a common life by Taylor and Morgan Myers

What if the most radical act in today's frenetic world is simply embracing the ordinary? 

In this episode Morgan and I talk about our family's trip to Vermont for a Permaculture Design Course with Ben Falk, Mark Krawczyk, and Erik Schellenberg. 

We explore the possibilities and implications of artificial intelligence alongside the everyday challenges and joys of farm living.

"What if the simple act of reading a physical book has become a form of cultural resistance? Taylor and Morgan ponder this question while diving into their current obsessions with beef tallow cooking, homemade marshmallows, and thought-provoking literature.

This episode unfolds the beauty of slowing down to notice life’s simple pleasures and the enriching conversations that strengthen relationships. We explore the concept of a 'familiar walk,' the heartwarming story of adopting Luna, and what it means to define a ‘rich life’ in partnership.

"Parenting is not just a role; it’s a profound influence that shapes the heart and soul of a home. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights from JR Miller's "Homemaking" as we discuss parenting's pivotal role in nurturing a loving and Christ-like environment. We challenge the cultural norm of outsourcing parental duties, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of being present and intentional in our children's growth and education. By prioritizing character development over merely enforcing good behavior, we explore how parents can truly transform their homes into sanctuaries of growth and love.

"Picture this: you're living in a city where grabbing a forgotten item from the store is a minor inconvenience, and neighbors are only an arm's length away, ready to lend a cup of sugar. Now imagine trading that spontaneous, bustling life for the serenity of the countryside, where you're surrounded by rolling hills and friendly cows, not convenience stores. We reflect on our big move back to rural living after five years in town, sharing heartwarming tales of community support and the unexpected challenges that come with a longer drive to the nearest gas station. It's a journey that takes us back to our college days, where borrowing from neighbors in apartment complexes was as simple as knocking on a door.

"Can selecting the right life partner truly set the course for a lifetime of happiness or heartache? Join us as Morgan takes the wheel, exploring the profound themes of JR Miller's "Homemaking," specifically chapter three, "The Wife's Part." With Taylor's insightful commentary, we address listener feedback and delve into the delicate art of choosing a spouse who fulfills the deepest needs for love and companionship. We candidly discuss our own marriage journey, acknowledging that it's a continuous work in progress while offering personal insights that might resonate with your experiences too.

"What if the secret to a thriving marriage lies in the everyday acts of love and kindness we often overlook? Explore this compelling idea with us on A Common Life Podcast as we dissect the husband's role in crafting a harmonious home, drawing inspiration from JR Miller's classic "Homemaking." Morgan and I tackle the profound impact of love expressed through daily actions and how it mirrors the unfaltering love Christ has for the church. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to husbands to embrace their roles as the gentle anchors of their homes, ensuring that affection and empathy are the cornerstones of marital bliss.

"Imagine two trees, rooted side by side, growing together yet separately. This episode opens with such a metaphor as we reflect on the essence of marriage and its transformative role in our lives. Drawing insights from JR Miller's timeless work, 'Homemaking,' we unravel the significance of weddings as cultural celebrations and explore how they set the stage for a lifelong journey with a partner. Personal stories from our own wedding experiences illustrate the importance of having a network of supportive loved ones and how marriage enriches our individual callings.

"What happens when a Pinterest quote leads to a profound exploration of family roles from an 1882 classic? Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through J.R. Miller's "Homemaking," alongside our insightful guide, Morgan. This episode marks the beginning of a new series where we dissect each chapter of this timeless book, unraveling its still-relevant themes of collaborative home-building. We start by questioning the skepticism that naturally arises from a homemaking book penned by a man in the 19th century and explore why its messages continue to resonate today.

"How do you balance parental guidance with allowing your children to express themselves freely? Tune in to discover our thoughts on this, as we dive into our recent family-friendly listening habits, featuring artists like Jarvis Campbell, Wilder Woods, and Dude Perfect. We also touch on the beautiful intersection of love songs and spiritual themes within their music. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on parenting philosophies and the importance of supporting our kids' unique identities, no matter how many times they insist on wearing that same favorite shirt.

Morgan shares what it's like when I have a burst of passion. We also talk about my (Taylor) new job, our current interests (wild flowers and ice cream), estate sales, our current gardening situation, and discuss our secret blueberry spot (again :)

"On this episode, we recount Morgan’s frightening encounter with dengue fever in Guatemala and the unexpected blessings it brought to our marriage. From the severe symptoms and a surprising lack of mosquito bites to a heartfelt moment of repentance and reconnection, we share our journey through illness and recovery. We even throw in a fun discussion about a hypothetical futuristic chip that could revolutionize medical diagnoses and improve marital empathy.

In this episode Morgan and Taylor look back on April and discuss the many pleasures of spring.

In thsi episode we talk farmer's markets, blueberries, warmer weather, garden chores, and more. Join Morgan and Taylor for a conversation about what to look forward to in May!

In this episode, Taylor talks strategies and methods for dealing with a bermudagrass lawn.

In this episode we look back on March '24. Here is what Jenkins ahd to say about the episode:

"Get your green thumbs ready to transform knowledge into a flourishing garden! Join Morgan and me as we delve into the April soil, sharing secrets to dodge the frost's final jab and pinpoint the perfect moment to plant tomatoes and their warm-season friends. We'll navigate the frosty intricacies of Huntsville versus Owens Crossroads, warming up to the critical role soil temperature plays in your garden's performance. Expect a row-by-row guide on how to invite a cascade of beans, cucumbers, squash, and even the ambitious sprawl of watermelons and sweet corn to your patch. And for those with a competitive streak, we'll reveal methods to outsmart garden gluttons waiting to feast on your hard work.

In this episode I talk about my favorite, easy to grow plants for the home garden!

"Ever found yourself chuckling at the peculiarities of podcasting, like the great "podcast voice" debate? That's just a slice of what's on the menu in our latest episode. As we swap stories about our kitchen experiments, you'll hear about my chimichurri triumphs and why strawberries on ice cream with a sprinkle of homemade granola is the new dessert du jour in my home. But it's not all about the savory victories; there's a candid share about the health journey I'm on, including a switch to decaf lattes for a blood sugar reset. These lifestyle tidbits are just the appetizer to a hearty discussion filled with personal anecdotes and revelations from the nooks and crannies of daily life.

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In this episode I talk all about getting your garden ready for spring planting. 

In this episode, I (Taylor) introduce you to a new journey Morgan and I have begun in Guatemala... And it actually started 13 years ago with a volcanoe, tropical storm, and a sink hole.

 "January's harsh ice storm is at the heart of our conversation, where we recount the collective warmth we found in the chill, mirroring the camaraderie of past lockdown days. Our homes became fortresses against the cold, as we sealed drafts and prepared for the freeze, finding solace and fun in the most unexpected ways. And the garden, oh the garden! It's a tale of resilience and survival, with frost cloths and straw playing the hero, safeguarding our greens from the icy grip of winter.

"Join our cozy conversation as we eagerly await the onset of spring in the heart of Alabama. We're stirring up the quiet of February with talks of garden preparations, tempting your palate with a step-by-step guide to crafting candied orange peels—a sweet herald of brighter days to come. As we tiptoe away from winter's hearty fare, we'll share with you the joys and challenges of the season's transition, both in the garden and in our kitchens.

In this episode, I break down why a home gardener should try growing their own transplants from seed and share how we do it ourselves!

"Ever wondered how a sprig of parsley can elevate not just your cooking but your entire day? Well, pour yourself a cup of tea and join Morgan and Taylor as they meander through tales of culinary experiments with garden-fresh ingredients, like the unexpected delight of a mid-winter tabouli. They also peel back the curtain on their couple's podcasting journey, sharing those unscripted moments of laughter (and learning) that come from microphone blunders. And if your breakfast routine needs a little inspiration, Taylor's got a secret omelet recipe that'll transform your morning fare into a gourmet delight.

"As the frost settles on our final harvest, we gather 'round the mic to share the warm tales and frosty fails of our December days. From the heartwarming arrival of Ethel, the newest four-legged love in our lives, to the half-illuminated Christmas tree that sparked a fiery new tradition, we wrap up the year with laughter and the scent of pine lingering in the air. There's a race to tell, too—the Rudolph Run—where our family's competitive spirit blazes even brighter than our oddly decorated tree. And nestled in this month's memories is an engaging conversation with Terry, whose insights on the bucolic bliss of tending a milk cow have churned up our enthusiasm for the creamy possibilities ahead.