Discover stress-free holiday meal preparation with the delightful insights of James Beard Award-winning chef Emma Smock, who also happens to be my talented daughter. You'll learn how to wow your guests with a simple yet stunning roasted green beans recipe, offering a healthier twist on the classic green bean casserole. Emma shares her culinary secrets, from selecting the finest French-style green beans to mastering the art of roasted garlic and choosing high-quality olive oil. This episode is packed with practical tips and mouthwatering recipes to ensure your Thanksgiving contributions shine at the dinner table.

Dive into the heartwarming world of Thanksgiving traditions and the joys of hosting large family gatherings. We explore the significance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, where cherished traditions blend with new ones, like sending the kids to a movie while the adults cook together. Listen in as we recount personal stories, from hosting 52 families to a memorable Thanksgiving involving a wayward dog, emphasizing the value of involving everyone in meal preparations. With practical advice on simple, flavorful dishes like sweet potatoes, this episode aims to inspire you to create lasting holiday memories and enjoy the warmth of togetherness.

Picture this: a knock on the door shatters the calm of a Sunday morning, bringing with it the unexpected weight of reality. That's the moment many of us dread, yet so few of us prepare for. Life insurance isn't just a piece of paper; it's a promise to protect your family's future against the uncertainties of life. Join us as we unpack the critical role of life insurance in adulthood, revealing how everyone—from singles to grandfathers—can benefit from this vital safety net. Through real-life stories like Steve's time in the Navy and the unforeseen tragedy of Bruce and Julie, we highlight why it's crucial to act now, even if the topic isn't the most exhilarating.

Our conversation also navigates the often-overlooked need for advance planning with a next of kin box. This isn't just about organizing papers; it's about ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Learn the importance of stocking this box with essentials like a last will and testament and a living will, empowering your family to handle emergencies with clarity. We discuss the significance of having these conversations early, especially with young adults, about life-saving measures and organ donation. As we embrace the less glamorous side of adulting, understand that these preparations are a profound gift to those we care about most, ensuring their journey through life's toughest moments is a little less daunting.

When is the right time to start a family, and how do you navigate the societal pressures that come with it? Megan and Dr. Steve Scheibner are here to share their own personal insights and experiences from raising eight wonderful children. We'll tackle the age-old conversation about the infamous "biological clock" and explore how career aspirations can mesh with family life. With a focus on intentional and prayerful decision-making, we discuss the potential challenges of postponing parenthood, especially for women approaching their late thirties. Our journey is filled with anecdotes and lessons that aim to guide couples on their family planning adventure, ensuring decisions are made with care and thoughtfulness.

From personal adoption stories to the everyday chaos of a large family, this episode offers a heartwarming look into our unique family dynamic. Megan shares her transformative journey of adopting our son, Taylor, from Guatemala and how it enriched our lives beyond measure. Adoption added a new layer of love and unity, transcending racial backgrounds and societal expectations. The lively energy of our household is both a blessing and a source of endless humor, from juggling logistics to fielding funny questions from strangers. We celebrate the profound satisfaction of nurturing a bustling household, embracing the joys and trials that come with a large family, and finding strength and laughter amid the chaos.