Marriage Is Funny

The Season Eight Finale is here and Jessie + Gerard are using it to uncover the truth about why it’s ok to admit when your marriage isn’t perfect. Tune in for more details about our Grounded Marriage Summit and in the meantime, we’re wishing you a Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year!

The Peppers are pulling back the curtain for a behind the scenes look at their latest budgeting woes. As they give a debrief of episode from their recent interview with The Vreelands (Ep 101), you’ll hear them using financial goals and an “abundance mindset” as they try to whip their bank account(s) into shape.Want to learn more about growing together in Great Love? Join us at the Grounded Marriage Summit we’re hosting in Long Beach next February! With expert speakers and authentic Mexican food in the heart of Southern California, we promise it will be an event that you do NOT want to miss.

This week, we’re joined by our friends Lauren + Jeremy Vreeland! They recently paid off OVER 230K dollars of debt and we have enlisted their help with some of our own (less-noble) budgeting woes. Whether you’re looking for financial clarity OR wish your spouse would quit bugging out about your spending habits, these two have tons of insight and we are SO ready to learn the magic of their ways.Meanwhile, do you want to grow a relationship that’s rooted in Great Love? Join us in Long Beach for the Grounded Marriage Summit in Feb 2020!QUICK BITES: Looking for a naturopathic doctor who is located in Southern California? We’re both big fans of Lauren’s practice and if you happen to be a parent, she also does pediatrics!Curious about our past budgeting conversations? Check out episodes 22, 47 and 57 for more backstory.

Celebrating a BIG milestone on Marriage is Funny this week! We’re 100 episodes in and that means we’ve got plenty of stories to show for it. Tune in for a look back at how starting a podcast has saved our marriage and be sure to join in the discussion over in our private facebook group.Meanwhile, are you looking to grow a relationship that’s rooted in Great Love? Join us in Long Beach for the Grounded Marriage Summit in Feb 2020! Head to our site for more event info and click right here to support the show. ♥︎

Jessie + Gerard are sharing an exclusive debrief about their recent interview with marriage experts Les + Leslie Parrott. (Be sure to get the backstory in Episode 98 before you listen!) Hear about how we’re putting their advice into practice, and come share your thoughts about healthy conflict over in the MIF facebook group.Want to learn more about growing together in Great Love? Join us at the Grounded Marriage Summit we’re hosting in Long Beach next February! With expert speakers and authentic Mexican food in the heart of Southern California, we promise it will be an event that you do NOT want to miss.

This week, we’re joined by marriage experts and co-authors Les + Leslie Parrott! They are the brains (and hearts!) behind the Better Love marriage assessment, and this week we’ve enlisted their help with how to approach conflict in a healthy way. These two have massively shifted our perspective when it comes to fighting fair and you’ll love this episode if you want an excuse to send your partner to their room.Meanwhile, are you looking to grow a relationship that’s rooted in Great Love? Join us in Long Beach for the Grounded Marriage Summit in Feb 2020! Head to our site for more event info and click right here to support the show. ♥︎QUICK BITES:Follow Les + Leslie on instagram for marriage advice on the go!The Better Love marriage assessment is meant to help you love more deeply, every day.Books mentioned in this episode: The Good Fight, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, Healthy Me Healthy You (coming out in 2020)Learn more about The Parrotts and their upcoming events at lesandleslie.com!

Jessie + Gerard share a “sexy” debrief about their recent interview with friends Ron + Morgan Day Cecil. (Listen to Episode 96 for the backstory!) The result is an honest conversation about pursuing sex and intimacy in a healthy way, and if you’re interested in our new approach just head to romanceandadventure.com for details.To hear more from The Cecils and their deep well of wisdom, be sure to join us at the Grounded Marriage Summit that we’re hosting next February! Ron + Morgan will be speakers at the upcoming event, and we promise it’ll be an experience that you do not want to miss.

This week, we are joined by friends Ron + Morgan Day Cecil! They are the creators of a movement called Romance + Adventure and we have enlisted their help with our ongoing and sometimes wobbly quest for intimacy. Whether you’re seeking a deeper connection OR trying to wiggle your way out of a back-rub (ahem) these two are experts when it comes to heartfelt connection and we are SO ready to learn the magic of their ways.Meanwhile, do you want to grow a relationship that’s rooted in Great Love? Join us in Long Beach for the Grounded Marriage Summit in Feb 2020! Head to our site for more event info and click right here to support the show. ♥︎QUICK BITES:Book recommendations: The Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch, Intimacy And Desire by David Schnarch, Wired for Joy by Laurel Mellin.The miracle of love isn’t in the falling, it’s in the remaining. Morgan shares this quote with us as a reminder to keep making the choice, even though it’s not always easy!The Cecils remind us of the distinct importance of understanding, defining and communicating what we want by sharing it regularly (and openly) with our partner.Regardless of gender, remember that your sexual energies are meant to be complementary to one another and do not need to be identical.The person with the lower desire can “take back the lead” in order to feel empowered. The Cecils share a positive and proactive solution for couples who have libidos that land on completely different levels!Morgan explains why having “order” in the house is something that helps her feel free enough to get lost in a moment of passion. (Ron promptly begins clearing the space around her, just in case.)Talking about sex when we’re already laughing or having a good time together is what starts to normalize the conversation and remove potential triggers. Morgan reminds us to “Stay in the heart instead of letting ourselves get stuck in the head.”The Cecils teach us about brain state awareness. It is important to know that prioritizing personal growth is what allows you to show up for your partner as your true self. Relationships become dangerous when you to expect or rely on the other person to fix you.

Jessie + Gerard are sharing some behind-the-scenes thoughts on the recent interview with The Shinabargers and the result is a conversation filled with stories they’ve never told before on the show. Andre + Jeff are fellow podcasters and the duo behind a show called Love or Work. Make sure to tune in to episode 94 to get the backstory before you listen!Here’s the Dish:G shares more about giving up on professional ministry.J causes some bristling with her masculine energy.The Peppers share an upcoming chance to find great marriage mentors!Meanwhile, do you want to grow a marriage that’s rooted in Great Love? Join us in Long Beach for the Grounded Summit in Feb 2020! ♥︎

This week, we’re joined by Andre + Jeff Shinabarger! They are the hosts of a podcast that is aptly named “Love or Work” and we’re excited to get their advice about what it looks like to pursue both values at the very same time. Whether you’re trying to build a bookcase together or running a full-blown company with your spouse, these two are teaching us that healthy communication is at the heart of it all. Be sure to check out their show and come say hey on IG while you listen: @meetthepeppers + @loveorwork!Meanwhile, do you want to grow a marriage that’s rooted in Great Love? Join us in Long Beach for the Grounded Summit in Feb 2020! Head to our site for more event info and click right here to support the show! ♥︎

A marriage in isolation is a difficult place to thrive. The Peppers are back for Season Eight of the podcast, but this time they’re enlisting the help of some very wise friends! Tune in to hear about the upcoming episodes and find out how to attend the Grounded Marriage Summit in 2020!Tickets are going live TODAY and the early bird price is available until November 1st. Act now to hold your spot because space is limited and it’s going to be FUNNNNNNN.Don’t forget: go to GroundedMarriage.com for all the info!

This week, we’re learning that ideas are like rabbits... Leave them alone for five minutes and you’ll have way more than you bargained for. Jessie’s enormous pile of topics is causing a log-jam and it’s going to take a miracle (or a bonfire) to burn through the logistics of daily life in an effort to reconnect. We may be breaking the rules of our usual podcast format, but it’s taken us back to the original roots of this show.Do you want to grow a marriage that’s rooted in Great Love? Join us in Long Beach for the Grounded Summit in Feb 2020! ♥︎ A special thanks to ThirdLove + Native for making this episode possible. Check out our site to find out how to support the show! Quick Bites: As we game plan the house projects for our recent move, it has crowded out some of the things that are actually FUN to talk about.The Peppers stay connected through three specific things: Travel, Shared Projects + Heartfelt Conversations.Our Wheel of Fortune discussion gave us a chance to determine how to spend time together after we eat dinner.Gerard’s busy work schedule rears its ugly head yet again. Trigger Questions:Which partner is more of the conversational enthusiast?Share one topic you’d like to talk about with your partner from both the logistical and life-giving categories.How do you organize the list of things that you need (or want!) to talk about with your partner?

This week, we’re hashing out the meaning and the messes behind our recent anniversary gifts. Gerard makes a strong impression with something silky and then Jessie (accidentally) breaks his heart with a failed scavenger hunt.Thanks to Grounded (our Marriage Summit!) for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to join us in Long Beach on Feb 20-22, 2020 and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES:We stand by our warning about Summer weddings (and backsweat).The backstory about our flower failure is blooming yet again.The list of anniversary materials is helpful when you’re searching for the perfect gift.Gerard treats Jessie to the most luxurious way to sleep. We talked about her lost pillowcase earlier this season and now thankfully the silk situation has been solved.Jessie nearly burns Gerard’s face off with a new habanero “exfoliator.”Gerard’s hot sauce habit is something that jessie always appreciates at dinner time.Jessie wonders if she inspired the recent suitcase shenanigans by griping about Gerard’s unclaimed denim jacket.Birthdays (or really any special occasion) can be sticky situations when you come from different frames of reference... We’ve discussed this in the past but it remains to be a challenge!Trigger Questions:What is your fondest anniversary memory together?Have you ever had a “date night fail” or special occasion gone wrong?What is your favorite errand to run with your partner?

The Peppers have a long history with their favorite game show, but now they’re ready to take it to the next level by becoming official contestants. Jessie may know her way around a dictionary, but Gerard is the strategic gambler of the family. They both agree that Wheel of Fortune makes great background music for dinner, but weeknight quality time feels like a prize all on its own.Thanks to Ritual + Native Deodorant for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to learn more about our podcast partners and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES:We’re signing up to become Wheel of Fortune contestants!Jessie hates listening to Gerard’s mouth noises during dinner, so her solution is tuning in for the primetime game shows.Visual proof that game show presenters might be stronger than they look.Here’s a fun article about the Samsung v. Vanna White lawsuit.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:If you could be on any game show (past or current) which one would it be?Do you have any TV watching guidelines when it comes to quality time as a couple or as a family?Are you and your partner bold enough to leave the house in matching outfits? If not, which person usually ends up changing?

The Peppers are discussing backyard security after a raccoon tries to sneak in their bedroom window and an army of ants sets up camp in the kitchen. Tune in as they make a defense plan against household pests and the corresponding (stinky) antics.Thanks to Noom for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to learn more about our podcast partners and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES: Didn’t catch our past convos about Jessie’s ubiquitous Mercy Curse? You can catch up by listening to Episode 48 (termite trauma) + Episode 67 (spider woes).Here is the pet-safe and kid-safe bug repellent that Jessie tried... So far, the ant spray has not worked, but we’re hopeful about the fly traps.Bug-A-Salt 2.0 comes highly recommended from a gadget-centric friend.Gerard may claim to be a pacifist, but that has nothing to do with his vendetta against household pests.One of the many benefits to having super close neighbors is that they can easily pop over to help secure the perimeter in the middle of the night.Trigger Questions: What is the absolute worst pest infestation that you can possibly imagine?Have you ever been startled by an out-of-place animal at your home?What is your least favorite way to be woken up in the middle of the night?

The two recent earthquakes in Southern CA have kept The Peppers on their toes. A rumbling house has led Jessie to believe that they’re living on a fault line, while Gerard realizes that growing up in California didn’t really teach him very much about earthquakes.Relaxing on the 4th of July was interrupted by Jessie’s voice from upstairs AND the house shaking beneath their feet. (Verdict is still out on which of the two events might have caused the other to occur.)Tune in as they navigate the ins and outs of emergency preparedness and find out what to do amidst the corresponding marriage conflict.Thanks to OpenFit + ThirdLove for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to learn more about our podcast partners and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES:Gerard might be married to a psychic, but he has enough of his own powers to know that Jessie’s been a part of Team Nap all along.Following random bursts of inspiration during the occasional “cat think” is what leads Jessie to some of her best works.Doorframe or duck-and-cover? The Peppers try to decipher which is the best approach during a 45-second earth-shattering alarm.Gerard’s seismic past does not make him a convincing expert when it comes to tectonic activity.Jessie’s note to news reporters: Please refrain from using dumb words during a life or death experience!Gerard is not the only one who has a crush on lead seismologist Lucy Jones.Wonder what you’re actually supposed to do after surviving a natural disaster? Avoid screaming to conserve your energy, use text messages instead of phone calls, and always make sure your family knows the master plan.Jessie’s predisposition to conspiracy theories is very possibly going to turn her into a doomsday-prepper.Trigger Questions:Which partner is most likely to be overly prepared in the face of a natural disaster?Did you ever have to learn or practice any type of emergency drills as a kid?Design your perfect storm bunker together... don’t forget amenities, snack foods + entertainment!

Summertime certainly has it’s pros and cons, but The Peppers try to balance each other out while they cover the nitty-gritty. We’re celebrating the holiday with a special episode of the show and be sure to follow along on IG to see the real-time action from our festive neighborhood this week!Thanks to Cove for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to learn more about our podcast partners and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES:Jessie loves: Bae Days! Sand coasters, pool floats + sunscreen for all.Gerard loves: Cornhole Tournaments! Spoiler alert: he may have a trophy for his form, but don’t expect to see him in the finals anytime soon.Jessie loves: Fresh Produce! Sign us up for fruits + veggies for every meal.Because we know you’ll ask: Jessie is working on recipes for the blackberry feta dip and watermelon fizz this week and they will hopefully be posted over on Style + Pepper soon!Gerard loves: Sunset Happy Hours! A chance to connect with each other while he practices his mixology.Jessie loves: 4th of July Bloody Mary Bar! On our block, the festivities get kicked off with tons of fixings + flavor.Gerard loves: Horny Corner in Belmont Shore! Sand couches, beer hats, and more bikinis than you’ve seen all year.Jessie dislikes: Fireworks. They stress out the dog and you can hear about her past anxiety issues back in Episode 73.Gerard dislikes: Excessive Amounts Of Dog Hair. Might be time to get a Roomba? Either that, or Sadie needs to borrow the hair supplements we talked about last week.Jessie dislikes: Body Hair Maintenance. When you show more skin it means you have more surface area to shave.Gerard dislikes: Sweating In Bed. Our house without AC means a total lack of privacy and a robust fleet of fans.Gerard also dislikes: swarming flies. The key is to steer clear of the alley and keep all the screens closed.Jessie dislikes: Tourists. Specifically – sandy towels, illegal parking, and husbands who wear tank tops.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:What are your favorite and least favorite things about Summer?If you could only eat one fruit or veggie for the entire season, which one would it be and how would you prepare it?Men in tanks tops… Yes or No?

The Peppers recent move has majorly shifted ownership of the bathroom-counter real estate. Gerard is ready to revamp his grooming routine and is willing to accept help with the hair on his head AND his face.Meanwhile: Jessie wants straightening trays, but Gerard is concerned that it will drain their bank account. After having braces for nearly a decade, it seems like her little chompers should be as straight as they come.Finally, The Peppers discuss how investing in personal appearance can be balanced out by the other ways that they both save (or spend) their money. Jessie’s wrinkle cream currently takes up a decent percentage of the total amount, but her recent discovery in Mexico might be the way to cut corners on the cost.Tune in for post-game with the Peppers on Friday, June 28th at 5pm PT! Be sure to join the gang over there to hear all our juicy stories that didn’t make it onto the air.Thanks to Noom + Ritual for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to learn more about our podcast partners and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES:Our “June Boxes” have been retrieved and the corresponding toiletries are taking up some serious space in the breakdown of who gets which beauty cabinet.We’ve talked about our skincare regimen on several past episodes: sunscreen, wrinkles, and the best travel toiletries.Because we know you’ll ask: here is Jessie’s favorite exfoliator, the moisturizing serum that she gave Gerard, and the skin oil that combats facial redness.Gerard’s facial hair makes a repeat appearance (from both Ep 28 + Ep 67) on the show. Jessie admits that his beard-to-mullet ratio is one of the ways she determines her opinion of how he keeps his look.Is it a naturally high hairline or male pattern baldness? Either way, we’ve found a fix and now Gerard has a much healthier head of hair that is more full than when we met.Can extreme stress cause hair loss?

This week, The Peppers are trying to decide on colors AND quantities of their impending suitcase purchase(s). Jessie learns that Gerard is QUITE generous with his gift-giving, but certainly much stingier with his exit row on an airplane. Tune in for a lively recap of our latest listener-vacay to Mexico and we’ll send bonus points to anyone who can find us the bubbly water (and silk pillowcase) that we sadly left behind.We had SO much fun in the live FB hangout last week, so we’re doing another post-game recap on Wednesday, June 19th at 6pm PT! Be sure to join the gang for all our juicy stories that didn’t make it on the air.Meanwhile, thanks to Third Love + Care.com for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to learn more about our podcast partners and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES:Suitcase drama abounds. Scuffs! Torn corners! Sticky wheels, OH MY!There’s a bit of confusion about coupon expiration dates. What the statute of limitations when it comes to unclaimed gifts?The Peppers can’t seem to agree on this one: Are suitcases meant to be pristine or patina-ed?Jessie is tempted to match her new Away suitcase to her silk Pepper dress, but thankfully it appears as though Gerard has backed her off of that ledge.Currently looking for an attorney who is well-versed in special occasion coupons.If you’re looking for related conversations, you might enjoy our Summer Travel Series from 2017.Valentine’s Day has had it’s fair share of mishaps: gifts, dinner partiesSince when does the gift-giver decide how the giftee uses the gift?Gerard’s sunscreen habits rear their ugly head, yet again.A recap of the Great Love Getaway, including highlights + mishaps!The Peppers fess up about how to get away with a beach club birthday.Jessie’s favorite cocktail is set to take the world by storm but La Jessie Especial will always have roots in Puerto Vallarta.If anyone knows where to get Penafiel in the US, please let us know and we’ll love you forever!The Peppers have a history of smuggling things in from other countries, and Jessie narrowly avoids getting flagged on our latest Mexico trip. Her bags got searched multiple times in May, yet no one seems to care that her bag was full of suspicious items.Gerard encounters a nut-job on our recent Southwest flight. His pacifism finally has a reason to come into play, but it certainly doesn’t stop him from sticking up for our flight attendants.Trigger Questions: Have you ever accidentally regifted something to your spouse for a special occasion?How many suitcases do you think one avid traveler needs?What is the weirdest (or most dangerous) souvenir that you’ve ever brought home from a trip?Don’t forget to follow along with our adventures on instagram and if you’re having as much fun as we are, please share this show with your favorite married friends!

The Peppers have been living with Jessie’s family for five weeks, and let’s just say there are many reasons why they’re happy to finally be “pushed” out of the nest.There are plenty of pros and cons about having parental roommates but no matter how you slice it, the abundance of quality time takes the cake.We had SO much fun in the live hangout last week, we’re doing another post-game recap sometime this weekend! We’ll post it on instagram when we pick a date and time, and be sure to join the facebook group for all the juicy stories and behind the scenes dish!Thanks to Ritual + Noom for making this episode possible. ♥︎ Click right here to learn more about our podcast partners and head to our site for more info about how to support the show!QUICK BITES:Confused about our living status? Listen to Ep 83 for the backstory and to find out why we’ve been living like gypsies.The Peppers discuss the dangers of overstaying their welcome, and hope that their efforts of pitching in will make it easier to have them around.Gerard has gotten used to having a short-order cook and Jessie compulsively cleans the kitchen while everyone else rolls their eyes.Treating the family for dinner is not as easy as it sounds… most of the time our Dad’s are too savvy to let us snag the check!Jessie fesses up to being the microwave delinquent and Gerard gets heated about his in-law’s cabinet habits.Spoiler Alert! Gerard was right: There is a “THE” in front of Usual Suspects. Also, maybe skip this episode if you don’t want to ruin the movie?Jessie has spent the last several months figuring out how to survive as an introvert who has been thrust into non-stop family time.Martha + Ray have adopted The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but now the closet cast-offs seem to be clogging up the guest room.The Peppers finally realize that THEY are actually horning in on the lives of their gracious hosts. Guess that means it’s time to get going!Trigger Questions:Which partner’s family would be most easy for you to live with?Does your family have an obvious weirdo? (If you’re looking around, it might actually be you!)What is your favorite way to spend an unexpected burst of alone time?

In what could possibly be known as the longest-shortest move of all time, The Peppers have now (nearly) landed in the house across the street. This week they learned that leaving in a hurry is less than ideal, but that nothing says “home” like a block full of generous neighbors.There was SO much to say in the Season 7 premier, so we’re hosting a live post-game recap on Wednesday, June 5 at 5pm PT! Tune in to FB for some exclusive deleted scenes and in the meantime, get excited for the Marriage Summit that we announced for Spring 2020!Thanks to OpenFit + Warby Parker for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show.QUICK BITES:DISCLAIMER: Anything that might accidentally sound like legal advice in this episode is NOT actually legal advice.Jessie never wants to see another cardboard box as long as she lives, and you can find out why by reading this post about Love As Big As A House.The Pepper’s lose their home to a landlady with no heart, but they are trying to be gracious despite the desperate wishes to stay put.Jessie claims that she’s not planning on speaking to “the woman who shall not be named” but you can place your own over/under bets on how long it takes before they’ve officially made amends.Learn more about the magic of The Three Kings in Episode 21.This is not the first time that Jessie has had woes about moving her toiletries… Listen to Episode 16 for the backstory and say a prayer for her skincare if you think of it this Summer!No surprise here, but the generosity of our neighbors is one of the things that makes us so resistant to leave!The Peppers realize they’re second-guessing the security of having a real home-base. As usual, clinging to each other ends up being the best way to stay rooted in Great Love.Don’t forget to follow along with our adventures on instagram and if you’re having as much fun as we are, please share this show with your favorite married friends!

You’ve waited long enough for the newest season to arrive… This episode is a (very) quick recap of what we’ve been up to since December.Plus: don’t miss the official invite to celebrate our 4th “pod-iversary” with popsicles + Pepper Margs on Saturday!Quick Bites:The rumors are sadly true… earlier this year we had to pack up and move!We can hardly believe that Marriage is Funny turned four this week. Listen to our first episode for a throw back and be sure to stick around for the party details!Our recent Great Love Getaway might have been our best trip yet.We’d love to have you join us for a casual meet-up in Scottsdale this weekend! Click here to RSVPif you can make it.Mark your calendars for JUNE 5th because Gerard has generously “offered” to foot the bill for your OWN listener party!We missed you guys and are so glad to be back! Follow along with our day-to-day over on instagram and don’t forget to share this show with your favorite married friends!

This episode features an in-depth look at The Pepper’s end-of-year traditions. Jessie is on the fence about their big epiphany party plans next month but Gerard has ulterior motives because he loves her festive cooking. Pruning the garden happens in conjunction with pruning our calendars for 2019 and both can be painful if you don’t keep an eye out for the thorns.Thanks to PrepDish + Zola for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show. QUICK BITES:The backstory of our big Epiphany Party can be found by listening here. Our new year doesn’t technically begin until the day-after-party debrief, but hosting parties together is one of our favorite pasttimesDid you hear that our stove saga has been solved? Jessie’s new kitchen appliance has seriously changed the dinner-party game..Jessie’s grocery store pals make a reappearance from Episode 47.Purging the garage resulted in a loss of important paint cans.The infamous armoire has finally been around long enough that it needs to be snazzed up with some organization.Our mattress history gives some context about why a bedroom swap is impending.Gerard is in charge of our green thumb duties and follows pruning rules to a T when it comes to his show-stopping roses.We’ve purged our closets in the past, but lately this project has felt a little too bristly to feature on the show.Gerard’s busy work schedule has made it difficult to connect amidst an already very busy season.Travel has been a very big part of our relationship and we’re craving it as a chance to reconnect with one another. Hear more about our tips, tricks + justifications by listening to the Summer Travel Series from 2017.The new year is a great time for dream-lining, and you can listen to us practice that together back in Episode 35.Jessie launched a new business a few years ago and you can get the backstory from our archives and then take a peek at her website for more info.Get focused for the new year by checking out the Essentialism book right here.Here is a description of the Tim Ferriss Year in Review process that we typically follow for our pre-January pow-wow.Listen to the tear-jerking episode that provoked the latest one-star review.

Whether it’s broken furniture or the deconstruction of someone’s faith, The Peppers always try to take an approach that is as forgiving as possible.Thanks to PrepDish, Minted + Songfinch for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show. QUICK BITES: Sadly, our annual end-of-the-year purge resulted in a heartbreaking smash of broken glass.Curious about what the broken table might sell for? Prepare to have your jaw drop open here and then please come help scrape Jessie off the floor.Our affinity for Craigslist runs several seasons deep. Proof: The infamous Goodwill armoire + our usual pre-move prep.Episode 73 will explain why Sadie is hard to calm down when Jessie is around.Spite cleaning. Is that a thing?Haste makes waste, especially when it comes to glass. An homage to Ep 44: Wine glasses are not meant to be washed by hand.Our time together is short these days, and that makes every conversation feel too precious for arguing.Jessie’s spiritual life has been transformed by the book Centering Prayer And Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault.Welcoming Prayer involves these three steps: identifying your emotion, welcoming the emotion, and then letting the emotion go.Looking for a cool coffee shop in downtown KC? Say hey to our friends at Monarch, and please be sure to tell them we sent you.Gerard brings up his updated stance on pacifism and you can hear us talk more about it in Episode 49: Pacifists Fight With Puns Not Guns.Listen to the Liturgist podcast episode about mysticism to hear what inspired Jessie’s extra dose of insight. TRIGGER QUESTIONS: 1.) Is there a favorite book that you find yourself regularly recommending to others?2.) Which piece of furniture in your house holds the strongest sentimental value?3.) Do you think it’s possible to forgive someone before they’ve apologized for their misstep?4.) Have you ever been hurt by what Gerard labels ‘reckless faith’?

Jessie is concerned about the health of the family car while Gerard is wishing that she’d buck up and take care of it herself. With additional hardware issues to solve at home, the Peppers admittedly have some tech troubleshooting to do.Thanks to PrepDish, Songfinch + our own Great Love Goods for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show. QUICK BITES: A quick read for anyone who is curious about the epic downfall of the mighty Saab.Jessie borrowed the “damsel” slogan from one of her favorite podcasts called You Made It Weird.Our strong phone preferences have been previously documented and the individual assertions still stand.TRIGGER QUESTIONS: Who feels more comfortable handling mechanical issues at home: you or your partner?Have you ever been talked-down-to by someone who was hired to help with a technical task?Can you think of any chores that you typically prefer to do with your partner’s help?

The Peppers are finally whipping up some homemade hot sauce for their neighborhood Christmas gifts this year. Gerard wants to invent his very own recipe and Jessie is having deja vu about the last time they took a stab at it. Once you listen to this week’s show, be sure to check out the launch of our latest project called Let’s Taco ‘Bout God!Thanks to PrepDish + Songfinch for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show.QUICK BITES:You’re probably not surprised by how much The Peppers LOVE hot sauce. We talked about it on the show a few years ago, and now Gerard is ready to give it another shot.Gerard wants to use this recipe, but hopes that Jessie can add her own dose of creative flavor. Sounds like grilled pineapple is going to be the secret ingredient, which means that G will have to do the taste testing all by himself.Jessie’s sugar-free grain-free granola is a seasonal adaptation of this simple recipe.Become a hot sauce ninja by keeping these tiny cholula packets nearby at all times.Curious about the official scoville rating system? Check out this handy chart to keep your spice levels in check.Check out the launch of Gerard’s latest project! It’s called Let’s Taco ‘Bout God and you won’t want to miss it.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:If you could deliver one thing to your neighbors for a holiday gift, what would it be?How do you feel about the art of re-gifting?What is the spiciest thing that you’ve ever eaten?

A special episode of Marriage is Funny where The Peppers talk all about houseguests… having them, being them + what to do when they take over your lives from now until January 1st. Gerard + Jessie give some helpful tips when it comes to managing expectations, and making your home a great place to host guests.Thanks to PrepDish, Ritual + Zola or making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show.QUICK BITES:The Peppers have simplified their holiday plans by letting things fall into place around the plans of other family members.We gave a rundown of our usual Thanksgiving approach in last years episode: Rule 066 | Spontaneous Combustion Is No Laughing Matter.We no longer have the “Friendsgiving” excuse for not being with our own families around the holidays, and now have to be a bit more careful about hurting the feelings of our own parents.One way to alleviate “Family FOMO” is to make sure that the partner who’s away from their family during a holiday gets some extra TLC by choosing at least a few of the holiday traditions.Being regular houseguests has helped us learn how to be better hosts. We have a handful of favorite things about staying with friends + family, so take a listen to the comprehensive list as a way to make your home an extra cozy nest for guests.Houseguest-HOSTING TIPS from the PeppersComfy cozy bed. Fill your duvet covers with TWO comforters to make things extra luxurious.Temperature control. Let your guests have their say with the thermostat.Coffee Set-up. Everyone has a strong opinion about this one, but supplying the caffeine basics will make a significant difference.Give A Grand Tour. Bathrooms, parking, entrances, kitchen cupboards, etc.Water Access. Give a head’s up on things like faucets, filters, or bottled.Wi-fi Log In. Put the network name and password in a prominent place.Plunger Placement. Bathroom supplies should be easy to find and fully stocked at all times.Room Layout. Don’t clutter the space with too much of your own stuff.Preferred Linens. Decent sheets + towels go a very long way.Gerard’s Holiday Family-Time PlaybookThe Traditional Trade — Alternating years and/or actual occasions. Use the predictability of it to manage expectations.The Marathon — Hitting all houses and invites in order to make everyone happy. Bonus points if you get pie at every stop.The Wild Card — Do whatever the hell you want and don’t worry too much about breaking tradition. Perfect opportunity for visiting friends or taking a private vacation, but deliver the news carefully to avoid hurting feelings.The Home Team Advantage — Become a real adult by hosting the holiday on your own turf. Stay mindful of group dynamics and don’t be surprised by a random mix of people.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:Have you ever felt “Family FOMO” when spending a holiday away from your parents + siblings?What are the top three details that you appreciate when being a houseguest?Do you have any things that you are too grossed out to share with your spouse?

The Peppers decide to go rogue by getting serious and breaking some rules. Gerard claims that his full plate has left no room for quality time, while Jessie admits that she’s been craving connection amidst a dry spell. This episode is a very honest look at how to (barely) survive a difficult season of marriage.Thanks to PrepDish, Minted + Follain or making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show.QUICK BITES:Jump way back to Episode 1 to hear how our nearly-broken marriage inspired us to start this show in the first place.Having support from the original Great Love Gangsters has been one of the things that has ultimately kept us going. We would love to connect you with your own crew of couples, so sign up right here to get involved!We’ve talked about busy work schedules before and you can listen back to Episode 56 for some context.Gerard hasn’t always been a workaholic, but he now understands the danger of stepping foot on the slippery slope.Shared projects are important to us, but sometimes the timing tends to backfire if both partners aren’t on the same page. Back in Episode 37, we talk about creating and serving and encouraging others together, but protecting quality time is always our first priority.We’ve reached the homestretch when it comes to busy schedules, and holding on a little longer is the only hope we have!Our past experiences with seeing professional counselors have not gone as well as you might think… Feel free to listen to the story of The Narcoleptic Therapist right here.Throughout this episode, we discovered a handful of phrases that help when said to your partner... “I miss you.” / “We can do this.” / “I want to be better.” (Feel free to steal your favorite or use all three.)Jessie sneaks up on Gerard all the time and you can follow along with the shenanigans over on IG stories.Jessie’s Tips For Following Through On Projects:Test for success before you invest.Know when a project should be shelved for later.Give yourself grace when something fails.Having an outside voice provides perspective.How to talk to difficult people about politics:(AKA Our Re-do from Episode 75)Do your research about both sides of the issue.Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.Learn how to present a compelling argument.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:What is one way that you and your partner could connect with each other through playfulness this week?How many hours did you and your spend working and/or parenting this week? How does that compare with the time you’ve spent focusing on your spouse?Do you and your partner have another couple who you can ask for prayer or advice or encouragement when things get tough?

Jessie accidentally hops on the “true crime” bandwagon and Gerard agrees that some of their media consumption is concerning. In this episode, The Peppers discuss everything from sex to drugs to murder, so you may not want to listen with your kids in the room.Thanks to PrepDish, Minted + Audible or making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show. QUICK BITES: So many true crime mentions from this episode: Serial, NBC’s Dateline, Dirty John, and many more!Haven’t caught up on The Pepper’s cross-country trip? Check out Episode 10 to hear about our coast to coast adventure!Jessie has talked about her skittish nature on the show before. Episode 27 was when we documented her mild paranoia and the drama that ensued after she dove through a window.Connie Britton is Jessie’s crush of the week.Take a look at the Peppers neighborhood by watching Dexter + CSI: Miami!Bravo is launching a new scripted series called Dirty John (based on the popular podcast) and some of the taping took place on our very block!My Favorite Murder is one of the leading true crime podcasts that Jessie mentions, much to Gerard’s dismay.This article inspired the original Dirty John deep-dive and was written for the Los Angeles Times by Christopher Goffard.The Girl On The Train + Gone Girl are two of the books that increased Jessie’s appetite for mystery.Grab the Overdrive app to read your LIbrary’s books for free!Making A Murderer is Gerard’s exception when it comes to true crime TV that features blood or gore. Fictional shows are another story, and in this category he has watched The Sinner, Yellowstone, Breaking Bad + House of Cards.The Peppers both enjoyed Weeds + Ozark which we promise are only coincidentally about drugs.We last discussed our distinct TV preferences back in Episode 56. (The front runner is still a show called Big Little Lies: a mini series based on the book by Liane Moriarty.)TRIGGER QUESTIONS: What is the best mystery you’ve ever read?Have you ever gotten sucked into a show, series or book about something dark or disturbing?Do you ever feel concerned about the kinds of media that your partner consumes?

We’re talking about politics and it’s just in time for the midterm elections. Facebook-Gerard is glad to be back but Uncensored-Jessie is unsure about his arrival. Social media may cause a sense of split-personalities but apparently, it’s even harder to for these two to agree on important condiment decisions as a family.Thanks to PrepDish + Season for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show.QUICK BITES:It’s high time to revisit some of the things that we talked about in Episode 27. (Pretty funny to the last time we tried to tackle a similar subject, pre-Trump.)Gerard explains how digiphrenia has been a very real experience for him. If you’d like to learn more, we recommend the book Present Shock by Douglas Rushkoff.The infamous FB post has since been deleted, but Gerard’s sentiment remains the same and Jessie happens to agree.Tearing down someone’s character is an unfair and ineffective way to win an argument online. (Especially if you’re attacking someone who is married to a collegiate-champion debate captain.)We’re looking for ways to have real-life chats with people about what they believe, but we promise not to ruin the evening if you end up having us over for dinner.Pacifism resurfaces in the form of a lurking husband that is covered in camouflage... We talked about this last (minus the weeds and the machete) back in Episode 49.Gerard’s edgy approach to twitter has created conflict in our midst and it’s something that that gets Jessie riled up about, even after a full year has passed.The podcast called “I love you, but I hate your politics” has been broadening our perspective of what it means to love someone who may be on the opposite side of the aisle.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:Who’s more political on social media -- you or your partner?How does it make you feel when your partner posts about something online that you happen to disagree with?Have you ever made a joke (either in person or online) that got taken out of context?

The Peppers discuss the distinct value of having a group of friends who can love you despite the occasional need for an honest debrief. Gerard asserts that drinking scotch with dudes makes a great backdrop for discussing scripture* while Jessie agrees that having close friendships are a key element to the pursuit of Great Love. Their conversation proves that gender stereotypes do not matter when it comes to communication and despite some overanalyzing, the two learn a ton from completing the full-loop together.*No confidentiality codes were harmed in the making of this episode.Thanks to PrepDish, Ritual + Follain for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show. QUICK BITES:Jessie + Gerard have very different approaches when it comes to walking into a party. Take the Strengthsfinder test to find out if you’re a woo or a relator.Men deal with chronic loneliness more than most people might think. Gerard referenced this piece about masculinity after telling about the men’s retreat that he went on with our church. → “What’s the problem with men in America?”Venting is not an excuse to slap the other person across the face with an insult, it’s about releasing of internal pressure and understanding each other more fully.Take a peek at the full definition of the term triangulation to find out if it could be something that happens in your own marriage.Jessie is a stickler for restaurant service, but she sometimes needs some help when it comes to speaking her mind.Gerard vents his work frustrations when he gets home from work, and Jessie is keen to let him so that they can get it out of the way and get on with their evenings.Using a protective forcefield is key when your partner needs to share but you don’t want your feelings to get hurt. Whether it’s a preface or a footnote: give your partner a head’s up before you launch into a diatribe.Being honest with each other about faith has been something that tends to trip us up when it comes to venting. Waiting until the other person is open to receiving the feedback is the only way we’ve been able to navigate this space, but it’s tempting to blurt things out before your partner is ready to talk.We loved reading The Zim Zum of Love to get a better idea of the connection between us... The idea is this: Marriage is like a magnetic force that deserves to be protected. TRIGGER QUESTIONS:Do you consider yourself to be more of a woo or a relator?If the the wrong meal gets delivered to you at a restaurant, are you more likely to send back your food or just eat it anyway?How would you describe the difference between venting and complaining?Who are the people in your life that provide space for accountability and emotional safety?

This week, Gerard + Jessie learn that sympathy pains can extend from partner to partner, as well as from person to pet. Appliance anxiety causes destruction at Casa de Pepper and the whole family is shocked that no one actually got shocked. Depression isn’t always easy to talk about, but it’s important to tell your spouse how you feel for the sake of boosting the overall (mental) health of the marriage.Thanks to PrepDish, Thrive Market + Amazon for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show.QUICK BITES:Jessie and Sadie suffer from sympathy pains in everything from back pain to misophonia to general anxiety.We are trying to figure out the best ways to keep our girl calm, and these herbal pills and CBD drops are starting to help. We loved this podcast episode about separation anxiety and are thinking about getting Sadie a thundershirt for any noisy holiday nights.Jessie is pumped about the new Thrive Market clean wines + Gerard gets on board with the sustainable meat + seafood section!Sadie’s anxiety started with Summer fireworks, but we’re hoping that it stops at the infamous attack of our air conditioning unit.The Peppers try to decide if electricity can scramble someone’s mental health. Are there any scientists in the audience who would like to weigh in?Jessie shares about her struggles with anxiety + depression and wants the Gang to know that they can find hope in healing. Three things that have helped with her own personal progress: Studying self awareness, designing her life around alignment, and embracing spirituality in a wholehearted way.Please be careful of adverse reactions in pet vaccines! This has happened to us twice, and thankfully never resulted in the loss of any furbabies. (A related warning to our local friends: Don’t EVER take your animals to the Long Beach ER Vet on PCH + Ximeno.)Jessie’s new Amazon-fueled guilty pleasures: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and sugar-free dark chocolate chips.A Henri Nouwen quote that is encouraging us this week: “As soon as we feel at home in our own house, discovering the dark corners as well as the light spots, the closed doors as well as the drafty rooms, our confusion will evaporate and our anxiety will diminish and we will then become capable of creative work.” -- From The Wounded Healer.The podcast Jen Gotch is OK… Sometimes is a great resource if you’d like to listen to someone share their personal experience, and she also gives tons of info and resources about mental health.For anyone who’s been told, “If you’re sad, just pray about it,” we are here to assure you that God is fully ready and willing to sit with you in your pain. Jessie has taken a deep look at how her sense of spirituality helps her operate in the world, and this approach has made a significant difference in her overall wellbeing.Gerard describes his experience of worry and stress and how they both pertain to his own emotions. There are distinct differences between anxiety and depression, especially when it comes to clinical and situational settings.Knowing how to support your partner during a difficult time is the key to pulling through the depths together, in one piece. Jessie learns that her attempt at coaching Gerard is not always well-received, so The Peppers get honest about what either one wants when they happen to be feeling low.Jessie is a big fan of practicing gratitude daily and has evidence to show as to why it helps keep anxiety at bay. TLDR: Filling your brain with good stuff will leave less room for the things that brings you stress.This week’s MIF Mailbag highlights a listener question about how to support your spouse during a bout of depression… Gerard relies on something that we call “redirection” and it’s become a very effective tool to help pull someone out of a funk.Distraction Disclaimer: This is not the same as avoiding or ignoring your problems, and it’s far more about giving the other person the choice to get pulled out of their “well” as you help them climb up to safety.The bottom line is that asking your partner, “What do you need in this moment?” is often the best way to find out which way to go next.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:1.) Do you ever get sympathy pains when your partner is uncomfortable?2.) Have you ever tried a gratitude practice? Do you believe that it would help you in a moment of stress?3.) What do you typically want or need from your spouse when you’re feeling down in the dumps?

This week, The Peppers learn that it’s hard to claim accuracy if you can’t quite remember the details. Gerard admits to correcting Jessie more than he should and Jessie admits that she only exaggerates when it’s truly necessary.Thanks to PrepDish, Thrive Market + RX Bar for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors and head to our site for more info about how to support the show.EXTRA NOTE: We are donating all of the profits from this episode to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Feel free to join us if this cause is also near to your heart!QUICK BITES:Jessie is closely following the career of Brian Williams. His career may be tarnished, but her admiration is unwavering.Check out the clip of that fateful Letterman episode here. (Jessie cannot watch without hiding her eyes.)Sneak a peek of the new photos we took with Christa and be sure to check out her work if you’re local!The Peppers cannot seem to agree on the details of how they met. Is this a case of basic stubbornness or simply the fading memory of an avid storyteller?Gerard listened to a podcast about memory that is making him question his “flashbulb moments.” This discussion causes both Peppers to ponder how our memories change as we get farther away from them.Envelopes = danger. Licking them is a sticky business.Alzheimers is a real bitch. Donate here to support research for a cure. We’re giving all the proceeds from this episode and would love to have you join us!Listen to Malcolm Gladwell’s “Free Brian Williams” episode of Revisionist History.The Notebook opened the floodgates of Jessie’s tearducts and Gerard has been puzzled about this for the past 13 years.MIF MAILBAG: This week we share tips about moving houses with your spouse! Hiring movers, how to pack, and who to call when you’re up to your ears in boxes.Listen to past episodes about furniture and purging for extra suggestions and we’ll try to share a house tour over on instastories soon!TRIGGER QUESTIONS:How long do you have to know somebody before you consider them a true friend?Do you and your partner agree on all the details of your wedding? Guest count, dinner menu, playlist, etc?Can you remember what your partner was wearing the first time you both met?

The Peppers are spicing things up in the kitchen while also trying to save up for some serious upgrades. Jessie insists that cooking shows are what keep her feeling inspired and Gerard admits their new diet is improving his cooking and his confidence!Thanks to PrepDish, Casper + Amazon for making this episode possible! Click right here to learn more about our sponsors.QUICK BITES:Gerard wants Jessie to be a contestant on Masterchef, but Jessie fears that her baking insufficiencies (among other things) will prevent her from making it to the first cut.Jessie shamelessly admits to her plan for trying to befriend Joe Bastianich as a way to get to his mother.Gerard is proud that his wife is doing her research before making a big purchase. Time to bust out the Consumer Reports in order to get the best deals on a new appliance!We learn that Amazon is the best place to buy a new appliance… Who knew?!Jessie shares three tips for stove shopping: Try before you buy, always ask for a price cut (obv), and avoid the warranty by purchasing a nicer model to begin with.Here is the fancy SMEG oven that is worth daydreaming about.Jessie is an aggressive saver if she has a goal to aim for, while Gerard likes to gradually set money aside so that he can shop whenever he feels like it.We’re obsessed with our new Misen cooking knives.Gerard shows off his proficiency for imitating The Swedish Chef.PrepDish is making us both feel more confident in the kitchen, while Primal Blueprint is revving up our metabolisms and making us more conscious of what we eat.It’s true that switching things up in the kitchen is a great way to increase your creativity throughout the day!We couldn’t live without our bulletproof coffee in the morning… Gerard uses grass-fed ghee + Jessie blends hers with MCT oil. The help of a new immersion blender has drastically changed the deliciousness of both!We are bringing back the MIF Mailbag segment so send in your questions if you want us to answer them on the air! This week, we chat about keeping “the cushion” healthy and also share some thoughts about welcoming a new child into the home.TRIGGER QUESTIONS:1.) Who is your all-time favorite person to cook with in the kitchen?2.) Are you more likely to splurge for an appliance warranty OR spend more upfront on a more reliable option?3.) What is the one kitchen gadget that you would not be able to live without?

We're finally back and so excited to start podcasting again! Look out for the official launch of Season Six on October 3rd, and help us spread teh word by telling your friends!

The Peppers begin to realize that one of them is a party animal and the other one usually tries to sneak out early with an Irish Goodbye. Jessie tries to explain her fitness-overdose to Gerard, but she ends up feeling both physically and emotionally tender. (So, of course this means we're talking about it.) Ps. - Want to come on vacation with us? We’re headed to Mexico with some of our favorite listeners, and you can find all the info at greatlovegetaway.com! QUICK BITES: Gerard brings up a new social trend that he’s noticed lately, and Jessie defends herself against an accusation of ghosting.Jessie tried to make a case for skipping Gerard’s company Christmas party this year, but the allure of getting dressed up got her out of the house.Our annual 12-hour party is right around the corner and you can hear about the backstory of all things epiphany back in Episode 21.Some couples have a safe word in the bedroom, but we are instituting a safe word for various preferences within social settings.Tone it Up is the at-home workout program that has whipped Jessie’s butt into shape over the past several months.The Peppers recently purged their closets (episode 65) and had somewhat surprisingly different reactions to trying on all of their clothes. Gerard has a hard time understanding Jessie’s deep seated body insecurities. We talked about bikinis back in episode 7, but Jessie still puts a lot of stock in how Gerard sees her outward appearance.The Pepper Dress that Jessie launched earlier this year was born from the desire to wear something that makes her feel beautiful despite the bloat.Letting your most shameful bits show can bring a ton of healing if it’s done correctly. A particular instagram post by Jen Gotch provided a ton of inspiration for Jessie this week.Jessie is sick of standing in front of the mirror alone, so she’s starting a new podcast instead of a support group. Stay tuned here. Jessie’s chronic pain (episode 33) can be confusing when it comes to feeling healthy vs. looking healthy, but she's trying to be better about discerning between the two.

QUICK BITES: Jessie's festive "bobsled cocktail" recipe can be found here. Follow our holiday antics on instagram while we're away.Get involved with the show by checking out the t-shirts and letterpress prints in our shop!Try episode 23 if you like rollerblades and episode 38 if you are particular about the proper way to hold hands. Gerard's least favorite episode involves the story of how he split his pants on vacation. Jessie admits that it will probably be her gift-wrapping entertainment for this week. We're headed to Puerto Vallarta for our next Great Love Getaway in April 2018. Grab a ticket and surprise your sweetie pie with a tropical vacation for Christmas! We're reminded that no marriage is perfect, which means there is no such thing as the perfect husband OR the perfect wife. Unless you're talking about a podcast, then here she is.We've heard from our listeners about chronic pain, not having kids, sleeping in separate beds, sleeping in separate cities, armoires, birthday slip-ups and so much more. Join our private FB group to keep in touch! Leave your feedback about our show in the form of an iTunes review and don't worry about Jessie's feelings, because we've got a big goal to reach!

This week, The Peppers try to decide which room of the house is best for watching tv, eating dinner, making love + falling asleep (in no particular order). Gerard claims that more pixels will keep him awake while they snuggle, and Jessie spins her wheels trying to decode their varying personality types.Ps. - Want to come on vacation with us? We’re headed to Mexico with some of our favorite listeners, and you can find all the info at greatlovegetaway.com!QUICK BITES:We talked about our TV watching habits back in Episode 44 and you won’t be surprised to find out that not much has changed.Gerard falls asleep approximately 13.5 seconds after getting into bed... for TV watching, for naps, and probably even for sex.Jessie wonders if watching heartfelt shows with each other can create as much as a connection as actually having heartfelt conversationsGerard thinks that watching TV outside of the bedroom will keep him from falling asleep in the middle of a show. Especially if it involves some sort of fancy projector screen so that we don’t have to ruin the decor in our front room.Jessie finally concedes to Gerard in an argument for the very first time in MIF history.We recently watched The Christmas Story and Gerard slept for almost the entire film. Jessie was annoyed, but now she finally understands all of the inside jokes about fragile leg lamps.This episode has us shamelessly processing our possible Enneagram numbers, and you can take this free test to find your own. Jessie also recommends a book called The Road Back to You and the corresponding podcast of the same name.Studying our Strengths has been an eye-opening way to learn more about each other’s inner world.Jessie’s family plays Balderdash with a political (and incorrect) spin but despite their annoying habit, we still really like the original game.Episode 43 of the Sorta Awesome podcast is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Myers-Briggs test.

Jessie unlocks the key to manipulation by taping a magazine tear to the front of the fridge. Now the Peppers are considering a brand new brewing contraption and Gerard’s recent facial hair makes him the perfect candidate for a Chemex. Neither partner can decide on the best approach to pest control, but Jessie's recent spider run-in is causing some extra urgency.QUICK BITES: Jessie has chronicled her morning routine before, and you can see the full story in photos right over here.Our current coffee set up includes a Nespresso Pixie, Jessie's electric tea kettle + a big jar of instant coffee. (She also adds monkfruit sweetener, marine collagen, peppermint essential oil + powdered coconut creamer.)A Trader Joe’s guy gets judgey about Jessie’s lackluster brewing preferences so she decides to get a new milk frother to replace her hand-held version that keeps breaking.If you’re ever in Long Beach, please try the americano with home made coconut milk from Rose Park Roasters.Jessie survives a spider attack and this fuels her fear of creepy crawlers in the house. The familiar Mercy Curse from Episode 48 rears it’s ugly head, yet again.Get the same spider repellant packets that we talk about in this episode and join the ranks of sensitive people who oppose insect genocide. 

Jessie admits her anxiety around family holiday dinners + Gerard begins to realize that both Peppers have far too much on their plates.Don’t forget that we’ll send you a letterpress print when you post a photo to social media with the tags @meetthepeppers / #marriageisfunny but just make sure to send us the screenshot before the end of 2017!Ps. - Want to come on vacation with us? We’re headed to Mexico with some of our favorite listeners, and you can find all the info at greatlovegetaway.com!QUICK BITES: Jessie is still perplexed about the confusion around her dietary restrictions. Listen back to Episode 6 for a funny example of the last misunderstanding.We’ve spoken before about feeling like a guest at your in-laws house, but Gerard explains that he sometimes has to hang back in order to make it work.Jessie’s famous healthy lasagna recipe is really just a mashup of the following: eggplant “noodles”, tomato sauce, your cheese of choice, cooked spinach, black olives, artichoke hearts, and plenty of herbs/spices. Bake for 45 mins at 375 degrees and sprinkle with parm + crushed red peppers.Listen to this refresher of our Epiphany set up back in Episode 21.Jessie makes this sugar-free version of cranberry sauce every year for Thanksgiving... There is still a large leftover vat in our fridge, but she’s somehow convinced that it was a huge hit.If you’re curious about the house church movement that our community is following, feel free to check out the book Multiply by Francis Chan.

The Peppers have opposing feelings about their favorite winter drinks, but both are highly averse to Christmas music that plays before December. Jessie tries to rally for a “pre-decoration purge” but her motives come to light when she claims the garage as her future Season Headquarters.Don’t forget that we’ll send you a letterpress print when you post a photo to social media with the tags @meetthepeppers / #marriageisfunny but just make sure to send us the screenshot before the end of 2017!Ps. - Want to come on vacation with us in April? We’re headed to Mexico with some of our favorite listeners, and you can find all the info at greatlovegetaway.com!QUICK BITES:Jessie’s Official Bobsled Recipe: Prepare our favorite healthy hot cocoa mix (according to the package) and then add a generous glug of peppermint shnapps to spice things up. Add a festive travel mug and you’ve got yourself a party on ice skates!The Little Drummer Boy Challenge is being officially extended to our Great Love Gang. Find the rules and play along on the thread in our FB group. (Here’s a pro-tip: Don't listen to the Pentatonix Christmas Album without skipping the first song.)Feel free to get yourself a nativity scene and copy our orthodox version of elf-on-the-shelf.The used paint cans have GOT to go because the stock for Jessie’s ethical apparel line is getting ready to take over our humble garage.Time to bust out the Marie Kondo Method like we did in our last episode about minimalism. Back then we were just dipping our toes in the water, and now we’re ready to dive in head first.Gerard proposes a phased approach to getting festive, but insists on beating the neighbors by getting our lights up first.

QUICK BITES: + Gerard has been working nearly around the clock and Jessie is trying to be a good sport amidst the crazy schedule. Listen to another surprisingly accurate sports reference in Episode 33, where we chat about living with chronic pain + college basketball.+ Past birthday hurts propel most of Gerard’s decisions on taking PTO days celebrate, but everything goes out the window when he lets work-stress take over his week.+ Being overwhelmed about work feels oddly (and unfortunately) familiar to both of the Peppers. Listen to another episode about Gerard’s perpetually crammed calendar and then hear what happens when Jessie eventually turns into a work widow.+ Jessie has a rage black out when Gerard lapses on his husbandly-duties, but Gerard is quick to forgive because the apology was sincere.+ Emojis and iMessages are no longer healthy elements of our communication, but hashing out our cell phone preferences has oddly seemed to help.+ Gerard has spoken about his unhealthy cell phone relationship on the show twice before and now it’s apparent that his struggle is an annual thing.+ Identity theft is a valid concern for Jessie (something she happens to share with this past podcast guest), but Gerard brings a dose of reality that finally gets her back on track. TRIGGER QUESTIONS:1.) What is one thing that you'd like to receive more grace about from your partner this week?2.) What are some of the actual symptoms that help you recognize when your spouse is stressed out?3.) Which partner is more paranoid about things like identity fraud and conspiracy theories?

Still no plans to have kids of our own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t put our (amateur) parenting skills to good use. Jessie gives Gerard a pep talk while he processes his emotions, and we both resolve to be better about arguing with generous amounts of grace. QUICK BITES: Looking for the backstory on our parenting status? Ep 40 is where we dig in to the personal decision that we get asked about at LEAST twice a week. Jessie recently opened up in a blog post about motherhood doubts from an intentional non-mom. We’re excited about the short-term voluntary care organization that we volunteer with, and you should definitely check to see if there is a Safe Families chapter in your area! Gerard comes clean about a WIDE range of emotions: sadness, relief, guilt, confusion… We’ve both changed our minds at least once throughout this process, but wholeheartedly agree that being generous is our priority. We've learned that accepting help from our church family has been the only way to survive our first care-taking placement. Gerard has a propensity for correcting Jessie when she gives inaccurate statements. There are “no buts” about the fact that arguing fairly requires a willingness to be wrong every once in awhile. Saying "YES, AND" is a very useful marriage tip when communicating with your partner -- Whether you’re playing an actual improv game or decided where to go for dinner, we highly recommend agreeing with each other as a way to move the moment forward.

Jessie admits to a birthday wishlist that is “dirtier” than most, and Gerard is determined to wiggle out of cleaning the house. Conflict bubbles up from the home management department and both Peppers decide to toss the “honey do’s” straight into the compost pile.

We’re back for Season Five with lots of fun stuff to tell you! First -- tune in for a BIG announcement about our next Great Love Getaway in Puerto Vallarta, and then head to our vacation page to find out how to join us on the trip. This week’s show is a story-filled recap of everything we learned on our anniversary trip to Morocco, Spain + Portugal in September. Adventure lovers will learn from our silly mistakes and seasoned travelers will laugh at all the ridiculous blunders... A must-listen for anyone who missed our insta-stories and is dying to hear (or willing to tolerate) the full rundown.   Meanwhile -- we’re so excited to be back for another season and thank you so much to our generous Great Love Gang who is making this show possible! Find out how to get involved on the support page of our site and don’t forget to come hang out on twitter and instagram while you listen! QUICK BITES: Check out the highlights of our Summer Travel Series for the full itinerary and all of our BEST adventure tips. If Tomorrow Gerard has a problem, then Tomorrow Jessie has a problem too. (Unfortunately, Today Gerard likes to save money without thinking of the consequences and that can sometimes cause a lot of problems for both of them.) Jessie’s new favorite travel sleeping contraption is called a trtl pillow and the irony of that name is not lost on either one of us. The Peppers packed for two whole weeks in just two tiny carry-ons! Proof that when you pair a stylist with an actuary, they can combine their packing powers for the good of suitcases everywhere. Our trip to The Blue City of Chefchaouen got cancelled after a rough night on the overnight train. Jessie’s refuses to rest her head on any questionable surfaces so she MacGuyvered herself a sleeping situation using some extra flat sheets and her trusty leather backpack. Who doesn’t love sleeping on a mattress that reminds you of a greasy-spoon diner booth?! (Jessie doesn’t. In case that isn’t clear from the episode or the sarcasm of this question.) If you ever find yourself on the coast of Central Portugal, please go try the buttered cheese and pesto from Azenhas do Mar. If you ever find yourself eating too much buttered cheese at Azenhas do Mar, we recommend chasing it with a digestive enzyme and a couple of charcoal pills. Despite any rumors you may have heard, Jessie has NOT switched over to Team Nap. Gerard hates to leave a country with their local currency, so Jessie has gotten quite good at spending it out to the very last dirham. Lessons From Our Anniversary Adventure:  Sometimes it’s ok to pay a little extra money to fly direct. We could all probably stand to do a lot less laundry in our lives Switzerland is really expensive. Never force your wife to ride on an overnight train in Morocco. It’s always ok to change your plans in the middle of the trip. Sometimes it’s worth it to go with the flow and change your plans at the last minute. Never ever (4x) travel without antibacterial wipes. The world isn’t going to end if you occasionally indulge in really good bread while on vacation. Check the weather before you go on special excursions, and be flexible on dates in order to make it work. The world would be a better place if everyone anchored their days around a siesta. Always change your money to the local currency if you want to get the best exchange rate. Getting outside your typical routine is a great way to experience special moments with your partner. TRIGGER QUESTIONS:  Which is worse? Being stuck in a small airplane seat for a short amount of time OR having extra leg room in a big seat for a really long flight with lots of layovers? What is your all time favorite food indulgence that you reserve especially for travel or other special occasions. Where is the best spot in your neighborhood to take a blanket and a bottle of wine for date night?

The big finale of our special Summer Travel Series! Jessie + Gerard dive deep into their hardshell rollerbags to bring you the absolute best of their biggest travel tips. This episode is all about efficiency while adventuring, and please consider it a personal survival guide packed with resources just for you! Thank you so much for tuning in this Summer... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes and you can find out how to get involved with the show right over here! In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and head to meetthepeppers.com for all of the things that we talk about in today’s episode!

This week, Gerard + Jessie share how their spirit of adventure is exactly how they found their "soul city" in Long Beach, CA. But first: The Peppers are enlisting the help of some of their most adventurous friends... Tune in for some fun travel tips from the duos behind Swept Together, Voyagers Found and Romance + Adventure and be sure to follow these couples online for more great inspiration!  Thank you so much for tuning in to the MIF Summer Travel Series... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes and you can find out how to get involved with our Season Five Dollar Drive right over here! In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and join the private FB group to connect with the rest of our Great Love Gang! TRIGGER QUESTIONS:  Who controls the radio station or podcast playlist when you're on a long road trip with your spouse? Which partner is a better packer and who is in charge of the post-vacation laundry? Would you ever be interested in living/working in another location for a temporary amount of time? Which city would you choose?

Is traveling separately (with friends) always worth the trip? The Peppers continue their Summer Travel Series by diving into the topic of vacationing apart, but neither person seems to know how to balance out their adventures. They both feel a little guilty for exploring new places without the other, and Gerard finally makes a decision to go on the big boat trip he’s been hoping for. Thank you so much for tuning in to the MIF Summer Travel Series... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes and you can find out how to get involved with our Season Five Dollar Drive right over here!  In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and see below for this week's handy show notes... QUICK BITES:  A longtime friend and listener of the show (Hi, Santos!) mentions to Gerard that he’s got a Guys Trip in the works. Brainstorming ensues and Mardi Gras beads are officially thrown out the window. Jessie immediately gets FOMO and the couple decides that the trick to prevent this is to choose a city that the other partner is not interested in visiting. Gerard went to Las Vegas for March Madness earlier this year and The Peppers realize that this definitely counts as an official Guy's Trip... Especially because it helped G meet his yearly quota for basketball watching AND meat eating in just a couple of days.  Jessie’s past speaking schedule has allowed her to experience a handful of accidental Girl’s Trips and she's always up for the chance to combine fun with an extra dose of productivity. The Peppers try to uncover truth: Do parents need separate travel time more than non-parents? The verdict is still out but this kidless couple already has a few upcoming adventures on the books. Gerard admits that he needs guy time to keep their marriage healthy. The Peppers agree that pursuing outside friendships is a good way to disperse the burden of our individual friendship needs. Talking about cost and stressing about money might actually take away from the benefits of travel. The last time Jessie went on a girls trip was around the same time that our budgeting episode went live, and the timing of these two things actually makes a lot of sense based on our goals. The Peppers realize that financial planning can actually provide more freedom than financial restrictions. (This is basically exactly what Jessie was trying to implement in Episode 57.) Jessie is going on a Women’s Retreat with Morgan in the Fall and she thinks that Gerard should go on the Sailing Trip with Zac. TRIGGER QUESTIONS: Who are the top three people you’d bring on a friends trip if your partner was going to stay at home? Do you get to spend enough time with friends when your partner isn't around? Have you ever felt jealous of your spouse because of a time that they’ve gotten to travel with their friends? Or guilt if you’re the one who is getting to experience it?

The Peppers are taking a 10-year anniversary trip in September and are finding that the road to planning everything out is a little rockier than they expected. Tune in as they navigate the nitty gritty of nailing down a perfect itinerary and please send recommendations if you have any can’t-miss spots that you think we’d love! Thank you so much for tuning in to the MIF Summer Travel Series... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes, and you can find out how to get involved with our Season Five Dollar Drive right over here!  In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and see below for this week's handy show notes... QUICK BITES: We’ve been married for almost 10 years and haven’t really planned a trip for just the two of us yet! (Unless you count the Great Love Getaways with our listeners or the cross country tour in 2015?) We’re experiencing the speculation that The Keels talked about in Episode 8: sometimes both partners define a trip differently from a vacation. Gerard almost gave Jessie a heart attack while his finger hovered over the purchase button of some spendy European flights... At this point, we’re both thankful for his deep love of airline points which you may remember from back in Episode 36. The Peppers are flying in and out of Switzerland from the U.S. and then will explore the countries of Spain, Portugal + Morocco from there. (One of the two finally concedes that an upgrade is necessary when you’re married to someone with absurdly long legs.) Jessie and Gerard have differing approaches to budgeting for their big trip, but setting an initial number provides a helpful launching pad for the cost break down. Gerard is the money guy in this family, but you’ll hear our budgeting deficit start to re-emerge from back in Episode 22. Hear him start to squirm when Jessie presses for exact numbers, while she also simultaneously admits to her unavoidable cheapskater-y. The Peppers nab some travel books for each of the different locations that they’re going to visit, but want to make sure that they cross-reference with personal recommendations in order to avoid the tourist traps.  Jessie confesses that she hates museums and Gerard professes a preference for monuments. The two agree that a fat tire bike tour is the best way to see a new city, and they had a fabulous experience when they tried it in Paris. The Peppers walk through their individual “best day” scenario for their upcoming trip... Thankfully, both have pretty similar expectations and the results will probably depend on access to a swanky SPG hotel gym OR a nice Airbnb kitchen. TRIGGER QUESTIONS: What’s your favorite travel splurge when it comes to a long trip? Which partner in your relationship typically takes the reins on planning for vacation? What was the most disappointing travel experience that you've ever had with your spouse ?

The Peppers take a brief detour from the Summer Travel Series to address a bit of feedback that came in the form of a nasty iTunes review. It's always interesting to hear your thoughts about each show, but we are so thankful for our listeners who understand that we're still figuring this whole thing out just like everybody else! Grab the show notes for this episode at meetthepeppers.com and find out how to join us in the mission of inspiring Great Love over on the SUPPORT page of our site.

Two months apart has taken a serious toll on the Pepper’s connection, so they do what ALL married millennials do: they talk about it on their podcast! The Peppers have discussed the topic of work travel in the past, but this latest experience has easily been the hardest one so far. Jessie makes massive changes to the house policies while Gerard is away, and this results in the need to ban an entire phrase from her vocabulary. Thank you so much for tuning in to the MIF Summer Travel Series... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes, and you can find out how to get involved with our Season Five Dollar Drive right over here!  In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and see below for this week's handy show notes... QUICK BITES: Jessie admits that her life (while pretending to be a savvy-single woman) is vastly different from her life when Gerard is still in town. Can Lifestyle Design be considered a healthy coping mechanism? You be the judge. The Peppers discuss how the latest binge-worthy TV show is a mini-series called Big Little Lies. (Pretty ironic that Jessie *almost* catches Gerard in one while they’re talking about it.) In case you decide to check it out for yourself, please be warned that there ARE gratuitous sex scenes (and some violence) up ahead. Jessie fesses up to her treat-yourself splurges: expensive workout classes, fancier-than-normal groceries, and spoiling Sadie with new puppy toys. There could be far worse vices, but her revengeful attitude is a little unnerving. Gerard acknowledges that their “cushion” has worn extremely thin... Probably more accurate to say that the cushion has been blown to smithereens, and they are currently trying to rebuild the house that once surrounded the cushion. As you might expect, abandonment issues abound. Tune in to the following past episodes for more about navigating work + travel as a couple: how to love your partner through a rewards point addiction, keeping yourself entertained while one spouse is away, and what to do if you feel like a work-widow. Part of the challenge from the duo’s time apart was caused by the stress of Jessie’s recent Kickstarter campaign -- A business project that no entrepreneur should have to go alone! Gerard (accidentally) blurts out that his least favorite part about the travel was when he actually had to come back home to the tension each week. Everyone makes a note that insulting your wife is not the best way to woo her into quality time. Jessie explains how her routine is different while Gerard is gone, and the two begin to hunt for a solution to running the house in a more streamlined way at all times. Basically, Gerard needs to do a better job of keeping up with the chores and Jessie needs to offer up WAY more grace than she has in the past. There are STILL dishes in the sink as these show notes are being recorded. Not much has changed since we talked about this in Ep 44: Wine Glasses Are Not Meant To Be Washed By Hand. Gerard explains the unfairness of Jessie changing the policy while he was away and he begs her to ditch the exclamatory approach. The Peppers have big plans to repair their relationship by filling the Summer with joy and adventure together... This is the perfect pursuit as they launch into The MIF Summer Travel Series! TRIGGER QUESTIONS: What is your favorite way to indulge while your partner is out of town? When has been the hardest time period in your entire marriage? What has allowed you to heal from that experience? What is one phrase that you wish you could BAN from your partner’s entire vocabulary?