Table Talks with the Tares

In this conversation, Ash opens up on how her experience growing up with adopted siblings joining her family's home changed her and shaped her into the adult and parent she is today. She specifically talks about how facing the chaos and volatility of parenting young ones brings to the surface some of the experiences she had in childhood and how it is bringing a disproportionate response to how she...

We're dealing with our leaky shower and tackling this problem has revealed more than the source of where the water is coming from. Our differences in personality types, problem solving approach, and project management style come to light when trying to tackle projects around the house. Tune in for a conversation where a little project around the house is revealing more about how we work together....

This is an extended discussion on our need to put the family meeting back in place on our family rhythm. As a visionary/strategic couple, some of the things we prioritize are different at times, so I try to suggest this as a remedy to get us back on the same page.    Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal growth in leadership in every sphere of life.   Visit our website: T...

In this episode we talk about my (MJ's) first time to go out to vote for a President! I talk about how it compares to the voting system in Austria as a multi-party socialist governing body and the policies of this seemingly consequential election.    Resources mentioned: Lacrae interview with Matt Chandler: Lecrae Has a DEEP Convo with Matt Chandler on Fallen Pastors   Next episode recommended: Ep...

In this episode we talk about the journey of experiencing the loss of my dad this past summer. The 6 year journey of his battle with metastasized prostate cancer and the good things that I was able to see along the way. I share the importance of being able to share the journey with someone and also the cultural differences as a person who lives in a culture (USA) that is different from the culture...

In this episode we talk about how we handled the transition from Virginia to North Carolina and how we challenged ourselves to focus on seeing what is good that can come from this type of change. We talk through how we view the change actually impacts our children and discuss the importance of having a perspective of Paul's challenge in Scripture to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many...

In this episode, we explore the growing movement of dads who want to be fully present in their children’s lives and how this aligns with our calling as men through Christ’s work of provision and protection. We’ll discuss how fatherhood today involves more than just providing materially but also being deeply involved in shaping our children’s spiritual and emotional development. With a focus on dis...

In this episode we talk about how we are building our "perfect" week by establishing a night off for each of us so we can set aside the parent hat and use the evening to do something that we find restful. As a couple that is completely the opposite to their spouse, we have had to be very open and direct about what we need from each other which has led us to carving out nights each week to ourselve...

In this episode, we reflect on how COVID-19 reshaped our approach to parenting and the ways it highlights our desire to raise resilient children. We also discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood’s impact on personal freedom, alongside societal assumptions about being home full time. We talk through the things we value most in what we want to instill in our kids including honesty, autonomy, p...

In this episode, we open up about the challenges of navigating grief while managing a family with toddlers, sharing how we’ve coped with loss and found strength in God’s goodness if you take time to see it all around you. From solo parenting during a funeral to the emotional toll of change, we discuss the importance of grace, both for ourselves and our children. We also explore the difference betw...

In this podcast, we tackle talk about the challenges and rewards of working from home with kids in the house. We talk tips like treating specific parts of the house a certain way and the value of noise canceling headphones. The second part of the conversation is our discussion started off with an innocent question from our 4-year old on "Dad, what are you doing in there?" when asking about why I l...

In this podcast, we wrestle through balance of maintaining a strong, loving relationship while raising a family. We'll dive into the challenges you face when connection shifts from partners to parents and how to avoid drifting apart. From redefining date nights to fostering genuine connection, we discuss practical strategies for keeping your relationship vibrant and meaningful throughout all seaso...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of authority, from the consent of the governed to the potential pitfalls of earned expertise, based on our recent trip to Austria, which is a socialist country. We discuss how different economic systems, like capitalism and socialism, shape power dynamics and individual freedoms. We also examine the dangers of hyper-individualism, where personal determi...

In this episode we dive into the intricate dynamics of multicultural families, where language, tradition, and identity overlap. Join us as we explore the challenges of navigating conversations in different languages, the cultural weight of honor, and the journey of raising kids in a multiethnic context. Despite the complexities, we uncover the profound value of building lasting memories with famil...

In this episode, we dive into how we tag-team our parenthood, described specifically by our recent adventure of flying with two toddlers. We reflect on how the pandemic shaped our approach to working and parenting together, emphasizing the importance of sharing responsibilities and supporting each other. Join us for an honest discussion on navigating the journey of raising a family with our own di...

In this episode, we dive into the unexpected wisdom gleaned from the hit TV show Clarkson’s Farm, highlighting the characters we enjoy watching and the insights we get into the world of modern agriculture. Jeremy Clarkson’s humorously profane and heartfelt journey into farming teaches valuable lessons about the hard work involved with being a farmer. Additionally, we explore practical ways to inst...

In this sensitive episode, we explore the stark contrasts between living with grief and supporting someone through it. Ashley shares her journey of losing a loved one, while the MJ offers a perspective of how someone without firsthand experience feels about suffering.   Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal growth in leadership in every sphere of life. ‌ Visit our website...

This is part two about our conversation around navigating life’s ebbs and flows as a vacillator/avoider couple especially when one is experiencing a high, but the other is not.    Episodes mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-25-how-we-love-argue-the-vacillator-how-it-affects/id1661247515?i=1000613984775   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-26-how-mj-loves-the-avoider-what-i-w...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of relationships between Avoider and Vacillator partners, exploring how these dynamics play into how we go through the highs and lows of life. We also discuss the thankless but crucial role of motherhood, discussing the unique challenges and rewards that come with it. We learn something new about each other in this discussion so it is worth tuning in...

In this episode, we share our experiences and lessons learned from past flights with our two toddlers. We'll discuss the mistakes we've made and how we're applying those lessons to ensure a smoother journey this time. Tune in for practical tips and strategies we're using to prepare for success on our upcoming flight. ‌ Resources mentioned: ‌ Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/...

In this heartfelt episode, I talk to Ash about where I’m at with my dad's declining health. We talk through the beauty, hope, and complexity of coping with family illness and the fears that come with it. Join us for an intimate conversation about love, support, and facing life's toughest moments together as a family. Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal growth in leaders...

In this episode, we explore Ashley's journey to uncover the root cause of her sleepless nights. After consulting with three different medical professionals, she finally discovered the root cause. And it surprised us both. Join us as we dive into her story and share insights on managing restful sleep.   Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal growth in leadership in every sp...

In this episode, we wrap up our series on marriage preparation advice by sharing insights on meeting "the one" and the journey that follows. We'll discuss our personal experiences and the valuable lessons we've learned along the way. Plus, we'll talk about the important things we hope to teach our kids about love and relationships.   Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal...

In this episode we dive deeper into the "preparing for marriage" advice and focus on what you can do during your single years. We’ll share our own experiences before tying the knot and insights into making the most of your singleness. Join us at the table!   Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal growth in leadership in every sphere of life. Visit our website:  www.honestu...

In this episode, we’re taking a hard look at why "preparing for marriage" might actually be bad advice. We’ll chat about how it can make you think you’re not married just because you weren’t prepared enough. Join us as we dive into our experience in singleness.   Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal growth in leadership in every sphere of life. Visit our website:  www.ho...