In this heartfelt episode of the Dish It Girl podcast, host Dina Deleasa Gonsar sits down with relationship expert Lindsay Maestas for an honest conversation about the beautiful, complicated, and often messy layers of relationships. Together, they unpack the power of vulnerability, the realities of marriage and parenting, and the emotional labor that so often goes unseen. Lindsay opens up about her own journey—from navigating postpartum depression to learning how attachment styles shape the way we love. She shares why communication is non-negotiable, why taking responsibility matters, and how couples can break the “crazy cycle” that keeps them stuck. Dina and Lindsay also address the hard topic of divorce, its ripple effects on families and friendships, and why rooting yourself in faith brings grounding and clarity in seasons of strain. The episode closes with practical encouragement: pray together, pursue fun again, date your spouse, and keep choosing connection. Whether you're married, parenting, rebuilding, or somewhere in the messy middle, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and hope. This week in the kitchen: Featured Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken & Waffles https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/maple-dijon-chicken-waffles Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Mushroom Risotto Maple Dijon Chicken and Waffles Ingredients 4 boneless skinless chicken breast ¾ cup maple syrup ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp shallots, finely chopped ½ tbsp soy sauce 2 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped 2 sprigs thyme leaves 2 sage leaves finely chopped 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tbsp flour 2 tsp lemon juice 1/3 cup chicken broth ½ cup heavy cream 4 Belgian waffles (can be store bought) instructions In a medium size bowl whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, shallots, soy sauce, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag, or shallow baking dish. Pour about ½ cup of the mixture over the chicken. Coating it on all sides, cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to marinate. Up to 2 hours if you have the time! Set aside the leftover marinade. When ready to cook, take out of the refrigerator to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees, line a baking sheet with sides with parchment paper. Place chicken on the sheet pan, discard the marinade from the chicken. Place chicken in the over for about 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Meanwhile prepare the sauce and the waffles. For the Pan Sauce In a medium sauté pan with high sides add 2 tablespoons of butter over medium- low heat. Once butter is melted add 1 tbsp flour, cook for one minute. Add in the reserved marinade to the pan, along with 1/3 cup chicken broth. Whisk constantly until smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat and add ½ cup heavy cream, whisking to incorporate, add in lemon juice and whisk once more, returning to heat to warm through but do not bring it to a simmer or a boil. Assembly Prepare the belgian waffles according to package directions. Option to go the extra step and make them homemade. My favorite recipe linked below. Place the waffle on a dish, slice a piece of chicken breast on a diagonal, place pieces on top of the waffle, spoon pan sauce over top and serve warm. Resources: Dina’s Cookbook-https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939 Favorite Waffle Recipe: https://www.butterbeready.com/buttermilk-waffles/ Lindsey Maestas - https://sparrowsandlily.com/ Don’t Burn Your House Down Lindsey Maestas- https://sparrowsandlily.com/book-landing-page/ Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org