Welcome back to another riveting episode of Coffee and Cuddles! This week, Craig (AKA Coffee) and Cuddles are diving into the metaphorical attic of our lives. We’re talking about the "stuff" we carry—not just the physical U-Haul boxes from past moves, but the mental and emotional baggage that follows us from relationship to relationship.

Have you ever left a box unpacked for years, only to realize you didn't really need what was inside?. We explore why we hold onto bad decisions, old fears, and creepy emotional "slimes" instead of letting them go. From the "Schoolhouse Rock" inspiration of unpacking adjectives to the literal heart-break of a shattered coffee mug, we discuss how old triggers can create an avalanche in our current lives.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Metaphorical Attic: Why we shove painful emotions into dark corners and hope they simply disintegrate.
• The Trigger Trap: How a simple loud voice or a broken dish can send us down a rabbit hole of past trauma.
• The Keep, Toss, Donate Framework: A system for deciding which parts of your history belong in your future.
• The Fire Ritual: Why writing down your fears and watching them burn can be a powerful way to reclaim your peace.
• The Airport Suitcase Test: If you were at the check-in counter and your emotional luggage was overweight, what is the one thing you would leave behind forever?.

A new chapter doesn't mean you have to have zero history, but it does mean choosing which parts of that history you actually want to live with.

Connect with Us:We love our "three or four" regulars and everyone else joining the CNC trend!. If you have questions, advice, or just want to share what you’re leaving at the airport counter, find us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter @CoffeeAndCuddles.

Remember: This is just our two cents—your mileage may vary!.

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Are you listening, or are you just hearing? This week, Coffee and Cuddles dive deep into the art of active listening. Drawing from her experience as a second-grade teacher, Anna shares how a classroom mishap led to a re-evaluation of how we communicate with one another. From the classroom to the doctor’s office, this episode explores why looking at someone isn't always enough and how we can better "hear" the people in our lives. Plus, stay tuned for Anna’s saga with seasonal allergies and her quest to find a doctor who truly listens.

The Art of Active Listening

• Listening vs. Looking: Just because someone is looking at you doesn't mean they are processing what you’re saying.
• The Classroom Perspective: Anna recounts having to re-teach a lesson because students weren't actively listening during instruction.
• Clarifying Questions: One sign of a good listener is the use of follow-up or clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
• The "Middle" Gap: Missing the middle of a conversation can lead to major disagreements or hurt feelings.

Practical Tips for Focus

• Eyes on the Speaker: Maintaining eye contact is a foundational step in giving someone your full attention.
• Empty Hands: Removing distractions—like pens or rubber bands—helps the brain focus on the speaker.

Body Stillness: Keeping your body still and turning your "voice off" allows your ears to do their job.

Visual Focus: A parent's tip: if a teacher indicates something on a board or paper, your eyes must follow that indicator while your ears listen.

Life Update: The Allergy Saga

• The Raspy Voice: Anna addresses her raspy voice, clarifying it is seasonal allergies, not the flu or strep.
• Doctor-Patient Communication: A discussion on the frustration felt when a doctor seems focused on other patients rather than the one in the room.

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In this episode, Craig and Cuddles talk about how much space in a relationship is healthy, especially when you live in a tiny home, an ADU, a van, or just feel on top of each other all the time. They share real stories from their own relationship, how they cool off after arguments without checking out, and why a little breathing room can actually bring couples closer instead of pushing them apart.​

You’ll hear them dive into relationship conflict, cooling‑off time, and what “I need space” can look like in a healthy marriage or partnership. They also talk about kids needing space on crowded playgrounds, creative ways to get outside, and how finding a new church community at
Arbor Road Church helped refill their emotional and spiritual tanks.​
​

Episode Topics:

• How much space in a relationship is healthy and when “I need space” is a good thing​
• Cooling off after an argument without using the silent treatment​
• Finding alone time in tiny homes, ADUs, and van life situations​
• Why kids also need space and how parks, beaches, and places like
  Discovery Cube Orange County
  ​​
• Faith, community, and finding space that refuels you at
  Arbor Road Church
  ​​
• Long‑term relationship lessons from nearly seven years together, plus past dysfunctional relationships​
• How do you ask for space in your relationship without starting a fight?​
• Share your “I need space” strategies, tiny‑home or van‑life tips, and kid‑energy burn‑off ideas with the show on social or by sending a message.

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The hosts kick off 2026 with laughter, food cravings, and a surprisingly deep dive into how time affects everything—from relationships to sandwiches. What starts as a chat about tacos spirals (as usual) into lessons about communication, forgiveness, and letting go of grudges. Between stories of soggy apples, holiday schedules, and spicy chicken rating scales, Craig and Coffee remind us that how we spend our time—especially with loved ones—matters most.

Key Topics Discussed

• Welcome to 2026: The hosts’ hilariously chaotic return and why they “warned you” about it.
• A Tale of a Turkey Sandwich: How time (and apples) taught Craig an unexpected culinary lesson.
• Time and Relationships: Why resolving conflicts quickly can strengthen bonds—and why “forgiven and forgotten” should mean exactly that.
• “Hallway Arguments”: Craig’s story about breaking an old habit of silent treatment and choosing open communication instead.
• The White Boy Spice Scale: Coffee’s curiosity about just how spicy Church’s Chicken is, leading to an AI-powered taste test rating.
• The Cayenne Incident: A childhood story that ends in a lifelong avoidance of one fiery ingredient.
• Listener Challenge: How do you handle time in conflicts—talk it out right away or let it cool off first?

Memorable Moments

• “If you’re going to put fresh fruit on a sandwich, eat it the day you make it.”
• “We don’t edit these—we just wrap them and release them into the universe.”
• “Forgiven and forgotten means you never get to bring it up again.”
• “On a scale of one to White Boy, how spicy is Church’s Chicken?”

Takeaway

Time changes everything—sometimes for the worse (like a two-day-old apple slice), sometimes for the better (like a healed argument). The hosts remind listeners that forgiveness, communication, and humor go a long way toward making relationships last.

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 After a brief hiatus (or "hibernation"), Craig (aka Coffee) and Anna Marie (aka Cuddles) are back! In this episode, the duo catches up on where they’ve been, navigating significant health challenges, and the importance of being your own advocate at the doctor's office.
They also dive into the hilarity of teacher life before winter break, baffling Gen Alpha slang (what is "Skippity"?), and the joy of new toys—including a fancy espresso machine and a retro Pole Position arcade game. Plus, a little end-of-year advice on vehicle donations and tax write-offs.
Key Topics & Takeaways:

• Life Update: The hosts apologize for the recent absence, citing work stress ("brain is goo") and health issues as the main culprits.   
• Medical Advocacy: Craig shares his struggle with arthritis and pain management, emphasizing the importance of not accepting "conservative" treatment when you are in pain. Key Mantra: "Do not borrow trouble"—don't stress about bad outcomes before they actually happen.   
• Teacher Tales: Anna Marie discusses the chaos of the classroom before the holidays, how quickly kids forgive (and forget) arguments at recess, and the struggle to understand new slang like "Rizz".   
• Holiday Haul: A look at their favorite recent gifts:
  • Craig: A tabletop Pole Position arcade game (and why he’s in trouble for playing it too much).   
  • Anna Marie: A new espresso machine that has turned her into an at-home barista (and might be fueling Craig's insomnia).   
• End-of-Year Tips: A PSA about donating old vehicles to organizations like "Kars 4 Kids before the tax year ends—and why it’s better than having strangers knock on your door asking to buy your car.   

Memorable Quotes:

• "Everybody repeat this phrase with me: Do not borrow trouble." — Craig    
• "I don't need conservative. I need relief." — Craig    
• "Sometimes it's crazy, sometimes it's mundane, but it's never boring." — Anna Marie    
• "I know my limitations, I know what I'm capable of... putting up with their ideas." — Anna Marie    

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Organization: Cars for Kids (Vehicle Donation)    
• Location: Sandy’s on the Beach (Huntington Beach) – Recommended for the cheesecake!   
• Game: Pole Position (Tabletop Arcade)    

Connect with Us:

• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandcuddles67/
• Spotify: Click here to listen

Listen, rate, and subscribe! We are aiming to be back on a weekly schedule in the New Year!

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Welcome back to Coffee & Cuddles! This week, we’re trading deep dives for deep giggles. Join Coffee and Cuddles as they crack up over silly routines, powder puff sound effects, McCoy’s bedtime patrol, and grocery store dance-offs.

It’s the kind of lighthearted laughter that sneaks up on you—and before you know it, the stress is gone and you're smiling like a goof. We’re talking about those weird little habits that make love last, even when life is chaotic.

💬 Got your own silly couple routines? We want to hear them! DM us on IG: @coffeecuddle67

🐾 Sponsored by McCoy the food-motivated Husky (and maybe the Dove Café in Second Life… we’re manifesting it).

🎧 Hit play and laugh with us—you need this today.

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ife has a way of putting hurdles in front of us — some small, some Olympic-sized. In this heartfelt episode, Craig (“Coffee”) and Anna Marie (“Cuddles”) talk honestly about the challenges they’re facing, the strength they find in each other, and why laughter (and chocolate pie) can sometimes be the best medicine.

We explore:

• Facing big personal hurdles and why you don’t have to do it alone
• The power of encouragement, comfort, and humor in tough moments
• A trip to Philippe’s in LA and the laughter that came with it 🥧
• What it means to keep a growth mindset when life feels overwhelming
• Faith, prayer, and learning to accept answers we don’t always want

This episode blends humor, honesty, and hope — reminding you that whatever hurdle you’re facing, it’s easier with someone in your corner.

Links & Mentions:

• Philippe’s French Dip (Los Angeles) – our go-to sandwich spot
• Growth mindset in everyday life – practical ways to shift your perspective

Call to Action:
If today’s episode encouraged you, please rate, review, and follow Coffee & Cuddles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Share it with someone who might need a little encouragement over their own hurdles.

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It’s officially back to school season! In this episode, Craig (“Coffee”) and Anna Marie (“Cuddles”) share how they’re adjusting to new routines — from early mornings and packed classrooms to volunteering, parenting, and even unexpected puppy adventures.

We dive into:

• Anna Marie’s return to teaching with a full class of 27 second graders 🏫
• Craig’s latest experiences volunteering in the classroom ✏️
• Why “perfection” is a myth and how to model grace and resilience for kids 💡
• The joy of finding community at their favorite Starbucks ☕
• McCoy the studio dog’s great crate escape 🐾

This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and heartfelt reflections on balancing work, school, and family life.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate, review, and follow Coffee & Cuddles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach more listeners who love cozy conversations about life, love, and faith.

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In this week’s episode of Coffee & Cuddles, Craig (Coffee) and Anna (Cuddles) talk about new health care adventures, mobility aids, and the ways they support each other through everyday challenges. From surprise canes and knee braces to shower chairs and high curbs, they share the humor, frustrations, and teamwork that keep them going.

You’ll hear about:

• Craig’s first week with a new all-in-one health group
• The difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy (and why he needs both)
• How Anna and Craig adapt to living with chronic conditions
• The importance of never making your partner feel “less than” for using mobility aids
• Little ways they help each other, from curb hopping to laundry grabbers
• Why Elvis made a cameo at the clinic
• A call to listeners: How do you and your partner help each other day-to-day?

As always, what works for us might not work for you—but sharing our experiences might give you an idea or two (and maybe a laugh along the way).

Links & Mentions:

• Dale’s Diner (home of the tallest curb in town)
• Cracker Barrel (still on probation)

Support the show:
If you enjoy Coffee & Cuddles, consider following, sharing, and leaving a review. Your support keeps the coffee hot and the conversation going.

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🧾 Episode Summary:

In this candid and hilarious episode, Coffee and Cuddles dive into a surprisingly deep topic: food labels and making healthier choices—especially while living with dietary restrictions like diabetes and food sensitivities. What begins with a trip for lemonade turns into a full-blown exploration of stevia, fake sugars, and yogurt-marinated chicken thighs.

There’s coffee (as always), laughter (obviously), and real talk about reading ingredient lists, cutting sugar, grocery store dilemmas, and how to stay mindful of each other’s health needs in a relationship.

💬 Key Topics Covered:

• Misadventures in choosing “healthy” drinks (Stevia = ick?)
• Why fruit juice might not be better than soda
• The overwhelming amount of ingredients in today’s foods
• Making food choices when one partner has dietary restrictions
• Switching from soda to water and coffee
• How added sugar hides behind misleading names
• Updates on Coffee’s new integrated healthcare team
• Learning to say goodbye to Frankenfoods and hello to label literacy
• Chicken thigh debates and the yogurt conundrum
• Navigating takeout decisions as a couple without murdering each other
• A gentle plea for listener feedback (with bribes!)

🍿 Quotes We Loved:

💌 Listener Challenge:

Be the first person to send feedback (good, bad, hilarious, emotional—we’ll take it). You’ll receive a random piece of Coffee and Cuddles merch. Could be a magnet. Could be a mug. Could be a sticker. Could be… mysterious.

🎧 Listen Now:

Available wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to read those labels.

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