The 200th Episode!
200 episodes later and here we are...finally a video podcast! Because apparently hearing us just isn't enough. Massive, massive thank you to everyone who’s been along for the ride. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just stumbled in last week, you make this whole thing possible. Here’s to 200 more!
The C-Team?
Scott and Kaitlin’s nephew, Connor, and his wife, Shelby, are in town all the way from Colorado and officially step in as this week’s honorary “C-Team.” (Of course the “C” stands for Colorado and Connor and Shelby.) Things kick off lighthearted with Connor’s confession about nearly drowning Kaitlin (accidentally… or so he claims) and a round of hard-hitting “would you rather” questions. Connor and Shelby also share openly about the miscarriage they experienced earlier this year and the hope and healing they’ve found in the midst of grief.
The First Solo Ep
This week it’s just Kaitlin...no co-hosts, just Kaitlin doing what she does best for her first ever solo episode. Take a step inside her inner monologue as she processes life outloud.
Dr. Barbie, Slow Driving, & The Ethics of Peeing In The Shower
Kaitlin’s painfully slow highway driving has become a public safety hazard. Plus, she discovers she is completely unable to accurately tell a story without over-exaggerating the details. Scott reveals he doesn’t need to wash his face (like…never), we weigh in on the ethics of peeing in the shower, and Cousin Suzy encounters a tragically dark omen. Emily abandons Norah at the first whiff of danger, Emerson’s patriotism is dangerously blurring with her theology, and Jayce pays a visit to Dr. Barbie.
Slow Spirituality
It’s an Elliott’s-only week, and things kick off a little spicy. Kaitlin is zero help with podcast setup and somehow believes she’s a better driver than Scott.
But most of this episode dives deeper into Kaitlin’s journey with her spiritual director and the practice of slow spirituality. It’s honest, vulnerable, and yes...there are tears.
VBS, ‘90s Summer Revival, & The Wildlife Rescue Mission
Matt and Emily had quite the week. Norah got her first cold (all thanks to her father) which led to their first ever adventure in rectal thermometers. Plus, they go into full wildlife rescue mode when a bird gets trapped in their fireplace.
Kaitlin and Scott wrap up a week of VBS (Vacation Bible School), which was a total win. Shoutout to the army of volunteers that went above and beyond to make it such a good experience for all of the kiddos!
Scott’s physical appearance is thriving…glowing, even…possibly hotter than ever? Plus, we talk about the return of nostalgic '90s summer vibes. We also dive into the Shiny Happy People documentary and talk honestly about abusive church/institutional cultures.
An Invitation To Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control To God
Samantha Decker is a wife, mom of four, Bible teacher, and author of the new book Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God. Samantha’s on a mission to help us rediscover the sacred rhythms of rest, space, and spiritual stillness.
We explore why margin is essential. Samantha walks us through the power of solitude and how leaning into your spiritual gifts can help you press pause on the chaos. We discuss what it really means to surrender control to God, and she shares practical strategies for building a schedule that leaves room for grace.
If you've ever felt like your calendar is running your life, or wondered how to make quieter spaces in your soul, this one's for you.
Slow Summer, First Jobs, & West-West Jersey
The audio files from last week’s SWEpisode vanished into the abyss (not Matt’s fault…cough cough), so the B-Team (Caroline and Josh) is here to save the day. We talk first jobs—Scott’s lasted about five minutes, and apparently Kaitlin was once a barista? Josh takes us back to his roots growing up on a farm in West-West Jersey where his parents owned a Christian bookstore.
Kaitlin cries on a beach (you’ll find out why), and is experimenting with a slow summer. We explore the philosophical conundrum of renovating a bathroom. Is Emerson channeling the spirit of Donald Trump? Plus, Kaitlin almost became a famous actress and Caroline’s on a journey toward becoming a comedian.
How To Love (And Like) Your Spouse For Life
Arlene Pellicane is an author, speaker, and host of The Happy Home Podcast. She’s here to talk all things marriage, connection, and making love last.
Arlene shares wisdom from her new book, Making Marriage Easier: How to Love (and Like) Your Spouse for Life, and walks us through the four key decisions that have helped her build a strong, joyful relationship. We talk about why kids are important…but not all-important. How to be a truly good listener (and avoid the three annoying listener types), and how social media might be doing more harm than help in your marriage.
She opens up about navigating the hard seasons and what it looks like to stick together when life gets messy. Whether you're newly married or decades in, this one is packed with insight and encouragement.
Costco, Stolen Donuts, & The Same Shirt Prank
Kaitlin Kool-Aid Man’s straight through a closet door minutes after our last recording. Costco: the happiest place on earth...until you check your bank account. Scott somehow accidentally sleeps under the fitted sheet. We debate the best crappy pizza. Kaitlin and Scott buy donuts for their soccer team, only for the other team to shamelessly steal them. Rude.
Emily is too busy to put her credit cards in the wallet slots. Things get heated over Matt’s complete and utter lack of sense of urgency. Kaitlin “loses” her keys, but Scott heroically saves the day. And, the mom’s group at church pulls off an elaborate sinful prank by tricking (lying and deceiving) all the husbands into wearing the same shirt. Scott is hilariously oblivious. Emily? Can’t keep a secret and caves immediately.
You’re Still a Good Mom
Hallie Dye is a wife, mom, host of The Saltworks Podcast, and author of You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the ONE Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have). She's here to talk about some heavy, but extremely relatable mom stuff: like mom guilt, the lies we believe about ourselves, and what it feels like when you’re just not the “fun mom.” Hallie shares powerful insight on those mundane, soul-crushing days that feel anything but meaningful, and reminds us that our limits aren’t flaws… they’re intentional. We talk about what it means to abide and keep showing up even when it feels like we’re failing. This one’s for the moms, dads, and really anyone who is feeling tired, unsure, and wondering if you're doing any of it right.
This Episode Is a Write-Off
Kaitlin makes a bold financial call…peanut butter is officially cut from the budget. We get nostalgic about old-school church hymns and ruin a big SWE secret. Kaitlin opens up about her phobia of jelly. CHICK-FIL-A SAUCE. Kaitlin discovers Scott’s hoarder closet, but Scott comes prepared with a defense. Emily needs a step stool to get into bed. Kaitlin tries (and fails) to understand tax write-offs. We rank our favorite haircuts and play a round of “What movie character would you be?” Somehow Kaitlin lands on…well, you’ll see.
Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Recovery for Postpartum Moms
Rachel Taylor is a postpartum nurse, doula, author, and founder of Mama Did It™. Her new book, After Baby Comes: Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Recovery for Postpartum Moms, tackles everything no one warned you about: how to set boundaries when everyone suddenly wants to “stop by,” what you really need to know before leaving the hospital, why “mommy brain” is legit, and how to tell if it’s baby blues or something more.
We even wade into the murky waters of postpartum sex...because it’s not just about physical healing, it’s about emotional readiness too.
Whether you're in the thick of it, on the other side, or just want to be a better support to the moms in your life, this one is full of truth, insight, and “thank you for saying that” moments.
Real ID, Slurpees, & Happy Tail Syndrome
Jayce Elliott takes over the pod this week. Emily is crowned the breastfeeding Queen. Matt’s shopping algorithm is on point and maybe knows him a little too well.
Kaitlin and Matt debrief their passport renewal journies (spoiler: it’s a mess). Are Slurpees and slushies the same thing? And Emily educates us about Happy Tail Syndrome.
Pure chaos, minor enlightenment...just the way we like it.
Daring Joy
Nicole Zasowski is an author and licensed marriage and family therapist (and returning favorite to the pod!) and she's here to talk about her brand-new Bible study, Daring Joy: What Six Women in the Bible Teach Us About the Power of Celebration When it Feels Risky, Complicated, and Even Impossible.
We dig into the question: how do we hold on to real joy when life feels anything but light? Nicole shares why joy can feel like such a vulnerable experience, how her work in Restoration Therapy shapes her perspective, and why it’s often easier to sit with someone in their suffering than in their celebration.
It’s honest, hopeful, and exactly the conversation we all need this week.
Baby Norah’s Birth Story
Baby Norah has finally arrived! Matt and Emily recount all the wild, emotional, and chaotic details of Baby Norah’s grand entrance into the world. Plus, Norah makes her podcast debut by contributing some of her own sound effects to the story. Welcome to the SWE chaos, baby girl.
A Biblical Approach to Gentle Parenting
Author and speaker Amber Lia joins us to talk about her brand-new devotional, Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle With Anger. Amber gets real about what it looks like to parent with grace, even when your kids are driving you crazy.
We dive into the sometimes-controversial term "gentle parenting"—why it’s often misunderstood, and why it doesn’t mean being a doormat. Amber also shares practical tools for staying calm when you’re feeling triggered, how to ditch the comparison trap, and why our kids don’t need perfect parents...because there's no such thing.
This one is full of encouragement, wisdom, and the kind of honesty we all need more of in the trenches of parenthood.
Date Night Pod Night
Emily and Matt just had their baby so they’re busy trying to figure out how to keep a tiny human alive. That means it’s date night pod night for Kaitlin and Scott and they discuss very normal topics like: Is Chat GPT a man or woman? Does brushing a toddler’s hair backward make it thicker? Why are ski lifts not regulated? Plus, Scott has a mental breakdown about toothpaste. Enjoy!
Sweet Caroline...Bah Bah Bah!
Caroline's back and she's better than ever! Everyone's favorite other sister returns and we cover everything from the orthodontist to voicemails to Kaitlin’s childhood anxiety to walking pads at work to kebabs and the gym. It’s unhinged and slightly therapeutic...it's Caroline.
Adolescence, Transparent Shades, & Divebombing Insects
Kaitlin finds a tick on her moments before we hit record. Unsurprisingly it wasn’t the only traumatic insect incident of the week. Scott installs a bougie outdoor warm water faucet. We talk about the new Netflix show Adolescence (it’s amazing—go watch it), and we check in on Emily’s pregnancy. Anxiously waiting for labor to ensue is its own special kind of torture.
Also: Emily and Matt finally get window shades (they’re gorgeous but functionally…less than ideal), Emily reveals she doesn't understand attics, Scott has a week from hell, and Kaitlin is using a mildly disgusting product to make her feet soft.
Classic SWEpisode.