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In this episode of Our Uncommon Life, Vena shares a personal update on stepping into menopause and how the journey hasn’t unfolded the way she expected. Unlike the gradual lead-up many women describe, there weren’t years of obvious perimenopause red flags. Instead, the shift felt sudden ; with intense hot flashes and unmistakable physical signals that something had changed. What started as the assumption of “probably peri” quickly became the realization that her body was already operating in full menopause mode ... even if the calendar and conventional timelines hadn’t quite caught up. We talk openly about: The surprise of rapid symptom onset Navigating hot flashes and body changes in real time Reconciling expectations vs. reality Making proactive decisions around starting HRT The role of partnership and how Zac has shown up as a teammate through the unknowns, the conversations, and the adjustments Listening to your body instead of waiting for textbook confirmation This conversation isn’t about medical advice, it’s about ownership, awareness, and trusting yourself through transitions that don’t always follow predictable paths. It’s also a reminder that navigating life changes isn’t a solo effort, and that support, communication, and humor matter when you’re figuring things out together. As always, Our Uncommon Life is about sharing the real chapters : building businesses, investing in marriage, and evolving through every season life brings.

New year, clear direction. In this episode of Our Uncommon Life, we’re kicking off 2026 by sharing our words of the year , the anchors guiding how we approach business, marriage, and life over the next twelve months. Instead of resolutions, we focus on intention. Zac’s word for 2026 is Intention : a reflection of his commitment to focus, make deliberate decisions, and pursue the goal of 10X growth in business and impact. It’s about saying yes with purpose and no with confidence. Vena’s word for the year is Steadfast : a commitment to digging in, staying grounded, and showing up consistently through growth, challenges, and long-term vision building. Not chasing shiny objects, but standing firm in what matters. This episode is a simple, honest conversation about choosing direction over pressure and using language to shape the year ahead. In this episode: Why we choose words instead of resolutions Zac’s focus on Intention and scaling growth Vena’s commitment to Steadfast consistency How couples can align vision while pursuing individual goals Because at the end of the day ...The most important business we run is our marriage.

In our final episode of the year, we’re wrapping up the season with a conversation that blends real life, travel, marriage, and growth. We start with how we’re navigating the holiday season this year: our approach to boundaries, traditions, family expectations, and the intentional choices we make to keep our marriage first during one of the busiest times of the year. If you’re looking for honest talk about holiday stress, travel plans, or creating new traditions as a couple, this part of the episode is for you. From there, we dive into a full recap of our Europe trip across Ireland, Milan, and Paris. We share our favorite restaurants, the most memorable dishes, the cultural moments that surprised us, and the experiences we’re already talking about for next year. We also chat about what Zac has already been trying to recreate in our kitchen since coming home. If you love travel stories, food recaps, or Europe itinerary inspo, you’ll love this section. We close the episode with a big milestone: Zac turning 40 this week. He opens up about what stepping into a new decade means for him, how his mindset is shifting, and what we’re dreaming about as we head into the next chapter of life, marriage, and business together. It’s a heartfelt, warm, and reflective season finale filled with travel highlights, honest conversations, and a look at how we’re building “our uncommon life” with intention, adventure, and connection.

The holidays can be magical… or they can be a pressure cooker of expectations. In this episode, Zac and Vena talk about breaking free from “shoulds” and building traditions that actually bring joy.They share how travel has become their favorite holiday ritual, how they balance family expectations with personal peace, and why saying no can sometimes be the most loving thing you do.This one’s for anyone craving more intention and less overwhelm during the busiest time of year.

We all know that one person who always cancels. (Or maybe we’ve been that person.) In this candid conversation, Zac and Vena talk about the ripple effect of indecision ...from business to friendships to marriage.They explore how saying “maybe” too often becomes a habit, how it affects trust and energy, and why honoring your word (even in small things) matters more than ever. This is a call-out and a pep talk rolled into one, especially for people who want to show up better in all areas of life.

This one’s fun! Vena and Zac pull random deep-question cards for each other ... no prep, no filters...and the answers might surprise you. Things like "What would you do if you weren't afraid" to "What you've learned from your biggest regret" we go in DEEP. It was fun to get caught off guard and be a little less prepared for this episode and just wing it!We share laughter, honesty, and a few unexpected truths about what they’ve learned over 16 years together. It’s equal parts fun date night and emotional connection.

We’ve all said it: “It’s fine.” But what happens when fine becomes your new normal? In this episode, Zac and Vena dig into that sneaky comfort zone we all fall into... the one where things aren’t bad, but they’re not great either. Whether it’s your business, relationship, or daily routine, that feeling of “fine” can keep you from chasing what’s truly fulfilling.They talk about recognizing when you’re settling, how to course-correct before burnout or resentment sets in, and why “fine” is the ultimate red flag for high-achievers who crave more from life.

This week on Our Uncommon Life, we’re keeping things light and fun as we recap our weekend getaway up in Traverse City ...complete with family time, crab legs, and a little chaos (because of course). We chat about what it’s like for Zac to hang out with his in-laws (spoiler: he actually always enjoys it), our four-year anniversary of owning the condo, and the mix of nostalgia and gratitude that comes with that milestone. From all-you-can-eat crab legs and a few lucky (or not-so-lucky) spins at the casino, to checking out new local favorites like Sisters and Glendale Burgers, it was one of those perfectly imperfect weekends that reminded us why we love this place so much. Zac also got to sneak in a golf day with the guys at Grand Traverse Resort, while Vena… had a slightly less glamorous morning at Munson Hospital for what we’re now calling “the Great Gas Incident of 2025.” (Don’t worry, she lived to tell the tale.) It’s a weekend recap episode full of laughter, real-life moments, and the reminder that the best memories are usually the unplanned ones.

This week on Our Uncommon Life, we’re recapping our incredible trip to Los Angeles for the 2025 Summit of Greatness, an event that left us feeling inspired, challenged, and even more committed to learning and growing together as a couple and as entrepreneurs. From checking into the 1Hotel West Hollywood (a dream stay with the best rooftop views in LA), to dinners out at Koi and Jones Hollywood, to reconnecting with past Summit attendees who have become lifelong friends, it was a trip that perfectly blended business, growth, and quality time together. At the conference itself, we had the chance to hear from some of today’s most influential voices including Andrew Huberman, Gabby Bernstein, JoJo, Brendon Burchard, Dr. Tara Swart, Matthew Hussey, and Amy Purdy. We’re sharing our biggest takeaways, our favorite speakers, and (of course) who Zac would love to sit down and have dinner with if he had the chance. This episode is all about how we invest in experiences like this to keep building not just our businesses, but also our marriage, mindset, and vision for the future. Because at the end of the day, the most important business we run is our relationship—and events like this fuel us to keep dreaming bigger together. Our honest review of 1Hotel West Hollywood and our favorite LA dining spots The magic of reconnecting with past Summit attendees Takeaways from world-class speakers like Andrew Huberman & Gabby Bernstein The moments that inspired us most at Summit of Greatness 2025 Why we believe in learning and growing together as a married entrepreneurial couple If you’re an entrepreneur, a married couple in business, or just someone who craves personal growth, this episode is full of insights, laughs, and a little LA glam.

Fresh off a trip to Los Angeles for a business conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite travel tips as married entrepreneurs. Traveling together for both work and play has taught us a lot about setting expectations, handling the unexpected, and knowing when to put down the laptop and just enjoy the moment. In this episode, we chat about: How we manage each other’s travel styles and expectations What to do when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t!) Finding the balance between a true vacation and a work trip Why communication before, during, and after travel makes all the difference It’s an honest look at what it takes to travel well together...not perfectly, but with teamwork, patience, and a little humor along the way. If you liked this episode, please leave us a review on all major platforms. Let us know what key takeaway you are going to use on your next trip!

Have you ever noticed that the tighter you try to hold onto something...whether it’s money, a business idea, or even a relationship, the quicker it seems to slip through your fingers? In this episode of Our Uncommon Life, Zac and Vena dive deep into the power of mindset and how the way you think can make or break not just your business, but also your marriage. We’re breaking down the difference between a scarcity mindset (clinging to what’s familiar, afraid to lose it, or refusing to adapt) versus a growth mindset (open to change, learning, and expansion). From outdated business practices that keep entrepreneurs stuck, to old habits in marriage that prevent couples from truly growing together, we share our honest thoughts on how mindset shows up in every area of life. You’ll hear: Why scarcity mindset feels “safe” but actually limits your potential in both business and relationships How growth mindset fuels entrepreneurship, small business success, and deeper connection in marriage If you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just someone who wants a stronger marriage while chasing big dreams, this conversation will help you see the power of loosening your grip and opening yourself up to growth. Because the most important business we run… is our marriage. Book Mention : Mindset by Carol Dweck

After 14 years of marriage, we’ve learned that love, growth, and plenty of laughter are the real markers of success. In this special anniversary episode of Our Uncommon Life, we celebrate our journey as a couple by asking each other fun (and sometimes unexpected!) questions: What’s the best piece of marriage advice we’d give to someone starting out? Which memories stand out most from the past 14 years? What are we most proud of in our marriage and businesses? And—how exactly did Vena shock Zac with her take on long-term love? As married entrepreneurs, we’ve built businesses, taken big risks, and traveled the world together...all while making our marriage the foundation that supports it all. From where we started to where we are today, this episode is a mix of reflection, celebration, and lessons we hope inspire other couples to keep building a life they love. If you’re looking for real talk about marriage, entrepreneurship, and why we believe in traveling often and prioritizing each other, you won’t want to miss this one. After 14 years, we still wouldn’t do life any other way—but uncommon.

This week on Our Uncommon Life, we’re getting real about something that’s thrown us off lately: missing our Sunday marriage meetings. We’ve always said these check-ins are the foundation of our week. They’re where we align on schedules, check in on personal goals, and set ourselves up to win the week. But over the summer, we missed more than a few. And honestly? We’ve felt it. From falling behind on our health goals, to losing clarity around schedules, to just feeling a little “off,” we’ve seen the trickle-down effect first-hand. It’s proof that those simple, consistent habits really do hold everything together. But here’s the thing...we aren’t perfect, and we don’t want to pretend to be. This podcast isn’t about showing up as people who have it all figured out; it’s about being accountable and honest with you. Marriage (and life!) takes work, and sometimes we drop the ball. The important part is recognizing it and resetting, with a little humor and grace along the way. In this episode, we share: Why our weekly marriage meetings are non-negotiable. How skipping them impacted our goals and connection. The small but powerful reset we’re making to get back on track. If you’ve ever felt the ripple effect of being “just a little off” in your relationship or routine, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Our Uncommon Life, we’re diving into a topic every entrepreneur—and honestly, every human—faces at some point: criticism. Whether it's aimed at your business, your choices, or your character, handling haters with class is a skill worth mastering. Vena and Zac get real about how they navigate negativity—especially when it’s public. From snide comments on Facebook to passive-aggressive messages, they’re sharing the exact scripts and mindset shifts that help them stay cool, confident, and unbothered. Vena breaks down a recent situation where someone took a jab at The Foundry in a local Facebook group, and how she responded with grace and strategy. (Spoiler: it turned into free marketing.) Because at the end of the day, all press is good press… if you know how to handle it. You’ll learn: What to say to address a complaint without inviting more drama How to keep your reputation intact (and even enhanced) When to walk away and when to clap back—with class Why criticism can actually be a catalyst for growth and visibility This one’s for anyone who’s ever wanted to respond with fire—but chose to respond with facts (and a little finesse). 💥

In this episode of Our Uncommon Life, we’re talking about the part of adulthood no one glamorizes—random body aches, needing two days to recover from a boozy brunch, and making decisions like… do we sell the Corvette? We’re sharing the real (and sometimes ridiculous) ways getting older shows up—from our bodies demanding more rest and recovery, to making practical financial choices that support our long-term goals. Think landscaping projects, installing a water softener, rethinking investments, and yes—Zac’s surprisingly emotional decision to part ways with his Corvette. As a married entrepreneurial couple, we reflect on how aging changes everything: how we take care of ourselves, how we spend our money, and how we continue building a life—and businesses—that support the version of us we’re growing into. Topics we cover: Mysterious aches, pains, and “what did I even do yesterday?” moments The reality of recovery after a day-drinking girls’ brunch Making grown-up money moves: landscaping, home maintenance, investments Zac’s thoughts on selling the Corvette (yes, it’s a whole thing) Navigating marriage and business in midlife with intention and humor