Real Friends

Real Friends - John Frauenhoffer - Part 1

Growing up, John felt he lived a normal childhood – the type of childhood any average kid might experience.  It wasn’t until John got married in his twenties that he began to recognize a certain level of dysfunction and brokenness that had crept into his lifestyle since he was a kid.  They type of brokenness that quietly plagues more than 50% of men, including Evangelical Christian men.

Today in part 1 of a 2-part series, I share a conversation with a good friend of mine, John Frauenhoffer.  John and I discuss many of his successes in life, but we also discuss some of the very real challenges that men face – like family of origin issues, the challenges of marriage, and yes, we even discuss the topic of sexual brokenness – a topic many men battle and wrestle with and yet many men are ashamed or embarrassed to admit it.

Can you overcome family of origin issues?  Can you heal from sexual brokenness?  And can a marriage not only survive those sorts of challenges but actually thrive on the backend?  If so, how?

Listen to my friend, John Frauenhoffer, as he shares his open, honest, encouraging story and discover for yourself.   In particular, listen to a decision that John and his wife, Kim, made during their first year of marriage.  I believe it’s one of the key decisions and key turning points that has helped to shape the rest of John’s story.   

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

Real Friends - Mom‘s Roundtable - Part 2

Today we continue our conversation with three of my favorite moms – Sarah, Christina, and Sandy.  We continue to discuss both the challenges and the rewards they encounter as both moms and all the other roles they fill in in day-in, day-out life.  If you enjoyed the first part of our conversation, I’m sure you will enjoy this second part equally as well.   Thank you for listening, this is “Real Friends”.

Topics

1. Favorite Kid’s Show – and can you sing the theme song?
2. Addictive Nature of Technology – what, how and when do you introduce your kids to it?
3. Cultural influences - How do you help your kids navigate the various “cultural influences” that often teach values or moral contrary to your own?
4. Faith – how do you help your child in their “faith walk”?
5. Final Thoughts and advice or insights?

Special thanks to our moms: Sarah Burke, Christina Anderson, Sandy Young

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

Real Friends - Mom‘s Roundtable -Part 1

Today we switch things up a bit and chat with three of my favorite moms – Sarah, Christina, and Sandy.  Not only are these women full time moms, they also have full time jobs outside of the home.  How do you strike a balance between kids, work, spouse, friends, God, and still find time for yourself?  Or can you?  Listen to these three honest, insightful moms and discover for yourself.  Thank you for listening, this is “Real Friends”.

Topics

1. Introduction - how many kids do you have/ages, and what does your normal rhythm look like as a mom?
2. Growth as a mom - how did you become the mom you are now?
3. Discipline - how do you discipline your children; discipline style?
4. Favorite Kid’s Show – and can you sing the theme song?
5. Technology – what, how and when do you introduce your kids to it?

Special thanks to our moms: Sarah Burke, Christina Anderson, Sandy Young

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

Real Friends - Rob Jimenez - Part 3

Who drives to Las Vegas to get married on April Fool’s Day?  And why would you move from Los Angeles, California to a smaller, lesser-known destination like St. Louis, Missouri – especially in the middle of January?  These topics along with family, faith, and future goals are just some of the topics we cover in this final episode of Rob Jimenez’s story.  If you enjoyed the first two episodes, I’m sure you will enjoy this final episode.   It’s filled with the same honest insights and laughter as parts 1 and 2.  Plus, we get to hear the conclusion of how Rob proposed to his wife, Stephanie.

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

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

 

 

Real Friends - Rob Jimenez - Part 2

What’s your fondest memories of your mom and dad?  Do you have one?  In spite of his parent’s divorce and a challenging home life which left him living on the streets of Los Angeles at 14, Rob still shares fond memories of both of his mom and dad and reminds us of the unconditional love most children instinctively have for their parents.  Today in part 2 of this 3-part series, Rob shares his experience as a first generation Hispanic-American, what it was like to grow up in a diverse neighborhood absent of racial prejudice,  and how he navigated the challenges of living on the streets of L.A. as a young teenager. If you enjoy honest, reflective, laughter-filled conversation, I’m sure you’ll enjoy part 2 of Rob’s story. Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

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

 

Real Friends - Rob Jimenez - Part 1

Do you have any friends who just naturally make you laugh?  There is just a connection, a chemistry that leads to good old fashioned laughter?  Well, that's my friend Rob Jimenez. 

Rob is a first generation Hispanic-American born in the United States.  Only his mom didn’t want him to focus on his Hispanic heritage.  Instead, she wanted him to focus on the fact that he was American.  We discuss those sort of family dynamics along with other challenges he faced growing up on the streets of Los Angeles.  Ultimately we discuss his ability to rise above the challenging circumstances he faced early in life to achieve the rewarding life he currently lives.

If you enjoy laughter and insightful wisdom, listen to my friend, Robert Jimenez, as he shares his colorful story.    

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

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

 

Real Friends - Just For Fun

It’s fun to share some of the real-life stories of my real friends, but every once and a while you need to do something silly or something on the surface that doesn’t seem to make sense at all – right?  Like posting pictures of a favorite meal, posting videos of gamers playing their favorite video games, or even kids posting videos reviewing their favorite toys.  In similar fashion, you are invited to attend or listen-in on our “2021 Fantasy Football Draft”.  Pretty exciting, right?  I know, it’s silly and nonsensical (if that’s even a word?), but it’s fun and it’s something we’ve done since 2009 and it allows you to “peak behind the curtain” so-to-speak and see how guys behave crafting their fantasy football team.   I hope you enjoy it.  Thank you for listening.  This is “Real Friends”.

Website: www.therobertharrison.com
Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/
Fantasy Football site: https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/

 

Real Friends - 20-Something Roundtable - Part2

Think about when you were in your twenties.  What were the biggest joys and challenges you faced during that season of life?  Can you remember?  Today we resume our conversation with some of my favorite “20 Somethings” as we discuss mental health, relationships, and the role of God in their lives.  Excuse the background noise, as we recorded our conversation in a local restaurant that was noisy but fun.  Listen to their open, honest, wonderful conversations as they discuss both the joys and challenges they face navigating their current season of life.   Thank you for listening, this is “Real Friends”.

Topics Discussed:

1. Health (mental/emotional) – How do you deal with anxiety?
2. What are you most excited about?
3. Bucket List: What’s on your bucket list?
4. Relationships
5. Social Media
6. Mentors
7. Spiritual – Faith walk
8. What would you say to the people you love the most?

Impartial News source: www.townhall.com
Christian Radio Station in St. Louis – BOT 91.5 FM
Website: www.therobertharrison.com
Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Real Friends - 20-Something Roundtable - Part 1

Think about when you were in your twenties.  Do you think it’s easier or more challenging to be a 20-something these days?  It’s a far different world from when many of us were in our twenties.   Is that a good thing?  A bad thing?  Or neither?  Today we switch things ups and chat with some of my favorite 20-somethings about the challenges they face during their current season of life.  Career, finances, independence, physical/mental/emotional health – the list goes on and on - along with a key topic that impacts many of them and most of us – relationships.   Listen to the honest, insightful, laughter-filled conversations of my wonderful group of 20-somethings and determine for yourself.  Thank you for listening, this is “Real Friends”.

Topics:

1. Career
2. Finances
3. Big Picture concerns
4. Side comments – our generation is on our phones too much
5. Silly: Tattoos – yes or no? Why or why not?
6. Health (physical/mental/emotional)
7. Independence

For temporary tattoos check out https://inkbox.com

Impartial News source: www.townhall.com
Christian Radio Station in St. Louis – BOT 91.5 FM
Website: www.therobertharrison.com
Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Real Friends - Brint Sharp

Divorce clearly has an impact on all affected parties.  This is especially true for kids when it happens early in life.  Brint's parents got divorced when he was 6 years old which left him with a sense of insecurity and abandonment early in life.  Brint's sense of insecurity coupled with the lack of a strong male role model and father figure thrust Brint into a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy relations all in an attempt to escape the recurring pain and abandonment he experienced in life.  Can a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships truly sustain a person for the rest of their life?  Listen to my friend Brint Sharp's story and discover for yourself.  This is “Real Friends”.

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

Real Friends - Justin Sheehan - Part 2

Today in part 2 of a 2-part series, we conclude a conversation I had with a good friend of mine, Justin Sheehan.  Growing up, Justin battled with tough family issues, alcoholism, drug abuse, unhealthy relationships, and even flirted with death on several occasions.  In his late teens, he was severely beaten by a gang of guys that left him in critical condition in the hospital.  Have you ever needed a second chance or fresh start in life but didn’t know how or if that opportunity would ever come along?  Have you ever lost hope during a season of life and didn’t know who or what to believe in?  Who or what to trust?   Listen to my friend, Justin Sheehan, as he shares the encouraging and hope-filled conclusion of his story and discover for yourself.  This is “Real Friends”.

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

 

Real Friends - Justin Sheehan - Part 1

Today in part 1 of a 2-part series, I share a conversation with a good friend of mine, Justin Sheehan.  Growing up, Justin battled with tough family issues, alcoholism, drug abuse, unhealthy relationships, and even flirted with death on several occasions.  In his late teens, he was severely beaten by a gang of guys that left him in critical shape in the hospital.    Have you ever needed a second chance or fresh start in life but didn’t know how or if that opportunity would ever come along?  Have you ever lost hope during a season of life and didn’t know who or what to believe in?  Who or what to trust?  Listen to my friend, Justin Sheehan, as he shares his open, honest encouraging story and discover for yourself.  This is “Real Friends”.

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

 

Real Friends - Mona Langenberg

Today I share a delightful conversation with a friend of mine, Mona Langenberg.  Mona is a single mother of 3 kids, a successful business woman, an athlete and the catalyst behind Go!STL.  She is also embarking on a new season of life with the belief that the ultimate finish line is love.  Can you raise a family, run a successful business and still have a second chance at a meaningful, loving relationship in life?  Listen to my friend, Mona Langenberg, and discover for yourself.  This is “Real Friends”.

https://www.gostlouis.org/

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

 

Real Friends - Mark Spewak

Today I chat with a friend of mine, Mark Spewak.  Mark is an athlete, entrepreneur, and owner of his own business called Spewak Training.   As a lifelong runner, Mark never dreamed of being a running coach.  However, after several encouraging conversations, Mark eventually started his own business in 2015 and now runs a successful coaching business dedicated to putting his clients and athletes first.  What’s it take to follow your passions and start you own business?  Listen to my friend, Mark Spewak, and discover for yourself.  This is “Real Friends”.

https://www.spewaktraining.com/
https://www.facebook.com/spewaktraining
https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining/

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

 

Real Friends - Trina Vargas

Today I chat with a new friend of mine, Trina Vargas.  Trina is an actress, singer, consultant, and host of The Trina Vargas Show.  She is attractive, intelligent, & witty and excited about her current season of life.  But what does her future look like?  Listen to my new friend, Trina Vargas, and discover for yourself.  This is “Real Friends”.

https://www.facebook.com/vargas.trina/about
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=trina+vargas+show
The audio for this podcast was recorded with ZOOM technology
Website: www.therobertharrison.com
Email: realfriendsstl@gmail.com
Music: https://audiotrimmer.com/royalty-free-music/

Real Friends - Teenage Roundtable

Today I chat with several of my favorite teenagers about the challenges they face as teens.  Whether its depression, anxiety, school pressure, peer pressure – the list goes on - along with who and where they turn to for support.  Think about when you were a teenager.  Do you think it’s easier or more challenging to be a teenager these days?  Listen to honest, raw, unfiltered conversation of some of my favorite teens and decide for yourself.  This is “Real Friends”.

Topics:

1. Depression
2. Bullying/gossip
3. Sexual activity
4. Drug use/alcohol
5. Self-Harm
6. Academic/school pressures
7. Faith life
8. Creativity
9. Trust
10. Support
11. Worship/church
12. Sabbath/rejuvenate

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

Real Friends - Wes and Natalie Fletcher

Every person’s life has trials and tribulations.  Wes and Natalie’s life is no different.  On the surface, you’d think they were living the “perfect life” – and you’d probably be 99% correct.  But during their journey Wes and Natalie struggled with a “season of infertility” that challenged the very core of who they were and what they believed.  What would you do and how would you respond if some of your deepest, God-given desires looked like they might never be answered the way you hoped and dreamed they would? Listen to my friends, Wes and Natalie’s story and decide for yourself.  Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy Wes and Natalie’s stories.

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

 

Real Friends - Timothy Gallagher

What sort of stereotypes come to mind when you think “Personal Injury Attorney”?  Be honest.  Can a “Personal Injury Attorney” make a decent living while prioritizing clients ahead of profit?  Can people come before profit?  Or does profit have to come first?  Listen to my friend, Tim Gallagher’s story and decide for yourself.  Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy Tim’s stories.

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

 

Real Friends - Sarah Svoboda

A lot of girls dream of being ballerinas or dancing for a profession.  Other girls dream of getting married and having a family.  Can you have both?  Can you have it all?  Can you follow your passions early in life but still find the husband and family that you’ve always dreamed of?  Listen to my friend Sarah Svoboda's story and decide for yourself.  Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy Sarah’s stories.

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

 

Real Friends - Paul Wesley

Drugs, alcohol, unhealthy relationships – can those fill the void and emptiness you experiences as a teenager in a dysfunctional family?  Listen to my friend Paul Wesley as he shares his personal story and his experience with those forms of escape and decide for yourself.  Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy Paul’s story.

For more information about Revelop Women’s Ministry contact Tina Wesley at tinawesley@charter.net

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