podcast episodes

What would you do if you found out the girl you hired to help the love of your life fall for you, was also in love with her? Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the themes of love, identity, and self-discovery through the lens of the characters in the movie ‘The Half of It,’ to answer this question. 

Lisa, Courtney, and Val have guests Eva and Kiersten on to explore various themes including professional boundaries in relationships, emotional affairs, and the importance of friendship and support systems. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness and maintaining healthy boundaries in both personal and professional relationships.

Scarlett Xavier discusses the concept of love at first sight and its portrayal in storytelling. She reflects on her personal experiences with instant attraction and contrasts it with the idea of slow-burn romances, emphasizing her preference for the former in her writing. Scarlett’s experience with publishing offers valuable insights for aspiring authors. She emphasizes the importance of considering literary agents before approaching publishers, as they can provide essential guidance and support. Her own journey began with a contest that led to her first publication, demonstrating that opportunities can arise unexpectedly. This experience serves as a reminder that persistence and openness to new paths can lead to success in the literary world.

Leigh and Stu discuss some of the challenges they faced as a couple, including unexpected pregnancy and mental health issues. They share insights on parenting, the importance of communication, and the value of appreciating differences in a relationship. Their journey highlights the significance of support, personal growth, and the daily work required to maintain a loving partnership.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa discuss the complexities of workplace romance, particularly focusing on a scenario where an employee is developing feelings for her boss. They explore the emotional dynamics, potential consequences, and professional boundaries that come into play when considering a romantic relationship in a work environment. The discussion emphasizes the importance of navigating these situations carefully to avoid gossip, drama, and potential career repercussions while also acknowledging the genuine feelings that can arise in such contexts.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of relationships through the lens of the book ‘One Day in December,’ by Josie Silver. They discuss the nuances of love at first sight, the impact of friendships on romantic relationships, and the importance of personal growth over time. The conversation is interspersed with light-hearted anecdotes about hot dogs, making it both entertaining and insightful.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the film ‘Love Actually,’ exploring its various storylines and the dysfunctional relationships portrayed within. They discuss the complexities of love, infidelity, and the impact of grief on personal connections. The conversation highlights cultural misunderstandings, childhood crushes, and the role of humor in relationships, ultimately reflecting on how societal norms shape our perceptions of love and connection.

In part two of this interview, Darren and Casey discuss how they navigated the challenges of parenthood, work-life balance, and communication in their marriage. They share their experiences of overcoming hardships, transitioning careers, and building resilience through shared experiences. The discussion emphasizes the importance of open communication, setting boundaries, and supporting one another in personal growth. They also highlight their new paths in coaching and helping others, particularly first responders and veterans, as they use their experiences to empower and uplift those around them.

This interview explores the lives of two individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving their community through emergency services. They share their childhood experiences, the challenges they faced growing up, and how these experiences shaped their careers in nursing and paramedicine. The discussion delves into the dynamics of their relationship, the impact of their high-stress jobs on their personal lives, and the importance of communication and balance in maintaining a healthy relationship amidst the chaos of their professions.

Val, Courtney and Lisa discuss, “Weiner Across The Way” by Amy Award, focusing on the complexities of love and trust in relationships, as the protagonist struggles to discern genuine feelings from what could really just be another dissapointing showmance. It highlights the emotional turmoil involved in seeking the truth about one’s partner’s love.

What Would You Do if your domestic partner of 10 years and father of your children marked himself as single on an insurance form for work? Val, Courtney, and Lisa discuss the complexities surrounding domestic partnerships and the financial implications of being recognized as a domestic partner in the workplace.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa talk about love, relationships, and self-discovery as explored in the romantic comedy ‘While You Were Sleeping.’ They discuss the complexities of crushes, the impact of family dynamics, and the struggle between fantasy and reality in romantic pursuits. Through a humorous lens, they analyze character motivations and the societal expectations surrounding love and marriage, ultimately reflecting on the importance of support systems and personal growth in relationships.

Tara and Gary reflect on the profound impact of first impressions, particularly in romantic contexts since they got engaged after only 2 weeks. Gary describes his moment of instant attraction and connection, emphasizing the significance of non-verbal cues and details that contribute to the experience of falling in love at first sight. They give beautiful anecdotes of their life together, and thirty+ years later, it’s conclusive, love at first sight does exist.

Val, Courtney, & Lisa tackle a listener’s dilemma about fantasizing during sex with her husband, specifically about his best friend. They explore the complexities of sexual fantasies, the importance of communication in relationships, and practical tips for rekindling intimacy. The discussion emphasizes self-awareness, communication, and the need to maintain a healthy balance between fantasy and reality in a committed relationship.

Val, Courtney, Lisa and Susan delve into the book ‘The Bride’ by Ali Hazelwood, exploring its themes of romance, the dynamics between vampires, wares, and humans, and the humorous yet steamy elements of the narrative. They discuss character relationships, the concept of mating bonds, and the challenges of interspecies romance, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights about love and monogamy.

Stay tuned…In this engaging conversation, Josee and Colin share their beautiful love story, discussing their backgrounds, the importance of humor, and how they navigate the complexities of relationships, parenting, and career. They emphasize the significance of communication, vulnerability, and maintaining a strong partnership through life’s challenges. Their insights culminate in practical advice for couples, including the necessity of date nights and the power of shared visions for the future.

Val, Lisa, Courtney and Courtney’s Mom, Susan, delve into the book ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang, exploring its intricate themes of mental health, cultural identity, and the impact of patriarchy. They discuss the narrative structure, which presents multiple perspectives, and how it reflects the struggles of the protagonist against societal expectations. The conversation also touches on the role of art in the story, the complexities of sisterly love, and the difficult choices surrounding life and death. Overall, the discussion highlights the book’s profound insights into human relationships and cultural dynamics.

Val, Courtney and Lisa delve into the film ‘Warm Bodies,’ exploring its unique blend of romance and horror. They discuss the character dynamics, particularly the relationship between R and Julie, and how music serves as a catalyst for transformation. The conversation also touches on deeper themes such as addiction, disconnection, and the importance of empathy and connection in overcoming life’s challenges. Ultimately, ‘Warm Bodies’ is portrayed as a story about finding humanity in unexpected places, emphasizing the power of love and acceptance.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into a book review of ‘Harry Haramby’s Kenyan Sundowner’ by Gerald Everett Jones. They explore themes of relationships, cultural nuances, and the complexities of trust and corruption. The discussion highlights the character of Harry Harambee, a widower seeking purpose in life, and his interactions with various characters that shape his journey. The hosts also touch on the book’s suspenseful elements and the author’s insights into life in Kenya. This is a rare look into the mind of a male main character, written from the perspective of a man, with a second chance romance that keeps pages turning right till the end.

Val, Coutney, and Lisa explore the themes and emotional depth of the movie ‘The Life List,’ starring Sofia Carson and Kyle Allen. They discuss the unique premise of the film, which revolves around a character who must find true love to inherit from her deceased mother. The conversation delves into personal reflections, the importance of friendship and support, and the journey of self-discovery. The hosts emphasize the significance of autonomy in relationships and how creating a life list can help individuals focus on their aspirations. Through their discussion, they highlight the complexities of love and the challenges of finding the right partner, ultimately encouraging listeners to evaluate their own lives and relationships.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa reflect on a year of friendship, favorite romance books and movies, and memorable experiences. They explore themes of love, personal growth, and the impact of motherhood on self-perception. The conversation also highlights the importance of real love stories through interviews with couples, emphasizing the lessons learned from each other’s experiences.

Val and Lisa explore the journey of Bryan and Christen as they navigate the complexities of their relationship, from their first encounter to overcoming challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 and parenting differences. They share their experiences with therapy, self-discovery, and the importance of communication in rebuilding their bond. The discussion emphasizes the significance of healing personal trauma to foster a healthier relationship and offers valuable advice for couples seeking growth and understanding.

If you want to reach out to Bryan, you can find him at: website: www.myrelationshipfail.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@myrelationshipfail Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrelationshipfail/

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the emotional transition of sending kids to college, reflecting on personal experiences and the challenges faced by parents. They discuss the book ‘Becoming Mrs Lewis’ by Patty Callahan Henry, exploring themes of love, faith, and the complex relationship between Joy and C.S. Lewis. The conversation highlights the importance of mutual respect in relationships, the impact of attachment styles, and the significance of women’s contributions to literature, ultimately emphasizing personal growth through life’s challenges.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the complexities of modern relationships, focusing on themes of love, communication, and the dynamics of exclusivity. The speakers discuss how to navigate relationships, the importance of self-reflection, and the flow of love between partners. They discuss an essay from Brianna Wiest’s book 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think emphasizing the need for kindness and the significance of giving and receiving love in a relationship. The discussion also touches on the expectations people have in love and the importance of open communication to foster healthy connections.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore various themes surrounding 90s nostalgia, and the movie ‘Clueless’ and its cultural impact. They discuss fashion trends, literary recommendations, and the character development of Cher as she navigates teenage relationships and self-discovery. The conversation delves into the dynamics of friendship and romance, highlighting the importance of personal growth and trust in relationships. Through their reflections, the hosts emphasize the timeless lessons that can be drawn from the film and its characters.

Mike and Allison Bettes share their journey from childhood in Ohio to meeting at a weather conference, navigating a long-distance relationship, and ultimately building a life together. They discuss their proposal story, the importance of communication, and how they support each other’s passions, including Allison’s writing career. as she launches her Ranger Shield Security Novels this year. 

Val, Courtney, and Lisa talk about the movie “My Old Ass” sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences, the dynamics of young relationships, and the emotional growth that comes with letting go and cherishing moments, highlighting the importance of love, self-discovery, and the bittersweet nature of life.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the intricate character dynamics and relationships in a dual protagonist narrative, focusing on Mallory and Ursula. It explores themes of love, expectations, and the complexities of relationships, particularly during a pivotal Labor Day Weekend gathering. The discussion highlights the tension between fantasy and reality in love, the consequences of choices made, and the impact of secrets on relationships. They reflect on the roles of women in relationships and the emotional connections that define them, ultimately leading to a poignant conclusion about the characters’ journeys and the lessons learned.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the signs that indicate a man is attracted to someone but may lack the confidence to express it. They discuss various behaviors, such as being physically present, communicating more, mirroring actions, and showing nervousness. The conversation also touches on the importance of remembering small details, protective behavior, and genuine interest in a partner’s life. The hosts emphasize the significance of these signs in building deeper connections and recognizing red flags in relationships.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa discuss the movie ’50 First Dates’ exploring the themes of love, memory, and the emotional complexities of relationships, particularly in the context of memory loss. They discuss the challenges faced by the characters Henry and Lucy, their efforts to create and sustain love despite the obstacles, and the importance of positivity and genuine connections in relationships. They reflect on the realities of caregiving and the effort required to maintain a loving relationship, ultimately concluding that while the story is magical, it serves as a reminder of the work needed in real-life relationships.

Courtney and Lisa chat with Luke and Melinda to explore their love story, detailing their contrasting childhoods, professional journeys, and the serendipitous moments that led to their relationship. They share insights on navigating personal challenges, the importance of friendship, and the realization of true love. Their story emphasizes the significance of being true to oneself and not settling in relationships, culminating in a heartfelt proposal and a commitment to building a life together.

Courtney and Lisa discuss the movie Bros starring Billy Eichner who plays Bobby and Luke Macfarlane who plays Aaron. Bobby is a neurotic podcast host who’s happy to go on Tinder dates and content not to have a serious relationship until he meets Aaron an equally detached lawyer who also likes to play the field. They delve into the challenges of using technology, the excitement of upcoming travel, and the complexities of family relationships. The movie review explores the themes of romance and relationships in the LGBTQ community. The movie review conversation covers themes of love, relationships, personal growth, and LGBTQ representation. It explores the dynamics of a romantic relationship, the challenges of communication, and the importance of being open-minded. The conversation also delves into the portrayal of confidence, learning, and the impact of closed-mindedness on personal growth and understanding.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa discuss the themes and character dynamics of ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’, a novel by Casey McQuiston. The discussion highlights the importance of friendship, the exploration of love, and the political backdrop of a female president. They touch on the complexities of royal family dynamics and the impact of societal expectations on personal identity. The conversation delves into the themes of first love, self-discovery, and the complexities of navigating relationships in the public eye, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. They discuss the emotional depth of romance, the importance of supportive relationships, and the societal expectations that can complicate love. They reflect on the intersection of love and politics, emphasizing the significance of understanding and acceptance in relationships.

What would you do if you caught your man hooked on feet finder and your mother-in-law trying to force your step-kids to call you Mom? Val. Courtney, and Lisa delve into the complexities of navigating boundaries in romantic relationships and touch on the challenges of step-parenting and the importance of respecting children’s feelings in blended families.

This conversation explores the love story of Norm and Eva, detailing their individual backgrounds, how they met, and the development of their relationship. They discuss the challenges and joys of blending their families, the importance of communication, and the shared experiences that have strengthened their bond. The couple reflects on their journey together, offering insights and advice for others navigating relationships and family dynamics.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore themes of romance, age differences, and the dynamics of relationships while reviewing the Movie, The Idea of You. They discuss their personal experiences, the characters’ vulnerabilities, and the societal perceptions of dating across age groups. They emphasize the importance of self-actualization and living life for oneself, while also reflecting on the excitement and anticipation that comes with new romantic connections. They delve into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on insecurities, societal beauty standards, and the impact of fame. The speakers discuss how these factors influence personal relationships and self-perception, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the challenges posed by public scrutiny. They also explore the nature of jealousy and the difficulties of maintaining a relationship in the public eye, ultimately questioning the realism of celebrity romances.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa discuss the complex dynamic of Alex and Ava as they reveal shared past traumas, forbidden attraction and secrets that threaten to destroy them, ultimately questioning the Alex’s motives as he purports to heal Ava with his love.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the life and relationship of Frida Kahlo, exploring her art, her tumultuous marriage with Diego Rivera, and the complexities of communication and expectations in relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of self-care, personal growth, and the need for open communication in love. The speakers reflect on the balance between expressing needs and understanding a partner’s perspective, ultimately emphasizing that relationships require effort and mutual respect.

Courtney interviews three couples while vacationing in Turks & Caicos. They share their love stories, how they met, their journey through relationships, and the importance of emotional safety and communication. They reflect on their adventures, family life, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of fun, happiness, and ease in relationships. The discussion culminates in advice for future couples about navigating love and life together.

The conversation explores the emotional depth of the 90s film ‘Truly Madly Deeply,’ focusing on themes of grief, love, and healing. The speakers reflect on the film’s portrayal of mourning and the journey of moving forward after loss, while also discussing societal expectations around beauty and aging. They emphasize the importance of allowing oneself to grieve and the complexities of finding new love after a significant loss.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa discuss two main scenarios involving relationship challenges. The first scenario revolves around a stay-at-home mom who returns to theater, causing tension with her husband due to jealousy and time commitments. The second scenario involves a woman whose husband questions the paternity of their children after a friend’s experience, leading to feelings of insecurity and hurt. Val, Courtney, and Lisa emphasize the importance of communication, trust, and support in relationships, as well as the potential benefits of counseling to address underlying issues.

Val, Courtney, & Lisa delve into the themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships as portrayed in the film ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ They explore character dynamics, the importance of communication, and the journey of personal growth that each character undergoes. The discussion highlights the interconnected love stories and the humanistic approach to relationships, emphasizing that every character is relatable and flawed. The hosts share their reflections on the film’s messages about love and the challenges of maintaining relationships over time.

Valerie, Courtney, and Lisa explore themes surrounding literature, personal experiences, and the intricacies of relationships. They discuss their favorite books, the significance of local bookstores, and the joy of baking, while also delving into deeper topics such as generational healing and the dynamics of modern romance. The conversation flows seamlessly through personal anecdotes and book discussions as they each discuss the individual books they picked out to read from this bookstore, creating a rich tapestry of insights and reflections.

Lisa reviewed Sex, Lies, and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

Courtney reviewed Secret Love by Willow Aster

Val reviewed Best, First, and Last by Amy T. Matthews

This conversation explores the journey of love and marriage between Bruce & Judi, highlighting their early memories, engagement, and the challenges of parenting. They share valuable lessons learned throughout their relationship, emphasizing the importance of communication, support, and hard work in maintaining a strong bond. The discussion also touches on the significance of family and the evolving dynamics of relationships over time.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the film ‘A Room with a View,’ discussing its characters, themes, and the societal expectations of love during the Edwardian era. They explore the dynamics between the main characters, Lucy, George, and Cecil, and how their relationships are influenced by trauma, social class, and personal growth. The discussion highlights the contrast between passionate love and societal norms, ultimately questioning the nature of true love and choice in relationships.

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the challenges of parenting, the complexities of relationship expectations, and the impact of pets on romantic partnerships. The speakers share personal anecdotes about parenting struggles, discuss the importance of communication in relationships, and address the difficult decisions that arise when personal boundaries and love for pets come into conflict.

This conversation takes a deep dive into the book ‘The Diamond Eye’ by Kate Quinn. The discussion highlights the historical context of the story, the transformation of the main character Mila into a strong, independent woman, and the impact of war on humanity. The speakers reflect on the power of books to foster empathy and understanding, emphasizing the need for human connection and the sharing of diverse perspectives. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of open-mindedness, the complexities of relationships during wartime, and the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to history. They discuss the necessity of understanding different perspectives, the challenges women face in male-dominated environments, and the need for empowerment and support among women. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in gender roles and the significance of personal growth and universal truths.

Colin and Amber share their journey from friendship to marriage, discussing their backgrounds, the evolution of their relationship, and the importance of communication and commitment in their family life. They reflect on their experiences, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of working through conflicts and growing together as a couple.

When Lauren and Ryan’s marriage reaches the breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other.

Valerie, Courtney, and Lisa try on Caffeine Eye Masks and discuss themes surrounding relationships, including the challenges of long-distance dating, trust issues, self-discovery, and the complexities of infidelity. They share personal anecdotes and advice, emphasizing the importance of communication, personal growth, and the little moments that define love. A heartfelt love story is also shared, illustrating the beauty of connection and resilience in relationships.

In a series of interconnected stories, various Los Angeles residents wend their way through highs and lows of love on Valentine’s Day. As the day unfolds, they experience first dates, longtime commitments, youthful crushes and connections to old flames discovering the joys and pains of love.

A story of two people who found love again, later on in lifem while living in Alaska.  Listen to their sweet love story, life in Alaska, and salient advice.

World renowned jigalow, Nickie, and Terry, a night club singer turned high society woman, have a romance while on a cruise from New York to Europe and fall head over heels for each other.  Although they are both engaged to someone else, they agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months, but will they?

We discuss article 4 Dates That Every Couple Needs To Try according to a psychology contributor Mark Travers who based his article on a book title “Eight Dates” written by world renowned psychologists and divorce researchers, John and Julie Gottman.  We also answer questions sent in my listeners about what we would do if we were dating after we’d been divorced and cheated on and what we would do if our partner wasn’t ready to move in and take that next step.

Valerie, Courtney and Lisa try out the sensational Green Tea Masks, so you don’t have to. While we’re waiting for the mask to pull out all of our blackheads, we read you our Gransparents and Great-Grandparents Love Stories from the 1920’s. 

Jim & Virginia have just celebrated their 77th year Anniversary.  Listen to their love story and their advice as they share their long history together.

Ten years after two college sweethearts break up in the most unforgivable way, they wake up in bed together with wedding bands on their fingers – and no idea how they got there.

A woman who was content to be single is convinced by her best friend to sign up for a dating service that offers 12 dates with 12 different men in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

A young writer becomes infatuated with Satine at the Moulin Rouge who was promised to a Duke in return for funding the Moulin Rouge’s next production. As they young lovers weemt, Satine’s wedding day draws closer as she hides a tragic secret from them both.

When a volcanic eruption goes off in the middle of a Greshum family wedding, their fortune and their reputation both go up in flames. Now the Greshum family must hide a secret family tragedy and make sure their son doesn’t fall for the poor girl he grew up loving in the process.

A widowed writer begins a relationship with a young actor for whom her daughter works, leading to comic consequences.

When Caitlin’s becomes the go between girl for her best friend and the father of herWhen bestfriend’s daughter that her friend wants nothing to do with, Caitlin falls in love with the father of her best friends child and is torn between her love for him and her love for her friend.

A Woman’s Magazine writer and an advertising exectuie both begin a relationship with ulterior motives while she employs all of the worst possible relathionship moves to get him to fall out of love with her, he’s doing everyting he can to make her fall for him.

The story of Will, a 36-year-old man-child and Marcus, a 12-year-old misfit and how their unlikely friendship teaches them valuable life lessons and challenges their perspective on love, family, and what it means to be a man.

When best friends and total opposites Debbie and Peter swap houses and lives for a week, they discover that what they think they want might not be what they really need.

Cait fights her own fate as she refuses to accept her own supernatural powers or her fated lovers advances amidst attacks from the supernatural world that could cost her everything.

When Johnathon goes to Count Dracula to finalize a land deal and the Count sees a photo of of Johnathon’s fiancé, Mina, the spitting him age of his dead wife, Dracula imprisons Johnathan and sets off to track Mina down.

Kline is a billionaire, Georgia is his employee. When they’re forced on a date they end up falling for the other, but their past dating faux paus just might tear them apart.

The story of two smokejumpers who get caught up in the middle of a dangerous murder mystery while trying not to get caught up in each other.

This is a romcom about two enemies who pretend to be a couple at a destination wedding while everyone conspires to make sure they get along so they won’t ruin the wedding. This movie is based loosely on Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.

This is our origin story and where we introduce you to what our podcast is all about. Plus we talk about the latest romance novel we just read, Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover, a story of college romance, steamy sex and maybe a change a heart.