She Said, He Said, with Jerry and Karen Davich: Recent Episodes
Jerry Davich
“She Said, He Said” with hosts Jerry and Karen Davich offers a candid pod-pourri of points and counterpoints about couples, relationships and the daily perplexities between the sexes. They share personal experiences, experts’ insights, and other couples’ real-life stories to navigate the subtle intimacies of love and romance. Do opposites really attract? Do love languages matter? Can couples stay together after adultery? What exactly defines flirting? How do you find love after divorce? And how can couples with children keep the flames of romance flickering? “She Said, He Said” doesn’t merely ask the difficult questions. We answer them — from both sides of couple-hood.
On this week’s show, Pastor Greg Lee of Suncrest Christian Church in St. John joins us in the studio to examine the gospel about Jesus Christ, what faith should look like for believers, and why too many Christians don’t act Christ-like in their daily lives.
“Followers of Jesus - church people - tend to forget that following Jesus is the way to get to heaven. But they’ve somehow constructed a different way in their mind by beating people into it, or convincing people about it, or telling people they’re wrong," Lee explains to Jerry, who's agnostic.
True believers don’t need a “secondary plan” for spiritual salvation and eternal life. They need to follow the graceful and merciful behavior of their messiah. “If you look at who Jesus had his harshest words for, it was for religious people who were harsh to people who were on the margins,” Lee says.
We hope you join us for a down-to-earth discussion - without a hint of preaching - about faith, redemption, conviction and forgiveness. And also how to demonstrate grace and mercy in a world that historically seeks justice.
About the show
“She Said, He Said" with co-hosts Jerry Davich and Karen Davich unpacks all the baggage about relationships, couples and issues between the sexes (and the ex’s). “Because there’s a lot to unpack,” Karen says.
The dangers of online dating. The fun of flirting. Blended families. Difficult in-laws. Connecting after arguments. First kisses and final divorces. You name it, they’ll unpack it on “She Said, He Said.”
All episodes are now available for viewing at NWI.com or to listen on your favorite platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google and Audacy. Subscribe to not miss any new episodes.
The couple's podcast is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. It's recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana, with local guests in the studio and timeless topics on the table.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just moments before the Fourth of July fireworks show began, a military veteran yelled, “Aren’t you going to stand up for the national anthem!”
Jerry looked around.
“Stand up for the anthem!” the veteran yelled again.
The anthem began playing. Jerry remained seated.
During a quiet lull, Jerry yelled back harshly, “(Expletive) you!”
Karen cringed, looking around at all the police officers.
As soon as the anthem ended, Jerry jumped to his feet and yelled at the guy, "I'm standing up NOW (expletive)! Let’s talk.”
Today’s show shares this explosive story and its surprising outcome.
Also on this week’s show, a controversial observation about America the (not so) beautiful: Although we’ve been taught that the United States is an utterly unique triumph of freedom, democracy, goodness and decency, this is not the whole truth about our country. We share a star-spangled essay.
Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of the best dates are ones that blossom organically with only the seeds of a garden-variety plan in place. All it needs is a fertilizer-cocktail of creativity, an openness to something new, and good old-fashioned fun.
"If you allow it to happen, you may be amazed what it grows to become," Karen says.
Conceived with the simple idea to see a new critically-acclaimed movie, "Past Lives" - the first great film of the year, reviews claim - it bloomed into an unforgettable date night, climaxing outside Wrigley Field in Chicago.
"And to think we initially didn't even want to leave Valparaiso," Jerry says.
We give all the credit to thousands of wandering Grateful Dead fans, the sweet aroma of pot in the air, chance encounters with strangers, the super-cool Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Wrigleyville, and a surprising gesture from a busy Chicago cop.
Also on this week's show, Karen mourns the loss of her beloved 2005 Tucson, which crossed the Rusted Bridge to the big junkyard in the sky. And Jerry rants about lazy motorists who drive around parking lots to get a better spot. Seriously? Come on!
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With summer now officially upon us and schools no longer serving as part-time babysitters for students of every age, parents are already scrambling for new ideas to keep their kids and teens from repeatedly sighing, “I’M BORED” for the next two months, or wasting the most beautiful season of the year by staring into electronic screens all day.
Karen and Jerry, who are resourceful parents of four kids, offer listeners and viewers proven summertime activities as well as a few creative ones from a professional fun-seeker who’s written a book on this topic. Most of their ideas are free or inexpensive, yet guaranteed to engage kids, make long-lasting memories, or at least boastful social media posts.
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Episode 18: Mary and John Conlisk were both divorced for more than 10 years before meeting through eHarmony. He had more than 700 women to choose from. She had more children (7) than matches (6). Yet their math eventually added up.
On their first date, they compared body scars from surgeries and accidents while relaxing on a blanket at Mount Baldy. The sands of time seemed to work against them after a few years passed without John committing to marriage.
Mary broke up with him multiple times until a parakeet, a Shakespearean sonnet (performed in costume) and a spiritual retreat finally guided him to see the light of true love. They've been married now for 14 years. She’s 68, he’s 72.
On this week’s show, the Valparaiso couple shares their spirited love story and humorous backstory, as well as words of advice to couples who haven’t yet found each other, at any age.
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 17: Are you and your partner on the same page most days?
A recurring challenge for many couples is to stay together in the same book of love without the helpful bookmarks of common interests or natural chemistry. On this week’s show, we point out how couples attempt to stay tethered to each other despite how long they’ve been together.
Also, who’s in the driver seat in your relationship - figuratively and literally - during your routine errands or long road trips? These situations often reflect behind-the-wheel dynamics with couples. Maybe you're the heat-seeking-missile toward any destination. Maybe you're the back-roads, scenic route type.
Plus, it’s no coincidence that this week’s “Just Like That” song selection is “Book of Love” from Peter Gabriel. We share its importance to us, and possibly to you as well. Our viewers and listeners also share their favorite songs of the week, and what they find attractive in people of the opposite sex.
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 16: Jerry and Karen explore the sensitive subject of losing a close loved one and its poignant aftermath. In their case, it’s Jerry's mother, who died April 22 at the VNA Hospice in Valparaiso, Indiana.
On that day, after many days of unresponsiveness in her room, Jerry thought she awoke for a brief moment to say hello in some way. It turns out she was saying her final goodbye.
It happened immediately after he placed a Mother’s Day flower on her pillow. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. There were other unexplained synchronicities before and after her death. On this week's show, we share them with you.
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 15: Dear parents of 2023 high school and college graduates, if I haven’t met your child or know anything about them, please don’t invite me to their open house for the sole reason of me giving them money.
Can your grad pick me out of a lineup? Have we ever conversed? If not, you can leave me off the guest list. (But Karen will go for the "free" food.)
Also on this week’s show, Karen and Jerry disagree on the definition of “attractive” in regard to women’s looks. Men's looks, however, they tend to agree on. Do other couples also disagree about others’ attractiveness?
And remember when summer vacations for families didn’t have Digital Age companions like mobile phones, iPads, tablets and other electronic devices. Wherever families go this summer, they can conveniently ignore each other. Kids, it wasn’t always this way.
Plus, just like that, we begin a new segment about songs that singe the soul or touch the heart. First up, “Just Like That” by new Grammy award winner Bonnie Raitt. It’s the song of the year for a reason.
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 14: On this week’s show, Jerry and Karen visit a “MedSpa” to explore why are so many people are getting "work" done to look younger, feel more attractive and pump the brakes on the aging process. Laser it. Inject it. Peel it. Sculpt it. Tighten it. And treat it. Business is booming and it’s not just for Boomers.
We also unleash our feelings about beloved family pets that die and cross the Rainbow Bridge. Karen’s lovable pug, Buzz, may be crossing this bridge soon. Sure, it’s the cycle of life, but … but …
Also, King Charles and Queen What’s Her Name? We disagree on the importance of England’s royal family, the latest coronation ceremony, and whether the British monarchy will remain in existence in the 21st century.
Plus, we sample some of the tastiest restaurants in the area for our “Off the Eaten Path” segment, this time based on The Times’ Best of the Region choices from readers, viewers and listeners. It’s our pleasure, really.
And our “One Gesture at a Time” shares a sweet but stolen idea from a young couple that just fell in love (though they haven’t yet told each other). Shhhh …
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 13: This week's "She Said, He Said" podcast shares a sampling of our most popular shows:
A single mother's misadventures with online dating. (She's still single).
Why parents shouldn't take fussy kids to nice restaurants (with a side dish of snarky).
Getting into an argument is easy; reconnecting is the tricky part. (One couple's advice.)
And the longest-running movie spoiler alert. (Soylent Green is people food.)
Plus, how a basement bar got decorated with naked centerfolds. (It was the '70s.)
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 12: The mother of two boyish men joins Karen in the studio for this special Mother's Day preview to share sage advice with other mothers (and fathers) about parenting.
“Motherhood is amazing, wonderful and overwhelmingly beautiful. But at the same time it is the most horrifying, frustrating, exhausting and terrifying thing,” Allison Thomas says.
“Being a mom is so very hard,” Karen says. "No one can fully prepare you for it."
Still, both women offer candid insights and real world suggestions about the most important job in the world.
"You want to do it right,” Allison says.
“So buckle up buttercup and let's go,” Karen says.
"She Said, He Said" is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana. Listen to all the episodes where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, iHeart, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 11 - As the May Primary election approaches, Karen and Jerry talk with Jason and Crystal Pedroza about their unique story after first meeting while campaigning for the same public office.
Their love story has nothing to do with the politics of public office and everything to do with the politics of romance. It involves a chance encounter, a special teddy bear, a stillborn child and a poignant wedding with a surprise guest.
Listen to all the episodes where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, iHeart, Google and Audacy.
"She Said, He Said" is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seventeen years ago, Jamie Fankhauser transformed the life of an autistic baby she adopted at birth. That baby eventually transformed the life of Jamie, who opened Bun’s Soapbox in Valparaiso to provide meaningful employment opportunities to autistic adults.
Bun’s Soapbox opened in 2018 with a mission statement written on a wall near the entrance: “Employ extraordinary people in the community to discover and empower their gifts.” Nowhere on that wall, or anywhere else there, are the words “special” or “autism” or “disabilities.”
Together, Jamie and her teenage daughter, Ava, are now transforming the lives of others with a broader vision that’s soon becoming a reality. On this week’s podcast, Jamie shares her inspirational story of love, faith and parental devotion.
“The Lord has changed us drastically,” Jamie told Karen and Jerry. “We’re now the better versions of ourselves.”
Listen to all the episodes where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, iHeart, Google and Audacy.
"She Said, He Said" is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you put off phoning your mom for whatever reason? Does she annoy you? Does she ask the same mundane questions or pry into your business?
On this week's show, Karen and Jerry offer tried and true advice for keeping in touch with mothers, including the ones who take kids on a guilt trip. Some moms simply want to know how you're doing. Is that too much too ask? Welllllllll...
Also, we rejoin our conversation with Chicago Bulls radio announcer Chuck Swirsky, who shares his secrets to having a great attitude no matter the circumstances. Chuck also explains his special relationship with NBA superstars Chris Bosch and Stephan Curry.
Plus, whatever happened to Rod Blagojevich? Karen and Jerry find out by continuing their visit with Lisette Guillen, who chats about her unlikely friendship with the former Illinois governor. (It began over a loaf of focaccia bread.) And Jerry talks about meeting “Blago” for an interview at a church on Chicago’s south side. He didn’t dodge a single question. He shook hands, smiled for photos and, in a word, he was charming.
It’s not all diamonds and rosé and we like it that way. Karen invites guest Amy Blaker into the studio to take a deep dive into why “The Real Housewives” franchise has been a ratings juggernaut for 17 years. Covering eight cities, countless fights, dramatic story lines and endless fashion do’s and don'ts, it's a guilty pleasure that fans can't resist.
Psssttt … have you had any “work done"? Do you need a little "upgrade"? Jerry and Karen talk about their visit to a Med Spa in Munster. The beautiful, state of the art center focuses on non-surgical services to enhance clients' outward beauty.
One of our favorite segments, "A Lovely Waste of Time,” shares a piece of trivia handed down from Karen's mother about the Holiday Star Theater (who says that anymore?).
We close this episode with a new segment, “One Gesture at a Time,” sharing unique ideas to make a big impact on any and all relationships.
"She Said, He Said" is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart, Indiana
Listen to all the episodes where you enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, iHeart, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The true cost of divorce for parents has nothing to do with legal fees, estranged ex-spouses or broken hearts. It’s about the kids, many who never completely heal from the traumatic experience. Two homes. Two sets of rules. Two worlds in many ways.
Whether it’s court ordered or handled by both parents, kids forced to go through divorce often carry this emotional baggage for the rest of their lives. Too many of them have been weaponized by their parents or used as pawns in a vicious game with no winners except the lawyers.
On this week’s show, Karen and Jerry offer a message to divorced parents that they learned firsthand, and painfully so.
“You already lost your woman. You may also lose your kids,” Jerry warns men.
“If you think you’re only hurting your ex-husband, you’re wrong,” Karen warns women.
“The kids are the big loser,” Jerry says. “Every time,” Karen says.
Also on this week’s show, they talk with Lisette Guillen, executive producer of “Case Files Chicago,” about her fascinating show and impressive interactions with multiple police departments. And they chat with Amy Blaker, who appears to be everywhere in the Region - and the state - as a volunteer for countless organizations. Both women may inspire you to do more to give back to your community.
Plus, at what age should music performers stop performing? Karen issues a public apology to fans of a very loved and respected rock band. And it's about time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 7: Chuck Swirsky, radio voice for the Chicago Bulls, reminds us why sports entertainment is needed more than ever in our country.
“Stress is at an all-time high. People need a release,” he says.
Martin Oleksy, who suffered a severe concussion forcing him to come to grips with his mental health struggles, found his release by working out to exhaustion. But there was a dark side for the professional branding strategist.
“There’s a reason why I’m still single," says Oleksy, who shares his story to raise awareness about the psychology behind exercise as therapy.
Also on this week’s show, Karen explores the psychology behind the vast popularity of “The Real Housewives” reality TV franchises. Plus, what does it take to have a less-stressed relationship? We talk with the funnest couple we know. (They weren’t always so fun.)
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart.
Times subscribers can watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where they enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 6: James and Tera O'Connor, a power couple with powerful family demands, share their "little ninja" secrets how they operate a martial arts studio while sharing their "Keep Moving Forward" message on social media to tens of thousands of followers across the country.
Oh, and they're raising six children, ages 4 to 18, while running Team O'Connor Martial Arts & Fitness in Chesterton.
“Parenting is like getting a black belt," James tells us. "You need to show up every day."
“Time is a thief," Tera says. "You have to appreciate the moments."
Also on this week's show, Jerry recalls a casual conversation that went sideways fast when an innocent word triggered an unpredictable argument that exploded into an unforgettable fight.
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart.
Times subscribers can watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where they enjoy other podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What pets your peeve when it comes to your spouse, or family members, or strangers in public places? For example, parents who bring their fussy kids to nice restaurants, Karen insists. Or other parents who loudly discipline their children in public, Jerry says.
Also on this week's show, is it possible for couples to stay together after cheating or infidelity rips apart their hearts? And those poor souls who get trapped in a “situationship” with a friend that they want to be a lover. Plus, our "Off the Eaten Path" dining adventures to Farina's Supper Club in Michigan City (don't take your kids!) and SmokeTown Blues Barbecue in Valparaiso (bring a bib!).
“She Said, He Said” is sponsored by Times Media Co and Lee Enterprises. Our show is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace studios in Hobart.
Times subscribers can watch our podcast at NWI.com or listen to it where they enjoy other podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Audacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For any couple, getting into an argument is easy. The trick is getting over one and reconnecting in a positive way. Also, is 60 the new 40? And we debate “Remember when…” and its generational differences.
Watch the full video version of this episode at NWI.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 3: The misadventures of online dating with a single mother of three who met with a cash-strapped mama’s boy, an “alarmingly handsome” egotist, and other men who ultimately disappointed her. Yet she may give it a go once again, “just for us,” she said.
Also, Karen shares five tips for women to find the right guy. And, ladies, she promises it will work.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 2: What’s it like to live with a police officer who charges into danger? What’s it like to live with a stressed out high school teacher? This is what happens when a bomb threat is called in to the school when they're both on duty. Troy and Carrie Williams share their unique and complex relationship.
Plus, a new program coming to NWI to support law enforcement; how to avoid social drinking; Chicago Bulls' radio voice Chuck Swirsky; and an "Off the Eaten Path" food review. Watch the full video version of this episode at NWI.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Love at first sight? Not with this couple. Their first and second kiss came exactly 10 years apart at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Also, a decades-old spoiler alert, a forgotten birthplace, and “A Lovely Waste of Time.”
Watch the full video version of this episode at NWI.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“She Said, He Said” with hosts Jerry and Karen Davich offers a candid pod-pourri of points and counterpoints about couples, relationships and the daily perplexities between the sexes. They share personal experiences, experts’ insights, and other couples’ real-life stories to navigate the subtle intimacies of love and romance. Do opposites really attract? Do love languages matter? Can couples stay together after adultery? What exactly defines flirting? How do you find love after divorce? And how can couples with children keep the flames of romance flickering? “She Said, He Said” doesn’t merely ask the difficult questions. We answer them — from both sides of couple-hood.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.