On Carlson Drive

Every family has them—the things you do without really thinking about why. In this episode, we explore tradition… not just the formal, meaningful kind, but the everyday, often silly patterns of behavior that quietly shape family life. From declaring “Everybody be quiet!” into an already quiet room, to quoting lines from The Princess Bride like second nature, these are the inherited and customary h...

So what’s it really like to be married to a musician? In this episode, Wendy tells the stories that live just behind the music—from a tiny cowboy singing on a chair, to pianos played at all hours, to a wedding arrangement written at the very last minute (of course). “I’m With the Band” is a fond, funny look at life alongside Randy’s musical journey: early talent, unlikely recording sessions, road...

Once upon a time, old people complained too much. Then one day… surprise! — you throw your back out picking up a sock and a decades-old scar decides to snack on your bowels. Welcome to adulthood. In this episode, Wendy takes you along on an unexpected hospital adventure filled with paperwork, fruit cocktail, night nurses, and a crash course in pain, patience, and perspective. Along the way, she re...

In this episode, Wendy's daughter, Grace, reflects on a grandmother known less through shared stories and more through fleeting moments—glances, gestures, and the soft presence of a woman living with dementia. While others remember Ruth as a vibrant writer, advocate, and force of personality, Grace explores the version she knew: gentle, distant, and deeply human. Through images, metaphors, and fam...

Turns out, not all storytellers talk nonstop around the dinner table. In this episode, Wendy wrestles with what it means to be a storyteller—not the off-the-cuff kind, but the slow, thoughtful kind who writes, revises, and listens closely. She shares how her grandchildren, a summer on Lake Michigan, and small moments of wonder sparked a new chapter of creativity: writing children’s books rooted in...

What started as “just band” turns into a deeply personal reflection on British-style brass banding, Salvation Army roots, and a six-generation musical legacy that stretches back to England. From cornets instead of trumpets to family mentors, competitions, and the joy of making music together, this episode explores how tradition, humility, and love for the craft matter far more than being the best....

From popcorn-and-movie nights to summer movie marathons and Oscar parties, this episode reflects on how films shaped family life, conversation, and connection in a house full of girls. It’s a gentle meditation on why some of us crave bright, hopeful stories while others like to dive deep into darker themes—and how both approaches can coexist under one roof. Along the way, there are favorite films,...

D.I.Y., home makeover, fixer upper...whatever you call it, we're right there with you. Sometimes you either like to do the work or you need to do the work yourself. And we've had our share of projects around the house. In this episode, Wendy talks about the many do-it-yourself house work that we either chose to do or was forced on us. Wendy is joined by her husband Randy as they relive some of the...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and said, "Whoa. I look like my mom"? A picture of Wendy's aunt's hands calls to mind the ones who have gone before and serves as an opening for a flood of memories. Then, join Wendy and her Aunt Nancy as they talk about the threads that weave a family together, including the keeper of names and teller of bad jokes. Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Offi...

Just in time, OUR CHRISTMAS EPISODE drops! This one is about telling stories and a reminder that who is listening really matters. And in response, Wendy crafts a special Christmas story for the little ears that we know are tuning in (and picking up a lot more than we realize). The conversation that follows is one where we set up a microphone to see what we might be able to catch with Wendy and her...

It's not like she meant to be eavesdropping – or did she? – but what she heard was her mother talking about her. Sometimes living in the same house can be challenging. The conversation that follows is between Wendy and Grace. They discuss the way people can see the world from different perspectives, even when you share a whole lot in common. Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show...

An unexpected relationship begins after a difficult diagnosis and a friendship emerges. And while there is so often joy in the journey, sometimes that journey also involves walking alongside others in the midst of their suffering. Ann's story is one of deep loss, yet it is one filled with hope, joy, and gratitude. The conversation that follows is between Wendy and Ann's husband, Ron. They discuss...

A phone call. A surgery. A terminal diagnosis. Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn that alters everything we once knew. And on the other side of goodbye, there is tremendous sorrow, grief, and gratitude. The conversation that follows is between Wendy and her friend, Lori. They discuss the gift of a good father, what it means to reflect on a life well lived, and how their own grief brings about...

Fathers are tall trees, especially to this girl. In this episode, Wendy takes a walk down Carlson Drive in an attempt to capture the man, the myth, and the legend of Dad - who can only be captured because of a sharp stick in the eye. The conversation that follows is between Wendy and her three daughters - Erin, Hannah, and Grace - as they each share their unique views of what it was like to hug a...

In this episode, an encounter with a neighbor's missing tree opens up a deep river of grief.  Then Wendy is joined again by her husband Randy to discuss people and trees as a preview of the next set of episodes coming up on On Carlson Drive. Come take a walk through the neigborhood with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook:  @OnCarlsonDrive Instagram:...

A visit to the beach reveals the creativity of human beings and their creator. And we just can't stop gawking at them all. In this episode, Wendy recounts looking down (literally) on a populated beach to see the beautiful and playful collection of mankind frolicking in the sand.  Then Wendy is joined by her husband Randy and they discuss their fascination with the cornucopia of curious behaviors e...

As a Christmas gift, Wendy received a book of stories from her daughter Grace. In this episode, Grace shares one of her stories about high school, relationships, and friends drifting apart.  Then, Grace is joined by her friend Adam for a tangential, goofy, and insightful conversation on how our friendships shape us and how high school stays with us while we, thankfully, leave it behind. Come take...

There comes a day when you realize you have become your own version of Gladys Kravitz*...but you're kind of okay with it. In this episode, Wendy takes a walk through her neighborhood to introduce you to the wonderful people of Walmer Street. Then, Wendy sits down with her daughters as they discuss what it was like growing up and growing older in the neighborhood.  Come take a walk down Walmer with...

Our lives are fleshed out in homes and apartments that are found in neighborhoods that have...*gasp*...people in them. You know, the people that you meet each day. Frankly, those neighbors can be pretty entertaining at times. In this episode, Wendy recounts her early married years and the interesting crew that that surrounded her those days. Then, Wendy follows up with a conversation with her husb...

In the long awaited third season, Wendy recounts the arrival of a new member of the family and  the joys and challenges of extended families and new grandchildren. Then, Wendy sits down with Jami Johnson (the "other woman") to have a conversation about merging families, raising grandchildren, and the difficulties of sharing. Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarl...

Oh, the plight of those who have a birthday during the Christmas season. The overshadowed and overlooked voices both her love for Christmas and her disdain for birthday presents in Christmas wrapping. Joined by her Christmas Eve eve baby, Wendy and Erin talk ornaments, music, and sharing their birthday month with Jesus*. Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:...

It's time to visit the in-laws – a grumpy angel and an earthy matriarch – and the effervescent family that reflects their love.  Then join Wendy and her sister-in-law Rhonda as they discuss how perspectives reveal how stories get told (as well as who tells it!) Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook:  @OnCarlsonDrive In...

This is our episode about puppies. Not just one puppy. A basket FULL of puppies. Everyone loves puppies, right? Oh, yeah...and the two Staceys...but no one likes them. Then Wendy is joined by our friend, David, who still holds a grudge against the University of Texas for something that happened when he was eight years old. Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show websit...

We may be too young a podcast for a "best of" week but when you're young you do foolish things – like messing up your production schedule and getting a little behind. So enjoy one of our favorites from last season.  Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook:  @OnCarlsonDrive Instagram:  @OnCarlsonDrive Email the show

This is the story of how a simple walk can turn into a lifelong friendship. Featuring a conversation with Wendy's walking buddy, Donna, this episode is a reminder that sometimes friendships can develop and deepen in three-mile increments. Come take a walk in the park with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook:  @OnCarlsonDrive Instagram:  @OnCarlsonDri...