These Are Good Days (Lee Ann Miller and Matt Beres)

We are talking with our friend, Carlos Whittaker about being off assignment. What does that mean to be living in your purpose? How does it feel when we veer off of our calling? You won't want to miss this conversation about keeping your focus on what you're meant to do and how you're meant to live. Carlos is an author, speaker, and all-around good human. Follow Carlos on Instagram at @loswhit to stay up-to-date on what he and the Instafamilia are doing to spread hope.

Lee Ann takes the reigns and does a deep dive into some of Matt's past - we're talking eHarmony, job transitions, and why community plays a critical role in these good days.

Ever wonder why that dream in your heart hasn't taken flight yet? Join us as we dive into the factors holding us back—Is it the fear of failure, the money struggle, or something else? In this episode, we're breaking down the barriers and pushing you to just do the dang thing! Tune in for a dose of inspiration, practical tips, and the motivation you need to kickstart your dream journey. Don't let fear or anything else stand in your way—let's make those dreams a reality!

We are in the middle of winter, the clocks have turned back, the skys - they have darkened. We are talking the winter blues, hygge, and how to have good days in the middle of it all. And...wearing pajama pants in public and the liberation that comes along with it!

This live episode is the second recording during our podcast weekend and we talk about the values and traditions of the Amish Community located in Holmes County, Ohio. Lee Ann has a particularly unique perspective as her husband was raised Amish. Our conversation centers around some of the wonderful values of the Amish, but we also talk about how important it is to humanize people from Amish communities.

What comes first, happiness or joy? What does joy even mean? How do we begin to cultivate and practice joy in our daily life? Join us in our conversation all about joy and how it can be one of the scariest emotions.

Bad Days, we've all had them. But, what do we do to flip the script on our bad days? How do we live with the mindset that every day can be good, no matter the circumstances? Join our discussion as we talk about flipping the script on our bad days. So often we can allow one thing to shift our entire day, but how can we guard against that one small thing ruining an otherwise good day? We'd love for you to listen along as we talk good days. After all, These Are Good Days.

We absolutely LOVE sharing things that we are loving. Maybe it's a snack, a product, a social media account, or a life hack - you just never know. Join us for one of our favorite recurring podcast episodes, Stuff We Love. We aren't lying, and we aren't paid to say this, we just truly LOVE these things!

It's the first ever Favorite Things episode and we believe it could rival Oprah's list. But, don't be expecting any gifts to be hanging out under your seat. LeeAnn and Matt share some of their favorite things - everything from Turkish Towels, to our favorite podcasts, to cooking gadgets and seasonings!

Gifting around the holidays can sometimes suck the life right out of the season, but it doesn't have to be that way! Let's have a chat to remember the art of gifting - and give suggestions on how to gift with intentionality.

It's hard to believe we have reached our 100th episode - what a ride it's been! Today we are reflecting on 100 episodes of These Are Good Days! We are talking bell ringing, "If you are listening...," "I'm 55," and so much more! Join us as we talk about special guests that have come across our path, ways we've been impacted by doing the podcast, and we talk all about our favorite memories!

What is the difference between teasing and bullying? Is there a difference? How can you tell? There are so many layers to this discussion and we want to dive into the differences to give our hot takes. What would happen if we shifted our mindset completely and chose to use our words with more purpose?

The political climate can feel like a minefield for relationships. How do you navigate passionate beliefs with the people you care about? In this episode, we're joined by civic education powerhouse Sharon McMahon, also known as America's Government Teacher. We delve into the art of setting healthy boundaries around politics. Sharon shares strategies for prioritizing relationships, focusing on facts, and ensuring that our political views don't overshadow the people we love. Learn how to have meaningful conversations, even when you disagree, and walk away with actionable tips for keeping your connections strong in a divided world. Follow Sharon on Instagram at @sharonsaysso

Trailer for "These Are Good Days" with Lee Ann Miller and Matt Beres

Whether you're a resolution maker, or not we are here for you. In this episode we talk about our thoughts around resolutions, words of the year, or making promises to yourselves in the new year! We would absolutely love to hear if you've made resolutions, promises to yourself, or chosen a word for the year. Please let us know on Instagram - @leeannmiller and @heymattberes. Happy New Year!

This live episode, recorded at the beautiful bfearless stores in Amish Country, Ohio during our podcast weekend, dives deep into conquering your fears. We'll share personal stories – from job changes to health scares to parenting struggles – and show you how to rewire your brain for bravery. Learn actionable methods to reframe life's obstacles as opportunities for growth, and get ready to live a bolder, braver you!

In this episode, we sit down with the talented photographer Sohaila Whittaker as she opens the pages of her family album, revealing the lessons and traditions crafted by her parents, Carlos and Heather. Join us for a conversation on the significance of family rhythms, the intentional bonds we build, and the enduring influence of our nuclear families. This candid and heartwarming discussion is a deep dive into the art of carrying familial wisdom through every chapter of our lives.

Join us as we tackle the art of saying no and putting yourself first. So often life feels like we are on a hamster wheel of things we "should" do - usually good things, but over time they can wear us down! We are talking about limiting all the good things in life so we can make room for the BEST things! Learn how to politely decline, set boundaries, and prioritize what truly matters. It's all about reclaiming your time and making every day a good day by saying yes to yourself.

We are spilling the beans on game-changing life hacks to make your days easier and more enjoyable! From clever systems to must-have products and downright fun tips, we've got you covered. Life is tough, but it doesn't have to be! Join us for a lighthearted and informative conversation, and let's hack our way to an easier, happier life together. Subscribe now for a daily dose of practical wisdom and bring simplicity back into your life!

We're taking a trip down memory lane, chatting about love, losses, and all the awesome ordinary, and extraordinary moments that made this year special. Huge shoutout to you - our podcast family! This year has felt like having a weekly coffee chat with friends, and we're so grateful. Let's keep our good days going strong into 2024! Subscribe, share with friends, and let's cheers to more good days together.

How can we be better hosts and even better guests? Join us in a fun conversation about how we can become awesome hosts, but even better guests! No matter the size of your home, or the resources you have, you can be a great host and an incredible guest!

We're throwing a virtual coffee date, and you're invited! Join the fun as we catch up, spill the tea on surviving January, and share our winter survival hacks. From our latest reads to binge-worthy shows, it's a lively mishmash of all things awesome. So, grab your coffee or beverage of choice, kick back, and let's make these days even better together!

Struggling to connect with your adult children? Discover strategies for building strong, lasting family relationships. Learn how to love unconditionally, set healthy boundaries, and create a foundation for lifelong connections. From parenting tips to adult relationship advice, this podcast offers valuable insights for families at every stage.

In this special bonus episode, we ditch deep dives and politics for a rapid-fire round of fun. Sharon answers all our burning questions about her coffee habits, cheese, bears at the White House, and even Disney! It's a lighthearted look into the life of the "America's Government Teacher," and you might just be surprised by her answers! You can follow Sharon on Instagram @sharonsaysso

We are all well versed in romantic breakups - look at movies, television, or literature. But, we don't often talk about the friendship breakup. Often, a friendship breakup leaves us with sadness, shame, and questions that are difficult to answer. Join us as we discuss the friendship breakup.

No one is immune to tough stuff in life - whether medical, relationships, financial - there are things in life that knock us down and truly break our hearts. Join Matt and LeeAnn as they talk about gaining perspective during the lowest points in life - and what is within your control when life feels out of control.

The holiday hangover got you down? Join us for a fun-filled episode where we unpack why the post-holiday blues hit and share quick tips on bouncing back with style. It's a new year, and we're here to look ahead with laughter and cheer. Tune in for a dose of joy and let's bid farewell to the blues together!

In this week's episode we're talking winter comfort foods - soups, stews, and Girl Scout cookies. We know that winter is a time to hibernate and eat all the soups, but is there something more to it than just a seasonal favorite? Check out leeannmiller.net for LeeAnn's favorite recipes!

We are in the post-holiday letdown, but we are hanging on to the sugar and the memories of this holiday season. Join us as we talk parenting your children into their adulthood, how to cultivate relationships with your adult children, and what it means to leave a legacy that will outlive us all.

Honestly, we ran out of time - there's so much to talk about! Food Chat, Part 2 is where we do a deep dive into our favorites, but we also talk about intentions behind food, quick meals for families, and why sitting around the table matters.

In this episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of gratitude—specifically, being thankful for the tough stuff life throws our way. Spoiler alert: we're not signing up for a repeat, but we sure are grateful for the wisdom and growth that come from those challenging moments. Join us for our first-ever live podcast recording, straight from an in-person event with an amazing audience. It's a candid and lively conversation about turning setbacks into setups for gratitude. You won't want to miss this unique and uplifting episode!

We're talking Murder She Wrote and what it means to age with grace. What does aging mean, anyways? How do we truly fight the passing years?

We've all experienced grief at some point, but how do we get on the other side of grief? Should that be the goal? Join our conversation as we talk healing, grieving, and holding all the emotions dealing with grief.

Ever had a moment so cringeworthy, you wanted to disappear? Join us as we share some of our most awkward and embarrassing stories, and dive into some hilarious submissions from our amazing community. Let's laugh together, realize we're not alone in this human experience, and explore how vulnerability can actually bring us closer.

Tis the season for sharing the love! In this festive episode, join us as we spill the beans on some of our favorite things. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or just looking for some feel-good recommendations, this episode has got you covered. Picture this: we're recording live with an audience, and trust us, the laughter is contagious! Get ready for a hilarious ride as we unwrap some of our cherished favorites and share plenty of holiday cheer. This one's not just about the stuff; it's about the joy and laughter that comes with the giving. Don't miss out on the festive fun!

We've all heard the phrase, "More is caught than taught," but how does that transfer into our daily lives? This week we are talking rhythms, habits, and systems that we can establish in life that can transfer into adulthood. What does it look like to set up a system of communication with our kids? How do we create rhythms and boundaries? How can we model habits that help our kids become successful adults? Join us in a chat all about intentionality.

We're back - LIVE, together, in the flesh. And, it's good to be back. Catch up with us as we recap the last few weeks - the lessons learned and the fun had. Also, there may be a story involving Lee Ann meeting a man named Rambo in Aruba. You don't want to miss this catch-up chat!

In this episode we dive deeper into the relationships parents have with their adult children. Navigating these relationships can be challenging - after all, we've never done it before! Join us as we talk about unconditional love, celebrating each other, setting good boundaries, and learning to give and receive healthy love. We also incorporate the wisdom from our community of listeners, adding perspectives and ideas to encourage us all. You won't want to miss this part 2 episode!

We are back with one of our favorite episodes we do periodically, Stuff We Love! Here we tell you the things we've been loving, what's making our life easier, what we think you should check out, and some things you might want to bring into your life! Join us for Spring 2024 edition of Stuff We Love!

Join us at our LIVE event for an exploration of how love, found in the smallest gestures, has the power to bring about significant change in our lives. From remembering dates to simple acts of kindness, we delve into the subtle yet profound impact of love. Accompanied by special guest, musician and pastor Kelli Brownlee, we reflect on the journey of self-love and the beautiful transformations that happen when we allow others to love us well. Tune in for an impactful conversation on the extraordinary influence of love in our daily lives.

Life is full of transitions; and it seems like just when you think the dust has settled, life throws you another curveball or shift. Sometimes our life shifts are voluntary and sometimes they aren't. Either way, we can learn to reframe our thinking around transitions in life and learn to do it well. Join in this conversation all about navigating life's twists and turns with integrity and excitement!

Join us as we talk about angst. Is it ok to feel angsty? How do we work through our angst? I hope that you will sit in angst with us - because even though we have good days, we can feel angsty too, right? Don't worry, we won't stay in our angst. Make sure to connect with us on Instagram @leeannmiller and @heymattberes!

Ego is a healthy part of life, but there comes a point when our ego can get in the way of personal growth, relationships, or progress. What does it look like when ego gets in the way? What's a good way to keep our ego in check? Join us as we chat about the almighty ego.

Why do we always want more? It seems like bigger and better is always on our radar. What does it look like to be content and how do we combat the feelings of discontentment? Join us in a conversation all about contentment.

Do you ever think there are things in life that are underrated? No doubt there are things that are overrated. There are some things in life that just don't live up to the hype - and then, some things that need more hype! Either way, join us in a chat about some of the most over and under rated things in life!

What do we do with the regrets in life? It's easy to let them consume our thoughts, but what would happen if we could reframe our regrets and shift our thinking. How can we shift our regret from shame to purpose? Join us in this conversation all about reframing our regret and using our past to propel us forward.

In today's chat, we're diving into the art of letting your kids spread their wings without cramping their style. We'll cover ditching parental guilt, the lowdown on scaffolding in parenting, and how it all leads to raising responsible adults. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that turns everyday parenting challenges into positive experiences.

We are in part 2 of our love series, recording at our live event with our podcast family. We are talking about love. We've heard it all - you complete me, I'll die without you, let's stand on the edge of the Titanic love stories. But, is this real life? What does it look like to be in a partnership? We are here to bust some myths and talk about the unfiltered truth of love.

In this episode, we're diving into bravery: what it means, why it matters, and how it affects us and those around us. Bravery isn't just about big things; it's about doing what we believe in despite our fears, whether it's a 4 year old taking medicine or being the first to speak up in a meeting. We'll see how acts of bravery, no matter how small, inspire others and help us grow. Tune in to explore how bravery builds resilience, helps us adapt, and leads to personal growth in our everyday lives.

We're honored to host Myquillyn Smith (aka The Nester), New York Times bestselling author of "House Rules". Her latest book is more than a decorating book - it's a guide. Myquillyn's approach is all about transforming your house into a home filled with intentionality, care, and beauty.

Throughout the episode, Myquillyn shares principles to help you create a space that reflects who you are and what you love. Myquillyn's heart is to teach you how to create your home, not tell you how to decorate your home.

Join us as we talk about our favorite rules from her latest book, the inspiration for her book, and how to find the taxidermy in your home. Trust us, you won't want to miss this conversation!

Be sure to check out Myquillyn Smith on Instagram at @thenester and purchase her new book House Rules!

Prayer means different things to different people, but we discuss our thoughts around prayer and how it's had an impact on our lives. Through good times, and through hard times, prayer has been steady. Join us in this conversation all about how prayer has been a part of our lives.

In this episode, teacher, mom, and friend Chandra Sale shares insights on navigating holidays through life's challenges. Discover practical tips for resilience, finding joy, and showing love in your community during tough times. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on navigating holidays with grace.

In part 2 of 3 in our Friendship series we discuss red flags in friendships. When is it time to move on? What is the tipping point? And, how can you evaluate the relationships in your life right now. We even share some cringeworthy moments when we were the red flag friend.

Listen, it's winter and it's the season with binging TV is the perfect thing to do on those dark winter nights. We're talking old, we're talking new, we're talking all things that we deem bingeworthy. Along the way, we learn that LeeAnn and Matt have VERY different tastes in shows.

Join us in a bonus episode as we give our latest guest, Myquillyn Smith (aka @thenester) rapid-fire questions to get to know her better. How does she take her coffee? What cereal would she eat when she's home alone? What is her fast food indulgence? And, what type of butter - salted or unsalted?

We're all familiar with the term "aging gracefully," but what if we aged playfully? Join us in this episode as we explore the pursuit of joy in our passions throughout adulthood. Discover the essence of staying young at heart and unlock the keys to consistently finding delight in life's little moments. Our lively conversation reveals the secrets to a vibrant and playful approach to aging, ensuring you embrace the beauty of every stage in life. Don't miss out on these insights to stay forever young!

It's Matt's turn at the helm as we do a deep dive into Lee Ann's story - we're talking family business, deep woundings, and praying unconventional, ugly prayers during some of our darkest days.

We've heard the old adage, "less is more," but what does that really mean? Is less more, or is less just less? In an age of minimalism and maximalism, how we we hone in on what really matters and what we need in our life? Join is in a conversation on less is more - it may just inspire you to evaluate all the things, literally.

No one likes being misunderstood - it feels hurtful, confusing, and incredibly frustrating. Join us in this conversation as we dive into the topic of being misjudged. What do we do? How do we process misjudgment? What do we do to correct it, if anything at all? It can be so hard to let the misconceptions about us linger out in the world without correcting them, but is that correction actually effective?

The idea of gratitude feels cliche - especially around the holidays. But, gratitude has the potential to change our mindset, our outlook, and our physical brain. As we go into the holidays, let's explore ways we can prepare ourselves to face the days ahead so that the holidays can indeed be, good days.

Is our reputation important? It's become a badge of honor to speak your mind, but often that comes with an edge. What's the tipping point when we care what others think - and where's the balance in not caring? Join us as we chat reputation, speaking our minds, and worrying about what others think.

We're talking summer! There's no season like it! From cookouts to beach plans to sweet tea, you really can't beat summer! We're sharing our favorite parts of the summer season - soak it all in with us.

The winds of change are in the air - and we are ushering in fall. It's no coincidence that fall feels different to us - we know all about the foods, the smells, the chill. But, did you know that our brains actually respond uniquely to the fall season? We're talking all things fall - from habits, to mindsets, and even the foods that we eat. We are ushering in all things fall!

The travel bug has bit and we are talking all things travel. We talk about some of our favorite places we've been, how to travel with kids, and what different types of vacations look like with and without kids. Come on our travel journey with us as we dream about all things travel!

Friendship, part 3 of 3 we are talking finding and keeping friends. What does it mean to be a good friend? How to you know if you're being a good friend? And, what does it mean to sustain friendship through various seasons of life.

The Vacation Blues have hit. Summer is winding down, vacations are done, and we are getting back into the routine. The Vacation Blues are real over here. Today we discuss our blues, the gift of vacation, and how we can reset to bounce back from the Vacation Blues.

We all go through times where we question our purpose, our vocation, and how we spend our days. Are we living our purpose? Are we living our full potential? What opportunities do I chase? But, what happens when we start making steps towards refining our purpose? Often, we realize that when we look back at life some of those dreams did come true. Join us in a conversation all about chasing your purpose - one decision at a time!

What does it mean to continuously better ourselves? In this episode we share ways we are continually growing, changing, and evolving. It's said that if we get better by 1%, over time we will have changed a ton! So, what are some habits we can put into place to keep growing, changing, and evolving?

In this holiday season, let's make gift-giving a breeze! From homemade gems to group gift wisdom, we're all about making the gifting game more enjoyable. Tune in for practical tips that'll leave you feeling confident and ready to spread thoughtful gifts without the stress.

Join us in a bonus episode as we give our latest guest, Carlos Whittaker (aka @loswhit) rapid-fire questions! We're talking vegetables, what makes him cry, and what he's proud of right now.

Just two foodies chatting about our favorites. I mean, what's better than a chat with a friend about food? Honestly, we're surprised it took us THIS LONG to go here! Join us as we talk about some of our favorites!

Good days are ahead for the holidays - here are ideas for making the holidays one big good day. After all, these are the days we will look back on and say, "These are good days." We are talking waffle irons, good food, and some holiday songs.

Let's bust some bad advice! "Time heals all wounds." "Fake it till you make it." "Follow your heart." We've heard it all - sometimes with good intentions, sometimes not so much. But, those well-meaning phrases we've heard over the years - is there truth to them? Or, should we rethink some of those pieces of advice and catch phrases we all may have used at some point. Let's dive in and bust some bad advice together on These Are Good Days!

Let's shift the focus to the flip side – judging others. Let's explore the impact of passing judgments, the importance of empathy, and how to cultivate a more compassionate mindset. Gain insights into breaking the cycle of quick judgments and fostering understanding in various relationships. Join us for this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the complexities of human interaction and discover the keys to building stronger connections with those around us.

What does it really mean to help those around us? How can we put on a lens of becoming a helper? Let's talk lending a helping hand. Truthfully, this episode came about because a farm boy and booty shorts. You'll just have to listen and find out!

Buckle up for a wild ride as we spill the tea on LeeAnn's viral "Doo Dad Chex Mix" video—over 6 million views and a bunch of sassy comments later! We're diving into the world of online boldness, where everyone's a critic. LeeAnn spills the deets on handling the haters and surviving the comment section chaos. We're on a mission to turn the internet into a joy-filled zone. Tune in for a quick, fun ride on making the internet—and your life—a brighter place!

We've all come unglued - whether through circumstances, conflict, or crisis. And coming unglued has the potential to make us feel like we will never come back to some sense of normalcy. So, what do we do when we come unglued and truly don't know what to do or how to make our way back to a sense of calm? Join us in this conversation about coming unglued - don't worry, we'll talk about gluing it all back together too.