Our First Drink: Conversations w/ Interesting Couples on Marriage, Relationships, Dating, Business & Social Media + Advice Podcast

03/20/2016

Ep. 10: Love March Madness. How college basketball and our relationship intersect.

We're back! Sort of. After 9 episodes in a row to launch the podcast we decided to take a short break to recuperate. But in between recording interviews for "Season 2", Josh got inspired to write something while watching our beloved Iowa State Cyclones during March Madness. These shorter episodes are something we'll be doing from time to time in the future. Sometimes they'll be essays and other times they'll just be a quick chat between Stasia and I. Don't worry though, our interviews aren't going anywhere. We've got some great ones already in the can! In this episode Why Josh and Stasia love March Madness. Cat football jerseys from your alma mater. The importance of choosing a great college even if you don't use your degree. All the reason's Josh loves Iowa State. The best decision of my life. We're on Spotify! Did you know that you can listen to podcasts on Spotify? Are you listening to us on Spotify right now? Well you could be because we're now on Spotify! Just open the app and search for "Our First Drink"! Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. If you liked the show will you help us create an awesome community of couples by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes? ourfirstdrink.com/episode10 | Rate us on iTunes | Use "firstdrink" for 20% at shoppaperantler.com

9 min

02/13/2016

Ep. 09: Best friends, will travel (plus baby). Jonny and Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler Photography.

As we’ve mentioned before Stasia is a CPA so this is a busy travel time of the year for her and that means I’m flying solo again in the intro while she is...literally...in the air flying home. And I am so happy for her to be coming home because frankly...I really miss her when she’s gone. She is my best friend in the world and my evening just aren’t the same....or as funny without her. That same kind of friendship is what immediately comes to mind as I look back on our interview with our guests for Ep. 9 of The Our First Drink Podcast, Jonny and Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler. They are a super talented husband and wife photography duo who since 2008 have been traveling the world capturing gorgeous images for numerous weddings in addition to Pixar, The Huffington Post, Satchel & Page, and Doomtree Records to name a few. But most importantly they are unabashedly best friends and doting parents to their daughter, Dottie. It was such a pleasure to meet these two in person a couple of months ago because they are one of those couples you meet and can instantly tell that they really, REALLY like each other. And that is why we are so happy to have them as our guests this week. If you follow these two on Instagram @paperantler...and you totally should...it is crystal clear how much fun they have with each other and now with their daughter. So we were really curious to learn about what the secret to their relationship is. In this episode Why starting a relationship as close friends is hard to beat. How getting outside of your normal environment can help you see someone in a totally different way. How having a baby has changed their perspective on their business and their professional identity. Inspiration that comes from watching your partner do something that takes real gumption. The importance of liking each other in your relationship Celine Dion karaoke...your heart WILL in fact go on. Our First Drink Couples Quiz Who is the CEO and who is the COO? What's more important to you...experience or accomplishment? Who is the straight man and who is the comedian? Make it happen or let it happen? Karaoke? Yes or no? About Michelle and Jonny Hoffner Lovers of: Dottie, pressing onward and a nice afternoon of Chipotle + Settlers. Haters of: the game. Since 2008 we've been your friendly husband + wife photography duo, traveling the world to capture the beauty and endurance of transient moments. From Argentina to New Zealand, and every corner of the United States, we thrive on being present, intentional and relational in the environments we inhabit. Also, sometimes we rhyme slow. Sometimes we rhyme quick. You can see their work on Instagram @paperantler, the Paper Antler website, and you buy their beautiful prints with... 20% Off Prints from Paper Antler To get this special deal for Our First Drink listeners: Go to shoppaperantler.com Select your print(s). Enter the code, "firstdrink", at checkout for 20% off your ENTIRE order! Thanks again for listening! Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. If you liked the show will you help us create an awesome community of couples by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes? ourfirstdrink.com/episode9 | Rate us on iTunes | Use "firstdrink" for 20% at shoppaperantler.com

48 min

02/05/2016

Ep. 08: eHarmony and Marriage Between a Wolverine and a Buckeye w/ Ashely Minear and Bryan Minear.

A lot of couples these days have a period of time in their lives where they’re dating long distance or someone is traveling for work (like Stasia is this week) and so they have the task of trying to maintain their relationship over things like the phone, texts, and skype. And it's definitely not always easy. Fortunately, most couples don’t start their relationship that way. Usually there’s a fair amount of in-person time before you deal with anything long distance. However, without giving too much away our guests for Episode 8 of the Our First Drink Podcast, Bryan and Ashley Minear, had a lot of ground to cover before they could finally share their first drink in person after meeting on eHarmony. This interview went way over our normal interview time, but we had so much fun with their story that we just couldn’t cut it down. ourfirstdrink.com/episode8 In this episode Designing One Direction and Frozen Fatheads - enough said. eHarmony marriage bonds despite bitter college rivalries. Beginning a relationship in two different states and the communication skills that come from it. Inspiration that comes from watching your partner do something that takes real gumption. How life can give you a nudge in the right direction. The balance between wanderlust, creativity, and impending parenthood. Our First Drink Couples Quiz List or no list? Who is the straight-man and who is the comedian? Get to work early or stay late? Curate or accumulate? Fight or flight? About Ashley Minear and Bryan Minear Ashley is a Michigan-made marketing manager by day and a combination artist, cat-lover, tea-drinker, and photographer in her free time. She is a soon-to-be mommy and couldn’t be more excited. Bryan is an Ohio-born photographer & designer currently based in Michigan. He spends his free time up early and out late shooting Midwestern city & landscapes. This soon-to-be daddy is still hoping he has matured enough to be in charge of another human by the time the baby comes. Listen to more about Bryan's photography on the Hashtagged Podcast. You can check them both out on Instagram @ashleylminear & @bryanminear as well as their wedding photography portfolio Ashley & Bryan. Thanks again for listening! Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. Win a lifetime sub to Lynda.com + Amazon Voyageur Prizes from our friends at AppSumo. p.p.s. If you liked the show will you help us create an awesome community of couples by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes?

1 hr

01/29/2016

Ep. 07: Two lanes will take us anywhere. Etsy seller Krizia Villanueva (Oak and Olive Home) and Scott Leslie (Majestic Theatre).

Although we both went to Iowa State, Josh actually graduated 18 months before Stasia. So we definitely have a ton of experience with the long distance thing. And as you’d expect there were times it was tough, but if we're being honest, it wasn't all bad. While Josh was working and saving money in Minnesota, he loved getting to come and visit Stasia every couple of weeks. It was like going back to college without the homework. Speaking of homework, funny enough Stasia had her best GPA ever after Josh was gone. So if anything, that time apart let us both focus on the things we needed to do in order to build our lives they way we wanted to with some fun memories in between. That's something that our guests for Ep 7 of the OFD podcast, Krizia & Scott, can totally relate to. Their story spans a continent, a band, the boss, and well, we'll just let them tell you the rest. In this episode Bonding over "Thunder Road" and Boxed Wine in Buffalo. Making the classic, LA to Buffalo move. Why living in separate states was actually good for their relationship and the major projects they were working on. Making the switch from Occupational Therapy to Maker on Etsy. How starting a business is like starting a band. What the arts can teach you about being ok with failure. Our First Drink Couples Quiz Early Bird or Night Owl? Are you introverted or extroverted? Tortoise or the Hare? Would you send a meal back to the kitchen? Would you rather host the party or attend the party? About Krizia Villanueva and Scott Leslie After starting her career as an Occupational Therapist, Krizia is the owner and maker behind Oak and Olive Home where she finds and restores vintage furniture. You can find her work in her new studio space in Madison, WI or on her Etsy Shop. Originally hailing from Chicago, Scott Leslie spent time as a member of The Push Stars before transitioning to the role of concert promoter and co-owner of the Majestic Theatre in Madison, WI and The Blue Note in Columbia, MO. He enjoys long walks on the beach, short walks on the beach, dogs, Bruce Springsteen, and Seinfeld. You can find them both on Instagram @oak_olive_vintage & @majesticscott. Episode Links Oak and Olive Home Majestic Madison Thanks again for listening! Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. If you liked the show will you help us create an awesome community of couples by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes? Listen via iTunes | Stream on Stitcher | Rate us on iTunes

46 min

01/21/2016

Ep. 06: Fashion Blogger to Farmhouse Fixer Upper with Lauren Felix (La Petite Fashionista) and Kyle Anderson.

If you've ever watched an episode of Fixer Upper on HGTV you've probably had the desire to fix up a farmhouse of your own. We certainly have. Fortunately for our Episode 6 guests, Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista and her fiance Kyle Anderson, that dream is actually going to become a reality when they embark on their own fixer upper project with Kyle's 100 year old Wisconsin family farmhouse. Oh, and did we mention they're also going to be planning a wedding at the farm? Listen via iTunes | Stream on Stitcher | Rate us on iTunes In this episode Finding love at work and over sushi. Pivoting your personal brand. Blogging and sharing your life online. Being an #instagramhusband. What digital marketing and conversion optimization has taught us about simplifying our lives. Why a Florida girl had dreams of living on a farm. Our First Drink Couples Quiz If you have to be somewhere at 7PM when do you arrive? Take the last shot or pass the ball? CEO or COO? Is experience or accomplishment more important to you? Get take-out or eat at the restaurant? About Kyle Anderson and Lauren Felix Lauren is a Wisconsin-based blogger & social media consultant with coastal Florida girl roots. She started her blog, La Petite Fashionista, in 2007 as a creative outlet to share her outfits & latest inspirations. Kyle is a digital marketer by day, outdoorsman, and craft beer brewer. They are newly engaged and making plans for their wedding and renovation of Kyle's childhood home, a 100-year old farmhouse. They love traveling, coffee dates, rustic modern design, and listening to podcasts! You can find them both on Instagram @lapetitefashionista & @kylejanderson. Episode Links La Petite Fashionista Sushi Muramoto Follow @lapetitefashionista & @kylejanderson on Instagram. Thanks again for listening! Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. If you liked the show will you help others find it by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes?

39 min

01/13/2016

Ep. 05: Navigating marriage, the globe, and life as digital nomads with Adam Nubern and Lindsey Nubern

If you've ever gotten in a fight with your significant other while traveling you might take a little more time before getting stressed out after listening to this episode of the Our First Drink Podcast. Our guests, Adam Nubern and Lindsey Nubern, have spent the last 18 months traveling around the world together all while building a strong system of communication to support their marriage and the digital nomad business they started while on the road. Listen via iTunes | Stream on Stitcher | Rate us on iTunes In this episode Sharing a first drink at a famous southern institution. How a flipped truck and getting fired were blessings in disguise. Camper vanning in New Zealand. What picking out cereal in Vietnam taught them about efficient communication in their marriage. The importance of community (both in your marriage and online) while you're traveling. Why their mantra is, "It's not wrong. It's just different." Our First Drink Couples Quiz Driver or the passenger? Time optimist or time realist? Map or no map? Who is the straight man and who is the comedian? Would you ever send a meal back at a restaurant? About Adam and Lindsey Adam and Lindsey Nubern ended their 9 to 5 lifestyle in June 2014 when they packed up their house and began traveling the globe together. Over the next 18 months they made their way around the US, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand by camper van...all while starting a pretty nontraditional online business, Nuventure CPA, to support their travels. Episode Links Nuventure Travels Nuventure CPA Follow @nuventuretravels on Instagram and Twitter. Thanks again for listening. If you liked the show, would you mind helping us out and by giving us a five star rating on iTunes or on Stitcher? Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. If you liked the show will you help others find it by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes?

46 min

01/04/2016

Ep. 04: "I didn't think our office would turn into a podcast studio." Behind the scenes of starting a podcast as a married couple with Josh and Stasia Haroldson.

Today Josh and Stasia are taking a break from the usual format to talk about what it's been like to start our podcast together and some of the lessons we've learned about technology, couples, and ourselves. In this episode Why we decided to start a podcast. The (sometimes painful) lessons learned from listening to yourself have a conversation. Decorating your office with podcast equipment. Josh's obsessive quest to make us sound great. Learning to fit a new creative project into your holiday Hallmark movie watching schedule. What advice we've already learned from our couples. Episode Links The StartUp Podcast (iTunes) Pat Flynn's How to Start a Podcast Tutorial Our First Drink on iTunes Thanks again for listening. Best, Josh and Stasia Listen via iTunes | Stream on Stitcher | Rate us on iTunes p.s. If you liked the show will you help others find it by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes?

32 min

12/03/2015

Ep. 03: How to Build a Creative Business with Photographers Joel Bear of August and Maggie Bear of Charmant Papery

This episode of the Our First Drink Podcast is full of lessons on how to build a sustainable, creative business as a couple (and still stay best friends). As a young, driven couple, our guests Joel and Maggie Bear are already on their way towards doing some great things together. Through their projects like Joel Bear Studios and Charmant Papery they're focused on building a business that will support the lives they want to have together now and in the future. Listen via iTunes | Stream on Stitcher | Rate us on iTunes In this episode How many great things in the world were started over their first drink. What sacrifice means when building a business (and a life) together (HINT: No $8 juice). The realities of adventure photography and van life. How one person winning can be a win for both people. Filipino Karaoke. OFD Couples Quiz Questions First to get up or last to go to bed? Time optimist or Time realist? Stick to the trail or wander off? What's more important to you? Experience or Accomplishment? Karaoke? Yes or no? About Maggie and Joel Bear Joel and Maggie Bear are a husband and wife photography and creative team from Temecula, California. Since starting their careers together they have worked on projects for great companies like Google, Pendleton, Juniper Ridge, and many more. In addition to their main business Joel is also working on a personal project, New Territory, that showcases portraits of creative married couples who making the world a better place together. He is also the Creative Director for August, a creative storytelling app. Not to be outdone, Maggie is also the creative director for Charmant Papery, a maker of beautiful stationary and paper products. @joelbear on Instagram + @magggiebear on Instagram Episode Links Joel Bear Studios Charmant Papery New Territory Youthyouth Thanks again to Maggie and Joel Bear for joining us! Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. If you liked the show will you help others find it by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes?

36 min

11/24/2015

Ep. 02: Practicing Kindness in Your Relationship with Ryan Birkicht and Samantha Birkicht of Operation Generosity

This episode of the Our First Drink Podcast is all about finding ways to incorporate kindness and generosity into your life and relationship. Our guests for this episode, Ryan and Samantha Birkicht, are the founders of OperationGenerosity.com. After moving to Madison, WI Ryan was frustrated by the hurdles he kept running into with volunteering so Samantha encouraged Ryan to start something himself. Now, with Operation Generosity they encourage people to look for small ways to incorporate giving back into their every day lives through monthly “Kindness Challenges”. Listen via iTunes | Stream on Stitcher | Rate us on iTunes In this episode The story behind Ryan and Samantha’s first drink at a VERY early age. How their relationship provide some much needed healing after a family tragedy. Lessons they’ve learned about the importance of being patient. What they do to practice kindness every day in their relationship. The Our First Drink Kindness Challenge (See below for more) OFD Couples Quiz Questions If you have to be somewhere at 7PM what time do you arrive at? Pass the ball or take the last shot? Map or no map? Who is the straight man and who is the comedian? Would you rather host the party or attend the party? About Samantha and Ryan Birkicht Ryan works for Saris Cycling Group here in Madison as the Marketing Communications and Engagement manager. He was named a member of the2015 InBusiness 40 Under 40 for his work in Marketing and Volunteering. Samantha is the assistant director at La Petite Academy and was previously the assistant volleyball coach at UW Platteville. Together they are the co-founders of Operation Generosity. The Our First Drink Kindness Challenge! To participate in the OFD Kindness Challenge, all you need to do is: Find something nice that you can do for someone special in your life like your spouse, your partner, boyfriend, girlfriend or even just a friend. Do it! Leave a comment at ourfirstdrink.com/episode2 to tell us what you did. You can also share your story on social media using the hashtag #OFDKindness. p.s. If you liked the show will you help others find it by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes?

35 min

11/17/2015

Ep. 01: "I Like Your Unicycle" with Ann Martin and Kai Martin of Rêve Events

Welcome to the very first episode of the Our First Drink Podcast! Today’s episode shares the story of Ann and Kai Martin whose nearly 10 year relationship has helped support multiple businesses, traveling around the country, and was all started with an unexpected, one-wheeled vehicle. Listen via iTunes | Stream on Stitcher | Rate us on iTunes About Ann and Kai Martin Ann and Kai are one of those couples that you watch for 5 minutes and just totally get what they’re about. They’re a super creative duo that work hard and support each other unwaveringly. They have a lot of humor in their relationship and we love how they can just laugh and be goofy together through everything. Stasia has known Ann since elementary school in Minnesota. In fact, they actually attended the same school every year, including college at Iowa State, where they both met Josh and Kai. Because of that, both Josh and Stasia had the pleasure of witnessing a lot of the start of their relationship, including some great stories. Ann Martin is an entrepreneur who runs an amazing boutique event production company called Reve in Madison, WI and she absolutely KILLS the events she plans – we’re talking everything from couture fashion shows to immaculate weddings to community bike-in movie nights. Kai Martin has had a great career that’s taken him all around the country. We consider Kai to be a true renaissance man – photographer, singer, and mountain biker. He does it all. In this episode you’ll hear about: How a unicycle played a pivotal role in their relationship. How they balance careers that kept them apart for long stretches. What a new baby means for their relationship. Why it was easy for them to both pursue their dreams at the same time. Who is the CEO and who is the COO in their relationship. OFD Couples Quiz Are you the first people to leave the party or the last person to leave? Are you introverts or extroverts? Who is the CEO and who is the COO of your relationship? If you’re on a hike do you stick to the trail or do you wander off and explore? What is your least favorite household chore? Where was their first drink? Stomping Grounds Cafe in Ames, IA Episode Notes: 00:00: Stasia cracks herself up. 00:49: Why we started Our First Drink. 01:00: We got married at an Apple Orchard. There was a massive bonfire. And a cow train. It was awesome. 03:10: Seriously, google image search kite. 04:15: Learn more about Rêve Boutique Event Production. 04:30: Kai has literally done RAGBRAI on a unicycle. 05:11: Interview Start. 26:15: The Our First Drink Couples Quiz 36:40: Interview End. Links: Reve Madison Ann Martin on Twitter, Instagram Badger Bus – Have Kai drive you around the country! Thanks for Listening! Thank you for listening to Episode 1 of the Our First Drink Podcast! If you enjoyed the episode we hope you can share it with others that might also enjoy hearing these kinds of stories using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. As we mentioned in the show, please consider leaving an honest review of the show on iTunes. Every review (good or bad) is an enormous help for us as we work to make this show better for people like you. And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates when a new episode is released. Special thanks Ann and Kai Martin for being our first guests and thank you for joining us on the start of this journey! Best, Josh and Stasia p.s. If you liked the show will you help others find it by clicking on this link to give us a five star rating on iTunes?

39 min

Our First Drink: Conversations w/ Interesting Couples on Marriage, Relationships, Dating, Business & Social Media + Advice

Episodes

Ep. 10: Love March Madness. How college basketball and our relationship intersect.

Ep. 09: Best friends, will travel (plus baby). Jonny and Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler Photography.

Ep. 08: eHarmony and Marriage Between a Wolverine and a Buckeye w/ Ashely Minear and Bryan Minear.

Ep. 07: Two lanes will take us anywhere. Etsy seller Krizia Villanueva (Oak and Olive Home) and Scott Leslie (Majestic Theatre).

Ep. 06: Fashion Blogger to Farmhouse Fixer Upper with Lauren Felix (La Petite Fashionista) and Kyle Anderson.

Ep. 05: Navigating marriage, the globe, and life as digital nomads with Adam Nubern and Lindsey Nubern

Ep. 04: "I didn't think our office would turn into a podcast studio." Behind the scenes of starting a podcast as a married couple with Josh and Stasia Haroldson.

Ep. 03: How to Build a Creative Business with Photographers Joel Bear of August and Maggie Bear of Charmant Papery

Ep. 02: Practicing Kindness in Your Relationship with Ryan Birkicht and Samantha Birkicht of Operation Generosity

Ep. 01: "I Like Your Unicycle" with Ann Martin and Kai Martin of Rêve Events

Great concept; wonderful hosts

Love it!

Vicarious Inspiration

Inspiring Couples & Their Stories

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Our First Drink: Conversations w/ Interesting Couples on Marriage, Relationships, Dating, Business & Social Media + Advice

Episodes

Ep. 10: Love March Madness. How college basketball and our relationship intersect.

Ep. 09: Best friends, will travel (plus baby). Jonny and Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler Photography.

Ep. 08: eHarmony and Marriage Between a Wolverine and a Buckeye w/ Ashely Minear and Bryan Minear.

Ep. 07: Two lanes will take us anywhere. Etsy seller Krizia Villanueva (Oak and Olive Home) and Scott Leslie (Majestic Theatre).

Ep. 06: Fashion Blogger to Farmhouse Fixer Upper with Lauren Felix (La Petite Fashionista) and Kyle Anderson.

Ep. 05: Navigating marriage, the globe, and life as digital nomads with Adam Nubern and Lindsey Nubern

Ep. 04: "I didn't think our office would turn into a podcast studio." Behind the scenes of starting a podcast as a married couple with Josh and Stasia Haroldson.

Ep. 03: How to Build a Creative Business with Photographers Joel Bear of August and Maggie Bear of Charmant Papery

Ep. 02: Practicing Kindness in Your Relationship with Ryan Birkicht and Samantha Birkicht of Operation Generosity

Ep. 01: "I Like Your Unicycle" with Ann Martin and Kai Martin of Rêve Events

Ratings & Reviews

Great concept; wonderful hosts

Love it!

Vicarious Inspiration

Inspiring Couples & Their Stories

About

Information