It's right there in the name: Ideas on Independence

Retreat Apart, Grow Together

Coming to you from the studio (Lisa) and his closet (Kurt), the Indepartners begin this episode talking a bit about their recent SIOP conference. SIOP is where they first met many years ago and still holds a special meaning to them as individuals and as a couple.   After the intense people-time at the conference and a grinding week finishing out their semesters, Lisa and Kurt are about to embark separate retreats. Learn a little bit more about why they do these retreats, the different frequency and focus of these retreats for each of them, who gets a pedicure and who doesn’t, and how an intentional focus as individuals also serves their relationship. Thanks for listening! Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson. Get in touch with us: * Email:                          indepartnerspodcast@gmail.com [apartnerspodcast@gmail.com] * Text or Voicemail:      504-313-4425  * Follow our podcast on Instagram at @indepartnerspodcast * Follow Kurt on Instagram at @urbankvrt * Follow Lisa on Instagram at @doclisafink and online at demandtheshimmer.com [https://demandtheshimmer.com/]

It's right there in the name: Ideas on Independence

The theme of independence appears in most episodes of Indepartners, but in this episode Lisa and Kurt go all in examining the (many) benefits and (some) challenges that come with independence in their personal lives and in their relationship. After defining the concept (hey, they’re nerds!), they talk about the joy and opportunity independence brings. And they share the occasional pushback they get for pursuing independence.  They also touch on stumbling blocks that can happen when couples who are used to their independence spend extended time together. They get into the how living solo naturally fosters skills and capabilities for living independently that can help later in life. Finally, they end with some suggestions for intentionally considering and enabling needs for independence in cohabitating relationships. Thanks for listening! Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson. Get in touch with us: * Email:                          indepartnerspodcast@gmail.com [apartnerspodcast@gmail.com] * Text or Voicemail:      504-313-4425  * Follow our podcast on Instagram at @indepartnerspodcast * Follow Kurt on Instagram at @urbankvrt * Follow Lisa on Instagram at @doclisafink and online at demandtheshimmer.com [https://demandtheshimmer.com/]

Us in Flux (The one where Kurt goes to the hospital)

Kurt and Lisa are back for Season 2 of Indepartners, kicking off a month later than anticipated and with an episode they definitely didn't plan to start off the season with. Overnight and with no prior signs of trouble, Kurt started January 3 with some scary symptoms that turned out to be endocarditis, a bacterial infection in his heart. Lisa and Kurt tell the story of how his time in the hospital unfolded, how they pivoted their plans for January, and what happens when couples living apart are suddenly hit with a need to be closer together. Reflecting on this time, Kurt and Lisa realized how so many of their themes from the first season factored into this time of flux. Thanks for listening! Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson. Get in touch with us: * Email:                          indepartnerspodcast@gmail.com [apartnerspodcast@gmail.com] * Text or Voicemail:      504-313-4425  * Follow our podcast on Instagram at @indepartnerspodcast * Follow Kurt on Instagram at @urbankvrt * Follow Lisa on Instagram at @doclisafink and online at demandtheshimmer.com [https://demandtheshimmer.com/]

You Got Questions? We Got Answers!

And that’s a wrap!  After nine episodes of deep dives and wonderful guests, Kurt and Lisa hang out together (in the same studio!) to dish about the season and answer listener questions.  In their most unscripted episode yet, the indepartners each took a few notes on listener questions, but had no idea what the other was going to say.  Find out where they agree, where they disagree, and what they learned from their conversations this season. Kurt and Lisa are so incredibly grateful to the listeners who provided questions and to all of you who listened in this season (from 417 cities and 36 countries!).   Season Two will launch in 2026. Have any ideas for new topics?  Want to appear on the pod?  Please reach out! Thanks for listening! Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson. Get in touch with us: * Email:                          indepartnerspodcast@gmail.com [apartnerspodcast@gmail.com] * Text or Voicemail:      504-313-4425  * Follow our podcast on Instagram at @indepartnerspodcast * Follow Kurt on Instagram at @urbankvrt * Follow Lisa on Instagram at @doclisafink and online at demandtheshimmer.com [https://demandtheshimmer.com/]

From George Glass to Jimmy Crafts: Michelle and Jim’s Story

We are thrilled to bring you another interview with some Indepartners with a twist!  Michelle and Jim were high school sweethearts who always dreamed of big careers in broadcasting and journalism and promised to support each other in reaching their dreams, even if it meant having to be apart.  That’s just what they did.  After attending college together, Michelle climbed the ladder in radio broadcasting and Jim in sports writing.  They have moved in and out of indepartnership, spending stretches of time in separate states and other stretches of time in the same household.   Michelle and Jim share with us the lessons they’ve learned over time in managing and thriving with this dynamic lifestyle – the ups, the downs, and one of the most hilarious rituals we’ve ever heard of.  We know you will enjoy this delightful, heartfelt, and humorous interview. Thanks for listening! Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson. Get in touch with us: * Email:                          indepartnerspodcast@gmail.com [apartnerspodcast@gmail.com] * Text or Voicemail:      504-313-4425  * Follow our podcast on Instagram at @indepartnerspodcast * Follow Kurt on Instagram at @urbankvrt * Follow Lisa on Instagram at @doclisafink and online at demandtheshimmer.com [https://demandtheshimmer.com/]