we doubt it.
And so that's why we need to continue to find something to laugh about and, welp, who doesn't find farts funny?
Take a listen.
Recorded May 1, 2025
In this episode ...
Last week we sat down with Dr. Leigh Ann Charlot, licensed clinical social worker and adjunct professor specializing in couple and family therapy.
Specifically, we dove into the concept of conflict resolution. And no this wasn't a couch session for our own relationship, though the good Doctor was quite helpful in providing more tools that we can add to our relationship toolbox.
In keeping to the theme of Conflict Resolution, Dr. Leigh Ann recommended this book:
Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict into Connection (LINK: http://amazon.com/Fight-Right-author/dp/0241598370/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0)
To learn more about Dr. Leigh Ann Charlot or to reach her directly ...
Email: leaighann@relationshipreality312.com
Website: https://www.relationshipreality312.com/team/#leighann
Recorded April 14, 2025
In this episode ...
We have been placing a ton of stress on ourselves as we work to finish the remodel of the house, start planning its sale and looking for an eventual new place to live.
And the universe threw us a bone: a great class about Managing Anxiety ("Your Anxiety Tool Kit") in the Master Class series featuring Dr. Alexandra Solomon.The material presented from Dr. Solomon floored us (in a great way) and helped us reassess how we manage our own stress.
Highly recommend getting Master Class even if only for this class.
Enjoy
Recorded April 7, 2025
NOTE: Jack crapped all over himself when he incorrectly titled Dr. Solomon's book. The book is Loving Bravely and can be found here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-bravely-alexandra-h-solomon/1124807870;jsessionid=35B9D25856AA91376B0913A7FB858195.prodny_store02-atgap12?ean=9781626255814
You can learn more about Dr. Alexandra here: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/
We also highly recommend this podcast episode from Diary of a CEO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li70iz1NaDY
In this episode ...
It's hard to avoid a discussion about politics particularly in the US. It feels as though it's the only thing ever discussed.
And we are no different than any household or couple when it comes to this topic.
Yet, we each respond to the political events our of lives differently and in this episode we discuss those differences and how to continue to show up for one another.
Recorded 3/24/2025
In this episode ...
Jack's good friend, John Fox, joined the Shit Show to share his story of divorce.
It's a great example of growth, change and self-study.
Recorded 3/21/2025
In this episode ...
We are finally back together, alone, after interviewing a few people for the podcast.
Jack has a tendency to get under Cathy's skin especially when she's crabby or out of sorts. It's his way to try and defuse the problem by injecting poorly timed and inappropriate humor.
There's some good nuggets of wisdom in this episode.
Recorded 3/14/2025
In this episode ...
This is a loooong podcast. Our longest ever.
We originally thought to edit some of the pieces, yet after listening, we decided to let the camera and audio roll as is.
Molly and Katie are Cathy's friends from long ago that reconnected via a surprise email.
The couple moved to Europe in 2019 to escape - at least for the moment - some of the political challenges this country can sometimes create.
And please ... No judging from anyone wanting to pursue a better life in however they define better. We adore these two amazing women.
Lots of deep-end-of-the-pool to embrace.
And if your interested in knowing more about Molly's coaching business, you can find her here: https://yourwhyhealth.com/
Recorded March 5, 2025
In this episode ...
Two weeks ago, I traveled west for meetings and then an impromptu hangout with my daughter, Ki, in Seattle.
We spent a ton of time in the shallow end of the pool (which tends to be the place where Ki is most comfortable).
Over time, we dove into some heart-felt subjects and ended the episode in fairly intense fashion.
Cathy was not on this trip and will be on upcoming podcasts.
And thanks for your patience in waiting for this podcast to publish. I was sick for more than a week following travels and didn't have the energy to complete the editing.
Enjoy!
Recorded February 20, 2025
In this episode ...
There have been several signs for us lately and many of them seem to be making sense.
Conversations with new and old friends seem to be pointing us in a certain direction.
Perhaps we are starting to listen to our gut as well.
All of these recent events are causing us to ask one simple question ... "What's Next?"
Recorded February 13, 2025
In this episode ...
We decided to share a bit of bad week / good week information.
Being near 60, divorced after more than 20+ years of marriage and trying to navigate a new life as a married couple means managing more than blended families or adjusting to diminished physical and mental skills.
It means taking years of experiences and doing your best to limit the bad stuff from appearing and the doing your best to have the good stuff be more present.
And this past week, we ran into some challenges and ... it seems we always get out of it safely and even better.
So we are the best couple of our generation. Sort of.
Recorded February 7, 2025
In this episode ...
A trip to Costa Rica with the kids was in the works for nearly a year.
It required intense planning and coordination necessary to bring everyone together from all parts of the US.
And now it is over. Finished. Complete.
And we are truly sad.
It was a marvelous trip not only because of the obvious beauty of the country and the wonderful people we met but because we were able to spend so much quality time with our kids.
Until we do this again.
Oh .. if anyone wants to visit Costa Rica, we have an amazing place to stay and can get you a discount, too. DM us.
Recorded January 31, 2025
In this episode ...
This trip with all of our kids was planned since February of last year.
It has long been a goal of ours to take the kids from this blended family on a vacations every other year.
We settled in on Costa Rica.
And the time is finally here.
We talk about the upcoming trip and what we might have in store for everyone.
Recorded January 23, 2025
In this episode ...
After a few minutes discussion plans for 2025 and how our collective careers may shift, we decide to have a bit of fun thanks to an Instagram post we watched featuring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick.
In their Instagram post, the couple shared some of the frustrations they have with one another in a safe, and especially fun manner.
"We Listen and We Don't Judge," is how they introduced the segment.
It made us laugh and so we decided to do the same thing.
With a small change to match our personality.
Recorded January 15, 2025
In this episode ...
We enjoy a few minutes banter about some relationship stuff. We also respond to our youngest son, Sam, who submitted a question for the year-end episode a bit too late for publication last week.
And we also enjoyed changes to the studio for those of you watching: we now have 3 cameras which seems to delight Cathy to non end.
Finally, we jump into some of our 2025 goals.
Recorded January 8, 2024
In this episode …
Jack and Cathy spend a few minutes sharing their desires to remain fit and, in the process, took on some new fitness routines like playing basketball - against one another!
And then it’s on to the Year End Questions from the Shit Show Fans, now formally known as ShitHeads.
Happy New Year, everyone. Here’s to a great 2025.
Recorded December 31, 2024
In this episode …
Jack and Cathy lift up the happiness factor by talking about how the Holidays can expose the worst parts of our relationships.
Yep, deep end of the pool stuff to ring in the Christmas season.
Yes.
Merry Christmas.
Recorded December 23, 2024
In this episode …
Jack and Cathy enjoy a great holiday party, get dolled up and then record this podcast, only to realize the video camera wasn’t working properly.
So it’s mostly audio this time around. The two share Christmas memories and stories as they get closer to celebrating the big day.
Recorded December 16, 2024
In this episode …
We jump right in discussing our favorite Holiday Movies. As is expected, Jack’s list includes a rom-com of sorts and Cathy’s list includes some all time classics.
Chime in to the comments with your favorite Holiday movies.
(and Happy Birthday to Mom and Sam)
Recorded December 11, 2024
In this episode …
Statistics show that after 35 years old, we have earned most of the friends we will ever know in life. That making new friends as we age becomes increasingly difficult.
We have both lost several friends in our lifetime - some by design, others because of the fragility of life. We also know that our relationship is built on a solid foundation of friends and this luck is never lost on us. So we examine what it means to maintain, lose and create new friendships as we age.
Recorded December 1, 2024
In this episode …
Everyone knows the Holidays can present all types of challenges.
As many older parents know, once the kids leave the nest, seeing them is less frequent and the holidays only makes missing them even greater.
This year, we’ve struggled a bit trying to make peace with the fact that seeing our kids less often is a bummer and scheduling time to see them all can be challenging. Cathy comes up with some great ideas that seem to help us.
Recorded November 24, 2024
