The Peppers get real about their vows and open up about the challenge of living with chronic pain. Jessie woos Gerard with some baked salmon and a basketball game, but when the going gets tough he throws her under the team bus. If you happen to have a friend who experiences or is married to someone who has chronic health issues, would you please consider sharing this episode with them? ​ We're happy to pour out our hearts as a way to encourage others, and we would love your help in making sure that this show reaches exactly the right ears. QUICK BITES: A General Note: Our marriage isn’t perfect, but our commitment is real. Hear the full run-down in the first few minutes of this week’s show. Jessie didn’t get invited to fill our a March Madness bracket this year, and the Jayhawks will probably win because of it. Becky Murphy Simpson and her YAY SPORTS t-shirt. The Sweet Sixteen tournament has nothing to do with the MTV show of the same name. (Most wives would be way more excited about watching sports if there were fireworks and fancy parties involved.) The Peppers very first Valentine’s Day together set a precedent for our sports watching habits, and you’ll hear why Gerard has been trying to make up for it ever since. Because we love you, here is the upgraded (healthy!) version of our beloved (currently forbidden) Rice A Roni mix. Jessie pulls a Barney Stinson by wooing Gerard with a homecooked meal and a half-time make-out session. His and hers henleys… Are these still a thing? We should make these a thing. The Jayhawks mascot is NOT the same thing as Foghorn Leghorn from Looney Tunes. Jessie apologizes in advance to all of our fellow Rock Chalk fans. Picture of Gerard in his white track jacket? For the record: There is a distinct difference between “not loving a sport” and “hating a sport.” Gerard throws Jessie under the bus when it comes to whether or not she really loves the teams that have his heart. Social media makes it a lot easier to keep up with the commentary, but nothing beats plopping down in a recliner to enjoy your favorite teams. Do they still make TVs with picture in picture? Thank goodness for the ability to watch sports on our special “appy-things.” Jessie’s chronic pain has been a part of The Peppers relationship for longer than they’ve even been married. Science Mike + The Liturgists Podcast Jessie describes her own Six layers of Chronic Pain Rachel Dratch on SNL video The book Daring Greatly by Brene Brown gives us helpful language around identifying and dealing with our emotions of shame. Jessie learns that noticing patterns within her interactions with Gerard can teach us a lot about how to heal the mishaps. (No matter how annoying they may be.) We promise that Jessie has not actually ever received medical treatment from a man standing on a corner. Please consider sharing this with anyone you know who experiences pain on a regular basis. TRIGGER QUESTIONS: Does your spouse have a special interest that you could bless them by getting excited about? Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes, sign up for our mailing list and tweet to us at @meetthepeppers if you have something to share while you listen!