This Is Married

Happy 2023! Our home buying journey is wrapping up and as of the publish date we are less than 48 hours away from being homeowners! Can you even handle it?! There is a special little town in New York State called Kingston and we have been to it many times. We love the shopping, the vibes, the quiet, and we've had some pretty good food there too. We started journeying up to escape the doldrums of daily life and found ourselves just loving it there. So much so that we strongly considered just moving there. In this latest episode, we'll get into why we ultimately decided that we wouldn't do that. What's more? Kathy Hochul signed some new marriage legislation in our state so we'll download you on that. We advise a couple grappling with a financial challenge. And we give some props to our couple crush of the week! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Happy holidays, y'all and welcome to our new listeners! We're winding down and headed into some well-deserved time off but not before we dive deep into our move matrix. Back in 2020, when the world was on fire and we were stacking paper, we started seriously considered leaving the city responsible for our love. There was a lot to consider. Which region do you think ended up in the top spot when it came down to it? Spoiler alert: It's not Putnam County, NY! This week in marriage we're also dissecting the drama of Madalyn Boucher's marriage license fiasco. Madalyn hasn't been listening to This Is Married and it shows. We'll share some advice with a couple with differing viewpoints on where to talk about money. And we'll, of course, bestow a brand new Couple Crush of the Week. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We're back to dive deep on leaving New York City and answer all the burning questions you're dying to know about this huge decision we're making. Everything from, "When?!" to "Why the hell are you leaving the greatest city on the planet?" we venture to let you in on. Of course we'll also fill you in on our feelings, the historic vote in America's 117th Congress to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, our advice to a new couple thinking about getting engaged, and our newly crowned Couple Crush of the Week. We swapped out our cocktail glasses and swapped in a nice bottle of red to set the mood for the week. Put on some warm socks, pull up your cozy luxe weighted blanket and join us! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Tag team back again! We have missed our listeners so much and it's so good to be back after nearly 18 months away. We've got a little bit of everything for our triumphant return. A little bit of scandal: Good Morning America is a real life The Morning Show and we are here for it! A little bit of life update: We kept wanting to come back to the podcast but life had other plans. A little bit of life advice: When you think you're about to start a fight about facial hair, think again! And a big surprise: Let your minds go wild! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We're obsessed with the NBC TV show Good Girls! The premise revolves around three women in Detroit who resort to criminal activity to make ends meet. It's a good show, but it's also a good case study for our podcast! We will examine all three relationships in this show, and we start with Stan and Ruby. Both of them are the moral centers of the show, and both of them aren't really, truly, about this life. As they grapple with balancing a Holy life with a life of crime, we ask ourselves.....Is This Married? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Let's face it, during the pandemic, we've all had a change of heart about one thing or another. Maybe you've decided to spend more time with family? Or maybe you are deciding to quit our job and venture out on your own. Well, if you do the latter, would you tell your spouse, partner, or significant other? This is the question we're pondering while watching the latest episode of Black-ish. The main character does the exact thing, while not telling their spouse. And his wife is....cool with that? Let's discuss. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Welcome back to another episode of...."Is This Married?" where we analyze relationships and marriage in TV, Movies, and Pop Culture. This week, we have another "they didn't get married at the season finale" episode on NBC, this time from Law and Order, Special Victims Unit. This time, another couple goes through all of the motions to plan a big wedding, only to decide to call it off at the last minute. But seriously, is this married? Is this real life? Let's discuss. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We're baaaaack! A year ago we said we were taking a pause. Thank you for hanging in with us. We spent our pause consuming a lot of pop culture and media so we present to you, “Is This Married?” where we take a look at these things from the lens of an actual real-life relationship. This week, we wrapped up the season finale of This Is Us, season 5. Join us in dissecting the choices made by key characters in one of our favorite shows and whether or not that would actually happen IRL. We're so excited to be back! And we can't wait to break down more on-air relationships for your amusement. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

That's what the title says. No clickbait. No fake news. This pandemic coupled with the events of the past week in America have us a bit overwhelmed right now, and we want to be able to make some space for self care. With this, we are taking a little break from the podcast for now. But don't worry... we will be back soon, and will remain on Instagram (@thisismarried) so don't unsubscribe! You will be the first to know when we are back online. Take care of yourself, and be well. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

In this week's episode, we chat about Brad and Jen getting back together after 20(?) years, and what that means for your old flame, plus child marriage is no longer in Pennsylvania, rising coronavirus divorce rates in Hong Kong, and couples social media detoxing. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week, we discuss New York allowing Zoom marriage licenses and in Nevada, a couple files a lawsuit alleging that the barring of marriage in that state goes against their Constitutional rights. Also, we discuss the end of the long distance relationships and some tips to help your marriage survive coronavirus. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week, we're trying something a little different...This Week in Marriage. We’ll pull out some hot topics from the news or from our lives and share our takes as individuals and a couple. Today's topic....Zoom weddings. They're all the rage, but are they worth it? We explore the new highs and lows of the new phenomenon and debate on whether we would have a Zoom wedding ourselves. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Can you believe it's been a 1 YEAR of This Is Married? We can hardly believe it. Well, we do wish it came at a better time in the world. This week we give you an update on the whole reason this podcast started....our TAXES! Turns out, switching to Single 0 gave us a tax return for the first time in forever. Also, we update y'all on how we've been spending our lockdown time and dig into more of our coronavirus budget planning. Take care! We will get through this! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Wash your hands! Social distancing! (Don't) do all the things! The COVID-19 virus (aka the coronavirus) and it's subsequent lockdowns are affecting everyone, and we are no different. We're back in our home studio for now and eagerly awaiting the re-opening of our podcast studio at Ethel's Club. In this episode, we talk about how we spent our first week on WFH (working from home) status. We've got some tips for how to make sure you don't get on each other's nerves and generally how to separate home life from work life when it's all happening in the same space. Of course, in classic This Is Married fashion, we also turn our attention toward our shared budget and maybe think about moving this month's Dining Out budget to Groceries since we're gonna be cooking at home a whole lot more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Hey everyone! I know we have been a bit inconsistent with new episodes, however, there is a reason for that. In this quick mini-episode, we share some big news and also, discuss the state of the podcast for the next few weeks. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Happy New Year! We hope 2020 is treating you well. We've had a very interesting start to the new decade (more on that soon). Until then, check out this episode we recorded late last year. It's about changes. Have you ever tried to change your partner? We're sure you have. We recount a few times in the relationship where we changed each other. For the better....and the worse! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Happy Holidays from The Fords! During this holiday season, we reflect on the role that religion has played in our relationship. This conversation stemmed from a trio of visits to places of worship this season--a Catholic wedding ceremony in LA, a megachurch in Dallas, and a small-town church in Alabama. Religion plays an interesting role in our lives and we can't wait to share our thoughts with you! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

It's the week of Thanksgiving, and you know what that means? Somewhere a significant other is having their first interaction with a crazy family! This sparked a conversation in our household about when we met each other's families, and the anxiety and joy (!) that commenced. Also, we share some tips for those who will be going through this experience for the first time. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We're back in our new studio space and still getting the hang of the fancy new equipment and editing software. This week, we're deeeeeeep in our feelings because our homies are moving away. Serious question: Does this mean, you can't call them "homies" anymore? Even though we say, we'll be in touch and we'll visit and we'll call and keep the group chat alive (Shout out to Bred'dren), it gets hard to maintain friendships when the convenience of proximity is no longer an option. As a married couple in this modern age, how do you make friends? What do you have to do today, to make sure you keep friends around? Is it enough that you at least have each other? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week we had the distinct pleasure of christening the new podcast studio at Ethel's Club in Brooklyn, NY where Winston now holds membership. We had so much fun! We've got new mics and new software to learn but hope you enjoy our new, crispy sound (sans children screaming and car horns honking on the streets of Harlem.) Last week, Lauren traumatized our toilet and Winston had to make a late night Home Depot run to fix it. If we were doing reality TV, this would have been quite the scene. Definitely the most drama in our house this season! Winston was so inspired that we now have our very first WARNING LABEL appended to an episode of the show. It's an important consideration to take into account and you should start discussing 'the nasty bits'--pooping, farting, burping, and puking--that make up you and your partner BEFORE you tie that knot. It happens and you can't avoid it! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

October is a special month in the This Is Married house. Not only do we celebrate our wedding anniversary (Oct 24th), but we also mark our dating anniversary (Oct 31st) and a secret anniversary that we will reveal publicly for the first time! Now that we've made it to the Cinco, we're also gonna share the 5 things we learned in our marriage during the past 5 years. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week we decided to pause our relationship talk and talk about the podcast. Or more specifically, how WE make our podcast. That's right, we peel back the curtain to give you all our secrets on how This Is Married is produced. Maybe this will encourage you to start a podcast of your own? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

So we lied! We promised you some mini-episodes during our vacation, then our vacation got in the way. But we are back! Here to recap our last two weeks in the Aloha State--the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens. Also, we share some tips for anyone contemplating taking a trip with their partner. Lauren sings in this episode and convinces Winston to take a stab at some video content for the This Is Married Squad. Some call this manipulation, Lauren calls it negotiation. Either way, enjoy the 'cast! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week we speak on yet another activity we did together. This time, it was taking a DNA test using 23andMe. What did we find out? Well, first off, we learned that we weren't related! But otherwise, it was an intriguing look into our inner selves. Is this process right for you? Listen and find out. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Fantasia Barrino (Taylor) got on The Breakfast Club to promote her latest album and now everyone is talking about her comments on marriage. The This Is Married figured they'd jump in to the discussion with their input on "submitting" and how they maintain a balanced partnership in this day and age. Get your popcorn, because this is gonna be a good one! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Yeah, Biggie Smalls was on to something when he asked his love interest in the song Juicy about her astrological chart. This week, Lauren and Winston are talking about their signs and their compatibility. Is it written in the stars for these two? Lauren ran Winston's natal chart using the Co-Star Astrology app and is looking for answers. Listen in to find out what the planets have to say about them getting together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Since Lauren's been in a singing mood, the This Is Married team figured what better time than now to talk about music. Music has been part of Lauren and Winston's world since the very beginning. It's been 9 years of going to live shows, crate digging at record shops, making collaborative playlists and hurrying home to press play on a song that just couldn't wait. In this episode they take the time to explore what songs, artists and musical experiences have informed their relationship journey. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

The weather's starting to get a little nip in the air and with seasonal change often comes personal changes as well. The This Is Married team uses this episode to revisit some of the happenings since we talked about buying a house and setting out on their debt free journey. Queue this episode up to find out how they're doing with reaching their goal of becoming homeowners and what the track to debt free currently looks like. Lauren also sings two songs in this episode so if you're into the random songs that pop into her head, you really don't want to miss this. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We start this episode with an intro because we've got some new listeners to welcome! Hey y'all! Lauren also wanted to apologize up front for the non-stop ribbing she gives Winston all throughout this episode. She's usually a lot nicer to her husband and probably will have to make it up to him with a really really good present. Ribbing aside, as this is our birthday season, we decided to talk about gift giving in our relationship. How did it start? How did it evolve? Tune in to find out! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week, we sit down and discuss our love languages. You get to hear Lauren's singing voice. She was feeling kind of silly and this was right when the coffee was just setting in. Shout out to Gary Chapman for creating this concept so we had something to rap with you about this week. We laugh a lot this episode (every episode?) because it's just funny discovering new stuff about each other when you've been together for close to a decade. Go take the quiz and tell us what your love language is! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We're finally back and recovered from vacation. Friends are, after all, the reason we got together in the first place so it's fitting that we dedicate this episode to the ones we love, our Day Ones! The ones who told Lauren what they really thought of Winston and made him jump through hoops to prove himself. The ones who told Winston if Lauren should stick around (spoiler alert: she passed.) This episode also gets into some thoughts we have about maintaining friendships. We talk about the conscious efforts we're putting toward getting back in step with the people who have seen our relationship through! Hope you like it! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week we recap our experiences in taking the first step to (possibly) buying real estate in New York City. Come along with us as we discuss our excitement and anxieties over the home-buying process. What did we learn about the market and each other? Will we actually be able to afford this? Does anyone know how to get their hands on a 20% down payment? Because all we can really come up with is moving into a cardboard box for a year and getting our freegan lifestyle on. Is dumpster diving still hot in these streets? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Stress can take a toll on any relationship. In this week's episode, Lauren and Winston get into the nitty gritty of preventing, removing and decreasing stress in their day to day lives. Whether it's money woes, work stress or just general annoyance with each other's bad habits, these neat little tips and tools have proven effective in keeping the peace in this marriage. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week, we talk about......the future. We're finally in a position in life where we can discuss what a 5 year plan looks like. But what does that mean? Should we continue to live in New York? Or does it make more sense to buy real estate in Texas? We run through our options on the podcast....but have we made a decision? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This episode we're talking more about our decision to go to therapy and how we learned more about each other and ourselves than we ever wanted to know. What happens when an only child marries a middle child? How does your primary caregiver aid in making you who you are today? How do you talk to and relate to your loved ones because of how you were brought up? Are you brave enough to pull all your skeletons out of the closet in front of your partner? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

In this episode we talk about what it has taken for us to build a trusting relationship in this modern age of social media, Face ID, fingerprints and notifications. Lauren jokes about Winston stepping out on her with his "girlfriend". We share some stats on the state of marriages today. And you get to hear Winston's singing voice! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We're back from vacation with our most controversial episode ever? This week, we discuss kids. Do we want them? Do we not want them? You will just have to click play to find out! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

When we got married we were in the best shape of our lives! Then we packed on the pounds. This episode travels through our journey toward healthy eating and weight loss. Winston tries dieting for the first time and we shout out some of our favorite resources for attempting the ketogenic diet. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We're looking back at one of the key cornerstones of our relationship....food! We start at our humble beginnings, and discuss how our food tastes have grown and evolved in our relationship. Plus, we give y'all a rundown of our favorite food experiences! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week, Winston made a new friend while he was waiting for the uptown bus. This new friend tapped Winston for some sage relationship advice now that he's "on a break" with his girlfriend. Our recommendation? Talk it out! We talk this episode about our own disagreements that we've had in the past, give you a little peek into our experience of couples therapy and share what we've learned while having it out over the last 9 years. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

This week, we focus on the traditions that we've created as a couple. From waffles on Saturday, to going to the Auto Show (even though we don't drive), this episode simply confirms our weirdo status and hopefully seeks to confirm that we are not alone. Also, Popeye's Louisiana Fried Chicken, please be our sponsor. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We were on that KonMari Method back in 2015! *brushes off shoulders* As the method becomes more popular thanks to the Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, we reminisce on our first go-round 4 years ago, as we prepare to KonMari again. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

It's time for a very special episode of This Is Married. One in which we discuss our whirlwind marriage and engagement (in less than 70 days!). We break down how it all went down.....from the engagement in Napa Valley to the wedding at City Hall! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

So in 2018 we were travellin'! We take some time out to look back on our busy travel schedule and share some tips and tricks for finding the best deals. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

Again, this is not a paid sponsorship! In our third part of our epic finance trilogy, we discuss You Need A Budget (YNAB) and how this product has helped us set monthly budgets. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

First off.....this is not a paid sponsorship! We have been using Digit, the automated savings tool, for a few years now, and it's helped us save for our goals and create a rainy day fund for our budget. In this episode, we explain what Digit is, our experience with the app, and discuss if it's right for you. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support

We came back from our accountant and we were pissed......PISSED! We're here to tell you that everything you know about taxes and marriage is a LIE. In our pilot episode, we discuss what "Married Filing Jointly" really means, and how you can avoid the mistakes we made this tax season. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thisismarried/support