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 :: Hallmark Christmas Movie Preview with Anna Rendell (S2E16)
It’s that time of year! We are fully into fall now, friends, so it must be time to talk about holiday movies, right?! I know, I know, Christmas is so many weeks away. But take it up with Hallmark! Because the onslaught of holiday movies coming your way starts in just a few days. Once again, Anna Rendell and I are honored to be your guides through this holiday movie season, and we help you get started in this episode by picking the new Hallmark movies we think you might want to watch this year.
Maybe Meant to Be is Not for Me
Last week was the 25th anniversary of my first date with my husband. Way back in 1994, we went to our homecoming dance together. And then we lived happily ever after. Um, well, kind of. We've been married 20 years, we have two daughters, and when we ended a quick...
The Couch Podcast :: Treat Yourself with Amber Salhus (S2E15)
Today’s episode is all about treating yourself. Or, as Donna and Tom say on Parks and Rec, TREAT YO SELF! But we’re not just talking mimosas or fine leather goods. Nope. My friend Amber and I are talking about the whole gamut of self-care, from good health practices to genuine indulgence. I mean. Within parameters. Nobody here has a money tree or days on end to spare. So each one of us shares ideas for treating yourself with care, from the small things to the really crucial. Also, zebras might be involved.
Treat Yo’ Self: 10 Small Indulgences You Can Enjoy All Year Long
Most of us can’t press pause on real life (and real budgets, LET’S BE HONEST) for an entire day of treating ourselves. But we can often do more than live vicariously through characters on our favorite TV show. Here are a few ways I like to treat myself when I can (whether it’s official “Treat Yo’ Self Day” or not!).
The Couch Podcast :: Babies & Births in Pop Culture with Alana Dawson (S2E14)
This week, I had the best time talking with my friend Alana about babies and births in pop culture. Today is my oldest daughter’s birthday, and since her birth was a bit, shall we say, dramatic, I thought it would be appropriate to mark this occasion with a look at...
14 Books I’m Excited to Read This Fall
Sitting next to me right this very minute is a stack of library books — eight in total, two several weeks overdue. I also have a bunch of books on my bookshelf, in my bedroom, and on my Kindle. All waiting to be read. Prompted by Kaitlyn’s question, though, I’ve decided to just accept defeat and come up with a better plan. I’m returning the overdue books, committing to the others I’ve checked out, and finally getting around to some books I’ve been wanting to read for a while. Here are 14 books I’m excited to read this fall.
The Couch Podcast :: Ask the Couch, vol. 1 (S2E13)
I had a little scheduling mix-up this week, so I didn’t have a guest for this episode. Instead, I went solo and answered your burning pop culture questions. As it turns out, surprising to no one, I have both opinions and answers to share. I also have, surprising to me, the bad habit of overusing the word, “whatever.” So listen for that and enjoy!
Why I’m Not Apologizing Anymore for the Movies I Haven’t Seen
Do you feel embarrassed to admit you have seen that movie (or read that book or recognize that song)? I say don’t be! Entertainment is for fun, after all, not as a metric to determine who’s smart enough, cool enough, good enough. If you want to watch Dirty Dancing and episodes of The Office on repeat, you do it. And don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it!
The Couch Podcast :: Fall Movie Preview with Dawn Camp (S2E12)
My friend Dawn Camp, the biggest movie-goer I know, and I sat down and talked through all the movies coming out this fall. Just for you, we watched every single trailer we could find and then picked the movies we think we’ll go see and the movies you might like, too. We also take a quick look back at our summer movie picks to see what we got right and what we did not.
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.
