As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on everything that truly mattered in 2025 — not the numbers, the goals, or the gear... but the real stuff: marriage, parenting, burnout, therapy, and the small wins that meant the most.In this episode, we talk about the unexpected lessons we learned this year and years pas — what tested us, what helped us grow, and what we’re grateful for looking back. From parenting chaos and communication struggles to smart home wins (and fails), this is our honest take on a wild year.Whether you're married, raising kids, building a career, or just trying to keep it all together — we hope this conversation feels like sitting down with friends at the end of a long year.🧡 Thanks for being part of this journey.
🔗 Watch full episodes + subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast
🎧 Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon | Google Podcasts
📲 Follow us on Instagram:@wifeapprovedpodcast@shanecreates@mzwhatley
💬 Submit questions or hot takes anonymously:https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
📅 New episode every Tuesday!
⭐ If you're enjoying the podcast, leave us a 5-star review – it helps us a lot! Thanks for listening.
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
3:20 - Reflecting on 20 Episodes & Season 2 Goals
6:42 - 2025 Highs: Granddaughter & Turning 40
10:50 - Family Trip to Key West
13:46 - Best Friend's Cancer Journey
14:43 - First Trip To Berlin
16:50 - What We've Learned This Year
22:00 - The Hardships of Raising Teenagers
26:00 - How Counseling Changed Our Relationship
33:33 - The Truth About Corporate America & The Rat Race
47:22 - Top Wife-Approved Tech Upgrades of 2025
49:45 - Q&A: YouTube Advice for New Creators
1:00:00 - Outro: Holiday Wishes & Future Plans
Is the holiday magic turning into holiday madness? 🎄 From overwhelming to-do lists to family traditions that feel more like hostage situations, we're getting real about the chaos of Christmas.Caroline opens up about the immense pressure and burnout that comes with making Christmas perfect for everyone. Is it just her, or does one person in every family do it all? We're diving into some spicy holiday hot takes that might just have you nodding in agreement (or fuming in the comments!):
- Are inflatable decorations tacky or terrific?
- How many Christmas trees are TOO many?
- Do we buy too many gifts out of guilt?
- The hilarious, unfiltered truth behind those "perfect" family Christmas cards.Plus, we answer a viewer's question about our recent car-buying experiences. Find out why Caroline chose her Lexus, what Shane drives, and our honest thoughts on Tesla, full self-driving, and the future of electric vehicles.What are YOUR holiday hot takes? Do you love or hate smart home automation? Drop your stories, traditions, and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you.
🔗 Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Aqara Water Sensors (saved the day again!)https://geni.us/ccrs4OC
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💬 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Automating Christmas
02:39 - Water Sensors Saved The Day (Again)
06:18 - The Great Smart Home Debate
09:54 - Holiday Burnout & Overwhelm
15:15 - Holiday Hot Takes: Traditions & Decorations
28:04 - Hot Take: Multiple Christmas Trees
31:36 - Hot Take: Gifting Out of Guilt
39:48 - Hot Take: Family Photos
49:06 - Holiday Burnout & Unplanned Memories
56:47 - Christmas Morning Wake-Up Battle
58:16 - Q&A: Car Buying, Teslas & Self-Driving
1:09:40 - Outro: Share Your Traditions!
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Is finding true balance in life even possible? In this episode, we dive deep into the chaotic juggling act of modern life, exploring the constant struggle to balance marriage, parenting, work, health, and personal happiness . We kick things off with some tech mishaps, including a run-in with a robot lawnmower and some smart lights, before getting real about the pressures of life . We share our personal journeys with financial stress, taking on side-hustles to provide for the family, and the different ways men and women experience the pressure to balance it all . The conversation then shifts to health and discipline, tackling how to show up even when you're not motivated . Answering a listener's question about encouraging a spouse with body image issues, we get vulnerable about our own past insecurities and how they affected our intimacy . We also discuss our financial past, from racking up credit card debt to teaching our kids how to build credit responsibly . Finally, we touch on the importance of authenticity for content creators to avoid burnout, emphasizing that staying true to yourself is more important than chasing views .
Is finding true balance in life even possible? In this episode, we dive deep into the chaotic juggling act of modern life, exploring the constant struggle to balance marriage, parenting, work, health, and personal happiness . We kick things off with some tech mishaps, including a run-in with a robot lawnmower and some smart lights, before getting real about the pressures of life . We share our personal journeys with financial stress, taking on side-hustles to provide for the family, and the different ways men and women experience the pressure to balance it all . The conversation then shifts to health and discipline, tackling how to show up even when you're not motivated . Answering a listener's question about encouraging a spouse with body image issues, we get vulnerable about our own past insecurities and how they affected our intimacy . We also discuss our financial past, from racking up credit card debt to teaching our kids how to build credit responsibly . Finally, we touch on the importance of authenticity for content creators to avoid burnout, emphasizing that staying true to yourself is more important than chasing views .---🔗 Links Mentioned in this Episode:Plaud AI Note Pinhttps://amzn.to/4iJRBxuBambu Labs AI Mini 3D Printerhttps://amzn.to/3MLOqJO
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💬 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro: The AI "Butt Plug"
3:50 The Robot Lawnmower Massacre
7:25 Is Balance Even Possible?
10:30 When Did You Start Thinking About Balance?
14:05 Juggling Kids, Work & Marriage
17:45 The Pressure to Provide & Side Hustles
21:30 The Overwhelm & Brain Fog
26:15 Discipline over Motivation
36:40 Financial Balance: Saving vs. Spending
39:30 Living Within Your Means
43:30 Teaching Kids About Credit
47:26 Q&A: Scaring Boys (Girl Dad Stuff)
50:45 Q&A: 3D Printer Recommendations
52:00 Q&A: Encouraging Your Spouse to Go to the Gym
58:20 A Vulnerable Confession
1:02:00 Getting Fit For Each Other
1:06:20 The 80/20 Rule: Cleaning Up Your Diet
1:07:30 Staying True to Yourself (Creator Burnout)
1:11:02 People Crave Authenticity
1:13:48 Balance & Happiness
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode of the Wife Approved Podcast, we dive deep into what it’s really like being a full-time content creator — not just the gear and editing, but the impact it has on marriage, family life, mental health, and burnout.
Caroline asks the real questions about time, guilt, balance, and whether Shane ever thought about quitting. We talk about how being a YouTuber has tested our marriage, how we handle trolls, why burnout hits hard, and what it takes to build something sustainable while still showing up for your family.
If you’re a content creator, married to one, or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes — this is the raw side no one shows on camera.
💬 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
4:35 - YouTube Process
10:27 - Tools & Software14:20 - What Videos To Make?
21:00 - Dealing With Trolls
34:07 - Testing Products
35:35 - Ever Thought About Quitting?
37:35 - Marriage, Family & Balance
53:05 - Always Working?
58:20 - Battling Burnout
1:05:18 - Looking Ahead - Future of YouTube
Ever wonder what it’s actually like to be a full-time YouTuber? In this episode, Caroline flips the script and interviews Shane about his journey from hobbyist to full-time content creator. We’re pulling back the curtain on how YouTubers make money, the truth about brand deals, quitting the 9–5, LLCs, sponsorship drama, and what most people get completely wrong about being a YouTuber.
Whether you're a fellow creator, thinking of starting your own channel, or just curious about how this all works — we hope you enjoy this honest and transparent behind-the-scenes look into life as a YouTube content creator.
💬 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
--Sponsored by Aqara –
Check out all their Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals!
https://amzn.to/3VSmrK3
Show Notes:
The book Shane references - High Performance Habits
https://amzn.to/4ilcTkR
The High Performance Planner:
https://amzn.to/4reDAfb
🕚 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
2:35 Starting For The Right Reasons
4:11 About Shane's YouTube Channel
5:10 How Do YouTubers Make Money?
10:28 When To Quit Your Day Job?
16:00 What Are Caroline's Roles In The Business?
19:00 Should You Start an LLC?
20:50 In-House vs. Hiring Out Help
25:35 Don't Get Overwhelmed
27:55 Working with Sponsors
33:30 Aqara Smart Home Deals
34:30 Being Honest & Sponsorships
37:20 Misconceptions About YouTubers
38:00 Using Management Companies?
42:33 People's Reactions To Content Creators
43:05 Biggest Challenges & Future Goals
56:25 Part 2 Teaser
57:28 Bonus Question - Task Management
1:04:55 Wrapping It Up
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode we’re diving into something wild we both experienced this week — and no, it’s not just us sleeping in separate bedrooms and we may have been wrong about that. Shane found a company (that he likes) using an AI influencer in their ads.. So we’re asking: is AI coming for creators’ jobs next? And what does this mean for real-life, real-people content?
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Why we suddenly understand why some couples sleep apart
• The creator economy shifting under our feet
• AI voice cloning, deepfakes, and why the future is about to get messy
• How brands are already using AI influencers (and why it gave us the ick)
• The importance of authenticity online
• Tattoo stories, marriage honesty, and a whole lot of chaos
• Drop your questions for a full behind-the-scenes “content creator episode” coming soon.
--Sponsored by Aqara –
Check out all their smart home products!https://amzn.to/3VSmrK3
TimeCodes:
00:00 Sleeping in Separate Rooms (We Were Wrong?)
10:55 Caroline Might Have Sleep Apnea...
13:58 AI Influencers (Taking Our Jobs?)
44:35 Aqara Smart Home Sponsor
46:22 AI Avatars & Voice Clones
55:45 Customized Social Media Feeds
59:43 Supporting Real Creators
1:01:05 Listener Question: Tattoo Talk
1:11:05 Christmas Before Thanksgiving?
In this episode, we share a personal story about a friend's cancer treatment experience and why we regret not speaking up sooner when witnessing poor treatment of patients and staff. We discuss the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's uncomfortable.We also celebrate some incredible news: Caroline's best friend is officially cancer-free and in complete remission!Plus, we talk about Shane experience with 72-hour water fasting, dealing with being sick, our ongoing water leak problems, and some exciting plans for future podcast episodes.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Oncology experience and advocacy lessons
• The importance of speaking up for yourself and others• Cancer-free celebration and what's nex
• Extended fasting: Shane's 72-hour water fast experience• Smart home lif
• Content creator life and future podcast plans
--Sponsored by Aqara –
Check out all their smart home products!https://amzn.to/3VSmrK3
TimeCodes:
00:00 Intro & Weekly Recap
06:40 Cancer/Oncology Experience
24:25 Standing Up for What's Right
29:00 Cancer-Free Celebration!
30:45 Fasting Discussion
44:00 Sponsor: Aqara
45:15 Home Projects & Plans
49:25 Q&A: Favorite Apparel & T-Shirt Brands
55:05 YouTube Content Creator Life
59:39 Future Plans for Vegas CES
01:01:30 Submit Questions For A Future Episode
In this episode of the Wife Approved Podcast, Caroline breaks down EXACTLY why women get so stressed during the holidays (spoiler: it's because we do literally everything). We debate whether gift cards are lazy or genius, discuss our family holiday traditions (including smart Christmas lights), and get real about the pressure of making Christmas magical.Topics we cover:• Why holiday planning falls on moms (and why that's exhausting)• Gift cards: lazy or smart?• Our daughter's Halloween plans with boys 👀• Smart Christmas lights for the tree (wife approved?)• That viral magic wand everyone's trying to get• DIY magic wand using the smart home tech• New music is trash (fight us)• Matching family pajamas debate
👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Show Notes:
Thanks to Aqara for supporting the show.
https://amzn.to/3VSmrK3
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast
📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast
Timestamps0:00 - Intro & Getting Sick at Cheer Competitions
5:55 - Music Rant (RIP Good Hip Hop)
8:45 - Music Rant (RIP Good Rap Music)
11:52 - Tips When You Can't Sleep
13:40 - Why Do Women Stress During Holidays (But LOVE Them)
22:55 - The Gift Giving Debate
28:40 - Holiday Traditions & Family Dynamics33:44 - Sponsor Aqara Smart Home35:55 - 5 Star Review
36:40 - Men Cannot Read Minds38:00 - Holiday Hot Takes - Matching PJs, Gift Cards, & Teacher Gifts
43:03 - Smart Christmas Lights - Wife Approved?49:00 - Target's Viral Magic Wand (+ DIY Version!)
53:33 - Do Men Care About The Holidays?55:48 - Submit YOUR Questions & Topics!
It’s Halloween week, and things get wild. 🎃
From trampoline builds and jiu-jitsu at 40, to Caroline’s worst hangover ever and Shane’s haunted garage stories, this episode is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. We also open up about the terrifying car crash that changed how we drive forever, share some spicy Halloween hot takes (like whether parents deserve 40% of the candy), and end with a wife-approved debate over 3D printers and smart bed warmers.
Grab your candy, pour a glass (maybe not three tumblers of wine), and join us for another Wife Approved episode you won’t forget.
👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Show Notes:
Thanks to Aqara for supporting the show.
https://amzn.to/3VSmrK3
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast
📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast
Emotions are high this week. We get vulnerable about Caroline's best friend finishing chemo, why it's so hard to cry when you feel like you need to be strong, and our answer to your question about faith and believing in a higher power.
We also talk about toxic people who drain your energy, why advocating for yourself medically matters, Shane's 3am water leak adventure, and whether motion sensors are wife approved (spoiler: they're not).
Topics:
Thanks to Aqara for sponsoring!
https://amzn.to/3VSmrK3
👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Show Notes:
Aqara Water Sensors https://geni.us/ccrs4OC
Yuka App for scanning productshttps://yuka.io/en/
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast
📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast
Episode 10
We cover a lot this week—starting with Caroline’s new iPhone 17 Pro Max. Then it’s off to the State Fair (why Shane dreads it, why Caroline loves it, and teen-years ride horror stories).From there we dive into real-talk marriage hot takes:Do date nights fix problems—or prevent new ones?Is sleeping in separate rooms “healthy”… or just toxic?“Too tired” for intimacy: logistics vs. libido (and why daytime sometimes wins).On the smart-home front, the Bedroom Automation Saga continues: smart bulbs vs. smart switches, why Apple TV is “wife-approved,” and the few automations Caroline actually loves. Plus a sweet throwback to Shane’s lunchbox note drawings for the kids—and a listener review shout-out.
👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Show Notes:
Thanks to Aqara for supporting the show. We talk doorbell cams (G410’s wider FOV), hubs, sensors, water-valve control, and why reliable basics still matter.
https://geni.us/k6gW2i
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast
📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast
Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:58 - Caroline's New iPhone00:06:35 - AI and Privacy Concerns00:12:05 - Buying Underwear00:17:24 - Five-Star Review Shoutout00:19:00 - State Fairs & Roller Coasters00:30:13 - Lunchbox Notes & Connecting with Your Kids00:36:51 - Aqara Sponsor Shoutout00:38:06 - Discussing Internet Hot Takes00:41:22 - Sleeping in Different Rooms?00:44:30 - Discussing Intimacy and Logistics00:50:28 - Wife Approved Smart Home Tech00:50:44 - Discussing Smart Light Bulbs & Switches00:55:48 - Apple TV00:59:15 - Top Wife-Approve Smart Home Automations01:03:45 - Bedroom Automations Debate
Episode 9
In this episode, we dive into the chaos of our week, from sore backs and new MMA class adventures to Caroline’s ongoing battle with bedroom smart home automations. We chat about raising older kids, our thoughts on modern movies and TV, and how Hollywood handles family and marriage. Plus, we answer a listener question about being young with almost-grown kids and kick off our new “Wife Approved or Not” segment.
👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here: https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Show Notes:
Big thanks to Aqara for sponsoring this episode. Check out their Fall Prime Day deals on smart locks, cameras, sensors, and more up to 38% off — running through October 12. https://geni.us/k6gW2i
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast
📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast
This week, we’re sharing some naked truths about marriage. From pride that almost broke us, to the silent treatment years, to the lessons we wish we knew earlier—this one goes deep.
We also:
Laugh about iPhone drops and “scratchgate”
Share a wild clothing-optional beach story 😳
Answer your anonymous questions about love and marriage
Give our honest advice for newlyweds after 15+ years together
Real talk, hard lessons, and a few laughs along the way.Thanks for listening — we appreciate you.
👉 Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here:https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/
Show Notes:
Big thanks to Aqara for sponsoring this episode. Check out their products here and discount codes below: https://amzn.to/42kBkbD
LAMPSHANE for 5% off on Light Strip T1, LED bulb and Ceiling Light T1M
AQARALOCK for 5% off on any Aqara lock product
G5PROSHANE for 5% off on Camera Hub G5 Pro
AQARADOOR for 5% off on the door and window sensor.
Which Govee Outdoor Lights Should You Buy in 2025?https://youtu.be/nO5C_84Ocss
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@wifeapprovedpodcast
📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome Back & Why Shane Looks Rough
05:22 – Listener Feedback & Reviews
12:08 – Wellness Check & Crying on the Internet
12:35 – iPhone 17 Pro Drops (No Case!)
14:35 – Sponsor: Aqara Smart Home
15:20 – Shane’s Best YouTube Video Ever?
18:20 – Post-It Note Challenge Question
21:55 – Naked Truths: Clothing-Optional Story
26:38 – Best Newlywed Advice After 15 Years
29:30 – Respect, Trust & Communication
34:00 – Marriage Fights & Pride Lessons
38:50 – Breaking the Silent Treatment Cycle
43:33 – Counseling & The Most Important Decision
46:35 – Date Nights & Pursuing Your Spouse
50:22 – Tech of the Week: Smart Locks + Lights
53:11 – Can Outdoor Lights Replace Christmas Lights?
58:07 – Wrap-Up & Anonymous Questions
This week Shane and Caroline get raw about emotional labor, family pressure, and the moment everything finally spilled out. We talk about carrying other people’s problems, sleep, boundaries, and the small things that actually matter — plus a little smart-home tech talk and a sweet homecoming story.
If this episode resonates, please leave a rating or review — it helps others find the show. Want to ask a question for the podcast? Submit anonymously here:
https://wifeapprovedpodcast.com
Podcast Sponsor: Aqara
G410 Video Doorbell https://amzn.to/3Ibg1Cz
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.▶️ Subscribe on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@WifeApprovedPodcast📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast
Shane's Smart Shades Videos:Our New Smart Shades!https://youtu.be/uB1wvbVz-IQOutdoor Shades:https://youtu.be/GwevLaTZUf8Our Smart Backyard Makeover:https://youtu.be/oiLEOeGOSKE
In this episode of the Wife Approved Podcast, Shane is back from Germany—and Caroline has a LOT to share about what went down while he was gone. From dog poop disasters and broken appliances, to cheer chaos and smart home fails, things got wild at home.
We also open up about the #1 rule that’s kept our marriage strong all these years. Why it matters, how we’ve built it into our relationship, and what happens when it’s missing.
Other highlights this week:
Shane’s IFA 2025 trip (and the weirdest robot he saw)
Parenting through sports, school, and late-night chaos
Shane's not-so-“wife approved” tech of the week
+ your listener questions
New episodes every Tuesday. Submit your anonymous questions or topics at https://wifeapprovedpodcast.com
_________________
Thanks to Aqara for sponsoring this episode! Here are some discount codes just for you (available thru Sep 21)!
Door and window sensor：" AQARADOOR " for 10% off.
Link: https://amzn.to/3VlQzx3
Motion and light sensor P2: " AQARAMOTION" for 10% off.
Link: https://amzn.to/4pvyEC2
Climate Sensor W100: "AQARACLI" for 10% off.
Link: https://amzn.to/46oP5an
Presence sensor FP2: " AQARAFP2" for 5% off.
Link: https://amzn.to/3K2U09w
Presence sensor FP1E: " AQARAFP1E" for 10% off.
Link: https://amzn.to/4goXIq9
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, Caroline is sick… and not happy. 😅 We dive into what really happens when mom goes down and nobody steps up — from missed soup deliveries to sleeping on the couch, forgotten meals, and the great "who's more nurturing?" debate.
We also answer a listener question about how we met and share some wild early relationship stories (spoiler: MySpace, Hooters, lifeguard stand, and back porch cigars all make an appearance). Plus, Caroline breaks down her Bingo Loco girls' night and they both share their favorite "tech of the week" (new segment).📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you enjoy the laughs, rants, and real-life conversations, don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications.⁉️ Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here:https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/Thanks to our sponsor Aqara for supporting this episode! Check out their affordable and reliable smart home products:• Doorbell Camera G410 https://amzn.to/3Jzu9py• Camera G100 Indoor/Outdoor https://amzn.to/47Ow0R7• LED Strip T1 https://amzn.to/4lP5Tx5• Ceiling Light T1M https://amzn.to/4oTKbKQ• Camera G5 Pro https://amzn.to/47Ox1Zr📝 Show NotesEve Flare Portable LED Light https://geni.us/EveFlareHomePod mini https://geni.us/HPminiNote: Affiliate links help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:06 – Nobody Takes Care of Mom17:20 – Caroline’s Bingo Loco Girls’ Night26:18 – Sponsor Shoutout - Aqara28:00 – Smart Home Displays30:54 – Submit YOUR Questions Anonymously! 32:35 – Our Real Origin Story (MySpace, Hooters & Lifeguarding)50:57 – Why Shane Started a YouTube Channel57:10 – Tech of the Week + Apple Rumors1:04:15 – S**t Sandwhich#marriedlife #newpodcast #wifeapproved #smarthometechnology
This week Shane and Caroline are all over the place — from neglected smart home automations that make Caroline’s eye twitch 😬, to DIY “repairs” that never quite get finished, Hobby Lobby plant hauls, and even foam party flashbacks (yes, really).We also answer your questions about:• The infamous “lockout” story with smart locks• Which automations Caroline actually hates (spoiler: most of them)•How the family really feels about constant tech changes in the house• Why Shane neglects the smart home while chasing new gadgets• Robot vacuums & mops that finally actually clean📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you enjoy the laughs, rants, and real-life conversations, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.Submit YOUR questions or topics (anonymously) for a future podcast here:https://shanewhatley.com/wife-approved-podcast/Thanks to our sponsor Aqara for supporting this episode! Check out their affordable and reliable smart home products:• Doorbell Camera G410 https://amzn.to/3Jzu9py• Camera G100 Indoor/Outdoor https://amzn.to/47Ow0R7• LED Strip T1 https://amzn.to/4lP5Tx5• Ceiling Light T1M https://amzn.to/4oTKbKQ• Camera G5 Pro https://amzn.to/47Ox1Zr📝 Show Notes:Narwal Flow Robot Vacuum Mophttps://tidd.ly/3HhUJT9Note: Affiliate links help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!📸 Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes + extras:https://www.instagram.com/wifeapprovedpodcast⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Caroline’s Eye Twitch Returns04:20 – Chemo Support & Family Stress10:08 – Hobby Lobby Plants & Christmas Plans15:26 – Shane’s Mustache & Foam Party Flashback21:42 – Neglected Smart Home Automations28:54 – Sponsor Shoutout: Aqara32:10 – Smart Lock Lockout Story38:36 – How the Family Handles New Tech45:55 – Robot Vacuums & Tech of the Week53:12 – Listener Questions
This week Shane and Caroline are diving into everything from back-to-school chaos and smart home automations (that may or may not drive Caroline insane 😅), to hair-day rules, new iPhones, exploding heads of lettuce, and the infamous network rack disaster that left holes in the wall and one very traumatized dog.
Thanks to our sponsor Aqara for supporting this episode! Check out their affordable and reliable smart home products:
"G410SHANE" for 20% off from August 26-31
"G100SHANE" for 20% off from August 26-31
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📝 Other Show Notes:
Shane's Smart Nursery YouTube Video
📅 New episodes every Tuesday!If you enjoy the laughs, rants, and real-life conversations, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
Tech Stress & Smart Home Fails (But Also Some Wins)“I can’t imagine tinkering with technology. That sounds like hell on earth!”If you feel the same way — you’re not alone.In this episode of the Wife Approved Podcast, Shane and Caroline dive into the wild ride of building a smart home while juggling real life, marriage, and back-to-school chaos.Shane reveals his latest smart home projects (including a new bedroom lighting setup), while Caroline shares her honest thoughts on the not-so-wife-approved tech fails that drive her crazy. They also answer listener questions (new regular segment) about balancing hobbies with family time and navigating marriage when one of you is deep in the tech rabbit hole.Whether you’re a smart home enthusiast or someone who just wants the lights to work without yelling at Siri — this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and some actually useful tips.
Welcome to the Wife Approved Podcast! We're super excited to kick off this journey and share a behind-the-scenes look at our lives, marriage, and our adventures in building a smart home. In this first episode, we dive into our motivations for starting this podcast, the challenges we face, and the laughter that comes with it. We want to create a space where we can be real, share our experiences, and hopefully connect with you on a deeper level.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just someone looking for relatable conversations about family life, we’ve got something for you. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of marriage, parenting, and everything in between. We promise to keep it honest, fun, and maybe even a little chaotic. So grab your headphones, tune in, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
New Episodes every Tuesday!