The Bloom + Banter Podcast

by Meg Bradyhouse + Stephanie Chock

Season 1

17: The Most Common (And Surprising) Reason Marriages Quietly Fall Apart + How To Fix It...

You know that thing you do in your relationship because you think it’s “keeping the peace”? Yeah… it might be the exact thing that’s pulling you apart. In this episode, Steph talks about the one trait she notices as a pattern from working with unhappy couples and we both talk about the moments it's showed up in our own marriages and how to fix it. It’s a good one.

S1 · E17

Nov 27, 2025

23:24

16: Waiting 'Till You Feel Ready? Ready Isn't A Feeling... Do This Instead.

We unpack the unsexy truth about growth: stop letting feelings fly the plane. Comfort is the silent killer of marriage, business, and the goals you swear you want. Meg shares her five daily non-negotiables that have transformed her life and Steph breaks down how to grow your capacity (not your excuses). Together we walk through the $10M Energy Model - how to use your thoughts to generate the energy you need before the results arrive. If you say something is a priority… show us on your calendar. Ready isn't a feeling;).

S1 · E16

Oct 29, 2025

34:26

15. Socially Awkward? Same. Here are 3 Tips For Being Less Awkward in Social Settings That May or May Not Work ;)

Ever walked into a room and instantly felt your heart rate spike, palms sweat, and brain short-circuit? Yeah, us too. In this episode of Bloom and Banter, we’re diving headfirst into the art of not being a total weirdo in social situations - from remembering people’s names (even when it feels impossible), to asking better questions, to mastering the delicate dance of knowing when to end a conversation. If you’ve ever replayed a conversation in your head at 2 a.m. wondering if you were awkward… this one’s for you. Come here Stephs mortifying story about when she was 16 and you'll never not remember a name again ;).

S1 · E15

Oct 22, 2025

16:16

14. Fair Fighting Rules: The Secret to Healthy Conflict in Relationships, Going to Bed Angry and Salty Soup.

Explicit

Marriage advice is everywhere - don’t go to bed angry, fight fair, marriage takes work. But what does that actually mean in real life when the fighting rules get broken (because they always do)? In this episode, we’re pulling apart the myths, talking about what the “work” in marriage really looks like, and why sometimes the best move is literally just shutting up and going to bed. Turns out there's no gold medal for "winning" marriage and feedback on salty soup can really be just that - tune in to find out more for this actionable and insightful banter that can apply to any type of relationship. To download the Fair Fighting Rules PDF - Find us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thebloomandbanterpodcast and DM us the world "RULES" and we'll send you the downloadable PDF!

S1 · E14

Sep 30, 2025

37:39

13: We're backkk! The Power of Consistency, Accountability and Steph's Plot Twist!

A quick intro back into our podcasting project after Steph took a much needed rest from literally all things and Meg put her head down to dive into the power of discipline and consistency. A few thoughts and we're backkkkk baby! ...Quite literally ;) (Also PS we had to record this one with 1 mic again (one day we will get the technical side of podcasting figured out lol) but done is better than perfect so enjoy our mediocre sound and it will be better next time ;))

S1 · E13

Jul 19, 2025

13:10

12: Author and Comedian JJ Barrows: A Path of Self Discovery, Laughing (and crying) Through Motherhood, and Living to Impress your 85yr old Self.

In this episode we sit down with the artist, stand-up comedian, and amazing author of ‘Kinda Funny’ JJ Barrows. This was such a genuinely humorous and heartfelt conversation that left us inspired with a new motivation to take risks and pursue a path of a choosing a full life (despite the fear and anxiety). Tune in to experience the soul-filling delight that is JJ Barrows. Hear about her accidental journey into comedy as a form of therapy and the different ways it has shaped her life…her challenges of balancing career and personal identity alongside motherhood… And ultimately the overwhelming joy and heartbreak of living a life of your 85 year old self would be proud of. Link to Kinda Funny on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gAZZU69 Link to JJ Barrows on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjbarrows/?hl=en

S1 · E12

May 15, 2025

56:18

11: Truths About Mother's Day: Overcoming Decision Fatigue, A Conversation Worth Having + Scheduling Mac n' Cheese

In this episode of The Bloom and Banter we dive deep into the expectations and realities of Mother's Day. We share personal stories, including Steph's comical first Mother's Day experience (sorry Kama) and the importance of not saving all your joy for just one day. We also discuss a few ideas for scheduling regular personal time and decision days to avoid decision fatigue and keep marriages healthy. Tune in to hear us chat about the pressures of motherhood, communication in relationships, and how creating a balanced family dynamic can make everyone happier.

S1 · E11

May 9, 2025

29:04

10: Adult Friendships: Insecurities, Accountability and Embracing Your Inner Cilantro

Tune in as we unpack in real time the challenges of maintaining and nurturing adult friendships through the changes and growth that happens as everyone goes through their different transitions and phases of life. We talk through finding our own accountability in the often untrue narratives we tell ourselves about different relationships and social situations and the different ways we could show up better for the people we love. Tackling the struggle of relationship insecurities, the awkwardness of making new friends in your 30's and realizing that when you stop and look around, the people who care about you are there... and sometimes, you're just cilantro.

S1 · E10

May 2, 2025

38:52

9: Humbling Realities of Traveling with Kids | Vacation vs. Relocation, Perspective Shifts and Why Won't They Just Go To Sleep!?

Explicit

Tune in to hear a humbling recap of our recent trip to Tahiti with our 2 families and the many ways we were humbled and surprised. We chat about what our expectations were before the trip and how it actually played out along with some beautiful realizations about slowing down and finding restoration at home. A lighthearted and quick banter about our thoughts on how vacation with kids is more just like relocation (ha!) but how it's still so worth going, what made it easier, and what we'll do next time when we travel with ferrel children who hate sleep ;).

S1 · E9

Apr 24, 2025

32:14

8: Perception Insecurities: Fearing Judgement and Finding the Courage to Show Up Authentically In Real Life + Online

Explicit

In this episode we talk through the fears that come with showing up online and also insecurities of how people perceive us. Tune in to process the complexities of social media vs. real life with us as we talk through identity challenges and find the courage to be confidently authentic. A true sister banter including a small disagreement on who is more Type A (spoiler alert, It's Steph hahah ;))

S1 · E8

Mar 25, 2025

30:46

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