Shows
Our Uncommon LifeThree Countries, One Birthday, and a Very Real Holiday ChatIn our final episode of the year, we’re wrapping up the season with a conversation that blends real life, travel, marriage, and growth. We start with how we’re navigating the holiday season this year: our approach to boundaries, traditions, family expectations, and the intentional choices we make to keep our marriage first during one of the busiest times of the year. If you’re looking for honest talk about holiday stress, travel plans, or creating new traditions as a couple, this part of the episode is for you.From there, we dive into a full...
2025-11-1733 minOur Uncommon LifeDitching Expectations & Designing Your Own HolidaysThe holidays can be magical… or they can be a pressure cooker of expectations. In this episode, Zac and Vena talk about breaking free from “shoulds” and building traditions that actually bring joy.They share how travel has become their favorite holiday ritual, how they balance family expectations with personal peace, and why saying no can sometimes be the most loving thing you do.This one’s for anyone craving more intention and less overwhelm during the busiest time of year.
2025-11-1120 minOur Uncommon LifeStop Ghosting Your Own CommitmentsWe all know that one person who always cancels. (Or maybe we’ve been that person.) In this candid conversation, Zac and Vena talk about the ripple effect of indecision ...from business to friendships to marriage.They explore how saying “maybe” too often becomes a habit, how it affects trust and energy, and why honoring your word (even in small things) matters more than ever. This is a call-out and a pep talk rolled into one, especially for people who want to show up better in all areas of life.
2025-11-0333 minOur Uncommon LifeWe Asked Each Other the Hard Stuff (And Some Surprising Answers!)This one’s fun! Vena and Zac pull random deep-question cards for each other ... no prep, no filters...and the answers might surprise you. Things like "What would you do if you weren't afraid" to "What you've learned from your biggest regret" we go in DEEP. It was fun to get caught off guard and be a little less prepared for this episode and just wing it!We share laughter, honesty, and a few unexpected truths about what they’ve learned over 16 years together. It’s equal parts fun date night and emotional connection.
2025-10-2726 minOur Uncommon LifeWhen “Fine” Isn’t EnoughWe’ve all said it: “It’s fine.” But what happens when fine becomes your new normal? In this episode, Zac and Vena dig into that sneaky comfort zone we all fall into... the one where things aren’t bad, but they’re not great either. Whether it’s your business, relationship, or daily routine, that feeling of “fine” can keep you from chasing what’s truly fulfilling.They talk about recognizing when you’re settling, how to course-correct before burnout or resentment sets in, and why “fine” is the ultimate red flag for high-achievers who crave more from life.
2025-10-2037 minOur Uncommon LifeWeekend Vibes: Traverse City, Family Time, and a Little ChaosThis week on Our Uncommon Life, we’re keeping things light and fun as we recap our weekend getaway up in Traverse City ...complete with family time, crab legs, and a little chaos (because of course).We chat about what it’s like for Zac to hang out with his in-laws (spoiler: he actually always enjoys it), our four-year anniversary of owning the condo, and the mix of nostalgia and gratitude that comes with that milestone. From all-you-can-eat crab legs and a few lucky (or not-so-lucky) spins at the casino, to checking out new local favorites like Sist...
2025-10-0622 minOur Uncommon LifeFrom West Hollywood to World-Class Speakers: Our Summit of Greatness RecapThis week on Our Uncommon Life, we’re recapping our incredible trip to Los Angeles for the 2025 Summit of Greatness, an event that left us feeling inspired, challenged, and even more committed to learning and growing together as a couple and as entrepreneurs.From checking into the 1Hotel West Hollywood (a dream stay with the best rooftop views in LA), to dinners out at Koi and Jones Hollywood, to reconnecting with past Summit attendees who have become lifelong friends, it was a trip that perfectly blended business, growth, and quality time together.At the conference it...
2025-09-2233 minOur Uncommon LifeFrom Scarcity to Growth: Building a Smarter Business and Stronger MarriageHave you ever noticed that the tighter you try to hold onto something...whether it’s money, a business idea, or even a relationship, the quicker it seems to slip through your fingers? In this episode of Our Uncommon Life, Zac and Vena dive deep into the power of mindset and how the way you think can make or break not just your business, but also your marriage.We’re breaking down the difference between a scarcity mindset (clinging to what’s familiar, afraid to lose it, or refusing to adapt) versus a growth mindset (open to change...
2025-09-0839 minOur Uncommon LifeFrom Day One to Year Fourteen: Marriage Advice, Memories & MilestonesAfter 14 years of marriage, we’ve learned that love, growth, and plenty of laughter are the real markers of success. In this special anniversary episode of Our Uncommon Life, we celebrate our journey as a couple by asking each other fun (and sometimes unexpected!) questions:What’s the best piece of marriage advice we’d give to someone starting out?Which memories stand out most from the past 14 years?What are we most proud of in our marriage and businesses?And—how exactly did Vena shock Zac with her take on long-ter...
2025-09-0148 minOur Uncommon LifeHaters Gonna Hate: Addressing Criticizim Without Becoming the Bad GuyIn this episode of Our Uncommon Life, we’re diving into a topic every entrepreneur—and honestly, every human—faces at some point: criticism. Whether it's aimed at your business, your choices, or your character, handling haters with class is a skill worth mastering.Vena and Zac get real about how they navigate negativity—especially when it’s public. From snide comments on Facebook to passive-aggressive messages, they’re sharing the exact scripts and mindset shifts that help them stay cool, confident, and unbothered.Vena breaks down a recent situation where someone took a jab at The Found...
2025-08-0432 minOur Uncommon LifeLetting Go to Level Up: Midlife, Money, and Marriage as We AgeIn this episode of Our Uncommon Life, we’re talking about the part of adulthood no one glamorizes—random body aches, needing two days to recover from a boozy brunch, and making decisions like… do we sell the Corvette?We’re sharing the real (and sometimes ridiculous) ways getting older shows up—from our bodies demanding more rest and recovery, to making practical financial choices that support our long-term goals. Think landscaping projects, installing a water softener, rethinking investments, and yes—Zac’s surprisingly emotional decision to part ways with his Corvette.As a married entrepreneuria...
2025-07-2145 minOur Uncommon LifeSummer Catch-Up: Injuries, NYC Adventures, and Keeping Our Marriage Center StageAfter a whirlwind start to summer (and a much-needed 4-week podcast break), we’re back in the studio and catching you up on all the chaos , and the connections that keep our life uncommon.In this episode, we dive into:🎙️ Why it feels so good to be back behind the mics and how The Foundry has been buzzing with summer day passes and event bookings.🩼 Zac’s recent ankle and knee injuries (spoiler: they’re helping him lean into his word of the year, “discipline,” more than he ever planned!).🏡 Navigating family dynamics at ou...
2025-07-1426 minOur Uncommon LifeThrowback: Vena’s Big Decision - A New Chapter BeginsIn this heartfelt throwback episode of Our Uncommon Life, Vena opens up about a huge turning point in her career. After 24 years in the salon industry, she made the life-changing decision to step away and join Zac in launching The Foundry Workspaces. This is no small decision, and it’s an emotional one.Originally aired as one of our most listened-to episodes, Vena reflects on her journey as a hairstylist, the highs, the lows, and the moments she will miss the most. But it’s not all about looking back – she also shares her excitement for wh...
2025-06-1644 minOur Uncommon LifeWho Are You Really? Unpacking the Many Versions of YouThis week, Zac and Vena are taking a deep dive into something we all experience—being way more than just one version of ourselves. We tend to get stuck in a single identity—"work Vena," "sports Zac," or even "networking Vena"—but guess what? We’re multidimensional beings, and all those versions of us play an important part in who we are.In this episode, we talk about how easy it is to get caught up in one role and forget the others. Whether it’s "Nap Vena" showing up when you’re at your breaking point or "Work Zac...
2025-06-0946 minOur Uncommon LifePushing to the Edge: When Drive Becomes BurnoutIn this episode of Our Uncommon Life, we’re diving into the very real tension between ambition and well-being. From Zac’s early days pushing himself to the limit with baseball, to diving into intense challenges like 75 Hard and long-distance running—there’s always been a drive to test limits and chase extremes. But what happens when your body—and life—start waving the red flags?After a knee injury forced Zac to step back from 75 Hard, we had an honest conversation about what it looks like to listen to those warning signs before burnout hits. This episode isn’...
2025-05-1942 minOur Uncommon LifeCatch Up With Us: Checking in and Keeping it LightJoin Zac and Vena Boddy for a fun and heartfelt catch-up session! In this episode, they share updates on their health journeys, exciting travel plans, and busy lives. Get ready for some laughs, insights, and inspiration as Zac gears up for a marathon and Vena juggles her bustling schedule at The Foundry Workspaces.Topics Discussed:Health Journeys:Zac and Vena open up about their recent health adventures—both the highs and the lows.Upcoming Travel:The dynamic duo is heading out across the US soon. Vena to Chicago and Zac to Minneapolis! He...
2025-04-2127 minOur Uncommon LifeDisney, Dole Whips, and Customer ServiceWe just got back from our Disney trip and man are we tired! Navigating the parks with an 18 year old kid is definitely different than how we usually roam around. This year our Disney Travel came with a few disappointments, a few crazy new rides, and as always delicious food! Listen in as Zac and I chat about the dramatic changes we saw in customer service throughout the parks and what some of our very favorite moments were of the weekend with our nephew.
2025-04-0753 minOur Uncommon LifeHow To 10x Your Marriage CommunicationOne of the things that Zac and I are passionate about is healthy, ongoing communication. Making sure we are on the same page helps us stay efficient with our busy schedules. We always say we run our marriage like a business...and here are 4 tips on how to replicate this in your own marriage. From things like weekly meetings to never making assumptions, these tips will help you communicate with your spouse and cut down on arguments in no time.
2025-03-2426 minOur Uncommon LifeTrusting The Crazy: How To Support Your Spouse When You May Not Fully Align With Their VisionWelcome back to Our Uncommon Life, where we explore the dynamic journey of marriage, health, entrepreneurship, and communication.Sometimes in marriage, you have to let your partner do their thing and not interject, even when you might think, “Is this really a good idea?” Between Zac’s crazy business ideas and Vena’s unconventional weight loss methods, we’ve learned that letting each other figure things out without nagging is a win-win situation. (Of course, if something could cause harm, financial hardship, or other serious issues, please interject—no one wants to end up on a reality...
2025-03-1031 minOur Uncommon LifeDo Your Own Thing: Our Separate Trips to Traverse City and TellurideSomething that is super important in our marriage is living "independently together". Having our own hobbies, our own trips, our own adventures without each other so that we aren't relying on each other for happiness. You can't expect your spouse to be your EVERYTHING. In this week's episode, we talk about our separate trips to Traverse City and to Telluride. From Vena's girls trip filled with games, foodie things, and a snowstorm to Zac's ski trip to Telluride full of adventure, adrenaline, and connection with old friends. Find out what dish made Vena and her friends almost cry and...
2025-03-0323 minOur Uncommon LifeBankruptcy, Bad Credit, and Divorce: Looking For The Lessons While You are Just Getting ByIn this week's episode, Zac and I get really real. Going down memory lane to explore the times in our pasts that we were the underdogs and just getting by in our situations. We recognize that sometimes you have to just dig in your heels and try to keep your head above water.... because we have both been there. But we also feel like in those moments comes the greatest gifts we have ever received...lessons on how to survive and move forward. From Zac's struggles at home and bad credit, to Vena's divorce and bankruptcy....we have stories...
2025-02-2451 minOur Uncommon LifeDeep Dive! Goal Setting Strategies with Mitch Fleming from Visual Creative CompanyZac and I were lucky enough to be interviewed by Mitch Fleming with Visual Creative Company. Not only a longtime friend, but also kickass local business owner, Mitch had some questions on how we dug into our goals at the beginning and end of the year. This conversation highlights how goals setting can be frustrating, how it varies from person to person, and even how it differs from Male VS Female or creative VS analytical. Whichever way you choose to break down how to accomplish big things in your year, know that there is NOT a one size fits...
2025-02-101h 27Our Uncommon LifePancakes, Strep Throat and Creating Unforgettable ExperiencesNew York City at Christmas time? Yes Please!!! This week's episode touches on why we love creating unforgettable experiences. From our members at The Foundry Workspaces, to Zac's clients at Intuitive Technologies and even our nieces and nephews. This time in particular, it's all about our nephew Dylan's 16th birthday trip to the city. Find out where our favorite pancakes were, Zac's super fun expirence of being sick during a whole vacation, and the best hot chocolate we have ever had.
2025-01-2734 minOur Uncommon LifeWord Up: Our 2025 Focus WordsZac and I finally had our end of the year meeting and chose our words of the year. Find out who broke the word "rules", what these words mean to us this year, and how we feel about the direction that 2025 could head and how it pivots from month to month.
2025-01-2019 minOur Uncommon LifeOur 2024 WrappedToday we are chatting all about our favorite highlights of 2024, our big accomplishments, things we are proud of, and even how many games of baseball Zac played this year. Just a fun lil episode looking back. In our marriage and businesses, we always love to make time to reflect and celebrate our wins.... even when it doesn't come easily.
What is something you were proud of back in 2024?
2025-01-1328 minOur Uncommon LifeNYC, Florida and Our Favorite Holiday FoodA fun hodgepodge episode about our dueling trips to New York City and Florida...and even a fun conversation about our favorite/most nostalgic Holiday foods. Find out how Vena felt navigating Manhattan on her own, and about Zac's trip down memory lane when he grabbed some bagels in Boca Raton.
2024-11-1831 minOur Uncommon LifeSometimes we just need to clean it up...our eating habits that isIt's that time of year where we both need a little extra push to clean up our eating habits. Zac is embarking on a Paleo Plus journey and Vena is starting a Whole 30. This is just a quick fun chat explaining why every once in a while, you just need to put the brakes on and analyze why you are eating the way you are and how we get back on track. * Disclaimer - we are not medical professionals and anything we say is based on opinion. Please speak to a medical professional before starting any new diets.
2024-11-1145 minOur Uncommon LifeRevisiting Our Weekly Meetings - Replaying a Live Meeting We Recorded Last YearIt's that time of year.... the craziness of the Holidays is upon us. And in true Zac and Vena fashion, we are BUSY. Since we are going to be completely apart from each other all week, we thought it would be fun to repost an old LIVE meeting from last year. During this crazy time of year, we find it so important to make sure we get our meetings in to keep us sane during the insane Holiday schedules.
As a recap our meetings consist of:
Agenda, To-Do List, Personal Goals, Date Night, Social Media...
2024-11-0326 minOur Uncommon LifeHow Identifying Your Core Values is Crucial to Building a Strong RelationshipToday's podcast is a solo chat with Zac and how he feels identifying your core values is super important in building your relationships. Why making sure you and your "person" are both on the same page with your deep values can help strengthen your companionship. When you identify what is really important to you, you really are identifying what is moving you forward with life. And if you really want to build a relationship that is lasting, finding someone who finds the same things important makes that relationship flow together and seamlessly. Listen in as Zac chats about what...
2024-10-2111 minOur Uncommon LifeWhy trusting your past experiences is essential: The Foundry Grand OpeningIt's finally here! The Foundry Grand Opening happened just a few weeks back and we are super pumped that we didn't hear crickets. Listen is as Vena talks about how she had to push her imposter syndrome down and her CEO Boss attitude up, and how Zac felt on the first full member day. And if you are a small business owner in the Metro Detroit area and in need of some space to hammer away at some projects, please reach out to us at www.thefoundryworkspaces.com
2024-10-1440 minOur Uncommon LifeThree R's pt 2We are back with another episode of 3R's...Realizations, Reading, and Recommendations. This week Zac talks about his candy coded realization and Vena chats about an amazing new restaurant recommendation in Detroit. Just a fun, light, mini episode to get you thinking this week!
2024-09-3027 minOur Uncommon LifeChicago 2.0: Our Foodie WeekendWell, we haven't done a pure food podcast in quite sometime. Since we went to Chicago a few weeks back and ate our way through the city, we thought it was a great time to do so! Our Chicago episode 3 years ago remains one of our highest downloaded episodes, so here you go....Chicago 2.0. Hear us talk about our first 3 Michelin Star dinner and if it lived up to the hype, our dinner at the rebel 1 Michelin Star Wicker Park gem, and even Zac's favorite Chicago style pizza spot.
Restaurants Visited:
Alinea
2024-09-1752 minOur Uncommon Life13 Years in: How and What we have changedIt's our 13-year wedding anniversary, we can't believe it!! As we grow older together, we have been through so many life changes and personal growth changes. In today's conversation hear us chat all about the way life looks different for us in today's version of our marriage. From finances to more confidence....to Zac eating breakfast finally, we discuss it all!
2024-09-0955 minOur Uncommon LifeNavigating New Roles and Making Sure to CommunicateWell it has been quite a few week now since Vena has retired from the salon and taken on her new role at The Foundry Workspaces. Once the dust settled, she noticed pretty quickly that things had definitely changed shifted. Listen to us chat about things we have both noticed, concerns we have, and how we effectively communicated through some worries that were popping up.
2024-08-2045 minOur Uncommon LifeSpenders VS Savers and Value VS WorthZac is back in the podcast studio this week and he came with a fun topic in mind....how we view money. We do a fun little dive into what matters to us the most when it comes to money decisions, and what we are trading off when we try and save a buck or two. This is just a different way to look at things and works for us in our marriage and our businesses. So ask yourself, what is your mindset around money? Is it positive, is it scarcity, is it abundent or is it a chore...
2024-07-2238 minOur Uncommon LifeAsking for What You NeedThis week's episode is a solo episode by Vena while Zac is out getting some work done. On top of our crazy schedules, Vena talks about how she got sick and that prompted some interesting conversations. Sometimes you need to just flat out ask your partner for what you need, AND explain what you need clearly. Stepping outside your comfort zone and just being honest with your spouse about your needs...IS OK!!!
2024-07-1510 minOur Uncommon LifeIreland and why you should say YES more oftenVena is finally back from her trip to Ireland with the work girls! In today's episode, hear her recap her adventures, talk about splitting the G and why you should say yes to big things more often.
If you are looking for a private driver/tour, please consider Con Dooley at Dooley Irish Tours for your next trip. They took care of our group and we highly highly recommend them for your needs while in the beautiful country.
2024-07-0833 minOur Uncommon LifeBachelor Week!!!In this week's episode, Zac is throwing it down all by his self while Vena is in Ireland. He talks about what he looks forward to most when he is living the "single life", and the little things he misses while Vena is gone. It's a nice reminder to pay attention to the little things that your partner does in your marriage/relationship.
2024-07-0114 minOur Uncommon LifeDo Things That Scare YouWhen is the last time you took a big risk, or stepped outside your comfort zone? That is what we cover in this weeks episode. Vena talks about a solo trip to Austin, Tx and how it really pushed her to try new things. It's ok to get uncomfortable, and when you do...OH the things you learn.
2024-05-2731 minOur Uncommon LifeIt's a Love Story - How We Met
In this week's episode, we decided to revisit our cute lil love story. How we met, how we knew, and how we have grown. Sometimes in marriage, you need to look back and review how it all started so you can appreciate how you have grown. This conversation is full of love, laughs, 90's dance music and even a bit of Taylor Swift. Zac and I each go through and tell our version of the story and dig into the differences in how we see it unfold. We even take it into a self-development direction and mention how you...
2024-04-291h 01Our Uncommon LifeBeing Married to a High Perfomer: 5 Tips to HelpToday's episode is a solo episode from Vena. We get asked all the time how she handles Zac's work load, crazy hours, and busy lifestyle. Listen in as she gives her top 5 tips on how she navigates marriage with a business owner and what has worked for her specifically during their 15 year relationship. Being married to an entrepreneur has its perks, and its challenges, so hopefully you can get some good tools to work with in your own relationships!
2024-04-2224 minOur Uncommon LifeLiving Independently TogetherWe just got home from our quarterly meeting from Maine and had all sorts of ideas for the podcast. One theme that has been coming up lately is how independently we live our lives from each other. So besides talking about lobster rolls for the first 10 minutes, we dig into why leading separate lives really works for Zac and I's personalities and marriage. We touch on what in our past has led us to liking this crazy lifestyle of ours in entrepreneurship, how we manage our time together, and how communication is vital in our marriage. We also discuss...
2024-04-1554 minOur Uncommon LifeVena's Big DecisionWelp, after 24 years in the hair industry, Vena has finally decided to step away to start new adventures. You may need to grab a tissue for this one! Listen in as she recaps her career, what she is going to miss, and what she is excited for in her next steps.
2024-04-0842 minOur Uncommon LifeThe Stories You Tell Yourself...and How Jet's Pizza Saved ZacOn today's episode we are doing a deep dive into the power of Self Talk. The stories and messages that you are sending to yourself on the daily, and how to flip the script to get them from activating a negative part of your brain, into a positive.
Listen in as we discuss:
Listening to yourself vs talking to yourself
Being careful with the words you are choosing.
Fear based voices
What type of "coach" you have on your shoulder
and why you should speak your mantras...
2024-04-0154 minOur Uncommon LifeWeekly Meetings...On Your Own!We have had a few listeners ask us recently how we would go about having our meetings once a week, if we were single....or didn't have a supportive partner....or even if you want to take your marriage meetings and work that into your own to do list for the year/months/weeks. So today, Zac is going solo and talking you through how he likes to approach this concept. Where you could start, how to break it all down, and why its so good to check in once a week...even if it's with yourself. Those temperature...
2024-03-1817 minOur Uncommon LifeZac's 75 Hard Journey....and Vena's Perspective on itLast fall, Zac participated in a 75 hard challenge. Hear about his struggles, his wins, and how it affected us as a couple. Sometimes when one partner is on a new journey.....the one not doing the task can see things from the outside. This is definately a fun conversation about the ups and downs of the 75 Hard. If you have any questions about it, or want some advice , please reach out to us! It's a crazy program for sure, but you do gain alot of wins along the way (and learn to trust your spouse and support them in...
2024-03-111h 02Our Uncommon LifeOur new project - The Foundry WorkspacesWelp, we are at it again. Always into something new, but this time it's all Vena's! Listen in on us talk about starting our new venture, Vena's worries for a new career direction, and how this new workspace actually functions with being in the suburbs of Metro Detroit and mostly private rotating office space (it's definitely a different path than most shared workspaces). We can't wait to share it with all of you! Follow our journey on Instagram at TheFoundryWorkspaces. And if you are interested find us at www.thefoundryworkspaces.com or email us or more info at info...
2024-02-1938 minOur Uncommon LifeQuitting Alcohol - Zac's Sober Curious JourneySince many of you are doing a "Dry January", we thought it would be a great time to talk about Zac's journey to being sober-ish. Hear us chat about the struggles, the lessons, and the big wins he has experienced in the past almost two years.
2024-01-2244 minOur Uncommon LifeAirBnb RelaunchZac and I are super excited to relaunch our Traverse City Bnb! We are taking a more boutique/concierge approach and can't wait for you all to experience it.
2023-08-2814 minOur Uncommon LifeSnacks, Snacks, and more SnacksA super fun chat about Zac and I's favorite junk foods, and what foods we order when one of us is out of town. ( I mean, that's totally normal right?!?)
2023-07-0336 minOur Uncommon LifeStress and How we choose to RecoverAHHHH Stress.....we all get it, we all need healthy ways to deal with it. Listen in on Zac and I chatting about how stress relief is different for us both and how even saying one word can eliminate a ton of unnecessary stress in your life.
2023-06-2626 minOur Uncommon LifeDuck, Martini's, and Zac's all time favorite Dessert: Hello Disney SpringsOne of our favorite things to do while in Disney, is take a visit over to Disney Springs for some dinner, drinks, and occasionally a Lululemon haul. In today's episode we talk about a few of our most recent fave meals here, and the best dishes at each. This one will make you hungry!
2023-06-1920 minOur Uncommon LifeCrusin' Together...Our Spring Break Family VacayOn this week's episode, we are talking about our family spring break cruise. Hear us talk about what we love, didn't enjoy, and if we would do it all over again. And find out where Zac was running off to everynight at 1 am.
2023-05-0823 minOur Uncommon LifeNew Things Up NorthHey hey hey! It has been a few since we had a chance to lay down a podcast. We are super excited to be back! This weeks episode is all about some new restaurants up in Traverse that we love, and letting you know a few that closed over the winter.
2023-04-2424 min
Our Uncommon LifeCommunication VS Altercation: Our Meetings pt2-Quarterly'sIn this episode, we break down our Quarterly Marriage Meetings. (They are kinda our fave!) While the weekly's help you communicate your immediate agenda and needs, the quarterly's keep you grounded in what you are working toward for the year. And, they are a great way to reconnect with your person.
2023-03-2023 minOur Uncommon LifeSimply Chatting...What are we up to now?Just having a fun lil convo about all of our crazy shenanigans so far this year. New businesses, new buildings, new schedules....we are always up to something!
2023-03-1329 minOur Uncommon LifeVena Vs Zac....Must Have RestaurantsWe went down a rabbit hole of ....where would we pick if there were only 3 restaurants left in the world. Like, what would we want to be last standing. Hear what each of us would pick, our thought processes behind our picks, and how different they are! Also, you should run to these spots immediately.
2023-03-0617 minOur Uncommon LifePuttng Community FirstThis holiday season, Zac and I threw our first charity event for a local speakeasy that had burned down over the summer. Hear us chat about how we came up with the idea, why it was important to us, and the impact it made in our community.
2023-02-2728 minOur Uncommon LifeCommunication Vs. Altercation: Our Meetings pt 1 - WeeklyWe have been getting a ton of questions lately about our Marriage Meetings, so we decided to do a three part series to go in depth on what we do. If you want to go back and hear us chat about our meetings in general, reference Season 1 :Communication Vs. Altercation.
Today's episode is focused solely on our weekly's and why they are vital to how we communicate.
2023-02-2042 minOur Uncommon LifeCar Ride Conversations: The Whole 30Talking about our January Whole30 while out on a drive.
2023-02-0622 minOur Uncommon LifeVegas one weekend, Maui the next....Why not?!I mean, why wouldn't we go to Vegas for 4 days....come home and go to Maui for 4 days lol. Hear all about our crazy 11 days in November.
2023-01-3147 minOur Uncommon LifeLetting it go...in a good wayA super quick conversation about things we left behind in 2022
2023-01-2319 minOur Uncommon LifeChowda, Lobstah, and the 6in Freedom TrailLooking back on our fall trip to Boston, and missing all the amazing seafood. Like seriously, that is almost all we ate the whole trip. Find out who had our favorite clam chowder, where we had amazing cookies, and all about our freedom trail adventure in our latest episode.
2023-01-1643 minOur Uncommon LifeHappy New Year...Celebrating our WinsAhhhh It's the new year! 2023 is going to be one for the books. But as we set our goals and intentions for the upcoming year, let's look back at our proudest moments of 2022. Hear us both talk about our favorite moments in business, and marriage.
2023-01-0919 minOur Uncommon LifeRing-a-ling-ling...Season 2 RecapWhat an awesome Season 2 of Our Uncommon Life! We have done a crazy amount of travel this season, and in this episode we recap some of our favorite dishes and favorite trips.
We cannot wait to jump back in after the Holiday rush and fill you all in on our crazy adventures. Until then...Happy Holidays friends.
Zac and Vena
2022-10-2419 minOur Uncommon LifeCiao!! Our Italy Vacay pt 3The final episode in our Italy series. Hear all about Gardone Riviera, Cinque Terre, and the best meal we have EVER eaten in our life.
2022-10-171h 08Our Uncommon LifeCiao! Our Italian Vacay pt 2Today we are discussing why Venice was the dark horse of our trip. It definitely grew on us over time. The food was some of our fave, and the spritzes...OH the spritzes.....We cannot wait to go back and get lost.
2022-10-1046 minOur Uncommon LifeCiao!! Our Italian Vacay...pt 1Oh Italy! Can we just go back now? Zac and I are OBSESSED. We are going to have to do multiple parts because...there is just too much goodness lol. In today's episode we are talking about getting ready to leave, packing, our flights, and Florence/Firenze. This city is truly magical.
2022-10-031h 01
Our Uncommon LifeGolf Views and Getting Hushed...Zac's Ireland TripZac is spilling the beans on his recent boys trip to Ireland.
2022-09-0624 minOur Uncommon LifeBlack Jack and Naps...Our Top 3 VicesHaving a quick chat about our favorite "Vices", the things we just can't give up.
2022-08-2921 minOur Uncommon LifeGirls Weekends and Why Operating Independently is OKThis week we chat about my girls weekend in Detroit, how Zac was jealous of all the yummy food I ate, and why it's actually good to go out with your friends and get away from the spouse once in awhile.
2022-08-2229 minOur Uncommon LifeSalad, NSV's, and Rolls that are Worth It ...Our Two Year Health JourneyZac and I have been loving living a more balanced, healthy lifestyle the past two years. While not always perfect, we have learned that...actually that's OK. In this week's episode, we chat about what works for US, working with what you have, and learning to check in within yourself is really the key to sticking to any new health program.
2022-08-081h 01Our Uncommon LifeSo EMOtional...our EIQ Test ResultsThis weeks episode is a bit different, Zac and I took an Emotional Intelligence Test over the past few weeks and we decide to discuss the results with all of you. Where did we each score high, where could we improve, and what did we score the same on. Some huge eye openers and an awesome conversations came out of this episode! Hopefully you guys enjoy
2022-07-2544 minOur Uncommon LifeAll the Drinks...Traverse City Food Finds Pt 3Now that we have talked about all things food in TC, we have to end this series with cocktails! From wineries to classic dive bars, hear about all of our fave stops to grab a sip when we get into town. Trust us, there is something for everyone.
Mentioned in this episode:
Mawby Winery
2Lads Winery
Bonobo Winery
Bower's Harbor Winery
45North Winery
Aurora Cellars
Hop Lot Brewery
Low Bar
Traverse City Whiskey Co
U...
2022-07-1836 minOur Uncommon LifeTravel, Travel, and more TravelA quick recap on where we've been , and an outlook into what we are doing next. Talking about what we are excited most about, and where our dream destinations are. Just a fun easy chat, and a preview into what's to come!
2022-06-2729 minOur Uncommon LifeTraverse City Food Finds Pt2We are back at it....talking about all of our favorite "Fine Dining" establishments in Traverse City, MI. Reservations are STRONGLY recommended for all the restaurants we mention. From dinners in old asylums to classic French brunch....these hot spots our Zac and I's favorite places to get dressed up and go out when we are in town.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Trattoria De Stella
PepeNero's
Red Ginger
Amical
Sorellina
Poppycocks
Brasserie Amie
Benedicts
Pearls
Sugar to Sa...
2022-06-1335 minOur Uncommon LifeThe Big C WordToday we are going to tackle the scariest word of them all....COMMITMENT. Talking about the 3 types of "committers" , which ones drive us the most crazy, which type we personally relate with most, and why it's so important to actually honor your commitments.
2022-06-0636 minOur Uncommon LifeTraverse City Favorite Food Finds Pt1We wanted to talk about all the delicious food finds in Traverse City, MI ....but quickly realized there were so many we needed two parts. ( I mean honestly, we could do a 10 part series, but alas....just two for now)
In today's episode, we chat about the more casual dining options. Strip away the bougie brunches, get rid of the reservations....just good ole yummy easy crowd pleasing food. From burgers, to donuts, to breweries.....learn our fave go to spots!
Mentioned in this episode:
The Omelette Sho...
2022-05-0924 minOur Uncommon LifeOur Biggest Time Saving TricksIn today's episode, we talk about our biggest time hacks. Things that open up space and freedom for us to do the things we love! I mean, who doesn't want that?! Zac and I go over outsourcing, how to make quick decisions, and even some tips and tricks for other little pesky time suckers.
One of the things we love and that we talk about is Instacart. Grocery delivery is a HUGE time saver for me. Especially lately, as I drove back and forth to northern Michigan multiple times in a week. Being able to come home to groc...
2022-05-0241 minOur Uncommon LifeViva!! Our Favorite Things about VegasIf anyone knows us, they know how much we love a good vegas trip. The lights, the crowds, the FOOD. In this episode we talk about our favorite fine dining, places to go on a budget, and even some other things to do besides eat. You can tell how excited we are to talk about Vegas, because we are jumping all over the place in food recommendations....and I'm sure we missed a million.
Honorable Food Mentions:
The Bacchanal Buffet
The Buffet at Paris Casino (Breakfast)
Carmine's
Th...
2022-04-251h 09Our Uncommon LifeWe are Back! A little spring recapWhew, it has been a long time friends! We are super excited to be back with you, laying down some fun new podcasts. Zac and I definitely have some fun things we are working on, and a list of episodes for you that we cannot wait to share.
We also are always looking for recommendations ....of podcast topics, restaurants, travel....so feel free to leave a comment on what YOU would like to hear us chat about.
2022-04-1819 minOur Uncommon LifeCar Ride Conversations Pt 2Driving home from TC again, and wanted to do a fun little chat. Zac and I give away our little secret project, talk about some amazing food this weekend....and talk about some upcoming vacay's.
Restaurants/Bars we chatted about:
Trattoria de Stella
Benedicts
Traverse City Whiskey Co
The Omlette Shoppe
Rare Bird Brew Pub
The Parlor
The Low Bar
2021-11-0842 minOur Uncommon LifeEp 17: Concrete Jungle and Foodie DreamsThat's right....it our New York City episode! Zac and I ate and drank our way through the city a few weeks back and found some old school staples, Michelin starred fine dining, and bagels galore. Find out which museum we would spend a whole day at, where to get caviar martini's , and what part of NYC Zac was severely underwhelmed with. We had such a blast in the big city and cannot wait to go back and explore even more.
Restaurants mentioned:
Chelsea Bagle
Daniela's
2021-11-011h 01Our Uncommon LifeCar Ride ConversationsThis week we are coming to you from Zac's car as we drive home from Traverse city. Listen in to our conversation about where we are at with our monthly goals, Zac holding me accountable, and me giving Zac a pretty big observation about him not wanting to wake up early. It's a pretty raw convo, you can definitely hear Oliver moving around in the background and the blinker turning on and off....we even get super confused to where we are at one point because we are so engaged in our chat.
2021-10-1840 minOur Uncommon LifeEP15: From Coney's to Caviar...Our Detroit Food AdventuresWe can't believe we have gone this long without talking about the food mecca of Detroit, MI. We LOVE dining in the city and want you to love it too. Honestly, it's one of our favorite date days to do....heading down to the D and eating & drinking our way through town. In this episode we cover everything from the Detroit classic coney duels to the upscale "it" crowd places to be seen. You can also find out which restaurant called us out for knowing how to dine really well....best compliment EVER!
Restaurants to c...
2021-10-1152 minOur Uncommon LifeChoosing to Not Have ChildrenA raw conversation that Zac and I have around the reasons we CHOSE to not have children. We totally respect everyones decisions on what is best for them, but for us....little humans was not the way to go. Hear how we have dealt with backlash, our thought process, and even what we did to make sure the decisions were right for us.
2021-10-0425 minOur Uncommon LifeEating and Drinking our way through Fenton: A MemoirWell, we had to do it sooner or later....talk about our good ole hometown foodie faves here in Fenton, MI. From the best drinks to order at The Laundry, to the place where everyone literally knows our name (Relief & Resource...we see you).....we wanted to dedicate this episode to all the yummy eats that are literally at our finger tips . These are the reasons why we tell people to move to Fenton all the time....I mean who doesn't want boozy milkshakes?!? Enjoy
Our Faves:
The Laundry
El Top...
2021-09-2754 minOur Uncommon LifeGrowing through the StormA follow up conversation with Zac about his crazy work situation now 3 1/2 weeks later. How is he handling it, how has it affected his outlook, and his next moves. An extremely vulnerable chat, that shows you .....if you have your priorities straight and your head in the game, you can still get to the other side of a bad situation.
2021-09-2024 minOur Uncommon LifeIt's Breakfast TimeWe thought it would be fun to go over all of our favorite local breakfast joints here in South East Michigan. From greasy coney/diners to the super trendy out of the box breakfast places.....you will definitely find something you love on this list.
Honorable mentions:
D's Cafe
Bryans Coney
The Royal Diner
Tony's
Drayton Cafe
Shirley's Cafe
Crust
Holly Donut Shop
Pete's Oven
Ellen's
The Dime Store
2021-09-1337 minOur Uncommon LifeOur 10 Year Wedding AnniversaryWhat?! 10 whole years together AND it's our 10th episode....that worked out swimmingly. In this weeks episode, hear us talk about our favorite part about the last 10 years, our best advice for newlyweds, and our biggest argument. This is a fun one, thanks for joining us on this journey!
2021-09-0632 minOur Uncommon LifeRiding solo while Zac is taking care of businessIn today's episode, you guys are stuck with little ole me , Vena. I know it's a bit different, BUT it was what we had to do in the moment. We always talk about how "uncommon" our life is, and this week was a perfect example of just that. Zac has had a major work, all hands on deck, type issue going on. I recorded this episode Thursday evening....it's now Monday morning and I have only seen him 2x. He has had maybe 18 hrs of sleep since last Wednesday. So, what do I do on the other end of that...
2021-08-3013 minOur Uncommon LifeSpa days, Popcorn & Margaritas, and Day Drinking: Our Trip to ArizonaBefore the world shut down in 2020, Zac and I got to experience one of our favorite trips ever....Arizona. We went out for my 40th birthday, and did it up right. In this weeks episode we are reliving our time out in the red rocks, and of course spilling our favorite spots to grab food. From Fry Bread Stands....to Mezcal Bars, this trip really did have it all.
Please take the time to follow all of our friends over on Instagram, and visit the next time you head out west:
Enchantment Resort
Mii...
2021-08-231h 00Our Uncommon LifePower Outages and Living in the Parent's BasementWhew, what a week! Our power went out and we had to move in with the Parent's for four days. Here we are chatting about how we pivot when inconveniences arise in our household, and why it's better to face it head on, move forward, and just deal with it ....rather than let it ruin your day or weekend.
Special Thanks to Gary and Teresa Lamb for letting us crash for four days and taking good care of our Oliver while we had to work. Always appreciative.
2021-08-1627 minOur Uncommon LifeOur Top 3 Most Memorable Dining ExperiencesWe thought it would be fun to go back and remember/recap our favorite overall, most unique dining experiences for you guys. These restaurants have created some of Vena and I's favorite food memories in the past 6 years and we are excited to share them here. Hear us talk about where we have found the best "surf and turf" and even food served on mini couches.......Vena's clutch even gets its own satin resting place at one of our stops. Enjoy!!
Restaurants mentioned:
É in Las Vegas
Binkleys in Phoenix
Th...
2021-08-0942 minOur Uncommon LifeCommunication VS Altercation: How we get things done in our marriageHere we are in a new month! It's crazy how fast time flies by sometimes. In this weeks episode, we are talking about how Zac and I communicate the most efficiently with each other.....and thats through setting up meetings. Designated time that we have throughout the week, month, quarter, and year to talk about our challenges, goals and objectives for this marriage. This is what works for us, it helps cut down on a MILLION little arguments and frustrations, and I feel this is one of the things that make us super uncommon.
2021-08-0242 minOur Uncommon LifeFrom Tourist Traps to Seafood Towers....Our Weekend in ChicagoWell we just got home from the windy city, and whew what a trip. Zac and I love exploring new parts of Chicago, and on this trip, we tried to hit all the little neighborhoods that we never think to venture to when in town (Wicker Park, Logan Square, Old Town). We stayed at The Thompson Hotel in the Gold Coast, which was. perfect launchpad for our food and drink expedition. Take a listen and hear where Zac faced his biggest fear, where we had the most mind-blowing pillows of love, and which bar almost had us go out at...
2021-07-261h 29Our Uncommon LifeSpace, Date nights, and supporting what your partner needsHaving a quick chat with Zac about his weekend away and why it's so important to give your partner some space....even if sometimes you don't want to, or miss them. We also touch on date nights, and having intentional time with your spouse. I do believe that Zac mentions more than once how supportive I am.....so thats another one for my record books.
2021-07-1908 minOur Uncommon LifeDon't call me Old Fashioned...Our Louisville Trip recapWe just got back from a two night trip to Louisville KY, and this little getaway was one for the books. I'm not sure if it was the amazing food, perfect little airbnb, or all of the Old Fashioned's we drank...but Zac and I loved loved loved this trip. We stayed in the NULU neighborhood and couldn't believe how great of a location we snagged. Our Airbnb was called the GardenHouse (you can find them on Insta as Gardenhouselouisville), and it was within a block of great coffee shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques. The vibe in NULU was just...
2021-07-1244 minOur Uncommon LifeThis is us...being all uncommonIn this episode, Zac and I talk about why we wanted to start this podcasting journey and why we are anything but traditional. We just wanted to give a little introspective into what's to come, our unconventional thinking, and even dropped a few restaurant recommendations already. (Shoutout to Mama's Chicken Kitchen in Gatlinburg, TN).
2021-07-0614 minOur Uncommon LifeA little previewWe lead a pretty unconventional life and marriage, so we decided to start a podcast to talk about what makes us tick as a couple. Listen in to find out more on how we run our relationship, our businesses, and the way we like to eat & travel.
2021-07-0601 min