Everyday Epic

Today I get to share a conversation with Megan—someone who reminds me that the most extraordinary parts of life often show up in the simplest moments of connection. In our time together, Megan opens up about what it means to live with curiosity, to invite meaningful conversations, and toallow parenthood to reshape the way we see ourselves and others. What struck me most is how Megan leans into vul...

Today, I’m returning to my mom Lucy’s story. In our lastepisode, I shared from her early years growing up in Tennessee, right after World War II, when her family bought a farm and laid down roots. This time, we’re moving into the 1960s - a decade that wasfull of milestones for her and for the whole family. Lucy went off to college, met my dad, and started her own family. My grandfather, or “Daddy”...

There are fewer people in this world more epic than my mom,Lucy. She’s still very much with us, but not able to sit down for an interview. So instead, I get to share her story in another way. A few years ago, my sister, brother, dad and I pooled our money to buy her a MacBook. And right away, she opened it up and began writing her life story. That felt so true to who she is - curious, reflective,...

Today’s guest is Brad, a close friend of my brother’s and atrue renaissance man. Brad has a way of noticing the world around him that feels rare — the details, the moods, the little quirks that make life interesting. He loves taking his family on road trips that go off the beaten path, always choosing the scenic, the curious, and the unexpected over the ordinary. My favorite unexpected topic invol...

Welcome back to Everyday Epic. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Kayra for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about how the choices we make and the lens through which we view the world can shape the course of our lives. Kayra shares her journey from high school Navy ROTC to a thriving career in financial services, opening up about the turning points that redirected her path. Her sto...

When I was 7 and my sister was 11, our parents sat us down to tell us a baby was on the way and it was the most exciting moment of my young life.  They told us not to share the news yet, and of course I immediately went out and told my best friend at the time.  There was a lot of hustle and bustle preparing for the baby and I hoped and even placed a bet with my dad that it would be a girl. It was...

Hi friends, and welcome back to Everyday Epic. A space where we celebrate the beauty of ordinary lives lived with depth, intention, and courage. Today, I’m joined by someone whose presence feels like a breath of fresh air: Cheryl Cooper. Cheryl is one of those people who radiates clarity and joy, but in the most grounded, real way. She shares her wisdom generously, follows her curiosities wholehea...

Today’s episode is with Ebony, a grounded, wise leader who is transitioning into a global role and bringing her whole self with her.  We talk about leading people and processes, being present in the moment, the grit it took to grow through early life challenges, and the joy she finds in helping others thrive. As she puts it, “You don’t move the ship without the rowers.”   She shares how she parent...

In today’s episode, we revisit a conversation with my friend Courtney as she prepares for a bold new chapter -leaving the familiar behind and moving to Serbia. Courtney shares reflections on a life shaped by difficultbeginnings, the grit it took to carve out an education and career, and the deep impact of being truly seen by someone who recognized her light and offered aspace to heal. This episode...

Today, I’m joined by Abby—a young woman with an old soul, an imagination that’s always in motion, and a love for all sorts of things: from cultural theory to cozy, grandmotherly joys. Abby is always writing stories in her head, observing theworld with both precision and curiosity. In this conversation, we talk about the unexpected wisdom she’s collected so far, the things that give her joy and hop...

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian—a friend whose life hasbeen anything but static. His story moves from Central Arkansas to Paraguay, back to Arkansas again to live in a dorm called the Hog Dump at the University of Arkansas, and eventually to South Carolina. What unfolded in this conversation is a look at Brian’sdeeply personal and thoughtful spiritual journey. We talk about the many influence...

Today’s guest is someone close to home. Carl is my brother-in-law, and in this conversation, we cover more ground than I expected…both figuratively and literally. We talk about hiking the Appalachian Trail, raising daughters, working across generations, and why listening to other people’s stories is such a powerful act of empathy. There’s also a brief sidebarfeaturing an obscure movie quote from t...

In this inaugural episode, we—Mary Ann and Courtney—invite you into the heart of Everyday Epic. We share the origin story of this podcast and the quiet idea that sparked it: sonder—that awe-filled moment when you realize every person you pass by has a life as vivid, complex, and layered as your own.   Together, we explore what makes a story truly epic, and why we believe ordinary people carry extr...

Everyday Epic is about slowing down, tuning in, andmaking space for the kind of stories that often go untold—the kind that don’t go viral, but stick with you long after. We’re not interviewing celebrities or headline-makers. We’retalking with everyday people—neighbors, coworkers, friends of friends—who have lived, observed, endured, and grown in ways that reveal something universal. Sometimes it’l...