Our Rough Draft

Listening is more than waiting for your turn to talk.

In this episode, Denise and Tim explore what it means to truly hear another person, especially when emotions, assumptions, or strong opinions get in the way.

From everyday conversations to military stories, parenting, and the challenges of today's divided world, they reflect on the simple practices that build trust: asking better questions, staying curious, and listening to understand instead of listening to respond.

This week's question: When was the last time someone made you feel truly heard?

Parenting changes, but it never really ends.

In this episode, Denise and Tim reflect on raising three boys, navigating military deployments, learning to parent from a distance, and intentionally building a family where brothers become lifelong friends.

They share funny stories, difficult moments, and the values that shaped their decisions along the way, discovering that some of the most important work of parenting isn't raising independent children—it's helping them become people who always know they belong to each other.

This week's question: What's one lesson from your own childhood that has shaped the way you care for the people you love?

Every family has stories. Some are funny. Some are heartbreaking. All of them shape us.

In this solo episode, Denise reflects on growing up in a beautifully complicated extended family, exploring how divorce, grief, remarriage, humor, and tradition became part of her understanding of belonging.

She shares stories that span generations, asks what it means to truly fit within a family, and reflects on the small choices we can make to honor our history without repeating every pattern we've inherited.

This week's question: What family pattern are you choosing to continue—and what story are you ready to rewrite?

You've heard our stories—now it's time to meet Tim.

In this special introduction, Tim shares the experiences and values that have shaped his life, from growing up in Washington and serving in the Army National Guard to finding purpose in mentoring veterans, building a career, and discovering adventure alongside Denise.

It's an honest look at loyalty, service, family, and the quiet ways we become who we are.

If you're new here, this is a great place to get to know one half of Our Rough Draft.

For years, baseball fields were our second home.

In this episode, Denise and Tim look back on decades of youth sports—the unforgettable coaches, lifelong friendships, heartbreaking moments, and surprising life lessons that came with raising three boys on the ball field.

From Little League All-Stars and "Two Out Larry" to volleyball, cyclocross, and the parents who became family, they reflect on what youth sports gave them beyond wins and losses.

This week's question: Who are the people you met through your kids' activities that changed your life?

In this solo episode, Denise reflects on growing up between two families, navigating divorce, and slowly understanding how those early experiences influenced her marriage, work, and relationships.

From childhood card games to people-pleasing, therapy, and learning what it feels like to truly be supported, this conversation explores the patterns we inherit—and the ones we can choose to change.

This week's question: What family patterns are you still carrying, and which ones are you ready to rewrite?

In this episode, Denise and Tim talk honestly about busy seasons, shifting priorities, and what they've learned after years of juggling careers, parenting, school, military service, and marriage.

Instead of chasing perfect balance, they explore something more realistic: paying attention, communicating often, and creating small rituals that bring them back together.

Whether it's dinner at the table, a walk around the neighborhood, or simply asking, "How can I support you today?" they discover that strong relationships aren't built on perfect schedules—they're built on intentional connection.

This week's question: How can you best support your partner when life feels overwhelming?

In the very first episode of Our Rough Draft, Denise and Tim look back at how they met, the first impressions that almost got in the way, and the moments that slowly turned friendship into a lasting partnership.

From getting lost on the way to a boat cruise to a surprise proposal in New York City, they share the stories that have become part of their family's history—and reflect on why the little moments often shape a relationship more than the dramatic ones.

This week's conversation ends with a question for you: What's a story from the beginning of your relationship that you still love telling?