Hey, are you still there?: Life at the intersection of Marriage, Family, Careers, and Ministry.

Mike and Beth Gianopulos
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Join Mike and Beth each week as they examine life at the intersection of MARRIAGE, FAMILY, CAREERS, and MINISTRY. Through 30 years of ministry, 28 years of marriage, 25 years of professional careers, and 23 years of being parents to 3 kids, their fun and honest discussions promise to have something for everyone.  Listener Reviews "In the land of ‘heavy’ podcasts that are divisive or featuring so-called experts self-promoting, yours is a breath of fresh air. A podcast exists to just talk about life, to have fun, with no agenda or script. In other words, “nothing”. Entertaining and enjoyable. And sometimes “something. “ "This is ridiculous, but sometimes funny." (A teenage kid to his mom, who was listening in the car)

  1. 1d ago

    How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards, Travel Points & Airline Miles

    Our most requested episode ever is finally here!  Have you ever wondered how to get the most out of your credit card rewards? In this episode of Hey, Are You Still There?, we’re exploring how to maximize credit card points, earn airline miles, and turn everyday spending into incredible travel experiences. Beth shares her proven strategies for earning, redeeming, and maximizing millions of credit card points and travel miles. From choosing the best rewards credit cards to booking family vacations using points, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you make your money work harder. She discusses the benefits of cash back vs. travel rewards credit cards, how to choose the right cards for your spending habits, and why a simple two-card strategy might be all you need. Beth also explains how to transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, find award flight availability, and decide when to pay cash versus redeeming points. Mike and Beth also explore the growing trend of exclusive credit card flight discounts, the best tools for booking award travel, and some of Beth’s favorite—and most unusual—travel redemptions. Whether you’re a beginner looking to earn your first rewards points or an experienced traveler hoping to get more value from your credit card miles, you’ll discover practical ways to maximize travel rewards without making the process unnecessarily complicated. In this episode, we cover: How to use credit cards responsibly to maximize rewardsCash back vs. travel rewards: Which is right for you?How many credit cards do you really need?The two-card system for optimizing everyday spendingHow to earn and redeem credit card points for maximum valueTransferring points to airline and hotel partnersBooking award travel for the whole familyWhen to use points and miles versus paying cashCredit card travel portals vs. transferring points directlyFinding award availability and using the best travel rewards toolsExclusive cardholder flight discounts and creative points redemptionsThe bottom line: You don’t have to be a travel expert or juggle dozens of credit cards to get more value from your spending. With the right strategy, you can turn everyday purchases into memorable travel experiences. Join Mike and Beth on Hey, Are You Still There? for an honest, practical conversation about money, travel, and making the most of the opportunities available to you. Subscribe and follow along for more conversations about marriage, family, careers, faith, and everyday life. Earn up to 200,000 bonus points with the new IHG One Rewards credit cards. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card. https://www.referyourchasecard.com/210z/7H4CQLYKGT Earn 100,000 bonus points with Sapphire Reserve® or 75,000 bonus points with Sapphire Preferred®. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for either card. https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19y/XI260QJUMK Show Sponsor: Mid Carolina Structures This episode of Hey, Are You Still There? is sponsored by Mid-Carolina Structures, providing structural engineering and design services for commercial and residential projects. From renovations and structural repairs to new construction, parking decks, and commercial facilities, they bring expertise to projects of all sizes. Learn more about how Mid-Carolina Structures can help build a stronger foundation for your next project! https://share.google/5DGehYlPC6k6xB94U Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Credit card rewards strategies work best when you manage credit responsibly, pay your balances in full, and avoid interest charges and unnecessary fees. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards, Travel Points & Airline Miles

  2. Oct 5

    All Aboard The Friend Ship: Pet Peeves & Adult Friends

    This week on Hey, Are You Still There?, Mike and Beth finally reveal the name of “New Cat” after getting plenty of suggestions from listeners on social media! Then the conversation turns to pet peeves—and not just the kind that drive you crazy at home. Mike and Beth share their biggest pet peeves in marriage, family life, parenting, the workplace, friendships, and Christian life. You may laugh, relate, or realize that you might actually be someone else’s pet peeve! After recapping a weekend spent with several friends, Mike and Beth dive into an important conversation about adult friendships and relationships. Why is it so difficult to make friends as adults? Why do friendships become harder to maintain as we get older? And why are meaningful friendships and community so important for our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being? Whether you’re married, raising a family, navigating your career, or simply trying to build deeper friendships as an adult, this episode is full of humor, honest conversations, marriage advice, family life, Christian perspectives, and practical encouragement. This Week’s Show Sponsors 119 on North Boutique Looking for unique clothing, accessories, gifts, home décor, and more? Visit 119 on North Boutique in downtown Kernersville, NC. Use code Mike&Beth15 for 15% off your purchase! 119 on North Boutique⁠ Palmetto Theatre of Walnut Cove Our other sponsor is the historic Palmetto Theatre, located in downtown Walnut Cove, NC. Check out their website for a complete list of upcoming concerts, live shows, movies, comedy events, and more happening at the Palmetto! Palmetto Theatre of Walnut Cove⁠ Thank you for supporting our sponsors and supporting Hey, Are You Still There?! Send us Fan Mail Support the show

  3. Sep 28

    Maybe Happy Ending: Wedding Do’s and Don’ts & The Mandala Effect

    This week on Hey, Are You Still There?, Mike and Beth are talking all things weddings, marriage, and relationships after Mike officiated a wedding this weekend. They see who can remember the most from their wedding day. What are the biggest wedding do’s and don’ts? How much should you spend on a wedding? Does the location matter? Which wedding traditions are worth keeping—and which ones can go? And perhaps the biggest question of all: Whose wedding is it anyway? But the wedding conversation isn’t the only thing happening this week! Mike and Beth also talk about: What makes a bad podcast?An update on New CatMike and Jacob’s recent trip to see the Atlanta BravesMike and Beth’s experience seeing the Broadway hit “Maybe Happy Ending”Is it Brown or Browns Summit and could this be the Mandala Effect or merging timelinesIf you enjoy marriage podcasts, relationship advice, family conversations, wedding stories, parenting, faith, and funny real-life stories, this episode has a little bit of everything. Sponsor: 119 On North Boutique Use code Mike&Beth15 for 15% off www.119onnorth.com  “Fear is a Four Letter Word” by Michael Gianopulos  https://a.co/d/02mqs5Ay Send us Fan Mail Support the show

  4. Sep 21

    Fear And Loathing in Kernersville: Book Releases & Soap Boxes

    What happens when a pastor starts talking about salary, a nonprofit struggles to keep the doors open, and a couple decides to visit the set of The Walking Dead? You get another wide-ranging episode of Hey, Are You Still There? This week, Beth gives an update on her career and they discuss changes in the job market, college majors, philosophy, and whether the degree you choose really determines your future. Mike and Beth also get honest about pastor salaries, the financial challenges of ministry, running a nonprofit, and finding kindred spirits along the way. They also talk about Beth’s visit to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, whether guest speaker Mike Willard preached the best sermon ever at Re3 Church, and how you can support the Re3 Hope Center. Then things take a fun turn with a shoutout to 119 on North Boutique, a visit to the Walking Dead filming locations in Senoia, Georgia, Mike’s recent comedy show at Message Coffee, and the release of his newest book, Fear Is a Four-Letter Word. It’s a fun and honest conversation about marriage, careers, faith, ministry, nonprofits, comedy, and life in general. SHOW SPONSOR: 119 On North Boutique  www.119onnorth.com Use code Mike&Beth15 for 15% off Send us Fan Mail Support the show

  5. Sep 14

    “Who Would Win?: Marriage, Travel, Stray Cats & a Flooded House”

    This week on Hey, Are You Still There?, Mike and Beth are back with another fun and honest conversation about marriage, family, travel, relationships, and everyday life. The episode kicks off in Atlanta, where Beth reveals how she scored a free three-night stay at a swanky hotel. Mike shares some exciting updates about the podcast, including an increase in listeners and a boost in social media growth. The couple also introduces their newest podcast sponsor, 119 on North Boutique, and talks about the unique shopping experience, giveaways, discounts, and everything the boutique has to offer. Things get a little more chaotic when Mike brings home yet another stray cat, leading to a hilarious debate about who gets to decide whether the newest member of the family gets to stay. Then Mike gets some unexpected news while they’re out of town—a fish tank flooded their house! Mike and Beth also look back on their recent Western North Carolina road trip, sharing stories from stops in Cullowhee, Bryson City, Franklin, and Sylva. From travel adventures to home disasters, family stories, and plenty of marriage disagreements, this episode is full of the kind of real-life moments that make relationships interesting. They wrap up the episode with a new game called “Who Would Win?” and put their marriage to the test with some hilarious competition. Who would win a 40-yard dash? Who would win a debate? And, more importantly, who would win when Mike and Beth disagree? If you enjoy marriage podcasts, relationship advice, husband and wife conversations, family podcasts, funny couple stories, travel stories, and real-life conversations, this episode of Hey, Are You Still There? is for you. SHOW SPONSOR 119 on North Boutique  www.119onnorth.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show

  6. Sep 7

    Hotel Frog-ifornia: Murder Trials & Who Would Do That

    Marriage, relationships, family, faith, and plenty of laughs are all on the table this week on Hey, Are You Still There? with Mike and Beth Gianopulos. Mike and Beth talk about the history of Labor Day, fashion mistakes, Beth’s strong feelings about sweatpants, and the neighborhood drama surrounding a new frog hotel, goldfish pond, outdoor lighting, and the surprising impact of artificial light on birds. They also discuss the Lindsey Clancy trial and the influence of social media on public opinion, before Mike shares his thoughts on the documentary The Death of a Pastor’s Wife. Then it’s time for a new marriage game: “Who Is More Likely To…?” Mike and Beth put their relationship to the test with funny questions about marriage, personality, habits, and everyday life. If you enjoy marriage podcasts, husband and wife conversations, relationship podcasts, Christian podcasts, family life, current events, and comedy, this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

  7. Aug 31

    Stop Shoulding Yourself: Dolly Parton & People Pleasing

    Mike and Beth kick off this week’s episode of Hey, Are You Still There? by diving into listener responses and poll results from their question: Newborns or toddlers—which stage is harder? They compare the challenges of raising newborns and teenagers, exploring how parenting these two very different stages can be surprisingly similar—and completely different. The conversation then turns to the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, followed by Beth sharing her thoughts on the movie The Sheep Detectives. Mike puts Beth’s legal knowledge to the test with a hilarious new podcast segment, “Legal or Illegal,” where she has to determine what’s actually legal. To wrap things up, Mike and Beth get reflective as they discuss ministry and the things they would go back and change if they could do it all over again. They also discuss the difference in should vs could and how that impacts not just ministry but life decisions.  A fun and honest episode filled with parenting stories, marriage, family, faith, ministry, pop culture, legal trivia, and plenty of laughs. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

  8. Aug 24

    You Wreck Me: Crashes, Oxtail, & Career Advice

    Beth shares stories from her solo trip to Atlanta, reconnecting with college friends, navigating city loneliness, and riding in a driverless Waymo. Mike recounts surviving a six-car interstate accident during a mountain trip, along with his first taste of oxtail and a surprising Airbnb spaghetti delivery. The episode also includes Uber stories, plant problems, The Sheep Detectives, and a meaningful conversation about career growth, workplace confidence, negotiating your worth, burnout, leadership, and learning to delegate. In this episode: Solo travel in AtlantaReconnecting with old friendsDriverless Waymo ridesSurviving a six-car highway accidentOxtail and unexpected Airbnb foodUber driver kindnessCareer advice and workplace confidenceNegotiating your salary and knowing your worthBurnout, perfectionism, and leadershipDelegating instead of doing everything yourselfMarriage, family, ministry, and life lessonsA preview of the mysterious Frog Hotel storyA funny and honest podcast conversation about travel, accidents, careers, relationships, and betting on yourself. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join Mike and Beth each week as they examine life at the intersection of MARRIAGE, FAMILY, CAREERS, and MINISTRY. Through 30 years of ministry, 28 years of marriage, 25 years of professional careers, and 23 years of being parents to 3 kids, their fun and honest discussions promise to have something for everyone.  Listener Reviews "In the land of ‘heavy’ podcasts that are divisive or featuring so-called experts self-promoting, yours is a breath of fresh air. A podcast exists to just talk about life, to have fun, with no agenda or script. In other words, “nothing”. Entertaining and enjoyable. And sometimes “something. “ "This is ridiculous, but sometimes funny." (A teenage kid to his mom, who was listening in the car)

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