On Carlson Drive

Life has its fill of defining moments. Some (well, most) you just can't control. And it seems they can either break you down or build you up, but either way you end up with a tale to tell. This is the story of a morning that startled a sleeping mom and altered a daughter's life.  Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook:  @OnCarlsonD...

Everyone's story begins a little bit the same way, yet all of them are remarkably different. From the very start, the way we come into the world becomes part of the story our parents tell about us. In this week's episode, we explore three birth stories trying to outdo the other. Featuring a sweet conversation of life, loss, and "framily" with our lifelong friend, Lori. Come take a walk with us On...

Our generation's shared story was 20 years ago from the day this episode was released. Everyone old enough to remember knows where they were when it happened. And we all have stories that connect to that world-changing Tuesday morning. Included in this episode are the reflections of ten individuals who share the same story from their own unique viewpoint.  Join us as we relive and remind one anoth...

Camping together turned into a new adventure - buying land and building a cabin. The shores of Lake Michigan became the destination and a lifetime of memories followed. Joined once again by "Uncle" Harry, we take a look at summer vacations and long walks on the beach. Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook:  @OnCarlsonDrive Instagr...

Tents, campers, campgrounds, skits, and s'mores around the campfire. In another life, it seems, these were signs of summer. And almost all of them were accompanied by lifelong family friends Harry and Barb, their boys Steve and Kevin, and Biscuit the family dog.  Join us as we recount the fun (and sometimes not-so-fun) memories of camping trips gone by. And then, stayed tuned as we introduce you t...

In the 80s, the 15-passenger van was a staple in the lives of those whose parents worked for a church. And so it goes for Wendy...youth retreats, camp trips, and learning to drive were all part of the unique experience of having a "van in the family." And it all ends with a wonderfully tangential conversation with our local van aficionado, Dan.  Come take a drive with us On Carlson Drive. Official...

Summer is the time of year that shouts, "CAMP!" - as in summer camp - for those of us who grew up going to church camp. This episode reflects on a lifetime of summers at camp, from parents being on staff to becoming a camper to working at camp to leading camp. Join us as we visit our old friend, summer camp, and all the shenanigans that created a lifetime of memories. Come take a walk with us On C...

Sometimes we forget that a person we have known for a very long time has a backstory. We see them as what they are...in this moment...as the person right in front of us. But behind every person we meet there is so much more. We have no idea the places they've visited or the challenges they have faced or the dreams they were pursuing when life took a different turn. It certainly adds credence to Al...

"She's out of your league," they said. Some guys, though, are either brave or stupid and just don't let attitudes like those get in their way. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Bennett. Every married couple has their "how-we-got-together" story and this one makes us smile. A lot. So join us as we take a walk down Jayhawk Boulevard with Erin and Bennett On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonD...

The people we love are often the centerpieces of the stories we share. And our love continues to tell their stories even when they live far away or they are no longer with us on this earth. Some people, much like a really good story, are impossible to forget – especially when they are the best people God ever created. In this episode of On Carlson Drive, we revisit generations past and hear tales...

The cars we drive are like songs we sing as they mark a time and a place in our lives. And in many cases, they are like a second home or a place of refuge for us. In this first episode of season two of On Carlson Drive, we explore the meaning of our automobiles and the roles they have played as yet another character in the stories we tell. Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show w...

Thank you. Thank you very much! Let's celebrate season one of On Carlson Drive! Episode 16.2 is our THANK YOU Episode. It's short and sweet, but sincere and grateful. And while this signifies the end of season one, fret not dear one. We shall return with NEW episodes May 2021.  ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Fac...

There is no better place on earth than Grandma's house at Christmas time, a house filled with aunts and uncles and cousins and lots of presents...and Grandma, of course! And did we mention the food? Oh, the food! But when Uncle Wally steps center stage, all of a sudden it becomes even more magical. Was that Santa Claus? And did we just see Rudolph's nose blinking outside? This might be a Christmas...

It seems like family doesn't let you get away with ANYTHING, am I right? That's certainly true when it comes to a moment when you embarrass yourself or say something you shouldn't have. At least that's the way it works in our house... Episode 15.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode w...

For some reason every family thinks they need a dog. But, honestly, not all families should have a dog. In the end, however, this episode is not so much about the family of the dog, but the dog himself. You see, not all dogs are created equal...as you will understand after you meet Sergeant and Big Mac. NOTICE: This episode and the subsequent conversation include the discussion of the loss of a fa...

Featuring a continuation of the conversation with Hannah Bonifield from "M.E.D. and Me," this episode addresses living with a disability and facing one of every young instrumentalist's greatest challenges: Marching Band. Episode 14.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode when we learn t...

"Something's not quite right," she thought. And sure enough, it was so. Life can sometimes throw you the most unexpected curveballs. But there's nothing quite like hearing the news that your child is going to face challenges of which you cannot conceive. And when it's really rare, not even WebMD can help...or the "bubble wrap" doctor. A story of grace, courage, and endurance as Hannah faces off wi...

An afternoon concert, a bouncy house, and a wandering child can be a dangerous combination. Don't take your eyes off that girl. Episode 13.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode when we relive the moments we discovered the mutant gene wreaking havoc in our family. ____________________...

A new life is found through an unexpected introduction to high school theatre class, after school theatre productions, and improv competitions. And all the fun that goes with it - new friends, auditions and everyone's favorite...call backs. Featuring a conversation with Paul Nobrega that covers stumbling into theatre, favorite roles, funny stories, and the two classes Paul still uses everyday at w...

Dinner time, it’s not just for eating. In this episode, find out what kind of shenanigans we can get into around the dinner table when we invite a new face to the table. Episode 12.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode when we the world of theater opens up a new galaxy of possibilitie...

Pull up a chair and join us for dinner around the Family Dinner table. Full of fun, laughter, and oh, so much more...there's nothing quite like dinner at our house. NOTICE: Common, straightforward language is used regarding body parts in this episode. Parental discretion is advised. It's funny, but you should know going in... ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official...

Memories have the ability to transport us back to special times and places filled with images and smells. Mostly, it seems, these memories inevitably take us back to the people that permeate them. And memories of Grandma's house hold a special place in the hearts of those she loved. This episode contains a bonus conversation from Wendy and her cousin Jenny as they reminisce about visiting "the ver...

A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can not be lost. And it all happens at Grandma’s house, the best place on earth. ____________________ Come take a walk with us On Carlson Drive. Official show website:  OnCarlsonDrive.com Follow us: Facebook:  @OnCarlsonDrive Instagram:  @OnCarlsonDrive Twitter:  @OnCarlsonDrive Email the show

Does your family play board games? Are you a stickler for the rules or are you a little bit lenient? Are you trash talkers or do you run a clean fight? Episode 10.2 is a MINI episode, a shorter episode in between full episodes to keep you listening and make you hungry for MORE! Join us next week for a FULL episode when we spend a day with the cousins. ____________________ Come take a walk with us ...

When it comes to siblings, there are types...you know, the obnoxious little brother or the critical older sister. But let's get past the easy stereotypes and find out who they really are. In this episode, we get a little peek into sibling relationships through Wendy's whimsical eyes. Was Wendy's role that of peacekeeper? Loving sister? ...or troublemaker? Featuring a wonderfully entertaining conve...