Broken Tiles: Recent Episodes
Brian & Stacey Upton
Life is complicated and messy...Brian & Stacey Upton talk perspective about 31 years of marriage, raising kids and planning the next chapter.
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Ever wondered how a Nerf gun fight can strengthen your relationship? Our latest episode of the Broken Tiles Podcast begins with a thrilling update: we have brand-new, professionally produced music and a high-quality recording setup to enhance your listening experience. We’re also celebrating a significant health milestone that has transformed our lives. Join us as we reflect on how our podcast grew from a mere scratch-off challenge to a cherished date night activity with nearly 20,000 downloads and hear about our plans to keep things fresh with new question games.
Hosting versus being hosted?—it’s more complex than you might think. We dive into personal anecdotes that reveal the comfort of familiar settings and the balance between fulfilling hosting responsibilities and engaging in meaningful conversations. You'll hear about the pressures of societal roles and how social anxiety impacts our interactions. This chapter is a heartfelt reflection on our evolving transparency and the genuine connections we've made along the way.
Lastly, we tackle the invisible load carried by women, share a humorous review of a new rom-com, and introduce the Adventure Challenge Connection Cards for couples. We also recount a playful scratch-off dare involving a Nerf gun fight and a speculative exercise in crafting each other’s online dating profiles. To cap it all off, we discuss the importance of self-care in motherhood and the struggles with OCD and compulsive behaviors. This episode is a rich tapestry of personal growth, advocacy, and the playful dynamics of our relationship. Don’t miss it!
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When family gathers around the table, the conversation often turns to stories that tug at the heartstrings. Our latest episode is a tapestry of such tales, woven with threads of forgiveness, personal growth, and the evolving dynamics of relationships. With our son Bailey sharing his journey to self-forgiveness in the unforgiving job market, and Kenzi opening up about coming to terms with her father's actions, we bring you intimate narratives that resonate with the challenges many of us face. Guest appearances from Ryan and his wife Megan enrich the dialogue with varied perspectives on conflict resolution and the healing power of understanding.
Keeping in touch might seem as easy as a text message, but it's the heartfelt efforts that count, such as the monthly calls and support during life's unexpected trials that truly fortify our bonds. Our conversation flows from earnest accounts of connection to bursts of spontaneity in a lightning round that challenges each guest to define 'the good life.' Laughter erupts as we balance the weight of our discussion with lighter moments, and the episode takes an impromptu twist when friends dial in from a stranded highway, proving that life's surprises often lead to the most memorable stories.
Wrapping up, we tackle the nuts and bolts of motivation and persuasion, sharing our unique approaches to coaxing out that inner drive when faced with daunting tasks. From Megan's value-driven method to Ryan's dance with deadlines, each story peels back the layers on how we inspire action in ourselves and others. And as if to prove that whimsy has a place even in the most profound discussions, we let our imaginations wander through the enchanting worlds of Hogwarts and faraway galaxies, before Normani's unexpected serenade reminds us of the joy found in life's serendipitous moments. Join us for an episode that's as unpredictable and delightful as the community we cherish.
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As Stacey unveils the chapters of her wellness journey, overcoming Mal de Debarquement, we're reminded that health is a dance requiring precision and grace. She shares how a blend of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes has turned her life's tempo from chaotic to harmonious. Brian and I also lay our cards on the table—quite literally—with "The And" game, sparking raw and honest conversations about our mutual concerns. It's like peering into a mirror together, facing the reflections of our deepest worries and finding strength in the vulnerability of our shared truths.
Money talks, but in relationships, it can sometimes yell. We wade into the mire of financial transparency, sharing tales from our own partnership's ledger to illustrate the profound connection between fiscal openness and emotional security. We're candid about our past financial faux pas and how they've shaped our bond, highlighting that talking about money isn't just about numbers—it's about the values and trust we build in our relationships. As the conversation unfurls, we consider society's magnifying glass on wealth and how this focus might shift the dynamics of future connections.
Finally, we muse on the lessons that time imparts. The books of Noah Harari have been a surprising catalyst for our nightly discussions, serving as a bridge between waking thoughts and dreams. In the echoes of 'A Gentleman in Moscow,' we see the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in solitude, we're interconnected. As we share anecdotes of personal growth and the intricate interplay with those we love, it's clear that each chapter of life, whether we'd rewrite it or not, is a page in the story that shapes us. Join us on this journey through the layers of health, wealth, and the human condition, as we uncover the continuous learning curve of life.
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Ever felt ensnared in a relationship dispute and wished you had the perfect resolution strategy at your fingertips? Or found yourself struggling to comfort a loved one in their darkest hour? We're back on the airwaves after a hiatus, and ready to share our explorations into these complex topics, offering you insights and practical advice to navigate these tricky terrains. Join Brian and Stacey as we relive cherished childhood memories, share updates on Stacey's health journey with Mal de Debarquement syndrome, and even delve into a riveting review of the feminist-themed TV show "Lessons in Chemistry."
Have you ever grappled with the subtle yet profound difference between feeling safe and secure? We did too. Our discussion uncovers how these emotions intertwine with our ability to be honest with ourselves and others. We examine how childhood experiences shape our sense of safety and influence our relationships. But it's not all heavy topics - we also lighten the mood with a fun game using our new box of conversation starters and a scratch-off date DIY salsa lesson for couples!
So whether you're looking for insights into effective conflict resolution, seeking advice on comforting a loved one, or just want a laugh, this episode of the Broken Tiles podcast has something for you. Tune in for a rich array of topics, thoughtful discussions, and some fun.
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Stacey & Brian climb back in front of the mics for a wavy episode.
Topics range from Stacey's battle with Mal De Debarquement Syndrome, choosing a single song to be played during intimacy for the rest of eternity, looking deeply into each others eyes.
Musical Guests : A-Ha , Lewis Capaldi & Lady GaGa
Brian sits down in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with his closest friend and discusses a terminal cancer diagnosis, Denver Broncos Football, raising kids, marriage, faith, masturbation, the apocalypse, strip clubs, poker, Paris, Tahiti and the unforeseen gift and perspective that the terminal diagnosis has provided.....
Season 2 !
Stacey & Brian are back at it for a second season of the podcast.
Questions :
Do you have any friends you would consider family ?
What decisions have you made that have had positive outcomes on your life ?
What do you now that you wish you had learnt earlier in life ? This question Stacey read incorrectly and broke the time space continuum that stops the flow of the show for a solid 8 minutes.
Brian discusses the hidden dangers of grey meat. ( Related Topics Include : Crapping ones pants whilst throwing up at the same time )
Stacey reveals an adorable childhood crush that upon further review reveals he was a great singer... Brian's crush (s) drop the show to new lows.
Movie Review : Megan
Musical Guests : Stick Figure, Shaun Cassidy, Madonna.
Brian & Stacey drop a special episode reviewing Jonah Hill's documentary "Stutz".
Stutz's tools offer a solution to the biggest complaint patients have about therapy: the wait for change to begin.
Netflix Summary :
"In Stutz, Hill talks at length about how his therapist's ideas and teachings changed his life. The process wasn't linear and, Hill says, his work will never be over, but once he learned the Tools, he says he could finally enjoy, accept and confront anything that came at him in this life."
Brian & Stacey work through a recent fight. Questions range from what main improvements they have made in the relationship over the years and what path they need to take to improve going forward.
They review "Book of Mormon" eleven years late.
Brian has a question that eliminates two southern states ...
Musical Guests : Stick Figure, The Wrecks & A-Ha
Stacey & Brian are back and the questions range from how they work through conflict, special places they want to show each other and if they are actually comfortable talking to each other.
Stacey talks survival of her first California Earthquake and the date challenge has Brian thinking he is going to use sidewalk chalk to graffiti their complexes parking lot.
The Broken Tiles Review is "The Watcher" on Netflix.
Musical guests include : Stick Figure, A-Ha, Big Joe Turner
Brian & Stacey talk birthdays, fourteeners, gin rummy and the double edge sword that flying Frontier Airlines presents.
The questions range from favorite memories of their relationship and Brian being overconfident on their wedding night and wanting to have six kids.
They discuss the necessity of heartache to feel joy. Brian is proud that he found a super retro Pan Am commercial. The moment they felt closest to each other is very surprising to both.
Stacey again assaults Brian's bad hygiene and he mounts his Horse of Stonewalling to fight back.
Stacey introduces a new game within the game : A weekly scratch off date challenge !
Spotify Musical Guests : Pickin' & Singin' , Coupons, Old 97's, Stick Figure
Questions range from what emotion Brian and Stacey would permanently get rid of, things that they would want the other to fo more of and if they ever thought of leaving each other.
The Broken Tiles Review: Game of Thrones "House of the Dragon"
Musical Guests : A-Ha / Mac Miller & Post Malone
Brian and Stacey try to figure out what is going on with their Venezuelan audience... Questions range from first loves, what their next tattoos might be.
Analyzing dreams has Stacey being Aqua Woman and Brian in an alternate universe....
Other questions : Do we feel emotionally close ?
Broken Tile Reviews :
"Blackbird" on Apple TV
"Nine Perfect Strangers" on Hulu
Spotify Musical Guest : Nation Of Language
Evoke Greatness
Are you interested in hearing the stories of how people navigated their path to greatness?
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Lebron James makes a ton of money playing basketball and Stacey thinks that's insane...
Stacey has no memory of any of the questions she has asked in any of the podcasts and Brian keeps buying tickets for amazing events that they end up not going to or forgetting to go...
Questions range from how they make each other feel appreciated, what they do right in the relationship and are they even listening to each other when they are talking...
Brian & Stacey both share the hardest goodbye they've ever made...
The Broken Tiles Review is in for "Couples Therapy" on Showtime.
Brian & Stacey break down their trip to Florida..
The questions range from giving space when upset or talking it out, what the next chapter is in their relationship and what common values are shared.
The Spotify Blend game is interrupted....by the winner.
"Only Murders In the Building" is reviewed using the new "Tile" scale.
Brian's question has them both solving all the world's most pressing issues.
Stacey & Brian literally sweat out an episode in hot & humid Florida while visiting the kids.
Questions range from what makes us feel loved, classes we would retake in high school and the craziest thing everyone did in their youth.
Brian confesses he started drinking and smoking at an absurdly young age.
Annoyingly , it turns out everyone on the planet has cheated except Stacey & Kenzi.
Someone in the family has arrested a serial killer and Brian thinks the killer is now listening in Folsom prison.
Kenzi & Bailey’s dog “Snips” has zero respect for the production and keeps trying to ruin the show.
“Mansplaining” is attempted with terrible results …
Aynsley & Brian tripped balls on the St. Pete Pier and ripped some rave music from two kids.
…and the podcast gets downloaded in Islamabad.
Brian & Stacey talk about the sad state of San Francisco, hidden restaurant gems in the Tenderloin. The game questions have them fantasizing about far away locations, favorite rituals and Stacey's adventures dating three guys in a 12 month period before giving Brian the final rose....
Guests : Aynsley Upton ( Famous Denver Theatre chick AKA: youngest daughter ) is on shamelessly promoting her her new musical "Into The Woods" and also finds time to tell the whole world how broke her dad was.
Brian & Stacey recap a spontaneous weekend in Vegas and drop their views in on the recent shootings.
Brian get's in deep trouble when he lands on the wrong song to start the Spotify game.
The "Let's Get Closer" questions range from what inspires us, why they are in each others lives to quirks that they love about each other. Fair Use Musical guests: a-ha, Michael Jackson, Latto, Charlie Cunningham and Morrissey and Azuki, their Shiba Inu, continues to disrupt the broadcast.
Stacey & Brian talk about cops eating pizza at crime scenes, Brian's binge drinking, having COVID for the first time. Tayler ( their oldest daughter ) calls in and they make her play the game. Special musical guests : Stick Figure, Peter Gabriel & their house band A-ha.
Brian wants to talk about the Johnny Depp trial to boost ratings and he beats her in the Spotify Blend Game
Brain & Stacey get a sponsor ( for real this time ) talk about love languages, salsa dancing and one way tickets to Europe.
Brian & Stacey talk about the concept of the podcast, what the word "home" means, truth & lies they have kept from one another. Stacey breaks a question out of the box that makes Brian check in with where he currently stands in the universe.
BONUS: MATERIAL: The podcast gets a title sponsor, "Baby got Back" is discussed as a theme song for the show and Stacey makes a controversial comment...