These Are Good Days

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 Event! One lucky winner will receive a mixer or a shopping spree at Walnut Creek Cheese! All the details can be...

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 know the whole truth? By holding space for the unknown, we can fundamentally transform how we treat and love the people ri...

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, you have to change the frequency you’re operating on—it’s time to stop reacting to your history and start choosing...

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 your messy, authentic self is actually the fastest way to get ahead in your relationships. It’s time to stop cur...

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 in another episode about what's making us feel rich!

THE SHOW NOTES

The book mentioned in the...

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 our children's lives and start enjoying the people they’ve become. Let's talk together about shifting the authority role in our young ch...

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 "outside." Join us for a chat on why being yourself is the best way to have a good day.

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 the doomscroll for a real sense of purpose that reaches beyond ourselves. It’s time to stop waiting for the fun to...

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 with your values that staying in with a book feels like winning the lottery instead of missing out. Join us as we cele...

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 birthday chat about why life keeps getting better with every trip around the sun!

The Show Notes

In Africa, Part 2, we’re diving deeper into Lee Ann’s journey with Compassion International, sharing stories of incredible joy that transcends material circumstances. From the food to the faces she’ll never forget, Lee Ann reflects on the profound gratitude she feels being home and how her worldview has permanently shifted. We talk about the lasting lifestyle changes she’s determined to make based on the resilience and heart she witnessed. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about how seeing the world can change the way you live right where you are.

THE SHOW NOTES!<...

Lee Ann is back from Nairobi, Kenya, and she’s sitting down to share the heart-stretching details of her trip with Compassion International. We dive into the organization’s history and pull back the curtain on how their child sponsorship program truly functions on the ground. Lee Ann addresses the big questions about financial transparency while describing the life-changing work she witnessed firsthand at local centers in the heart of Africa. You’ll hear of the moment she met her sponsored child face-to-face for the very first time. This journey wasn't just about travel; it was about seeing hope around...

Winter 2026 is here, and we’re sharing all the "Stuff We Love" that’s making our lives even better right now. Whether it's a cozy new robe a must-watch show, or our favorite activities, we’re diving into the finds sparking genuine joy for us this season. We couldn't keep these favorites to ourselves, so we’ve put everything in a list for you to explore. Join us for a casual chat about the little things making these winter days even better. Check the show notes for the full breakdown!

THE SHOW NOTES!

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook...

We’re deconstructing the myth that rest is a reward we have to earn. We often get caught in the trap of "productivity guilt," but we’re here to remind ourselves (and you!) that rest is actually a fundamental requirement for a healthy life. We’re diving into the seven different types of rest and exploring how to move away from mindless "numbing" like doom-scrolling toward actual restorative practices. Whether it’s through active movement or passive stillness, we discuss how to pause without the guilt and truly recharge our batteries. Join us as we learn how to prioritize the deep...

In this episode of These Are Good Days, we’re skipping the 2026 resolutions and leaning into our favorite role as "hopes and dreams setters" instead. We’ve never been big on resolutions because the "failure" of breaking them is a total downer, so we’re focusing on self-improvement and the steps that lead to a brighter year. This time around, we’re dreaming about saying "yes" to more opportunities, traveling to new places, and making space for new friendships. We’re also talking about the importance of slowing down to soak up quality time with our families. Join us as we trad...

Join us for our 2025 recap on These Are Good Days as we celebrate an incredible year! We’re counting down our top 5 most-listened-to episodes and sharing the moments that defined our year. We also open up our camera rolls to relive our favorite unfiltered highlights and memories from the last twelve months. Come reminisce with us as we look back on the moments that made 2025 unforgettable!

THE SHOW NOTES!

Thanks for being a part of our podcast community! You can follow Lee Ann and Matt on Instagram to keep up with happenings in be...

On this Christmas Eve episode we share a personal part of our lives: our faith and our relationships with Jesus. We trace our individual "origin stories" with Jesus, discussing how our initial connections began and how they have evolved over the years. We also explore what it means to be comfortable sitting in the gray areas of faith and wrestling with big spiritual questions. Ultimately, we share reasons why our faith is so important to us and how it has profoundly shaped the direction of our lives. We invite you to listen as we celebrate the gift of Jesus.<...

Let's talk about Foo-ooo-ood! Let's talk about food. Seriously though, food is a gift - the memories, the labor of love, the smells, the people we remember attached to certain dishes. Certainly the holidays bring out a different side of food that we don't access every day. In this episode we are talking through our Christmas menu - giving you suggestions, ideas, and even a complete menu so you don't have to plan it all out! Join us in this fun conversation all about food!

THE SHOW NOTES

If you'd like our holiday...

Stop stressing and start celebrating! This week, we dive into the joy of gift giving. We break down how to take the pressure off (it should be fun, people!) and talk about the awesome neurological boost we get from generosity. Plus, we're sharing some of our absolute favorite, stress-free gifts we're giving this year. Tune in for the tips you need to keep the holidays happy!

THE SHOW NOTES

Video: Lee Ann's White Chocolate Party Mix!

Fishwife Tinned Fish

Licorice.com

MasterClass

Altar'd State

Gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving - from reframing our thoughts to expanding our empathy, gratitude is critical. In this episode we talk about moving past the trite thinking about gratitude towards a more realistic approach, and why it can be so hard!

THE SHOW NOTES

Thanks for being a part of our podcast community! You can follow Lee Ann and Matt on Instagram to keep up with happenings in between episodes. Click the link in their name to follow!

If you’ve been around the podcast for any le...

At our most recent live event we talked about the serious sides of friendship - we did laugh, we cried, we talked about all the serious facets. But, in our bonus episode we wanted to tell some of the hilarious stories that have forged the friendship between Lee Ann and Matt. In this bonus episode, we are laughing together with our live audience sharing stories of friendship.

This episode was recorded at one of our live events! Our second most requested topic behind family relationships is adult friendships. In this episode we are talking about friendships that weather the seasons of life, the benefits of friendships, and how important adult friendships are - especially as we continue to age.

THE SHOW NOTES

Live Event Information: Our live events are incredibly fun! We typically have a podcast recording with charcuterie, door prizes, and frothy coffee! Also, we love taking our podcast family around to the special places in Amish Country that we love...

We often tie celebration to big achievements, but what if it's really about the simple, intentional act of acknowledgment? We get honest about that sneaky little voice of jealousy that sometimes makes us withhold a high-five, and discuss why practicing celebration anyway—even when it’s uncomfortable—is important. Celebration is contagious. It’s intentional time set aside for honing in on someone—who they are or what they’ve accomplished—and it promotes a kind of magnetic joy.

THE SHOW NOTES!

In our Good Days we mentioned going to Oakland Nurseries and Oakland Home...

During the holiday season we are going to be exploring some of the gifts of life. Whether it's gifts we give, or gifts we receive, there are so many unexpected or uncommon gifts in life. In this episode we are diving into the gift of attention. Looking someone in the eye, having a conversation, and turning your full attention to them is such a gift - it communicates value, and imparts confidence. Join us in this conversation all about The Gift of Attention.

THE SHOW NOTES!

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

Chat with us about our Live Event coming up on November 22! We are explaining what it's all about, how you can join us, some special insights, and what gifts you could win in our drawings! Every ticket has a chance to win something - and you won't be disappointed!

Here's the link to the eventbrite!

Do you ever look around and think, I feel rich?! We aren't talking about anything that costs lots of mullah, but the richness in your life that makes you smile or brings joy. Let's take inventory of our lives, be mindful, slow down, and think about the things we have in our life that are a true privilege. Join us as we take inventory of the things in life - both ordinary and extraordinary, that are making us feel rich!

THE SHOW NOTES!

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

IT'S THE WEDDING EPISODE! We are talking all things wedding this week! Lee Ann's son recently got married and we are talking all the things - thoughts, emotions, joy, grief - and yes, tears. This episode is going to hit you in the feels! Join us as we talk wedding!

THE SHOW NOTES!

Thanks for being a part of our podcast community! You can follow Lee Ann and Matt on Instagram to keep up with happenings in between episodes. Click the link in their name to follow!

If you’ve...

If you've been around These Are Good Days for any length of time you know that we are pro counseling and pro mental health. We truly talk about it frequently - not because we are experts, but because it's helped us both! In this episode we talk specifics about how counseling has helped us - and our hope is that it would encourage you to find someone as well! Lee Ann often says, counseling has saved my life and this conversation may just give you the nudge you need to make that appointment.

THE SHOW...

Feeling pulled in too many directions? This week on These Are Good Days, we're talking about the revolutionary act of saying no. It’s about more than just managing your schedule; it's about honoring your values and protecting your precious, finite time. Discover why saying no is an essential step to gaining clarity and achieving life balance. Whether you're setting healthy boundaries or simply being authentic, learning to decline one thing means you can confidently say yes to the things that truly bring you joy. Tune in for an encouraging, honest chat about owning your time and doing what re...

Let's be real—life is way too short and too heavy to be serious all the time! We're talking about embracing whimsy: that perfect mix of taking your job and life seriously, but definitely not taking yourself seriously. We'll chat about simple ways to lighten up, like genuinely playing with your family or finally making time for that weird little hobby you love. Whimsy isn't just a mood; it’s a hack! It keeps your brain sharp, puts some distance between you and your problems, and helps you connect with people on a deeper, better level. Time to chill out...

Our words have the power to speak life or death - not only to others, but to ourselves. We've all been there - the mantras of self doubt and the cycle of shamed thinking. But, what happens when we break those patterns for ourselves, and how does that impact our relationship with others? Where do our words come from anyways? Join us in this conversation all about the life or death that comes through our words.

The Show Notes

Today is the launch of our Patreon - and we couldn't be more excited...

Have you ever tracked how you got to where you are? Our guess is it's through a connection with someone along the way. Life is full of those seemingly small and meaningless connections that can sometimes blossom into something great that changes the trajectory of your life! Join us in this conversation all about making connections that have a lasting ripple effect in our lives!

The Show Notes!

Thanks for being a part of our podcast community! You can follow Lee Ann and Matt on Instagram to keep up with happenings in between...

In this episode we are talking all about the Stuff We Love right now! It's the stuff of life that's making us happy, keeping us jazzed, and making our days that much better. You never know what we'll bring up - could be something food related, a product, or a new practice. Our hope is that some of the Stuff We Love will bring you joy as well! Join us in the Fall 2025 edition of Stuff We Love!

THE SHOW NOTES

Instant Hydration

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Walnut Creek...

Your child is getting married and leaving home. You're overjoyed for them, but you're also feeling a profound sense of loss. How do you navigate this beautiful, messy, and bittersweet transition? In this episode, we talk about the mixed emotions of watching your child find their person and start their new life. We explore how to hold both the joy and the sadness, and we discuss how to communicate your feelings without making your child feel guilty. Join us as we explore why it's okay to feel all the feels as your family changes.

THE...

Seriously, you don't have to be cool. Being part of a group is our very nature, but at different seasons in life we try too hard to fit in - and it doesn't stop after high school. Often we sacrifice our preferences, our inclinations, our personality, and even our sense of right and wrong in order to fit in. But, what if we flipped the script? What if being authentically you is what drew people to you. What if your quirks are the very thing that make people go - I want to get to know them. Join us...

Sending kids back to school is a whole emotional roller coaster that's sometimes more about the adults than it is about the kids. In this episode we are talking all about getting back into the routines and rhythms of the school year. We are sharing some ways you can help your child transition into this year, maybe start some new traditions or rhythms in your home, and how to stay tuned into what your kids are saying. Join us in this conversation all about back to school!

These Are Good Days - Show Notes!

This week, Lee Ann and Matt sit down with licensed clinical counselor Emilie Kadlec to talk about finding yourself in the noise of life. Emilie specializes in walking people through life's biggest transitions—from job changes and grief to simple season shifts— in this episode, she offers guidance for navigating finding your way back to yourself.

We get into:

It's...

At times in life we can settle in, but it often comes at sacrifice of hope: hope that things could get better or things could be different. So, what does it mean for us to settle for less, and how do we find true contentment? It's more than what's on the outside - it's a mindset shift. How do we remain content in where we are while also hoping for what could be? Join us in this conversation all about settling and contentment.

These Are Good Days Show Notes

Thanks for being a...

We are BACK! And, in true These Are Good Days form, we are catching up with a stream of good days! Since the beginning, we've heard that our podcast feels like friends catching up over a cup of coffee - and today is just that. Join us as we catch up on the summer, share what we've been up to, and jump back in the saddle here at These Are Good Days. Welcome Back!

These Are Good Days Show Notes

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

It's July Rewind, where we are bringing you some of our most downloaded episodes for a second listen! Listen, we should all be seeking to better ourselves in one way or another - whether it's growing emotionally, deepening ourselves spiritually, learning new things, or working on our health. In reality, when we stop trying to better ourselves trouble is near and we are at risk. So, join us as we unpack the topic of bettering ourselves, together!

These Are Good Days Show Notes

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