These Are Good Days

We've all had a relationship that gives us the ick. Not in a gross way, but in a "that feels transactional and cold" way. What do we do about relationships that start off great but then something shifts - when it becomes doing for each other instead of being with each other? How do we evaluate the relationships that start to feel like they're keeping score? Is it even a negative characteristic - c...

It's one of our favorite episodes of the year - Stuff We Love! Every season we share some of the things that we are loving, things that are saving our lives, or things that are just fun. It usually includes products we've been using, foods we've been eating, or even practices we've incorporated into our life! We are in the think of Fall here in Ohio and we are sharing some of our favorite fall fin...

What do iconic brands, tight-knit families, and mentorship have in common? They all take intention to build! On this episode of These Are Good Days , we take you on our recent adventure to J.M. Smucker HQ in Orrville, OH. We’re breaking down how legacy brands like Smucker and Walnut Creek Foods build massive value into their teams, their company culture, and their local communities. To top it off,...

Matt sits down with speaker Lisa Harper to discuss her upcoming book, Theology for the Rest of Us . Throughout the episode, Matt and Lisa share an engaging conversation filled with laughter, sharp Biblical scholarship, and deep wisdom. They explore the vital role of women in Jesus' ministry and God's powerful design for all. The conversation also highlights how humor breaks down walls and brings j...

We all have that natural urge to ask “Why?” when things get messy—our brains are actually wired for a neat and tidy conclusion. But, the reality is, life doesn't always answer the question - instead, it often pushes us towards faith. If we look back at folks like Job and Joseph, we realize life doesn't always come with a clean instruction manual or an easy roadmap. The truth is that we don't need...

Joy isn't just a mood that hits you—it’s an active choice and a daily participation sport. Our brains might be hardwired with a negativity bias to hunt for threats, but thanks to ideas like the 40% rule and Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights , we can actually train ourselves to seek out everyday magic instead. It’s an honest, grounded look at how life works, reminding us that you don't have to wait f...

We all want deep, life-giving relationships, but meaningful connections don’t just happen on accident—they require intentional effort and time. We're talking all about prioritizing the people who pour back into your heart and make you feel like a million bucks. We're diving into what it looks like to clear the calendar, show up consistently, and stop leaving your most important relationships to ch...

In this episode, Lee Ann shares the surprising moment she called out a stranger in public for littering, sparking an honest conversation about what came over her and whether she’d ever do it again. We dive into the bigger question of accountability: do we have a responsibility to speak up when we see bad behavior in our workplaces, families, or communities? Together, we explore what it looks like...

All the Way is a call to throw open the doors and love without reservation. We explore what it takes to live fully by leaving no truth unsaid, no emotion hidden, and no stone unturned in our pursuit of connection. We unpack the weight of quiet regrets—the words we hesitated to say, the risks we failed to take, and the moments we let slip away—and replace them with action. Through honest conversati...

We are chatting with Myquillyn Smith (also known as @thenester on the internet) about her new book, House Hushing ! She breaks down the stories behind the book and gives us a preview of her unique approach—not about cold decorating or rigid organizing, but guiding principles to help your home truly reflect who you are. We talk through why traditional minimalism can feel a bit stark, how to build a...

We are talking all about finding new rhythms during life's biggest shifts. Whether you’re going back to school, sending a kid off to college, or navigating a fresh pivot; big transitions can easily throw off your balance. Together, we share gentle ways to process the chaos, adapt to changing schedules, and prioritize self-care through it all. Tune in for an encouraging conversation on giving yours...

This week we're hanging out with Julie Voris—a speaker, coach, and wellness entrepreneur turned Disney Cast Member —for an easy, insightful conversation about learning to lean into the concept of "just for now." Julie breaks down why some seasons are only meant to be temporary, and how holding onto that perspective gives us the freedom to enjoy where we are without getting stuck. Having spent time...

We are back in the saddle and ready to roll! In this episode we are talking all about summer travels, why it's good for us, and what's coming up for These Are Good Days in the coming weeks! This episode is the true essence of our podcast and our friendship - a good old fashioned catch up. Make the frothy coffee and join us in this catch up episode! The Show Notes Maine Whale Watch Tour Walnut Cree...

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about influence. Isn't it crazy how certain things become trends - especially since the internet has continued to grow. We are talking all about how people latch on to ideas and they grow. Here's the link for Lee Ann's version of Sub in a Tub! And two other viral...

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about the memories of our summers. Matt talks about some of the summers with his family - specifically, his grandparents. Lee Ann brings up some of her best summer memories with her two sons. Click here for Dessie's Patio Beans recipe, and the picture of the Post...

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about keeping it simple! Hosting can feel overwhelming sometimes, so we are here to give you all the simple tips so that you actually do it! Making entertaining hard or over the top really takes the wind out of our sails sometimes. So, let's keep hosing simple so...

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about the food that connects our families. No matter your culture or whether the kitchen was central to your family, no doubt there are certain foods that take you right back to your childhood. This week we are talking about our families and the foods that bring...

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe. This week we are talking all about trying new things - it's changes our brain, exposes us to new ideas, and keep us on our toes. This week, try our Strawberry Romain Crunch Salad for something new! The recipe is posted here, on our Patreon page. THE SHOW NOTES! Thanks for being a part of our podcast community! You...

Summer is in full swing and we are hitting the road! It's time to get your travel on! This week we are talking all about how travel can produce some of the best memories in childhood, how travel bonds families together, and how travel can actually change up your brain and routine. If you know us but at all we aren't saying you should be taking elaborate vacations. Instead, do what feels right for...

It's one of our favorite episodes - Stuff We Love! There's no gate keeping around here! We are sharing all the things that are making life a little easier and a little more fun! We are talking men's clothes, gut health gummies, clean cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, and even some games that might just make you laugh! We are talking all about things we are loving right now! THE SHOW NOTES! Games...

We are tackling the real, sometimes messy journey of growing. We dive into how a strong community pushes us to be better and how finding the right books and resources can totally change the way we learn. We also have to admit that real growth isn't always easy; it actually requires us to step into uncomfortable situations that cause friction and conflict. Our brains are naturally wired to avoid pa...

We’ve all been there. You’re sailing along, and suddenly—bam. An unexpected disappointment or a harsh critique catches you completely out of nowhere. It’s a total punch in the gut. Join us as we get honest about how to handle those "left field" moments. We’re talking about how to sit with the initial sting, how to separate the facts from the fiction we tell ourselves, and the messy process of catc...

We are living the high from our latest live event - and we are bringing you in on the debrief. When big events like this are over, there are typically three things that happen in the debrief - how'd it go, the reflection; who am I thankful for through it all, and how can I rest. Let us tell you - we had a lot to be thankful for. We unpack the support of Walnut Creek Foods, the support of our famil...

Ever wonder what makes a great partnership truly click? In this bonus episode recorded at our live event, we sit down with Adam Riehle, the Vice President of Retail for our sponsor, Walnut Creek Foods and Walnut Creek Cheese and Market. Adam takes us behind the scenes to share the genuine heartbeat of the company, from their deep vision for supporting employees to their immense heart for local gen...

This episode was recorded before a live audience at our most recent podcast event, hosted by Walnut Creek Foods and Walnut Creek Cheese and Market . Do you ever wonder why we’re all constantly asking ourselves if we did "good enough?" In this episode, we tackle the exhausting drive to seek validation and why we let other people control our happiness. Lee Ann shares about competing on Food Network'...