Emotions are high this week. We get vulnerable about Caroline's best friend finishing chemo, why it's so hard to cry when you feel like you need to be strong, and our answer to your question about faith and believing in a higher power.

We also talk about toxic people who drain your energy, why advocating for yourself medically matters, Shane's 3am water leak adventure, and whether motion sensors are wife approved (spoiler: they're not).

Topics:

• Friend's cancer journey & emotional support
• Faith, church & near-death experiences
• Clean living & product safety
• Why some people are exhausting
• Wife Approved Tech roundup

Thanks to Aqara for sponsoring!

https://amzn.to/3VSmrK3

👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/

Show Notes:

Aqara Water Sensors https://geni.us/ccrs4OC

Yuka App for scanning productshttps://yuka.io/en/

NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast

📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast

Episode 10

We cover a lot this week—starting with Caroline’s new iPhone 17 Pro Max. Then it’s off to the State Fair (why Shane dreads it, why Caroline loves it, and teen-years ride horror stories).From there we dive into real-talk marriage hot takes:Do date nights fix problems—or prevent new ones?Is sleeping in separate rooms “healthy”… or just toxic?“Too tired” for intimacy: logistics vs. libido (and why daytime sometimes wins).On the smart-home front, the Bedroom Automation Saga continues: smart bulbs vs. smart switches, why Apple TV is “wife-approved,” and the few automations Caroline actually loves. Plus a sweet throwback to Shane’s lunchbox note drawings for the kids—and a listener review shout-out.

👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/

Show Notes:

Thanks to Aqara for supporting the show. We talk doorbell cams (G410’s wider FOV), hubs, sensors, water-valve control, and why reliable basics still matter.

https://geni.us/k6gW2i

NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast

📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast

Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:58 - Caroline's New iPhone00:06:35 - AI and Privacy Concerns00:12:05 - Buying Underwear00:17:24 - Five-Star Review Shoutout00:19:00 - State Fairs & Roller Coasters00:30:13 - Lunchbox Notes & Connecting with Your Kids00:36:51 - Aqara Sponsor Shoutout00:38:06 - Discussing Internet Hot Takes00:41:22 - Sleeping in Different Rooms?00:44:30 - Discussing Intimacy and Logistics00:50:28 - Wife Approved Smart Home Tech00:50:44 - Discussing Smart Light Bulbs & Switches00:55:48 - Apple TV00:59:15 - Top Wife-Approve Smart Home Automations01:03:45 - Bedroom Automations Debate

Episode 9

In this episode, we dive into the chaos of our week, from sore backs and new MMA class adventures to Caroline’s ongoing battle with bedroom smart home automations. We chat about raising older kids, our thoughts on modern movies and TV, and how Hollywood handles family and marriage. Plus, we answer a listener question about being young with almost-grown kids and kick off our new “Wife Approved or Not” segment.

👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/

Show Notes:

Big thanks to Aqara for sponsoring this episode. Check out their Fall Prime Day deals on smart locks, cameras, sensors, and more up to 38% off — running through October 12. https://geni.us/k6gW2i

NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast

📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast

This week, we’re sharing some naked truths about marriage. From pride that almost broke us, to the silent treatment years, to the lessons we wish we knew earlier—this one goes deep.

We also:

• Laugh about iPhone drops and “scratchgate”

• Share a wild clothing-optional beach story 😳

• Answer your anonymous questions about love and marriage

• Give our honest advice for newlyweds after 15+ years together

Real talk, hard lessons, and a few laughs along the way.Thanks for listening — we appreciate you.

👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here:https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/

Show Notes:

Big thanks to Aqara for sponsoring this episode. Check out their products here and discount codes below: https://amzn.to/42kBkbD

LAMPSHANE for 5% off on Light Strip T1, LED bulb and Ceiling Light T1M

AQARALOCK for 5% off on any Aqara lock product

G5PROSHANE for 5% off on Camera Hub G5 Pro

AQARADOOR for 5% off on the door and window sensor.

Which Govee Outdoor Lights Should You Buy in 2025?https://youtu.be/nO5C_84Ocss

NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast

📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back & Why Shane Looks Rough
05:22 – Listener Feedback & Reviews
12:08 – Wellness Check & Crying on the Internet
12:35 – iPhone 17 Pro Drops (No Case!)
14:35 – Sponsor: Aqara Smart Home
15:20 – Shane’s Best YouTube Video Ever?
18:20 – Post-It Note Challenge Question
21:55 – Naked Truths: Clothing-Optional Story
26:38 – Best Newlywed Advice After 15 Years
29:30 – Respect, Trust & Communication
34:00 – Marriage Fights & Pride Lessons
38:50 – Breaking the Silent Treatment Cycle
43:33 – Counseling & The Most Important Decision
46:35 – Date Nights & Pursuing Your Spouse
50:22 – Tech of the Week: Smart Locks + Lights
53:11 – Can Outdoor Lights Replace Christmas Lights?
58:07 – Wrap-Up & Anonymous Questions

This week Shane and Caroline get raw about emotional labor, family pressure, and the moment everything finally spilled out. We talk about carrying other people’s problems, sleep, boundaries, and the small things that actually matter — plus a little smart-home tech talk and a sweet homecoming story.

If this episode resonates, please leave a rating or review — it helps others find the show. Want to ask a question for the podcast? Submit anonymously here:

https://wifeapprovedpodcast.com

Podcast Sponsor: Aqara

G410 Video Doorbell https://amzn.to/3Ibg1Cz

NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.▶️ Subscribe on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@WifeApprovedPodcast📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast

Shane's Smart Shades Videos:Our New Smart Shades!https://youtu.be/uB1wvbVz-IQOutdoor Shades:https://youtu.be/GwevLaTZUf8Our Smart Backyard Makeover:https://youtu.be/oiLEOeGOSKE

In this episode of the Wife Approved Podcast, Shane is back from Germany—and Caroline has a LOT to share about what went down while he was gone. From dog poop disasters and broken appliances, to cheer chaos and smart home fails, things got wild at home.

We also open up about the #1 rule that’s kept our marriage strong all these years. Why it matters, how we’ve built it into our relationship, and what happens when it’s missing.

Other highlights this week:

• Shane’s IFA 2025 trip (and the weirdest robot he saw)

• Parenting through sports, school, and late-night chaos

• Shane's not-so-“wife approved” tech of the week

• + your listener questions

  
  

New episodes every Tuesday. Submit your anonymous questions or topics at https://wifeapprovedpodcast.com

_________________

Thanks to Aqara for sponsoring this episode! Here are some discount codes just for you (available thru Sep 21)!

Door and window sensor：" AQARADOOR " for 10% off.

Link: https://amzn.to/3VlQzx3

Motion and light sensor P2: " AQARAMOTION" for 10% off.

Link: https://amzn.to/4pvyEC2

Climate Sensor W100: "AQARACLI" for 10% off.

Link: https://amzn.to/46oP5an

Presence sensor FP2: " AQARAFP2" for 5% off.

Link: https://amzn.to/3K2U09w

Presence sensor FP1E: " AQARAFP1E" for 10% off.

Link: https://amzn.to/4goXIq9

NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode, Caroline is sick… and not happy. 😅 We dive into what really happens when mom goes down and nobody steps up — from missed soup deliveries to sleeping on the couch, forgotten meals, and the great "who's more nurturing?" debate.

We also answer a listener question about how we met and share some wild early relationship stories (spoiler: MySpace, Hooters, lifeguard stand, and back porch cigars all make an appearance). Plus, Caroline breaks down her Bingo Loco girls' night and they both share their favorite "tech of the week" (new segment).📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you enjoy the laughs, rants, and real-life conversations, don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications.⁉️ Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here:https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/Thanks to our sponsor Aqara for supporting this episode! Check out their affordable and reliable smart home products:• Doorbell Camera G410 https://amzn.to/3Jzu9py• Camera G100 Indoor/Outdoor https://amzn.to/47Ow0R7• LED Strip T1 https://amzn.to/4lP5Tx5• Ceiling Light T1M https://amzn.to/4oTKbKQ• Camera G5 Pro https://amzn.to/47Ox1Zr📝 Show NotesEve Flare Portable LED Light https://geni.us/EveFlareHomePod mini https://geni.us/HPminiNote: Affiliate links help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:06 – Nobody Takes Care of Mom17:20 – Caroline’s Bingo Loco Girls’ Night26:18 – Sponsor Shoutout - Aqara28:00 – Smart Home Displays30:54 – Submit YOUR Questions Anonymously! 32:35 – Our Real Origin Story (MySpace, Hooters & Lifeguarding)50:57 – Why Shane Started a YouTube Channel57:10 – Tech of the Week + Apple Rumors1:04:15 – S**t Sandwhich#marriedlife #newpodcast #wifeapproved #smarthometechnology

This week Shane and Caroline are all over the place — from neglected smart home automations that make Caroline’s eye twitch 😬, to DIY “repairs” that never quite get finished, Hobby Lobby plant hauls, and even foam party flashbacks (yes, really).We also answer your questions about:• The infamous “lockout” story with smart locks• Which automations Caroline actually hates (spoiler: most of them)•How the family really feels about constant tech changes in the house• Why Shane neglects the smart home while chasing new gadgets• Robot vacuums & mops that finally actually clean📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you enjoy the laughs, rants, and real-life conversations, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here:https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/Thanks to our sponsor Aqara for supporting this episode! Check out their affordable and reliable smart home products:• Doorbell Camera G410 https://amzn.to/3Jzu9py• Camera G100 Indoor/Outdoor https://amzn.to/47Ow0R7• LED Strip T1 https://amzn.to/4lP5Tx5• Ceiling Light T1M https://amzn.to/4oTKbKQ• Camera G5 Pro https://amzn.to/47Ox1Zr📝 Show Notes:Narwal Flow Robot Vacuum Mophttps://tidd.ly/3HhUJT9Note: Affiliate links help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Caroline’s Eye Twitch Returns04:20 – Chemo Support & Family Stress10:08 – Hobby Lobby Plants & Christmas Plans15:26 – Shane’s Mustache & Foam Party Flashback21:42 – Neglected Smart Home Automations28:54 – Sponsor Shoutout: Aqara32:10 – Smart Lock Lockout Story38:36 – How the Family Handles New Tech45:55 – Robot Vacuums & Tech of the Week53:12 – Listener Questions

This week Shane and Caroline are diving into everything from back-to-school chaos and smart home automations (that may or may not drive Caroline insane 😅), to hair-day rules, new iPhones, exploding heads of lettuce, and the infamous network rack disaster that left holes in the wall and one very traumatized dog.

Thanks to our sponsor Aqara for supporting this episode! Check out their affordable and reliable smart home products:

• Doorbell Camera G410

"G410SHANE" for 20% off from August 26-31

• Camera G100 Indoor/Outdoor Camera

"G100SHANE" for 20% off from August 26-31

• LED Strip T1

"EC2LHRLU" for 10% off from August 26-31

• Ceiling Light T1M

"55B96QCM" for 10% off from August 26-31

• Camera G5 Pro: currently 11% off limited time deal on Amazon

📝 Other Show Notes:

Shane's Smart Nursery YouTube Video

Cradlewise Smart Crib

📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you enjoy the laughs, rants, and real-life conversations, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

Tech Stress & Smart Home Fails (But Also Some Wins)“I can’t imagine tinkering with technology. That sounds like hell on earth!”If you feel the same way — you’re not alone.In this episode of the Wife Approved Podcast, Shane and Caroline dive into the wild ride of building a smart home while juggling real life, marriage, and back-to-school chaos.Shane reveals his latest smart home projects (including a new bedroom lighting setup), while Caroline shares her honest thoughts on the not-so-wife-approved tech fails that drive her crazy. They also answer listener questions (new regular segment) about balancing hobbies with family time and navigating marriage when one of you is deep in the tech rabbit hole.Whether you’re a smart home enthusiast or someone who just wants the lights to work without yelling at Siri — this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and some actually useful tips.