Kristen interviews her parents, the Revs. Tom and Ann Barner.  They are at once thoughtful and hilarious.  Hear a handful of stories of growing up in Philadelphia as well as tales Kristen herself has never heard before.

Also, Moms say the darndest things!  Seriously.  What the...?

Tune in for what is a typical conversation in our household.

"I hit the jackpot when I got these two as my Mom and Dad!" 

Kristen and David take a break from the world of Spinal Stroke and instead remember stories from a simpler time.  David grew up in Richmond, Indiana with a family who loved to camp, despite crazy weather and insane diners.  Kristen grew up in Pennsylvania and Virginia and wreaked a little havoc with a house full of kids.

Kick back and spend some time with us as we regale you with stories of a time when kids ran the neighborhood and parents trusted we'd survive to tell the tale.

Kristen is flying solo this week.  Today's episode is pre-recorded because K & D are out of town for friends' wedding in Atlanta.  So excited for them!  David is finishing up a school day before they hit the road. 

In this solo episode, Kristen speaks openly about the challenges of preserving her interpretation of her own sense of Womanhood since the spinal stroke.  How was Womanhood identified, how has that changed, and how comfortable is this new dynamic and sense of self? 

Kristen identifies three things that make up her sense of womanhood: intellect, equality, and sexuality.  The third of these continues to be elusive.

...also, does this podcast make my butt look big??

A little conversation with David and Kristen about identifying your best self.  What is your two hundred percent best self? What about your partner?  Do the people in your life support you and nurture your best?  Do you support them?  Think about that: Who are you called to be?  

Also, in this week's episode, our darling dogs are ill behaved.  Monty and Viva scratch and bark and cough and carry on.  Apologies in advance.  Welcome to our crazy home!  :-)

Kristen and David explore Love, Love Languages, Shakespeare in Love, Pablo Neruda in Love, Love in Love, Premarital Counseling (total misnomer), Old Man Behind Steering Wheel, Laundry, Texts vs. Hugs, and so much more.

If you are going to get married, think long and think hard.  Sometimes the Universe throws a curveball and your sacred vows step up to the plate.

Also, we really love each other.

Kristen and David explore the necessity of hope and how hope has been found in these past several months.  Glass half empty?  Glass half full?  There's a glass!  Also, a far-too-brief shout out to the extraordinary Village of people who have cared for us and inspired us.  Too many names to name, but a few highlights are shared.  Golly, you are all so beautiful.

Finally, surely there is something from The Big Lebowski we can use as a Zen Koan to guide us in our search.

In this week's episode, David and Kristen talk about how spontaneity has gone out the window.  There are a thousand little things that we all take for granted.... until they are gone.  Transportation?  That's a project.  Getting dressed?  That's a project.  Going out?  That's a project.  Eating?  Um, there will be no eating...

We'll also have a surprise visit from Kristen's favorite morning DJ.

David is back this week!  Kristen and David have a candid conversation about how they each responded to K's spinal stroke with (or without) faith.  Do you pray?  Does it matter?  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why do good things happen to bad people? Join in on the conversation by emailing a response.  And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and comment on thisisthis !

Kristen is flying solo on this one.  Poor David is sick as a dog, so he's out this week. (Poor guy!  Ugh!) This week is about discovering goals and limitations, hopes formed and hopes dashed, an incredible community, and KUDOS to everyone who marched this weekend in March For Our Lives.

Inpatient rehabilitation: Oh. Em. Gee.  THE WERK!!

David and Kristen talk about rehabilitation, goals, how to walk again, sandy beaches, finding the ground again, and Kristen's first crush!