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!
The Couch Podcast :: Why We Love the Wizard of Oz with James Walters (S2E7)
Today’s guest is none other than my little brother, James! What? Yes, it’s true. The bad news is that we recorded together, in person, across my dining room table, with one microphone. Annnnnnd it shows. Awkward laughs abound and the sound quality isn’t great, but I hope you’ll just crank up the volume a bit and listen anyway. Because what could be more fun than listening to us go on and on about the Wizard of Oz and our love for it? Nothing. Nothing could.
The Couch Podcast :: Loving Long-Running Shows with Heather Parker (S2E6)
Last month was all about short-lived shows, and today we’re going in the opposite direction. Heather Parker joins me to talk about long-running TV shows. This episode was inspired by our shared love of NCIS, but don’t worry. If you aren’t as enamored with Leroy Jethro Gibbs and procedurals as we are, you won’t be bored by this episode. Because we don’t just talk NCIS; we also talk other long-running shows. Some of them were surprising. (Who knew Lassie ran for 19 seasons – or that Timmy never actually got stuck in a well?!) We also talk about why some shows last so long, and how they can become part of our lives after a while.
Yesterday and the Friends Who Have Been There All Along
Yesterday, the movie about a man who realizes he’s the only person on earth who remembers the Beatles after a worldwide power outage, tries to make a lot of points. The one that moved me most was about friendship.
The Couch Podcast :: Friendship & Belonging with Kristen Strong (S2E5)
Today my friend Kristen Strong joined me again, this time to talk about fictional friend groups and our desire to belong. We talk about all the best groups of friends (or at least the ones that seem the most fun) and debate why there seem to be more shows about...
How to Know When Your Friendships are Really Real
This post was originally posted at (in)courage. Do you have authentic friendships? Are you living in true community? Those questions sure seem to be popular right now. The encouragement to develop authentic, doing-life-together relationships with people, the...
The Couch Podcast :: All the Things about Studio 60 (S2E4)
Every time I talk with my friend Lisa-Jo about TV the conversation always makes it way back to Aaron Sorkin and her love of his writing and his shows. So when it came to wrapping up this short series on short-lived shows, talking to Lisa-Jo about Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was an obvious choice.
How I Read 30 Books in Two Months
I love reading. It’s my favorite thing to do, more than watching TV or eating chips and queso. Even more than sleeping (evidenced by the many, many nights I’ve stayed up way past my bedtime reading “just one more chapter”). However, I don’t always read well. This summer I’m doing things differently. Here’s how I’ve read 30 (mostly great) books in two months.
The Couch Podcast :: Getting Ready for the Veronica Mars Revival (S2E3)
My friend Jenny and I never stopped loving (or watching) Veronica Mars. We need you to know this. But now that Hulu is bringing the show back for a fourth season, we’re diving deep to make sure we are all prepared to watch like the true marshmallows we are.
When You’ve Forgotten Who You Really Are
What would the Lost Boys see if they pushed aside your age and baggage, your stress and sleepless nights, your wins and losses and struggles and successes? Who were you before you grew up? Did you have magic back then? (You did.) Could you possibly still have that magic now? (It’s possible!)
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.
