The Choices That Are Still Yours
In this opening episode of our new series on choice, Ruthe and Tim sit down to explore what remains within our control when life feels anything but controllable. Through honest conversation, humor, and deeply personal reflection, they talk about circumstances that are handed to us—grief, loss, and unexpected change—and the quiet power of choosing how we respond.

Ruthe shares the learned wisdom born from walking alongside her daughter Karla during her illness, reminding us that even when choices are taken away, not all of them disappear. Tim brings his thoughtful, curious perspective—challenging, affirming, and grounding the conversation in everyday life. Together, they wrestle with grief, faith and doubt, attitude, community, and the freedom found in choosing joy, presence, and meaning.

Featured in this episode is a rare and powerful moment—Karla’s own voice.
Recorded during her illness, Karla reflects on positivity, normalcy, and faith with a clarity and grace far beyond her years. Her words remind us that even when outcomes are uncertain, perspective, joy, and connection are still choices we get to make. Her voice doesn’t just support this series—it anchors it.

This episode invites you to pause and ask: What is happening in my life right now that I can’t control—and what choices are still mine to make? Whether you’re stepping into a new year, navigating loss, or simply trying to find your footing again, this conversation offers hope, permission, and a reminder that your story is still unfolding.

A new series begins here on the Let It Be Podcast—and we’re so glad you’re here.

Holding Tomorrow With Trust takes us to a snowy morning in Leavenworth, Washington, where we sit down with Myles (“Sasquatch”)—a private, music-loving builder who survived diabetes, colon cancer, chemo, and a heart attack, all in one season. Together, we talk about what it means to plan for tomorrow without living in fear of it, how to advocate for your health, and how to find peace when life feels uncertain. With humor, honesty, and a mix of faith and curiosity, this conversation is a reminder: you don’t have to carry the weight alone.

Capture the Guilt, Don’t Carry It is an honest, hope-filled conversation about the difference between conviction and self-condemnation—and why guilt so often shows up around rest, productivity, grief, and “not doing enough.” Ruthe and Tim sit down with Pastor Scott Heider to unpack how shame can attack identity, how to capture guilt instead of letting it control you, and how replacing unhealthy thought patterns can bring real clarity and peace. Whether you’re rooted in faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical tools—and a gentle invitation to release what you were never meant to hold.

In this episode of the Let It Be Podcast, Ruthe and Tim step into one of life’s most misunderstood seasons: the transition into a new normal. After years of living in survival mode, structured schedules, and responsibilities that left little room for choice, what happens when life suddenly becomes quiet? When the pace changes? When you get to decide what comes next?

Ruthe opens up about the unexpected challenges of retirement, the loss of a long-held identity, and the surprising discomfort of having too many choices. Tim brings his trademark curiosity and humor as he explores how we redefine purpose when old roles fade and new rhythms begin to form.

Together, they ask a meaningful question:
How do you recognize the gift in a season that feels unfamiliar, uncertain, or even a little uncomfortable?

This conversation is for anyone navigating transition—whether it’s career, caregiving, an empty nest, grief, or simply stepping into a new chapter of life. It’s a reminder that normalcy isn’t something you return to… it’s something you learn to receive.

A quiet space, a slower schedule, a shift in identity—
Maybe the new normal isn’t something to fear or fix.
Maybe it’s something to recognize as a gift.

In this episode, Ruthe and Tim dive into the often-ignored beauty of everyday life — the routines, the pauses, the simple moments that feel almost miraculous after seasons of chaos or grief. Through stories of unexpected peace, grounding rituals, and the tug-of-war between guilt and gratitude, they explore how “normal” can become one of life’s rarest blessings. Blending faith and agnostic perspectives, honesty, humor, and heart, they invite you to slow down and really consider: What if normal is the gift?

When Normal Feels Like a Gift (Gifts Series · Ep. 1)

Ruthe and Tim open a new series on “gifts”—not bows-and-boxes, but the quiet mercies that meet us in real life. From Ruthe’s tender story of traveling during Karla’s chemo to the lasting wisdom her daughter shared during that season, they explore how moments of peace can feel like grace—especially in times that are anything but normal. Tim brings humor and honesty through small, everyday encounters that reveal how connection and gratitude can appear in unexpected places. Together, they unpack the difference between gifts and talents, hold space for both faith and agnostic perspectives, and reflect on Matthew 6:34: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” You’ll hear about dog hugs, the freedom of surrender, and how even “bad gifts” can shape character and compassion.

Ruthe (broadcasting from Nashville) and Tim (from Seattle) welcome writer, speaker, and certified mental health coach Maree Dee for a deeply honest conversation about turning life’s detours into purpose. Maree opens up about the unexpected turns that reshaped her path—from co-owning a thriving CPA firm to becoming a full-time caregiver and faith-based mental health advocate. She shares the lessons learned from walking through seasons of uncertainty, rebuilding faith, and rediscovering joy.

Together, they talk about choosing trust in the middle of chaos, why community beats isolation, and how two emotions can be true at once: sorrow and joy. This heartfelt episode reminds us that every detour can become part of the greater journey toward hope and healing.

In their very first guest episode, Ruthe and Tim sit down with KTLA’s Henry DiCarlo for a candid conversation on authenticity. Henry opens up about life on TV versus life at home, his battle with prostate cancer, and the shift from transactional prayers to a deeper, daily faith. Together they explore what it means to show up as your true self—even when the world expects something different—and how small choices can ripple into courage, hope, and encouragement for others.

In this closing chapter of their Journey series, the hosts reflect on endings that bring both heartbreak and hope. From family discoveries and reconnections with siblings to the lessons of letting go while holding on, they share the beauty and struggle of moving forward. Endings aren’t just goodbyes—they open space for healing, laughter, and new beginnings. 

Up next: “A first for us — we’re welcoming our very first guest into the studio! He’ll be sharing his current journey, raw and real, and we can’t wait for you to hear it.”

OUR ADOPTION STORIES In this conversation, Ruthe and Tim explore their personal journeys of adoption, discussing the emotional complexities and connections that arise from their experiences. They reflect on the importance of family, both biological and adoptive, and share insights on how their pasts have shaped their identities and relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the value of therapy, support systems, and the ongoing impact of their adoption stories on their lives today.