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!
Diversity in Romantic Comedies with Tasha Jun (The Couch Podcast summer series #10)
This week I’m talking with my friend Tasha Jun about why we need more diversity in romantic comedies. We also share a few of our favorite rom coms and talk about our FEELINGS related to the To All the Boys sequel. Halloween costume parties and Mr. Miyagi are also discussed. It’s a good one!
How Pop Culture Can Help Us During Times of Grief (The Couch Podcast summer series #9)
In a surprisingly upbeat episode, my friend Becky McCoy and I tackle the topic of grief. We talk about grief as it’s portrayed in pop culture, and how pop culture can help a person heal from loss or grief. Based on the amount of laughter in this episode, we either have a fantastic perspective on these topics…or we’re just big weirdos who love talking about sad things. Tune in and then tell us which you think it is!
Looking for a Beach Read? 12 Romantic Comedies to Read This Summer
We might not be able to go to the beach this year, but we can still indulge in a beach read or two (or twelve) this summer! Last week we talked about the best (cutest, light-but-not-fluffiest) young adult novels you might read this summer. (Get that list here.) This week? Light-but-not-fluffy romantic comedy novels about grown-ups! Here are a dozen romantic comedy novels to read this summer.
Christmas (Movies) in July: A Championship with Anna Rendell (The Couch Podcast summer series #8)
Just a few months ago, it seemed like we’d never reach the end of the holiday movie season. We had holiday movies coming out of our ears! But now? Now we’re missing them. So let’s revisit the time Anna Rendell and I ranked 64 holiday movies in a March Madness-style bracket!
15 YA Novels You’ll Want to Read This Summer
I’m finally feeling ready for something SLIGHTLY more realistic–but still not ready for anything heavy. Which, if I’m honest (and, if you know me, you’re already aware), is where I land most the time. But particularly right now, something light with some substance feels vital. Enter this summer’s newest YA (young adult) novels.
Was the Book Better? Book to Movie Adaptations with Tsh Oxenreider (The Couch Podcast summer series #7)
But was the book better? This week’s episode is all about book-to-movie adaptations. I talk with my friend, Tsh Oxenreider, about a whole bunch of books that have been turned into movies, and they dissect what makes a good adaptation and debate whether or not you must read the book first.
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.
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.
