Brenda Tremblay | Episode 292

Welcome everyone and pull up a seat at the table. It’s Lunchtime in Rome. Tonight’s episode 292 is titled “Brenda Tremblay!” Last week we listed our dream list of guests and Brenda was number 1! You get to know her, and we get to talk to her at The Table this evening.Pull up a seat at the table and join us!Brenda Tremblay Joins the Table!In this lively episode of Lunchtime in Rome, the guys welcome their dream guest, Brenda Tremblay, for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation that dives deep into life, relationships, and everything in between. Kicking things off, the hosts catch up on their summer adventures—Chris shares tales from family trips to Ocracoke and New Orleans (complete with a gluten-free beignet mishap and a kitchen remodel), Brian recounts a chaotic day fixing a property water main that nearly turned disastrous, followed by a father-son bonding over massive subs at Triangle Bar, and Jay reflects on his disc golf triumphs and the exhaustion of a busy season balancing church, Young Life, and family.The spotlight quickly turns to Brenda, whom the guys praise for her genuine spirit, servant heart, and effortless way of making conversations flow. Brenda opens up about her journey to self-acceptance in her 40s, sharing how she's always strived to be liked while grappling with guilt and a high need for belonging. She recounts her small-town upbringing in Corry, PA (the "Crossroads of America"), her high school days playing flute and sousaphone in the band, and the serendipitous prom date with her now-husband Jim that led to a lifetime together and five amazing kids.The discussion explores Brenda's emotional needs questionnaire results, revealing her strong desire for community and how past feelings of exclusion as the "tall kid" shaped her. She shares fun anecdotes, like homeschooling her family, transitioning from 15 years in the hotel industry to remote medical billing, and her phobia of the dark. The guys play a whimsical game: If given an elephant you can't sell or give away, what would you do? Answers range from riding it for fame (Brenda's pick) to exploring its consciousness or monetizing rides.Brenda's infectious energy shines through as she talks about fostering tribes—from college friends to her quirky, hilarious kids—and her dream lotto splurge: an epic family vacation to Europe or national parks (yurts included, but no sleeping on the ground!). The episode wraps with laughs over inside jokes, hotel stories, and a nod to the guys' worship team dynamics.Whether you're drawn to stories of personal growth, emotional insights, or just good vibes, this episode reminds us why rejoicing and mourning together builds stronger connections. Pull up a seat and listen now—Brenda's warmth will have you feeling like part of the family! Take the relational needs questionnaire at lunchtimeinrome.com and join the conversation on social media. Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe