Trading Hobbies: Discover a New Appreciation for Your Spouse

In this episode:

Michelle talks with her husband, Phil, about how she tried deer hunting and he tried her hobbies as they discovered more about each other and learned to appreciate their uniqueness. Laugh along as they talk about the debut of their new book for couples.

(Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.)

Inspired Life

I used to make fun of the hunting videos that Phil watched, and I resented the time he spent in the woods. But then I got my own blaze orange and tried rifle season because I wanted to know what drew him to the woods. It helped me to understand his interest in hunting because I could appreciate the peace of the woods and the connection with nature. I also took back everything I ever said about hunting videos when I got my own book. In the audio, we talk about our experience.

Life, Repurposed

Trying each other's hobbies is a great way to explore what the other likes. It drew us closer together and helped me to release some of my resentment about Phil's hobby after I tried it. He also tried making cards and coloring with me. We don't have to love our spouse's hobby to try it out and use the experience as an opportunity to notice how passionate they are about it, how they use their unique skills, how they excel in it, and how it energizes them.

We discussed some of the questions in the end of that chapter in the episode as well. Laugh along as Phil co-hosts with me this week!

Recommended Resources

Classic Marriage: Staying In Love as Your Odometer Climbs

Is your marriage a classic? A classic is something of high quality and lasting value. In a marriage there will be hours of maintenance work, tinkering, breakdowns, meltdowns, blowups, cute photo ops, wear and tear, overhauls, memories, vacations, celebrations, and repairs. There will be moments where you haul yourselves back to “the garage” for work. Like a trusty old truck, a classic marriage isn’t perfect, but who can put a price tag on it?

As the odometer climbs, everyday challenges leave behind rust and ripped upholstery. Dings and scrapes come with the memories. The odors left by spilled milk and stale French fries replace the new car smell. But even with a few sputters and an occasional stall out, that baby is still moving down the road. Welcome to real life!

In this book, you’ll find:

  • Inspiration, honesty, and self-deprecating humor from the front seat of adventure with Michelle and Phil.
  • Tips to get under the hood and keep your marriage on the road to a long future.
  • Tune-up questions in every chapter to work on your communication.
  • Tools for how to tinker with overheated emotions and repair broken hearts.
  • Witty comments from Phil – with a chance of dad jokes.

Get behind the wheel of your own love story, roll the windows down, and feel the wind in your hair as you keep that classic on the road!


Would you tell a friend about this episode? Please share a link with someone who would benefit from the content of this episode.

Have you reviewed the podcast yet? I’d love it if you would leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Google plus (see the links above by the audio player). Be sure to subscribe so you can get each episode on your podcasts when it is released.

Or here on my website, you can sign up to get an email every time an episode comes out. Subscribe to weekly blogzine with links to these articles/podcast.


(Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) *This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links.

Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download.

Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted.

You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube

All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com

This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links.

Posted in Articles, Books & Resources, Podcast Episodes.