Peace, Love & Applesauce

This week we touch back on Lent and how it ended for us as well as a few lessons we learned in the meantime. Juan learns what it really means to be bold then proceeds to claim that the quality of a childhood peaked with our generation! Abby decides to switch up the program in the house after realizing she has to switch her own mental programming.

Happy 3rd Birthday to the PLA podcast!! We can't thank you all enough for three years of love and support and we are so happy to have been gifted an opportunity to do so for so long! (considering how fast things come and go now a days) March 27th is the official podcast birthday but it was quite the eventful weekend. Better late than never right?Also we break down the events of the past week and specifically today Sunday March 30th. Today Juan and Abby got baptized together!

After two long years of no guest appearances, we are more than happy to welcome our friend Romeero Melendez aka "Rome1" to the Peace Love podcast! Rome is 23 years young but has already lived so much life in such a short time. He's a member of Urban Soul with Juan, (and a previous guest on our "Impact of Art" series Bryant Cintron) he is a business man with a passion for urban arts education and spreading the Gospel through hip-hop ministry. We hope you love this interview as much as we did! Peace, Love!

Welcome to the first episode of seasons 3! This week we focus on fasting since Abby just finished her first successful Esther fast. Juan talks about his experience fasting and his plan for the next one as lent approaches.

Welcome to 2025 and the third season of the Peace Love Podcast! After the hustle and bustle of the holidays we finally sat down to talk and establish what we want to do with the pod for year 3. This is the year of contentment. what that means for this year? Tag along for the ride to find out!

This week we touch base about where we are and how we feel after sharing our testimony.

We finally did it. We built up the courage to share the story of some deep struggles we have had individually as well as together that brought us to God. This should also serve as a trigger warning for some heavy themes such as addiction, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and a brief mention of abortion again to fully tie in that part of the story from last episode. As always we thank you for listening and we hope we inspire you to search your own heart and share your story too. Peace, Love!

This week we came into the episode with no real topic on our minds and the Holy Spirit led us where we have been stalling. We start out with the normal rundown of what's been happening in our lives and then we dive into a personal part of our testimony.

Although it is unintentional, we seem to have started a new trend of monthly episodes rather than weekly or by-weekly. and we have good reason every time it happens. Life. That is all. It has been a whirlwind of events the past 3-4 weeks. Finishing summer, Jewell starting school, the kids share a room now, Juan has been working ridiculous amounts of overtime, and everything in between.

Hey, long time no see! We know it has been almost a month since we last posted an episode and trust us, it wasn't intentional. We took some well needed time of to reconsider where the podcast was headed and we have come to the conclusion that it was time for a change. Based on recent events and themes we already touched on, we felt it was only fitting to go where the Lord was leading us and we are now diving in to the idea of this becoming a Christian podcast. If you have been here since day one you know that's the exact opposite of what we wanted to do but our goal of self improvement hasn't changed. We hope you will continue to join us on our journey as we grow.

This week we start off by revisiting the subject of dance that Juan touched on last week. Abby talks about the "Proverbs 31 woman" and what a woman of valor is. Juan shares his most recent revelations from reading and what Jesus says the two most important commands are!

We are back again after another long 2 weeks! In that time prayers have been answered, challenges have been overcome, we reflected on our current state of parenting, Abby has given up social media indefinitely, the breaking news that Trump has gotten shot at, and much more! this is one of the longer episodes that we have recorded in a while so we hope you enjoy!

Reflection and conviction are the themes here today. We dive deep into what are prayer life looks like as we endure the storm of a season of struggle. It's okay to stumble, but the walk in faith remains.

Surpise! We missed you and we wanted to remember what weekly episodes felt like, lol. Since our journey with Christ began, idolatry has been a pretty hefty topic. While we have known about the topic for quite some time, it has been more apparent in our lives as of recently and we have been eager to work our way through it.

This weekend was full of celebration for us! Three birthdays, a graduation party, and ending it all with Jewell's 5th birthday party! Join us as we reminisce on the sweet girl that made us parents!

It feels good to be back on our regular schedule in a regular recording space (kind of lol). This weekend we had some deep discussions about what we were reading in our bibles and it led to an impromptu bible study.

Moving has been exhausting so we are taking a step to get back on track with our Monday Meetings. Every Monday we get together to discuss the podcast, upcoming events, finances and housekeeping items. So today we let you in on a modified version of our Monday Meeting.

This week, we are referencing several themes in previous episodes as we face another pivotal time in our lives. Abby is preparing to say goodbye to her childhood time and Juan is leading our family through a difficult but necessary move.

This week we do a deep dive into the concept of forgiveness. It has been a while since we have done a topic this in depth so it felt good to struggle through the theme a little.

One week away from completing the most challenging lent we have experienced in a long time, we discuss how far we have come since our first “Left Handed Sinner” episode explaining our stance on our religious/ spiritual beliefs. 

This week we deviated from our normal convoluted ideas for a topic and we wanted to just talk while we folded some laundry.

On this weeks episode, we discuss how the first week of Lent has gone for us and we also take a trip down memory lane for an iconic dance job that we took part of during our honeymoon in 2018. A little bit of Lent and a little bit of a fun rant.

This week we discuss our perspective on "broke parenting" and the dynamics of Abby being a stay at home mom, and Juan being the sole provider for the Rivera clan. It may be daunting but it isn't impossible.

No, we aren't talking about the podcast, we just got back, we aren't going to leave you that quick! Like most people, we are surprised at how fast this year has gone by.This week we took time to reflect on how we mentally segmented the year of 2023 based on how quickly our life had changed. From the birth of our son, to closing chapters of childhood and making peace with ourselves spiritually; we feel as though 2023 was for the preparation of whatever is in store for 2024 (bars).WE LOVE YOU!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Put on your tin foil hats and buckle up, folks. This episode we jump between thoughts that all started with a simple TikTok (we know we talk about it all the time) but it led down quite a few rabbit holes and we sound a little crazy. so if TikTok is the only thing that gets us to critically think at this point, then oh well!

This week we tried a different format and talked about a few topics rather than just one. We tackle Stanley cup moms, winterizing yourself, and abby owning up to lying.

This week Juan and Abby discuss how they don't entirely feel in the Christmas spirit this year and based on the conversations happening around them, a lot of people feel the same way. Is this the new normal? Is this a good change? Also, this week marks nine years since this whirlwind of life swept Juan and Abby off of their feet and brought them together. Lots of conflicting feelings this week, but regardless Merry Christmas ya filthy animals.

This week Juan and Abby discuss their recent spiritual growth despite it being a conversation they swore was never going to make it to the podcast. Their spirituality has been sort of a taboo subject even amongst themselves but in the pursuit of growth and personal development they felt spiritually inclined to be vulnerable and finally open up about their beliefs and past experiences.

After taking a far longer break than we anticipated, we are finally back on the mics. This episode is just to catch everyone up on what's been happening while we were away. Peace, Love!

We're taking a break. Despite just taking a month off due to the arrival of our sweet boy, we are going on a hiatus for the time being. We can't wait to come back rejuvenated for season 2, thank you for this amazing first year and season 1!

Hey big head, did you miss us? It's only been one month but a lot has happened. Theo has arrived, Juan turned 26, and the old life we knew is gone.

Yes you read that correctly. Yes it was done on purpose. we had to mock the cliche saying with the SpongeBob themed text. This week Juan and Abby speak on what they experienced during their last pregnancy and compare it to how they want to handle it the second time around.they discuss how their delivery process went last time, what they want to bring to the hospital with them, and some of the mental load they carried throughout the early stages of becoming parents.Ps: we are in the hospital at the time of posting this. so if you're reading this Theo may already be here or shortly on his way ;P

Juan and Abby have been taking the time to say goodbye to the life they have built so far to make room for the changes that await them in the next few weeks. Grief comes in many forms; when one door closes, another opens.

This week Juan and Abby got right to business while trying to brainstorm so they just rolled with it. They discuss new things they are interested in while emphasizing the need to "be bad at something" when you start.Follow us in Instagram@peacelove.podcast@mr_relentless_usf@mrs_relentless_

One week into 2023, Juan and Abby are starting off on a good note. They share what lessons they learned right at the end of 2022 and some goals for the new year!Follow us on Instagram: @peacelove.podcast

Welcome back to SEASON 2!! Juan and Abby are starting off the year strong with another installment of The Impact of Art series. This episode we are joined by Brandon Allen; educator, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and long-time friend of Juan.Follow Brandon on IG:@THHLYFollow Juan and Abby on IG@peacelove.podcast@mr_relentless_usf@mrs_relentless_

This episode is the FINAL episode of the year/season so Juan and Abby wanted to take time to do what they do best and reflect on the way they have grown since starting all of this. On a personal note; thank you to everyone who tunes in! We can't begin to describe how grateful we are for the experiences this journey has brought since we started back in March of 2022. We are excited for more growth and where we are headed next - but more importantly we want you there with us. Have a great Christmas and happy New Year!Peace, Love, & Applesauce BYYEEEEEE

On todays episode, Juan ands Abby discuss a new cartoon they introduced to their daughter (Bluey) after trying to show her their childhood cartoons.

After taking a break for Thanksgiving and feeling like crap afterwards, Juan and Abby wanted to discuss how important their health is beyond what they eat.

This week Abby and Juan reflect on the topic of "rejection" based on the fact that they noticed a pattern in their lives that led them to be in the exact same position they were last November.

This week, Juan and Abby discuss certain nuances of marriage and relationships as a whole. They complain about social media (like always) and jump all over the place trying to explain the complexity of the topic. no real happy endings this week just a difficult conversation.

Juan and Abby wrap up the self sabotage series after finally finishing the book that sparked it all. They dive deep and each experience a vulnerable look into their own subconscious conclusions.

In honor of Abby's birthday she decided to reflect on some ideas that have impacted her in her first 26 years of life. Prepare for long tangents, lots of laughs, and a little bit of chaos. Happy Birthday!!!

Juan and Abby were feeling a little under the weather this week, and had a lot of time on their hands to spend together as a family. While taking a walk, they finally found the time to vent to one another about their grievences with their chosen parenting style. Chaos ensues.

After an emotional week, Juan and Abby both individually came to the conclusion that they need a dopamine reset as they reflect on things that bring them contentment rather than chasing happiness.

Juan and Abby tackle the subject of "forgiving yourself" and how hard forgiving yourself can actually be.

This week Juan and Abby revisit the idea of people pleasing and elaborate more on how it plays a role in their day to day interactions.

The Impact of Art - a series where Juan and Abby introduce artists or creatives who are changing and growing their local communities through their craft.

After taking some time to reflect on Self-Sabotage from their initial conversation, Juan talks about his real-time experience with Self-Sabotage. While Abby picks back up from the book quote in part I and discusses how Self-Sabotage is more than just sleeping in late or procrastination.

Juan and Abby discuss the idea of self-sabotage and reflect on how they participate in it based off of a new book Juan is reading.

Juan and Abby discuss the importance of a routine and how they change as we change. While a routine may be simple, they are faced with the question of, "what is the underlying need in our routines that we are trying to achieve?".