Summary

In this conversation, Denise Waters and her guest explore the critical role of listening in communication, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in conversations. They share personal anecdotes and discuss the challenges posed by biases and the importance of creating space for untold stories. The dialogue highlights the significance of asking the right questions and being present in conversations, especially in a divided world. The episode concludes with a listener challenge to practice active listening and foster connections.

Keywords

listening, empathy, communication, bias, storytelling, relationships, understanding, connection, conversation skills, personal growth

Takeaways

• Listening is an active skill that can be practiced.
• Empathy is essential for understanding others' perspectives.
• Bias can hinder effective listening and connection.
• Creating space for untold stories is crucial in conversations.
• Asking the right questions can deepen understanding.
• Listening to understand is more important than listening to respond.
• Connection is built on shared emotions, not just events.
• We need to be aware of our biases in conversations.
• Building a community of listeners enhances communication.
• Practicing listening can improve relationships and trust.

Sound Bites

"Empathy is challenging in listening."

"Listening is a skill you can practice."

"Listening to understand is critical."

Summary

In this conversation, Denise Waters and her partner discuss their experiences and insights on parenting, particularly focusing on the challenges and joys of raising three boys. They explore the dynamics of parenting from a distance, the impact of deployment on family relationships, and the importance of maintaining strong connections among siblings. The conversation also touches on the expectations versus reality of parenthood, the roles each parent plays, and the cherished memories that define their family life.

Takeaways

• Parenting continues even when children are not physically present.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in maintaining relationships.
• Deployment can significantly impact the parent-child relationship.
• Intentionality in parenting helps foster sibling bonds.
• Memorable moments with children shape family identity.
• Parenting roles should be flexible and shared.
• Open communication is vital for addressing children's stress.
• Building relationships through shared experiences is essential.
• Cherished memories create lasting family connections.
• Parenting is a continuous learning journey.

Sound Bites

"You can still parent from afar."

"You're never done parenting."

"I'll keep that card forever."

In this episode, Denise Waters explores the complexities of family dynamics, sharing her personal experiences and insights. She discusses her family's history, the impact of divorce, and the importance of support systems. Denise reflects on navigating relationships within her extended family, the challenges of grief, and the legacy of emotional health. She emphasizes the need for open communication and the potential for change in family dynamics, encouraging listeners to consider their own family patterns and how to create a supportive environment.

Takeaways

• Family dynamics can be messy, funny, and complicated.
• Support systems are crucial, especially in complex family structures.
• Divorce can significantly impact family relationships and individual identity.
• Grief is a recurring theme in family dynamics and can shape how we cope with loss.
• Open communication is key to navigating family dynamics effectively.
• Recognizing and addressing emotional health is important for family well-being.
• Sarcasm and teasing can be harmful in family relationships.
• Creating family connections goes beyond blood relations.
• Small shifts in behavior can lead to significant changes in family dynamics.
• Understanding family history helps in navigating current relationships.

Sound Bites

"It's okay to be sad."

"What little shift can you do?"

"We all lived the same history."

Keywords

family dynamics, personal history, grief, relationships, support systems, communication, family legacy, navigating relationships, family roles, emotional health

Summary

In this episode, Tim Waters shares his personal journey, exploring his identity through various roles such as husband, father, soldier, and coworker. He reflects on the values of loyalty and service, particularly from his time in the military, and discusses his love for adventure and the outdoors. Tim emphasizes the importance of these experiences in shaping who he is today and invites listeners to engage with him and his wife, Denise, as they share their stories in future episodes.

Keywords

Tim Waters, personal journey, identity, service, loyalty, adventure, podcast, veteran, family, outdoor activities

Takeaways

Tim defines himself through various roles: husband, father, soldier.

He values loyalty in the workplace and personal life.

Tim's military service shaped his identity and values.

He has a passion for mentoring veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Adventure and the outdoors are key to Tim's sense of peace.

Tim believes in finding spirituality in nature rather than traditional settings.

He encourages listener engagement and feedback for future episodes.

Tim's experiences have broadened his perspective on life.

He reflects on the balance between different life roles.

Tim's journey is ongoing, with new opportunities on the horizon.

Sound Bites

"I am a husband to Denise."

"I can find God in the outdoors."

"We're always happy to take suggestions."

From early mornings and long weekends to lessons learned on the field, Denise and Tim share the highs, lows, and funniest stories about raising kids in sports culture. (Pippa Grange’s Fear Less makes an appearance, too.)

Keywords

kids sports, parenting, youth sports, baseball, volleyball, sportsmanship, life lessons, family, friendships, coaching

Summary

In this episode, Denise Waters and her co-host explore the chaotic yet rewarding world of kids sports. They share personal anecdotes about their children's experiences in baseball and volleyball, highlighting the stress, joy, and friendships that come with youth sports. The conversation delves into the role of adults in shaping the sports environment, the life lessons learned through participation, and the importance of integrity and motivation in coaching. They reflect on memorable moments, the friendships forged on the field, and the small victories that make the journey worthwhile.

Takeaways

• Kids sports bring stress, joy, and connection.
• Ordering gear for kids sports can be a challenge.
• It's important to cheer for your child without overstepping.
• Friendships can be built around the baseball field.
• The role of adults in kids sports can be problematic.
• Life lessons learned through sports are invaluable.
• Integrity and motivation are crucial in coaching.
• Celebrating small victories is important for parents.
• Kids learn to socialize and work together through sports.
• Even chaotic experiences can lead to meaningful connections.

Sound bites

"Two Out Larry became a legend."

"We found our best friends at baseball."

"It's about integrity and motivation."

Wife, mom, coach, writer, professor. Denise wears many hats, and in this episode she opens up about her story, her work, and what drives her. A deeper look at the woman behind the mic.

I say in here that we will release every two weeks, LIES! It is scheduled weekly!

Keywords

podcast, storytelling, relationships, connection, parenting, education, career, personal growth, life experiences, communication

Summary

In this episode of 'Our Rough Draft,' Denise Waters introduces the podcast, sharing her journey as an educator, writer, and mother. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and connection in relationships, aiming to provide insights and resources for listeners navigating their own life experiences. The podcast will feature discussions on various topics, including parenting, work-life balance, and personal growth, with a focus on fostering meaningful conversations.

Takeaways

• Denise introduces the podcast as a space for sharing life experiences.
• The podcast aims to connect with listeners in the middle of their lives.
• Denise shares her career journey from education to becoming a professor.
• The importance of storytelling in relationships is highlighted.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their questions.
• The podcast will feature guests every six weeks to discuss relevant topics.
• Denise emphasizes the value of good conversation in reducing loneliness.
• Expect episodes every other week, focusing on various life aspects.
• Resources will be provided for further learning and growth.
• The podcast aims to create a sense of community among listeners.

Sound bites

"We want to share part of our story."

"I feel very fortunate in my career."

"We want to encourage storytelling."

How do you juggle demanding careers, a marriage, and raising kids without losing yourself? Denise and Tim unpack what balance looks like for them—their wins, their struggles, and the lessons learned along the way.

Key Words

Work-Life Balance, Relationships, Communication, Intentional Living, Personal Growth, Stress Management, Family Dynamics, Rituals, Connection, Supportive Partnerships

Summary

In this engaging episode, we explore the often elusive concept of work-life balance. Our conversation delves into the myth of perfect balance, emphasizing that it's more about adjusting priorities and maintaining open communication. We share personal anecdotes about the challenges of managing multiple roles, from work commitments to family responsibilities, and how these can sometimes lead to stress and overwhelm.

We discuss the importance of small habits and intentional actions that can help maintain harmony, such as setting aside time for meaningful connections and being clear about personal needs. The episode also highlights the role of rituals and shared activities in strengthening relationships, even amidst busy schedules.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own balance and consider how they can support their partners during overwhelming times. The episode concludes with a listener challenge to foster deeper connections through simple, yet impactful, questions.

Key Takeaways

• Balance is about adjusting priorities and effective communication, not perfection.
• Small habits can significantly impact managing stress and overwhelm.
• Intentionality in relationships helps maintain connection and harmony.
• Shared rituals and activities strengthen bonds, even in busy times.
• Supporting partners during overwhelming periods fosters deeper connections.
• Reflecting on personal roles and responsibilities can lead to better balance.

"Balance isn't about perfection; it's about adjusting priorities and communicating effectively."

"Small habits make a huge difference when life gets overwhelming."

"Intentionality is key to maintaining connection in relationships, even amidst the chaos."

Ep. 1 – How We Met
Every great story has a beginning. In this kickoff episode, Denise and Tim share how their paths crossed, the unexpected turns along the way, and the moments that set the stage for everything that followed.

Keywords

relationships, marriage, storytelling, engagement, family dynamics, authenticity, life transitions, connection, communication, personal growth

Summary

In this episode of 'Our Rough Draft,' Denise and Tim share their journey through life, love, and relationships. They discuss their personal transitions, the story of how they met, their engagement, and the importance of authenticity and connection in a marriage. The couple reflects on family dynamics, the impact of their past experiences, and how they navigate challenges together. They also touch on the joy of new experiences and the lessons learned from their relationship, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful conversations with their partners.

Takeaways

• Denise and Tim emphasize the importance of storytelling in relationships.
• Navigating life transitions can be challenging but also rewarding.
• The couple's first meeting was marked by a humorous misunderstanding.
• Engagement stories can reflect the personalities of the couple.
• Building a strong relationship involves understanding each other as individuals.
• Family dynamics play a significant role in shaping relationships.
• Authenticity is crucial for a healthy partnership.
• Finding joy in small moments can strengthen connections.
• Career transitions can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
• Communication is key to maintaining a close relationship.

Sound Bites

"That was the start of what turned into a friendship."

"It shows us that good sports don't have to be dramatic."

"This is just one way to help us stay connected."