In Residence with Keith and Laura

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.

Keith and Laura explore the power of intentional and practical communication strategies that foster deep connection. True intimacy in relationships isn't built on what we accomplish for each other—it's founded on feeling genuinely seen and valued for who we are at our core.The Foundation of Being SeenLaura brings powerful awareness to the distinction between transactional appreciation and authentic recognition. Laura emphasizes that while functional responsibilities matter for family operations, they shouldn't define our identity or worth in the relationship. She advocates for a human-centered approach to communication that prioritizes genuine presence over task completion. Laura contributes valuable strategies around setting appropriate boundaries with requests and timing, and recognizing that effective communication requires mutual respect for each other's current capacity and availability.Practical Growth and VulnerabilityKeith notes the delicate balance between wanting to support a partner and allowing them space to be heard. In Particular, his growth and awareness around interrupting and the urge to "fix" rather than listen, emphasizes the importance of bringing grace to imperfect interactions. Keith shares the practical wisdom about the importance of asking clarifying questions—"Do you want help, a hug, or to be heard?"—rather than assuming what's needed. If you’re seeking to build more authentic connections in relationships, intentional communication is key. The vulnerability required for authentic connection, and being truly seen can feel uncomfortable, but ultimately strengthens trust. Growth is ongoing and relationship skills require constant refinement. Over time, with practice and patience, you can create deeper intimacy and understanding.Thanks for Joining Us.Seeing and Being Seen - Episode 100🔊 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.* 🤗

Keith and Laura explore how setbacks can either derail us or become catalysts for growth. Laura’s tennis journey reveals how setbacks can derail progress and passion. Without proper support systems, we can abandon things we love when faced with challenges.After breaking her leg during her sophomore year of college, Laura found herself struggling with the physical and mental demands of recovery. Her reflection uncovers a crucial insight: we often don't feel worthy of support, especially when we're not at the top of our game. Laura admits she never considered asking athletic trainers for help, assuming those resources were reserved for "more important" athletes. She quietly stepped away from the sport she had devoted years to mastering. Keith emphasizes the importance of having support systems in place before setbacks occur. He highlights how isolation during difficult times can lead to stagnation, while connection and advocacy can create pathways forward. His own experience with physical setbacks reinforces the need for gradual, sustainable approaches to recovery. Keith's key insight centers on energy management during setbacks. He advocates for focusing on activities that restore rather than deplete, helping individuals move from negative states back to zero and eventually positive momentum.It's never too late to reconnect with dormant passions. Whether it's tennis, art, or any other joy-bringing activity, the key is starting where you are now, not where you left off and keep moving forward.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.* 🤗https://app.fusebox.fm/register/?via=mcbThe 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 powerful lesson of taking action with available resources rather than postponing dreams until everything aligns perfectly. Starting with what you have instead of waiting for perfect conditions can transform how you approach goals and creative projects.Keith shares a pivotal college experience that continues to influence his approach to creative work decades later. His creative writing professor demonstrated making music with a simple PVC pipe instead of a traditional didgeridoo, proving that meaningful creation doesn't require perfect tools. This lesson directly addressed Keith's struggle with feeling unprepared and lacking sufficient knowledge to begin writing seriously.The story connects to Keith's ongoing challenge with waiting to be "picked" or validated by others before pursuing goals. He reflects on how the traditional publishing gatekeepers of his college years created barriers that no longer exist in today's digital landscape. Despite having the freedom to publish immediately through blogs and podcasts, Keith recognizes he sometimes still creates his own limitations. His insight about focusing on "what does a good day look like" rather than finding the perfect routine offers a practical reframe for anyone struggling with perfectionism.Laura's experience as a college RA candidate illustrates the importance of authentic self-presentation and learning from initial setbacks. After being rejected for not showing up as her true self during the interview process, she received valuable feedback that transformed her approach to opportunities. When given a second chance, she succeeded by embracing authenticity rather than trying to meet perceived expectations.Her gardening analogy powerfully reinforces the episode's central theme. Starting with just a shovel and building a beautiful landscape through trial, error, and gradual tool acquisition demonstrates how meaningful progress happens through consistent action rather than waiting for ideal conditions. Laura's willingness to learn from her mother while planting hostas shows how seeking help and starting imperfectly can lead to beautiful results over time.We can make beautiful things with the tools and skills we have now. Don’t wait, work with what you have on your way to making it better. Imposter syndrome may be lurking in the shadows. But. it’s a signal to keep leaning in rather than stopping. When self doubt or perfectionism creeps up, use the tension. Allow it to push you forward from where you are to where you’re seeking to go. Then, simply ask yourself, what’s the next step?Thanks for Joining Us.Don’t Wait to Make Beautiful Things [Rerelease] - Episode 098🔊 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.* 🤗https://app.fusebox.fm/register/?via=mcbThe 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 lessons from the game of tennis. Both hosts agreed that tennis teaches essential life skills: resilience through adversity, learning from each experience, and maintaining integrity under pressure. These principles apply whether you're pursuing professional goals, personal development, or simply navigating daily challenges.Laura brought her deep tennis experience to the conversation, emphasizing the "every point is a new point" mentality that separates elite performers from others. She points out how successful players treat each moment as a fresh opportunity, regardless of previous outcomes. Her insights about how different court surfaces require adjusted approaches illustrates the importance of flexibility and adaptability when circumstances change. Keith learned that successful tennis players only win 51-55% of their points, yet still dominate matches. This reshaped his understanding of failure and persistence. Winning can include numerous micro-failures, making setbacks a natural part of the success process rather than obstacles to avoid. He also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and integrity under pressure, noting how poise during difficult moments reflects the values that enable long-term success. Thanks for Joining Us.Tennis Lessons - Episode 097🔊 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.* 🤗https://app.fusebox.fm/register/?via=mcbThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura were looking for a way to recalibrate and energize themselves. Both a little tired and run down, the couple try to focus on the family’s weekend. A trip to a winter market, what could go wrong? Keith’s practicality and sense of obligation can create overwhelm and distract from his practice and creativity. This time around, it threatens the whimsy and sense of play Laura craves while they explore the market.Laura loves to recharge through creative work and travel. She doesn’t like to sit still and has several projects to check off her list. She leans into making holiday treats and festive crafts. Keith balances the feeling of not doing enough with making time for creative projects and relaxation. Laura reminds Keith that he is a maker. He acknowledges the need to plan, prioritize, and simply use his time effectively. The couple ends up talking about partnerships. Is there a shift where someone is not only your partner, they're your confidant, they're your friend, they're your coach, they're your everything? The pressure to be everything, everywhere for someone can be a lot to feel and hold.Thanks for Joining Us.Communication and Expectation [Rerelease] - Episode 096🔊 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.* 🤗https://app.fusebox.fm/register/?via=mcb

Keith and Laura explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Both Laura and Keith acknowledge the challenges and fears surrounding AI, including job displacement and privacy concerns. They also highlight the opportunities AI presents for new roles and creative collaboration. Laura shares her evolution from initial curiosity to actively using AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot for content creation, editing, and workflow automation. She shares how AI helps her save time by summarizing long documents and email chains, brainstorming ideas, and even drafting personalized messages. Laura stresses the importance of ethical use and maintaining human oversight to ensure AI-generated content is accurate and aligned with personal values. Keith uses AI for practical tasks such as podcast transcription summarization and image generation. His approach focuses on using AI as a "safe playground" for exploring ideas without fear of judgment. Keith encourages listeners to start experimenting with AI tools. He emphasizes the value of prompt engineering—crafting clear and specific instructions to get the best results from AI. His favorite models are Perplexity and Claude.AI technology is rapidly improving and becoming an essential skill for staying relevant in today's evolving markets. Whether embracing the game-changing power of AI tools for projects, or accentuating your personal capacity with practical efficiency, now is the time to dive in and play. Rather than replace our human potential with technology, we can reshape how we work, create, and live. AI is not just a passing trend, but a potential lasting creative partner. Don’t forget to check out “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” by Ethan Mollick.Thanks for Joining Us.Reshape Work and Life - Episode 095🔊 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.* 🤗https://app.fusebox.fm/register/?via=mcbThe 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 psychology behind gamification and share real-world examples of how game mechanics can transform your approach to personal development.Keith’s Efficiency GameKeith demonstrates how everyday tasks become opportunities for engagement through efficiency challenges. Drawing from his experience in kitchens and cabinet shops, he transforms mundane activities like chopping vegetables or doing dishes into precision games. His approach focuses on measurable improvements. How uniform can the cuts be, how quickly can the task be completed–this turns routine work into satisfying challenges.However, an important caveat: this gamification tendency can become counterproductive when it leads to perfectionism and analysis paralysis. The key is knowing when to apply game mechanics and when to simply execute.Laura Overcoming Goal ShameLaura brings vulnerability to the conversation by sharing her struggle with unearned Disney race medals. A powerful example of how goal shame can paralyze progress. Her breakthrough comes through recognizing successful gamification she already uses, like racing to hang Christmas lights before Keith finishes dishes.Her planned experiment with 30-minute project timers offers a practical template: create time constraints that add urgency without overwhelming pressure. Laura's insights highlight that gamification works best when it reduces barriers to starting rather than adding complexity.The Bigger Picture: Finite vs. Infinite GamesPerhaps most importantly, Laura and Keith explore the difference between finite and infinite games. Understanding that marriage, parenting, and personal growth are infinite games. The goal is continued participation rather than “winning.” Knowing when to compete (finite games) versus when to collaborate (infinite games) can fundamentally shift how you approach life's biggest challenges. Thanks for Joining Us.What Game Are You Playing? [Rerelease] - Episode 094🔊 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.* 🤗https://app.fusebox.fm/register/?via=mcbThe 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 cycle of initial excitement, challenging middle phases, and eventual completion that comes with most projects. Laura's gardening experience serves as a framework for understanding how to navigate challenges and maintain momentum.Laura's Insights: The Power of Structured PersistenceLaura's four-day landscaping experience illustrates what Seth Godin calls "the dip" - that inevitable low point where motivation wanes and obstacles multiply. Her strategy of breaking the project into manageable 4-6 hour chunks prevented burnout while maintaining momentum. When exhaustion hit and equipment failed, Laura pushed through by focusing on her desired outcome: enjoying breakfast on the deck surrounded by planted flowers. Her future-focused thinking and structured planning carried her through the difficult phase. Laura also highlighted using AI tools as thought partners for project organization, eliminating hours of research while creating personalized frameworks.Keith's Insights: Ownership and Vulnerability in Goal SettingKeith's reflection centers on the psychological barriers that prevent project initiation. He identifies a crucial distinction between "needs" and “wants"–recognizing that hiding behind family needs can prevent pursuing meaningful personal goals. This realization requires vulnerability: publicly owning what you want to accomplish, even when the path is uncertain. Keith emphasizes that unfamiliar projects aren't fundamentally different from familiar ones like gardening. Both require the same next-step focus. His insight about gaining clarity through awareness paired with perspective offers a practical approach to overcoming analysis paralysis. Expect the dip, plan for it, and embrace the natural cycle of projects. Keep leaning in and moving forward.Thanks for Joining Us.Planting a Project - Episode 093🔊 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 concept of "making a ruckus" – inspired by a phrase they spotted on the Jumbotron at a Green Bay Packers game. What began as observations about appropriate fan behavior evolved into a meaningful conversation about taking action in creative work and personal projects.Keith's Perspective: Show Up and Speak UpKeith views making a ruckus as showing up and using your voice. He emphasizes that making a ruckus isn't just about making noise but about "generously sharing and being part of the situation.” Keith highlights that significant work isn't supposed to be easy, referencing Seth Godin's philosophy that the difficulty is what makes achievements rewarding. Keith advocates for committing once and then following through, suggesting that waiting for the "perfect moment" is often just resistance in disguise. The key is taking that first step and allowing action to lead to motivation.Laura's Journey: Overcoming Internal ResistanceLaura candidly shares her struggle with starting a project to create a community supporting women leaders. She identifies her pattern of making excuses: "I don't have time," "What would I call it?" and fearing that making small progress isn't enough to qualify as "making a ruckus.” Laura's breakthrough comes in recognizing that consistent small actions create meaningful change: "All the small things add up to bigger things." She discovers a powerful mantra to overcome resistance: "I know you don't feel like doing this right now, but we're going to do it anyway.”Making a ruckus doesn't necessarily mean being loud or disruptive. Sometimes it's the persistent "drip, drip, drip" of showing up consistently that creates the most significant impact. By taking small steps forward, even when uncomfortable, we can overcome resistance and make the ruckus that truly matters.Thanks for Joining Us.Keith and Laura discuss what it means to create positive change through consistent action while overcoming creative resistance and fear of starting.Make a Ruckus: Stop the Excuses and Do It Anyway [Rerelease] - Episode 092🔊 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.* 🤗https://app.fusebox.fm/register/?via=mcbThe show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.

Keith and Laura unpack powerful strategies for personal growth and development through failure reflection, sustainable habits, and intentional prioritization.Key Points:Connecting Dots: Keith and Laura discuss the importance of not just collecting information but connecting ideas and processing thoughts. Failure Journaling: Arthur C. Brooks' concept of documenting failures, then returning after one month to note lessons learned, and after six months to identify positive outcomes that emerged. Bumpers Concept: From Nick Peterson's book, they explore setting minimum commitments ("floors") and maximum limits to build sustainable habits without overextending oneself. Law of Inverse Prioritization: Greg McKeown's idea that we often give least attention to our highest priorities due to perfectionism and fear of failure. Systems Thinking: Seeing how actions connect to consequences helps make better decisions, as illustrated by the snake repellent story. Long-term Perspective: Current circumstances reflect accumulated habits over decades, not just recent actions - "Where you're at isn't because of the last three weeks, it's because of the last 30 plus years." Goal Setting: Focus on what you want your life to be like rather than immediate outcomes, then develop practices aligned with that vision.These strategies create sustainable routines that lead to meaningful growth over time, turning setbacks into valuable stepping stones toward your long-term vision.Keep Leaning in.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 dive into the realities of gratitude journaling and stress management. What begins as a conversation about the benefits of gratitude quickly evolves into an honest exploration of the challenges in making gratitude practices feel authentic and meaningful.Despite feeling deeply grateful for her life and relationships, Laura finds it difficult to translate those feelings into words. She discusses the pressure to make her gratitude lists meaningful and the discomfort with what she calls “fake gratitude.” Laura’s reflections highlight the common experience of comparing oneself to others and feeling that gratitude must meet a certain standard. Keith views gratitude journaling as a tool to return to emotional “zero”-a state of equilibrium. He encourages noticing and appreciating small, everyday moments, and sees value in even simple gratitude practices. Keith also reflects on the importance journaling, free from comparison or performance, and the close connection between gratitude and joy.Managing stress is a foundation of well-being. Laura and Keith encourage simplifying gratitude practices, and the value of noticing and appreciating small, everyday moments. Both hosts stress the importance of self-care, noting that taking care of oneself is essential to showing up for others. Laura offers practical stress management tools, including box breathing, PQ reps, tapping, and grounding exercises.Gratitude can be a powerful, practical techniques for managing stress and finding joy in life.Thanks for Joining Us.Gratitude and Stress - Episode 090🔊 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 media is currently bringing them joy. Whether it’s reading writing, listening or watching, they are leaning into thoughtful consumption with entertainment that truly resonates. Both Laura and Keith recommend HBO Max's "Somebody Somewhere," praising its authentic characters and balance of humor and emotion. They've each committed to reading more physical books in the coming weeks, emphasizing the importance of not just collecting information but meaningfully connecting with it.Keith’s Selections:Keith is listening to Bob Mold's new album "Here We Go Crazy" in preparation for an upcoming concert, and finding solace in Max Richter's classical compositions which he describes as creating a soothing atmosphere. His discovery of Twin Peaks has been complemented by a companion podcast "The Detective and the Log Lady," allowing him to explore this 90s series for the first time.On the learning front, Keith is reconnecting with music theory by studying the circle of fifths, methodically writing out key signatures each morning to cement his understanding. His reading includes the beginning of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and his friend Owen McGowan's draft novel about jazz in 1940s Pittsburgh.Laura’s Selections:Laura's choices reflect her deliberate focus on mood elevation. After extensive travel and work commitments, she's prioritizing content that keeps her "happy and lighter." Her music rotation features mood-boosting artists like LP, Michael Franti, Lizzo, The Flaming Lips, and Green Day – particularly highlighting how "She Don't Use Jelly" puts her "into a really positive energy space."Her reading includes "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott about writing craft, which she carries everywhere despite only reaching chapter three. She's also working through "Remarkably Bright Creatures" and recently finished "Big in Sweden," connecting to her Swedish ancestry before an upcoming trip.Keep connecting with what brings you joy.Thanks for Joining Us.A Mixed Tape [Session 4] - Episode 089🔊 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.