Learning From Our Mistakes

Addison Ruiz

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Parenting

Father / Daughter duo get together to reminisce about days gone by as well as discuss the funny things that happen while raising a young family. You’ll get an old man’s reflections on things in the past and grow with a young mom as she raises her family.

3 days ago

#15 - What We'd Tell Our Younger Selves

The advice you need most at 15, 25, and 45 is probably the same: stop wasting energy on pride, comparison, and stuff that does not matter. Josh and Addison unpack the mistakes they would tell their younger selves to avoid - and the lessons that only become clear once you have lived a little. What starts as a funny, slightly chaotic conversation quickly turns into a surprisingly honest discussion about identity, parenting, perspective, and the moments that actually shape a life. Josh opens up about realizing he was arrogant and mean in high school, how a brutally honest letter from his mom changed the way he saw himself, and why a mission in Venezuela became a turning point in learning humility and charity. Addison reflects on being more introverted, learning to take more chances, and how marriage and motherhood changed the way she sees effort, responsibility, and grace. You will discover: Why pride can quietly wreck your relationships long before you notice itThe power of being corrected by someone who truly loves youHow parenting changes the way you judge your younger selfWhy cherishing ordinary moments matters more than chasing the “cool” stuffHow prayer, perspective, and gratitude can completely change what you carryJosh also shares a moving story about interviewing his uncle, a Vietnam veteran, and hearing how prayer brought peace in the middle of fear, chaos, and uncertainty. Addison adds a timely reminder about loving yourself because Jesus loves you, and about looking for the good that is always happening, even when the world is loud with bad news.This episode is for anyone reflecting on who they were, who they are becoming, and what they want to pass on to their kids. If you need a reset on what really matters, this conversation will meet you right where you are.
6 Sept

#14 - Trials That Turned Out to be Blessings

Some of the hardest moments in life are the ones that quietly reroute everything for the better. Josh and Addison unpack the trials that felt frustrating, unfair, or even devastating at the time - and the surprising ways those setbacks became turning points. Josh shares the layoff that sent him from Bank of America to Wells Fargo, then into a community bank where he learned far more than he ever could have in a bigger system. What felt like a blow at the time ended up opening the path to his current role as chief lending officer. He also opens up about nearly backing out of a home purchase, only to later realize that decision connected his family to people who would change his career trajectory. Addison brings her own example of getting shut out of her college major after missing the cutoff by a single grade. The disappointment was brutal, but it eventually placed her in the same class with friends from Las Vegas who became the support system she didn’t know she would need. You’ll also hear: Why a bad season can become the exact season that prepares youHow one “wrong” decision can lead to the right peopleThe mindset shift that helps you spot blessings inside setbacksA powerful real-life reminder that even painful diagnoses can bring families back togetherJosh and Addison also talk about gratitude, service, connection, and why small habits like smiling at strangers or noticing what you’re thankful for can reshape your outlook over time. They close with a deeply human reminder that you may not be able to see the full picture while you’re in the middle of the struggle, but hindsight often reveals the pattern.Essential listening if you’ve ever asked, “Why is this happening to me?” and needed proof that the answer may not make sense yet, but still matters.
30 Aug

#13 - Relationship Lessons Nobody Taught Us

Marriage is not built on perfect chemistry, it is built on choosing someone you can actually grow with. Josh and Addison sit down with Renae, for a candid conversation about the relationship mistakes that matter most and the lessons that can save you years of frustration. Renee opens up about her first marriage at 19 and the hard truth she learned the painful way: love is not enough if you are trying to carry a partner instead of walking beside one. From there, the conversation gets practical fast, covering what most people miss before they say yes, why uncommunicated expectations cause so many fights, and how repair after conflict can make or break a relationship. You’ll hear their honest takes on: Why “red flags” can look charming at firstThe difference between attraction and compatibilityHow shared goals and shared effort strengthen a marriageWhy little things like toothpaste, finances, and house habits can become big issuesThe underrated power of dating your spouse long after the weddingJosh and Addison also talk about the role of grace, patience, and faith in keeping a relationship healthy, plus the surprising ways marriage can help you become a better version of yourself. Renae’s perspective is especially valuable if you are dating, engaged, newly married, or simply trying to build a relationship that lasts.If you have ever wondered what actually keeps couples together after the honeymoon ends, this episode is a must-listen. Honest, funny, and full of real-world wisdom, it is the kind of conversation that helps you avoid the mistakes that most people do not see until it is too late.
23 Aug

#12 - Most Embarrassing Mistakes

In this episode, we share a string of unforgettable embarrassing moments—from awkward comments and misunderstood jokes to a disastrous best man toast, a piano mishap, and a very unfortunate carnival ride. We also swap a few weekly joys, including a Lionel Richie concert, a fun work swim party, and a family performance coming up in the community orchestra. If you’ve ever said something at exactly the wrong time, laughed when you shouldn’t have, or had a moment you can’t stop thinking about years later, this episode is for you.
9 Aug

#11 - Things We Were Completely Wrong About

Josh and Addison look back at beliefs they once held strongly and how those views shifted with age, marriage, and parenting. They cover everything from sports obsession to having kids young, the pressure to be “established” before starting a family, and the importance of enjoying life in the present instead of always waiting for some future milestone. In this episode, Josh and Addison each share how real life has challenged the assumptions they had in their 20s and teens. They keep coming back to the theme that most of the things that feel urgent, permanent, or overwhelming usually aren’t.
2 Aug

#10 - Advice We Ignored and Regretted

In this episode, Addison and Josh share personal stories, practical advice, and reflections on life’s joys and challenges. From adventurous climbs and boat outings to managing technology and health, they explore how small habits and perspectives can transform daily living. Key Topics The thrill and safety measures of Via Ferrata climbing adventuresThe importance of taking intentional breaks from technologyPractical habits for maintaining organization and order at homeThe value of regular date nights and quality time with your spouseInsights on health, nutrition, and listening to your bodyThe dangers of early cell phone use and social media for kidsThe significance of forward-looking goals and fun experiencesThe importance of learning new skills regardless of ageHow small daily commitments can lead to lifelong habits
26 Jul

#9 - Financial Lessons We Learned the Hard Way

In this episode Josh and Addison take a look at financial decisions they have made and how they have impacted their lives. Come learn from and with Josh and Addison while they talk all things finance this episode! Find us on Instagram @learnwithaddy or TikTok @learningfromourmistakes. Email us at learningfromourmistakes@gmail.com
19 Jul

#8 - Parenting Mistakes We Didn't See Coming

In this episode Josh and Addison dive into the topic of parenting. With Addison having the experience raising her two little toddlers and Josh having 5 kids that are ages 23-13, they combine their experiences to share with you today! We hope you enjoy listening. Find us on Instagram @lfom or TikTok @learningfromourmistakes. Email us at learningfromourmistakes@gmail.com

Father / Daughter duo get together to reminisce about days gone by as well as discuss the funny things that happen while raising a young family. You’ll get an old man’s reflections on things in the past and grow with a young mom as she raises her family.

Creator

Addison Ruiz
Years Active

2026
Episodes

15
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Addison and Josh 2026
Show Website

Learning From Our Mistakes