Relatively Unqualified #0005 - Nic's Story: Unspoken Grief

Relatively Unqualified #0006 - College, But Not Like We Imagined

What You’ll Hear in This Episode * The illusion that college is just “13th grade”—and how wrong that can be *  The pressure of being the “high achiever” and what happens when that identity cracks * Why last-minute decisions can still lead to the right path * The reality of anxiety, isolation, and silent struggles during major life transitions * What it feels like to succeed on the outside while falling apart internally * Recognizing the signs of depression during major life transitions *The courage it takes to step away and prioritize mental health * What it looks like to support a friend through a difficult season * Redefining success and timelines in early adulthood * How being forced out of your comfort zone can create unexpected growth * The emotional weight of feeling like you’re disappointing everyone * Why taking a break isn’t failure—it’s self-preservation * How a strong support system can exist without “fixing” you * The impact of having just one person who truly shows up * Redefining strength as vulnerability, honesty, and self-awareness * Why growth is never linear—and never looks the same for everyone * The importance of giving yourself permission to pivot * How different paths can still lead to meaningful, fulfilling outcomes * Check out all our Relatively Unqualified episodes and content on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified [https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified] * What are your thoughts? Did anything in this episode happen to you? Please share your story, leave us a review and subscribe. Thank you!!! * Production credits and music licensing are exclusively retained by Relatively Unqualified Podcast. * Notice and copyright disclaimer: Nic and Darra are unqualified to give you any credible advice and thus, all information in this podcast and related materials are for entertainment purposes only.

Relatively Unqualified #0005 - Nic's Story: Unspoken Grief

What You’ll Hear in This Episode * This episode is for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, recent or distant * Introducing the topic: loss of a child and why it matters to talk about * Nic’s story of losing his newborn son Brayden as a 24 year old * The trauma of experiencing a stillbirth unexpectedly at home * The overwhelming silence and shock in the immediate aftermath * Years of suppressed grief and emotional isolation * Self-blame, guilt, and feeling undeserving of happiness * How unresolved trauma led to self-sabotage and reckless behavior * The difficulty men face when expressing grief and asking/not asking for help * Struggles within marriage caused by unspoken pain * A near-death accident in 2020 that forced emotional confrontation * How becoming a father again brought both joy and fear * The impact of trauma on parenting and overprotection * The role of faith, support systems, and pivotal relationships * Learning to let go, find peace, and allow healing to begin * Why sharing your story can help both yourself and others MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND RUNNING THEMES * Grief doesn’t disappear—it shows up in different ways * Silence can be louder than anything you’ll ever hear * The long-term impact of unprocessed trauma * The danger of believing you don’t deserve happiness * Healing as a journey, not a moment * The importance of asking for help—even when it feels impossible * Love doesn’t end with loss—it transforms * Finding purpose through pain * Letting go as an act of love—for yourself and for those you’ve lost * Check out all our Relatively Unqualified episodes and content on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified [https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified] * What are your thoughts? Did anything in this episode happen to you? Please share your story, leave us a review and subscribe. Thank you!!! * Production credits and music licensing are exclusively retained by Relatively Unqualified Podcast. * Notice and copyright disclaimer: Nic and Darra are unqualified to give you any credible advice and thus, all information in this podcast and related materials are for entertainment purposes only.

Relatively Unqualified #0004 - Navigating the Chaos: How to Align Your Life with Your Values

Podcast Episode Description In this episode of Relatively Unqualified, Darra and Nic are joined by Darra’s sisters Nicole and Priscilla for an honest, layered conversation about motherhood, career ambition, and the quiet grief of missed expectations. What starts as a casual family discussion quickly turns into a raw exploration of burnout, values, and how life rarely follows the plan you imagined in your twenties. Each sister brings a different perspective shaped by divorce, remarriage, single parenting, corporate leadership, and raising kids at wildly different stages. They talk openly about survival mode years, the cost of hustle culture, and the realization that loyalty to work is often one-sided. From corporate America frustrations to the guilt of missing school events, the episode doesn’t sugarcoat the tradeoffs women make to keep families afloat. The conversation also highlights growth and courage. One sister shares the decision to step back professionally to realign with her values, while another opens up about launching a coaching business after years of never betting on herself. Through humor, swearing, and sibling banter, the group wrestles with what success actually means, how priorities shift with age, and why protecting your peace sometimes means disappointing expectations. If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and presence, questioned your worth outside a paycheck, or wondered whether it’s too late to pivot, this episode offers a deeply relatable look at choosing alignment over approval.   Show Notes Guests * Nicole (oldest sister, corporate leader, mom of three girls) * Priscilla (youngest sister, working mom of young boys, navigating career transitions) * Darra (host, mom, grandmother, and professional question-asker) What You’ll Hear in This Episode * How childhood expectations shape adult identity * The pressure to be career-driven while raising kids * Becoming a parent and realizing your priorities have changed forever * Corporate America, burnout, and feeling replaceable * Missing moments with your kids while chasing stability * The guilt and exhaustion of doing “all the things” at once * Why stepping back professionally can feel like failure — and freedom * Leadership as a discovered skill, not a planned path * Taking a financial hit to protect your mental health * Launching a coaching business and learning to bet on yourself * Protecting your peace by limiting outside opinions * Values-based decision making vs. fear-based decisions * Why time becomes the most valuable currency as you age * Sisters as built-in support systems (and reality checks) Memorable Moments and Running Themes * The tension between ambition and presence * Burnout as a byproduct of survival mode * Redefining success beyond money and titles * Fear, confidence, and taking leaps before you feel ready * Alignment as the real measure of growth * Calling your sisters when you don’t know what to do * Check out all our Relatively Unqualified episodes and content on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified [https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified] * What are your thoughts? Did anything in this episode happen to you? Please share your story, leave us a review and subscribe. Thank you!!! * Production credits and music licensing are exclusively retained by Relatively Unqualified Podcast. * Notice and copyright disclaimer: Nic and Darra are unqualified to give you any credible advice and thus, all information in this podcast and related materials are for entertainment purposes only.

Relatively Unqualified #0003 - The Comedy Grind in a Small Town with Wesley Funderburg

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode of Relatively Unqualified, the hosts welcome their first guest: Darra’s son and Nic’s nephew, comedian Wesley Funderburg. The conversation is equal parts funny, raw, and honest as Wesley breaks down what it really takes to do standup, especially in a smaller local scene where stage time is limited and the audience can be unpredictable. Wesley talks openly about why creative pursuits trigger nervousness, how confidence can be partly performance, and why bombing is a necessary part of getting better. He shares an early worst case scenario from a show that went off the rails, including a joke that landed wrong, getting kicked out of the venue, and dealing with the aftermath outside the club. The episode also goes deeper than comedy. Wesley discusses the pressure of pursuing a dream while being a working parent, the reality of leaving your partner solo with the kids on show nights, and what it feels like to have someone support you while still expecting you to go all in. The hosts explore what “making it” actually means, why comedy can be both art and therapy, and how laughter opens people up in a way few other forms of communication can. If you have ever chased a creative goal while trying to hold down real life responsibilities, this episode is a blunt and relatable look at fear, growth, and why you keep showing up even when you do not feel ready. SHOW NOTES GUEST Wesley Funderburg (comedian, Darra’s son and Nic’s nephew) WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE Why the hosts feel nervous recording, even in a low stakes setting How fear and nervousness can be a sign you care about the work The difference between “being a comedian” and “doing comedy” Limited open mic opportunities and the challenge of staying sharp The grind of standup: writing is not enough, stage time matters Crowd work vs written jokes and why crowd work dominates clips now The pressure to create social media clips as “currency” A painful early bomb: offending an audience, getting kicked out, and the fallout afterward How comedy can feel both empowering and humiliating Balancing standup with family responsibilities and a demanding work schedule Support as encouragement and pressure at the same time Why Wesley prefers performing for strangers rather than “bring your friends” crowds Fail safe jokes that reliably get laughs Recording sets, watching them back, and the harsh self critique cycle Why instant gratification can make creative growth harder The “big dream” and what success looks like without needing a flashy lifestyle Why laughter makes people receptive and how comedy can carry heavy truths MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND RUNNING THEMES Fear, confidence, and “fake it till you make it” Bombing as a required part of improvement The tug of war between practical responsibility and creative drive The idea that comedy is magic when it can make people laugh at uncomfortable truths * Check out all our Relatively Unqualified episodes and content on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified [https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified] * What are your thoughts? Did anything in this episode happen to you? Please share your story, leave us a review and subscribe. Thank you!!! * Production credits and music licensing are exclusively retained by Relatively Unqualified Podcast. * Notice and copyright disclaimer: Nic and Darra are unqualified to give you any credible advice and thus, all information in this podcast and related materials are for entertainment purposes only.

Relatively Unqualified #0002 - Subtle Ways Spouses Disrespect

Podcast Episode Description Disrespect in marriage is not always loud or obvious. In this episode,e Nic & Darra explore how disrespect often shows up in subtle ways like dismissive behavior, invalidated feelings, crossed boundaries, and lack of emotional reciprocity. Through honest conversation and personal experiences, they unpack how these moments slowly erode trust and connection within a relationship. The discussion dives into how personal backgrounds shape what feels disrespectful, why emotional validation matters, and how unintentional actions can still cause lasting harm. Nic & Darra also examine one of the most challenging areas couples face: navigating disrespect involving extended family and deciding where loyalty, protection, and boundaries should be drawn. From choosing your spouse over outside relationships, to setting boundaries that protect mental and emotional health, this episode highlights the importance of mutual respect, accountability, and communication in long term partnerships. It also addresses difficult topics like going no contact with family, self protection, healing, and what it truly means to show up for your spouse. This episode offers thoughtful reflection for anyone seeking to strengthen their marriage, understand emotional boundaries, or navigate complex family dynamics while maintaining a healthy relationship. Show Notes Episode Theme Disrespect in marriage and how boundaries, validation, and accountability shape healthy relationships. Key Topics Discussed What disrespect looks like in marriage, both big and small How dismissive behavior and invalidated feelings damage relationships Why intent does not negate impact in emotional conflict How personal history influences sensitivity to disrespect Emotional shutdown, avoidance, and anger responses The importance of reciprocity in relationships Drawing boundaries with extended family Protecting your spouse when family conflict arises Choosing your spouse as your primary unit The challenge of going no contact versus creating distance Accountability, apologizing, and repairing after boundaries are crossed Why respect is foundational to long term marriage success Supporting your spouse even when you see faults on both sides How couples navigate conflict, growth, and healing together Why spouses must come first to maintain a healthy family unit Core Takeaways Disrespect often shows up subtly and accumulates over time Emotional validation is essential, even when you disagree Boundaries are acts of self respect, not punishment Family dynamics require balance, protection, and honest communication A strong marriage requires accountability, compromise, and mutual effort * Check out all our Relatively Unqualified episodes and content on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified [https://www.youtube.com/@RelativelyUnqualified] * What are your thoughts? Did anything in this episode happen to you? Please share your story, leave us a review and subscribe. Thank you!!! * Production credits and music licensing are exclusively retained by Relatively Unqualified Podcast. * Notice and copyright disclaimer: Nic and Darra are unqualified to give you any credible advice and thus, all information in this podcast and related materials are for entertainment purposes only.