World travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, Brandie (38) and Nate (44), get in their feels as they prepare for the most foreign and adventurous journey they've ever embarked: parenthood.

From symptoms, hormone driven emotions and childhood backstories this couple explores their hopes for their child's future amidst the challenges 2023 (and beyond) holds.
 
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54: Nate & Brandie Roberts

Nicole studied psychology because humans and their behavior fascinate her and she wanted to better understand herself. This was the beginning of a lifelong adventure of self-discovery which led to travel worldwide. Wherever Nicole goes she finds herself in interesting conversations with others. She created the Wise Human podcast as a space where she and guests share their authentic human experience and what they've learned along the way, with the intention to inspire others to live fully in their truth, unapologetically. Nicole feels most free when she is outside, traveling, and connecting with others. She is a certified yoga instructor, meditation guide, and host of the Wise Human podcast.
Lucie graduated from the University of Michigan with Summa Cum Laude honors and quickly got scooped up into the corporate world. It wasn’t long before she decided to ditch the cube and leave her comfy corporate career to go against all odds and pursue her passion of horses. There’s not a single day that goes by where she has regretted taking that leap of faith and trusting her instincts. Lucie currently owns and operates High Vibe Trail Rides, an extremely successful public trail riding company that provides trail rides, meditation rides as well as empowering weekend retreats. Lucie is a spiritual teacher who credits all of her success to the simple practices of daily morning meditation, creative visualization and journaling gratitudes each night. Spending time with Luce is always an energetic breath of fresh air and an exciting adventure ready to unfold.
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53: Nicole Dreon & Lucie Ptasznik

Duke is such a dear friend that I met not too long ago riding horses in the mountains of Idaho. We got to sit down at Black Iron Coffee Roasters for this conversation. Duke represents humanity so well, I was humbled to share this space over coffee. 
Duke Potts is a private chef and host of “Duke’s Apocalypse Kitchen” on YouTube. She lives in Ypsilanti Michigan with her wife, practices jiu jitsu, and yells at two of her three dogs.
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52: Duke Potts

Father, scientist, and volleyball player, Eric believes that the truth usually lies right in the middle of the two extremes. Listen to those that have opposing views and challenge your own beliefs.
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Eric Wotring

Perennial guests Amnestie Lillian Tate VerDuin and Jenn Vanderploeg join me in a special episode highlighting each of their pieces in this ArtPrize 2022. 
Gateway in the Garden (by Amnestie): "I want to create a large-scale woodcut featuring floral elements, botanical plants, animals, pollinators, etc. local to Michigan and more specifically the city of Grand Rapids. Wood-carving takes lots of small cuts, planning, adjusting...there is something very organic about the process that parallels so heavily in my mind to nature and life. I think it would be beautiful to create and carve this piece over the course of the event and in front of viewers. Once the carving is complete, I hope to print the piece in front of the public as well."
Ascension (by Jenn): "Who doesn't feel a thrill with freshly fallen snow? This Friesian Stallion is exuberantly enjoying a romp in the deep MI snow! This 54"x72"x2" painting is representational of my favorite style of painting; impactful, playful and uplifting to view! The horse is a symbol of spirit, freedom and strength; Just as strong as they are soft and connecting. They teach us to be mindful, present and to enjoy the moment!"
 
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ArtPrize 2022: Tate VerDuin & Jenn Vanderpl

Julie joins us again as we sit down with one of my greatest friends and talk about politics, student loans, fitness, nutrition, and just about everything else.
Jason has degrees in Human Resources management and nursing. He is a nurse manager at a rehab facility in East Lansing, MI. His interests include CrossFit, nutrition, guitar, and travel
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Jason Williams & Julie Lynn

My dear friend Kelly Carbary is a 16-year Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) veteran who has now begun a different path in her military career. In 2006 Kelly enlisted as an army supply specialist and transitioned to the dark side to become an army commissioned officer in 2010; commissioning from the University of Michigan as an army aviator. She pushed herself through many challenges in her military career, to include successfully passing Airborne School, Air Assault School, SERE School, and obtaining a commercial pilot certificate for rotor wing aircraft in the UH-60 A/L/M Black Hawk. But her story doesn’t stop there! Influenced by her grandfather’s resilience and grit, and by her time as a military leader, she decided to embark down a road towards working in another difficult career – Medicine. She will graduate from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2023 as an Osteopathic Physician, and she has goals to stay in the MIARNG as a flight surgeon. Listen as she explains her story, all while encouraging everyone to be kind to themselves because too often we are strong and kind to others, but we sometimes forget to do the same for ourselves. Peace. Love. COM.
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Kelly Carbary

Julie Lynn is a Michigan native, current Chicago resident, and a long time friend of mine. It was an absolute blast having Julie return to the podcast as we talk about the list of questions I have compiled for doing podcast with strangers. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did
 
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Julie Lynn

Ayda is a Resident Pediatrician, Michigan native and recent transplant to Santa Barbara, CA. She is the daughter of Iranian immigrants, a fitness fanatic, and has an intense drive for adventure in life... especially roller blading!
You can find her on Instagram @alalayda 
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Dr. Ayda Alavi

In this episode, a great friend of mine Ben Schartow sat down with me and we got to discuss some of the deep philosophical questions regarding faith and those who hold those questions deeply. This was a conversation I'm so honored to have recorded, as we navigated some dense conversation. 
Benjamin is an an energetic, hard working, and a loyal professional with many years of experience in leadership, sales, public speaking, and administration. He was a founding member with a team that began Journey Life Church in Holt, MI. Benjamin then began and successfully pastored Realife Student Ministries for 14 years. During this time he also launched Building Twentyone, a non profit teen center supporting 6th - 12th grade students after school in a safe space with opportunities to incite passion and purpose. He is currently the Family Pastor at Journey Life Church while still serving the community as the Executive Director of Building Twentyone. 
TW/CW: religion, the gospel, faith
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Benjamin Schartow

I got to sit down with one of my best friends Terrence O'Neil and we talked about all things real estate and fitness. Terrence has been in Real Estate since Jan 2018. When he isn’t helping clients buy or sell you can find him working out, and coaching CrossFit at Rogue River CF in Rockford, MI. To learn more or work with him you can find him on Instagram @GRFitRealtor. 
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Terrence O’Neil

Mark & Ashlen talk about the leaked supreme court document which discusses the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. 
TW: Rape, incest
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Roe vs. Wade

Deb has been a great friend of mine for the past decade. From Deb: "They call me Big D or DLove. Lover of women…. Seeker of truth and justice, fighting for equality in a country built to strive from inequality
But seriously Deborah Mitchell. Married to the most amazing woman LeChele Parris with three amazing children and an adorable pup. Originally from the thumb been in Lansing for 22 years. Working at the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission."
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Deborah Mitchell

My good friend Andy Bailey joins me for a couple hours of complete nonsense, and I couldn't be more thankful for the dialog. Guaranteed to be a great time. 
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Andy Bailey

We are just so honored to have our good friend Matt Beal back on the show to continue these conversations around Mental Health.
Matthew S. Beal is a Ph.D. candidate in practical theology at Boston University School of Theology and a licensed psychotherapist with experience in crisis counseling, pastoral counseling, and outpatient therapy for major mental health disorders. His research at the intersection of psychology and theology engages feminist and womanist gender theory, poststructuralism, ethnography, trinitarian theology, and psychoanalytic theory. His dissertation develops a pastoral theology for liberating men from toxic masculinities.
You can reach him with any questions you might have or just to say hi or thanks at mbeal.logos@gmail.com
*TW/CW: Rape, sexual abuse, religious abuse. Please do what you need to stay safe. 
*Please be advised, there is some language in this episode that some might find offensive (but we don't)*
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Please contact Mark with any questions, or just to say hi! markjayshortt@yahoo.com 
IG: @Mark.Explains
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Matt Beal

How would humanity respond if we found proof of Aliens beyond Earth? This is the topic of conversation today as 2 of my great friends Chase Smith and Tom Fifer join me to dive into some great questions. We talk about the latest science in astronomy and astrophysics, and also how to view our faith through different perspectives. 
Chase is a worship pastor, student ministry pastor, and an all-the-time podcaster. In 2018 he founded Press Play Podcasts.
Check it out at pressplaypodcasts.com
Tom is one of the hosts of the Podcast Unravelling with Tom and Pete, and has frequented the Mark Explains Podcast. He brings so much to our conversations, make sure to check out his podcast wherever you listen. 
*Please be advised, there is some language in this episode that some might find offensive (but we don't)*
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Please contact Mark with any questions, or just to say hi! markjayshortt@yahoo.com 
IG: @Mark.Explains
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Chase Smith & Tom Fifer

Mark and Ash talk about how Mark just got a vasectomy. As well as Cobra Kai, and simulation theory and a dozen other ridiculous things. 
You can find this episode of Mark Explains Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you normally listen to your podcasts. 
*Please be advised, there is some language in this episode that some might find offensive (but we don't)*
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Please contact Mark with any questions, or just to say hi! markjayshortt@yahoo.com 
IG: @Mark.Explains
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Mark Gets a Vasectomy

This is the second installment in the mental health series we are doing, and boy what a treat this episode is for you. We get to have an old friend of mine on the show Blake Kirinovic, who is a mental health advocate and motivational speaker. I've known Blake for years, and he's such a dynamic guy, I'm confident you'll find this conversation captivating.
Our friend Jenn Vanderploeg joins us again and adds so much to this conversation. It's always a treat to hear the depth of how her brain works. 
If you are someone who deals with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide, please seek professional help as you are a precious human being who is loved. We want to help you, if you don't know who to reach out to, email us below and we will get you in touch with professionals who can help you. 
You can find this episode of Mark Explains Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you normally listen to your podcasts. 
*Trigger Warning: anxiety, depression, panic/anxiety attacks
*Please be advised, there is some language in this episode that some might find offensive (but we don't)*
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Please contact Mark with any questions, or just to say hi! markjayshortt@yahoo.com 
IG: @Mark.Explains
FB: @markexplainspodcast

Blake Kirinovic & Jenn Vanderploeg

It's been on our hearts for a while to release a series on Mental Health, but this is also a topic that is naturally quite sensitive in nature. We aren't sure how many episodes will be incorporated in this series, but as we move forward, we want to bring to light the things that live in the dark. We also want to preserve the fidelity and integrity of those that are professionals and experts in this field, so we will be inviting some people that are much smarter than we are to talk about these things.  
This first episode we talk about Ashlen's panic/anxiety attacks, a little bit about the science behind what those are, and why they come about. Anxiety is widely felt among all of humanity, however our responses are vastly different, and we talk about what we can do and the tools we can put in our belt to help in those most vulnerable times.
If you are someone who deals with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide, please seek professional help as you are a precious human being who is loved. We want to help you, if you don't know who to reach out to, email us below and we will get you in touch with professionals who can help you. 
You can find this episode of Mark Explains Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you normally listen to your podcasts. 
*Trigger Warning: anxiety, depression, panic/anxiety attacks
*Please be advised, there is some language in this episode that some might find offensive (but we don't)*
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Please contact Mark with any questions, or just to say hi! markjayshortt@yahoo.com 
IG: @Mark.Explains
FB: @markexplainspodcast

Mental Health Series Part 1 - What are We Confusing for Nourishment

Do any of us truly have cognitive autonomy? In this past week, the US was yet again divided strongly over the verdict of Kyle Rittenhouse. This polarizing news almost forced every American to choose a side: either he was using self-defense and this showed the justice system works, or this was the perpetuating narrative of white supremacy. 
My good friend Tom joins Ashlen and myself on todays Podcast. The conversation today does not revolve around the events of what took place in Kenosha, WI, but rather we are asking the question "Why do I believe" a certain thing about what we believe? It's a much denser, and honestly more important question. And the viral and divisive verdict of Kyle Rittenhouse is a perfect example of the exposure of these belief structures.
This is the link to the article read in the beginning of the episode: https://kareem.substack.com/p/why-the-kyle-rittenhouse-verdict?fbclid=IwAR1SdcsyWFl1VZtAPS_S9DbEk1VEsHAba3_wI1MwxGa5uAsiemX0BLm9Dio
 
You can find this episode of Mark Explains Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you normally listen to your podcasts. 
*Please be advised, there is some language in this episode that some might find offensive (but we don't)*
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Please contact Mark with any questions, or just to say hi! markjayshortt@yahoo.com 
IG: @Mark.Explains
FB: @markexplainspodcast

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