Growing up in a culture where conversations about gender identity and sexuality just didn’t happen, we admit we didn’t feel equipped when the topic came up with our own kids, and we’re pretty sure we’re not alone! We sit down in this episode with our friend and colleague Dr. Mark Yarhouse, professor of psychology and director of the Sexual and Gender Institute at Wheaton College, to tackle one of the trickiest topics parents face today. Mark brings both his research expertise and his trademark blend of conviction and compassion to help parents lead with love, navigate the journey after a child comes out, and find support without compromising their child’s trust. It’s an honest, encouraging conversation for anyone who’s ever thought, ‘What do I even say?’ and a good reminder that you don’t have to have all the answers to keep the door open.

Why do we say “the birds and the bees” when we really mean developing bodies, sex, and reproduction? Maybe our euphemisms are a pretty good clue about just how awkward these conversations can be! In this episode, we’re joined by parent and teacher Jon Gabriele to explore why talking with our kids about sex can feel so tricky, whether avoiding the conversation makes it harder, and whether it’s ever too early to start.

Breaking up is hard to do—but sometimes staying in the wrong relationship is harder. Why do we avoid the conversation we know we need to have? In the first episode of our new Tricky Topics of Conversation series, we’re joined by Chris and Alisa Grace of Biola University’s Center for Marriage and Relationships to talk about the complicated world of breakups. From avoiding hurt feelings and awkward face-to-face conversations to fearing loneliness, we explore why ending a relationship can be so difficult, what it looks like to break up in a healthy way, and how to move forward after the hurt.

We are so glad to be back—and there’s a lot to catch up on! In this season-opening episode, we share what’s been happening in our lives, what exciting projects we’ve been working on behind the scenes, and what’s ahead for the With U Podcast. Then get ready for a new series on tricky topics of conversation—the conversations that can be awkward, uncomfortable, or just plain hard to start. We’re glad you’re here for the next chapter!

In this special Christmas bonus episode, we invite you to step into the ancient story of hope fulfilled.

The Promise and the Gift is a Scripture-based Christmas reading that traces the story of Christ from the dawn of creation, through the words of the prophets, to the quiet wonder of a child born in Bethlehem. We'll walk through the promise of redemption, the long wait, and the moment when the Light entered the darkness—and the darkness could not overcome it.

The Messiah has come.
And His name is Jesus.

Recorded live in the Czech Republic, this special episode celebrates three decades of friendship, ministry, and intentional Christian living through the European Summer Study Program (ESSP). We sit down with David & Kriste Sveen, Kurt & Meg Tillman, Bill & Sandy Skowera to share stories of showing up, walking alongside others, and seeing God at work in Central and Eastern Europe. Join us for a conversation about legacy, community, and the simple faithfulness that changes lives.

n this episode we discuss the storyline and themes from the film The Ballad of Wallis Island. Brought to a windswept Welsh island to play a private gig, folk music duo McGwyer Mortimer revisit their mismatched dreams and reasons for breaking up the band. Through beautiful music, lonely landscapes, and quirky character interactions we explore themes of regret, loss, letting go, and loving again.

Friendship changes as much as we do over the years. In this episode, we get a little nostalgic about our earliest playmates, our situational sideline pals, and our long-lasting authentic friends. We share the challenges of staying connected in busy times, and highlight why friendship is essential to human thriving. With a few personal stories about baseball and hula hoops, we reflect on our gratefulness for the friendships that have shaped our lives.

On many past road trips we've taken time to enjoy the scenery. But this time, are working while driving and bringing you along for the ride. On our way to a secret sabbatical destination to work on a new project, we share thoughts about what makes a good coworker, how to contribute to a healthy work culture, and our hopes for our own collaborative partnership in our professional and personal lives.

What happens when four generations from four states gather for a four-day vacation? We recently traveled with family ages 10 months to 80 years for a holiday on Mackinac Island, Michigan. In this episode, we share what we learned about planning lightly, staying connected, and adjusting to a wide range of needs on a multi-generational trip. From ferry rides and horse-drawn carriages to rowdy meals and rainy-day picnics, we found that the best memories often came in unexpected moments.

Every birth story leaves a lasting imprint. Whether your experience was joyful, complicated, or deeply challenging, the way you remember and tell it shapes how you carry it into the rest of your life. You’ll hear why birth is more than a medical event, how to shift from trauma to transformation, and practical ways to reclaim your story as a powerful rite of passage.

Food is never just food. In this episode, we explore the many ways meals shape our social lives, reflect our culture, and reveal our inner world. From family dinners to first dates, guilty cravings to sacred moments, we unpack what’s really happening when we sit down to eat. Pull up a chair—this one’s for anyone who’s ever had feelings about food.

Here we go again, choosing conversation prompts from a bowl and answering them on the spot. From Tara’s big 80’s hairstyle to David’s brown Ford Pinto, our stories take a turn into vintage territory. Whether you’re looking for a way to move past routine topics on date night, make family dinners more fun, or add some joy to a road trip, we hope this episode gives you great ideas for questions that lead to connection.

In this playful episode, we take turns pulling fun conversation prompts from a bowl and answering them on the spot. From the time we accidentally camped by the side of the highway, to Tara’s sushi struggles, to David’s unapologetic love of pickle and bologna sandwiches—this episode is full of lighthearted stories and laughter. Whether you’re looking for a way to move past routine topics on date night, make family dinners more fun, or add some joy to a road trip, we hope this episode gives you great ideas for questions that lead to connection.

Some dates live on in our bodies, minds, and hearts. Whether it’s recognizing a birth, a loss, a wedding, or a tragedy, anniversaries can be time-stamped reminders of who we are, where we’re headed, what we’ve learned, and what we’ve lost. In this episode we talk about how grief can echo across generations, and how rituals and reflection can help us navigate the emotional terrain of significant dates. 

What if emotions aren’t just something we feel on our own, but something we do—together? In this episode, we sit down with Batja Mesquita, author of Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions, to explore the idea of emotions as not just internal experiences, but relational ones. Drawing from cross-cultural research and personal stories, Batja challenges the Western idea that emotions live solely inside us, waiting to be expressed. Instead, she paints a richer, more connected picture—one where emotions are shaped between people, and deeply influenced by the cultural worlds we live in.

What makes a relationship healthy—and what signals that something might be off? In this episode, we dive into the essential topics of red flags, boundaries, and deal-breakers. We talk about how clear, healthy boundaries create safety, build trust, and protect love—not restrict it. We also explore the warning signs that a relationship may need help, and the serious signals that indicate deeper problems. This conversation will help you ask the right questions about your relationship, recognize unhealthy patterns, and know when it’s time to seek support.

What if the relationship advice you believed was actually hurting your connection? We’re calling out the lies we’ve been told about love, like “fighting = failure” and “compromise always means 50/50.” This week we’ll take a look at some common myths about relationships, and identify what’s realistic, what’s red-flag material, and what actually leads to real connection.

While seasons of waiting are universal, they’re rarely easy. Why does uncertainty feel so stressful? What makes waiting so uncomfortable? And more importantly, how do we live well when the outcome is still unknown? In this episode, we explore the emotional and spiritual tension of living between hopefulness and helplessness. We discuss the differences between passive and active waiting, and offer gentle practices for the in-between times: rhythms to nourish your soul, glimmers of joy to help you stay grounded, and anchors of meaning to keep you steady. 

Do you ever feel like the cultural pressure to stay busy pushes you to your tipping point? In light of our own experience living on the edge, we discuss finding the balance between productivity and wellbeing. We share personal anecdotes about the simpler, less hurried times in our lives and discuss strategies for mitigating the sense of rush, such as focusing on fewer things, working at a natural pace, and prioritizing quality. We also highlight the significance of rhythms, such as regular walks and meals with family and friends, in maintaining balance.