Abandonment, infidelity, abuse – it’s easy to name big issues that undermine relationships, but what about the little things? In this episode Billy & Joy talk about seemingly small habits and blind spots which can also threaten the health of our marriage. We call these behaviors “mosquitos” because while their stature is small, their negative impact is considerable.
Read More“Happiness begins where selfishness ends.”
John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach and all-around leadership guru made this astute observation years ago. In this episode Joy & Billy talk about the impact selfishness has on marriages and parenting. After all, don’t we all want to get our way, to be first, to win? What does it take to live selflessly? While you won’t find all the answers here (far from it!), you should find plenty of things to think about and discuss with the people you “do life with.”
Read MoreAnger is an unavoidable and universal emotion. As parents we have to model and teach our kids what to do with this emotion. In this episode Billy and Joy talk about three areas to consider as we walk this challenging path; how to express, how to cope, and how to resolve anger.
Read MoreWhile there are times and places for saying, “Because I said so,” the phrase doesn’t make a compelling communication strategy. In this episode Billy and Joy discuss why ditching this phrase is so important to your long-term parenting goals. Take a listen!
Read MoreIn today’s episode Billy & Joy review 10 helpful principles for people with newborns. For those of you driving, walking, or otherwise unable to note these ideas, be sure to click through to the show notes.
Read MoreSometimes marriages flounder and fail because little weeds grow into big weeds; small problems become huge problems. In this episode Billy and Joy talk about five often-overlooked threats to marriage and adjustments we can make to mitigate those threats. Take a quick listen and remember to talk to your community about these questions!
Read MoreParents are often (and naturally) hesitant when it comes to allowing their kids to take risks. However, it’s important to prepare our kids for life in a dangerous world. How do you decide to stretch your children’s comfort zone? Let’s discuss…
Read MoreHave your kids ever hurt your feelings? If so, you’re not alone!
In today’s podcast we talk about how to model forgiveness and the importance of not just “taking your licks” but teaching your kids how their words matter. We barely scratch the surface of this important topic, but you will have PLENTY to ideas for your conversations with your spouse or other parents.
Read MoreGetting your kids to eat three meals a day can be stressful. How do you manage to get the right things into their bellies? On this week’s podcast Billy & Joy move beyond the two biggest factors (Environment & Modeling) and talk strategy.
Read MoreWith Joy out of town this week, Billy “goes solo” and shares some of the best and favorite advice he’s received from men who’ve walked before and beside him. Gals, feel free to listen in, but this one is especially designed for the men.
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Disappointments are a regular part of life. One of the best ways to overcome these disappointments is to stay flexible. Easier said than done, right? On this episode, Billy and Joy review five elements which keep families nimble and on track to handle life’s inevitable “plot twists.”
Read MoreDo you remember the common expressions from your childhood? Can you recall the words that made you soar or the ones that made you cringe? On today’s episode we talk about how to be intentional with the words you give your kids. There’s a TON to talk about, so listen in for some ideas!
Read MoreManaging money is tricky for adults, so it’s no surprise that kids need significant guidance when it comes to having money. Do you have a plan for teaching your kids about money? And what about allowances? Do you pay your kids for doing chores or do you just give them money with no strings attached? In this episode, Billy & Joy tackle those questions and give you a number of thoughts to consider.
Read MoreDo you make New Year’s resolutions? How about at the office, do you set annual goals? People expect to make evaluations and think about how to grow in these areas, but it’s not always common to consider how to make our marriages better.
In this episode, we give you a few questions to ask each other to get any year off to a great start.
Read MoreNo matter how you define success, there is a natural tendency to project that definition onto your kids. In this episode, Billy and Joy talk about an article that gives us plenty to think about and chew on.
If you’re ready for some “mind work” take a listen!
Read MoreIf you have more than one child, you know siblings are going to fight. Sometimes the conflict is short and inconsequential, others times...well, it's not.
In this episode Billy and Joy talk about goals for parents and kids for handling disagreements and managing three phases of conflict well.
Take a listen and, more importantly, talk to others about what you hear!
Read MoreOne of the more emotional events for many parents is the process of heading back to work. Joy and Billy have navigated those waters for years and discuss managing guilt, the importance of having a family strategy, and establishing boundaries with your employer.
If you are walking this path, take a listen!
Read MoreYou get on an elevator and run into some friends who are about to have a baby. They ask you for your best advice before you get to the lobby. What do you say? What wisdom do you give at a moment’s notice?
In this episode Billy and Joy offer five elements of their elevator pitch and while it’s not a complete list (we only have 20 floors in this imaginary building!), but it’s a start! Hop on board…
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