Becoming Chick and Pop

Episode 19: Zach & Shelby: A Love Story in Layers

In this heartfelt episode of Becoming Chick and Pop, we sit down with our oldest son, Zach, and his wife, Shelby, to hear the story of how they met, fell in love, and built a life together. From volleyball practices and Qdoba dates to surviving grad school, home renovations, and pregnancy loss, their journey is one of deep love, shared resilience, and unshakable faith. With laughter, honesty, and a few surprise cameos from Miles, Zach and Shelby open up about what they’ve learned, how they've grown, and the grace that carried them through. Plus, an exciting family update you won’t want to miss!

Episode 18: Toby and Emily: Our Story Starts Here

It’s got all the makings of a great movie—nurses working through a global pandemic, a shared love of dogs, oversized suitcases, spontaneous adventures, and saying 'I do' just weeks after grad school—cue the soundtrack!

Episode 17: Our Rookie Season: Parenting Zach

In this episode, we look back on our very first season of parenting—raising our firstborn, Zach. From his easygoing nature to his quick wit and love of all things sports, Zach taught us just as much as we tried to teach him. Join us as we share stories from his childhood and teen years, reflect on what we learned, and celebrate the boy who made us parents.

Episode 16: New Chapters in Parenting: When the Kids Grow Up

In this episode, we open up about the evolving journey of parenting adult children—what changes, what stays the same, and how we've learned to shift from guiding to walking alongside. We reflect on our unique transition into empty nesting (spoiler: it didn’t happen all at once), the joys of seeing our kids grow into independent adults, and the intentional choices we’ve made to keep our marriage strong along the way. Whether you're approaching this season or in the thick of it, this one’s for you.

Episode 15: Parenting on Purpose

S2E3 – Parenting on Purpose
In this episode, we reflect on the highs and lows of parenting with intention—what we got right, what we learned the hard way, and the advice we wish we'd taken (or ignored). From natural consequences and letting go, to awkward parenting clichés we swore we'd avoid, we dive into how our parenting style evolved over time. Plus, a few laughs about “chick math,” cassette tapes, and Miles doing parkour.

Episode 14: This too shall pass: Advice to our younger selves

In this episode of Becoming Chick and Pop, we take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on our early years of marriage—what we wish we had known, the pressures we faced, and the lessons we've learned. From navigating unrealistic expectations and learning to say "no" to unnecessary commitments to the importance of setting boundaries and embracing "no pressure" days, we share the wisdom we've gained over 31 years of marriage. We also talk about how hard conversations, choosing how we show up for each other, and prioritizing our relationship over outside obligations helped shape the marriage we have today. Whether you're newly married, thinking about marriage, or just love hearing real-life relationship reflections, this episode is for you!

Episode 13: From Tailgates to Traditions: The Heart of Our Family Sports Culture

Sports have been a cornerstone of our family culture, shaping traditions, weekends, and even major life moments. From watching the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving to tailgating for the boys' 21st birthdays, our love for the game has always been about more than just wins and losses. Over the years, our sports fanaticism has mellowed, but the connections and memories built through those shared experiences remain strong. Join us as we reflect on how sports have brought our family closer and the role they continue to play in our lives.

Episode 12

In this episode, we talk about what it means to be grandparents. We want our grandkids to always remember us as present, fun, and ready for whatever adventure comes next—whether that's an impromptu ice cream run or a monster hunt in the barn! But more than anything, we hope they feel heard, valued, and loved. And we want them to see the love of Jesus in everything we do.

Episode 11: Omega, Fairmont, and Colorful Toilet Paper

In Episode 11 of Becoming Chick and Pop, we’re diving into the stories that shaped us: childhood adventures, influential mentors, and yes, even our first cars—complete with rust and character!
We explore the lighter side of life and the moments that connect us across generations.

Episode 10: Thanksgiving