Summary

In this conversation, Denise Waters shares her experiences with personal overwhelm, the challenges of parenting, and the differences in perspectives on sports and optimism. The discussion explores the balance between order and chaos in daily life, the dynamics of relationships, and the importance of understanding personal differences. Denise reflects on her journey of self-awareness and growth, emphasizing the need for grace and flexibility in navigating life's challenges.

Takeaways

• Denise discusses the physical toll of yard work and personal projects.
• The difference in raising a son versus a daughter is highlighted.
• Denise feels overwhelmed with various responsibilities and commitments.
• The conversation shifts to sports and differing perspectives on fandom.
• Denise expresses her desire for a hopeful approach to sports.
• The importance of understanding personal differences in relationships is emphasized.
• Denise reflects on her work-life balance and the chaos of parenting.
• The discussion includes how personal experiences shape perspectives on rules and order.
• Denise shares insights on how to navigate personal and professional challenges.
• The conversation concludes with reflections on personal growth and finding balance.

Keywords

yard projects, personal overwhelm, sports optimism, order vs chaos, relationship dynamics, parenting, self-awareness, personal growth, emotional intelligence, life balance

In this episode, Denise and Tim reflect on their recent trip to Italy, exploring how travel shapes perspectives and fosters connections. They share stories from Sorrento, Pompeii, and immersive experiences like cooking classes and guided walks. The conversation touches on travel challenges, teamwork, personal growth, and the excitement of planning future adventures.

• How travel broadens perspectives and challenges assumptions.
• The importance of teamwork when navigating travel obstacles.
• Experiencing local culture through cooking, walking tours, and farm stays.
• Historical insights from Pompeii and other sites.
• Personal growth and self-reflection inspired by travel.
• Building connections with travel companions and locals.

“Travel reveals not just the world around us, but who we are within it.”

• What’s a travel experience that changed how you see the world—or yourself?
• How do you navigate challenges when traveling with others?
• Which cultural experiences have surprised or inspired you most while traveling?

• The Blue Walk — Guided walking vacations across Italy and Europe that combine culture, nature, and slow travel experiences.
• Golden Dream Farm — A travel-stay experience that offers immersive cultural environments and local tradition.

Think about a recent trip you took. What did you learn about yourself or the people you traveled with? Tag us @theroughdraft and share your reflection or insight.
For more stories about travel, connection, and personal growth, visit deniseleighwaters.com/ourroughdraft

Tim shares a moment during a Sorrento hike when a simple miscommunication turned into a memorable story about teamwork and patience.

On your next trip—big or small—pause to notice how navigating challenges together changes the experience. Ask someone in your travel group for their perspective on a shared moment and see how it deepens your connection.

In this conversation, Denise and Tim share stories from their travels—the good, the challenging, and the unforgettable. They discuss how travel can reveal personal strengths, test patience, and offer unexpected opportunities for connection. From navigating logistics to embracing the unknown, this episode is about more than seeing the world—it’s about learning how we show up in it.

• How travel stretches comfort zones and builds resilience.
• The role of patience, adaptability, and curiosity while on the road.
• Navigating challenges and finding humor in mishaps.
• How travel strengthens relationships and highlights personal growth.
• The unexpected lessons from connecting with people and places along the way.

“Travel doesn’t just show you the world—it shows you yourself.”

• What travel experience pushed you outside your comfort zone?
• How do you stay present and enjoy the moment when plans go sideways?
• What’s one lesson from your travels that still guides you today?

• The Lonely City by Olivia Laing — Insights on solitude and connection in unfamiliar places.
• The Long Way Round & The Long Way Home by Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman — Real-world adventure, resilience, and connection on epic journeys.
• The Gottman Institute — Tips on communication and connection, even when traveling with loved ones.

Think about a trip that changed you in an unexpected way. What did it teach you about patience, curiosity, or connection? Share your reflections with us @theroughdraft. For more stories and insights, visit deniseleighwaters.com/ourroughdraft

Denise and Tim reflect on a travel experience that taught them about patience, perspective, or connection—sometimes the unexpected moments leave the biggest lessons.

On your next trip, notice the small interactions that shape your experience. Ask one person about their story or perspective, and see how it changes your day.

Summary

In this conversation, Denise and Tim 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.)

• The invisible load of being a sports parent
• How character and confidence develop through competition
• When to encourage and when to let your kids rest
• The coaches, teammates, and car rides that shape the experience
• What we learn about integrity — on and off the field

“Sometimes the best coaching we can do is from the car ride home — saying nothing at all.”

• What’s one lesson your child (or you) learned through sports that had nothing to do with winning?
• How do you help your kids stay motivated without adding pressure?
• What do you want your kids to remember most about playing — the wins or the way it felt to belong?

• 📘 Fear Less: How to Win at Life Without Losing Yourself — by Pippa Grange
• 🗣️ Abby Wambach on not going to practice.
• 📰 How Youth Sports Went Pro – TIME Magazine

Tell us your favorite sports story — the one that taught you something real about family, friendship, or fun. Share it with us on Instagram @ourroughdraftpod or send us a note.

Wife, mom, coach, writer, professor — Denise wears many hats, and in this episode, she opens up about the story behind them all. From her early days in education to the first-ever concert she produced on Alcatraz Island, Denise shares the moments that shaped her and the lessons that led to Our Rough Draft.

This episode offers a deeper look at the woman behind the mic — why storytelling matters, what drives her to create spaces for connection, and how she hopes this podcast will help listeners feel a little less alone.

• The story behind Our Rough Draft and how it came to be.
• Denise’s journey from educator to professor, coach, and writer.
• The power of storytelling to build understanding and connection.
• The meaning behind the “rough draft” — embracing imperfection and growth.
• A few personal stories, including producing the first concert on Alcatraz (!).
• What listeners can expect in future episodes — weekly releases, shared stories, and meaningful conversations.

• Every story begins as a rough draft — and that’s something to celebrate.
• Storytelling helps us make sense of who we are and how we connect with others.
• Connection often begins with curiosity and a willingness to listen.
• Growth happens when we show up authentically and share our real experiences.
• You don’t have to have it all figured out to have something worth sharing.

“We want to share part of our story.”
“I feel very fortunate in my career.”
“We want to encourage storytelling.”
“Every rough draft is the beginning of something worth refining.”

Somewhere between the school drop-offs and the late-night projects, you start to wonder… who am I becoming through all of this?
Ask someone close to you who they see — and then share your own reflection.

• The Gottman Institute — Tools and research for building healthy relationships.
• The Storytelling Leader — On using story to inspire, teach, and connect.
• Brené Brown — Research on courage, vulnerability, and belonging.

Fun Mention:

• Alcatraz — Where Denise helped produce the first-ever concert on the island — a story about creativity, collaboration, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

We invite you to join the conversation — use our Conversation & Connection Cards each week to go deeper with the people in your life.

And if there’s something you’d love to hear us talk about, reach out! Your questions and stories shape what comes next.

• When was the last time you said yes to something unexpected that changed your story?
• How do your “many hats” — parent, professional, partner, friend — shape who you’re becoming?
• What story from your own life feels ready to be shared, even if it’s still a rough draft?

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

They explore the myth of perfect balance, the messy reality of managing multiple roles, and the small, intentional habits that make the biggest difference. Through honest conversation and a few hard-earned laughs, they reflect on how communication, shared rituals, and mutual support keep them grounded — even when life feels overwhelming.

• The myth of perfect balance and why life is rarely evenly split between roles.
• How communication helps manage stress and expectations in a busy household.
• Small habits and shared rituals that strengthen connection with partners and family.
• Adjusting priorities as life shifts and learning what really matters.
• Supporting each other through career, family, and personal transitions.

• Balance is about adjusting priorities and communicating effectively, not achieving perfection.
• Small, intentional habits can make a big difference in managing stress and maintaining connection.
• Rituals and shared activities help relationships stay strong, even during busy seasons.
• Supporting your partner strengthens your bond and fosters understanding.
• Reflecting on your roles and responsibilities can help maintain harmony at home and work.

“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.”

• What does balance look like in this season of your life?
• How do you know when you’re out of alignment — and what helps you reset?
• What small ritual or habit helps your family or relationship stay connected?

Books:

• Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes — A candid memoir about embracing vulnerability, redefining work-life balance, and saying “yes” to personal growth.
• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily & Amelia Nagoski — Explores the science behind stress, how it affects the body, and practical strategies for completing the stress cycle.
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown — Focuses on developing courage, vulnerability, and resilience in leadership, relationships, and personal growth.

Pick one small habit or ritual from this episode or the resources above, and intentionally practice it with your partner or family this week. Reflect on how it impacts your connection and sense of balance.

• Reflect on a time when saying “yes” led to unexpected growth or opportunities.
• How do you define balance in your own life, and what compromises have you made?
• Consider your current roles and responsibilities — are they aligned with your true passions and values?
• Think about a recent experience where helping someone else brought fulfillment.