In this special episode, Travis interviews his 96-year-old grandfather and 97-year-old grandmother, sharing stories and memories from their lives and the lessons they've learned across nearly 100 years each! They've also been married nearly 78 years!

Harold and Marlys Ostrem share about growing up, their marriage, life on a North Dakota farm, and so much more! Their stories move between hardship and humor, from surviving the Great Depression and brutal winters to laughing about courtship, family memories, and the small, funny details that make a long marriage last.

Alongside beautiful reflections on faith, family, and resilience, they also offer practical marriage advice and share about what keeps them going. What a gift their insights are!

In this episode:

• The early lives during the Great Depression and the hardships faced on the farm
• How immigrant roots from Norway influenced their family and values
• Memorable stories from childhood, including school experiences and farm life
• Marriage advice after 78 years together, emphasizing patience and teamwork
• Insights into historic weather events, including severe blizzards and tough winters
• Their perspectives on raising a large family and the importance of faith and community
• Reflections on aging, legacy, and how they wish to be remembered
• The significance of continuous learning, even at 97, demonstrated through poetry and genealogy projects

Ever feel like life has lost its glow? This episode is all about reigniting that wonder—finding awe in the everyday and living alive with shiny eyes. Travis shares heartfelt stories, inspiring quotes, and powerful reflections on how wonder is essential to truly thriving as humans created in the image of a wondrous God.

Travis includes a heartfelt reading from his book Shiny Eyes, focusing on the theme: “Sparkling with Awe and Wonder.”

Pickup a copy of "Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope"

https://a.co/d/0a3g6lrY

That's So Rad! Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-rad/id1810887342

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thatissorad

Transforming Us

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transforming-us/id1823554264

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@transformingus

Stay at their Airbnb retreat:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyeyesretreat

In this episode:

• Travis shares his personal journey of re-engaging with wonder after a break from podcasting and life.
• The importance of cultivating awe in everyday moments to avoid living on autopilot and the dangers of disenchantment.
• How living with a sense of wonder can lead us to a more meaningful, full life—featuring stories of an 80-year-old woman and mountain biking in East Tennessee.
• The significance of being “enchanted” by the world around us, inspired by Gerard Manley Hopkins and Joseph Pieper.
• Richard Beck’s insights on the spiritual power of wonder and the impact of disenchantment in modern culture.
• The transformative power of awe in slowing down, noticing beauty, and living with a sense of sacredness.
• Practical tips for cultivating awe through attention, seasonal practices, and intentionally seeking the marvelous in the mundane.
• The call to embrace joy, curiosity, and wonder as acts of worship—living fully alive as a divine act.
• Final encouragement: see God in your daily life, and let wonder be your lens for a richer, more vibrant existence.

In this episode of Cultivate the Ordinary, hosts Travis and Jess reflect on the past year, sharing personal anecdotes, funny stories, and lessons learned. They each share a quote for the year that best represented what they were most inspired by or learned in 2025. They discuss the importance of finding beauty in everyday life, the power of quotes, and the significance of community and relationships.

As they look ahead to the new year, they emphasize the need for personal growth, curiosity, and the cultivation of positive habits, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Travis humorously describes their podcast roles as interchangeable sidekicks, adding a light-hearted touch to their dynamic.
2. Jess shares a funny incident where she got sprayed with water at a gas station, and instead of getting upset, she laughed it off, showcasing her graciousness.
3. Travis recounts a karaoke night where he was pressured into singing "Barbie Girl," a song he found hilariously awkward, especially when a stranger joined him on stage.
4. Jess emphasizes the importance of embracing play and lightheartedness, reflecting on her word for the year, which was "play."
5. Jess discusses the importance of forgiveness, inspired by a pastor who forgave the man responsible for a tragic event, encouraging her to let go of personal resentments.
6. Both Jess and Travis talk about the significance of community and vulnerability, highlighting how opening up to others can lead to profound personal growth and connection.
7. Jess emphasizes the value of finding beauty in stillness and nature, which has reignited her passion for art and creativity.