These Are Good Days

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Lee Ann Miller and Matt Beres

Welcome to 'These Are Good Days,' the podcast that celebrates the extraordinary in the ordinary! Join us on a journey where we find the good in every twist and turn of life. From heartwarming relationships to the joy of savoring delicious food, we dive into the little things that make life remarkable. Grab a cup of your favorite frothy coffee and let's chat about mental health, share our favorite discoveries, and laugh till our sides hurt! Tune in for a dose of positivity and a celebration of life's simple joys. Subscribe now and make every day a good day...

✂️ Clip this podcast
210: Jon Acuff and The 3-Minute Mindset
#210
Today at 9:00 AM

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author, joins us to talk about his new book, The 3-Minute Mindset—a 90-day daily reader designed to replace negative internal dialogue with simple, actionable thoughts that transform your habits and relationships.

Armed with his signature witty, dry humor, Jon dives into the evolution of his writing and unpacks why our biggest obstacle to personal growth is rarely a lack of information, but rather a mindset shift. He shares how to...


209: Opportunistic
#209
10/28/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We've all had a relationship that gives us the ick. Not in a gross way, but in a "that feels transactional and cold" way. What do we do about relationships that start off great but then something shifts - when it becomes doing for each other instead of being with each other? How do we evaluate the relationships that start to feel like they're keeping score? Is it even a negative characteristic - calling someone opportunistic? Join us...


208: Stuff We Love, Fall 2026
#208
10/21/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

It's one of our favorite episodes of the year - Stuff We Love! Every season we share some of the things that we are loving, things that are saving our lives, or things that are just fun. It usually includes products we've been using, foods we've been eating, or even practices we've incorporated into our life! We are in the think of Fall here in Ohio and we are sharing some of our favorite fall finds.

...


207: Building Value
#207
10/14/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What do iconic brands, tight-knit families, and mentorship have in common? They all take intention to build!

On this episode of These Are Good Days, we take you on our recent adventure to J.M. Smucker HQ in Orrville, OH. We’re breaking down how legacy brands like Smucker and Walnut Creek Foods build massive value into their teams, their company culture, and their local communities.

To top it off, we were able to pa...


206: Lisa Harper on Theology For The Rest of Us
#206
10/07/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Matt sits down with speaker Lisa Harper to discuss her upcoming book, Theology for the Rest of Us. Throughout the episode, Matt and Lisa share an engaging conversation filled with laughter, sharp Biblical scholarship, and deep wisdom. They explore the vital role of women in Jesus' ministry and God's powerful design for all. The conversation also highlights how humor breaks down walls and brings joy into the spiritual walk. Lisa offers profound encouragement, reminding us that while God...


205: Mystery and Presence
#205
09/30/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We all have that natural urge to ask “Why?” when things get messy—our brains are actually wired for a neat and tidy conclusion. But, the reality is, life doesn't always answer the question - instead, it often pushes us towards faith. If we look back at folks like Job and Joseph, we realize life doesn't always come with a clean instruction manual or an easy roadmap. The truth is that we don't need to understand every twist and tu...


204: Participate in Joy
#204
09/23/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Joy isn't just a mood that hits you—it’s an active choice and a daily participation sport. Our brains might be hardwired with a negativity bias to hunt for threats, but thanks to ideas like the 40% rule and Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights, we can actually train ourselves to seek out everyday magic instead. It’s an honest, grounded look at how life works, reminding us that you don't have to wait for things to be perfe...


203: Make the time
#203
09/16/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We all want deep, life-giving relationships, but meaningful connections don’t just happen on accident—they require intentional effort and time. We're talking all about prioritizing the people who pour back into your heart and make you feel like a million bucks. We're diving into what it looks like to clear the calendar, show up consistently, and stop leaving your most important relationships to chance.

THE SHOW NOTES!

Thanks for being a part...


202: Called Out
#202
09/09/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this episode, Lee Ann shares the surprising moment she called out a stranger in public for littering, sparking an honest conversation about what came over her and whether she’d ever do it again. We dive into the bigger question of accountability: do we have a responsibility to speak up when we see bad behavior in our workplaces, families, or communities? Together, we explore what it looks like to confront wrongdoings with courage and clarity rather than st...


201: All The Way
#201
09/02/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

All the Way is a call to throw open the doors and love without reservation. We explore what it takes to live fully by leaving no truth unsaid, no emotion hidden, and no stone unturned in our pursuit of connection. We unpack the weight of quiet regrets—the words we hesitated to say, the risks we failed to take, and the moments we let slip away—and replace them with action. Through honest conversations about vulnerability, sacrificial action, and...


200: House Hushing with Myquillyn Smith
#200
08/26/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We are chatting with Myquillyn Smith (also known as @thenester on the internet) about her new book, House Hushing! She breaks down the stories behind the book and gives us a preview of her unique approach—not about cold decorating or rigid organizing, but guiding principles to help your home truly reflect who you are. We talk through why traditional minimalism can feel a bit stark, how to build a home with real soul, and how she effortlessly mi...


199: New Rhythms
#199
08/19/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We are talking all about finding new rhythms during life's biggest shifts. Whether you’re going back to school, sending a kid off to college, or navigating a fresh pivot; big transitions can easily throw off your balance. Together, we share gentle ways to process the chaos, adapt to changing schedules, and prioritize self-care through it all. Tune in for an encouraging conversation on giving yourself grace and making space for you in every new season.

...


198: Just For Now with Julie Voris
#198
08/12/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

This week we're hanging out with Julie Voris—a speaker, coach, and wellness entrepreneur turned Disney Cast Member —for an easy, insightful conversation about learning to lean into the concept of "just for now." Julie breaks down why some seasons are only meant to be temporary, and how holding onto that perspective gives us the freedom to enjoy where we are without getting stuck. Having spent time observing how people experience true happiness up close, she shares why joy...


197: Back in the Saddle
#197
08/05/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We are back in the saddle and ready to roll! In this episode we are talking all about summer travels, why it's good for us, and what's coming up for These Are Good Days in the coming weeks! This episode is the true essence of our podcast and our friendship - a good old fashioned catch up. Make the frothy coffee and join us in this catch up episode!

The Show Notes

...


196: Virality and Influence
#196
07/29/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about influence. Isn't it crazy how certain things become trends - especially since the internet has continued to grow. We are talking all about how people latch on to ideas and they grow.

Here's the link for Lee Ann's version of Sub in a Tub! And two other viral recipes...


195: Summer Memories
#195
07/22/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about the memories of our summers. Matt talks about some of the summers with his family - specifically, his grandparents. Lee Ann brings up some of her best summer memories with her two sons.

Click here for Dessie's Patio Beans recipe, and the picture of the Post It Notes!

<...


194: Easy Peasy
#194
07/15/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about keeping it simple! Hosting can feel overwhelming sometimes, so we are here to give you all the simple tips so that you actually do it! Making entertaining hard or over the top really takes the wind out of our sails sometimes. So, let's keep hosing simple so we can actually focus...


193: Food and Family
#193
07/08/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe that connects to it all. This week we are talking all about the food that connects our families. No matter your culture or whether the kitchen was central to your family, no doubt there are certain foods that take you right back to your childhood. This week we are talking about our families and the foods that bring us right back home.

<...


192: Try Something New!
#192
07/01/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this July Refreshment Series we are sharing a quote, a reflection, and a recipe. This week we are talking all about trying new things - it's changes our brain, exposes us to new ideas, and keep us on our toes. This week, try our Strawberry Romain Crunch Salad for something new! The recipe is posted here, on our Patreon page.

THE SHOW NOTES!

Thanks for being a part of our podcast community! You...


191: Just Go!
#191
06/24/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Summer is in full swing and we are hitting the road! It's time to get your travel on! This week we are talking all about how travel can produce some of the best memories in childhood, how travel bonds families together, and how travel can actually change up your brain and routine. If you know us but at all we aren't saying you should be taking elaborate vacations. Instead, do what feels right for your family. In the...


190: Stuff We Love, Summer 2026
#190
06/17/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

It's one of our favorite episodes - Stuff We Love! There's no gate keeping around here! We are sharing all the things that are making life a little easier and a little more fun! We are talking men's clothes, gut health gummies, clean cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, and even some games that might just make you laugh! We are talking all about things we are loving right now!

THE SHOW NOTES!

Games Matt mentioned:<...


189: Growing Pains
#189
06/10/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We are tackling the real, sometimes messy journey of growing. We dive into how a strong community pushes us to be better and how finding the right books and resources can totally change the way we learn. We also have to admit that real growth isn't always easy; it actually requires us to step into uncomfortable situations that cause friction and conflict. Our brains are naturally wired to avoid pain and stay comfortable, but if we just stop...


188: Punched in the gut
#188
06/03/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We’ve all been there. You’re sailing along, and suddenly—bam. An unexpected disappointment or a harsh critique catches you completely out of nowhere. It’s a total punch in the gut. Join us as we get honest about how to handle those "left field" moments. We’re talking about how to sit with the initial sting, how to separate the facts from the fiction we tell ourselves, and the messy process of catching our breath and bouncing b...


187: The After Party
05/27/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We are living the high from our latest live event - and we are bringing you in on the debrief. When big events like this are over, there are typically three things that happen in the debrief - how'd it go, the reflection; who am I thankful for through it all, and how can I rest. Let us tell you - we had a lot to be thankful for. We unpack the support of Walnut Creek Foods, the...


Bonus Episode: Behind the Curtain with Adam Riehle
05/22/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Ever wonder what makes a great partnership truly click? In this bonus episode recorded at our live event, we sit down with Adam Riehle, the Vice President of Retail for our sponsor, Walnut Creek Foods and Walnut Creek Cheese and Market. Adam takes us behind the scenes to share the genuine heartbeat of the company, from their deep vision for supporting employees to their immense heart for local generosity. As a pillar of local employment, Walnut Creek Foods...


186: Am I enough?
#186
05/20/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

This episode was recorded before a live audience at our most recent podcast event, hosted by Walnut Creek Foods and Walnut Creek Cheese and Market. Do you ever wonder why we’re all constantly asking ourselves if we did "good enough?" In this episode, we tackle the exhausting drive to seek validation and why we let other people control our happiness. Lee Ann shares about competing on Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games, while Matt gets real about the qu...


185: Years before the YES
#185
05/13/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

A great wedding is more than just a ceremony, dancing, or good cake —it’s the ultimate "harvest" of years of intentional soul-tending. We’re diving into how that walk down the aisle is actually the culmination of a thousand tiny investments, late-night talks, and hard-earned growth. We’ll look at how the cast of characters in the audience is a direct reflection of the love the couple has poured out, proving that a solid community is built, not just...


184: Be Chalant
#184
05/06/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

So, "chalant" isn't a real word, but it’s the only way to describe the big, bold energy we’re talking about today. We are over the "too cool to care" vibe, and we’re here to help you trade that boring indifference for a life lived at full volume. This episode is all about living your truth and "living large," even if that means being the most enthusiastic person in the room. We’re diving into why being un...


183: Big Picture Parenting
#183
04/29/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Grab a frothy coffee and pull up a chair as we chat about big picture parenting. We’re leaning into the idea that childhood is just the prologue, focusing on how we can move from "authority" to "influence" by giving our kids the autonomy they need to grow. By creating non-judgmental spaces and forging bonds that actually stick, we’re laying a foundation today for a true friendship with the adults they are becoming. It’s all about being...


182: 7th place
#182
04/22/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We’re looking at how Jennifer Hudson lost American Idol in 7th place and then turned around and won an Oscar. It’s the ultimate proof that hearing a "no" is usually just a detour, not the end of the road. Success is never a straight line, and sometimes those big setbacks are just clearing the path for something much better. We’re digging into why losing the match doesn't mean you've lost the game and how to totall...


181: Stuff We Love, Spring 2026
#181
04/15/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

It's one of our favorite episodes - STUFF WE LOVE! Here we are sharing all the things that have been making life fun, enjoyable, easier, and vibrant! Maybe there's something that can enrich your life, or maybe you're searching for a solution - it could be in here! We are sharing all the stuff we are loving this Spring!

THE SHOW NOTES

We would absolutely LOVE to see you at our next Live Podcast...


180: More to the story
#180
04/08/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We are diving into the recent Cracker Barrel controversy and how perspective shifted after talking to a server on the front lines. It was a powerful reminder that we rarely see the full picture at face value, and there is almost always more to the story than a headline suggests. We challenge the habit of instant judgment, asking how our world might change if we led with grace instead of assumptions. What if we admitted we don’t kn...


179: Energy Reset
#179
04/01/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

The energy you bring into a room determines your outcome before you even say a word. In this episode, we’re breaking down why your mindset is the ultimate predictor of success and how to stop letting your brain "predict" your future based on past baggage. We explore how to consciously disrupt those old mental patterns and why the people you surround yourself with are the biggest influencers of your results. If you want to change your life, yo...


178: Present over Perfect
#178
03/25/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

This week on These Are Good Days, Lee Ann and Matt are diving into why we’re so obsessed with getting it "right" at the expense of being real. We often treat perfectionism like a suit of armor to dodge criticism or keep anxiety at bay, but in reality, it just shields us from the actual connection and vulnerability we’re wired for. We’re busting the myth that "perfect" people win at life and exploring how showing up as...


177: Makes Me Feel Rich
#177
03/18/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

There are things in life that make us feel rich - and MOST of them have nothing to do with money at all. Sometimes it's a sunny day or a ride in the car with the windows down. Sometimes it's a homemade meal with your family around the table. Sometimes it can even uninterrupted time to read. No matter what, there are moments in life that make us pause and realize how much we truly have. Join us...


176: Authority to Ally
#176
03/11/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We are diving into navigating tricky (and sometimes painful) shift of trading your parental authority for an actual friendship with your adult kids. We asked you guys in the These Are Good Days community how you’re navigating these new boundaries, and we’re sharing your real-talk feedback on what’s working and what’s definitely not. From mastering the 80/20 listening rule to avoiding the "help" that feels like a lecture, we’re figuring out how to stop managing o...


175: To Thine Own Self Be True
#175
03/04/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this episode, we get real about the pressure to "shrink" ourselves just to fit in with the crowd. We’re diving into why vulnerability is actually a superpower and how to stay true to yourself no matter who’s in the room. We also share some fun, practical challenges to help you practice being authentic in your everyday life. It’s all about ditching the mask and finding the peace that comes when your "inside" finally matches your "...


174: Bored No More
#174
02/25/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this episode, we’re tackling the boredom blues by asking if having nothing to do is actually a secret weapon. We’ve all heard that "only boring people get bored," but we’re digging into whether there’s a deeper gift hidden in the quiet. We dive into what’s really happening in our brains when we hit a slump and why we think "peace" might not actually be the ultimate finish line. We’ll show you how we trade...


173: JOMO
#173
02/18/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Forget the frantic itch of FOMO—we’re officially entering our JOMO era and learning to love the sweet, sweet sound of saying "no." In this episode, we’re deconstructing those polished social media highlight reels so you can stop comparing your everyday "behind-the-scenes" to someone else’s curated best. We’ll teach you how to "play out the tape" and see through the social pressure to start prioritizing your own peace of mind. Imagine a life so aligned wi...


172: 4 for 40
#172
02/11/2026

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Matt is officially 41, and we’re celebrating with a look back at year 40! Matt’s breaking down four big lessons he learned while navigating his first year in the "40s club," and the one specific lesson he’s bringing into age 41. This episode is all about aging with a sense of humor and a lot of heart. We’re trading mid-life crises for mid-life clarity and focusing on what actually matters. Grab a cupcake and join us for a birthd...