In Residence with Keith and Laura

Keith and Laura mark the podcast’s third anniversary by looking back at how the show has evolved. From a tentative creative experiment between two partners to making space for conversation, reflection, and the questions that shape everyday life, and personal growth. Laura and Keith discuss the discomfort of being seen, the value of sharing generously, and the practices that have shaped how they approach habits, relationships, work, and larger life goals. Letting Go of PerfectionismKeith reflects on the challenge of creating something for others while also managing self-consciousness and perfectionism. Recording and publishing the podcast required him to loosen the grip of needing everything to be exactly right before sharing it. Improvement and perfectionism are not the same thing. It’s good to care about quality and process, but not when the pursuit of a better outcome prevents meaningful action.Showing Up ConsistentlyLaura shares the practice of “putting a pearl on the string.” The point is not to complete the perfect task or have the perfect day. The point is to show up and take action, even when the action is small, inconvenient, or less polished than you hoped. Laura encourages listeners to build structures that support the person they want to become—using frameworks such as habit stacking and above-the-line thinking to create better conditions for follow-through.Why Not You?You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. You can make progress by taking the next small step, learning as you go, and allowing your work to grow into something more than you originally imagined.Your goals may feel big, uncertain, or far away. Consistent action creates possibility for the change we seek. Take the next step. Make a new mistake. Move at your own pace. Then come back tomorrow and put another pearl on the string.Thanks for Joining Us.Small Steps, Big Goals | 3 Years of Growth00:00 - Intro00:38 - Celebrating three years of In Residence03:25 - Learning to share more honestly06:15 - Finding an organic rhythm for conversations08:47 - Above-the-line and below-the-line thinking15:32 - Put a pearl on the string16:56 - Pain, uncertainty, and constant work18:12 - The power of small, consistent actions20:12 - Habit stacking and creating conditions for success23:58 - Who is it for, what is it for, and what change are you making?28:38 - Choosing possibility over fear31:11 - What we hope to build in the next three years33:33 - Creating connection, momentum, and community34:05 - Big goals begin with small steps34:57 - Why not you?35:45 - Quote card throwback38:06 - Is it worth trying to do?38:41 - Closing🔊 LISTEN ON:   ⚪️  withkeithandlaura.com🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple🟢  Spotify🔵  Amazon🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links

Life can become crowded quickly. Work demands attention, relationships need care, health can require a new level of focus, and the activities that bring joy are often the first things to be pushed aside. In this episode Keith and Laura explore a simple framework for designing life with intention, on purpose: Live, Love and Lead.These three areas are not meant to divide life into separate boxes. Instead, they offer a way to notice what is giving you energy, what is draining you, what may be missing, and where a small change could make a meaningful difference.Reflection, Seasons, and Small ExperimentsKeith describes the flexible structure the couple uses for gaining clarity. Live includes daily rhythms, wellness, rest, hobbies, creativity, and play. Love focuses on partnership, family, friendships, and community. Lead is where work, caregiving, contribution, and the ways we influence others is explored.His central point is that intentional living begins with reflection. Ask what is working, what feels depleted, and what you want to change. Rather than trying to overhaul everything, Keith encourages small experiments. Playing guitar for five or ten minutes, reaching out to someone you miss, or creating more recovery time after a demanding project can be enough to begin building momentum.Values, Boundaries, and a Full LifeLaura brings attention to the risk of allowing work, leadership, or caregiving to become an entire identity. Meaningful work matters, but it should not require sacrificing wellness, hobbies, relationships, or the parts of life that make a person feel whole.She highlights the importance of communication, shared planning, and boundaries. Making room for connection can be practical: use a shared calendar, talk about upcoming responsibilities, and be honest about what you have capacity for. Boundaries also make it possible to invest energy in relationships and activities that genuinely support your well-being.Start Where You AreAccept the season you are in. Priorities shift as circumstances change, and a meaningful life requires flexibility rather than a rigid definition of balance. A full life is an ongoing practice of noticing, choosing, and adjusting. Consider one question today: What is one small step I can take to better support how I live, love, or lead?Live, Love, Lead with Intention on Purpose00:00 - Intro  01:07 - Why Live, Love, and Lead matter  04:14 - Introducing the three-part framework  06:04 - What it means to Live  06:45 - Leadership is more than a job title  08:25 - What Love includes: relationships, family, and community  09:02 - Wellness, hobbies, rest, and making space for joy  10:29 - Why downtime and recovery are necessary  13:11 - Making time for connection in busy lives  15:19 - Communication and shared calendars  18:02 - Friendship, family, and community as adults  22:12 - Setting healthy boundaries with your time  23:16 - Leading through work, caregiving, and contribution  25:10 - When work and leadership become your identity  28:21 - Priorities change with the seasons of life  34:29 - Designing life intentionally and on purpose   40:29 - Boundaries, expectations, and saying no  43:23 - How to put the framework into practice  44:06 - Reflection questions 46:52 - Start small and celebrate progress  47:06 - Closing thoughts 🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

In this episode of In Residence, Keith and Laura swap their usual format for a live, unscripted couple's Q&A inspired by another podcast duo. Laura surprises Keith with ten questions about their relationship, from first impressions to what real love looks like after two decades together.Patience, Presence, and Choosing Each OtherKeith talks about growing more patient through parenthood and through Laura's steady presence, noting that she gives him space to find the right words during hard moments. He credits her with pushing him toward adventure he'd otherwise put off, and shares that his clearest "this is my person" moment came recently, during a routine blood pressure check, when his mind drifted to memories of her asleep on the couch. He also reflects on learning to fully enjoy good times instead of bracing for something to go wrong.Grounding, Growth, and Seeing the Best in PeopleLaura describes Keith as her grounding force, the reason she's learned to savor quiet mornings on the deck instead of always chasing the next trip. She recalls how his instinct to give people the benefit of the doubt, rather than gossip, shaped how she treats others. Her own "this is my person" story involves Keith calmly sweeping a garden snake off their deck with a broom. She also shares a memory from years apart, watching him drive by and sensing he was meant to do big things.Real Love Isn't Perfect, It's ConsistentAcross ten questions, Keith and Laura land on the same idea: love isn't about getting everything right, it's about continuing to choose each other, make space to be heard, and hold onto individual identities while building a shared life.Thanks for Joining Us.Couples Questions | Strengths & Growth00:00 - Intro & catching up amid technical difficulties01:15 - Laura reveals the surprise couple's Q&A concept02:23 - Question 1: First impressions of each other05:09 - Question 2: What attracted them beyond looks07:26 - Question 3: What Keith saw in Laura before she saw it in herself11:22 - Question 4: Early relationship memories that shaped them16:11 - Question 5: The moment they each knew "this is my person"22:38 - Question 6: What each partner brings to the other's life24:47 - Question 7: How they've grown and changed together30:14 - Question 8: What they wish their partner could see in themselves35:09 - Question 9: What they do well as a couple and what takes work39:12 - Question 10: What real love looks like after years together44:21 - Wrap-up and sign-off🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

In this first episode of “Talking Out Loud,” Keith invites listeners into the messy, honest middle of getting unstuck and taking a small but meaningful leap. Instead of releasing a safe compilation episode, he chooses to sit down, speak directly to the camera, and hit publish on something new and unfinished.Moving from Comfort to CourageKeith shares how easy it has been to settle into the familiar rhythm of his existing podcast with Laura, even while sensing he was capable of more. He names the tension between staying comfortable and stepping into new formats, new conversations, and new ways of building community. Rather than framing this as a grand reinvention, he focuses on small, consistent steps—using this short episode as a “rep” toward a stronger creative practice.A personal nudge comes from the loss of musician Glen Hansard, whose work and presence deeply shaped Keith’s life. Remembering those encounters and the impact of Hansard’s music, Keith feels a renewed urgency to use his own time well, create work that matters, and show up for the people he loves. Talking Out Loud becomes both a practice and a promise: to get out of his head, say things out loud, and take imperfect action.Moving Past Playing It SafeTalking Out Loud extends the ongoing experiment and exploration of designing a life that works for you. Leaning into the uncomfortable growth can be challenging. If you’re navigating your own version of “starting before you’re ready,” this episode offers a real-time example of what it looks like to take a small step. Listen in, then visit withkeithandlaura.com and subscribe to the podcast to continue the conversation.Thanks Everyone.Talking Out Loud | Getting Started…Again00:00 - Intro00:28 - Why Talking Out Loud and why now01:17 - Feeling stagnant, playing it safe, and fearing new formats02:26 -Struggling to start and wanting to be further along03:46 - Keith’s love of music and the impact of Glen Hansard04:15 - Processing loss and the nudge to use time well05:14 - Inviting listeners to explore Glen Hansard’s work05:55 - Shifting from maintaining to moving forward with projects07:20 - Taking a small leap and aiming for consistent reps08:22 - The origin story of “Talking Out Loud”09:22 - Closing🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura share their unexpected joy in following the World Cup, especially the way international fans are experiencing everyday American life with genuine delight. Small, shared moments remind us that happiness often shows up in ordinary places.Tattoos, Balance, and Unapologetic JoyKeith shares the story of finally finishing a full-leg tattoo that had been waiting for thirteen years. The session is more than ink; it’s a creative, almost therapeutic way for him to express who he is and bring long-unfinished art to completion. He talks about imagery that grounds and guides him, including a lighthouse and a bouquet of tulips that represent their family. Finishing this tattoo lights him up and becomes a vivid example of unapologetically making space for “me-time” activities—especially when life, schedules, and responsibilities have pushed them aside.Travel, Gardening, and Scaled-Down JoyLaura reflects on what lights her up: music, travel, and even tending her garden. She’s honest about physical limitations and the grief of not keeping up with her beds the way she used to. Yet pulling tall weeds to reach ripening raspberries becomes a small but meaningful win. It shows how joy can be scaled to what’s possible right now, whether that’s a future trip she chooses for herself or a modest gardening session that reconnects her with what she loves.Designing Rhythms That Serve YouTogether, Laura and Keith explore rest, clarity, and cadence—how some joys arrive every week, and others every four or thirteen years. The invitation is simple: get clear on what sparks joy, give yourself permission, and design rhythms that make room for it in real life.Thanks for Joining Us.Designing Life with Simple Joys00:00 - Intro 01:12 - World Cup and “joy scrolling” 06:34 - Keith’s long-delayed tattoo 15:56 - Laura’s support and Keith feeling lit up 16:21 - What lights Laura up? 20:22 - Making room for joy in everyday life 23:11 - Agency, boundaries, and communicating your plans 26:21 - Getting specific instead of doing more 27:01 - Rest, nothingness, and clarity 28:09 - making time for what sparks joy 28:52 - Bringing it back to tempo and connection 29:15 - Outro and appreciation🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - To explore more conversations like this, subscribe to the podcast and check out our website at withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

What happens when two people move through life at different speeds? Keith and Laura explore how tempo shows up in everyday moments: summer vacations, road trips, parties, and even podcast production, and how learning to talk openly about pace has changed their relationship for the better.From Urgency to AwarenessKeith shares how years of working wired him to treat summer as “project season,” making rest feel uncomfortable and vacations surprisingly hard. He notices that his action often depends on rising urgency, which can tip into anxiety or shutdown when too much stacks up at once. Whether it’s getting to events early, racing through road trips with minimal stops, or powering through party prep, he recognizes a pattern of hyper‑vigilant pacing. Over time, Keith has begun to name these tendencies, question when urgency really serves him, and take responsibility for self‑regulating instead of expecting Laura to slow him down.Seasons, Comparison, and GraceLaura describes her long‑held identity as “type A” with multiple projects always in motion and a tendency to save tasks until just before a gathering, then sprint through frosting cakes and cleaning bathrooms. She brings in running and music metaphors to show how forcing yourself to match another’s pace—whether a partner or a social media ideal—can lead to burnout and misplaced priorities. By embracing the idea of seasons and musical changes in tempo, she is learning to honor slower periods, examine why she feels urgent, and offer more grace to herself and Keith.Setting a Shared Pace for Your Best LifeTogether, Keith and Laura highlight that healthy tempo in relationships is less about matching speeds and more about honest communication, negotiated expectations, and respecting each person’s rhythm. When we pause to reflect, talk about what our pace is serving, and adjust with intention, we create space to live our best lives without compromising who we are or what we value. Thanks for Joining Us.Living in Rhythm | Navigating Different Tempos & Pace00:00 - Intro00:38 - Summer rhythms05:08 - Is pace personality? 13:45 - Work vs vacation17:14 - Urgency, pacing, and “what is this in service of?”20:03 - relationship rhythm21:02 - Expectations22:26 -“dad energy”23:02 - clear communication24:00 - negotiation and practical tradeoffs25:18 - nesting instinct26:59 - bears, burnout, and training partners28:33 - Orchestra metaphor29:17 - Letting someone down31:02 - mom life and realistic choices32:04 - negotiating pace34:23 - what’s required and communicating36:18 - Pulling quote card37:25 - Outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.To explore more conversations like this, visit our website and subscribe to the podcast.

Keith and Laura check in midyear to discuss what to do when your goals and reality stop matching—and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing. They explore how progress often looks more like experimentation, adjustment, and honest reflection, instead of chasing a straight line from point A to point B. Practicing Measured AmbitionKeith’s word for the year, measured ambition, comes alive as he talks about shifting his focus between family, friendships, health, and creative projects. He admits it’s easy to feel like a failure when energy goes toward relationships instead of new initiatives. Yet he’s learning that he can’t give everything maximum effort at the same time—and that this is simply how life works. By designing his schedule more intentionally, taking tiny first steps on complex tasks, and stacking habits like morning dishes with audiobooks, he builds momentum without sliding into all‑or‑nothing thinking. Ambition becomes a series of tests and experiments rather than a harsh judgment.Transforming Through ConstraintLaura chose “transform” as her word, expecting structured wellness routines and heavy lifting. A significant hip issue changed that plan completely. Instead of pushing through pain, she now focuses on stretching, gentler movement, sleep, cortisol management, and rediscovering joy through music and piano. Along the way, she confronts perfectionist self‑talk and shifts from keeping a “failure list” to keeping an “adjustments list” that honors each small, supportive choice. Her transformation is less about intensity and more about kindness, resilience, and staying in the game.The Next Six MonthsLooking ahead to the rest of the year and designing schedules that support both ambition and recovery, it’s time to adjust. Rethinking progress, designing routines that fit their real lives, and making choices today that our future selves will thank us for. Together, Keith and Laura move away from straight‑line, perfectionist thinking toward small, consistent actions and gentler expectations that still honor their values and long‑term goals.Thanks for Joining Us.When Progress Doesn’t Look Like the Plan | Midyear Check‑In00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Midyear goals check‑in: words for 2026 01:33 - Keith’s word: Measured ambition 04:31 - Laura’s word: Transform 05:28 - When transformation looks different than planned 08:23 - Energy givers vs. energy drains 09:38 - Focusing on what you can do 16:03 - Resentment, routine tweaks, and listening to yourself 17:00 - Showing up when you’re not perfect 17:31 - Experimenting instead of over‑optimizing in your head 18:00 - Habit stacking and finding your energy windows 22:31 - Overwhelm, avoidance, and small first steps 25:55 - Three meaningful things for the rest of 2026 31:04 - Changing expectations without giving up 33:02 - Wellness beyond the scale 35:15 - “What will December thank July for?” 36:02 - Staying in the game the longest 38:34 - Framing, tension, and learning through discomfort 40:10 - ChatGPT for reframing 41:14 - Connection, enjoyment, and perfectionist narratives 44:07 - Closing thoughts and outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Some of the most useful conversations happen when you stop trying to make them perfect. That's exactly where this episode begins—with a glass of wine, a story about stubborn barn swallows, and a surprisingly honest look at what it takes to keep creating.Finding the Connection & Fighting the LoopWhat started as a frustrating battle to keep barn swallows from nesting above the front door turned into a reflection on persistence, resistance, and when clinging to something stops serving you. That same thread runs through his experience as the show's producer and editor. Keith openly admits that the hours he spends chasing audio perfection—obsessing over plosives and harsh consonants. It’s become their own form of resistance. He's not just polishing the product; he's avoiding the discomfort of putting himself out there. The insight he lands on is sharp: he needs to invest his energy on the front end, in preparation, conversation, and connection, rather than endlessly refining what's already done. Going live for this episode was his way of putting that belief into action.The Instigator Who Keeps Them MovingLaura's role in the story of In Residence is more foundational than most listeners might realize. She was the one who turned Keith’s desire to podcast into reality, knowing that a shared commitment was the nudge he needed. Laura’s candid about her own tension.  Between her natural instinct to plan and scope an idea versus Keith's need to let creativity surface organically, she describes her preparation style as noticing "sparks" throughout the week. She values the loose, unscripted format precisely because it keeps their conversations genuine. Her take on what makes the podcast sustainable is simple and honest: she shows up, shares what's on her mind, and trusts Keith to handle the rest.Keep Showing UpEvery project has a gap between the vision and the reality, and that gap is not a reason to quit. It's the work. Whether you're podcasting, building a business, or pursuing any goal that matters to you, the resistance you feel is usually a sign you're on the right track. Keep showing up.Thanks for Joining Us.Shipping vs. Perfecting | Previously LIVE In Residence00:00 - Intro01:53 - Barn Swallow Story04:05 - Why Do We Keep Going Back to What Isn't Working?05:21 - Resistance and the Creative Process08:05 - Going Live Instead of Over-Editing09:01 - Editing Dilemma15:43 - How Do You Prepare for Each Episode?18:01 - Keith and Laura's Different Styles25:56 - Do You Rehearse or Wing It?26:25 - Have You Ever Thought About Quitting?27:47 - What Makes a Conversation Feel Real?34:23 - What Made You Start the Podcast Together?44:47 - What's the Hardest Part of Podcasting Consistently?55:10 - Where Is In Residence Headed Next?57:00 - Whimsy🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

What if the sparks that lit you up before life got complicated were actually pointing you toward your best self all along? Keith and Laura take a trip back to their 90s childhoods, not for nostalgia's sake, but to ask a more meaningful question: what parts of yourself have you been carrying quietly, and what have you let fade?Stop Dimming Your SparkleLaura opens the episode fresh off a vivid dream about her childhood dog. With a little help from AI, she interprets the dream as a reminder that vulnerable pieces of her childhood are still with her, and deserve to be held with tenderness and care. From there, she unpacks the things her younger self loved most and the things she buried to fit in.She talks about returning to the piano after years away, rediscovering her identity as a lifelong musician who started playing at age three. She opens up about how much of her early energy went into worrying about what others thought and how exhausting that was. Drawing on Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory, Laura shares the shift she's made: letting people think what they'll think, and choosing to let herself live. Her message to her younger self, and to every listener, is clear—stop checking the social boxes just to belong. You don't have to dim yourself. Find your people. Let yourself sparkle.Fan the Flame, Stop Hiding Behind ExcusesKeith’s reflection starts with hockey and the inner athlete he's been slowly welcoming back through tennis lessons. He talks about how his competitive drive never left, it just needed better direction, and how sport makes fitness feel purposeful and alive rather than obligatory.But it's his creative side that carries the most weight. Keith reflects on Lego, drawing, comic books, and tinkering — a rich inner world of building and creating that he downplayed for years because he didn't think of himself as an "artist." He traces it back to perfectionism: if it didn't look right, it wasn't worth doing. Now he can see himself getting in his own way, and that awareness is the first step. His challenge to himself is to stop using chores and responsibilities as excuses to avoid the things that actually fuel him. Embrace the creative spark. Let go of perfect. Build the thing.Bring It With YouKeith and Laura both land on the same truth: moving forward doesn't mean returning to the turbulence of those younger years. It means recognizing the seeds that were planted back then and giving them room to grow now. You've evolved. The people around you have too. You probably don't need as much armor as you once thought. The goal isn't to be who you were, it’s to nurture the parts of yourself that were always worth keeping.Thanks for Joining Us.Don't Dim Your Sparkle00:00 - Intro01:00 - Laura's Dream03:00 - 90s Nostalgia04:45 - Dimming Yourself to Fit In06:30 - Peer Pressure07:25 - Reconnecting with Music as Identity11:00 - Life Is an Adventure13:50 - You've Evolved15:30 - Reigniting the Athlete Within19:50 - What You Think Matters More23:45 - Identity in the 90s25:24 - Supporting Creativity28:20 - Don't Dim Your Sparkle30:50 - Unapologetic Quirkiness31:36 - Outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

What if you could only talk about two things: what's frustrating you, or what you're proud of? That's the challenge Keith and Laura took on in this episode. The couple try a lighthearted format—only talking about things you're either "bitching or bragging" about. The tone is playful, but the conversation naturally surfaces deeper insights about self-awareness, personal contradictions, relationships, communication, and how we process both frustration and achievement.The Contradiction of Celebrating and ComplainingFrom the moment the format was introduced, Keith noticed he's deeply uncomfortable doing either one. And doing both out loud? That's practically against his Midwestern wiring. But sitting with that discomfort led somewhere real. When Keith bragged about mowing the lawn or solving the barn swallow problem, he recognized that the same tasks he'd been resenting were actually worth acknowledging. He reflected that complaining is often a hiding place. It's easier to be annoyed at the mundane than to face something scary and important. Owning Wins Without ApologyLaura came to the table with her own list and her own hesitation. She complained honestly about deer demolishing her garden, perimenopause disrupting her sleep, clutter that never quite goes away, and watching people drift through life without drive. But her brags carried just as much weight. She spoke about her instinct to figure things out, her love of travel as a lens for seeing the world more fully, and being accepted into a Rising President Fellowship—something she almost left off her list entirely out of shyness.Notice, Don't SuppressBoth complaining and celebrating are signals. They tell you what matters to you, where your energy is going, and where you might be hiding. Keith’s takeaway: acknowledge what's bothering you, stay curious, celebrate the small wins, and stop using frustration as a reason to stall. Everything Laura shared is agency. She believes most people can cultivate a sense of direction—and she leads by example, even when celebrating herself doesn't come naturally.Thanks for Joining Us.Bitch or Brag | Signal & Noise00:00 - Intro00:33 - "Bitch or Brag" concept02:12 - uncomfortable bragging AND complaining03:46 - Laura's first complaint06:10 - bragging (and bitching) about mowing the lawn09:22 - unfinished projects left half-done12:04 - solving problem16:19 - hide from important (scary) work17:03 - tennis lessons18:26 - Keith as a partner19:23 - Keith's complaint: being apart during the week20:56 - The power of communication in a relationship22:18 - perimenopause and sleepless nights24:41 - being part of an inefficient plan26:55 - generous, and present for people27:45 - not enough storage for a collector's heart29:59 - love of travel and sense of adventure32:39 - apathy and lack of direction in others33:44 - Rising President Fellowship34:10 - celebrating wins without shame35:22 - Wrapping up & Final thoughts37:05 - Outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura reconnect after a busy two-week stretch. They haven't journaled in two weeks and end up in a wide-ranging conversation about routines, identity, presence, and the unexpected clarity that comes from simply living your life. The episode covers two central experiences: their accidental journaling breaks and Laura's navigation and adapting due to hip arthritis and the meaningful parallels between the two.Getting Out of Your Own WayKeith noticed that over a busy two-week stretch of tennis tournaments, a family trip to the Indy 500, and the everyday demands of life; he had stopped journaling almost without noticing. What surprised him wasn't the break itself, but how well things went without it. He found himself being present and taking action, rather than spending time in aspirational planning on the page. That experience surfaced something worth sitting with: the guilt of breaking a valued routine can quietly become its own form of resistance. Adapting with GraceLaura's thread in this episode is both practical and deeply human. Living with hip arthritis, she found herself grieving the loss of her annual full-scale garden. A cherished ritual that connects her to quiet, nature, and herself; rather than forcing the old approach or giving up entirely, she moved through the grief, asked for help, and got intentional about what mattered most. She also shares her growing practice of replacing passive evening screen time with genuinely enjoyable, goal-aligned activities—puzzles, movement, reading, and how that shift has made rest feel restorative rather than lazy.The Bigger PictureThe difference between writing about the person you want to be and actually being that person comes down to one thing—getting out of your own way and doing the work. The key is not to abandon reflection, but to hold routines with more flexibility and less self-judgment.When life disrupts your routines, it's often revealing something about your priorities, your identity, and your capacity for self-compassion. The goal isn't a perfect practice—it's a flexible, intentional life that keeps moving forward, even when things look different than planned.Action Over Aspiration | Presence, Identity & Letting Go00:00 - Intro01:00 - Life Has Been Busy 01:55 - Accidental Journaling Holiday Begins07:59 - Being vs. Aspiring09:44 - Overthinking, Avoidance & the Happy Medium12:30 - Processing Partner13:24 - Talking vs. Writing16:48 - Prioritizing What Matters18:05 - Holding Space Instead of Fixing19:15 - Grieving What Used to Be21:21 - Asking for Help Isn't Weakness23:07 - Processing Out Loud: Keith's Supportive Questions26:30 - From Grief to Action32:38 - Living Life as Clarity: Presence Over Introspection33:21 - Identity Is Your Actions, Not Just Your Intentions35:41 - Community, Showing Up, and the Joy of Being Present37:47 - Intentional Evenings44:43 - Reset with Structure and Reflection46:36 - Tools, Not Rules47:52 - Witnessing vs. Aspiring50:19 - Wrap-Up & Sign-Off🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Progress doesn't always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it's 20 minutes on an exercise bike instead of 30. And, sometimes it's eating dinner at the table instead of the couch. Laura and Keith explore how small, intentional shifts in our daily habits compound into real, lasting change.The episode draws from James Clear's Atomic Habits and the concept of the aggregation of marginal gains, made famous by British cycling coach Dave Brailsford. The idea is simple: get 1% better at the things that matter most, and over 365 days, you become 37 times better than when you started. It sounds small. It is small. That's the point.Showing Up When It's HardLaura opens the episode with a recurring dream. She's navigating impossible stairs, carrying too many bags, always late, never quite finding privacy. It doesn't take long to connect the dots. She's been working through a serious hip injury, and the vulnerability of being seen limping, moving slower, needing a cane on hard days, has been weighing on her more than she first admitted.Identity, Environment, and Doing the ThingKeith brings the framework to the conversation — but also the honesty. He reflects on James Clear's reminder that "good habits make time your ally, bad habits make time your enemy," and uses it to challenge himself to be patient with small progress. He nearly chose pizza the night before recording. He chose taco salad instead, and he's down nearly 5 pounds. The result is not from a dramatic overhaul, but from one small food swap, repeated.Keep Showing UpKeith and Laura are in the middle of it, making real choices, slipping up, and choosing to start again. That's the whole point. You don't need a perfect plan. You need a sustainable one. If this episode resonates with you, subscribe to In Residence with Keith and Laura wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit withkeithandlaura.com to learn more about what Laura and Keith are building.Thanks for Joining Us.Small Steps, Big Change | 1 Percent Better is Enough00:00 - Intro01:15 - Laura's recurring dream: navigating impossible stairs05:38 - Keith connects the dream metaphor to real life06:37 - Being seen in vulnerability: Laura's hip injury09:38 - Introducing the 1% Rule: Dave Brailsford and the British cycling team10:38 - Aggregation of marginal gains explained11:54 - Why "1% better at everything" can still feel overwhelming14:10 - The all-or-nothing trap and how to talk yourself out of it15:01 - James Clear's rule: Don't miss twice in a row16:07 - Finding your pace and creating accountability without burnout17:30 - Habits build routines; routines become systems23:08 - Better at being better: the shadow side of perfectionism24:07 - Environment design27:00 - Identity-based habits: actions define who you're becoming28:25 - Immediate gratification vs. long-term goals30:31 - Fulfilling commitments to yourself37:33 - "Good habits make time your ally" — the James Clear wrap-up42:35 - Outro- - - 1% Better Every Day | James Clear - - - 🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

When Laura found out her favorite hometown pizza shop was shutting its doors after 46 years, it wasn't just about the pizza. It was about every birthday party, every date night, every post-game celebration that happened within those walls. That kind of grief can catch you off guard. It points us toward the legacy places and people leave behind.Letting Go to Move Forward Laura knows she wants to make a difference through her work, her writing, and everything she and Keith are building together. She's learning to trust the process rather than control it. As a self-described planner, she's actively working to loosen her grip and lead more from intuition. Laura draws a meaningful thread between the legacy of that pizza place and the question she's sitting with personally: Does intentionality have to be mapped out in advance, or can it grow from simply showing up well?Building Something That Means MoreKeith frames legacy not as ambition, but as accountability. His touchstone is simple: leave the campsite better than you found it. He's not interested in having his name on a building. He's interested in creating spaces where people feel known. Like the Irish pub they loved, where the server already knew their order before they sat down; that kind of connection doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality to build, and awareness to protect.The Real Measure of ImpactPeople won't always remember what you sold or what you built, but they often remember how you made them feel. Be present, be purposeful, and keep investing in the people and spaces around you. Because, when the backdrop changes, what endures is the community you helped create. Community isn't a trend. It's the through-line from past to present to future.Thanks for Joining Us.Legacy Writes Itself | Build with Purpose & Intent00:00 - Intro00:31 - Beloved hometown pizza place closing04:07 - Places that shaped us: arcades, video rentals, and community staples05:50 - What makes local businesses last07:21 - Connecting nostalgia to the question of personal legacy13:14 - Do you need a plan to make an impact?18:36 - The grief of losing a community space20:25 - Going with the flow vs. needing control22:14 - Navigating uncertainty and impact together25:45 - Community, connection, and why it matters more than ever26:38 - Gary Vee AI vs. Analog36:01 - Quote cards: Malcolm Forbes & Seneca36:54 - Outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Change doesn't wait, it shows up like April snow. Sometimes forecasted, sometimes not, and your response reveals more than you think. Why does change feel hard? And, what tools actually help you embrace the disruptions and discomforts that come with leaning into growth?Weather ReportKeith opens with a disarmingly simple insight. Knowing change is coming, changes how you handle it. When he checked the forecast and saw snow, waking up to a white yard felt like a non-event. But the cancellation of a tennis match he was genuinely excited about? That one stung. The difference wasn't the change itself; it was the expectation.He takes that further with a journaling reflection: Are you singing in the rain, or are you stubbornly swinging a golf club in a lightning storm? Knowing which situation you're actually in, is a skill worth developing. Keith’s practical prescription: lean into curiosity over resistance, build a "rainy day kit" of trusted people and honest reflection, and remember the weather is always going to change.Framework that Closes the GapLaura brings structure to the conversation through Prosci's ADKAR model—a change management framework built around five sequential stages: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. Her insight is that people often fail at change not because they lack information, but because they haven't yet found a personal reason to want it.She illustrates this through her own journey cutting back on caffeine. She had the knowledge for years, but desire didn't arrive until her body gave her a signal she couldn't ignore. The lesson applies to every area of life: if you're stuck, ask yourself which step of ADKAR is actually missing.Laura also reframes the AI conversation that's dominating every professional space right now. Rather than fear or hype, her advice is simple: start with what's free, use it for something small and real, and protect your personal data along the way.What's in Your ControlThe conversation closes with something unexpectedly personal. Keith’s quiet reckoning with his kids growing up and Laura's candid reflections on navigating menopause. The through-line is this: some changes you choose, and some choose you. For both, the path forward starts with naming what's actually within your control, building a support system, and staying curious enough to keep moving.Thanks for Joining Us.Navigating Change Without Losing Your Way00:00 - Intro00:46 - April snow and unexpected change 06:13 - Who Moved My Cheese?10:31 - ADKAR Model (Prosci) 16:03 - How desire for change finally arrives21:12 - Waiting for pain to motivate change?25:15 - AI is everywhere, and it's not slowing down36:14 - Where to start with AI41:03 - Building your "rainy day kit" for navigating disruption45:01 - Navigating change you didn't choose48:51 - Outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Imposter syndrome has a way of finding you no matter how far you've come. Keith and Laura revisit a topic they first explored back in 2023. Two years later, the feelings are back. And this time, the conversation goes deeper.The "Who Am I?" MonsterAfter spending several long drives through Wisconsin listening to podcasts by Gary Vee, Ethan Suplee, and Amy Poehler, Laura found herself doing something she didn't expect: comparing herself to them and feeling like she didn't measure up.What struck her wasn't that she wanted to be them, but that she started feeling like she couldn't justify doing what she does without their level of credentials or platform. The "who am I?" voice got louder. And she recognized it immediately, because she'd been there before.Earlier in her career, Laura navigated imposter syndrome by becoming undeniable. She put in extraordinary hours as a Dean of Institutional Research while pursuing her PhD, and building expertise that silenced the doubt. But that drive came at a cost. There were kid’s first day of school pictures captured in the dark after a 15-hour workday and other school programs missed. Trying to be the expert and the superhuman eventually caught up with her.Accepting the ImperfectionKeith approaches imposter syndrome from a different angle. He's made peace with the idea that self-doubt around the things you care most about is probably never going away and that's not a bad thing. What matters is what you do with it.For Keith, the instinct when self-doubt hits is to withdraw, hide, or avoid. He names this honestly and says the work is in recognizing that signal and choosing to lean in instead. He's even kept early podcast moments like a recording where he openly said he didn't think what they were doing was good enough, precisely because that kind of authenticity is the point.He pushes back gently on the idea of "pushing through" imposter syndrome, noting that some people are carrying much heavier loads, and relentless pushing leads to the same burnout Laura described. The better path, he says, is to move with grace, patience, and mindfulness and to get clear on what truly matters. When you know what matters, the things that trigger doubt lose their grip."Why Not Us.”If you're in a season where the "who am I?" voice is getting louder, this episode is for you. Laura is learning to ask "why not us?" It's a small shift with a significant impact. No need to reach the top of the mountain and look down. She wants to be on the journey with people. And that, she says, is exactly what this podcast is about. Imposter syndrome may not disappear, but it doesn't have to stop us either. Instead of asking "who am I to do this?”we can start saying, “Why not us.”Thanks for Joining Us.From "Who Am I?" to "Why Not Us?” | Reframing Imposter Syndrome00:00 - Intro03:24 - Who am I to do this? The comparison trigger04:11 - Revisiting imposter syndrome10:03 - Working hard to become undeniable11:31 - You don't need to be an expert to show up15:41 - Lean in vs. withdraw: how to handle the signal23:22 - Why not me? Why not us?24:29 - The parent tension: career, family, and identity31:08 - Labels are for awareness, not identity32:04 - Accepting imperfection as a path forward35:43 - Letting the "who am I" monster get smaller36:31 - You are a unicorn — your story matters37:08 - Outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

The conversation is sparked by something real and immediate: the kids are approaching college age. Child 1 just took the ACT and got his first recruitment email. Child 2 is right behind him. Keith and Laura sit down together in the studio to talk about the lessons their college years left behind. College has a way of shaping you in ways you don't fully appreciate until years later. Some of Keith’s favorite lessons weren’t written in any syllabus.Finding the Energy & EffortKeith went to college because it was what people like him were supposed to do. His parents hadn't gone, he was told he was smart, and that was enough of a reason. He worked evenings throughout most of his college years, was off-campus from noon to 9pm most days, and spent a long time afterward feeling like he'd squandered the experience—like he'd missed out on some opportunities.Looking back with what he calls "a father's eyes," he recognizes that graduating in spite of his circumstances was an accomplishment, not a failure. He also shares two pivotal lessons from his music advisor, Mr. Roy: first, don't exert maximum effort when it’s not required. Protect your energy for where it matters. Second, you have to know the rules before you can break them. Both of these lessons reshaped how Keith approaches work, creativity, and growth to this day.When Plans Change, Trust the PivotLaura had a major declared, a career path in mind, and a clear sense of direction—until she didn't. A pivotal advisor opened a door she hadn't known existed, and she pivoted entirely. Far from seeing that as a failure, she views it as one of the best things that ever happened to her. The ability to make a new plan when the old one stops fitting is a skill in itself.Laura also reflects on the difference between compliance and passion. In her own composition class with Mr. Roy, she followed every rule and he sent her work back anyway, asking for more. Simply checking the box, she realizes, produces something technically sound but uninspired. Curiosity and Courage Together, Keith and Laura aren't trying to map out their kids' futures. They want to instill curiosity, the courage to explore, and the confidence to keep moving even when the destination isn't clear yet. They want their kids to feel the pull toward adulthood not the pressure of being pushed into it.Thanks for Joining Us.Passions, Pivots, Regrets and Reframes | College Ruled00:00 - Welcome Back to In Residence01:11 - Child 1 Takes the ACT02:43 - A Place of Self-Discovery03:44 - "People Like Me Should Go to College"04:12 - Squandered Experience11:33 - Parenting Teens Headed to College14:16 - A Pivotal Mentor17:31 - Great Connections20:16 - “Put Your Energy Where It Counts”25:38 - “Know the Rules Before You Break Them”26:32 - Passion and Suffering28:22 - Composition 34:20 - The Pull vs. Pushed 40:08 - How Keith and Laura Actually Met46:28 - Leveling Up in What You Care About48:13 - Outro🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Sometimes Keith and Laura’s best conversations don't start with an agenda. Recording from a distance, they pulled affirmation and quote cards and let the words do the leading. What followed was a refreshing conversations that moved from fear and imposter syndrome to minimalism, resilience, identity, and the courage to simply begin.Fear Is Not a Stop SignLaura's thread through this episode is deeply personal and immediately relatable. She draws the Carrie Fisher quote: ”Stay afraid, but do it anyway” and connects it directly to her ongoing struggle with writing. The voice in her head that says you're not a writer is loud, but she's learning to move alongside it rather than wait for it to disappear.She also draws "You have everything you need right now", and takes it in two directions: a practical one (she spent the week decluttering their pantry and bathroom) and an emotional one. Laura reflects on how rich their family of four already is— not in spite of the distance, but because of how intentionally they stay connected. Her closing card, a Lin-Manuel Miranda quote: ”Just start. Nothing is insurmountable"  lands as both a personal reminder and a challenge to anyone sitting on an idea that still feels too big to touch.Reframe the Hardships, Trust the JourneyKeith pulls the Tom Gregory quote on childlike wonder and reminds listeners how easy it is to let curiosity slip through the cracks of a busy week and how much is gained by pulling it back. He draws the Arnold Palmer quote about the most rewarding things looking impossible, and offers a perspective shift: look back at every hard thing you've already survived. That track record is evidence you can handle what's ahead.Keith also brings an honest self-awareness to the conversation about patience and action. He acknowledges that wanting something isn't the same as working for it  and admits he sometimes uses "waiting for the right tools" as an excuse not to start. The challenge: stop making excuses and give yourself the opportunity to act.Dare to Be YourselfGrowth doesn't always look like a big leap; sometimes it looks like a card falling out of a deck and making you stop long enough to listen. Whether you're working through fear, rediscovering your curiosity, or finally ready to start something you've been putting off, Keith and Laura's conversation is a reminder that you already have what it takes.Thanks for Joining Us.Shuffle Up and Deal | You Have What it Takes00:00 - Intro01:10 - "Don't Be Afraid to Be Amazing"01:31 - "Crush Your Goals"02:30 - Childlike Wonder03:36 -"Stay Afraid, But Do It Anyway"05:03 - Keith Reflects: Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty06:14 - "The Most Rewarding Things Look Like They Cannot Be Done" 08:46 - “Take All Your Shots"11:52 -"Dare to Be Yourself" 14:13 - “You Have Everything You Need Right Now"15:38 - Laura on Minimalism18:04 - The "Core Four”20:12 - "All Appears to Change When We Change" 27:22 - "Just Start — Nothing Is Insurmountable"31:05 - Wrap Up and Sign Off🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura dig into a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the personal development space—play. Not productivity hacks, not morning routines—simple, pure, unstructured, unearned fun. When is the last time you rethought how you spend your downtime?Unplug, Wander, and Let the Creativity FlowLaura's lightbulb moment came from two weeks on the road for work. Conferences in New Mexico and Portland were sandwiched around an unplanned, agenda-free weekend with her sister. They went to a Prince tribute concert, got their tarot cards read, went thrifting, and simply wandered. No goals. No deliverables. Just play.What surprised Laura wasn't how much fun it was, but what happened after. On a plane, surrounded by work reading, she paused mid-flight and opened her book project instead. Words poured out. Thousands of them. Effortlessly. She connected the dots, quietly unlocking a creative reservoir that her go-go-go work mode had kept capped. Her takeaway is clear—stepping away from structure doesn't slow you down. It often fast-tracks the work that actually matters to you.Lego on the TableKeith's version of the same story involves a birthday Lego set that sat untouched on his dining table—not because he didn't want to build it, but because something in his brain kept telling him he hadn't earned it yet. He ate lunch next to it. Every day. He never opened it.This same pattern shows up in how Keith approaches reading, guitar, and creative writing. Things he genuinely loves, but quietly categorizes as rewards to be unlocked after enough productivity. His new D&D group cracked that pattern open a little, reminding him that play often requires the same intentionality as work, and that community is one of the most powerful catalysts for actually showing up to have fun. His commitment going forward: build the Lego, read more for the pure joy of it, and get his guitar chops back. Permission—We Give OurselvesThe through-line is simple and worth sitting with: play isn't the opposite of productivity. It's often the source of it. If your to-do list keeps beating out the things that light you up, this conversation is a useful reminder that fun doesn't have to be earned, it has to be chosen. If you've ever kept walking past something that was supposed to be fun this episode is for you.Thanks for Joining Us.Want to Play | Boost Creativity & Productivity00:00 - Intro01:16 - Why adults stop playing01:37 - Laura's sister weekend that started it all03:26 - Keith reflects on passive vs. active play03:54 - The Lego on the table05:03 - Portland adventures: concerts, tarot cards, and thrifting07:24 - D&D group and rediscovering community play11:36 - The link between play, creativity, and productivity12:26 - When reading for fun becomes homework14:40 - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 18:32 - Closing the work doc and opening the book project21:50 - The difference between relaxing and actually playing26:41 - Breaking from structure unlocks creativity27:42 - "Scrapbook" episode—finding play in editing29:00 - ReStore Tangent 32:18 - What will you do differently?35:03 - Wrap-up and sign-off Keith and Laura have a conversation about how adults, including themselves, have largely stopped making room for play.🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

This episode brings together standout moments from recent In Residence episodes, covering sustainable habits, personal growth, feedback frameworks, holiday stress management, and self-compassion. Keith and Laura use real-life stories and honest reflection to explore what it looks like to grow without burning out. Measured Ambition in Real LifeKeith's word for the year is "measured ambition”—and it's more nuanced than it sounds. He isn't talking about doing less. He's talking about being intentional about where his energy goes, across health, relationships, creative work, and the things he loves, like tennis and woodworking. Keith is honest about the trap of waiting to become "the kind of person who…" before taking the first small step. He names the pattern plainly: if you keep waiting for the right time, you'll reach the end of the year with the same un-started goals. His antidote is practical — journal your priorities, reframe inconvenient tasks as built-in movement, and track what you did, not just what you missed. When nobody is watching, he says, that's actually the best time to try and fail and try again.Transform Through Pressure and Imperfect ActionLaura's word is "transform," grounded in a mantra she wrote herself: I will treat pressure as a privilege, adjust with purpose, and allow this year to transform how I lead, create, and inspire. She brings that same energy to the small, daily decisions — throwing away the holiday candy that wasn't serving her goals, adding stars to her calendar to make her consistency visible, and leaning on the minimum effective dose when the perfect workout isn't possible. Laura also unpacks three types of feedback — appreciation, coaching, and evaluation — and how often we give one while the other person receives something entirely different. Her biggest reminder to listeners: stop living quietly with discomfort. Get curious. Take one small step. You are worth your own care and attention.You Are Worth Your Own Care and AttentionGrowth rarely looks the way we imagine it; from choosing an intention that actually means something, to navigating feedback that stings. Find the small wins and keep leaning in to the uncomfortable growth.Thanks for Joining Us.Sustainable Habits, Feedback & Staying Grounded | Stop Waiting to Be Ready00:00 - Intro00:44 - Keith: Waiting to Become the Kind of Person Who…02:54 - Laura: Reframing Consistency — It's Not About Willpower05:43 - Gap vs. Gain — Looking Back at How Far You've Come06:06 - You Are Not a Trash Can07:18 - Keith & Laura: Choosing a Word of the Year10:38 - Laura's Mantra11:37 - Three Types of Feedback15:53 - Cookies & Misread Feedback19:24 - Pausing & Resetting26:38 - Catching Yourself Going Below the Line28:45 - Noticing Is Just the First Step29:57 - Building Discipline During the Week to Enjoy the Weekend30:55 - Getting Back to Routine36:32 - Minimum Effective Dose38:55 - Nobody's Watching— So Try, Fail, and Try Again40:35 - Stop Living Quietly with Pain or Discomfort41:59 - You Are Worth Your Own Care and Attention

There's a strange comfort in the discomfort we know. It's familiar. It doesn't demand hard questions or uncertain answers. But staying silent about what we're carrying has a cost—and in this episode, Keith and Laura get honest about their hesitations and fears.Laura had been pushing through persistent hip pain for months, laughing it off, explaining it away, and telling herself to just work harder. A routine X-ray changed everything: severe arthritis. As scary as that diagnosis was, naming it gave her something she didn't expect — agency. She was finally able to stop treating the wrong problem and build a plan that actually fits her body. Her message is clear: you are worth being cared for, and you don't need to earn it.Keith's pain is less visible but just as real. He's been in therapy for nearly a year working through generalized anxiety, and is now exploring whether high-functioning ADHD might be part of the picture too. He's candid about still being in the "hemming and hawing" stage — not yet ready to pursue a formal evaluation, but getting closer. He reflects on a belief many of us carry quietly: that having a problem makes you an inconvenience. His reframe is one worth holding onto—taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's how you show up better for everyone around you.Together, Keith and Laura make the case for treating your mental and physical health as a non-negotiable, not something to get to when life slows down.If you've been quietly living with something, this episode is your nudge.Thanks for Joining Us.Comfortable Discomfort | Shifting from Pain to Agency00:00 - Intro00:48 - This Episode Might Be Hard to Talk About03:08 - Exploring Why We Delay Addressing Pain04:47 - Laura's Hip Pain & Physical Therapy Journey06:18 - Keith Opens Up About Generalized Anxiety10:11 - The Tension Between Comfort and Seeking Answers11:22 - Protecting Yourself by Staying in Discomfort13:48 - Shame, Embarrassment & "What Did I Do Wrong?"18:07 - Naming It: Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder19:46 - Keith's Exploration of High-Functioning ADHD20:57 - Reframing Labels as Definitions, Not Sentences28:13 - Diagnosis vs. Identity: You Are More Than Your Label29:09 - Empowerment Through Definition — Not Shame30:21 - Manageable Steps: Small Progress Still Counts32:17 - You Are Worth Getting Taken Care Of33:24 - Self-Care Is Not Selfish35:43 - Get Curious, Start Small🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗**The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Resistance is often about the stories we tell ourselves and what might become  if we try. It isn’t always the thing we are avoiding, rather the commitment, emotional impact, fear of “not getting it,” or wasting time. Twin Peaks becomes the doorway into a bigger conversation about why we hesitate to start new things—and how to move toward the life we actually want, one small choice at a time. Laura and Keith unpack deeper patterns around time, habits, and fear of future commitment.Expectations and Permission to QuitLaura starts with her reluctance to watch certain shows, then realizes her resistance often points to fear about the future shape of her life, not the “show” itself. She worries that liking “one more thing” will consume precious time and energy. To counter this, she leans on small, doable commitments—an episode at a time, a workout in manageable bites—and personal rules like closing a book after page 100 if it’s not working. She shares how these boundaries help her avoid burnout, trust her own taste, and stay aligned with the life she wants to design.Consumption, creation, and “all or nothing” thinkingKeith names a familiar tension: it’s far easier to hit “next episode” than to go for a walk, drink water, or sit down to write. He reflects on how shows, books, and podcasts can be both valuable research and a convenient hiding place from the hard work of creating. Rather than demonizing entertainment, he looks at balance—asking what he is not doing with his time, and how over-bingeing undercuts the goals he says he cares about. Underneath it all is a desire to be more spontaneous, intentional, and realistic about what he can sustain.If you’re resisting something right now—a habit, a project, a conversation, even a new show—this episode is an invitation to get curious instead of critical. Keith and Laura don’t offer rigid plans or quick fixes; they model what it looks like to notice your patterns, question the stories you’re telling yourself, and experiment with smaller, more honest commitments. We’re allowed to stop what isn’t working, to choose what actually fits our lives, and to move toward change at a pace we can sustain.Thanks for Joining Us.Overcoming Resistance | Moving Toward a Life You Want - Episode 130In Residence with Keith and LauraPublished February 20 2026 00:00 - Intro and unexpected resistance02:30 - Default “no” and opportunity cost04:07 - Giving things a chance and discovering new favorites07:30 - Expectations vs reality with intense, “scary” shows10:07 - Consumption, dopamine hits, and wanting more creativity12:20 - Doomscrolling with TV and three-hour binges13:17 - Comfort shows, background TV, and “fish tank” ambiance16:33 - Rethinking binge culture vs weekly slow burns17:31 - How binge vs slow burn mirrors getting things done20:42 - Exercise overload, burnout, and the alligator sprint21:33 - Small, sustainable bites instead of all-or-nothing22:04 - Scheduling, planning, and realistic commitment24:31 - Fearing the future of a commitment more than the first step26:17 - Permission to stop: turning off shows and closing books27:18 - Audiobooks, narrators, and releasing sunk costs29:18 - What they’re resisting now: exercise and writing30:35 - Writing vs “research” and hiding in consumption31:57 - Finishing things you resisted and regretting the time34:12 - Making more room for spontaneity in ordinary routines34:47 - Surprise visit story and romantic spontaneity40:02 - Coming full circle: the reluctant watcher and the life you want🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links

When you’ve been together for more than two decades, you start to see relationships differently. In this episode, Keith and Laura use Valentine’s Day as a backdrop to explore what actually keeps their partnership strong. For this couple, the quiet, ordinary moments matter more than big romantic gestures.Rethinking Romance Laura admits that she once expected her partner to meet all of her intellectual, emotional, and social needs and has since learned to “lower the bar” by releasing that pressure. Now, she values having her own work, friendships, and creative outlets alongside their shared life. She also names their decision to be “boring on purpose”—embracing routine, co-resting, and calm weekends at home—as a way to create a reliable home base when life gets stressful.Choosing UnderstandingKeith talks about their relationship as a third thing they both care for, almost like a shared project. For him, connection is about being able to hear each other—choosing environments and rhythms where they can slow down, talk, laugh over “popcorn” TV shows, and restore themselves side-by-side. He also reflects on conflict as an opportunity to understand Laura better, using a recent workout misunderstanding to show how curiosity can replace defensiveness.Creating Conditions for LoveLaura and Keith’s relationship works for them, because they don’t argue to be right; they argue to be understood. They protect the “us” from outside noise, and check in regularly about stress, expectations, and needs. Understanding that very few “big” Valentine’s Days stand out, but the small, ordinary moments have defined their relationship. Focusing on time together, small acts of service, and meaningful conversation rather than elaborate plans, they’ve learned to keep romance simple and passionate.If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to love and be loved, this conversation is for you. To go deeper, visit our website and subscribe to the podcast.Thanks for Joining Us.Deep Connection and Long-term Love🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura explore how repetition can either trap or teach us. When life feels like Groundhog Day, each morning can look like a repeat of the last: same habits, same frustrations, same stuck places. Instead of chasing perfect plans and predictions about the future. Laura and Keith focus on what they can actually influence: choices, mindset, and how they show up.Repetition, Honest Choices and Letting Go of GuaranteesLaura leans into the idea that repetition is a powerful teacher. Watching the movie, Groundhog Day, again reminds her how repeating the same day reveals patterns. She sees the same dynamic in her own overfull schedule, the difficulty of saying no, and how quickly boundaries can slip if she stops paying attention. Rather than waiting for the “perfect” plan, she anchors to the idea of trusting one honest choice at a time. For Laura, success is less about guaranteed outcomes and more about becoming the kind of person who continues to show up with integrity, even in uncertainty.Getting UnStuck and Small ExperimentsKeith approaches Groundhog Day through the lens of stuck-ness and the inner resistance that comes with perfectionism and fear. He names the “shadow” voice that says you’re not ready or not good enough, and how easy it is to respond by over-researching, delaying, or avoiding action altogether. Instead of waiting for ideal conditions, he advocates for taking the smallest next step and treating change and challenges as a series of experiments. That mindset has helped him move from endlessly preparing to actually building things and improving projects over time.Choosing How You Live TodayLaura and Keith invite you to see your own “Groundhog Days” differently. If repetition is inevitable, it can either reinforce old patterns or become the training ground for who you are becoming. You may not be able to predict exactly how your health will change, how your kids will turn out, or how a project will land, but you can keep making small, honest choices that align with your values. You can rest without guilt, take the next right step, and loosen your grip on certainty.Thanks for Joining Us.Getting UnStuck | One Honest Choice at a Time 00:00 - Intro00:35 - Groundhog Day04:39 - Repetition as a teacher07:22 - From self-indulgence to self-enrichment: choosing how to use your days10:04 - Laura's overfull calendar11:20 - Keith on feeling stuck13:04 - Small experiments, embracing imperfection, and building resilience15:33 - "Trust one honest choice at a time”17:04 - Daily choices that align with who you want to become17:42 - Comfort vs. growth 20:13 - Rest as the first step of readiness  24:20 - Body doubling, focus, and accountability hacks31:02 - What's in your control vs. what isn’t 33:05 - Persistence, resilience,37:23 - Parenting and Prediction without guarantees39:00 - Loosening your grip on certainty and embracing "good enough for now"39:31 - Groundhog predictions 40:09 - Closing 🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

In this episode, Keith and Laura explore happiness as contentment tied to purpose, authenticity, and harmony with surroundings, not a problem-free utopia. The couple dives into what happiness truly means. Drawing from books like Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar and Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, plus podcasts by Simon Sinek and Gary Vaynerchuk, they challenge the unicorn-and-rainbows myth. Happiness emerges as sustainable contentment rooted in purpose, small daily practices, and resilience amid obstacles—tools anyone can use to live authentically while advancing their goals.Keith distinguishes happiness from joy, seeing it as harmony where personal desires align with surroundings, avoiding constant sacrifice. He opens up about empathy pitfalls, like assuming Laura's frustration during her self-care pivot and filling in blanks instead of asking curiously. He stresses creating for connection and impact over metrics, echoing Rick Rubin's advice to make for yourself first. Keith urges proclaiming goals boldly, embracing accountability as empowering, and using gratitude to shift moods without reactive emotions.Laura shares recent inspirations, emphasizing tiny habits like celebrating small wins to fuel big goals, happiness is not the absence of problems, and avoid outsourcing your happiness to external conditions. A standout moment is her bath fail turning into satisfying cleaning, showing how goals proclaim confidence in overcoming hurdles. She wraps with key themes—practice builds happiness, it's not problem-free but met with curiosity, own your inner world, and choose optimism even in hardship.Thanks for Joining Us.Unlocking Happiness on Purpose with PracticeKeith and Laura explore happiness as contentment tied to purpose, authenticity, and harmony with surroundings, not a problem-free utopia.🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura process and unpack the tension of providing freedom for their teens while instincts scream caution. Their goal as parents is to raise healthy, kind, and resilient kids. But, when it comes to teenage road trips and letting go of control, the parents have growing pains of their own. Curious Not Controlling Keith voices raw fear over teen driving. His impulse to seek details on drivers and passengers feels overbearing. He pivots by offering practical support, like volunteering to drive under probationary rules, without projecting dread. Reflecting on his own teen rides, stranded in Minneapolis or shady valet parking, Keith recognizes that parenthood rewired his risk assessment. However, as the kids become more independent in small ways, it can prepare the parents for bigger leaps and separation like when they head off to college.Action Instead of AnxietyLaura counters anxiety with preparation. From reminding the kids about proper seasonal jackets to past Disney trips packed with snacks and wipes, Laura shifts "what could go wrong" to "what can I control.” Trusting their son's levelheadedness and the company he keeps, the objective is to cultivate a habit of preparedness and intentional planning. Drawing from her solo mall drives and tire sabotage scares, Laura stresses faith in good decision-making, action over rumination, and viewing incidents as team-building milestones that build real-world problem-solving skills.Real Talk and Letting GoOpen communication, active trust and preparation equip us for navigating real-world challenges like teen independence and driving. Growth thrives in discomfort, lean in and reap the benefits while navigating the ups and downs.Thanks for Joining Us.Parental Anxiety | Navigating Teen Independence🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

In this episode, Laura and Keith’s conversation lands in that familiar second‑week‑of‑January tension. The holidays are over, the glow of fresh resolutions has faded, and real life is back in full swing. This is where big intentions meet work schedules, family logistics, and low energy, and where many people quietly give up on what they said they wanted.For Laura, this year is about transformation—especially in health and wellness. Instead of chasing quick fixes or aggressive 30‑day plans, she is committed to building a sustainable lifestyle. Journaling helps her see the stories she tells herself about willpower, consistency, and whether what she’s doing “counts.” She shares real‑life examples, like throwing away beloved holiday candies, rethinking mindless and “obligatory” eating, and planning simple, satisfying meals in advance.Keith’s focus is “measured ambition.” He wants to pursue activities he loves, like tennis, without falling into the trap of going all in, getting hurt, or burning out. He talks about the danger of waiting to “become the kind of person who…” before taking small steps, and how that mindset keeps dreams permanently out on the horizon. Instead, he leans on scheduling, simple tracking, and the idea of experiments. Simply trying things even if they might fail, so he can gather data and refine his approach. Laura and Keith invite you to see this season as the start of a long arc of change, not a pass‑fail test of your resolutions. Whether it’s food prep, habit stacking workouts with morning coffee, or celebrating small wins, transformation happens in tiny, repeatable choices. The goal is not perfection, but a lifestyle we can enjoy starting now.To keep going with Keith and Laura, visit the website and subscribe to the podcast.Thanks for Joining Us.Trusting Yourself Again | Sustainable Habits Moving Forward🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Laura and Keith draw from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book How to Connect to ask: how well are you actually connected to yourself? Connection is often defined as something that happens between people. In this episode, Keith and Laura unpack what it means to notice your own inner “storm” and tend to it with compassion instead of criticism.Laura begins by sharing her surprise that the book focuses less on external relationships and more on inner connection. She reflects on how easy it is to live in her head, knowing exactly what would support her well-being—less sugar, more movement, more time in nature—while still choosing comfort in the moment. A busy, emotionally charged day becomes the backdrop for her to apply the book’s ideas in real time. Feeling overwhelmed and out of sync with Keith, she chooses to pause, breathe, and ask what is actually happening inside her. From there, she takes simple actions that restore her sense of groundedness: helping clean a fish tank, making soup, and practicing breathing exercises. Her takeaway is clear: before trying to fix anyone else, create warmth and light in your own “hermitage.”Keith brings a complementary perspective, naming his tendency to live in his head and the challenge of converting insight into action. He highlights breath as a practical bridge between mind and body and describes moments when shallow breathing signals that he’s no longer present. For him, mindfulness means turning inward long enough to understand why he is reacting the way he is, then choosing actions that keep things from spiraling. He also names a crucial relationship insight: if you don’t understand your own feelings, it’s unreasonable to expect your partner to interpret them accurately.Together, Keith and Laura offer a grounded invitation: when life feels stormy, start with your breath, get curious about your inner world, and then move toward others with greater clarity and care. Connection with others is grounded in connection with yourself. Creating order inside, enables better communication and more compassionate responses.Thanks for Joining Us.Quieting the Inner Storm | Mindfulness and Connection00:00 - Intro03:13 -How to Connect04:08 - Expecting outward connection and discovering inner connection05:21 - Mind–body disconnection and knowing versus doing11:29 - Breath as the bridge between mind and body13:16 - Tending to your inner home14:39 - You are your own hermitage in the middle of a storm20:14 - Shifting from blame to responsibility24:47 - Quieting the external and moving to action26:02 - How it feels after processing 26:37 -Know your own storm28:16 - Weathering storms together and not wasting the lesson30:15 - Connecting with community, others, and the Earth30:54 - Closing, gratitude, and heading off to the football gameKeith and Laura turn a stressful day into a lesson on self-knowledge, communication, and living more mindfully together.🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

As another year turns, Keith and Laura invite listeners into a grounded conversation about reflecting on where they have been and intentionally shaping where they are going next. Instead of rigid resolutions, they use a handful of simple questions—and a single word of the year—to bring focus to work, relationships, health, and play.Measured AmbitionFor Keith, this past year highlighted how much energy he gains from meaningful work and creative projects. Facilitating workshops, elevating the podcast, and embracing video all left him feeling more alive, even though they demanded significant effort. At the same time, he names where health fell to the background and how ignoring movement and maintenance is not sustainable. Looking ahead, his word “measured ambition” captures his desire to be more ambitious across every area of life while staying thoughtful about where his time and energy go. Steady progress in health, advancing shared projects, nurturing friendships, and making space for guitar and woodworking all flow from that commitment.Adjusting with PurposeLaura’s reflections cluster around collaboration and connection. Co-creating the podcast and workshops has been energizing, and deeply present family time—especially a trip to Sweden—helped her live out last year’s word, “grounded.” She also notices the toll that challenge and change can take on her body when she pushes through without enough rest. For the coming year, her word “transform” is anchored in a personal mantra: treating pressure as a privilege, adjusting with purpose, and allowing this season to reshape how she leads, creates, and inspires. That includes caring for her health, continuing to share authentically, and exploring her long-term career path with intention.Transforming a New YearListeners are invited to Design the Year Ahead with Keith and Laura. Reflect on the past year, carry forward what worked, choose a theme for the year, and build rhythms and boundaries that honor what matters most. To go deeper, click for the guide Laura made and subscribe to the podcast.Thanks for Joining Us.Transforming a New Year | Focus on What MattersKeith and Laura revisit work, health, relationships, and play, revealing how reflection and aiming forward can reshape your next season.🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Holidays and gatherings evoke connection and joy. And yet, many of us find ourselves exhausted, over‑scheduled, and already thinking about the next thing. In a season packed with family gatherings, traditions, and expectations, Keith and Laura shift their holiday focus from “How do we get through this?” to “How do we savor this?”Presence, Boundaries, and Bandwidth Keith loves being with people and still finds gatherings genuinely draining. As an introvert, he has learned that being present takes real energy, which means planning for rest instead of feeling guilty when he needs downtime. Rather than disappearing to the basement when he is overloaded, he now works on communicating his bandwidth in advance, agreeing on a plan for the event, and for decompression afterward. He also experiments with sensory anchors, like holiday lights and music, to ground himself in the moment and truly enjoy the experience instead of slipping into overwhelm or into productivity mode which can lead to disconnecting.Pausing, Self‑Coaching, and Asking for Help Laura comes to the same questions from a slightly different angle. She often looks like an extrovert, yet she notices how quickly saying yes to everything leaves her depleted and less present. She shares candid examples, from over preparing for their gingerbread‑house day to slipping into “I’ll just do it all” mode, and how she uses a simple pause to move out of that pattern. Sometimes a pause looks like a mini bathroom break, a one‑minute breathing exercise on her watch, or intentionally choosing a seat that makes real conversation easier. She reminds us that you do not have to accept every invitation to be a good friend or family member. Listen to what you require to show up as your best self, and let those needs guide what you say yes to and how long you stay. To dive deeper into designing gatherings that actually nourish you, begin by choosing one simple practice—a pause to breathe, a clear boundary, or a quiet reset—and test it at your next event. Notice how your energy, presence, and enjoyment shift when you honor your limits instead of overriding them. Keep iterating: adjust your plans, your pace, and your participation until your holidays feel more like the gift you always wanted.Thanks for Joining Us.Pause and Presence | Actually Enjoy the Holidays Keith and Laura explore how to move through the holidays and other busy seasons with intention, presence, and self‑care rather than simply “powering through.” 🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

As we wrap up 2025, this episode feels even more relevant. Originally recorded in December 2024, we're excited to re-release our conversation on "Better at Being Better," inspired by Seth Godin's insightful blog post. Whether you're reflecting on your growth this year or setting intentions for the one ahead. Keith and Laura dive into applying the concept to personal projects, relationships, and avoiding the "race to the bottom" in daily life. Keith and Laura explore how the concept of "being better at being better" applies to personal growth, relationships, and decision-making. Exploring patience versus action, the power of reflection, and building stronger connections through intentionality. Let's get better at being better, together.Laura brings attention to the delicate balance between planning and taking action. She highlights the value of a growth mindset, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Keith emphasizes the importance of patience and long-term thinking in self-improvement. He suggests setting aside time for regular reflection and planning.Communication and empathy emerge as central themes in the discussion, particularly in the context of long-term relationships. Laura and Keith emphasize how these skills are essential for navigating life's changes together and maintaining a strong partnership.Thanks for Joining Us.Strategies for Intentional Living | Better at Being Better | [Rerelease]00:00 - Intro 00:16 - Welcome to In Residence 00:30 - Saturday Morning Conversations 01:03 - Seth Godin's Blog Post 02:27 - Notes App for Saving Ideas and Gift lists 03:01 - Apple Share Sheet Tip 03:36 - Understanding "Better at Being Better" 04:31 - Race to the Bottom Explained 05:59 - Gingerbread House Patience 07:21 - Cutting Corners in Projects 08:16 - Planning vs. Action Styles 09:13 - Designing Gingerbread Studio 10:50 - Overcoming Perfectionism 11:24 - Nothing's Original 12:10 - Dala Horse Creation 13:40 - Avoiding Perfectionism Trap 14:34 - Long Game Mindset 16:02 - Relationship Growth 17:22 - Intent and Empathy in Marriage 18:37 - Growth Mindset Importance 19:27 - External Pressures Example 21:08 - Buying the House Story 22:40 - Avoiding Downward Spirals 23:43 - Reflection Mechanisms 25:50 - Podcast Intentionality 27:32 - Beyond Weekly Updates 28:36 - Sharing Sparks of Ideas 30:19 - Wrapping Up Better at Being Better🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

As the year winds down and the days get darker, Keith and Laura explore how small thing and intentional choices can bring comfort and joy. The conversation dives into the favorite everyday tools, comforts, and rituals that quietly make life better while we work toward goals that matter.Keith’s Everyday ComfortsKeith gravitates toward simple, functional tools that make room for reflection and ease. He talks about always carrying a Field Notes notebook paired with a reliable Pilot Precise V7 pen, and how a B5‑sized journal with numbered pages helps him capture ideas he’ll actually return to later. Audio is another key support: noise‑canceling earbuds and the Calm app’s sleep stories create pockets of focus and rest, while The Lord of the Rings audiobooks offer a lighter, more magical counterbalance to heavier personal‑growth reading. Even a handmade mug becomes part of his daily ritual, turning coffee or tea into a small, grounding moment that keeps him moving through demanding days.Laura’s FavoritesLaura’s blends creativity, health, and cozy connection with the items on her list. She highlights Brené Brown’s Strong Ground as a rich, approachable resource she keeps revisiting, alongside Taylor Swift’s new album for pure joy and energy. She shares her love of Puzzle Twist jigsaw puzzles, herbal and decaf teas, and fresh baked goods as ways to unwind, especially in long winter evenings. On the tech side, Laura relies on Goodnotes and Canva to think visually and capture ideas, and her Oura Ring to check her assumptions about sleep and how daily choices affect her readiness and resilience. She also praises homemade bread from a local bakery as a simple, nourishing treat that pairs perfectly with her evening tea rituals, adding warmth and satisfaction to quiet moments of reflection.As the year draws to a close, Laura and Keith remind us that embracing simple favorites isn't indulgence—it's essential fuel for living joyfully while pursuing meaningful growth. Discover your own go-to tools and rituals that align with your values and goals. Visit withkeithandlaura.com today and subscribe to the podcast to support your best life, one comforting choice at a time.Thanks for Joining Us.Favorite Cozy Comforts | What’s Actually Helping Us Thrive NowKeith and Laura share the everyday tools, comforts, and practices that support their wellbeing, creativity, and growth. The through-line is simple: small, intentional choices—what you use, listen to, read, or wear—can make your days more grounded, joyful, and sustainable.🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura sift through the messy space between work and home, routine and holidays, intention and reality. Using a full Thanksgiving week of traditions and family time as their backdrop, Laura and Keith explore what it really means to stay grounded when life gets full rather than perfectly balanced. Accountability with CareKeith names the exhaustion that can come from a “vacation that needs a vacation,” especially when his routines are disrupted. He reflects on the two ends of burnout: pushing non-stop without rest and, on the other side, slipping into low motivation and avoidance. For him, the work is noticing this tension in the in-between and choosing more compassionate accountability. That looks like reframing chores such as snow shoveling as built-in movement, remembering that life is “constant work,” and using tools like journaling and a “to-done list” to see progress instead of only gaps. Keith returns to a core conviction: taking care of himself is what allows him to show up in service of others. Imperfect Action and Minimum Effective DoseLaura shares how packed her days became with pies, lefse, talent shows, deep cleaning, and getting the house and tree ready, and how easy it is to judge herself for missing planned workouts or journaling. Instead of letting perfectionism win, she chooses to recognize the physical and emotional effort in those days as real activity and contribution. She leans on ideas like the “minimum effective dose” — allowing short, consistent workouts and simple grounding routines to count — and uses stars on her calendar as a visual reminder of how often she’s actually showing up. For Laura, the in-between is where goals evolve, traditions are honored, and self-compassion keeps her moving forward.Thanks for Joining Us.Living In-Between | Balancing Roles, Responsibilities and Energy🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura dive into feedback with the help of Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen’s book, Thanks for the Feedback. Laura introduces the three core types of feedback: appreciation, coaching, and evaluation. Appreciation fuels motivation, coaching aims to build skills, and evaluation measures performance against expectations.Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s newsletter and the book Thanks for the Feedback, Laura shares stories from early marriage, professional music juries, and even social media comments to show how credibility, history, and our own blind spots shape how feedback feels. She focuses on reframing even evaluative feedback into coaching by asking, “What could this help me learn?” and reminds us that it is healthy to set clear boundaries around which topics are open for feedback and which are not.Keith reflects on being quick to coach and slow to realize when his “help” feels like evaluation. He talks about internalizing criticism, reacting too quickly, and how online comments can sting even when they are vague or unhelpful. Keith embraces the idea that not all feedback is equal and that comments often reveal more about the giver than the receiver. He underscores the importance of pausing—before responding to criticism and before offering advice—so that intention and impact can better align.Laura emphasizes a growth mindset: reframing evaluative feedback into coaching and using questions to understand rather than dismiss. She also highlights the importance of boundaries—being clear about what topics are off-limits for feedback (e.g., parenting, body, workouts), especially in personal or holiday-family contexts, while acknowledging that such limits are harder to set at work. Keith reflects on his own tendency to internalize criticism, his “advice monster” (Michael Bungay Stanier) habit of jumping in to coach, and the need to pause both when giving and receiving feedback so intent and impact can better align.For Laura and Keith, feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growth, and one of the most uncomfortable. By distinguishing between appreciation, coaching, and evaluation, it becomes much easier to stay curious instead of defensive. It’s not about perfection, but awareness—of your patterns, your triggers, and the stories you tell yourself in the moment feedback lands. When understood, named, and received with intention, feedback propels us forward in reaching goals and strengthen relationships.Thanks For Joining Us.Thanks … for the Feedback🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, w

Keith and Laura dive deep into the art and science of journaling—not a simple diary, but a dynamic tool for self-discovery and growth. Journaling can help us move past mental blocks, gain clarity, and chart an intentional path toward our most important goals.Keith’s Perspective Keith frames journaling as part reflection, part action plan. He can feel unproductive or guilty when journaling doesn't remain a daily habit, but even brief, focused sessions can yield significant gains. Keith emphasizes the value of measuring tangible metrics, such as sleep and water intake, and uses prompts rooted in gratitude and self-inquiry. By structuring his practice around different life areas—work, health, relationships, and play, Keith transforms journaling into a powerful vehicle for accountability and progress.Laura’s Perspective Laura approaches journaling as a fluid, introspective process. She leverages questions to guide her sessions, using prompts like, “What am I excited about today?” and projecting into the future to gain advice from her “future self.” Laura openly addresses the resistance many feel toward vulnerability in journaling, and offers ways to return to the page when distractions arise; such as writing about why she feels stuck. Her practices range from unstructured “downloads” of thoughts to specific gratitude exercises, helping her develop self-compassion, resilience, and a growth mindset.Journaling is an adaptable, deeply rewarding practice. Whether structured or free-flow, the key is to get started, stay curious, and let writing guide you to greater self-awareness and action.Thanks for Joining Us.Unlock Self-Discovery and Growth | The Power of Journaling🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura dig into the art of managing life’s inevitable interruptions. Unforeseen events can derail even the most intentional routines. And at the same time, we can create our own, scheduled, interruptions that help keep us on the track we have chosen.Interruptions often feel inconvenient for Keith, but they can be an opportunity for real progress. He shares that small chores and tasks, while seemingly annoying, are necessary parts of keeping things moving forward. Keith avoids setbacks from interruptions by journaling daily priorities and scheduling actions in a way that frees up mental space. Laura acknowledges how easy it is to let interruptions become derailing. She shares her own experience of pausing creative work, and how routines like morning journaling and using the “5-second rule” help her regain momentum. Laura emphasizes habit stacking and environmental cues, such as rhythm-setting rituals, to make taking positive action more effortless. Progress is about setting yourself up for small wins, letting go of perfection, and reframing interruptions as moments where we can choose how to show up. Laura advocates for setting intentions while feeling strong, so decision fatigue at the end of the day doesn’t sabotage long-term goals. Keith highlights the mantra—“Everything you’re doing is working”—and notes that self-accountability and consistent habits create enduring satisfaction, not just fleeting comfort.Thanks for Joining Us.Interruptions Happen | Acknowledge, Reframe & GrowKeith and Laura explore how interruptions can hold the potential for growth, insight, and renewed motivation.🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura explore personal and professional growth, centered on the VIA Institute’s character strengths assessment. As Keith and Laura share their results, listeners are invited to reflect on their own strengths and challenge areas, and learn how self-awareness can fuel progress in life goals. Keith brings a pragmatic lens to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing not just his strongest traits—love of learning, humor, humility, appreciation of beauty and excellence, and honesty—but also his opportunities for growth, such as teamwork, zest, forgiveness, and self-regulation. He candidly discusses how perfectionism and judgment can hamper progress, offering encouragement to focus on improvement rather than shortcomings. Keith’s openness about challenges, like managing technological frustrations and setting boundaries, models practical resilience for listeners seeking to balance achievement with self-care.  Laura shines as a future-focused optimist, highlighting strengths like hope, love, creativity, gratitude, and—shared with Keith—love of learning. Her commitment to maintaining positivity and planning for long-term fulfillment underlines her approach to personal development. Laura explains how creativity helps her discover new solutions and how gratitude energizes her daily routine. She unpacks the significance of setting boundaries, self-regulation, and teamwork, showing that awareness of lesser strengths can guide actions and deepen relationships. Differing strengths can complement and strengthen partnerships and relationships by creating strong bonds and mutual support when there is awareness and intentional effort to grow around those areas. When strengths overlap, power lies in using that common ground to build trust, understanding, and encouragement in personal and professional settings. Resilient teams and relationships build strong partnerships that thrive when they are built on empathy, trust, and understanding.Thanks for Joining Us.Find your own Character Strengths at https://www.viacharacter.org/Understanding Our Strengths🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Laura and Keith are prioritizing health, embracing life’s unpredictability, and cultivate resilience through their partnership and self-awareness. This episode is a candid reminder that growth—and health—is a winding path, best navigated with both planning and openness.Keith and Laura reconnect after a long week apart and debrief about their respective health appointments and Laura's journey home.Thanks for Joining Us.Adventure and Anxiety | Midlife Health and Travel🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura dive into Brené Brown's book Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit. The conversation explores how foundational leadership principles transform both professional environments and personal relationships. Emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation, Strong Ground and the discussion and reveals practical frameworks for responding effectively and with intention when facing uncertainty.Keith connects with the book's strength training metaphor, recognizing his own need to build foundational practices rather than rushing into advanced techniques. He identifies with the challenge of wanting to skip the basics and the humility required to return to foundational work. The concept of above the line versus below the line thinking resonates deeply—understanding the difference between reacting as victim, villain, or hero versus responding as creator, coach, or challenger provides him with a framework for showing up more intentionally in every relationship. Keith reflects on his tendency to react rather than respond, acknowledging that building the capacity to pause and choose his response requires consistent practice.Laura shares how the pocket presence concept transformed her understanding of preparation. She describes her extensive research before important meetings—not from insecurity, but as a way to ground herself and ask better questions. The rumble starters particularly stand out as practical tools she has already implemented, including phrases like "the story I'm making up," "that's not my experience," and "what problem are we trying to solve." These conversation starters help navigate difficult discussions without letting a "nice culture" prevent necessary accountability. Laura emphasizes Brown's key insight that self-awareness remains the most important leadership skill for providing stability when circumstances feel uncertain.Ready to strengthen your leadership foundation? Visit withkeithandlaura.com for more episodes and subscribe to In Residence with Keith and Laura wherever you listen to podcasts.Thanks for Joining Us.Brené Brown's Strong Ground: Leading with Above The Line Thinking🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura tackle showing up after you feel you've failed. They explore how consistent effort can lead to high-pressure moments that test your resilience. The Milwaukee Brewers' playoff journey helps lead of this conversation. Keith brings up the power of emotional balance and the importance of not getting "too high or too low" in response to outcomes. Drawing from actor Stephen Tobolowsky's explanation of "getting back to zero," he emphasizes the necessity of resetting between attempts rather than carrying baggage from previous experiences. His approach focuses on treating each new effort as a fresh start, whether it's launching a new podcast format or supporting Laura through her creative discomfort. Keith demonstrates the value of being someone's teammate during difficult moments, showing how partnership can make challenges more manageable.Laura offers raw honesty about facing creative vulnerability, particularly her discomfort with their transition to video podcasting. Her willingness to share feelings of embarrassment and self-doubt provides authentic insight into the internal struggles that accompany growth. She introduces the crucial concept that showing up after perceived failure might actually be harder than the initial attempt, highlighting how shame and embarrassment can compound difficulties. Laura's commitment to continue despite discomfort exemplifies the courage required for authentic personal development.Laura and Keith lean on each other for support. Relationships can transform high-stakes situations from overwhelming challenges into opportunities for shared growth. The conversation reminds us that consistency over perfection, combined with the willingness to reset and try again, forms the foundation of meaningful growth.Please check out Free-For-All with Jay and Keith:YouTubeAppleSpotifyThanks for Joining Us.High Stakes and Pushing Boundaries🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura review what gave energy, note what drained it, and remind each other to center themselves. They may have dropped the ball in some ways, but  pausing to reflect allows them to shift back to prioritizing their main goals. Laura’s 2025 theme was “grounded,” prioritizing connection and stability during a year of distance, centering family, and reframing success as showing up where it matters most. Coupled with restorative habits that keep stress manageable and presence high, Laura highlights deliberate, direct communication, and clarity over assumptions to stay aligned with her goals.Keith’s aim is “focused action,” sustained through a Sunday ritual of reviewing goals and translating them into concrete steps that ship during the week. He is doubling down on sleep, movement, and journaling to stabilize energy and keep execution consistent, emphasizing small wins that build toward larger aims in the next 90 days.While navigating new rhythms and their teens gaining autonomy, the couple looks to design a schedule that supports their goals. Keith is pairing weekly reflection with practical actions across health, work, relationships, and play. Laura is removing unproductive stress and implementing the delay–delegate–delete filter to protect deep work from meeting creep.Laura and Keith see the next three months as chance to get a head-start on 2026. The final quarter isn’t a holding pattern—leverage it for momentum to compound progress before January arrives. Takeaways- Run a weekly energy audit—create more of what energizes, minimize drains, and reframe stress outside of control. - Protect deep work with delay–delegate–delete, then time-block execution to ensure focus translates into outcomes. - Lead with health: consistent sleep, movement, and journaling multiply returns across work and relationships in Q4.Thanks for Joining Us.Q4 Reset – Grounded & Focused🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Doing epic things doesn't need to require extreme or grand gestures. It can simply mean showing up daily with intention and consistency. Keith and Laura explore what it truly means to pursue meaningful goals while maintaining balance and avoiding the traps of perfectionism and limiting beliefs.After observing a bird floating peacefully on Lake Michigan, Keith imagines the bird to likely be paddling steadily beneath the surface. The metaphor: appearing calm and thoughtful while consistently working toward goals without frantic busyness. Keith emphasizes the importance of defining and confining work time to create both focus and freedom, noting that "the process is the point" rather than just the end result. Laura shares her struggle with writing consistency on her book project. Having gone weeks without writing, she reveals a common creative challenge: feeling stuck when unsure of the next step. Laura draws inspiration from her grandmother Doris, who pursued multiple creative endeavors. Highlighting the importance of both personal discipline and social support, Laura centers showing up every day while being kind to herself. Keith advocates for writing down goals, setting realistic timelines, and surrounding yourself with supportive information and people to maintain momentum. Laura is emphasizing progress over perfection and celebrating small wins like writing just 50 words. Epic achievements are built on consistent daily actions, supportive community, and the courage to embrace imperfect progress over time.Thanks for Joining Us.Build Epic Things🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura discuss the common struggle of being caught in cycles of good intentions followed by inconsistent action.Keith examines the disconnect between where he places his energy and where he wants to direct it. The conversation reveals how perfectionism often disguises itself as high standards while actually preventing progress, rather than supporting growth. Keith's is noticing energy misalignment and is working on reframing limiting beliefs. Drawing inspiration from Matthew McConaughey's father's wisdom, he explores shifting from "I can't" to "I'm having trouble, ” this simple reframe  transforms insurmountable obstacles into solvable problems. This illuminates possibilities for seeking help, adjusting approaches, and maintaining forward momentum despite setbacks. Laura offers the valuable insights about breaking free from "should" thinking and removing the "shame shawl" that often accompanies unmet expectations. Her approach emphasizes setting minimum viable goals—like rowing twice weekly for ten minutes—that create success experiences rather than setup for failure. This strategy builds positive momentum and establishes sustainable routines over time. Alignment between intentions and actions requires patience, community, and self-compassion rather than perfect execution. Sustainable change happens through small, consistent steps rather than dramatic overhauls. Rather than focusing on what hasn't been accomplished, the path forward involves celebrating small wins. The goal isn't perfection but progress, creating sustainable habits through minimum viable commitments that set individuals up for success rather than failure.Thanks for Joining Us.🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura share what they've learned through nearly two decades of marriage. This conversation reveals practical wisdom and insights that strengthen their relationships while maintaining individual growth and shared adventure. Laura champions adventure and spontaneity as vital relationship elements, consistently encouraging new experiences and maintaining curiosity about the world. Her approach demonstrates how pushing comfort zones can create lasting memories and deeper connection, from Door County day trips to international adventures. Laura's gift for adventure helps Keith rediscover parts of himself that had been quieted over time.Keith believes patience serves as the foundation for a lasting partnership. Stress can create conditions where partners feel like rivals rather than teammates.Recognizing these patterns and taking proactive steps to maintain emotional equilibrium is key to long-lasting harmony. Keith’s experience is that challenges that test patience often emerge when personal care lapses.Both Laura and Keith recognize music as central to their bond, from their initial meeting through guitar playing to current family sing-alongs with Hamilton and their favorite artists. Approaching their 18th anniversary, the couple embraces the spontaneity and teamwork that strengthens their partnership, and they bring the lessons forward to many more adventures ahead.Thanks for Joining Us.Long-Lasting Marriage Lessons🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura explore ideas from Jon Acuff’s book Soundtracks. Mental soundtracks—the thoughts we repeat to ourselves—shape our decision. Acuff's practical framework for identifying and transforming our limiting thought patterns into forward momentum through intentional environmental design and supportive rituals is simple and actionable.Both Laura and Keith agree that sustainable creative practice requires matching internal reframes with external support systems. Whether it's Keith's music-powered emotional processing or Laura's ritual-supported publishing schedule, success comes from small, consistent actions backed by environmental design that makes good choices easier.Thanks for Joining Us.Fixing Broken Soundtracks🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura celebrate two years of In Residence by examining how comfort supports resilience. Framed by the “cotton” theme of a second anniversary, the conversation blends seasonal coziness, practical habits, and mindset shifts that help sustain energy without compromising pace, and why leaning into discomfort is essential for growth.Laura and Keith seek comfort intentionally through designing spaces, rhythms, and rituals that restore. They step into strategic discomfort to grow and return to comfort to recharge. It’s a cycle that supports living well and contributing meaningfully over time.Thanks for Joining Us.Embracing Comfort and Discomfort🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura open up about the transitions of midlife. There is a mix of excitement, anxiety, and self-discovery that comes as children grow, careers evolve, and our health demands new attention. Recognizing changes so they don’t become hidden stressors takes intention, consistency, and work. Check your blind spots. If you don’t pause to notice the shifts, they’ll catch you off guard.Keith shares the pride and mixed emotions of guiding their oldest through the driver’s license journey—a milestone of independence for both parent and child. Laura reflects on how her 20s, 30s, and now 40s have reshaped her sense of identity, purpose, and how she chooses to invest her time. More intentional than ever, she balances professional aspirations with being a present partner, mother, and daughter. Laura and Keith look to invest in health, relationships, and work with a fresh perspective. Everyone is “living life at their age for the first time.” Lets keep leaning into patience, grace, and honesty to build purpose and connection, together.Thanks for Joining Us.Midlife Transitions - Episode 105🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura explore the often-overlooked value of wonder—those moments of awe, gratitude, and joy that can shift our perspective and bring us back to the present. Keith shares how a simple moment at a wedding—a magician’s performance—became surprisingly transformative.The Freedom of Letting GoNormally someone who seeks answers and explanations, Keith found himself choosing to not analyze the trick and surrender to the feeling of amazement. That decision created a deep sense of joy and gratitude. For Keith, wonder is a reminder that life doesn’t always need to be figured out; sometimes it’s more powerful to embrace mystery. He ties this back to the importance of agency: making small, intentional choices to step away from the grind and place ourselves in situations where wonder can appear.Wonder in the EverydayLaura brings her perspective shaped by nature, music, and slowing down. From watching caterpillars transform into butterflies, to the beauty of waterfalls and music that transcends the notes on the page, she emphasizes the importance of noticing what surrounds us. For Laura, wonder often comes when she gives herself permission to pause and not over-schedule life. Being present in these moments fosters gratitude and creates lasting joy.Living a Life of WonderLaura and Keith highlight how our routines often keep us moving so fast that wonder rarely has space to surface. Their reminder is simple yet profound. Wonder isn’t something extraordinary or rare, but something we can cultivate by slowing down, being present, and making intentional choices.Thanks for Joining Us.The Power of Wonder - Episode 104🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura discovered that the gap between what we say and what others assume we mean during a post-travel communication breakdown. When Laura mentioned being hungry during their drive home, Keith’s tired brain immediately filled in the blanks creating unnecessary tension. His exasperated response shut down the conversation before it could truly begin.But, curiosity offers a powerful solution. Through practical application, Laura and Keith demonstrate that curiosity isn't just a nice-to-have social skill—it's a fundamental tool for creating patience, reducing conflict, and building genuine understanding in all relationships.Curiosity and Clarity - Episode 103🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura examine how time, money, and attention function as finite resources, while skills like reflection, communication, and self-awareness serve as tools that strengthen through practice. The conversation takes place during their trip to Sweden, where they reflect on personal growth, the importance of "sharpening the saw," and how stepping outside comfort zones reveals opportunities for intentional living.Together, Laura and Keith distinguishing between what depletes and what strengthens us, offering practical strategies for building a sustainable, growth-oriented life.Thanks for Joining Us.Maintain Resources, Sharpen Tools - Episode 102🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura take a trip to Sweden. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys happen when we step outside our individual comfort zones, together. Record in their hotel’s podcast booth in Stockholm, Sweden, Laura and Keith discuss their family trip which included: Swedish midsummer celebrations, a Green Day and Weezer concert, playing mini golf across multiple towns, connecting with family heritage, and meeting an online friend in person. Keith has grown in handling travel transitions, and Laura's passion for creating memorable experiences has deepened connections. Both discuss the balance between adventure and comfort, the importance of being present while documenting memories, and how travel strengthens family bonds across three generations.Adventure, Anticipation and Awareness - Episode 101🔊 LISTEN ON: ⚪️  with Keith and Laura🟠  Overcast🟣  Apple 🟢  Spotify 🔵  Amazon 🟠  Audible🔴  YouTube 🔴  YouTube Music📺  Full Episode Playlist📱  Shorts Playlist⚫️  Make Create Build Links- - - Check out withkeithandlaura.comFusebox the podcast hosting and player we use. Check it out! 💻If you buy something using one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission.* 🤗The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.