Rejoice, Go, and Groan | Episode 277

Welcome to Episode 277 of "Lunchtime in Rome," where we invite you to pull up a seat at the table for a heartfelt and lively discussion. Titled "Rejoice, Go, and Groan," this episode introduces a fresh format while staying true to our mission of loving one another and embodying Romans 12:15—rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn. Hosted by Jay Mitlo and joined by Joe, with Brian out and Chris under the weather, this episode dives into life’s ups, downs, and everything in between.A New Format with Familiar HeartFor the first time in 277 episodes, we mixed things up a bit. Inspired by an Instagram reel about the qualities of true friendship—playful banter, steadfast support, and being there when it counts—we structured the episode around three themes: rejoicing, going, and groaning. Jay kicked things off by celebrating listener milestones, like Christina and Julian’s house purchase and new job, and mourning with those facing challenges, such as Becky’s ambiguous struggles and Chris’s current rough patch.Joe’s Tale of ResilienceJoe took the stage with a mix of groans and grit. Fresh off his 22nd birthday (deemed the “Tuesday of birthdays”), he shared a chaotic week: stabbing his hand with a pocket knife en route to work (landing him at Magee-Womens Hospital for stitches) and spraining his ankle during intramural volleyball. Despite the mishaps, Joe’s humor shone through, and he balanced the groans with gratitude for his strong relationships and stable living situation with new roommates Nate and Dylan.Jay’s Exciting Return to Young LifeJay embodied the “go” theme with big news: he’s stepping back into Young Life as the interim part-time Area Director for East Hills, a role he held full-time from 1996 to 2008. Sparked by a text from Joe’s girlfriend Julia, encouragement from colleagues, and a staffing gap, Jay sees this as a chance to leverage his deep community ties in Penn Hills. From baseball games to swim meets, he’s already connecting with students, excited to build a ministry that meets kids where they are—whether through camp, fun activities, or leadership development.Eric’s Nashville AdventureClosing out the episode, Eric shared a joyous recap of his and Amy’s getaway to Nashville—a trip planned for rest, not rush. Highlights included scoring last-minute tickets to the legendary Bluebird Cafe, where they discovered Ben Roberts and his songwriting friends, and attending the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-year Saturday night show, featuring talents like Don Schlitz (writer of “The Gambler”). From savoring a standout breakfast at Milk and Honey to laughing over Employee of the Month, their trip was a rejuvenating blend of music, food, and connection—no womp womps here!Join Us Next TimeEpisode 277 captures the essence of life’s rollercoaster—celebrating wins, supporting struggles, and embracing new journeys. Whether you’re rejoicing, groaning, or on the go, there’s a seat for you at our table. Catch the full episode on your favorite podcast app or YouTube, and join us next week for Episode 278. Visit lunchtimeinrome.com to take our Relational Needs Questionnaire, follow us on social media, and leave a five-star review. Until then, tie your shoelaces and keep loving one another! Get full access to Lunchtime In Rome Podcast at www.lunchtimeinrome.com/subscribe