In this heartfelt conversation, Nick and Maggie share their journey from friendship to love, discussing the challenges they faced along the way, including breakups, mental health struggles, and the importance of communication. They reflect on their first date, the proposal, and the ups and downs of married life, emphasizing the significance of mutual respect and understanding in their relationship. Through laughter and shared experiences, they highlight the beauty of their connection and the lessons learned throughout their journey together.
Original Show notes with hyperlinks available at outoftheboxeys.substack.com.
Hey y’all—just a quick heads-up before we get started:In this episode, we talk openly about suicide and mental health , which may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening. If you’re struggling, you're not alone. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 anytime to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. (Other content warnings: car accident, mention of child death in a previous car accident, and there’s a possible emetophobia trigger with talk of car sickness. )
Our opening banter is about COVID since it has hit our house this week. We couldn’t agree on what the current rules were about school attendance after infection.
For clarity here is the current guidance: The CDC now treats COVID like other respiratory viruses. They recommend basic prevention like staying home when sick, improving ventilation, handwashing, and cleaning surfaces. Masks and extra precautions are suggested in high-risk situations or for folks who are immunocompromised.
In Georgia, there’s no state mandate for school-wide COVID testing or quarantine. Local districts may set their own policies, but the state encourages schools to follow general illness prevention practices. (We were told by the school nurse our child could return as long as they were 24 hours without fever and symptoms were improving, which is in line with the CDC recommendation.
Be careful out there, y’all!
Click here for information about ECT for anyone curious.
Maggie uses the word sponsor a few times in this episode to clarify:
Sponsor (TRICARE insurance):The military member whose service makes the rest of the family eligible for TRICARE. If you're the spouse or kid, they’re your sponsor.
Sponsor (12-Step programs):Someone in recovery who offers guidance as you work the steps.
Maggie references her Toxically Empathetic shirt. (Go follow Jen Hamilton on IG and tiktok, she’s national treasure).
Learn more about Brene Brown and “the story I’m telling myself” here
Learn more about the Prayer of St Frances here
Here’s the reel Maggie mentioned with Nikki Giovanni and the quote is “Love is a bench. And a bench is something that, no matter what, when you're tired, when you're sad, you can sit. It's going to be right there, and it's got your back" - Toni Morrison
Here’s Maggie’s mention of her recent writing Toward a shared reality about the experience of living in separate informational ecosystems.
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: Conversations are hard, but we have to have them. ~Nick
For show and tell this week Nick told the story of the retired accountant, Kent Broussard, a 66 year old Tuba player for LSU, living out his dreams. Reminding us it’s never too late! Read Kent’s story here.
Thanks for listening, and as always:Maggie: Keep asking questions.Nick: Keep living out of the box.Maggie: We’ll see y’all next time.
Make sure to follow, subscribe on Substack, or wherever you listen. Follow OOTB and Maggie on Instagram
This episode was produced by me, Maggie Boxey, with lots of heart and zero clue what I’m doing (but we’re figuring it out as we go), so bear with me as we figure it out.
Big thanks to Alex Gordon HiFi for our theme music—go check out his other work if you haven’t yet
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