Welcome to Episode Two of Making the Miles Matter! Dave and Mary Price are back, admitting they're "90 percenters" when it comes to podcasting, sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of launching Episode One (it's more than just recording!).

In this episode, Dave and Mary open up about their whirlwind romance (married in less than a year!) and how their unique journey became the foundation for their passion for healthy marriages. They delve into why intentionality in marriage matters, the eye-opening moments that shifted their focus from career growth to marital investment, and the powerful insights Mary gained working in a counseling center.

The second part of the episode (skip to minute 16ish!) you'll hear from their very first guest, Rebekah Wilson from Willow Springs Counseling, who shares invaluable advice for couples. Rebekah also goes into the itinerary for the marriage retreat that A Mouse and a Beach Travel is hosting in January 2026 at Sandals Montego Bay.

Episode Highlights:

• Podcast Launch Realities: Dave and Mary confess the unexpected challenges of getting their first episode out – from descriptions and images to all the technical details they didn't anticipate!
• Our Whirlwind Romance & Foundation: Hear the story of how Dave and Mary met at a college evening program (even though they were no longer in college!) and why their fast-paced courtship ultimately set the stage for their marriage advocacy.
• The Spark for Marriage Focus: Discover the personal moments that led both Dave and Mary to prioritize their marriage – from an impactful radio blurb for Dave, to Mary's experience navigating career, parenting, and a counseling center role.
• Welcoming Our First Guest: Rebekah Wilson! Dave and Mary introduce Rebekah Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Willow Springs Counseling in Knoxville, TN. Rebekah specializes in helping individuals and couples and is a wealth of knowledge on healthy relationships.
• Top Advice for Couples (from Rebekah Wilson): Rebekah shares her #1 piece of advice for both new and long-term married couples: make your marriage a priority through regular, everyday rhythms of connection. She emphasizes that every couple's rhythm is unique and highlights the importance of connecting without phones.
• Announcing Refresh: A Marriage Getaway! Get the exciting details about the faith-integrated marriage retreat hosted by A Mouse and A Beach Travel Company in January 2026 at Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica! Find out why this all-inclusive paradise is the perfect setting, and who the keynote speaker will be!
• What to Expect at the Retreat (with Rebekah Wilson): Rebekah outlines the practical sessions planned for the retreat mornings, covering foundational biblical frameworks for marriage, practical love, building blocks for passionate marriage, communication, conflict resolution, and nurturing sexual intimacy. She shares why communication is a learned skill and why these topics are crucial.
• Addressing Vulnerability & Growth: Rebekah discusses why being vulnerable in a group setting can actually be normalizing and relieving, emphasizing that negative emotions thrive in isolation. She encourages embracing the "risk" of growth in a supportive environment.
• Why This Retreat is Different: Dave and Mary explain how the retreat's setup (short morning sessions, free afternoons) allows for focused conversation and personal reflection, providing a unique space for couples to reconnect without daily interruptions… AND enjoy a vacation together in JAMAICA!
• Understanding Each Other: Rebekah offers a sneak peek into how the sessions will help couples understand the emotional landscape in relationships, aiming to bridge gaps and provide encouragement for both partners.
• Connect with Willow Springs Counseling: Rebekah shares how listeners can reach out to Willow Springs Counseling for support with individuals, couples, family counseling, and children's services.

Connect with Making the Miles Matter:

• Subscribe: Don't miss a beat! Subscribe now to get alerts, because real life happens and our timelines can too!
• Website: www.amouseandabeach.com/podcast 
• Blog Post (for Retreat Details): Look for our detailed blog post with all the information on the Jamaica Marriage Retreat at www.amouseandabeach.com/post/refresh-a-marriage-getaway.

Connect with Rebekah Wilson & Willow Springs Counseling:

• Website: https://willowspringsknoxville.com/ 
• Services: Individual, Couples, Family, Children's counseling, integration of faith and psychology.

Next Time On Making the Miles Matter:

Tune in for more practical insights and perhaps some more random musings as Dave and Mary continue their journey of "Making the Miles Matter!"

Release Date: July 19, 2025

Welcome to the very first episode of Making the Miles Matter! Join your married co-hosts, Dave and Mary Price, as they kick things off by sharing a little about themselves, why they are starting these conversations, and the unexpected (and Amazon-fueled!) origin story of this very podcast.

In this introductory episode, you'll learn that "Making the Miles Matter" isn't about travel points or running marathons. Instead, it's a heartfelt exploration of how to make your everyday moments count—whether you're on a dream vacation, tackling chores, or navigating the daily grind. Dave and Mary are on this journey with you, reflecting on their own experiences in marriage, parenting, and navigating life's ups and downs, all with a dash of humor and honesty.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Your Co-Hosts: Get to know Dave and Mary Price! Discover their unique personalities, what makes them tick (sushi, truffle fries, vintage trucks, and planning to live abroad!), and a fun peek into their almost-16-year marriage.
• Why This Podcast? Uncover the "aha!" moment that led to Making the Miles Matter. From sourdough starters to green paint and an Amazon order, hear how Mary's desire for intentionality sparked this new venture.
• What "Making the Miles Matter" Really Means: Dave and Mary clarify that this isn't a travel or fitness podcast. Instead, it's a shared conversation about finding purpose and presence in every moment—big or small, mundane or monumental. They discuss the importance of reflection and being present, especially in a "go go go" world.
• No Experts Here! (Just Fellow Adults): Dave and Mary openly admit they're figuring things out as they go, just like everyone else. They share their excitement about learning alongside their listeners and inviting others with expertise to join the conversation.
• What to Expect in Future Episodes: Get a sneak peek into the three main "segments" you can look forward to:
• Travel Tales & Tips: Practical advice, funny fails, and inspiration for purposeful trips.
• Marriage & Parenting: Real talk about relationships, family rhythms, and raising kids with intention and strong values.
• Home Moments & Humor: Light-hearted musings from the everyday chaos and joy.
• The "Miles Matter" Moment: A quick taste of a mini-segment to come!
• Join the Conversation! How you can be part of the Making the Miles Matter community.

Connect with Making the Miles Matter:

• Subscribe: Don't miss a beat! Subscribe now to get alerts, because real life happens and our timelines can change, too!
• Share Your Story: We'd love to hear how you're making your miles matter. [[email protected]]
• Website: A Mouse and A Beach Travel Company
• Social Media: @MakingTheMilesMatter

Next Time On Making the Miles Matter:

Get ready for a deep dive into marriage! Dave and Mary will share the quick backstory of how they met and discuss their desire to see marriages transformed. You won't want to miss it!