It Joe and Michael's POD CAST

Leo

Hey everyone, and welcome to another episode! Today, we're diving deep into the exciting world of new love, adventure, and building a life together. I'm really looking forward to this one.

Joe

Thanks for having us, Leo! We're excited to be here.

Michael

Yeah, it's going to be fun sharing our story so far.

Leo

So, you two have been together for just over three months, and you've already packed in a lifetime of experiences! It sounds like you hit the ground running. Tell me a little bit about how you decided to make travel such a central part of your first year together.

Joe

Well, we both love to explore, and we figured, why not see the world while we're falling in love? It felt like the perfect way to build a strong foundation, experiencing new things together, pushing each other outside of our comfort zones. It's also a great way to learn about each other's strengths and weaknesses – you really see someone's true colors when you're navigating a foreign airport together, haha!

Michael

Exactly! Plus, we both believe that life's too short to stay in one place. We wanted to create memories, not just collect things. And honestly, traveling together has brought us closer than I could have imagined. Sharing these experiences, from the magical moments to the slightly stressful ones, has really solidified our bond.

Leo

You've certainly covered some ground! Tennessee, New York, Key West, LA – that's quite the itinerary! Any particularly memorable moments that stand out?

Joe

Oh, definitely. Key West was incredible. We had this amazing moment on the beach, kind of like that scene in Titanic where they throw the wine glasses overboard. It was spontaneous and romantic, and it felt like a real turning point in our relationship. We really solidified our connection there.

Michael

And the VMAs in New York! That was a dream come true. Such a high-energy experience, and it was so much fun sharing that with Joe. Each trip has had its own unique flavor. The Lost Sea in Tennessee was this cool, adventurous exploration, while our getaway to Tracy City was all about cozy relaxation. It's been a great mix of experiences.

Leo

You mentioned supporting each other's growth as one of your guiding principles. How has travel facilitated that?

Joe

Traveling forces you to adapt and be flexible. You learn to rely on each other, to communicate effectively, and to problem-solve together. These are all skills that translate to everyday life and help us grow as individuals and as a couple. I’ve learned to be more patient, and Michael has surprised me with his ability to navigate just about anything!

Michael

Absolutely. Seeing Joe in different environments, navigating different cultures, has given me a deeper appreciation for his strengths. And he's right, being outside of our comfort zones pushes us to grow in ways we wouldn't have anticipated. We're constantly learning and evolving, both individually and together. It’s been amazing to witness.

Leo

Now, I have to ask about Fitz. You mentioned a 'D-Day' incident… care to elaborate?

Joe

Oh, boy. Let's just say Fitz had a little tummy trouble on one of our road trips. It wasn't pretty. But Michael handled it like a champ. It was definitely a test of our relationship – and Michael passed with flying colors! It's funny now, but it was a moment of, 'Okay, we can handle anything together.'

Michael

It was… memorable. But it’s true, it showed us that we could handle the less glamorous aspects of life together. And honestly, I adore Fitz. He’s a great dog, even with his occasional digestive mishaps. He's part of the package deal with Joe, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re becoming a little family.

Leo

So, what's next for you two globetrotters? Any exciting plans on the horizon?

Joe

We're going international! London for Thanksgiving, which we’re so excited about. Experiencing a different culture, especially during a holiday, will be amazing. And then, our first family Christmas trip together! It's a big step, but we're ready for it. We're excited to see where this next chapter takes us.

Michael

It’s all happening so fast, but in the best way possible. We’re embracing every moment. Who knows what adventures await? We're just excited to continue exploring the world, growing together, and making memories that will last a lifetime. And hopefully, avoiding any more 'D-Days' with Fitz!

Leo

That's a fantastic attitude to have! It sounds like you have a really solid foundation built on shared experiences, mutual support, and a whole lot of love. And I'm definitely curious to hear more about those international adventures. Maybe we can have you back on the podcast after your trips to hear all about them. What do you think about discussing the challenges of long-distance relationships, especially when travel is involved?

Joe

That would be great! We can definitely share some insights on that. It's something we've been thinking about as we plan for the future, because maintaining a strong connection while being apart is always a challenge.

Michael

Yeah, communication is key. Finding creative ways to stay connected, even when you're in different time zones, is crucial. I think we've learned a lot about that already, and we'd be happy to share our experiences.

Leo

I think that would be incredibly valuable for our listeners. So many people are navigating the complexities of long-distance relationships these days. And it sounds like you two have some valuable wisdom to share on that front. We could also delve into how you maintain your individual identities while building a life together. That balance can be tricky to navigate sometimes.

Joe

That's an interesting point, Leo. It's definitely something we're mindful of. We both value our independence, and it's important to find ways to nurture our individual passions and interests while still being fully present in our relationship.