In this episode, Stephanie and I dive into a wide-ranging conversation that explores the personal experiences and reflections that shape our lives beyond our business.

We begin by discussing the memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" by JD Vance, and how Stephanie deeply resonated with the themes and parallels to her own family history. We share our personal backgrounds and the cultural influences that have impacted our upbringing, including our time living in government housing as children.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on our experiences with social media, particularly TikTok. We discuss the algorithmic nature of these platforms, the importance of critical thinking, and how they have influenced our perspectives on various topics.

Throughout the discussion, we touch on the significance of daily routines, personal growth, and the value of maintaining meaningful connections and positive influences in our lives. We also share lighthearted moments, such as our shared enjoyment of observing the neighborhood squirrel, Virgil.

Overall, this episode provides a glimpse into the personal lives and experiences that shape us as individuals, beyond the confines of our business endeavors. It's a reminder that the richness of our lives extends far beyond the professional realm.

Here’s a breakdown of the topics Stephanie and I discussed in this episode:

• Math Tutoring Connections

  Stephanie shared how she is helping connect our son Matthew, who is a math and education major, with someone in our HOA looking for a tutor. It was a fun little moment as she was wrapping up her text while I started the episode without giving her a heads-up!

• McKenna's Morning Call

  Stephanie had a beautiful moment with our daughter, McKenna, who called her in the morning to say how much she missed her. It made Stephanie’s entire day to hear McKenna express how overwhelmed she was with missing her mom.

• Morning Routine Adjustments

  We talked about our first week of going back to the gym together at 7:30 a.m. every weekday since her injury to her arm a few months back. I shared how this shift impacted my morning routine and how I’ve integrated creativity and focus into my gym time.

• Stephanie's Idea for a Task Jar

  Stephanie shared her new idea to manage her overwhelming to-do list by creating a “task jar.” The concept is simple: she will write tasks on slips of paper, put them in the jar, and let someone else (or the jar itself) decide what she’ll focus on each day.

• Kindle Colorsoft Review

  Stephanie talked about her new Kindle Colorsoft and how much she loves seeing book covers in color. She’s also excited about highlighting text in different colors.

• Language and Mindset in Task Management

  We had a discussion about how language impacts our feelings toward tasks. A simpIe shift from saying, “These things have to get done” to “These are things I strongly desire to see completed” can make a huge difference in mindset and reduce overwhelm.

• Reading Books Together

  Stephanie and I talked about the idea of reading a book together and discussing it. We reflected on our past experiences with books like Twilight (which worked well for us) and The Big Leap (which didn’t). After some discussion, we decided on Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance as our next shared reading project.

• Separate Sleeping Arrangements

  We also talked about our sleeping arrangements when Maggie (our grand-dog) is visiting. Stephanie pointed out how I’ve been sleeping in McKenna’s room during these visits, and I admitted I don’t mind at all. In fact, I even enjoy having my own space to listen to various types of audio before bed. Stephanie joked that in our dream house, we’ll have two master bedrooms, and honestly, I’m totally on board with that idea!

  This episode was a mix of heartfelt moments, personal reflections, and practical ideas. Until next time, keep building your life and business together!

Welcome back to another episode of the Building a Life and Business Together podcast! In this episode, Stephanie and I dive into a range of topics that reflect on personal growth, meaningful connections, and the fascinating intersections of solitude and global culture.

My Journey into Solitude

I share my transformative experience during a recent retreat, where I spent over two weeks in complete solitude. I discuss how stepping away from the noise of daily life allowed me to let go of burdens, gain clarity, and focus on what truly matters. You’ll hear how this time helped me reset creatively, professionally, and personally—and why I plan to incorporate more solitude into my life intentionally. Insight for listeners: The value of solitude lies not only in rest but in re-evaluating what you carry with you. What might you choose to let go of or pick back up if given a chance to step back?

Stephanie’s Bold Step into Yoga

Stephanie recounts her leap into something she’d always wanted to try—yoga. She attended a beginner’s workshop that gave her not just the techniques but also a deeper understanding of the practice. It wasn’t just about poses but also about stepping outside her comfort zone, finding confidence in a group setting, and discovering a new way to prioritize her well-being. Insight for listeners: Personal growth often begins with small, intentional steps outside your comfort zone. What’s something new you’ve been hesitant to try that could transform your perspective?

Cultural Exchange on a Massive Scale

We also explore an unexpected cultural phenomenon: the rise of the app Xiao Hong Shu (Little Red Book) as an alternative to TikTok. It’s fascinating to see people from the U.S. and China connecting on this platform, challenging stereotypes and fostering a shared understanding of life across borders. This cross-cultural connection highlights the potential of digital platforms to unite people despite political differences. Insight for listeners: What assumptions might you have about people from other cultures? Engaging in authentic interactions could open your eyes to shared humanity beyond government narratives.

Questions That Sparked Deeper Conversations

To close out the episode, Stephanie and I ask each other thought-provoking questions about life and growth:

• Stephanie to Cliff:

  • What is a skill that you have that you are very proud of?
  • How have you changed in the last year?
  • If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

• Cliff to Stephanie:

  • What are your top three personal or life successes that you are most proud of?
  • What times of day are you most energized or drained of energy?
  • What is the biggest gift that you offer the world?

These questions led us into conversations about personal growth, patterns we’ve uncovered, and how our unique strengths have shaped our lives and relationships. Insight for listeners: These are questions you can reflect on yourself or with your partner to explore deeper connections and self-awareness.

Whether it’s embracing solitude, stepping into new experiences, or connecting with others across the globe, this episode is packed with reflections and insights that could inspire you to rethink how you approach your own life and relationships.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it with a friend, and let us know what resonated with you most. Until next time, we encourage you to build your life and business together—mindfully and intentionally.