Home Sweet Home

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott unpack a refreshing truth about strong relationships: happy couples aren't built by big romantic moments—they're built by small, consistent weekday habits. Drawing on insights from psychologist Mark Travers, they explore five simple behaviors that strengthen connection, reduce conflict, and deepen emotional security over time—without requiring expensive dates or perfect circumstances.You'll hear why a shared morning routine matters (even brief affection and teamwork sets the tone), how thoughtful midday check-ins keep emotional presence alive when you're apart, and why healthy couples intentionally take time to reset alone so stress doesn't spill into the relationship. They also highlight the importance of daily “us time”—protected, distraction-free connection—and the power of ending the day with an intentional evening check-in that creates closure, gratitude, and calm before sleep.If your relationship feels busy, stretched, or stuck in logistics, this episode offers a practical roadmap: not perfection, just daily investment—because love grows through consistent, intentional moments.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott explore Aphiemi (ἀφίημι)—the Greek word often translated as “forgive”—and how its meaning can completely reframe what forgiveness actually is. Instead of reconciliation, approval, or pretending the pain didn't matter, Aphiemi means to release… to send away… to cut the rope that keeps you tied to what happened.They unpack why forgiveness can feel impossible: we often confuse it with trust, fear it minimizes harm, or use resentment as armor to stay protected. But Aphiemi shifts the focus inward—forgiveness isn't about what the other person deserves; it's about what you deserve: peace, movement, and emotional freedom.You'll hear how holding a grudge keeps the wound alive, drains energy, and keeps you stuck at the “dock,” even when the other person has moved on. The conversation also makes space for an important truth: you can forgive without reconciling. Forgiveness can coexist with boundaries, and trust is something that must be earned through consistent behavior—not granted because you chose to release the offense.The episode closes with a practical picture of what letting go can look like: name the pain honestly, decide you're done carrying it, visualize sending it away, and repeat as often as needed. Because forgiveness doesn't always happen in a moment—it often happens in a process. And when you finally cut the rope, you don't drift into weakness—you drift into freedom.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott reframe what confidence really looks like. Instead of focusing on bold risks and big moves, they explore a quieter kind of strength: the confidence it takes to walk away. The job you didn't take. The relationship you ended. The opportunity that looked perfect on paper—but didn't feel aligned in your gut.They unpack why saying “no” can be an act of self-respect, how declined paths protect your energy and clarify your identity, and why “not choosing” something isn't failure—it's often wisdom. You'll learn how honoring these decisions can reduce the “what if” spiral, calm FOMO, and build deep self-trust by turning past choices into proof that your internal compass works.The episode ends with a simple challenge: identify one path you're grateful you didn't take, name what made it tempting, and recognize what your decision says about how well you know yourself. Because real confidence doesn't always roar—sometimes it whispers, “Not this one.”To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. We're used to thinking about health in terms of blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, and exercise—but this episode tackles a risk factor that's just as powerful and often ignored: loneliness. Rod and Scott break down new international research showing that both the public and healthcare professionals still underestimate how strongly social connection impacts physical health—even after a pandemic defined by isolation.They explore why chronic loneliness isn't just an emotional struggle but a biological stressor that can raise inflammation, disrupt immune function, increase cardiovascular risk, and worsen sleep, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. The conversation also highlights a major healthcare blind spot: while many providers recognize connection matters, it's rarely treated like a clinical priority—no routine screening, limited tools, and few referral pathways.Most importantly, this episode reframes connection as preventative care: something measurable, treatable, and worth prioritizing early—like any other vital sign. You'll walk away with practical next steps for strengthening social health through small, repeatable actions and structured opportunities that can literally protect your life.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott explore why music may be one of the most powerful—and accessible—tools for supporting brain health as we age. They break down research on adults 70+ showing that regular musical engagement is linked to lower risk of dementia, stronger memory, and slower cognitive decline.They explain how music benefits the brain by activating multiple regions at once (memory, attention, emotion, and even movement), strengthening neural connections through neuroplasticity, and helping lower stress—an important factor in cognitive health. They also highlight the emotional and social benefits: music can boost mood, reduce anxiety, spark meaningful memories, and increase connection with others.You'll leave with practical ways to use music as a daily brain-boosting habit—simple playlists, pairing music with routines, and even beginner-friendly ideas for learning an instrument for added cognitive and emotional benefits.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode of Home Sweet Home, Rod and Scott explore a simple truth every parent needs to hear: kids don't remember perfect days—they remember consistent moments. If you've ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” this conversation is a reminder that love is built in everyday rituals, not grand gestures.Together, they walk through practical ways to reinforce “I love you” through the rhythm of family life—morning connection that grounds kids with safety and confidence, evening routines that create calm and closeness, and daily practices that invite communication and emotional expression. You'll also hear how celebrating small wins fuels resilience, and why weekend and creative rituals become emotional anchors children carry for years.This episode is full of doable habits—hugs, bedtime stories, family dinners, intentional listening, and simple celebrations—that help your child feel what matters most: seen, safe, and deeply loved.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott ask a question that hits home for most families: do your spending habits actually reflect what you say matters most? They explore how stress, convenience, comparison, and impulse spending can quietly pull us away from our values—and how small choices add up over time in our finances and our relationships.You'll hear practical ways to take an honest look at where your money is going, identify your “default” spending triggers, and build a simple plan that supports your priorities—like family time, generosity, health, peace, and long-term stability. This isn't about guilt or perfection; it's about alignment, intentionality, and using money as a tool to build the life you want.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott explore a powerful question: can joy and grief coexist? They unpack why we often feel pressure to “move on,” stay positive, or choose one emotion over the other—and how that pressure can actually deepen our pain. Through honest conversation, they show how grief can be a sign of love, how joy can still be real in the middle of loss, and why experiencing both doesn't mean you're confused or broken—it means you're human.You'll come away with practical ways to make room for both emotions: naming what you're carrying, releasing guilt for moments of laughter, and learning how presence—not perfection—helps you heal. If you're in a season where life feels both beautiful and hard, this episode offers language, permission, and hope.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott share 10 practical rules that strengthen a marriage over time—not quick fixes, but habits that build trust, safety, and friendship. They talk through what healthy couples do when life gets busy, tempers flare, or communication breaks down, and how small daily choices can either deepen connection or slowly create distance. You'll hear clear, doable takeaways on respect, repair after conflict, boundaries, expectations, and how to stay united as a team—so your relationship doesn't just survive, it grows.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott talk about the voice inside our head that's quick to judge, criticize, and replay our mistakes—and how it quietly shapes our confidence, relationships, and mental health. You'll learn practical ways to recognize your inner critic, interrupt unhelpful thought loops, and replace harsh self-talk with more honest, compassionate perspective. If you've been stuck in perfectionism, shame, or “I'm not enough” thinking, this conversation is a reset toward calmer self-leadership and healthier connection with others.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott talk about what kids are really learning from us—often without a single lecture. From how we handle stress and speak about ourselves to how we treat other caregivers and show our values, we explore the everyday moments that quietly shape a child's confidence, character, and sense of security.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Hobbies can be fun, exciting, stress and anxiety relieving.  Do you hobby and are your hobbies helping you relax?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Time is most precious of all the scarce resources as it is the one you cannot gain.  We will always only have 24 hours in a day and cannot gain more than another person.  How precious is time for you? How do you perceive your time? What is robbing you of your time?Come explore with us how time might be more precious than we think.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Fun is an important part of chilhood and adulting!  Let's talk about how it's ok to be playful!To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Is life fair or not?  Should we expect fairness? How do we deal with things that don't seem fair? To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Is your sleep part of the issue with your mental state? Your productivity? Your relationships?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. We often talk about how to start a year at this point, so today Rod and Scott discuss how to end the year instead. Consider how you intentionally end the year. Listen in for some conversation on the topic.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Rod and Scott talk about emotional presence during the holidays and how much of a gift this can be.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Rod and Scott discuss holiday blues as we continue deep into the holiday season.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today we discuss possible deeper meanings to the Holidays.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. How can we deal with all the stress of the Holidays?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Happy Thanksgiving!Do you have discussions during Thanksgiving or other holidays?  How can storytelling about our own story and family story build relationships and family?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Are hobbies good for you, or are they just distractions?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today, we discuss relationships and longevity.  Scott shares about his 33-year marriage and ideas to stay connected and in love.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Do you like change or do you shy away from it, or fear it altogether?  Today, we talk about life changes and how we can approach them.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Many times in relationship we might ask this question or suggest that we are the problem, and it may actually be true?  How do we know if it is?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today we talk on topic of emotional regulation for kids, although some of this may apply to adults as well.  To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Why might we avoid advice? Advice can be scary to give and receive sometimes.  Today we talk all about advice.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today, we discuss online gaming and the dangers that parents and kids may be unaware of. Let us know what you think in comments or email us with your story.  To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today we focus on raising kids. The book we use focuses on Boys, but the ideas presented can apply to all children.  To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today, we discuss some essential skills for adults to help with relationships.  These are skills everyone should possess and work to master.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. What are all the things that you "love"? Do you equate love with feelings or emotion? Join us as we discuss how "love" is not an emotion.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Let's talk about relationship maintenance! Like your car, your relationship needs to be maintained or it'll fall apart.  Listen in for what Rod and Scott say about maintaining your relationship.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Do you ever get frustrated as a parent? Listen in as Rod and Scott discuss how to deal with these situations.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today, we discuss security in relationships. To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Rod and Scott discuss how to engage more effectively with your children. To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Are these relationship killers present in your relationships?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Tune in to hear about how you can win in your relationships.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Join Rod and Scott as they explore about the four horsemen from a Gottman Institute Article. You can find the article here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Summer is in full swing, and it's time to recharge and prepare for the rest of the year. What do you do to recharge? Rod and Scott discuss some ways they recharge on today's episode, and some additional ways you might want to think about!To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. A short message for our listeners!To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Following up on the previous episode about what to say to your children, today we discuss what NOT to say.  To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Reflecting on Father's Day yesterday, Rod and Scott talk about what dads should pass on to their children.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. How easily do you make friends with adults? Rod and Scott explore this topic working off of their own experience moving around the country and starting over in new places.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Today, we discuss communication with our children. Are we creating a safe environment for them to talk to us?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Rod and Scott talk about how we are role models for our children, either for good or bad!To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.