Choosing Us

What happens when a couple builds their relationship through three powerful pillars while expecting their next baby?

Michaela and Brad Draper share their blueprint for unbreakable bonds from their cozy setup—complete with contractions and bed rest humor.

The Drapers reveal their relationship formula: working together builds a relationship, adding service creates friendship, and incorporating play forms an unbreakable bond. They live this philosophy through mountain biking adventures, competitive arcade dates (where Brad's rare piano game victories meet Mikayla's skeeball dominance), and gym sessions that keep them connected amid parenting chaos.

Their practical approach includes using JustServe.org for volunteer opportunities, finding Groupon deals for affordable dates, and creating activity lists for inspiration. They emphasize that small, intentional circles matter more than broad networks, and share how combining service with fun reveals new sides of each other.
The couple's secret sauce? Weekly check-ins, shared goal-setting, and mutual accountability—from supporting strict meal plans to cheering on individual ambitions. Their message is clear: intentional, consistent communication prevents relationships from drifting apart.

Ready to strengthen your most important relationships? Listen to discover how working, serving, and playing together can transform your connections into unbreakable bonds.

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Celebrating 100 Episodes of Love, Growth, and Connection

From uncertain beginnings to impactful conversations that span the globe, the Drapers mark their 100th episode with raw honesty about their podcasting journey. Discover how this power couple transformed production challenges into opportunities for deeper connection, both with each other and their growing audience.

Their candid reflections reveal how vulnerability became their superpower, leading them from hosting relationship discussions to launching prison programs and a nonprofit initiative. The episode showcases how their commitment to authentic dialogue has not only strengthened their own marriage but has created ripples of positive change in countless relationships worldwide.

Beyond the impressive milestone that puts them in the top tier of podcasts (most don't make it past 21 episodes!), the Drapers emphasize that true success lies in the lives they've touched and the conversations they've sparked.

Ready to be inspired? Listen to this milestone episode to learn how small actions can lead to significant impact, and hear firsthand how commitment, vulnerability, and open dialogue can transform relationships – including yours.


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Finding Purpose Through Prison Programs and Personal Growth

Discover how a simple volunteer opportunity transformed into a life-changing mission as Michaela and Brad Draper share their remarkable journey of developing a communications program for incarcerated women. In this powerful episode, the couple reveals how they crafted a 50-course curriculum despite limited resources, proving that impactful change often starts with a single step.

The conversation delves deep into balancing family life with ambitious dreams, as the Drapers navigate new beginnings and embrace challenges head-on. They discuss practical strategies for overcoming fear, including leveraging modern tools like ChatGPT for guidance, while emphasizing the crucial role of partnership support in achieving personal goals.

Key highlights:

• - Creating a groundbreaking program for women in Utah Corrections Facility
• - Balancing family responsibilities with personal aspirations
• - Strategies for embracing discomfort and learning new skills
• - The importance of mutual support in relationships
• - Teaching resilience to children through example

Ready to be inspired? Listen to this episode to learn how taking that first step, despite uncertainty, can lead to extraordinary personal growth and meaningful impact in others' lives.


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The Power of Words: Transforming Relationships Through Positive Language

Discover how the simple act of choosing our words carefully can revolutionize our relationships and shape our children's self-perception. In this compelling episode of "Choosing Us," Brad and Michaela Draper dive deep into the transformative power of positive language in family dynamics.

The Drapers share personal insights about their journey through parenthood, including a touching moment when their child's innocent perspective on beauty prompted a profound self-reflection. They explore how daily affirmations and conscious word choices can build resilience and self-esteem in children, while also strengthening marital bonds.

Key highlights:

• - The impact of self-talk on children's development
• - Strategies for fostering positive family communication
• - The importance of expressing gratitude in relationships
• - How to shift from negative to positive interactions
• - Embracing aging with confidence and grace

Ready to transform your family's communication and create a more uplifting home environment? Listen to this episode to discover practical tips for harnessing the power of positive language in your relationships.

#ChoosingUs #FamilyRelationships #PositiveParenting

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Unlocking the Taboo: A Candid Conversation About Sex and Hormones in Relationships

Dive into a refreshingly honest discussion about one of the most challenging aspects of relationships - sexual intimacy and hormone health. Michaela and Brad Draper break down the barriers surrounding libido differences between partners, challenging the notion that low sexual desire is just "normal," especially for women.

The episode reveals how hormone imbalances can significantly impact relationships, with the Drapers sharing their personal journey with testosterone therapy and its transformative effects on their marriage. They tackle common misconceptions about gender-based desires and exhaustion, offering practical insights for couples struggling with intimacy.

Key takeaways:

• - Low libido often signals underlying hormone issues
• - Regular health check-ups and hormone evaluations are crucial
• - Brief, spontaneous moments of connection matter
• - Communication is essential for maintaining intimacy
• - Specialist consultation is vital for hormone health

Ready to transform your relationship and understanding of intimate health? This episode of "Choosing Us" offers the candid conversation you've been waiting for. Tune in to discover how addressing hormone health could revolutionize your relationship dynamics.

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What Really Matters in Communication: Intent vs Impact

Ever wondered why your well-intended messages sometimes miss the mark? This enlightening episode of Choosing Us dives deep into the fascinating disconnect between what we mean and how our words are received. The Drapers masterfully explore how our past experiences shape our perceptions and impact our relationships today.

Through personal stories and expert insights, they introduce the powerful concepts of "little t truth" and "big T truth," demonstrating how different interpretations of shared experiences can lead to either connection or conflict. Michaela shares vulnerable moments from her childhood, illustrating how varied perspectives can trigger defensiveness in relationships.

Key takeaways:

• - The impact of your message matters more than your intention
• - Past traumas can become stepping stones for growth
• - Understanding different perspectives strengthens relationships
• - The importance of validating feelings over proving who's "right"

Ready to transform your communication and deepen your relationships? This episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to build stronger connections.

Tune in to discover how embracing different perspectives can lead to more meaningful relationships and personal growth.


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Ever wondered why your partner's way of loading the dishwasher drives you crazy? The Drapers dive deep into the fascinating world of relationship priorities and household dynamics!

In this enlightening episode of "Choosing Us," hosts Michaela and Brad Draper celebrate Michaela's birthday month while tackling the universal challenge of managing different priorities in relationships. Through their personal experiences as parents of two young boys (ages 3 and 5), they explore how couples can navigate contrasting approaches to household tasks without letting it spark conflict.

The episode highlights the importance of:

• - Respecting individual priorities and methods
• - Understanding that everyone's "best" looks different
• - Finding harmony amid chaos through humor and flexibility
• - Letting go of unrealistic expectations

Their candid discussion about dishes, laundry, and toy-strewn floors offers practical insights into maintaining a healthy relationship while managing a busy household. The Drapers demonstrate how embracing differences rather than fighting them can lead to stronger partnerships.

Ready to transform your perspective on relationship dynamics and household harmony? Tune in to this relatable and humor-filled episode that might just change how you view those unwashed dishes!

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From Hesitant to Hero: A Husband's Journey into Nursery Design

Discover how one couple's journey of preparing for their new baby becomes a testament to partnership and growth. When Brad steps out of his comfort zone to tackle nursery renovations - from painting to wallpapering - what emerges is more than just a beautiful room; it's a story of love, compromise, and shared vision.

The episode dives deep into the importance of maintaining joy and friendship in relationships, especially during life's major transitions. Through candid conversations, the speakers share valuable insights about:

• Active participation vs. passive observation in family life
• - Creating meaningful traditions (like their sacred Wednesday nights)
• - Finding balance between spontaneity and scheduled quality time
• - The role of self-care in maintaining family dynamics

Their experience reminds us that strong relationships require intentional nurturing and the willingness to embrace challenges together, even when they push us beyond our comfort zones.

Ready to be inspired? Tune in to hear how this couple's nursery project became a metaphor for the beautiful mess of marriage, parenthood, and growing together. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation!

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Living in the Present: Finding Joy Amidst Life's Challenges

Discover how embracing the present moment can transform your relationship and mental well-being. In this powerful episode of "Choosing Us," the Drapers dive deep into the delicate balance between supporting a partner through difficult times and maintaining personal boundaries.

Through their experiences, including volunteering at Utah State Prison and navigating stressful family moments, Michaela and Brad reveal how anxiety and depression often stem from our relationship with time.

They share candid insights about:

• The impact of negative moods on family dynamics
• - Giving partners space to process emotions
• - The importance of self-accountability in personal growth
• - Finding joy even during challenging periods
• - Creating safe spaces for vulnerability

Their honest discussion reminds us that true happiness comes not from avoiding difficult emotions, but from embracing life's full spectrum of experiences.

Ready to transform your approach to presence and partnership? Listen to this episode for practical insights on building a stronger, more authentic relationship while maintaining individual well-being.

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Parenting with Purpose: Letting Kids Learn Life's Lessons

Discover why letting your children face challenges head-on might be the best gift you can give them! In this enlightening episode, we explore the delicate balance between protection and independence in modern parenting. Through personal stories and practical insights, our hosts share their approach to raising resilient children, including a heartwarming breakthrough moment of a young boy learning to tie his shoes.

Key highlights:

• - The importance of teaching proper principles vs helicopter parenting
• - How boundaries and structure support healthy development
• - Why experiencing natural consequences builds character
• - Practical tips for fostering independence in young children
• - The role of emotional regulation in child development

Drawing inspiration from Mel Robbins' perspective on anxiety, the conversation delves into why shielding kids from life's challenges might do more harm than good. From kitchen responsibilities to shoe-tying adventures, learn how small moments of struggle can transform into powerful learning opportunities.

Ready to transform your parenting approach and raise confident, capable children? Listen to this episode for practical strategies and inspiring insights that will revolutionize your family dynamic.


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