Real Friends

Jake Goessling - Part 2 of 2

We pick back up with Jake’s story as he shares how he ultimately proposed to his then girlfriend, now wife, Maddie.  And then shares the bittersweet story of the joy associated with planning a wedding while at the same time he and Maddie mourned the tragic and unexpected loss of a loved one – Maddie’s mom.  Finally, Jake shares his current state in life and both the joys and challenges of being a husband, a father, and a Christ-follower.   And how his faith life and walk with Christ has been an integral part of his story over the past few years.  

f you enjoyed the first part of Jake’s story, I think you will enjoy the second part even more.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Check out my website at www.therobertharrison.com 
Send questions or comments to realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

Jake Goessling - Part 1 of 2

The transition from living at home full time to living on your own for the first time can be a challenging experience.  Do you remember?  Especially when that experience includes going away for college, the collegiate party environment, and your first serious dating relationship.  What happens when you combine all these elements and a young college student is also given the opportunity to test or even cross many of the boundaries he initially learned and valued while growing up?

Have you ever been there?  Have you ever been in a similar situation where you flirted with or crossed boundaries you knew were designed to protect you and keep you safe?  How did that work out?  Listen to my friend, Jake Goessling, as he shares his candid and redemptive story and discover for yourself.   
  
Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Check out my website at www.therobertharrison.com 
Send questions or comments to realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

The Holiday Hustle

The Holiday Hustle - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.  It’s a time of the year that can be both joyful and stressful.   How do different age groups deal with these challenges?  This month we chat with a group of teens, 20-sometings, and others in an effort to explore how different age groups navigate both the joys and the challenges of the holiday season.

Thank you for listening.  This is a special edition of “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: Christmas (by Asepirawan20): https://pixabay.com/music/christmas-christmas-12025

Thank you to my “Podcast Ensemble”:
Teenagers – Taylor, Elle, Eva, Josie, Isaac, & Sam
20 Somethings – Carson, Abby, Taylor, Brennan, & Christine
Others Members – Justin, Kristen, Mary, Steve, Bil, & Michelle

Running - BRTT 12:00 Minute Pace Group - Liz

As this year’s training season winds down, I thought it would be fun to chat with Big River Training Team’s (BRTT) 12:00 minute pace group.  On a beautiful, brisk Sunday morning, after completing our run through Route 66 Park, eight of us gathered around a picnic bench in Lion’s Park to share stories and insights about running. 

Listen to members from the 12:00 minute pace group as they laugh and share their stories and see if any of their stories resonate with you.  I think you will find the 12:00 minute pace group both entertaining and insightful.  I know I did. 

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Liz McBrady, Ellen Adamo, Vicky, Mark Koors, Alyssa Taylor, Tabatha, Michael Bryant

Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Route 66 State Park – www.mostateparks.com/park/route-66-state-park

Running – BRTT 12:30 Pace Group - Jen

This month we chat with another one of Big River Training Team’s (BRTT) pace groups – the 12:30 minute pace group.  If you hear a little wind noise in the background it’s because we recorded our podcast on a beautiful, but windy Sunday morning in beautiful Tower Grove Park.

One of the things I like most about recording podcasts with different pace groups is that it allows me to relive some of their greatest or most challenging experiences, to enjoy the laughter as stories are shared and to briefly peak into each runner’s unique personality.  You get all of that with the 12:30 minute pace group.
Still debating whether or not “running is the right sport for you?”  Or whether a local running community like Big River Training Team right for you?  Listen to members of the 12:30 minute pace group and discover for yourself.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Jen Koitzer, Dan Palasky, Diana Van Buren, Carolyn Aylward Dolan
Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Tower Grove Park - www.towergrovepark.org

Fantasy Football Draft - 2022 - Just for fun

Hi, my name is Rob and I’m the host of Real Friends.  You know, it’s fun to share some of the real-life stories of my real friends, but every once and a while it’s equally as fun to do something silly or something light hearted.  Like posting pictures of a favorite meal or posting pictures of your kids or even your favorite pet.  In similar fashion, you are invited to attend our 2022 fantasy football draft.  We did this last year when half a dozen of us got together for our draft and enjoyed it.  It’s silly and filled with a lot of meaningless sports talk but it’s still a good time and allows you to “peak behind the curtain” and see how guys behave crafting their fantasy football teams.

I hope you enjoy it.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Fantasy Football site: https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/
Send questions or comments to realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Visit my website at www.therobertharrison.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

High School Seniors - The Girls

Last month we chatted with three of my favorite high school senior guys.  This month we chat with three of my favorite high school senior girls; Chloe, Ellie, and Maddie.  We discuss many of the same topics I discussed with the guys last month including high school, college, dating, the future; their faith journey – we even discuss a few extra topics.  If you still ponder how the next generation thinks?  Or if they are equipped to tackle some of the challenges we face as a nation?  Listen to these three young ladies and discover for yourself.  I think you’ll be impressed.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Chloe, Ellie, Maddie

High School Seniors - The Guys

Today, I have a conversation with three of my favorite high school seniors; Cade, Jackson, and Cooper.  Young men that I’ve had the honor and privilege of getting to know much better over the past year.  We discuss high school, college, dating, the future; we even discuss their faith and how it intersects with real life.  Have you ever wondered how the next generation thinks?  Or if they are equipped to tackle some of the challenges we face as a nation?  Listen to these three young men and discover for yourself.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Cade, Jackson, & Cooper

Running - BRTT 8:30 Pace Group - Tim

This month we continue last month’s “running theme” and chat with one of my favorite pace groups at Big River Training Team (BRTT) – the 8:30 pace group.  I’ve had the honor and privilege of training with the 8:30 pace group since 2015.  Not only has it made me a better, wiser runner, but I’ve also developed friendships with a variety of healthy, positive, inspiring people who both encourage and motivate me.   Still debating whether or not “running is the right exercise for you?”  Or whether a local running community like Big River Training Team right for you?  Listen to several of my friends from the 8:30 pace group and discover for yourself.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

Resources:  Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Tim Gallagher, Sadie Smith, Maryam, Paul Wesley, & Peter Eppler

Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Forest Park - www.forestparkforever.org

Running – BRTT 8:00 Pace Group - Brian

This week we switch things up a bit and chat with one of the fastest pace groups at Big River Training Team (BRTT); that is, the 8-minute pace group.  How would you spend the perfect spring morning?  This morning I got to spend it by running a loop in one of our favorite parks, Forest Park, with the 8-minute pace group.  Then spending an hour or so afterwards chatting with them about both the challenges and benefits of running.  Is running right for you?  And is a running community like Big River Training Team right for you?  Listen to my friends and discover for yourself.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/ 

Resources:
Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: Brian Carter, Greg Artime, Nicholas Vollmer, Julie Losso-Snow, Andy Ament, Rachel Ament, Payton Birkel, Jennifer, Scott Bosso 

Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Forest Park - www.forestparkforever.org

Wedding Stories - Part 2

Do you remember your wedding day?  After all the planning and hard work, what do you remember the most?  Or do you remember anything at all from your “Big Day”?  Today, our two couples – Zach and Amanda and Jake and Maddie – conclude their stories and share insights, lessons learned and offer advice for future couples planning a wedding.  I think you will love their humble, honest insights.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Thanks again to my awesome Wedding Couples:  Zach Peters, Amanda Peters, Jake Goessling, Maddie Goessling

Website: www.therobertharrison.com  
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com  
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/  

Wedding Stories - Part 1

Do you remember your wedding day?  Better yet, do you remember all the details leading up to your “Big Day”?  Including details like “how you met, the proposal, the wedding planning and the actual wedding itself”?  

Today, I share an enjoyable conversation with two great couples – Zach and Amanda and Jake and Maddie – as they share their stories, their insights, and their lessons learned on the ultimate road to marriage.     

If you’ve ever planned a wedding or been part of one yourself, I think you are going to enjoy today’s podcast.  It’s a lot of fun.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Roundtable guests: Huge thanks to Zach Peters, Amanda Peters, Jake Goessling, Maddie Goessling

Website: www.therobertharrison.com
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Dad’s Rountable

Today I have the honor and privilege of chatting with 4 of my favorite dads – Ryan, Kyle, Garet and Caleb.  Not only are these guys full time dads, they are also full time husbands, and have full time careers.   Similar to the conversation I had with some of my favorite moms last year, I ask these dads how they strike a balance between kids, work, marriage, friends, God, and still find time for themselves?  Or can you?  Listen to these open, honest, encouraging dads and discover for yourself. 

Thank you for listening, this is “Real Friends”.

Roundtable: Huge thank you to my group of dads - Ryan, Kyle, Garet, & Caleb

Topics:

1. Introduction - how many kids do you have/ages, and what does your normal rhythm look like as a mom?
2. Becoming a dad - how did you become the dad you are now?
3. Faith – how do you introduce your kids to faith/God?
4. Division of Labor – how do you decide who does what in your home?
5. Peer Group – healthy vs unhealthy comparison
6. Technology – what, how and when do you introduce your kids to it?
7. Favorite Kid’s Show – and can you sing the theme song?

Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Website: https://www.therobertharrison.com/
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Real Friends - Sarah Moss - Part 2

Surrender.  What do you think of when you hear the word surrender?  Are they positive connotations?  Negative ones?  Or maybe a mix of both?  And what does it look like to be a young woman trying to surrender your life to God on a daily basis?  Is that even possible in today’s highly secular world?  Join me and my special friend, Sarah Moss, as we discuss not only that topic but what it looks like to a young, Christian woman in today’s world and discover for yourself.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Website: https://www.therobertharrison.com/
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

 

Real Friends - Sarah Moss - Part 1

Surrender.  What do you think of when you hear the word "surrender"?  Are they positive connotations?  Negative ones?  Or maybe a mix of both?  And what does it look like to be a young woman trying to surrender your life to God on a daily basis?  Is that even possible in today’s highly secular world?  Join me and my special friend, Sarah Moss, as we discuss not only that topic but what it looks like to a young, Christian woman in today’s world and discover for yourself.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Website: https://www.therobertharrison.com/
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Real Friends - Lucas Garza - Part2

Do you remember your first serious relationship?  Whether it was a high school sweetheart, a college sweetheart, or something totally different, most of us remember our first serious relationship.  Especially when those relationships don’t work out and someone’s heart gets broken. 

Today in part 2 of a 2-part series, I resume my conversation with Lucas Garza as he shares how he’s bounced back from earlier battles with depression and suicidal tendencies to the life he now lives with purpose and meaning.  And one day he hopes to use his previous experience to help others who suffer similar challenges.  How would you bounce back from your lowest point in life?  Listen to my friend, Lucas Garza, as he shares his story and discover for yourself.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Website: https://www.therobertharrison.com/
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

 

Real Friends - Lucas Garza - Part 1

Do you remember your first serious relationship?  Whether it was a high school sweetheart, a college sweetheart, or something totally different, most of us remember our first serious relationship.  Especially when those relationships don’t work out and someone’s heart gets broken.  Today in part 1 of a 2-part series, I share a conversation with a friend of mine, Lucas Garza.  Lucas is in his mid-twenties with a promising future ahead of him but like most of us has dealt with challenges in his past.  One of those challenges includes the break-up of his first serious relationship.  How do you deal with the breakup of your first serious relationship?  How do you deal with depression and suicidal tendencies?  And how do you build your life going forward so that your past doesn’t dictate or haunt your future?

Listen to my friend, Lucas Garza, as he shares his open, honest story and discover for yourself.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

 

Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Website: https://www.therobertharrison.com/
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

 

Real Friends -What does Christmas mean to you?

What does Christmas mean to you?  And what is your favorite Christmas story or Christmas memory?  Do you have one?  Maybe it’s a childhood memory or something more recent.  Maybe it involves a special gift you either gave or received from someone.  Maybe it involves a dinner, or worship service, or merely enjoying Christmas decorations with family or friends.  Or maybe, just maybe, it involves a special someone or special relationship in your life.

Whatever it is, hopefully you enjoy this special edition of Real Friends and allow these stories and conversations to prepare your heart to celebrate Christmas in a very special way.  One that resonates with you personally and reminds you of what’s really important during the Christmas season.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website:  www.therobertharrison.com 
Questions or comments: realfriendsstl@gmail.com 
Music:  
Dance of Sugar Plum Fairies - courtesy Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com    
O Holy Night - https://gospelmusicbase.com/o-holy-night-feat-melvin-crispell/ 

Thank you to my “Podcast Ensemble”: 
Teenagers – Sam, Micah, Isaac
20 Somethings – Lucas, Sarah
30 Somethings – Caleb, Garet, Kyle, Ryan
Others – Sarah, Trina, Paul, Sharon

Running – BRTT 9:00 Pace Group - JoAnna

This week we switch things up a bit and talk about one of my favorite passions – running!  And we discuss it with one of my favorite running groups – Big River Training Team’s (BRTT) 9 minute pace group.  Are all runners created equal?  Obviously not.  And if you have never run before, how do you know whether running is the right sport/hobby/passion for you? 

Listen to members of the BRTT 9:00 minute pace group as they openly and honestly share their running stories.  Equally as important, listen to their personal reflections regarding the community and friendships they’ve developed through running and the joy you hear in today’s podcast – it’s real, it’s authentic, and it’s infectious.  Is running right for you?  And is a running community like Big River Training Team right for you?  Listen to my friends and discover for yourself.

Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Website: https://www.therobertharrison.com/
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Resources:

Thank you to my “Podcast Posse”: JoAnna, Charles, Amanda, Scott, Cammy, & Matt

Big River Running Company - www.bigriverrunning.com
Espresso Yourself Coffee & Cafe - 5351 Devonshire Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
www.espressoyourselfcafe.com
Sisters Sandwich Shoppe - 5353 Devonshire Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
https://sisterssandwichshoppe.com/menu/

Real Friends - John Frauenhoffer - Part 2

What’s the key to a successful marriage?  Some say it starts first with a commitment that “divorce is never an option” followed by a commitment to constantly strive to make your marriage better – regardless the struggles or challenges.  And, yes, even the best marriages face struggles and challenges.  We conclude my conversation with John by discussing his marriage, family and his passion for Men’s Ministry.  Why is Men’s Ministry so important to John?  Listen to my friend, John Frauenhoffer, as he shares his insights, life lessons and encouraging story and discover for yourself.   Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website: www.therobertharrison.com
Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Suggested Men’s Resources:
Healing the Masculine Soul – Gordon Dalbey
The Great Divorce – C.S. Lewis
The Master Plan of Evangelism – Robert Coleman
Pure Desire - https://puredesire.org
No Regrets - www.menwithnoregrets.org
F3 St Louis - https://f3stlouis.com/
The Crossing - Men’s Ministry - info@thecrossing.church