Stretched Thin

Joel & Shannon

An honest conversation about modern life, pressure, expectations, and trying to hold it all together — without pretending we've figured it out.

  1. ١٤ يوليو

    STP #14: Fearing Failure in Funding, Feeling the Heat, & Finding Stride in Marriage

    In this episode of Stretched Thin, Joel and Shannon talk about what it means to move forward even when you don't know how things will turn out. From broken air conditioners and business headaches to anniversary getaways and nonprofit dreams, this conversation is all about taking the next faithful step.  Joel shares a major milestone for the STAY Project as months of development finally lead to the app entering beta testing. He also opens up about the fear of launching a Kickstarter campaign and, in a spontaneous moment during the recording, clicks the "Launch" button live on the podcast. It's an honest look at the tension between fear and faith, and why waiting for certainty often keeps us from making progress.  Meanwhile, Shannon reflects on celebrating 27 years of marriage with a quiet mountain getaway, finding rest in the middle of a busy season, and navigating the everyday frustrations of running a small business when equipment seems determined to break all at once.  The conversation wraps with encouraging wins from the community and a reminder that momentum rarely comes before action. Whether you're building a business, strengthening your marriage, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to make it through another week, sometimes the biggest step is simply deciding to jump.  If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to start, this episode is your reminder that faith often begins with putting skin in the game—and trusting God with what happens next.

  2. ٣٠ يونيو

    STP #12: Celebratory Steak, Cash Stacks, and When God Makes Changes

    In this episode of Stretched Thin, Joel and Shannon talk about the frustrations of waiting, the challenge of trusting God when nothing seems to be moving, and the importance of recognizing the small wins that keep us going.  Shannon shares a powerful story about making difficult financial decisions and then experiencing an unexpected act of generosity that reminded him that God often provides in ways we never see coming. He also opens up about feeling stuck with the future of a nonprofit project and wrestling with what to do when every path forward seems uncertain.  Joel celebrates a major milestone with the STAY app finally coming to life after months of setbacks and roadblocks. The guys discuss perseverance, surrendering control, and the tension between chasing big dreams and remaining present with the people right in front of us.  Along the way, they laugh about getting older, being irritated by traffic and sirens, the legacy we leave our children, and why sometimes the biggest win is simply choosing not to send that text or fight that battle.  As always, the episode closes with community wins, celebrating perseverance, family moments, answered prayers, and the reminder that even the smallest victories are worth noticing.  If you've ever felt stuck, impatient, or unsure of what's next, this episode is a reminder that sometimes growth happens while we're waiting—and sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when we finally let go of control.

  3. ١٦ يونيو

    STP #10- Discipline, Going into Debt, and Daughters

    In this episode of Stretched Thin, Joel and Shannon tackle parenting, pressure, and the importance of having people in your life who are willing to tell you the truth. The conversation starts with stories from the front lines of fatherhood. Wrestling sons, stubborn daughters, discipline, consequences, and the realities of raising kids in a world that often sends mixed messages about parenting. From funny family moments to deeper conversations about accountability and character, the guys explore what it means to guide your children while still learning yourself.  Shannon shares a stressful week at the coffee shops that nearly led him into a predatory business loan before trusted advisors stepped in and helped him pump the brakes. Joel opens up about returning from a work trip, accidentally ruining a week's worth of meal prep, and the frustration of feeling like you're doing all the right things while still running into setbacks.  Along the way, they reflect on one of the core reasons Stretched Thin exists: creating space for authentic male friendship. Not surface-level conversations, but the kind of relationships where someone can challenge you, encourage you, and keep you from making decisions you'll regret later.  As always, the episode closes with wins from the community. Fathers building stronger relationships with their kids, college seniors finishing major projects, entrepreneurs growing their businesses, fitness goals being reclaimed, and everyday people choosing perseverance over convenience.  If you've ever felt stretched thin by parenting, finances, work, or life in general, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to carry it alone.

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An honest conversation about modern life, pressure, expectations, and trying to hold it all together — without pretending we've figured it out.