Let the Adventure Begin with Chris Denker

I'm so excited about eating better now that I know about the Yuka app. And no, I'm not a brand ambassador for them. I'm just excited about how they are educating the world about the food we are eating. The best part is that they are an independent company, and that means they don't get any kickback from recommendations they make on healthier alternatives.

While I'm not a nutritionist or a dietician, I am an educator and I want to do what I can to make life easier for others. So, I'm going to be launching meal plans in January 2026 containing only foods Yuka deems good or excellent. 

In September 2025, I'm going to launch a few individual meals on my website so you can check them out. I'll keep you updated!

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

• Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove 
• License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

• Let's connect! Follow me:  
• Instagram:  @chris.m.denker
• Threads: @chris.m.denker
• Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

I'm back! While I scheduled two replays during my recovery from surgery, I ended up not having the surgery but released the replays anyway. I hope you enjoyed them. 

If you haven't had a chance to listen to them, check out Episode 152 - Release, which is the most downloaded episode to date and Episode 153 - Adventures in Marriage, which was my first interview with my husband Jack. 

Today's episode is all about joy and it was inspired by Associate Pastor John Sievering of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church (Omaha, NE). 

• In the morning, think about where you might find or see joy in the upcoming day.
• Work to cultivate joy.
• Reflect at the end of the day on where you found joy.

Get yourself a "Joy Journal" and start writing down those moments where joy shows up in your life.

In this episode, I also talk about a beautiful podcast called, Fighting for Joy, with Jodi Blick. If you don't already listen to it, check it out.

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

• Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove 
• License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

• Let's connect! Follow me:  
• Instagram:  @chris.m.denker
• Threads: @chris.m.denker
• Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

Since I'm still recovering from surgery, I thought I would bring you my very first interview on the podcast. It happens to be with my husband Jack, and we had a lot of fun sharing our general goofiness and adventures in our marriage. Enjoy!

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

• Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove 
• License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

• Let's connect! Follow me:  
• Instagram:  @chris.m.denker
• Threads: @chris.m.denker
• Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

Hi! If you're listening for the first time or you forgot, I'm taking a couple of weeks off to recover from my surgery. In the meantime, enjoy this replay of Episode 91, Release. It's all about releasing our inhibitions to start doing what we really want to do. This has been the most listened to episode to date, so you know it's REALLY good! :)

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

• Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove 
• License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

• Let's connect! Follow me:  
• Instagram:  @chris.m.denker
• Threads: @chris.m.denker
• Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

Well, Episode 151 was supposed to be about my upcoming surgery this week and how I was feeling about it. Plot twist! I found out I have an upper respiratory infection which can negatively impact anesthesia with breathing (kind of important!), so I rescheduled it.

So, I decided to talk about valuing the season I'm in, examples of value seasons that are both negative and positive, and then thinking about how we can all do a better job of being in the moment of the season we're in.

While I'm not having surgery, I am still replaying two great episodes for the next two weeks. 

• 6/25 (Episode 152) is the most downloaded and listened to and it's called Release.
• 7/2 (Episode 153) is my first ever interview and it's with my husband Jack. It is called Adventures in marriage.
• I will be back with a fresh episode on 7/9.

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

• Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove 
• License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

• Let's connect! Follow me:  
• Instagram:  @chris.m.denker
• Threads: @chris.m.denker
• Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

The podcast turned three with this 150th episode! I'm excited to share what I've learned and what I'm looking forward to in year four. Specifically, I focus on staying in my lane, going back to doing interviews and why, and enjoying the journey.

I am also sharing what the next four weeks will look like:

• Next week (6/18) I'm going to talk about how I'm feeling going into having a hysterectomy. Don't skip this episode! I'm not talking about the surgery only but also how we feel when going into uncertainty in our lives.
• The next two weeks (6/25 & 7/2) will be two replays:
  • 6/25 is the replay of the most listened to episode: Release
  • 7/2 is a replayed interview with my husband Jack called "Adventures in Marriage." I thought it would be fitting since we will be celebrating our 36th anniversary on June 30.
• On 7/9, I will be back with a new episode, three weeks post-op.

In this episode, I mentioned how you can support Danielle Helzer's bookshop, Rooted Books & Gifts. If you scroll to the bottom of the website, you can click on the link for Bookshop.org to purchase online as well as support Danielle's bookshop.

I also talked about Meg Farley's interview with People.com. You can check it out here.

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

• Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove 
• License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

• Let's connect! Follow me:  
• Instagram:  @chris.m.denker
• Threads: @chris.m.denker
• Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

This week I'm sharing a prompt from an essay in Suleika Jaouad's newest book, The Book of Alchemy. I am already loving this book as it is an invitation to embark on a journey of 100 days of journal writing. Each essay has a prompt at the end of it, and I feel like it is already having a profound effect on me. My challenge to you, dear listener, is to give this prompt a try and see what you think.

In addition to this week's offering, I'm also sharing an overview of episodes for the month of June. 

If you're interested in The Book of Alchemy, you can buy it here (and also support a local bookshop of your choice). In addition, I also talked about Jaouad's book Between Two Kingdoms in Episode 27. You can give it a listen here.

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove

License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

Let's connect! Follow me:  

Instagram:  @chris.m.denker

Threads: @chris.m.denker

Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

In Episode 148, I'm excited to talk about the book, Ordinary Time, by Annie B. Jones. As someone who has lived within an hour and a half of my hometown my entire life, Annie's book resonated with me. Sometimes I've been envious of friends who have moved and/or traveled extensively, while I have stayed pretty close to home my entire life.

Annie shares how an ordinary life is something to also be proud of, and she shares her perspective on doing so.

One chapter of her book, "Be Ringo," is the focal point of what stood out to me the most. I can't wait for you to understand why.

In this episode, I mention Ordinary Time and From the Front Porch.

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove

License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

Let's connect! Follow me:  

Instagram:  @chris.m.denker

Threads: @chris.m.denker

Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

In Episode 147, I'm chatting about how we all need to do a better job of speaking kindly to ourselves. Often, we show others more compassion, grace, patience, and kindness than we do to ourselves. 

I want to challenge you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. What are five things you love about yourself?

2. What are four things you're good at?

3. How do you feel when you think about what you're good at? Describe those feelings.

When you're having a low day, come back to these answers to reinforce all that is amazing about you!

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove

License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

Let's connect! Follow me:  

Instagram:  @chris.m.denker

Threads: @chris.m.denker

Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

Welcome to Episode 146, "Listen In." 

How well do you listen to what you need? Do you even know what you need or how to get it if you do? 

In this episode, we are exploring how we need to listen in to our needs to show up better for ourselves and for others.

In this episode, I mention Yoga with Adriene (on YouTube) and Love Your Calm - Mini Meditations with Hannah Castillo (wherever you listen to podcasts).

If you're new to the podcast, thanks for taking 10 minutes or so out of your day to listen to a 57-year-old Midwesterner chat about topics that come top of mind when it comes to adventures in physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health.

I hope you'll stick around. And, if you're a friend of the podcast already, thank you so much for your continued support. I'm so grateful for you!

If you haven't rated the podcast, I would appreciate a positive rating and review. That's how others learn about the community we are building, one listener at a time. 

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/that-groove

License code: 6XUFRBQDFLDIJ8BS

Hit the SUBSCRIBE button wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Questions? Hit me up at [email protected]

Let's connect! Follow me:  

Instagram:  @chris.m.denker

Threads: @chris.m.denker

Medium (writing content) medium.com - search my name to find a comprehensive list of pieces I have written for other publications. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.