Our Rough Draft

Tim and Denise reopen The Rough Draft for season two with a conversation about wanting to go deeper, both in the podcast and in their relationship. They reflect on the long break since the last recording, the changes in their schedules, and how life transitions have affected their ability to stay connected. A major thread of the episode is Tim's adjustment to a new job and the emotional complexity...

Thatcher is home for graduation and we talk about it!

Our final episode of the season sharing our family traditions!

What We Talk About: First-generation college stories — how two very different paths shaped your adulthood. How expectations, finances, imposter syndrome, and identity play into the college journey. Why finding your people matters more than the school itself — and how community becomes belonging. Raising college students while still becoming adults yourselves — and how your sons’ college + military...

The Messy Middle In this wide-ranging, candid episode of Our Rough Draft , Denise and Tim unpack what “middle life” feels like—from the frustration of overgeneralized research to the consequences of repeated moves and the friendships that survive seasons of change. Denise reflects on her academic research (Cycle Zero complete!) and why she prefers “holding the process loosely” over blindly trustin...

What We Talk About: Gratitude as a daily practice — noticing and appreciating small moments even in seasons of change. Navigating new beginnings, including job transitions, and the mix of excitement and uncertainty they bring. How loss reshapes gratitude and deepens awareness of what and who matters most. Thanksgiving traditions, family dynamics, and the complicated emotions holidays can surface....

In this deeply personal episode, Denise and Tim share the origin story of their family — three boys, five tattoos, and a bond forged through deployment, surprise pregnancies, and the kind of vulnerability that makes a family stronger. From a secret pregnancy revealed on a honeymoon to a diagnosis that tested their resolve, this is the story of how they became the five. What We Talk About The Monda...

Episode Summary In their new home podcast studio, Denise and Tim open up about what Veterans Day truly means — beyond the bumper stickers and well-intentioned “thank you for your service.” They explore the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the nuance of recognition versus understanding, and how storytelling keeps service experiences alive. Along the way, they reflect on Pat Tillman...

⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode discusses suicidal thoughts and experiences . If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available—call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the U.S.). You can also visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources. In this reflective and deeply personal episode, Denise and Tim open up about what service really...

⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode discusses suicidal thoughts and experiences . If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available—call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the U.S.). You can also visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources. In this honest and emotional episode, Denise and Tim open up about the hardest chapters of their...

In this episode, Denise and Tim discuss their best and worst job experiences, reflecting on the lessons learned and the impact of workplace culture. They explore the importance of mentorship, leadership, and finding joy in work, while sharing personal stories from their careers at Eddie Bauer and other companies. Eddie Bauer was a formative experience for both speakers, teaching them valuable less...

Summary In this conversation, Denise Waters shares her experiences with personal overwhelm, the challenges of parenting, and the differences in perspectives on sports and optimism. The discussion explores the balance between order and chaos in daily life, the dynamics of relationships, and the importance of understanding personal differences. Denise reflects on her journey of self-awareness and gr...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Denise and Tim reflect on their recent trip to Italy, exploring how travel shapes perspectives and fosters connections. They share stories from Sorrento, Pompeii, and immersive experiences like cooking classes and guided walks. The conversation touches on travel challenges, teamwork, personal growth, and the excitement of planning future adventures. What We Talk A...

Episode Summary: In this conversation, Denise and Tim share stories from their travels—the good, the challenging, and the unforgettable. They discuss how travel can reveal personal strengths, test patience, and offer unexpected opportunities for connection. From navigating logistics to embracing the unknown, this episode is about more than seeing the world—it’s about learning how we show up in it....

Summary In this conversation, Denise and Tim explore the critical role of listening in communication, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in conversations. They share personal anecdotes and discuss the challenges posed by biases and the importance of creating space for untold stories. The dialogue highlights the significance of asking the right questions and being present in convers...

Summary In this conversation, Denise Waters and her partner discuss their experiences and insights on parenting, particularly focusing on the challenges and joys of raising three boys. They explore the dynamics of parenting from a distance, the impact of deployment on family relationships, and the importance of maintaining strong connections among siblings. The conversation also touches on the exp...

In this episode, Denise Waters explores the complexities of family dynamics, sharing her personal experiences and insights. She discusses her family's history, the impact of divorce, and the importance of support systems. Denise reflects on navigating relationships within her extended family, the challenges of grief, and the legacy of emotional health. She emphasizes the need for open communicatio...

Summary In this episode, Tim Waters shares his personal journey, exploring his identity through various roles such as husband, father, soldier, and coworker. He reflects on the values of loyalty and service, particularly from his time in the military, and discusses his love for adventure and the outdoors. Tim emphasizes the importance of these experiences in shaping who he is today and invites lis...

From early mornings and long weekends to lessons learned on the field, Denise and Tim share the highs, lows, and funniest stories about raising kids in sports culture. (Pippa Grange’s Fear Less makes an appearance, too.) What We Talk About: The invisible load of being a sports parent How character and confidence develop through competition When to encourage and when to let your kids rest The coach...

Episode Summary: Wife, mom, coach, writer, professor — Denise wears many hats, and in this episode, she opens up about the story behind them all. From her early days in education to the first-ever concert she produced on Alcatraz Island, Denise shares the moments that shaped her and the lessons that led to Our Rough Draft . This episode offers a deeper look at the woman behind the mic — why storyt...

Episode 2: The Myth of Balance Episode Summary: How do you juggle demanding careers, a marriage, and raising kids without losing yourself? In this episode, Denise and Tim unpack what balance really looks like — their wins, their struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. They explore the myth of perfect balance, the messy reality of managing multiple roles, and the small, intentional habits...

🎙️ OUR ROUGH DRAFT Episode 1: How We Met Episode Summary: Every great story has a beginning. In this kickoff episode, Denise and Tim rewind to where it all started — how their paths crossed, the unexpected twists along the way, and the moments that set the stage for everything that followed. They share the story of meeting and falling in love, the funny misunderstanding that sparked their friendsh...