Poco a Poco with Dave and Jennifer

In this season finale, Dave and Jen take us on their wild holiday adventure back to Canada - complete with missed taxis, train station sprints, and an airline official suggesting they stuff their 50-pound dog under an airplane seat! Between chaotic travels and heartwarming family reunions, they discover some surprising truths about life in two languages: turns out constant English chatter is more exhausting than fumbling through Spanish with enthusiastic "holas"! They share laughs about their daughter's mortification at their over-enthusiastic Spanish greetings and reflect on the joys of Spanish vs Canadian living. After leaving their beloved dog Mango in Canada (to spare her from Spain's firework-obsessed culture), they're back in Valencia with fresh perspectives and exciting plans for the future - including potential business ventures and a parade of visitors on the horizon. It's a perfect blend of chaos, humor, and heart as they wrap up their first season of sharing their Spanish adventure.

When Dave and Jen first packed up their three kids and moved to Spain, they thought they knew what lessons were coming. But after four months abroad, they're here to share the surprising truths they never saw coming. Their biggest revelation? Sometimes less really is more - from shorter workouts and baby beers, to tiny fridges that force fresher food choices. Through their daughter Quinn's academic transformation, they discovered how a new environment can reveal your truest nature while catalyzing unexpected growth. Perhaps most surprising was learning to embrace the "buy-in phase" of change (spoiler: those visas are still pending!) and how their weekly podcast recordings have become an unexpected anchor for processing their entire experience. Their number one takeaway? The Spanish philosophy of "poco a poco" (little by little) that's completely transformed their approach to family life. And because no overseas story is complete without a few plot twists, they wrap up with their biggest culture shock moments - from mysteriously omnipresent artificial sweeteners to random 3 AM fireworks that have their dog Mango questioning all of life's decisions. A must-listen for anyone dreaming of shaking up their family's status quo or just curious about what happens when you dare to do something different.

Fifteen weeks into their Spanish adventure, Dave and Jen reflect deeply on how living abroad has unexpectedly transformed their marriage. What started as a family adventure has become a profound journey of rediscovering their friendship within their decade-long partnership. Through candid conversation, they explore how sharing this experience - from stomach bugs to daily adventures - has brought them closer than traditional relationship milestones like training for Ironman races or writing books together. The couple discusses how their weekly podcast conversations have created a unique space for processing their experience together, rather than separately with other friends or mentors. As they approach their return home, they share insights about maintaining this deeper connection even when physical proximity isn't possible, and their hopes for the next chapter of their journey. Their conversation offers a compelling perspective on how choosing adventure together can strengthen a relationship in unexpected ways, and how sometimes the most valuable return on investment isn't financial - it's the wealth of a calm home filled with love and shared stories that only you can tell. A heartfelt episode for anyone considering a bold move with their partner or seeking ways to deepen their relationship through shared experiences.

In this episode, Dave and Jen kick off by admitting they really didn't want to record - but as often happens, their hesitation gives way to one of their most meaningful conversations. What unfolds is a deep dive into the challenge of creating personal space while building a new life in Spain. Jen opens up about her struggle to find alone time since moving abroad, realizing her tendency to be the family "high watch" (always alert, always present) goes way deeper than their current circumstances. They explore what happens when we hit capacity limits during major life changes, and how losing usual support systems impacts the ability to recharge. Dave challenges Jen's assumptions about what would happen if she actually took time away, leading to powerful realizations about how her wellbeing creates a multiplier effect for their whole family. The conversation takes an interesting turn as they discuss how Jen's recent choice to stop drinking until Christmas has created unexpected clarity. They dig into the crucial difference between building true capacity and merely tolerating discomfort - a distinction that resonates far beyond just their experience. Whether you're navigating a big life transition, trying to maintain personal boundaries while parenting, or simply wondering why it's so hard to prioritize your own needs - this conversation offers a vulnerable look at challenges rarely discussed but universally faced. Through their own messy process of figuring it out, Dave and Jen hope to offer permission for others to examine their own relationship with space, capacity, and growth.

After experiencing an unexpected disappearance from their children's football manager in Spain, Dave and Jen explore the art of "clearings" - intentional conversations designed to reset and strengthen relationships. They share their framework for preparing and conducting these crucial conversations, from identifying pain points to distinguishing between character and behavior. The episode offers practical insights on how to initiate difficult discussions without pushing people into defensive positions, while honoring both facts and feelings. Drawing from their own relationship dynamics, they discuss common obstacles like people-pleasing tendencies and anxiety around confrontation. Dave coaches Jen through her fears about initiating hard conversations, demonstrating in real-time how couples can support each other's growth. This episode provides valuable tools for anyone looking to transform potential conflict into opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.

In episode 7, Dave and Jen share their experience of reaching a significant milestone - submitting their Spanish visa applications just 48 hours before their tourist visas expire. This achievement creates space for the family to regroup and realign after a chaotic period. Through their son Kalem's screen time challenges, they explore different approaches to family communication and demonstrate how understanding someone's unique way of processing information can transform parent-child relationships. The episode offers an intimate look at their regrouping process, from parenting strategies to supporting each other's individual growth. When Dave shares his newfound interest in hat-making as an art form, and Jen expresses her desire for homeostasis before their Christmas trip to Canada, they introduce the concept of "borrowing versus stealing" time - a framework for maintaining transparency and trust in relationships. Their conversation illustrates how regular regrouping allows families to adapt and grow together, especially when living abroad. Through both small daily challenges and significant life changes, they remind us that the key to successful transitions lies in understanding each family member's unique needs and creating space for open dialogue. The episode provides practical insights for families navigating change together, whether across cultures or within their own homes.

Dave and Jen hit the halfway point of their first season and reflect on where they expected to be versus where they actually are in their Spanish journey. What started as a hopeful transition period has instead become a series of unexpected challenges - from stolen bikes and broken computers to visa complications and natural disasters disrupting their kids' activities. But through their Spanish language lessons, they discover a powerful metaphor in the distinction between "es" (to be, in essence) and "esta" (to be, in a temporary state) that helps them reframe their challenges. The episode explores how our perspective on whether something is permanent or temporary can dramatically impact how we navigate difficulties in relationships and life transitions. Together, they unpack how this simple grammatical lesson has given them new tools for communication and partnership, showing how even our struggles can become opportunities for deeper understanding. For anyone facing unexpected challenges or trying to bridge different perspectives in their relationships, this episode offers practical insights on the power of reframing our experiences.

In episode 5, Dave and Jen share a week of significant contrast in their Spanish adventure, from hosting their first extended family visit to experiencing the devastating impact of natural disaster in their new community. When Quinn and Kalem's father Aaron arrives to stay with the family, what begins as a potentially awkward situation evolves into a meaningful turning point in their blended family dynamic. Their experience highlights how changing where you play can create opportunities for deeper connection, even in complex family relationships. As the region faces catastrophic flooding, Dave and Jen explore their different responses to crisis and community need. The conversation takes an intimate turn as they unpack their own evolution around external validation and recognition, with Dave sharing his practice of intentional self-recognition - a tool that has helped him shift from seeking external validation to building internal confidence. Through exploring the intersection of these experiences - family healing and community crisis - they illustrate how having a clear vision of who you want to become creates a foundation for navigating life's inevitable challenges. Whether it's building bridges in blended families or responding to unexpected disaster, they remind us that every challenge is an opportunity to step into who we want to be. The episode offers practical insights for anyone navigating complex family dynamics or seeking to build more self-trust and recognition in their own lives.

Episode 4 of "Poco a Poco" opens with an accidental hostage situation - Dave locking Jen and their toddler on a hotel balcony for two hours while he works, blissfully unaware in his noise-canceling headphones. Instead of letting this turn into a relationship crisis, they use it to demonstrate their growth in handling mistakes and communication. The episode dives into the reality of their Spanish adventure, particularly how Jen's learning to sit with feelings of missing home rather than trying to fix everything immediately. They discuss how choosing a life between two countries means embracing both the yearning and the joy - it's what they "signed up for," as Jen repeatedly reminds herself. While their move to Spain seemed impulsively quick (they didn't even wait for visas), they reveal how years of relationship work and dreaming made it possible. The real magic wasn't in the planning, but in building a foundation strong enough to jump when opportunity knocked. They reflect on how working through their toughest relationship moments during COVID actually prepared them for this adventure. The episode wraps with news that the kids' father is visiting, teasing a future conversation about international co-parenting. Because apparently moving your family to Spain wasn't complicated enough - they had to add transcontinental parenting coordination to the mix. Throughout, Dave and Jen weave humor with honest reflection, showing how their "poco a poco" (little by little) approach applies to everything from handling mishaps to building a life between two worlds.

Dave and Jen dive into the complexities of building a new life in Valencia as they approach their first major milestones - Jen's birthday and their first visitor from home. They open up about the countless challenges of establishing basic life systems in a new country, from multiple attempts at opening a bank account to navigating visa complications with seemingly endless document requirements. Through these daily frustrations, they uncover deeper truths about their relationship dynamics. Dave shares his struggle with perfectionism and self-criticism, revealing how his quick solutions often mask an intense inner dialogue. Meanwhile, Jen discusses her journey of breaking free from people-pleasing patterns, particularly how differently she moves through life when Dave is traveling versus when he's home. The heart of their conversation centers on spiritual growth and personal freedom. Dave introduces the distinction between doing things to be "hot" versus "holy" - a paradigm shift that's reshaping how they both approach personal development. This leads to Jen's powerful realization about sacrifice and trust, exploring how letting go of control might actually be the key to deeper spiritual connection. They discuss the unexpected difficulties of maintaining individuality within a relationship, especially in a new environment where everything feels uncertain. Their raw and honest dialogue offers insights into how partners can support each other's growth while maintaining their individual paths. Dave and Jen continue to discover how trusting in something bigger than themselves is transforming their family's adventure in Spain, poco a poco.

In this candid episode of "Poco a Poco," Dave and Jen dive into the unexpected ways their move to Valencia is transforming their family life. Seven weeks into their Spanish adventure, they unpack the concept of "forced optimization" and how changing where you play can profoundly impact how you live. The couple explores how environmental constraints have led to surprising health benefits. From walking 14 kilometers a day to adapting to tiny fridges, they share how their new lifestyle has effortlessly improved their well-being. Dave reveals a shocking 27-pound weight loss, attributing it to constant movement and fresh, local food. But it's not all smooth sailing. Dave and Jen tackle the challenges of parenting teenagers in a new culture, specifically the ongoing debate about curfews in Spain. This conversation opens up a deeper exploration of trust, communication, and evolving family dynamics in their blended family. They offer insights into using conflict as a tool for growth in relationships, reflecting on how their approach to disagreements has matured over time. The episode touches on the unique dynamics of step-parenting and the delicate balance of trust and protection within their family unit. As they navigate these changes poco a poco (little by little), Dave and Jen don't shy away from discussing what they miss about home, acknowledging the bittersweet aspects of their adventure. Join Dave and Jen as they continue to embrace change, rediscover themselves, and redefine what it means to win as a family - one step at a time in the vibrant streets of Valencia.

In this inaugural episode of "Poco a Poco," Dave and Jen Inglis invite you into their daring adventure of relocating their family of five from Canada to Valencia, Spain. With raw honesty and infectious enthusiasm, they unpack the whirlwind of their first three weeks in a new country, culture, and way of life. Discover how this couple navigated the delicate balance of excitement and trepidation as they uprooted their teenagers and toddler for a bold experiment in intentional living. Dave and Jen share candid insights into their decision-making process, revealing how they condensed years of dreaming into mere months of action. The episode delves into the profound impact of environment on personal growth, as Dave and Jen explore the concept of "same seed, different soil." They discuss how this change has already begun to shape their children's resilience and their own ability to embrace authenticity. With vulnerability and humor, Dave opens up about finding liberation in anonymity, while Jen reflects on the unexpected joys of minimalism. Together, they navigate the challenges of maintaining individual growth while nurturing their partnership and family dynamics. "Poco a Poco" (little by little) isn't just the name of their podcast—it's a philosophy they've embraced from their new Spanish neighbors. Join Dave and Jen as they set the stage for a year of learning, growing, and redefining what it means to win as a family. This episode is a must-listen for anyone contemplating a major life change, seeking to align their environment with their values, or simply curious about what it takes to shake up the status quo and begin again.