Here we go again, choosing conversation prompts from a bowl and answering them on the spot. From Tara’s big 80’s hairstyle to David’s brown Ford Pinto, our stories take a turn into vintage territory. Whether you’re looking for a way to move past routine topics on date night, make family dinners more fun, or add some joy to a road trip, we hope this episode gives you great ideas for questions that lead to connection.

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This topic and the conversation questions were inspired by a list from https://ordinaryandhappy.com/

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Questions in today’s episode:

• Most decade-defining outfit (bonus points for photos)

• Most dangerous thing you’ve done / situation you’ve been in

• Embarrassing haircut

• Fond memory from a car you used to own

• Silliest body trick

• Spiciest food you ever ate

• Highest elevation you’ve been to, and how you got there

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Enjoy some vintage photos of David and Tara circa 1970s, 80s, and 90s on our website: www.withupodcast.com

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

In this playful episode, we take turns pulling fun conversation prompts from a bowl and answering them on the spot. From the time we accidentally camped by the side of the highway, to Tara’s sushi struggles, to David’s unapologetic love of pickle and bologna sandwiches—this episode is full of lighthearted stories and laughter. Whether you’re looking for a way to move past routine topics on date night, make family dinners more fun, or add some joy to a road trip, we hope this episode gives you great ideas for questions that lead to connection.

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This topic and the conversation questions were inspired by a list from https://ordinaryandhappy.com/

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Questions in today’s episode:

• Words you mispronounced for years

• Text message sent to the wrong person

• Food you have tried to like but just cannot

• Most useless item you own but can’t get rid of

• Sport you wish you were good at

• Family road trip where you got lost

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Some dates live on in our bodies, minds, and hearts. Whether it’s recognizing a birth, a loss, a wedding, or a tragedy, anniversaries can be time-stamped reminders of who we are, where we’re headed, what we’ve learned, and what we’ve lost. In this episode we talk about how grief can echo across generations, and how rituals and reflection can help us navigate the emotional terrain of significant dates.

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We’d love to hear about your anniversary practices, celebrations, and rituals. Email us at withupodcast@gmail.com.

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

What if emotions aren’t just something we feel on our own, but something we do—together? In this episode, we sit down with Batja Mesquita, author of Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions, to explore the idea of emotions as not just internal experiences, but relational ones. Drawing from cross-cultural research and personal stories, Batja challenges the Western idea that emotions live solely inside us, waiting to be expressed. Instead, she paints a richer, more connected picture—one where emotions are shaped between people, and deeply influenced by the cultural worlds we live in.

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Batja Mesquita is a social psychologist, an affective scientist, and a pioneer of cultural psychology. She is a professor of psychology at the University of Leuven, Belgium, and director of the Center for Social and Cultural Psychology at the University of Leuven. Mesquita is one of the world’s leading authorities on the psychological study of cultural differences in emotions. Her most recent research focuses on the role of emotions in multicultural societies. She studies how emotions affect the belonging of minoritized youth in middle schools, and the social and economic integration of “newcomers” (i.e. newly arrived immigrants). Mesquita has been a consultant for UNICEF and the WHO, and most recently, she was a member of the core group of scientific advisors for the Happiness and Well-being (SEH) Project, and initiative of the Vatican in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

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Discover more about Batja Mesquita and her work on her website: BatjaMesquita.com

Find the book Batja mentions about the story of her mother’s time of hiding from the Nazis during World War II — The Cut Out Girl: A Story of War and Family, Lost and Found by Bart van Es

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

What makes a relationship healthy—and what signals that something might be off? In this episode, we dive into the essential topics of red flags, boundaries, and deal-breakers. We talk about how clear, healthy boundaries create safety, build trust, and protect love—not restrict it. We also explore the warning signs that a relationship may need help, and the serious signals that indicate deeper problems. This conversation will help you ask the right questions about your relationship, recognize unhealthy patterns, and know when it’s time to seek support.

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Check out our conversation about the elements of a healthy lasting committed relationship in the episode from 2023 titled, "Top 10 Things We've Learned about Lasting Love"

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Busted! Top 5 Relationship Myths

What if the relationship advice you believed was actually hurting your connection? We’re calling out the lies we’ve been told about love, like “fighting = failure” and “compromise always means 50/50.” This week we’ll take a look at some common myths about relationships, and identify what’s realistic, what’s red-flag material, and what actually leads to real connection.

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If you liked our guidelines for healthy conflict, take a listen to past episode “Cheers to Healthy Communication”

See also one of our all-time most popular episodes, “Top Ten Lessons We’ve Learned About Lasting Love”

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

While seasons of waiting are universal, they’re rarely easy. Why does uncertainty feel so stressful? What makes waiting so uncomfortable? And more importantly—how do we live well when the outcome is still unknown? In this episode, we explore the emotional and spiritual tension of living between hopefulness and helplessness. We discuss the differences between passive and active waiting, and offer gentle practices for the in-between times: rhythms to nourish your soul, glimmers of joy to help you stay grounded, and anchors of meaning to keep you steady.

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produced by Zach Van Dyke

Do you ever feel like the cultural pressure to stay busy pushes you to your tipping point? In light of our own experience living on the edge, we discuss finding the balance between productivity and wellbeing. We share personal anecdotes about the simpler, less hurried times in our lives and discuss strategies for mitigating the sense of rush, such as focusing on fewer things, working at a natural pace, and prioritizing quality. We also highlight the significance of rhythms, such as regular walks and meals with family and friends, in maintaining balance.

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Books mentioned:

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the ModernWorld by John Mark Comer

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke