Love, The Nilsens

We're throwing it back to a previous episode this week where we talked about the wild day we found out we were pregnant with our 2nd. It was an exciting and happy day which involved green balloons but also involved TONS of cops wielding shotguns and a manhunt for a killer. Typical pregnancy announcement stuff, obviously. Tune in to hear this crazy memory of how our 2020 started off, and how we wer...

In this week’s episode of Still Choosing You, we’re sharing all about the heart behind The Radiance Project , our annual service project created to bring light to people walking through hard things. We talk about how it started, what we’ve learned from past years, our hopes for this year, and how you can be part of it by nominating someone to receive a Radiance basket. More than anything, this epi...

This week we talk about the tender ache of watching our kids grow up while knowing our family is complete. From the joy of new milestones to the grief of closing certain chapters, we reflect on what it means to hold happiness and sadness at the same time. The conversation also turns toward perspective, slowing down, and recognizing God’s hand in both the beautiful moments and the hard seasons. Hos...

It’s our 12th anniversary, so we’re taking a sweet little walk down memory lane and reflecting on the day it all began: our wedding day. In this episode, we talk about the excitement, the joy, the people we love, and all the little moments that made that day so meaningful to us. Twelve years later, we’re still so grateful we chose each other then and that we’re still choosing each other now. Check...

In this episode of Still Choosing You , we’re talking about the weird, funny, and surprisingly emotional parts of adulthood that no one really prepares you for. From navigating your mom getting remarried, to realizing “stepdad” feels like a strange word as an adult, to hearing your spouse coach a kid through pooping from the other room, this one is all about the moments that make you laugh, pause,...

We’re resharing this episode from the archive because we know how heavy those first moments can feel. We talk honestly about our son’s diagnosis, what we feared, and what we’ve learned since. If this is your story right now, take a breath. You’ve got this, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we share a candid look at the contrast between a refreshing cruise getaway and the very real return to everyday life where the uncertainty of unemployment is still waiting. We talk openly about what it feels like to step away for a moment of joy, only to come back and face the ongoing weight of not having a job. It’s honest, grounding, and filled with perspective on what it means...

We’re not experts. Just parents figuring it out as we go. In this episode, we talk about how we’re trying (imperfectly) to raise emotionally intelligent kids—what that actually looks like in real life, where we get it wrong, and what we’re learning along the way. From big feelings to everyday moments, this is a real conversation about showing up, staying patient, and helping our kids grow into who...

The day that almost took everything became the day we now celebrate. In this episode, we share the story behind Miracle Day. We discuss what happened when Alyssa went into septic shock after giving birth, and why we believe her survival is a miracle we’ll never stop honoring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re talking about courage—what it looked like for Christ as He entered Holy Week, and what it looks like in our everyday lives. We reflect on how real courage is deeply tied to faith, especially when things feel uncertain, heavy, or hard. A simple but meaningful conversation about choosing trust, even when it’s not easy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little bit of everything in this one in the best way. In this episode of Still Choosing You, we’re sharing what we’re learning lately. From 3D printing and “vibe coding” to navigating roles at home and making space for more fun in the middle of real life. It’s honest, a little chaotic, and full of laughs… including a very important discussion about trampoline mishaps and the ongoing debate over...

This week, we kept things light and fun by asking each other a series of random questions about our marriage. From dumb arguments that still make us laugh to the small things that actually make our relationship better, this episode is full of stories, reflections, and plenty of laughs. It’s a simple, honest conversation about what it looks like to grow up together, raise a family, and keep laughin...

This week we talk about patience… or in Thomas’s case, the lack of it. Between the job search and everyday life, we’ve been learning what patience actually looks like in real time. It’s not always graceful, and it’s definitely not something we’ve mastered. But along the way we found ourselves making a few unexpected discoveries about trust, timing, and what it means to keep choosing each other whi...

In this episode, we talk about staying present. And not because we’ve mastered it, but because it matters more to us than ever. We share a few quotes that have grounded us, how our perspective has shifted over the years, and simple ways we’re learning to slow down and truly be here with our kids, with each other, and with God. We’re not perfect at it. Just practicing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

What if strength isn’t what we thought it was? After a quick Olympic chat, we share how our view of strength has shifted over the years. How weakness can sit right next to it, and how real strength often looks like borrowing the Lord’s and letting others carry you when you can’t carry yourself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Still Choosing You, we talk about something we’ve lived but didn’t fully understand until we said it out loud: Two opposite emotions can exist at the same time. We share the story of Alyssa climbing the stairs after nearly losing her life, feeling overwhelming joy… and deep grief. Grateful to be alive. Heartbroken that walking up stairs felt like a victory. We unpack what it means to...

In this episode, we’re talking all about relationships at home. Our marriage, our kids, and the intentional choices we’re making to stay connected in the middle of busy family life. We share why we’re recommitting to dating each other, what that actually looks like right now, and how we’re also carving out individual date time with each of our kids each month. Not to be perfect parents. Just prese...

What does faith look like when prayers feel unanswered and heaven feels quiet? In this episode, we talk about having faith in the middle—the space between pain and promise, waiting and hope. We share what it’s looked like for us to keep trusting God during hard seasons, even when clarity hasn’t come and answers feel delayed. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about choosing faith in...

In this episode, we reflect on what choosing each other has looked like over 25 years of knowing one another. From elementary school sweethearts to newlyweds to parenthood, careers, school years, and everything in between, we talk honestly about how love, commitment, and partnership have grown, stretched, and evolved through each season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a year and a half away, we’re back. In this episode, we share why we stepped away from the podcast, what the last year and a half has looked like for our family, and what ultimately got us back behind the mic. We talk honestly about growth, hard seasons, and the lessons that came from pressing pause when life required it. We also introduce the new name of the podcast, " Still Choosing You",...

In this week's episode, we open up about the emotional journey of coping with grief after my Alyssa's hysterectomy. We share our personal experiences, the challenges we've faced, and how we're finding our way to healing. We also talk about how friends and family can offer support to anyone going through similar grief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we keep it pretty lighthearted as we discuss the pros and cons of dog ownership. Our dog, Swoosh, is a mini goldendoodle and he's the best. Dogs aren't for everyone, though, so take a listen to hear both sides of dog ownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nilsens are racing! Thomas is gearing up for another half marathon, while Alyssa takes on a 10K trail run. Join us as we delve into the motivations behind our running journey. Thomas shares how running became a vital part of his life, and Alyssa inspires with her story of overcoming immense physical pain and a near-death experience. We explore the mental health benefits of running and the powe...

We've gotten lots of questions about our surgeries, so we decided to talk in-depth about them! Join us to hear just a little bit of nerdy talk but mostly useful info. To make things easier, you can jump to the timestamps listed below to hear about a specific surgery. Deviated septum: 3:31 Gum graft: 16:49 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas opens up about what OCD looks like for him. Alyssa also discusses ways she supports Thomas. If you or someone you love has ever struggled with anxiety and worry you could have OCD, definitely come listen in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.