'Splain Yourself

In this episode, Michael and returning guest Ben Porch chat with Sarah about fatherhood - what they learned from their own dads, the chaos of being a new parent, and the principles that guide them as they raise their daughters. 

We recorded this episode last summer, when everyone was still getting used to pandemic life. The advice still applies, considering we're not out of the woods yet.  Stay safe out there, and always be ready to 'Splain Yourself! 

Daniel Thompson (AKA "Grumpy Dan"), one of the hosts of the Deck the Hallmark podcast, joined us to talk about going viral in 2018 and what life has been like since then.  Find Deck the Hallmark wherever you get podcasts, and on Instagram & Twitter. Also, check out their brand new book! 

One of the few silver linings of COVID is that a lot of folks now have a renewed appreciation of the outdoors. In this episode, we talk to Jeremy Franz - a geologist, mountain biker, rock climber, and general outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're like Jeremy, or like Michael (who has yet to learn to ride a bike), we think you'll enjoy this interview!

In this episode, we talk to Benjamin Porch about his nine concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), relationships, mental health, and mixed martial arts. 

While Christian Nationalism spurs controversy across denominations and in the political realm, we're hitting the pause button and taking a closer look at Sarah's personal struggle with the phenomenon. Check out these resources for further exploration:  Beth Allison Barr - The Making of Biblical Womanhood Kristin DuMez - Jesus & John Wayne NYT - “A Quiet Exodus” Jemar Tisby - The Color of Compromise

Friend of the pod Candace Morris joins Michael & Sarah to break down the concept of Ego - what it is, and how it shapes our interactions, particularly in the workplace.  Listen, subscribe, share; and check out Candace's website - where you can listen to her amazing single, "Come Clean". 

Jonathan Cuenca talks with us about empathy and how it has shaped major milestones in his life.  Find us on Twitter to let us know what you think of this episode & others!  https://twitter.com/Splain_Yourself

Join Michael, Sarah, and the always-sagacious John Cochran as they literally pull topics out of a bowl and throw in their two cents apiece. 

Get to know the hosts of 'Splain Yourself with this two-part series in which we interview each other! This episode is a journey through the life and mind of Michael; our beloved co-host, talent-booker, and hamster of muscles. 

Get to know the hosts of 'Splain Yourself with this two-part series in which we interview each other! This time it's Sarah in the hot-seat, sharing some background that we hope will make her seem like an actual person you'd want to hang out with.  Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for Michael's episode - coming next week! 

Local Pastor and friend of the podcast Ethan Perkins talks to us about his experience with "purity culture" as a southern, white male in the evangelical church.  We reference one of Ethan's mentors, Samuel Perry, in this episode - find him on Twitter for more information about purity culture, Christian Nationalism, and many other issues facing the evangelical church today. 

If you've become comfortably numb to the amazing history of rock & roll, this episode is for you. Jump in the Delorean with us as rockstar Heidi Chapman of Randomonium takes us back in time to revisit some of rock's most iconic artists and tracks.  After listening, check out Heidi's Slightly Obscure but Dazzling Spotify playlist - full of gems you may have missed! 

If you've forgotten how to interact with human beings face to face, you're not alone. Local improv comic and friend of the podcast Harrison Brookie thinks humor can help. Have fun with this episode, and head to http://alchemycomedy.com/ for information on upcoming shows and improv classes! 

Grab your idea notebooks and sketchpads; this episode will get those brain juices flowing. Nathan Robinson is back - this time to explain his belief that everyone is creative; you just have to start a little! Check out his website: showoff.work 

In this episode, Sarah & Michael talk to returning guest John Owen about the phenomenon of cancel culture. If you aren't sure where you stand on cancel culture, or just need a refresher, we think this article by Aja Romano provides a good overview.

We thought it'd be a great time to re-release our NFL episode while you wait for our latest, due to drop Monday, February 15th. Enjoy! 

Why do people gravitate toward certain tribes? What problems arise when we believe our tribe is superior to all others? Travis Wharton, friend of the podcast and Economic Mobility Manager at United Way of Greenville County, sheds light on the topic of tribalism through the lens of his experience as a vegetarian (now vegan).  

Find out how Michael and Sarah use their respective meditation techniques to help them manage the tricky things life throws at us; like work stress, bad drivers, attempted political coups, etc.  

Thank goodness for 2021, and thank goodness for new podcast episodes... of which we will have many. Get ready! 

Michael and Sarah share 6 mood-boosting strategies best suited for those with extra time on their hands who want to try something besides streaming and social media. 

In this episode, recorded December 1st 2019, Michael and Sarah explore their shared love of the NBA. Our special guest is Jerry Davis, husband of Diddy Bread and scorer of many buckets. Whether you miss basketball or not, this is a fun episode that might be just the distraction you need. Listen, enjoy, and subscribe. 

Our friend and esteemed colleague John Cochran joins us to talk about Kanye's latest album and what authenticity looks like both in art and in our everyday lives. Listen, enjoy, and subscribe! 

With 100 days left in her thirties and a few weeks left in Sober October, Diddy Bread revisits turning 40 with the Muscle Hamster. 

Our favorite guest, Josh Neuer LPC, is back to talk about the road to self-acceptance and how impostor syndrome keeps us from getting there. 

Michael interviews his BJJ coach, Rafael Rosendo, about the sport and how its principles can be applied outside of the gym. Then, Michael & Sarah break it down even further. Enjoy! 

On July 12, we spoke to a CBD expert about the myths and realities of CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol. Relax, listen, & enjoy. 

More of our conversation with Ethan, recorded 6/25. Too good not to publish. 

We couldn't get Bob Lazar, so we invited my brother instead. He's way more fun, anyway. For more information about this episode, check out the Netflix Documentary "Bob Lazar: Area 51 and Flying Saucers", and episode 1315 of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. 

What makes you *you*? In this episode, we consider that question with our fully-caffeinated friend, Nathan Robinson. 

Our friend Ethan wanted in on the trash-talk. Harry Potter fans, beware. 

Michael and Sarah stare down mortality in this episode about turning 40, which happens for both of them in 2020. 

Overrated Things, Part 2: The NFL. 

From August 2018, this episode highlights 8 overrated things - 4 from Sarah, 4 from Michael. See if we threw anything you love under the bus! Also, we're not sorry. 

This episode is part 2 of our discussion about depression. Josh Neuer and Xanna Spearman are both with us again, and we dig into some interesting treatment ideas. Check it out, and please subscribe! 

Josh Neuer is back to help us tackle the giant topic of Depression. Josh, Michael, and Sarah get real about our own experiences and thoughts about coping with depression. We only scratch the surface, of course, but we do explore this topic more in our next episode with returning guests Josh and Xanna. We hope you enjoy listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please consider visiting ADAA.org or TWLOHA.com for help. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or call 911.

Alchemy Comedy Theater's Harrison Brookie is back to shoot the breeze with us. Listen and enjoy!

Sarah and guest host Heidi talk to two Curmudgeons about how and why they curmudgeon so hard. Guests: our very own Michael Blum, and newcomer Trey Nickell. Give it a listen, and don't forget to subscribe!

Our most popular guest is back again! This time, we talk to Josh about his metamorphosis into a person who runs, including his recent half-marathon experience. Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, & review. 

5 things Sarah loves; 5 things Michael loves. (Disclaimer: Everything we said about Movie Pass was completely valid when we recorded this episode...) 

Our longest episode yet, but totally worth it! Our friend John Cochran 'splains the arc of his political views over the course of his life... check it out, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, & review us.

Meet Ethan Perkins. He's a Teddy Bear with a biting wit, and he loves Disney probably more than you love anything. Listen to this, like it, subscribe, and rate/review us on iTunes! Thanks.

What is feminism? What does it look like in our daily interactions with family, friends, & coworkers? These are the questions we tackle in this episode with our vibrant friend and colleage Xanna Spearman. Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think by rating and reviewing our podcast.

In this episode, Michael and guest host Josh Neuer interview Sarah about her life-long struggle with self-discipline. Listen to find out how she handled the "Gandhi Diet" Michael dared her to try for a week!

We brought a real-live comedian into the mix to talk about the essence of humor, and the improv artist's outlook on life. Local celeb Harrison Brookie cracks us up in this seventh episode of 'Splain Yourself. Give it a listen, and please do subscribe to our channel. Thanks!

Love them or hate them, personality tests are still being used by employers to identify employees' strengths and build healthy team dynamics. In this episode, Michael reveals the results of his StrengthsFinder test, but not before our friend and professional counselor predicts his results. Josh also tells a pretty fantastic story that illustrates one of Josh's strengths beautifully. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!

In this episode, recorded on 11.10.17, Michael and Sarah interview local celebrity Heidi Chapman, lead singer of the band Randomonium. We talk about the delicate balance between responsible adulthood and dream-chasing.

In this episode, Michael and I discuss an article by Martha Beck entitled "10 Life Lessons You Should Unlearn". We talk about which lessons resonate most with us. Thanks for listening!

For this episode, recorded on 10/25/17, we found the most rugged person we know (Ken Morrill) and asked him to share the secrets of manliness. Turns out - it's a little more complicated than opening jars and suppressing emotions. Hope you enjoy.

This episode was recorded on October 18, 2017. Michael and I interviewed our colleague Lauren Barth, who shared her story about getting kicked out of a prominent conservative university in upstate, SC. Don't worry; it all works out in the end.

Our very first episode! We recorded this on October 4, 2017. Michael was co-host *and* guest, and we discussed RULES - the ones we like, the ones we think are stupid, and how our decisions about following rules (or breaking them) have affected our lives.