Marriage Is Funny

Marriage Is Funny

By Gerard + Jessie PepperSociety & CulturePersonal JournalsKids & Family
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Marriage Is Funny episodes

  • Rule 065 | Always Start A New Season By Clearing Out The Garage

    The Peppers have opposing feelings about their favorite winter drinks, but both are highly averse to Christmas music that plays before December. Jessie tries to rally for a “pre-decoration purge” but her motives come to light when she claims the garage as her future Season Headquarters.

    Don’t forget that we’ll send you a letterpress print when you post a photo to social media with the tags @meetthepeppers / #marriageisfunny but just make sure to send us the screenshot before the end of 2017!

    Ps. - Want to come on vacation with us in April? We’re headed to Mexico with some of our favorite listeners, and you can find all the info at greatlovegetaway.com!

    QUICK BITES:

    Jessie’s Official Bobsled Recipe: Prepare our favorite healthy hot cocoa mix (according to the package) and then add a generous glug of peppermint shnapps to spice things up. Add a festive travel mug and you’ve got yourself a party on ice skates!

    The Little Drummer Boy Challenge is being officially extended to our Great Love Gang. Find the rules and play along on the thread in our FB group. (Here’s a pro-tip: Don't listen to the Pentatonix Christmas Album without skipping the first song.)

    Feel free to get yourself a nativity scene and copy our orthodox version of elf-on-the-shelf.

    The used paint cans have GOT to go because the stock for Jessie’s ethical apparel line is getting ready to take over our humble garage.

    Time to bust out the Marie Kondo Method like we did in our last episode about minimalism. Back then we were just dipping our toes in the water, and now we’re ready to dive in head first.

    Gerard proposes a phased approach to getting festive, but insists on beating the neighbors by getting our lights up first.

    50 min
  • Rule 064 | A Unified Marriage Makes The Best Goal Line Defense

    QUICK BITES: 

    + Gerard has been working nearly around the clock and Jessie is trying to be a good sport amidst the crazy schedule. Listen to another surprisingly accurate sports reference in Episode 33, where we chat about living with chronic pain + college basketball.

    + Past birthday hurts propel most of Gerard’s decisions on taking PTO days celebrate, but everything goes out the window when he lets work-stress take over his week.

    + Being overwhelmed about work feels oddly (and unfortunately) familiar to both of the Peppers. Listen to another episode about Gerard’s perpetually crammed calendar and then hear what happens when Jessie eventually turns into a work widow.

    + Jessie has a rage black out when Gerard lapses on his husbandly-duties, but Gerard is quick to forgive because the apology was sincere.

    + Emojis and iMessages are no longer healthy elements of our communication, but hashing out our cell phone preferences has oddly seemed to help.

    + Gerard has spoken about his unhealthy cell phone relationship on the show twice before and now it’s apparent that his struggle is an annual thing.

    + Identity theft is a valid concern for Jessie (something she happens to share with this past podcast guest), but Gerard brings a dose of reality that finally gets her back on track.

     

    TRIGGER QUESTIONS:

    1.) What is one thing that you'd like to receive more grace about from your partner this week?

    2.) What are some of the actual symptoms that help you recognize when your spouse is stressed out?

    3.) Which partner is more paranoid about things like identity fraud and conspiracy theories?

    53 min
  • Rule 063 | Babies Take Way More Work Than Podcasts
    Still no plans to have kids of our own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t put our (amateur) parenting skills to good use. Jessie gives Gerard a pep talk while he processes his emotions, and we both resolve to be better about arguing with generous amounts of grace.
    QUICK BITES:
    Looking for the backstory on our parenting status? Ep 40 is where we dig in to the personal decision that we get asked about at LEAST twice a week.
    Jessie recently opened up in a blog post about motherhood doubts from an intentional non-mom.
    We’re excited about the short-term voluntary care organization that we volunteer with, and you should definitely check to see if there is a Safe Families chapter in your area!
    Gerard comes clean about a WIDE range of emotions: sadness, relief, guilt, confusion… We’ve both changed our minds at least once throughout this process, but wholeheartedly agree that being generous is our priority.
    We've learned that accepting help from our church family has been the only way to survive our first care-taking placement.
    Gerard has a propensity for correcting Jessie when she gives inaccurate statements. There are “no buts” about the fact that arguing fairly requires a willingness to be wrong every once in awhile.
    Saying "YES, AND" is a very useful marriage tip when communicating with your partner -- Whether you’re playing an actual improv game or decided where to go for dinner, we highly recommend agreeing with each other as a way to move the moment forward.
    57 min
  • Rule 061 | Getting Away Creates Space For Great Love
    We’re back for Season Five with lots of fun stuff to tell you! First -- tune in for a BIG announcement about our next Great Love Getaway in Puerto Vallarta, and then head to our vacation page to find out how to join us on the trip.
    This week’s show is a story-filled recap of everything we learned on our anniversary trip to Morocco, Spain + Portugal in September. Adventure lovers will learn from our silly mistakes and seasoned travelers will laugh at all the ridiculous blunders... A must-listen for anyone who missed our insta-stories and is dying to hear (or willing to tolerate) the full rundown.  
    Meanwhile -- we’re so excited to be back for another season and thank you so much to our generous Great Love Gang who is making this show possible! Find out how to get involved on the support page of our site and don’t forget to come hang out on twitter and instagram while you listen!
    QUICK BITES:
    Check out the highlights of our Summer Travel Series for the full itinerary and all of our BEST adventure tips.
    If Tomorrow Gerard has a problem, then Tomorrow Jessie has a problem too. (Unfortunately, Today Gerard likes to save money without thinking of the consequences and that can sometimes cause a lot of problems for both of them.)
    Jessie’s new favorite travel sleeping contraption is called a trtl pillow and the irony of that name is not lost on either one of us.
    The Peppers packed for two whole weeks in just two tiny carry-ons! Proof that when you pair a stylist with an actuary, they can combine their packing powers for the good of suitcases everywhere.
    Our trip to The Blue City of Chefchaouen got cancelled after a rough night on the overnight train.
    Jessie’s refuses to rest her head on any questionable surfaces so she MacGuyvered herself a sleeping situation using some extra flat sheets and her trusty leather backpack.
    Who doesn’t love sleeping on a mattress that reminds you of a greasy-spoon diner booth?! (Jessie doesn’t. In case that isn’t clear from the episode or the sarcasm of this question.)
    If you ever find yourself on the coast of Central Portugal, please go try the buttered cheese and pesto from Azenhas do Mar.
    If you ever find yourself eating too much buttered cheese at Azenhas do Mar, we recommend chasing it with a digestive enzyme and a couple of charcoal pills.
    Despite any rumors you may have heard, Jessie has NOT switched over to Team Nap.
    Gerard hates to leave a country with their local currency, so Jessie has gotten quite good at spending it out to the very last dirham.
    Lessons From Our Anniversary Adventure: 
    Sometimes it’s ok to pay a little extra money to fly direct.
    We could all probably stand to do a lot less laundry in our lives
    Switzerland is really expensive.
    Never force your wife to ride on an overnight train in Morocco.
    It’s always ok to change your plans in the middle of the trip. Sometimes it’s worth it to go with the flow and change your plans at the last minute.
    Never ever (4x) travel without antibacterial wipes.
    The world isn’t going to end if you occasionally indulge in really good bread while on vacation.
    Check the weather before you go on special excursions, and be flexible on dates in order to make it work.
    The world would be a better place if everyone anchored their days around a siesta.
    Always change your money to the local currency if you want to get the best exchange rate.
    Getting outside your typical routine is a great way to experience special moments with your partner.
    TRIGGER QUESTIONS: 
    Which is worse? Being stuck in a small airplane seat for a short amount of time OR having extra leg room in a big seat for a really long flight with lots of layovers?
    What is your all time favorite food indulgence that you reserve especially for travel or other special occasions.
    Where is the best spot in your neighborhood to take a blanket and a bottle of wine for date night?
    56 min
  • Rule 060 | Don't Get Your Bikini Waxed The Day Before A Beach Trip
    The big finale of our special Summer Travel Series! Jessie + Gerard dive deep into their hardshell rollerbags to bring you the absolute best of their biggest travel tips. This episode is all about efficiency while adventuring, and please consider it a personal survival guide packed with resources just for you!
    Thank you so much for tuning in this Summer... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes and you can find out how to get involved with the show right over here!
    In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and head to meetthepeppers.com for all of the things that we talk about in today’s episode!
    1 hr 18 min
  • Rule 059 | Nothing Is More Gratifying Than A Well Packed Suitcase
    This week, Gerard + Jessie share how their spirit of adventure is exactly how they found their "soul city" in Long Beach, CA. But first: The Peppers are enlisting the help of some of their most adventurous friends... Tune in for some fun travel tips from the duos behind Swept Together, Voyagers Found and Romance + Adventure and be sure to follow these couples online for more great inspiration! 
    Thank you so much for tuning in to the MIF Summer Travel Series... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes and you can find out how to get involved with our Season Five Dollar Drive right over here!
    In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and join the private FB group to connect with the rest of our Great Love Gang!
    TRIGGER QUESTIONS: 
    Who controls the radio station or podcast playlist when you're on a long road trip with your spouse?
    Which partner is a better packer and who is in charge of the post-vacation laundry?
    Would you ever be interested in living/working in another location for a temporary amount of time? Which city would you choose?
    1 hr
  • Rule 058 | Vacationing Apart Is Okay If The Destination Stinks
    Is traveling separately (with friends) always worth the trip? The Peppers continue their Summer Travel Series by diving into the topic of vacationing apart, but neither person seems to know how to balance out their adventures. They both feel a little guilty for exploring new places without the other, and Gerard finally makes a decision to go on the big boat trip he’s been hoping for.
    Thank you so much for tuning in to the MIF Summer Travel Series... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes and you can find out how to get involved with our Season Five Dollar Drive right over here! 
    In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and see below for this week's handy show notes...
    QUICK BITES: 
    A longtime friend and listener of the show (Hi, Santos!) mentions to Gerard that he’s got a Guys Trip in the works. Brainstorming ensues and Mardi Gras beads are officially thrown out the window.
    Jessie immediately gets FOMO and the couple decides that the trick to prevent this is to choose a city that the other partner is not interested in visiting.
    Gerard went to Las Vegas for March Madness earlier this year and The Peppers realize that this definitely counts as an official Guy's Trip... Especially because it helped G meet his yearly quota for basketball watching AND meat eating in just a couple of days. 
    Jessie’s past speaking schedule has allowed her to experience a handful of accidental Girl’s Trips and she's always up for the chance to combine fun with an extra dose of productivity.
    The Peppers try to uncover truth: Do parents need separate travel time more than non-parents? The verdict is still out but this kidless couple already has a few upcoming adventures on the books.
    Gerard admits that he needs guy time to keep their marriage healthy. The Peppers agree that pursuing outside friendships is a good way to disperse the burden of our individual friendship needs.
    Talking about cost and stressing about money might actually take away from the benefits of travel. The last time Jessie went on a girls trip was around the same time that our budgeting episode went live, and the timing of these two things actually makes a lot of sense based on our goals.
    The Peppers realize that financial planning can actually provide more freedom than financial restrictions. (This is basically exactly what Jessie was trying to implement in Episode 57.)
    Jessie is going on a Women’s Retreat with Morgan in the Fall and she thinks that Gerard should go on the Sailing Trip with Zac.
    TRIGGER QUESTIONS:
    Who are the top three people you’d bring on a friends trip if your partner was going to stay at home?
    Do you get to spend enough time with friends when your partner isn't around?
    Have you ever felt jealous of your spouse because of a time that they’ve gotten to travel with their friends? Or guilt if you’re the one who is getting to experience it?
    44 min
  • Rule 057 | Tourist Traps Are Rarely Worth The Trip
    The Peppers are taking a 10-year anniversary trip in September and are finding that the road to planning everything out is a little rockier than they expected. Tune in as they navigate the nitty gritty of nailing down a perfect itinerary and please send recommendations if you have any can’t-miss spots that you think we’d love!
    Thank you so much for tuning in to the MIF Summer Travel Series... We would LOVE to have your support for our upcoming episodes, and you can find out how to get involved with our Season Five Dollar Drive right over here! 
    In the meantime, come hang out with us on twitter or instagram and see below for this week's handy show notes...
    QUICK BITES:
    We’ve been married for almost 10 years and haven’t really planned a trip for just the two of us yet! (Unless you count the Great Love Getaways with our listeners or the cross country tour in 2015?)
    We’re experiencing the speculation that The Keels talked about in Episode 8: sometimes both partners define a trip differently from a vacation.
    Gerard almost gave Jessie a heart attack while his finger hovered over the purchase button of some spendy European flights... At this point, we’re both thankful for his deep love of airline points which you may remember from back in Episode 36.
    The Peppers are flying in and out of Switzerland from the U.S. and then will explore the countries of Spain, Portugal + Morocco from there. (One of the two finally concedes that an upgrade is necessary when you’re married to someone with absurdly long legs.)
    Jessie and Gerard have differing approaches to budgeting for their big trip, but setting an initial number provides a helpful launching pad for the cost break down.
    Gerard is the money guy in this family, but you’ll hear our budgeting deficit start to re-emerge from back in Episode 22. Hear him start to squirm when Jessie presses for exact numbers, while she also simultaneously admits to her unavoidable cheapskater-y.
    The Peppers nab some travel books for each of the different locations that they’re going to visit, but want to make sure that they cross-reference with personal recommendations in order to avoid the tourist traps. 
    Jessie confesses that she hates museums and Gerard professes a preference for monuments. The two agree that a fat tire bike tour is the best way to see a new city, and they had a fabulous experience when they tried it in Paris.
    The Peppers walk through their individual “best day” scenario for their upcoming trip... Thankfully, both have pretty similar expectations and the results will probably depend on access to a swanky SPG hotel gym OR a nice Airbnb kitchen.
    TRIGGER QUESTIONS:
    What’s your favorite travel splurge when it comes to a long trip?
    Which partner in your relationship typically takes the reins on planning for vacation?
    What was the most disappointing travel experience that you've ever had with your spouse ?
    46 min

About Marriage Is Funny

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These are honest conversations from a married couple who is trying to figure it out like everybody else. The best recipe for a healthy marriage is the right mix of love + laughter, and we believe that…