Hosts:

🎤 Marc A. Pitman, CSP – Speaker, coach, and visionary wall demolisher 🎤 Emily Pitman – Systems and spaces designer, master planner

Episode Summary

In this episode of We're Still Figuring It Out, Marc and Emily dive into the complexities of travel as an entrepreneurial family. They reflect on how their experiences of being apart have evolved over time, from their early years of marriage to the present day, and how it has impacted their family dynamics.

With Marc gearing up for his first business trip of the year, they discuss the preparations, emotions, and expectations that come with travel—both as the one leaving and the one staying behind. Emily shares how she approaches Marc's absence, sometimes by tackling home projects (like painting rooms!), and how that perspective has shifted over time.

They also touch on:

• The balance between introvert vs. extrovert needs during travel
• How travel has shaped their children's independence and perspectives
• The impact of Emily's aneurysm on their outlook on time spent apart
• The societal expectations of marriage roles (who wears the power tool belt? 🔨)
• The true meaning of offering help to others 🤝

This episode is a real, honest, and heartwarming discussion on the push and pull of life on the road while keeping a family connected.

Key Takeaways & Highlights

⏳ [00:03] Welcome & Introductions

• Marc welcomes listeners and praises Emily's ability to design "systems and spaces" – a phrase that resonates deeply with her.

⏳ [00:14] The Roles We Play in Marriage

• A humorous look at how Marc and Emily's strengths balance each other – Emily builds structure, Marc breaks barriers (literally and figuratively).
• Who really wears the power tool belt in the family?

⏳ [02:50] Preparing for Travel: A Family Approach

• Marc's upcoming trip sparks a conversation about handling responsibilities before leaving, including car maintenance. 🚗
• Emily's way of preparing: making plans for while he's gone (like a Valentine's Day paint & wine night with their daughter!).

⏳ [06:01] Shifting Perspectives on Time Apart

• Emily reflects on how her approach to Marc's travel has changed over the years—from tackling big home projects to embracing rest and balance.
• The childhood memory that shaped her need to create a fresh, organized space when someone returns from a trip.

⏳ [12:50] The Impact of Emily's Aneurysm

• How a health crisis changed the way they view time spent apart.
• A new appreciation for being intentional with time together and apart.

⏳ [16:37] Raising Kids Who Embrace Travel

• Their children have adopted a sense of independence from years of seeing their parents manage travel.
• The use of shared Google calendars as a way to stay connected even when apart.
• How their past aspirations for international family travel evolved over time.

⏳ [18:19] The Bigger Picture: Travel as a Way of Life

• Marc reflects on his love of exploration and how it fuels his work.
• The idea that travel isn't just about moving locations—it's about growth and change.

⏳ [19:01] Wrapping Up: Travel & Relationships

• The importance of understanding each other's needs in a relationship when one person travels often.
• Why they're still figuring out how to balance independence and togetherness.

Notable Quotes 🗣️

💡 "I design systems and spaces. Marc demolishes walls—both literally and in dreams." – Emily

💡 "I feel named, and I trust you with that." – Marc on Emily's description of his role in their partnership.

💡 "Sometimes, travel isn't just about going somewhere new; it's about how we adapt and what we take from the experience." – Marc

💡 "The world is meant to be explored, and I'm grateful our kids see that." – Emily

Resources & Mentions

🔗 Connect with Marc A. Pitman: www.concordleadershipgroup.com 🔗 Follow Emily Pitman for more on systems & organization: [Social Media Links] 🔗 Recommended Read: "The Surprising Gift of Doubt" – Marc A. Pitman

Join the Conversation!

🎧 Love this episode? Subscribe & leave a review! 💬 What's your approach to travel in your family? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media! 📅 Stay updated on upcoming episodes by following our podcast!

Until next time, we're still figuring it out. ✨

Thank you Lexi Moreno and Caleb Pitman composing / mixing / mastering / guitar / trumpet; Zoe bass