Real Friends

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/  

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/

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/

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/

 

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/

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/

 

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/

 

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

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/

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

 

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

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

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

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/

 

 

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/

 

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/

 

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/

 

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/

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/

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/