The Ordinary Family

Coleman and Abby Housefield
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Bimonthly

Welcome to The Ordinary Family Podcast! Where we celebrate the beauty in everyday family life! Whether you're trying to find time for an uninterrupted conversation with your partner, tackling the mountain of laundry or dishes, trying to keep your children alive, or just trying to figure out what’s for dinner, this is the place where real conversations happen about the highs, lows, and everything in between. This podcast is dedicated to everyone who is trying to make a living, build a strong relationship with your partner, raise good humans, and take care of yourself—because doing all this, some days, feels like more than an ordinary person can do. Our goal is to help you thrive in every area of your life: at home, at work, and in your community. Join your hosts, Coleman (marriage and family coach) and Abby (yoga teacher and homeschool enrichment business owner) as we explore the art of marriage, parenting and navigating life with honesty, humor, and support. We’ll share with you the tools we use, hilarious stories, and all the insights we’ve gained from being married for 15 years, parents for 11 years, and many more years of life and work experience. Have a question or comment to share? We'd love to hear from you! You can send us an email at: ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack: colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram: abbyhousefield coleman.housefield.coaching colemanhousefield.substack.com

  1. #50: Covenant, Not Commitment: How the Clapp Family Built a Marriage Worth Staying In

    Jun 4

    #50: Covenant, Not Commitment: How the Clapp Family Built a Marriage Worth Staying In

    What does intentional family life actually look like after 32 years of marriage, six kids, two international adoptions, and a whole lot of earned wisdom? In this episode, we sit down with Rick and Laura Clapp — coaches, parents, and longtime mentors to the Housefield family — for one of the most substantive conversations yet on the podcast. Rick is a faith-driven executive coach and strategic retreat leader. Laura is an assessment coach who spent years as a full-time mom before channeling her seminary training and life experience into coaching individuals and couples. Together, they’ve built a family and a marriage that is honest, intentional, and deeply rooted — and they hold nothing back here. They open up about what it took to keep their marriage strong through the chaos of six kids under ten, how they navigated two adoptions from Eswatini, Africa, and why the teenage years nearly broke Laura’s perfectly structured systems — in the best possible way. They get into the real differences between a commitment and a covenant, why laughter has been one of their most underrated marriage tools, and what it felt like when their adult kids came back with feedback they didn’t ask for but needed to hear. If you’re a parent who’s ever thought I know I’m going to hear about this someday, or a spouse who’s wondered whether you’re actually building something that will last — this one is for you. One of our favorite quotes from the interview was this (regarding parenting): You can plant and water but you don’t control the fruit. In this episode: * Why Rick and Laura agreed early on to remove the “eject button” from their marriage — and what that covenant actually looks like in hard seasons * How Laura thrived with toddlers and nearly tapped out with teenagers (and what changed) * The color-coded plate system, the laminated chore charts, and the senior year “living allowance” — practical family systems that actually scaled across six kids * Rick’s three tools for getting out of the “Valley of Suck” after hard parenting moments * What 32 years of pursuing their kids — and each other — has taught them about control, grace, and letting go * Why parenting is not a formula, and what it looks like to trust the process even when you can’t see the fruit yet If you’re curious to learn more about Rick and Laura’s coaching and family you can head over to this website → http://beyondsurvival.org You can also find Rick on Linkedin → Rick On Linkedin Have a question or comment to share? We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    1h 5m
  2. #49: The Check-In: One Simple Habit That Keeps the Geary Marriage Connected

    May 21

    #49: The Check-In: One Simple Habit That Keeps the Geary Marriage Connected

    What does a thriving marriage actually look like after 16 years, two adopted daughters, and lots of travel? In this episode, Coleman and Abby sit down with Tommy and Brenda Geary — coaches, adventurers, and parents of two — for one of the most honest and warm conversations we’ve had on the show. Tommy is a men’s life coach and adventure guide, and Brenda works in health and wellness at a university. Together, they’ve built a life that looks a little different from most: no living room furniture, no TV, a woods trail behind their house, and a marriage they both genuinely want to be in. They open up about what it was really like to discover they couldn’t have biological children, how four months of travel in Central America shaped their relationship, and why parenting — not marriage — turned out to be the harder road. They also get into the adoption-specific challenges most parenting books don’t cover, how Dr. Becky Kennedy’s work completely changed the way they show up for their strong-willed eight-year-old, and the simple five-minute check-in practice that keeps them connected even when life gets loud. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing marriage or parenting differently than everyone around you — and wondered if that’s okay — this episode is for you. In this episode: * The “check-in” practice Tommy uses with couples and why Brenda is usually the one to ask for it * Why both Tommy and Brenda say marriage has been the easy part * What adoption taught them about grief, big emotions, and holding two truths at once * How they keep play alive between backpacking trips and bedtime shark games * What they’d each tell their younger selves about marriage and parenting If you’re curious to learn more about Tommy’s coaching and awesome adventure trips you can head over to this website → https://www.tommygcoaching.com/ Have a question or comment to share? We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    1h 5m
  3. #48: Stop Waiting for the Weekend: How to Recharge in the Micro Moments

    Apr 30

    #48: Stop Waiting for the Weekend: How to Recharge in the Micro Moments

    These micro moves can turn your depleted days into energized ones—plus a surprising insight into self-care. It’s not about trying to cram more productivity into every hour; it’s about understanding where our energy actually goes—and how to create more of it. The core insight? We can minimize our drains, but we’ll never fully eliminate them (and you don’t want to, trust me). Instead, the real magic is in managing our energy by adding micro gains—tiny, strategic moments that refill our tank before it hits zero. In this episode, we talk about three camps people fall into when it comes to energy management: those who don’t know what energizes them, those who only associate gains with big, time-consuming acts, and those who mistake entertainment or indulgence for recovery—like binge-watching TV or doom-scrolling. We give you the key to recognizing the difference between relief and recovery. Relief is numbing pain temporarily, but recovery restores us physically, emotionally, and mentally. And here’s something that might surprise you: the most effective gains don’t have to cost a thing. A ten-minute walk, a slow kitchen prep, a focused conversation with someone you love—these micro-moves matter more than we think. They help us stay connected, grounded, and resilient throughout our week. What’s vital, though, is becoming self-aware. Do we know what drains us, or are we just reacting to obligation, culture, or comparison? For example, Abby shared how she realized late-night social media browsing only made her feel more scattered. Once we can name these things, we can start to intentionally design our days, adding short, restorative micro gains and managing inevitable drains. It’s also about language—learning to dig a little deeper than “I feel tired” or “I’m overwhelmed.” Are you overstimulated? Mentally cluttered? Bored? Sometimes, a simple shift in words exposes what our body and mind are actually asking for—movement, rest, or connection. Self-awareness, frankly, is the secret to living intentionally without burning out. Because when we operate from a place of energy—rather than depletion—we show up better for those who matter most in our lives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of overhaul, start small. Look at your schedule—what’s draining you most? What micro gains can you build in? And plan ahead—if you know a big drain is coming, like a tough meeting or social event, prep yourself with some refueling points. Your body knows what it needs. Your job is to listen, name, and honor it. We wouldd love to hear—what micro gains are you planning to add this week? Or which drain are you working to manage better? Have a great weekend! Coleman + Abby Have a question or comment to share? We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    57 min
  4. #47: The Over-scheduled Family

    Apr 16

    #47: The Over-scheduled Family

    Most families aren’t overwhelmed because they’re doing the wrong things. They’re overwhelmed because they’re doing too many good things—stacked on top of each other with no margin. In this episode, we talk about how over-scheduling quietly drains connection, why your family’s capacity matters more than you think, and how doing less might actually lead to a more meaningful, connected life at home. Are you ready to stop rushing from one thing to the next and feeling disconnected from the people you love the most? I got you! Book a FREE call with me and I'll help you make a plan that feels good and feels like something you can accomplish accounting for your specific and unique family dynamics. Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find Helen and Rick online: Website: https://www.frownies.com/ Instagram: helenkmorrison Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    42 min
  5. #46: Your Happiness Is an Inside Job: Marriage, Identity, and Personal Growth with Helen and Rick Morrison

    Apr 2

    #46: Your Happiness Is an Inside Job: Marriage, Identity, and Personal Growth with Helen and Rick Morrison

    Starting in 2026 we will be interviewing parents who’ve struggled, stayed in the arena and kept fighting for their family and marriage. These aren’t people who have it all together, these are parents who’ve done the work to build a life they love together. Our first interview is with Abby and my longtime friends, Rick and Helen Morrison. We can’t wait to bring you more interviews this year to encourage and inspire you as you build a life that you love with your family. Summary Rick and Helen Morrison share their journey from struggle to harmony in family life. Parenting can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences in life. Many couples find themselves struggling to balance their roles, especially when one partner’s career demands their attention away from home. In this episode, we’ll explore our conversation with Rick and Helen Morrison, who bravely shared their journey through the trials of parenting while managing a demanding career. You’ll learn about their struggles, the changes they made, and how they found a healthier family dynamic. Rick and Helen Morrison are entrepreneurs and partners in both life and business. Together, they own and operate several businesses, helping brands grow through marketing and strategic development. They also play a key role in leading Helen’s family business, Frownies, a legacy skincare company founded in 1889. They work from home while raising their two children, Maverick and Sunny, and are passionate about building businesses, creating meaningful experiences, and fostering community. Outside of work, they love to travel, spend time outdoors, and enjoy great food with family and friends. Rick and Helen Morrison’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing family and communication in parenting. Their journey shows that with courage and commitment, couples can overcome the challenges of balancing career demands with family life. If you’re struggling in a similar situation, remember: you are not alone, and you can do this. Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find Helen and Rick online: Website: https://www.frownies.com/ Instagram: helenkmorrison Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    47 min
  6. #45: You’re Not Stuck — You’re Just Re-telling the Wrong Story (over and over again)

    Mar 19

    #45: You’re Not Stuck — You’re Just Re-telling the Wrong Story (over and over again)

    In this episode, we explore the powerful concept that our memories and the stories we tell ourselves about the past shape our present and future. You’ll learn practical strategies to uncover unconscious stories, rewrite them, and ultimately change your life trajectory—all while honoring reality. Whether you’re dealing with limiting beliefs or emotional patterns, this discussion provides clear insight into how perceptions—more than facts—determine who you become. In this episode: * How the autonomic nervous system operates below conscious awareness to protect us from emotional and physical danger * The significance of awareness in recognizing and shifting unconscious stories * Step-by-step process for bringing hidden stories to the surface through journaling and thought downloads * The concept that memories are reconstructed, not replayed like videos, and how this makes rewriting possible * How stories about key events—like trauma, divorce, or failure—shape identity and behaviors * The difference between factual events and the stories we attach to them * Practical coaching techniques to identify and reframe unhelpful narratives * Why stories about who you are (identity) are more impactful than the events themselves * How to make intentional shift from limiting to empowering stories that serve your goals * The impact of self-coaching, external coaching, and neuroplasticity in rewriting stories * Examples from history, neuroscience, and personal experiences to underline the mind’s flexibility Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    38 min
  7. #44: Your Nervous System Is Teaching Your Kids

    Mar 6

    #44: Your Nervous System Is Teaching Your Kids

    In this episode, Coleman and Abby Housefield share proven techniques for guiding children through emotional regulation at different stages of development, emphasizing a shift from control towards connection. Drawing on their personal experiences with three kids across age ranges, and their coaching expertise they uncover how parental regulation and emotional skill-building lays a foundation for resilient, independent, and emotionally healthy kids. In this episode: * The societal myth that parenting is about controlling behavior and why it’s flawed * How children’s misbehavior is a natural part of their growth and testing boundaries * The importance of shifting from managing behavior to guiding emotional maturity * The power of co-regulation and why it’s foundational from birth onward * How emotional regulation in parents directly influences children’s capacity to self-regulate * Practical tools for different age ranges: zero to five, five to nine, and 10 to 14 * The significance of self-regulation, thought work, and emotional responsibility * How fostering independence and connection accelerates emotional strength Timestamps: 00:00 - The core mindset shift: from control to guiding emotional maturity02:03 - Debunking the myth: children’s misbehavior is developmentally appropriate04:01 - Why emotional regulation is more crucial than behavior correction07:18 - The role of nervous system regulation in parenting and teaching10:24 - The importance of feeling safe for neuroplasticity and change13:10 - Co-regulation in infants to preschoolers: practical tools and examples15:32 - The process of modeling regulation by borrowing calm from caregivers18:03 - How children learn regulation through observation and presence20:36 - Bridging from co-regulation to awareness in elementary-age children25:17 - The strategy of movement and physical expression for emotional processing32:13 - Teaching emotional awareness: how to help kids recognize sensations in their bodies36:05 - Transitioning to thought work and emotional responsibility in preteens38:26 - The power of thought-feeling-action mapping to shift behaviors42:02 - Journaling and externalizing thoughts for clarity and emotional resilience43:17 - The importance of parental self-awareness and emotional work44:46 - Introducing the concept of emotional responsibility to older children48:44 - The 50-50 principle: accepting life’s ups and downs as a pathway to resilience54:23 - Why emotional strength surpasses physical and mental strength in importance56:01 - How investing in your own regulation creates a generational inheritance of emotional resilience Resources & Links: * Dr. Dominique NG (Neuroscientist) * Co-regulation tools and resources from Dr. Becky Kennedy Additional notes: * Focus on modeling regulation over correction * Use curiosity and questions to foster independence * Remember that emotional strength is an ongoing process—not a destination * Seek support and coaching to accelerate your growth as a parent Final thought: The most powerful gift you can give your children is your own emotional strength. When they see you regulate and lead with connection, they learn resilience naturally. Your work starts with you, and it transforms your entire family. Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    57 min
  8. #43: You Can Build a Marriage You Actually Want to Be In Using These 3 Tools

    Feb 19

    #43: You Can Build a Marriage You Actually Want to Be In Using These 3 Tools

    Why would more time together feel like a threat—rather than a blessing? A great marriage isn’t luck or chemistry, it’s a set of deliberate skills anyone can develop. This episode uncovers the three revolutionary skills that shift your marriage from surviving to thriving: letting go of relationship manuals, owning your emotional responsibility, and choosing unconditional love and support. Coleman and Abby explain how giving up rigid expectations opens the door to deeper understanding, how taking responsibility for your emotions empowers you, and how love itself becomes a conscious act—not a feeling you wait for. These aren’t just theories—they’re practical tools they’ve used to transform tension into connection, resentment into appreciation, and routine into intimacy. You’ll discover: * The pitfalls of holding onto unspoken standards—your “relationship manual”—and how to dismantle it * How supporting your spouse, instead of rescuing or enabling, builds authentic strength on both sides * Why emotional responsibility is your secret weapon for a resilient and joyful marriage * How to intentionally change your thoughts about your partner to cultivate love even in tough seasons * Practical exercises to identify subtle expectations and leverage each other’s strengths for a partnership that grows more fulfilling over time Failing to implement these skills can keep you stuck in cycles of frustration, distance, and unspoken resentment—while mastering them paves the way for a marriage that feels full, supportive, and worth celebrating. Whether you’re in a challenging season or simply want to deepen your connection, this episode arms you with the clarity and tools to create a relationship that you love—and that loves you back. Perfect for committed couples eager to elevate their partnership or singles preparing for marriage, this conversation is your blueprint for a lasting, vibrant love. Start applying these insights today, and watch your relationship evolve into the deep connection you desire. Have a question or comment to share?We would love to hear from you!You can send us an email at:ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack:colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram:abbyhousefieldcoleman.housefield.coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colemanhousefield.substack.com

    45 min
See All (51)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Ordinary Family Podcast! Where we celebrate the beauty in everyday family life! Whether you're trying to find time for an uninterrupted conversation with your partner, tackling the mountain of laundry or dishes, trying to keep your children alive, or just trying to figure out what’s for dinner, this is the place where real conversations happen about the highs, lows, and everything in between. This podcast is dedicated to everyone who is trying to make a living, build a strong relationship with your partner, raise good humans, and take care of yourself—because doing all this, some days, feels like more than an ordinary person can do. Our goal is to help you thrive in every area of your life: at home, at work, and in your community. Join your hosts, Coleman (marriage and family coach) and Abby (yoga teacher and homeschool enrichment business owner) as we explore the art of marriage, parenting and navigating life with honesty, humor, and support. We’ll share with you the tools we use, hilarious stories, and all the insights we’ve gained from being married for 15 years, parents for 11 years, and many more years of life and work experience. Have a question or comment to share? We'd love to hear from you! You can send us an email at: ordinaryfamilyshow@gmail.com Here’s where you can find us online: Websites: https://www.colemanhousefield.com/ https://www.thenaturelabschool.com/ Substack: colemanhousefield.substack.com Instagram: abbyhousefield coleman.housefield.coaching colemanhousefield.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Coleman and Abby Housefield
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Coleman Housefield
  • Show Website
    The Ordinary Family