Table Talks with the Tares
How do you know you're showing up the way you mean to? You won't unless you stop to check.
MJ and Ash are a husband and wife with completely opposite wiring. Raising kids in the years the intent is high, but the capacity is low. Every week they get honest about the story playing underneath the home they’re trying to build together, share notes and recalibrate before the next week. Because wanting better doesn’t always mean doing better.
Episodes
Mar 16, 2026
Mar 16, 2026
46 min
In this episode, we talk about the tension of speaking truthfully while still speaking lovingly, especially when dealing with people who have narcissistic tendencies. We share some of what we’ve learned through living with Gram and navigating those dynamics day to day. It’s an honest conversation about compassion, speaking truthfully but lovingly, and how we try to hold both at the same time.
Resources mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sOw80NVm3g
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-119-how-to-avoid-getting-sucked-into-a/id1661247515?i=1000702501261
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com
Mar 9, 2026
Mar 9, 2026
41 min
It’s crazy how two people can live the same parenting moment and have totally different instincts. In this episode, we talk about how our differences show up in real time especially with ADHD in the mix. From structure vs. spontaneity to handling everyday chaos, we unpack where our approaches complement each other and where we think, “Wait… you’re doing what?”
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/160-how-were-building-health-habits-that-actually-stick/id1661247515?i=1000745729960
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
42 min
Why do we hesitate to ask for help and how do we know if we’re actually showing up well in our roles as husband, wife, mom, or dad? In this episode, we put those questions on the table. We talk through expectations we carry, the reality of limited capacity, and how we’re learning to meet each other’s needs without keeping score. It’s an honest conversation about roles, communication, and working as a team instead of running on empty.
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/164-married-to-your-financial-opposite-designer-versus/id1661247515?i=1000749958707
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 23, 2026
39 min
Ever notice how the same situation can feel completely different to two people? In this episode, we talk about how our differences don’t just come from personality but culture too. Growing up with NY and Filipino backgrounds means we often interpret conflict, respect, and even apologies in totally different ways. We unpack the Western justice/guilt framework vs. the honor/shame perspective common in many Eastern cultures, and how understanding this has helped us better understand each other.
Next episode recommended: Ep 18 Relationships: Speaking the Truth in Love, Individualism vs Collectivism
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: The Honest Underscore.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Feb 16, 2026
Feb 16, 2026
47 min
In this episode, we realized we don’t actually think about “stuff” the same way. One of us leans toward practicality… the other notices the brand. What is that really about? We talk through how status subtly pulls on us, how it shows up in purchases and preferences, and why certain things feel important even when we know they probably shouldn’t.
Resources mentioned:
Watch: Panthère de Cartier watch
Fresh Avocado Vine
Books:
You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit
The Overcomers: God's Vision for You to Thrive in an Age of Anxiety and Outrage
Funkin Park: Linkin Park's - Greatest Hits (If they were FUNK)
Next episode recommended: Ep 113 - Who should say sorry first? When honor/shame and justice/guilt cultures get married.
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: The Honest Underscore.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
41 min
Valentine’s Day hits different when you’re sleep-deprived and surrounded by tiny humans! In this episode, we reflect on how love looked when we first started dating vs. what connection looks like now in a low capacity season. From shifting expectations to finding small moments that matter, we talk about how we keep choosing each other through every stage of life.
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/154-controlling-the-controllables-and-a-shortcut/id1661247515?i=1000740203183
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Feb 2, 2026
Feb 2, 2026
43 min
In this episode, we’re talking about our approach to homeschooling and why we’ve fallen in love with the Homeschool Made Simple method. It’s research-based, interest-led, and literature rich which has brought so much simplicity, freedom, and actual joy to our days.
Whether you're deep in homeschool life or just curious what it could look like, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s worked, what’s surprised us, and how we’ve made learning a natural part of our family rhythm.
Resources mentioned:
Homeschool Made Simple: https://homeschoolmadesimple.net/
Homeschool Philosophy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/212-homeschool-made-simple-educational-philosophy-in/id1506875183?i=1000654143902
Morning Rhythm Resources:
https://a.co/d/9R5IXQ4
https://a.co/d/evd1wem
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/158-how-to-make-screen-time-a-non-issue-family-health-reset/id1661247515?i=1000743802873
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Jan 26, 2026
Jan 26, 2026
38 min
In this episode, we open up about how we think about money, what matters to us, what systems have worked in different seasons, and what still trips us up (spoiler: it’s not just the coffee budget). We’re sharing the real talk behind aligning priorities and figuring out finances as a team. If money convos usually stress you out, this one’s for you.
Resources mentioned:
Budgeting app mentioned: https://www.monarch.com/
Budgeting app we actually use: https://goodbudget.com/
Driving app mentioned: https://comma.ai/openpilot
Mimetic desire: https://a.co/d/6dQ1nDF
Inside joke: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladbible/video/7555943643681410337
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/128-are-we-good-money-marriage-miscommunication/id1661247515?i=1000712071408
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Jan 19, 2026
Jan 19, 2026
39 min
In this episode, we’re breaking down where we’re at with our health goals. We talk about our journey from keto to strength training, what postpartum has looked like the 3rd time around, and how we’re (slowly) able to prioritize working out again without going to extremes. If you’re trying to get back into a rhythm with your health and need a reminder that slow is still progress, this one’s for you.
Resources mentioned:
https://stronglifts.com/
https://fasterwaytofatloss.com/?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google+Display:+Acquire+New+Users&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5085131482&hsa_cam=23285086799&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23285088428&gbraid=0AAAAACzsm0YueGBxf5_p3u65jx10OK37l&gclid=Cj0KCQiAprLLBhCMARIsAEDhdPfnq46JGoNRrHzBeKoKmAWhe2oGubqIvfNdQOdG2l01bXOgSeDtSdYaAoufEALw_wcB
https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/maps-fitness-individual-programs?gc_id=22795775976&h_ga_id=181300227486&h_ad_id=792699586949&h_keyword_id=kwd-462919115013&h_keyword=mind%20pump%20media&h_placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22795775976&gbraid=0AAAAADhtWENdDpAE1QWxGw4orgvXzs0cz&gclid=Cj0KCQiAprLLBhCMARIsAEDhdPc4cB6KbiJTAnZFsGh6G45izIiZARY6IiKUbRuJqEaUexvlXUCPnBMaArgCEALw_wcB
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-9-the-1-conflict-in-our-relationship-probably/id1661247515?i=1000597249218
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.
Jan 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026
29 min
We’re kicking off a new series all about setting realistic goals for our family and individually. In this episode, we unpack how our approach to goal-setting has shifted this year being less about crushing checklists and more about cultivating the kind of people we want to become. We’re talking habit-based goals, rightly ordering our loves, and getting clear on wha’s actually important in this season.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to “do it all,” this one’s for you.
Resources mentioned:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/1th/4/11-12/s_1115011
https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/2co/3/18/s_1081018
https://a.co/d/goo4rGW
https://a.co/d/gbWxbvL
Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/146-seeking-the-sacred-work-of-ordinary-days-what/id1661247515?i=1000731579553
Table Talks with the Tares: where we explore how to close the gap between what we intend and what we do, one honest conversation at a time.
Visit our website: http://www.honestunderscore.com.
Join our monthly newsletter for a curated blend of exclusive leadership insights, personal reflections, and resource releases delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
For questions, please email us at hello@honestunderscore.com.







