Couple Thoughts

This Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Self Made Misfit listeners can save 10% off their first month with BetterHelp by clicking here: betterhelp.com/selfmademisfitsCheck out our BRAND NEW WEBSITE at www.selfmademisfits.com and podcast listeners get 10% off the shop for the month of February using the promo code: MISFITS10Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @selfmademisfitsTikTok: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made MisfitsTwitter:      @SMMisfitsPodFor topic ideas or interview requests, email us at selfmademisfitspodcast@gmail.comTo view more of Matt & Dynae's personal work visit:@dynaelevingston on IG@matthewlevingston.vo on IG@bucketsnboards on IGwww.bucketsnboards.comwww.matthewlevingston.comwww.dynaelevingston.com

This Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Self Made Misfit listeners can save 10% off their first month with BetterHelp by clicking here: betterhelp.com/selfmademisfits Podcasts and Documentaries to check out if you want to deep dive:Armchaired and Dangerous: Lizard PeopleArmchaired and Dangerous: Simulation TheoryDark Tourist on NetflixReferences:Conspiracy Theory Viral ChartWhy Do WE Believe in Conspiracy Theories? by Margaret Seide, MDWhy Do People Believe in Conspiracy Theories? from Psychology Today Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @selfmademisfitsTikTok: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made MisfitsTwitter:      @SMMisfitsPodFor topic ideas or interview requests, email us at selfmademisfitspodcast@gmail.comTo view more of Matt & Dynae's personal work visit:@dynaelevingston on IG@matthewlevingston.vo on IG@bucketsnboards on IGwww.bucketsnboards.comwww.matthewlevingston.comwww.dynaelevingston.com 

This Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Self Made Misfit listeners can save 10% off their first month with BetterHelp by clicking here: betterhelp.com/selfmademisfitsREFERENCES:Other podcasts we reference in this episode:Ear Biscuits Episode 226 Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @selfmademisfitsTikTok: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made MisfitsTwitter:      @SMMisfitsPodFor topic ideas or interview requests, email us at selfmademisfitspodcast@gmail.comTo view more of Matt & Dynae's personal work visit:@dynaelevingston on IG@matthewlevingston.vo on IG@bucketsnboards on IGwww.bucketsnboards.comwww.matthewlevingston.comwww.dynaelevingston.com

This Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Self Made Misfit listeners can save 10% off their first month with BetterHelp by clicking here: betterhelp.com/selfmademisfits----------------------Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @selfmademisfitsTikTok: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made MisfitsTwitter:      @SMMisfitsPodFor topic ideas or interview requests, email us at selfmademisfitspodcast@gmail.comTo view more of Matt & Dynae's personal work visit:@dynaelevingston on IG@matthewlevingston.vo on IG@bucketsnboards on IGwww.bucketsnboards.comwww.matthewlevingston.comwww.dynaelevingston.com

For more information click this link for more info at: BetterHelp.com Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @selfmademisfitsTikTok: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made MisfitsTwitter:      @SMMisfitsPodTo view more of Matt & Dynae’s personal work visit:@dynaelevingston on IG@matthewlevingston.vo on IG@bucketsnboards on IGwww.bucketsnboards.comwww.matthewlevingston.comwww.dynaelevingston.com

Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @selfmademisfitsTikTok: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made MisfitsTwitter:      @SMMisfitsPodFor topic ideas or interview requests, email us at selfmademisfitspodcast@gmail.comTo view more of Matt & Dynae’s personal work visit:@dynaelevingston on IG@matthewlevingston.vo on IG@bucketsnboards on IG

Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @selfmademisfitsTikTok: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made MisfitsTwitter:      @SMMisfitsPodFor topic ideas or interview requests, email us at selfmademisfitspodcast@gmail.comTo view more of Matt & Dynae’s personal work visit:@dynaelevingston on IG@matthewlevingston.vo on IG@bucketsnboards on IGwww.bucketsnboards.comwww.matthewlevingston.comwww.dynaelevingston.com

Follow and become part of the Misfits Community at:Instagram: @selfmademisfitsFacebook: Self Made Misfits PodcastTwitter: @SMMisfitsPod

We are trying something new this week on the podcast!! We LOOOOOVE movies and thought we would jump into the review world. Let us know what you think!!

Want to join in the conversations? Connect with us on social media!Instagram: @couplethoughtspodcastFacebook: Couple Thoughts Podcast with Matt and DynaeTwitter:      @CoThoughtsPodTo view more of Matt & Dynae’s personal work visit:www.bucketsnboards.comwww.matthewlevingston.comwww.dynaelevingston.com

For more information on the ROLEmodels program itself check out: www.dynaelevingston.com/dlprolemodelsIf you’d like to book a photo session with Dynae check out her website and feel free to contact her: www.dynaelevingston.com

For more information on the ROLEmodels program itself check out: www.dynaelevingston.com/dlprolemodelsIf you’d like to book a photo session with Dynae check out her website and feel free to contact her: www.dynaelevingston.com

For more information on the ROLEmodels program itself check out: www.dynaelevingston.com/dlprolemodelsIf you’d like to book a photo session with Dynae check out her website and feel free to contact her: www.dynaelevingston.com

Tips on Hiring a photographerDynae has been a professional photographer for about 10 years now, AND we’ve hired several photographers ourselves in the past. So we’ve got some insider info from a pro, as well as tips for hiring one for your family or business needs.Make sure they have a strong portfolio in the genre you’re hiring them for. Oftentimes photographers have a specialty. Depending on what you’re wanting and willing to invest, you should be able to find someone that fits.Double check that their work is really theirs. There is an unfortunate problem in the photography industry of new or inexperienced photographers marketing with images that are not theirs. This is not only unethical, but also illegal. Nonetheless, it happens. This is where reviews and a strong portfolio/professional website can give you a clue. If their facebook ad image quality doesn’t match up to the portfolio they share, or they just send you to a Pinterest board… keep looking.Ask if they are insured. Most venues require it, but a true professional should always carry liability insurance no matter where you do your sessions. Yes, even that field out on the side of the road. If anyone is injured on a session, they are liable for any damages being the professional.Hire one that uses the editing style you prefer. A photographer’s editing style is very personal to their artwork, and it’s what they are known for and good at. If you hire someone with moody portfolio, don’t ask them to edit your photos in a light and airy style. UNLESS you’ve hired them for a commercial project and you have that in the agreement.Make sure you’re getting the correct usage licenses for your needs. This is where portrait and commercial photographers differ. Some do both, some are not as experienced with commercial legality. Portrait photographers often retain copyrights, and limit your ability to edit the images. If you need to use images for a commercial purpose, you need to make sure in writing that you have the permission to use them in the ways that you need. Expect the price you pay to go up the more usage rights you include.Budget. You get what you pay for in photography. You have to ask yourself how much you value what you’re getting, and that the photographer actually offers what you want and need.You vibe well with them. I love meeting clients ahead of time because you just get better images when you feel comfortable with your photographer. Being able to just be yourself, and feeling confident that they can make YOU feel confident in the way you look in the images, makes a huge difference in how the photos turn out.

23. How to Recession Proof Your Small Business: An Interview with financial coach Kristen RicuperoLet’s just face it… not many of us were prepared for much of what 2020 threw at us. Mentally, emotionally, or financially. As small business owners ourselves who always thought we were prepared for the ups and downs of running a business, like many we found ourselves in a new and uncomfortable spot. You can be prepared, but what do you do when outside forces tell you your business isn’t essential? You have to shut down for 6 months, maybe more?2020 has taught us how essential having emergency funds are, and the need to be prepared for financial strain and Recessions when they happen. Kristen Ricupero is a financial and business coach just outside Pittsburg, PA and is a small business owner herself. She manages financialfitnesscoaching.com and helps small business owners maximize their profits, master their cash flow and build confidence with money.Questions for Kristen:Tell us a little about your story, how did you end up being a financial coach?Why do you think so many small business owners (or people in general) have such a hard time with financial literacy in the first place?Let’s say someone needs to make a change, and is just getting started with getting their finances in order, what’s the first thing they should do?What are your top 3 tips in Recession proofing your business?

New Year, New Outlook. Get ready to reset with 2021!Matt & Dynae are back after a couple weeks off to chat about what they did over the holidays and what they have in store for the new year. After the suck of 2020 hopefully everyone can all agree we hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel soon! This episode, they went off script, and talk a little bit about everything from binge watching favorites to what 2020 taught them, and how they’d like to reset and adapt this year. Lots of new topics and interviews coming your way for 2021!

This week we discuss marriage... what we thought vs what we have learned. Man do we laugh a lot in this episode! LOL

18. Pricing for Profit | How not to sell yourself short when running a creative businessIt’s that time of year again! Dynae is reviewing her profit/loss + pricing for the year and making adjustments during the off season. And as creative business owners, pricing is always the hardest part of the job.For some reason, creatives especially sell ourselves short. We don’t think people will pay for us to have a living wage. The term “starving artists” is a stereotype we do to ourselves.Starting out:Most creatives, especially photographer’s don’t know where to startMany feel like their art is a “side gig” or is perceived as a hobbySo they don’t treat it like a business, they treat it like a hobbyDon’t take into account all their expensesDon’t account for their timeDon’t price themselves for a living wageDangers of not pricing for profit?You need to price for the worst to happen - meaning you can’t price like you’re relying on your spouse’s income. What if the worst happens?You will burn out big time - overworked and underpaidHow to Price for profitRun your numbers - you must sit down and figure out your Cost of Doing Business, but also, your monthly lifestyle expenses. You’re going to have to cover both and make profit on top of it.Get over the guilt - don’t be afraid to price yourself what you are worth. You ARE worth it to the right clients (your target audience)Build a strong brand - perception is everythingMarket to your target audience, and let the rest fall awayDynae now offers mentoring to fellow creatives and photographers on how to not only price themselves correctly, but also how to create a strong brand image that will attract the clients that will appreciate you and your work.

Gratitude + Thankfulness: What 2020 has taught usThanksgiving is this week, and it looks different this year. Because everything looks different this year.One thing that stays the same is reflecting on what we’re thankful for. Because practicing gratitude not only lowers stress, but grounds you and reminds you what’s important.How things are different - social distancingHow things are the same - lots of food - teaching how to cookWhat we’re making, favorite dishesWhat are we thankful for this year?HealthTime together, slowing downPerspective - every generation goes through really hard times, and get through itPeople showing their true colors. We value authenticity, and even though it’s really sad in some instances it’s showed us who’s toxic 

17. The Pet Peeve EpisodeAs a coupleMatt hates when Dynae doesn’t change the toilet paper roll. And when I interruptDynae hates when Matt has a task but gets distracted and goes to something else instead. When he starts noodling whenever I try to talkParenting pet peevesYelling. We both have had our “season” with this, so we try to keep each other in check nowOur kids are so into semanticsThe neverending storiesThe new slangPersonal pet peevesDynae: Hates when people don’t listen. When people try to take credit for someone else’s work. Close talkers/no personal spaceMatt: Being late. Lack of empathy. Talking during movies. Pet Poops

15. Well, Guess We’re Old Now…It’s strange how it sneaks up, and then BAMBody Changes - gray hair, wrinklesAches, health/digestive issues (hello Taco Bell)Now we’re old parents, not cool parentsMatt agrees with all the parents in teen moviesWe don’t get the lingoAt least we still have good taste in musicHow movies/music has held up now that our kids are olderSome have NOT aged well (the Mask or anything Jim Carrey, Neverending Story) sexism was huge, so super awkward watching those back with daughters Some that have (Goonies, Hocus Pocus, Princess Bride)How today’s movies/tv uses 80s nostalgia well though (Stranger Things, IT)How we’ve noticed things are different between when we were kids, and our kidsWe had a lot more independenceThey are MUCH more into social justice/inclusionVery interested in current events/politicsHow we’re copingWellness is a big deal now, eating better, needing to work outNot caring about what others think as much (eff it attitude)Trying to stay relevant

16. This is Halloween, this is HalloweenOur favorite family holiday next to ChristmasWe go all out.Favorite things to do: decorating, trunk or treat, trick or treat with family, costume partiesFavorite memories: haunted houses, working in them growing up, Halloween Horror NightsDue to Covid this year, things have to changeThe Movies:Our first scary movie experiences growing up.Best scary moviesWorst scary moviesBest family scary movies

14. Dealing with Loss as a CoupleTrigger warning: October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and we are the 1 in 4.In the United States, 1 out of every 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage and 1 and every 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth. Source: http://nationalshare.org/october-awareness/We wanted to do this pod to honor our own, and those countless friends and family members who have suffered a loss as well. So we’re sharing our story, what Dynae went through, and Matt’s feelings about it all as well, because often the partners in these situations don’t always get to tell their side, but it’s just as valid.How to help?Stop the stigma. Women feel a tremendous amount of guilt when they experience a loss. Let’s stop that.Normalize talking about it. Share our stories. Not only can it help the grieving process, it helps others feel less alone.Listen to women and their stories. Acknowledge the loss, and offer support however the parents need.Pregnancy is a HUGE part of women’s health, recognize and support policies that protect that health. Resources:https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.orghttps://www.marchofdimes.orgOur amazing Tattoo Artist: Joshua Tenneson https://www.transformationgallery.com/joshua-tenneson/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatenneson/

13. The Enneagram: How it’s helped our relationships in business & parentingThe What? Why have I never heard of this thing?The Enneagram of Personality Types is a modern synthesis of a number of ancient wisdom traditions, but was originally put together only in the 1960s & 70s. It’s gained a lot of spiritual popularity in the past few years, but the philosophy behind the Enneagram actually contains components from mystical Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, and ancient Greek philosophy (particularly Socrates, Plato, and the Neo-Platonists)—all traditions that stretch back into antiquity.It’s basically a way of knowing one’s self better. At the core, the why we are the way we are, and how we communicate with the world. What motivates us and our deepest desires, as well as fears. How each of us truly feels love, and ultimately what also makes us feel the most lost.While everyone has a basic core Type, it can be easy to relate to the others, or be mis-typed.That’s why it’s best to take a test as a starting place, but you really need to type yourself by reading and understanding each type, rather than take the result at face value. And don’t try to type others. There’s way too many personal desires, shame and vulnerability that goes into figuring it out. A lot of people can feel really vulnerable and upset, or finally seen once they figure out their true type. You will feel a deep connection whether good or bad… if you do that’s most likely your type. Because it reveals not only our deepest desires, but our most shameful flaws at the same time.The WingsWhat are wings? Nobody is only one pure type. One of the numbers right next to your core is your wing. Your basic type dominates your overall personality, while the wing complements it and adds important, sometimes contradictory, elements to your total personality. Your wing is the “second side” of your personality, and it must be taken into consideration to better understand yourself or someone else.So what are we?Dynae - 3 wing 4 Dynae has a deep desire to achieve. She was mistyped as a 4 and a 5. She knew it settled on a 3 when she realized her core fear. That she would not feel love, unless she was successful or “doing” something others saw as successful. She felt she did not get attention as a child unless she was doing something adults praised her for. She also cares more about what people think than she’d like to admit. But she is a high acheiver and can be an excellent motivator and cheerleader. She feels everyone has a higher purpose and she’s all about helping them find the best versions of themselves. She also leans to a wing 4 where she can be prone to melancholy and a sense of lacking purpose.Matt - 3 wing 2Ultimately learned he was a 3 for the deep desire to feel loved by achieving as well. Thrives in competition and does not lack self confidence in his abilities. Calls himself a Renaissance Man and usually excels in anything he tries. He is really good at inspiring people and making them feel important, worthy and loved as well. However, he tends to feel very lost without a true purpose and instant gratification though. He’s a 2 wing as he’s incredibly generous and wants to be of service any chance he gets. Will put others above himself every time. We’ve both found it very helpful in communicating with others. And understanding ourselves better. NOTES:Matt and Dynae dive into the Enneagram and chat about the basics, what their types are and how it’s helped their relationships and in business. They are both type 3s but in VERY different ways. It’s also helped their parenting now that they have teens and tweens.For more info on the Ennegram, check out these resources:https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test (free basic test)https://www.enneagraminstitute.com (for a more in depth test and general information The Road Back to You BookThe Road Back to You Podcast

12. Who’s the Boss? How to Not Want to Kill Each Other as a Couple When You Work TogetherWhen both spouses in the marriage own their own businesses, there’s bound to be crossoverIt really takes being a true teamAs a couple you both need to be on the same page when it comes to family time vs work timeYou have to help each other, sometimes that’s with work tasks, sometimes that’s just keeping the kids away from the other for a whileWhen Buckets N Boards started, Matt & Gareth Hired Dynae to help build the visual brandAs a graphic designer with a background in branding development and design, it was a lucky matchThere were some tensions going from a married couple/friend to client/designer relationshipLuckily, Dynae’s a pro and learned early on to separate any criticism from personal feelingsShe’s also a professional mentor, so eventually just taught them how to do all the basics on their ownAs Matt got better at video editing with Buckets N Boards, Dynae saw an opportunity to hire him as a video partner for her photography business as wellMatt already helped assist on sessions anywayPortrait films became something they could offer as a team, providing artistic short films during a portrait session shot in tandem with the traditional still photographs.It’s become very popular and a way to differentiate her photography business from others in their area. We had to figure out who was in charge, and not step in each other’s wayTips for Working togetherBe clear on who is taking the lead when going into a project or session. (Taking turns during a session)Be clear on deadlines. Just because they’re your spouse, doesn’t mean deadlines don’t matter and you’ll get it done when you get to it.Don’t take professional criticism personally.Always be constructive in that criticism

11. Our Favorite & Craziest Travel StoriesTravel is a part of our normal daily life at this point.Matt travels for a living.Favorite storyCraziest storyDynae’s favorite trips include:-  Greece where she did a study abroad in college- Africa where she lived with her aunt for a month.Traveling as a couple:Cancun spa tripDenver storyTraveling with kids:Favorite parts. Getting to go to Disney.Worst parts - getting sick. Cora breaking into tears on the Monorail and wanting to leave DisneyTips for traveling with kids

10. Dreaming & Doing, How We Dared to Start Our Own BusinessesAs a couple, we never anticipated working for ourselvesWe weren’t taught to dream big growing up. Getting a good stable job, working for someone else was the standardMatt was the “brave” one going into the entertainment fieldDynae was the sole employee for a mom and pop, and gained a lot of first hand knowledge on how to run a business. It gave her the confidence to know she could do it as well.It honestly came out of necessity.Matt and Gareth started street performing as a creative outlet and to make some extra cash being newly married with small kids. Their current job was very draining.Matt tried out for Stomp in New York, and the experience gave them confidence that they had something truly unique. They quickly gained notice and fans, and realized they could make something of it.During all this, the Great Recession had begun.Dynae had started photography as a side gig, also as a creative outlet after their first child was born.Then… she was laid off once the recession really took hold. She couldn’t find another professional job in her field.So, she started Dynae Levingston Photography, and began freelancing. There were a few really hard years.Small businesses on average will take 3 years to become profitable. In that time, we also had our second daughter and a complicated delivery that had a large medical bill.With no one hiring, and no one willing to purchase our home, after 2 years of struggling, and advice from our financial advisors, we filed for bankruptcy, and foreclosed on our home.Then Disney came knockingBuckets N Boards had started to take off, and they opened their full length stage show, and a full time travel contract with Disney Cruise Lines.Dynae’s photography business became more and more busy, and she was able to drop the freelancing.How’d we know to keep going during all the struggles?We fully supported the otherWe believed in our dedication, hard work and talent.

LINKS: • Chris Sembower artist for the Chiefs https://www.chrissembower.com• Alex Smith Documentary: “Project 11” Streaming on the ESPN App• The Franchise: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-9iO2rIrpm4oUHJu0lnE1NTXYQPF72sy• Ending Song: "Red Kingdom" by Tech9ne: https://youtu.be/FowoI-Dv0io 9. Chiefs Kingdom, Baby! Our family bonding timeYou might want to skip this episode if you aren’t sports fans, lolWe’re super excited football is back, here’s whyIt’s a family bonding affair for usLuckily as a couple, we both support the ChiefsWe’ve been fans forever, even when they were badSO crazy they won the SuperbowlOur favorite things about being Chiefs fansTailgaiting at ArrowheadThe fandom. Yes, we’re biased. But here’s our experience.The team culture.What will this season look like during the Pandemic?Our take on the first couple games

8. The Hard Convo for Those That Hate Talking PoliticsMatt recently had a Facebook live blow up, when he opened up and got vulnerable about feeling lost, and thoughts on the state of our world right now. From how the response to the Pandemic in the US is affecting us personally, to how divisive politics have made almost every subject out there, to how that divisiveness has bled into our personal Christian life. The response to that post linked below, was overwhelmingly relatable, and we realized that so many were having the same thoughts. So we just wanted to continue that conversation.Regardless of what “side” you’re on, nothing changes if nothing changes. So if you’re like us and aren’t happy with the way things are right now, you can make a difference. It’s called voting, and making your voice heard.RESOURCES:Matt’s original FaceBook Live Video: https://www.facebook.com/matthewlevingston/videos/10220064733466408Are you registered to vote? Find your state here for more info: https://vote.govIN MISSOURI:The deadline to register is Wed. October 7th, 2020 for online or in person registration. Here’s the link: https://s1.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterregistrationIf you request a mail in ballot, you must do so no later than 5pm on Wed. October 21st, 2020. You must visit your local election authority to request your ballot, for more info go here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri/localelectionauthority

Bronkar Lee socials and website: https://www.bronkar.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bronkarlee1/7. Making adult friendsIn today’s episode, we chat about being introverts and managing adult friendships. We get candid and a little raw in our conversation about how difficult having close friendships can be, especially if you’ve been burned in the past. Opening up about our own struggles with friendships, and how self development and becoming mentally and emotionally healthy can help. We also talk about how we navigate friendships as a couple, and how our own experiences affect our kids and their friendships as well.See full show notes at: Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couplethoughtspodcast/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoupleThoughtsPodcast Show Notes:We are pretty introverted. Actually, ambiverts would be more accurate.We can turn it on if needed, but lots of people and small talk wears our batteries out.We also appreciate the real. The not feeling like we’ll be judged for our messy house or kids. We’re not big into parties or get togethers with a ton of people that.Because of that, we have just a few really good close friends. Making new friends as an adult can be really hard. Especially as a couple.We’ve been burned in the past. For Dynae, friendships can feel very one-sided. And because of her quiet introverted nature, but also 0 tolerance for BS, she’s been told she comes off intimidating.They have both had feelings of being used as a friend. That as soon as they are not needed anymore, they are dropped.This has lead to insecurity & distrust on Dynae’s part, withdrawal on Matt’s.We are each other’s best friend, so it makes sense for us to be mutual friends with people. Finding couples like us (meaning good friends too, is hard). We’ve also been told we’re hard to relate to, because we have a happy relationship. They feel they will be judged if they don’t. We can’t stand the superficial, so finding “real” friends has been difficult for us. It’s exhausting to feel like you’ll be judged for your messy house, personal beliefs or the competition of “keeping up appearances’ or the comparing of children’s accomplishments/parenting style. And that having real, honest conversations just makes others too uncomfortable. Especially if you happen to disagree on something. So that makes us feel like we can’t show up as our real selves, and be vulnerable. 

Here is the amazon link for Hot SeatOddly enough I’m having trouble finding the Confessions game (maybe discontinued ¯_(ツ)_/¯ )Also, we love That‘s What She SaidThanks for listening!!!   

5. Let’s get real: Mental Health Check-inHow is everyone really doing out there?Let’s be honest, the 2020 pandemic is a b*tch. So many people are suffering from mental health issues right now. From adults to kids, we all need a check in.Our personal mental health experiencesDynae opens up about her experiences with depression, especially postpartum depression, and how she managed then and keeps it in check now.Matt talks about his own experiences with ADHD and anxiety, and how he manages it now.How we cope nowWe talk with each other and are honest about when we struggle. We also watch out for each other, and if the other is struggling we get them the help they need.We understand our physical health also affects our mental health, and we do what we can to reduce stress and take care of ourselves with diet and exercise. We also work closely with our primary care doctors about any medications that helps us function better.Matt also references our use of Charlotte’s Web CBD products, which have worked really well for us. NOTE: we do encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or CBD.Helping our kidsWe are very involved. Our kids have very limited access to social media, and we stay connected if they are on it. We talk and check in with them A LOT. Not just “how was your day,” but also how they are feeling, and not making talking through their feelings seem taboo. They know they can talk with us.We teach them the healthy coping techniques we have learned that can help them too.We listen to what they are saying. We’ve had to adjust our parenting style as they get older, and ask what they need. Sometimes they just want to just vent, other times they want and need help. RESOURCES: Obviously, we want provide professional resources if there is anyone out there that needs help. If you are struggling, please seek professional help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255NAMI is also an excellent resource for mental health services, and there are many local chapters. So whether you need help, or would like to volunteer or donate they are one of our favorite non-profit organizations.

4. How We’ve Managed a Long Distance RelationshipOur story starts at collegeFor 5 years we went to different schools, which were a 4 hour drive from each other.We were both very busy, Matt had 2 scholarships, one for track and field, and one for theatre. Dynae was on a 5 year program trying to finish in 4.Summers, we both worked together at Silver Dollar City, and Dynae lived with Matt’s family part of the week.Our early years of Marriage was a challenge tooAfter our 1st daughter Cadence was born, we worked separate shifts to avoid childcare. And Matt explains where her name came from… Shallow Hal.We basically didn’t see each other except in passing for almost 3 years. We didn’t even have the same days off.It wore on us, so we decided a shift in work was needed. That’s when we both started our own businesses.Starting Buckets N Boards was the beginning of Matt traveling for a livingWithin a few months of starting the show, they got their first contract with Disney Cruise Lines.Had basically a week away, week home schedule for a few years. Then started the traveling tours, and performing arts center gigs.The entire time, Dynae held down the fort and worked from home.Tips for surviving a long distance relationship:LOTS of communication - we try to talk at least once a day. On the phone, video, text, whatever.Boundaries. After a while Matt was able to limit the gigs they took. Our advice is to sit down and be on the same page. And you must have trust and honesty. No messing around or lying if you want to stay together.Apps like Facetime and Zoom are awesome. Video chat helps a lot to see your significant other.Make the most of time you do have together. Don’t overschedule yourselves, but find what quality time looks like to you and appreciate the time you have together. Follow Couple Thoughts on:Instagram: @couplethoughtspodcastFacebook: Couple Thoughts Podcast with Matt and DynaeTwitter:      @CoThoughtsPod

3. Tips for Working at HomeOur work storyMatt is a professional entertainer, and travels for a living (most of the time). His show Buckets N Boards is a live stage comedy & percussion show. He and his business partner Gareth, perform on Disney Cruise Lines as a featured act, and in many performing arts centers and corporate events throughout the year.Dynae has been exclusively a WAHM for the past decade. She is a professional photographer, mentor and graphic designer at Dynae Levingston Photography.Recognize working from home is freaking hardLogistically, working from home is one of the hardest work environments. Especially when you add kids into the mix.There’s A LOT of distractions. Between ignoring housework Our 6 year old sneaks into content videos for work, and while we’re on Zoom calls. Matt talks specifically about a YouTube video he filmed, and didn’t realize she was in the background until after it was published. You can view that video here: Gravity Falls Theme by Buckets N Boards.How we manage it allWe try to have a dedicated space away from everyone else. Right now, we have turned a room in our unfinished basement into a makeshift office away from the kids.We set a schedule. The Google Calendar app helps our family tremendously.Time blocking. Having the schedule during the day and week for specific tasks keeps us on track. For example, after the kids are off to school, we have set times to return emails. Then specific times to edit photos or videos, do social media posts, etc. Blocking tasks throughout the day keeps the deadlines in check.Team work. We are super lucky that we have each other. And to make work and family time successful, we tag team the parent/household stuff. Like pickup/drop off at school, running them back and forth to activities, etc. We also have the whole family help with household chores, and even time block that with everyone having their own set tasks.We’re flexible. We understand that deadlines come up, and kids get sick, so sometimes that schedule has to change. We communicate if this happens, and when we might need the other to take over certain other aspect of the parenting gig. If you have to work after bedtime, sometimes that happens.We have boundaries. We have set work hours and we manage client expectations on communication up front. Nobody likes getting texts at 10pm for work. We’ve also scheduled days off. Family is super important to us, as well as our own mental health, and taking dedicated breaks away from work are so needed. Follow Couple Thoughts on:Instagram: @couplethoughtspodcastFacebook: Couple Thoughts Podcast with Matt and DynaeTwitter:      @CoThoughtsPod

2. Back to School: Pandemic StyleFirst of all… WTFWe are all living through crazy times right now, let’s backup and talk about how our Spring Shutdown and quarantine went.In all honesty, we’ve been winging it this whole summer. Just keeping our circle small and wondering what in the world school will look like even IF we get to send our kids back.The Decision: How are we doing back to school in 2020?We have a unique circumstance both being/working from home. So if the school gave us a choice, there were a lot of things we had to consider on whether to send them to seated, or try online learning APART from worrying about anyone getting sick.We finally learned our district was going with an either or approach.We talked AT LENGTH with school officials/teachers on what the online curriculum and school day would look like, as well as how the district was planning to keep everyone safe and healthy as much as possible.We talked with all our girls about how they felt - kid’s mental health was definitely part of the equation.Realistically we had to consider work, even though we would be home. Exactly how would we be able to do online schooling for 3 separate kids, with spotty internet at times, and still get anything work wise done during the day.All things considered, we decided to try sending them backRemaining Positive but RealisticWe know another shutdown is probable. We are doing everything we can outside of school to still keep our circle small and build our immune systems. We practice good health hygiene - here are some tips recommended by our pediatrician years ago to reduce bringing sickness home from school:Have the kids leave backpacks, shoes, etc. in a designated space, ideally outside the home. Ours leave theirs in the garage where we’ve set up a “mudroom”. If you have an actual mudroom that will keep things separate from the rest of the house, that works.Change clothes as soon as they get home. All clothes, reusable masks, etc. they wore to school, gets thrown straight in the washing machine.Eat well. The basics of building a good immune system is what you eat. We try to eat mostly whole foods, lots of veggies and fruits. Basically our family follows a paleo way of eating to make it easier.Drink lots of water. They don’t get much at school, so we make sure they drink extra at home.We have prepared our kids for different scenarios, and how they should behave while at school (wearing masks, being respectful of personal distance, etc.)And our current family motto is “stay flexible, and go with the flow” “every little thing, is gonna be all right.” The pandemic is temporary, but we all have to do our part and do the best we can with what we know. Follow Couple Thoughts on:Instagram: @couplethoughtspodcastFacebook: Couple Thoughts Podcast with Matt and DynaeTwitter:      @CoThoughtsPod

1. Welcome to the PodcastShow Notes:IntroductionWe are high school sweethearts, started dating when we were 15Just celebrated 16 years marriage, but have been together for 23Matt isA professional entertainer, creating and performing in a live comedy & percussion show called Buckets N Boards and has recently started a career in voice acting. You can check out his voiceover page here www.matthelevingston.com.Travels a lot for a living, is one of the most requested headlining acts on Disney Cruise Lines.Dynae isA professional photographer & graphic designer. Has been a WAHM for about 10 years. You can see here work at Dynae Levingston Photography.Why we decided to start this podcast:We started to do live FB videos for fun with our daughters, and got really good feedback. And opened up a lot of questions from viewers.Working together for years has given us a lot of business insightMatt has always been interested in motivational speaking, and just launched his career as a voice actor.The Pandemic has given us more time together to do something like thisIt’s a creative outlet for us, and we really love building community as well. Interacting with fans, and followers is one of our favorite things.What is the main goal for this podcast?To be helpful and add value for our listeners, as well as be totally real and relatable, and have a good sense of humor about marriage, work & parenting. Follow Couple Thoughts on:Instagram: @couplethoughtspodcastFacebook: Couple Thoughts Podcast with Matt and DynaeTwitter:      @CoThoughtsPod