Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Ep 381 Roadtrip Real Talk
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Ep 381 Roadtrip Real Talk
Zach connects with listeners Paul and Symone during a road trip break near Austin. Speaking candidly from the front seat of their car, they reflect on their blended family, the nuances of a 20-year age gap, and the emotional work of learning to love each other's children.
As Paul and Symone navigate the complexities of second marriages, they share how gardening becomes their safe zone, how compassion becomes their compass, and how front porch conversations turn into moments of healing. With honesty and warmth, they unpack what it means to stay connected—even when it’s hard—and how legacy, curiosity, and forgiveness shape their evolving partnership.
Key Takeaways
Gardening is their neutral ground
Paul and Symone use time in the yard to reconnect, calm conflict, and remind each other they’re on the same team.
Paul and Symone use time in the yard to reconnect, calm conflict, and remind each other they’re on the same team.
Blended families are complex and require grace
Symone opens up about the challenges of bonding with a stepchild, while Paul reflects on the tension of balancing empathy between partners and exes.
Symone opens up about the challenges of bonding with a stepchild, while Paul reflects on the tension of balancing empathy between partners and exes.
Compassion builds connection
They describe compassion as an effort to understand without assigning blame—a shared value that anchors their relationship.
They describe compassion as an effort to understand without assigning blame—a shared value that anchors their relationship.
The front porch is for growth
One-on-one talks with Jacob, Paul’s son, often happen on the porch, where Symone finds space to show up as a gentle counselor.
One-on-one talks with Jacob, Paul’s son, often happen on the porch, where Symone finds space to show up as a gentle counselor.
Curiosity over certainty
They agree that leading with curiosity—about each other, their triggers, and their kids—invites growth more than judgment ever could.
They agree that leading with curiosity—about each other, their triggers, and their kids—invites growth more than judgment ever could.
Guest Info
Paul
A behavior specialist and elementary school teacher, Paul brings his social-emotional learning work into his family life.
A behavior specialist and elementary school teacher, Paul brings his social-emotional learning work into his family life.
Symone
Symone is a school administrator, teacher, and mom navigating the second chapter of marriage with curiosity and intensity.
Symone is a school administrator, teacher, and mom navigating the second chapter of marriage with curiosity and intensity.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
View all episodes
By MTR
4.6
671671 ratings
Zach connects with listeners Paul and Symone during a road trip break near Austin. Speaking candidly from the front seat of their car, they reflect on their blended family, the nuances of a 20-year age gap, and the emotional work of learning to love each other's children.
As Paul and Symone navigate the complexities of second marriages, they share how gardening becomes their safe zone, how compassion becomes their compass, and how front porch conversations turn into moments of healing. With honesty and warmth, they unpack what it means to stay connected—even when it’s hard—and how legacy, curiosity, and forgiveness shape their evolving partnership.
Key Takeaways
Gardening is their neutral ground
Paul and Symone use time in the yard to reconnect, calm conflict, and remind each other they’re on the same team.
Paul and Symone use time in the yard to reconnect, calm conflict, and remind each other they’re on the same team.
Blended families are complex and require grace
Symone opens up about the challenges of bonding with a stepchild, while Paul reflects on the tension of balancing empathy between partners and exes.
Symone opens up about the challenges of bonding with a stepchild, while Paul reflects on the tension of balancing empathy between partners and exes.
Compassion builds connection
They describe compassion as an effort to understand without assigning blame—a shared value that anchors their relationship.
They describe compassion as an effort to understand without assigning blame—a shared value that anchors their relationship.
The front porch is for growth
One-on-one talks with Jacob, Paul’s son, often happen on the porch, where Symone finds space to show up as a gentle counselor.
One-on-one talks with Jacob, Paul’s son, often happen on the porch, where Symone finds space to show up as a gentle counselor.
Curiosity over certainty
They agree that leading with curiosity—about each other, their triggers, and their kids—invites growth more than judgment ever could.
They agree that leading with curiosity—about each other, their triggers, and their kids—invites growth more than judgment ever could.
Guest Info
Paul
A behavior specialist and elementary school teacher, Paul brings his social-emotional learning work into his family life.
A behavior specialist and elementary school teacher, Paul brings his social-emotional learning work into his family life.
Symone
Symone is a school administrator, teacher, and mom navigating the second chapter of marriage with curiosity and intensity.
Symone is a school administrator, teacher, and mom navigating the second chapter of marriage with curiosity and intensity.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
More shows like Marriage Therapy Radio
View all
Good Life Project
3,375 Listeners
What Healthy Couples Know That You Don't: Relationship Advice and Respect
287 Listeners
Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson
2,528 Listeners
Change Your Brain Every Day
2,061 Listeners
Calm Parenting Podcast
1,473 Listeners
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
27,584 Listeners
The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq.
223 Listeners
You Are Not Broken
1,146 Listeners
The Empowered Wife Podcast: Marriage Help with Laura Doyle
1,046 Listeners
The Resetter Podcast with Dr. Mindy
1,357 Listeners
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
4,524 Listeners
The Mel Robbins Podcast
20,222 Listeners
The Secure Love Podcast with Julie Menanno
355 Listeners
The Oprah Podcast
2,038 Listeners
The Tamsen Show
413 Listeners