Sometimes truth shows up where you least expect it.
We could all use a minute – a minute to put up our feet, a minute to watch another episode or read another chapter, a minute to breathe. And that’s okay. Taking time to rest and enjoy yourself isn’t something to feel guilty about. And the truth is that show or that book might just have something holy to teach us.
I’m Mary, and I’m so glad you’re here. Welcome to a guilt-free corner of the internet where you can kick off your shoes, get comfy, and have a little fun. We’re going to talk about our favorite TV shows and movies, our book boyfriends and secret playlists, and anything else that reminds us about who we are, what’s most important, and even God.
Connecting the dots between everyday life and the Word of God makes my heart beat fast as I am convicted or comforted, encouraged or inspired – and I love nothing more than sharing those connections with friends like you. Plus, sometimes I just love a good list or recipe or movie review. If any of that sounds like your cup of tea (or coffee), stick around. We’re going to have fun!
Workplace Comedies We Love with Grace P. Cho (The Couch Podcast summer series #6)
When my friend and former co-worker Grace and I first met, online, on the job, we didn’t know much about each other. But the moment we discovered our mutual love of Parks and Recreation (and The Office, too, of course), we knew our friendship was meant to be. Clearly, we got each other. We were each other’s kind of people. As we chat this week, you’ll get to hear me try to convince Grace to branch out to other workplace comedies. And we’ll debate what defines a workplace comedy in the first place. What IS Brooklyn Nine-Nine? Is it a workplace comedy? A cop show? Who knows? Well, maybe we do. You’ll have to listen to find out.
How Pop Culture Can Help Us Handle Change (The Couch Podcast summer series #5)
Today I’m talking with my good friend (and friend of the show), Kristen Strong. If you’ve heard Kristen and me chat about pop culture before, you know we could go on forever, gushing about all the many favorites we have in common. But today we decided to be a smidge more serious and hopefully helpful and talk about how pop culture can help us deal with change—something we’ve all been dealing with a lot lately.
Musical TV Shows, Episodes & Scenes (The Couch Podcast summer series #4)
My brother is back on the podcast, and in this episode we take a deep dive into all of the best and all of our favorite (sometimes the same thing, but not always) singing and dancing on TV. Well, not all of it. This is already a supersized episode and that’s with some strict parameters! While we certainly would have loved to chat (fine. GUSH.) about every single note sung or played on television in the history of ever, we had to limit ourselves a bit.
Diversity in Children’s Books with Author Dorina Gilmore (The Couch Podcast summer series #3)
Do you have kids? Or kids in your life? Do you want to teach them about other cultures and how to be kind and inclusive to others? Duh. Of course you do. Well, like I do about pretty much every topic, I think the answer to all that lies in books. And that’s why I wanted to sit down with my friend, Dorina, who is a multicultural children’s author. She’s 100% the expert on this topic, plus super fun to talk to.
What Should I Watch? Dealing with Decision Fatigue with Emily P. Freeman (The Couch Podcast summer series #2)
Can’t decide what to watch or read next? Freezing in the face of all the choices? Well, this week Emily P. Freeman joins me at The Couch to talk about our favorite long-running shows, which characters we can trust to take care of us, and how doing the next right thing can apply to our entertainment choices as well as larger ones.
24 Diverse TV Shows for Kids & Tweens
One of the ways we can fight racism is by starting at home, with our own families. Reading books by and about people who don’t look like us or who talk or dress or eat or simply live differently than us is a great way to supplement the conversations we have with our kids about racism. Watching diverse, inclusive TV shows and movies is another. Here’s a list of diverse shows I’ve found.
The Best TV Shows to Watch with Your Kids (The Couch Podcast summer series #1)
Looking for TV shows to watch with your kids? This podcast episode has a ton of recommendations for you!
24 TV Shows to Watch if You Love Romantic Comedies
Today’s list is for the person who loves romantic comedies but wants something she (or he) can ingest in smaller chunks over time. Here are two dozen TV shows to watch if you love rom coms!
Love Wedding Repeat was terrible. Watch these movies instead.
The latest romantic comedy from Netflix was a bust. Try these lesser-known wedding movies instead!
It's a lifestyle. It's a devotional!
Gilmore Girls was a TV show known (and loved) for its fast-talking, pop culture-referencing, coffee-chugging characters, but it was also a show devoted to love of family and community. These themes – as well as topics like forgiveness, kindness, and gratitude – partner well with lessons from the Bible.
Christians who loved this show will be encouraged and inspired to follow this “season” of daily devotions, reminiscing about their favorite Gilmore Girls scenes and perhaps seeing them from a whole new perspective.
When life makes you say, “Oy with the poodles already!” grab your mug of coffee and settle in for a conversation that will warm your heart and feed your soul.
