Today, April 25, 2020, is a very special day for two very special people. Even though the big wedding has to be postponed during the pandemic, people who ought to be married can still get married - if we are careful and thoughtful about it. Happy Elopement Day to Victoria and William! Let's do it again in August. Today's reading is "Then Your Heart…

One thing I'm hearing over and over during this time of harboring in place (ie. lockdown and curfew) is that people are losing track of the days. The struggle is real! Is it Monday? Saturday? The 7th? The 12th? David shares a fun lesson in French for us to try to get a handle on it. I mean, if you want to.…

As we sit at the table recording today's episode, there's a flock of seagulls next door at the Food Lion. They've been "vocal" for several days now. What gives? Also, have the doldrums? Could the game of chess be the answer?By Kristen Barner and David Loar

Today's reading from Mr. Rogers is about how it's okay to take your time. One thing we all have right now, as we are practicing social isolation in our homes, is TIME. How do you want to spend it? What if, when this is all over, we come out to me more thoughtful and intentional with our lives?

We're in the second week of social distancing (i.e. not leaving home at all!) and today we were kind of bored. There's a lull. The doldrums. What a fine time, during this void of activity, to think about what we feel and who we are! Mr. Rogers thinks that truth will make us free! What a rich gift this can be.…

Have you had a chance to listen to, or watch, any of the free performances of music or theater during your social distancing? I'm trying to soak in all that I can. I've always said it, and now I really believe it: the Arts will save our spirits. Tune in!By Kristen Barner and David Loar

David and Kristen share with you one of our morning rituals, froggy throat and all. Horoscopes, Dear Abby, coffee, and kisses. Stay tuned to the very end for a little treat during your time of self isolation. It's Good To Talk, by Mr. RogersBy Kristen Barner and David Loar

Today's little check-in includes our determination to get some exercise. We also have a poem from Mr. Rogers called, "I Need You." And we do! We hope this brightens your day.By Kristen Barner and David Loar

Hellooooooo, This is This listeners!!!! I am so sorry we went AWOL on you last January. We had a tough year with some stunning losses and, tbh, not in any shape to podcast. This Is This would have been us, sobbing. Now we are back, right on time for a global pandemic. WHAT? In today's episode, we are catching up with you and starting a daily tradit…

Kristen and David had an unexpected hiatus from THIS IS THIS. Apologies!!! Life got the better of us, schedules were bananas, and Kristen had the world's worst cold. Blech. No one needed to hear that up close and personal. David and Kristen catch up and catch on. Season Three is underway. Thank you for tuning in!…

David and Kristen are back! Sorry we've been out of it for a few weeks. Too much to tell. But one thing we want to tell... We had a wonderful truth and reconciliation conversation with the ER doctor who discharged Kristen when she was paralyzed from chest to toes. January 9, 2017 was a harrowing experience and the experience in the ER made everythi…

We have talked about "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Today we are asking, "Why do good people do bad things?" Kristen and David have a philosophical conversation about this very topic. We also have the benefit of enjoying some notes from an earlier conversation with Kristen's parents. Join us and then chime in! Tell us what you think!…

David and Kristen spend some time talking about adversity and conflict they have experienced as children and then as adults. How did they handle it as kids? And as adults? What's different? And what would they say to their younger selves? What do YOU do?By Kristen Barner

After several weeks of interviews with extraordinarily cool people, David and Kristen check in for an update. We're glad to be back together again with you on THIS IS THIS! Please subscribe, rate, and review. We'd love to see some "star" action. The more people who take a moment to do this, well, the easier it is for people to find us on their favo…

- Shakespeare. On 04/08/2016, under a majestic old oak tree, I officiated the wedding for Bill & Bonnie. Retinitis Pigmentosa has plagued Bill his whole life, slowly deteriorating his vision. There is no cure. As Shakespeare said, "Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind," I can tell you Bill & Bonnie have found a deep & beautiful love with …

Joellen and I met when we worked together at a little Irish Pub. We’ve been thick as thieves ever since. You’d think, at some point, I’d have asked her about growing up in West Virginia as a coal miner’s daughter. On a sunny day in July, we sat down together and she told me all about it. We also have a surprise visit from the one and only James Kee…

I’m delighted to introduce you to my remarkable friend, Sherry Ramsey, Esq. She is a licensed attorney in NY and NJ and an Adjunct Professor. I can’t say enough about this passionate and compassionate woman. Pour yourself a beverage and join us as Sherry shares her secret to a long successful marriage, the importance of friendships, and her stunnin…

While I was in VA this summer I was able to sit down with my parents for another conversation for THIS IS THIS. They are such good sports. We are airing this on September 2, 2018, which is Mom and Dad’s 59th Wedding Anniversary!!!! Happy Anniversary! We talk about Massanetta Springs, education, their consistent use of inclusive language, and my Dad…

Kristen is thrilled to introduce you to Couple #100, Allen and Gary. Together for over 30 years, our dear dear friends talk about their remarkable story of finding and loving one another over the decades, long before Marriage Equality was legal. If any of you have ever wondered or questioned the significance and importance of Marriage Equality, lis…

Rett Syndrome – genetic disorder, “has no motor planning.” Everything is compromised. https://reverserett.org https://www.rettsyndrome.org/ This week’s interview is with our dear friend, Miriam Donald Burrows. Miriam and Daniel met in an audition in NYC for Shenandoah Shakespeare. They hit it off immediately, discovered they were both hired, and be…

Mark and Joann Jeter were actors with the Shakespeare company, along with David. They toured together and trod the boards of the Blackfriars Playhouse. The Jeters have returned to our hometown of Staunton, VA where they live in a diverse and quiet neighborhood, rearing their little daughters in a loving community of friends. On the one year anniver…

Welcome back to Season Two! This little intro is just a teaser of some very special pre-recorded interviews. Have a listen and stay tuned for our first episode on August 12th. *Joann and Mark on parenting and a pilgrimage to Montgomery, AL *Allen and Gary, "Couple #100" speak of their supportive families and the importance of Marriage Equality *Joe…

David and Kristen check in to talk about how they are doing in this last episode of Season 1 of THIS IS THIS. When this podcast began in early March, Kristen had just broken her ankle. It was a little over a year since her Spinal Stroke and she was newly and definitively diagnosed with SS, rather than the earlier presumption of Transverse Myelitis.…

This week David and Kristen are keeping it light. It's the season for summer vacations and traveling. Kristen can't really do a whole of that anymore, so she's talked David into telling some of his wonderful tales of travels past. We have one more episode after this and then we wrap up Season I. We'll take a little break and come back with Season I…

Kristen and David continue to take a look at their wedding vows. We wrote them and recited them. Are we living them? A love that is constant and yet ever changing.... a source of creativity and light... equal partners.... Let's find out! We begin this episode with a bit of housekeeping: Season 1 of THIS IS THIS will wrap up on July 15th and we'll b…

Kristen and David take a look at their wedding vows. The words and language are so important. What are we promising? What do we mean? Do we still mean it? How are we doing? This week is Part I of an intimate look of marriage: faithfulness, sickness and health, struggle and triumph, sorrow and joy..... You get the idea.…

Kristen just officiated a wedding for a couple who stunned her during their premarital counseling sessions. They were already looking ahead at how their Union would impact the world around them. Wow. Just, wow. Hear about this beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple. This Bride and Groom very much want to make the world a better place. Many thanks…

How do we tell the stories of our lives, remaining truthful, while omitting particularly private elements? How do we tell the story about a person's action without telling about the person? I'm not sure I have any idea, but that's a writing goal for both of us this week. Kristen is trying to write her "story" and David is trying to write his memori…

David and Kristen talk about The Big Questions... What big questions, you ask? You know, the Usual: Babies, Life, Death, Hope, the lack thereof. Certainly we aren't the first people to ponder the value of life, grapple with depression, wonder about legacy, imagine the hereafter, or try to answer the question, "Am I important?" Certainly we're not t…

While David attempts "miming" a podcast (it doesn't work) and it pours bucks of rain outside, Kristen talks about discouraging news from the Medical Board of South Carolina. "Dismissed!" What the heck?? And what do we do next??? Anyone? Anyone? Also, how does someone with a disability navigate lengthy required walking distances in historic landmark…

Kristen interviews her parents, the Revs. Tom and Ann Barner. They are at once thoughtful and hilarious. Hear a handful of stories of growing up in Philadelphia as well as tales Kristen herself has never heard before. Also, Moms say the darndest things! Seriously. What the...? Tune in for what is a typical conversation in our household. "I hit the …

Kristen and David take a break from the world of Spinal Stroke and instead remember stories from a simpler time. David grew up in Richmond, Indiana with a family who loved to camp, despite crazy weather and insane diners. Kristen grew up in Pennsylvania and Virginia and wreaked a little havoc with a house full of kids. Kick back and spend some time…

Kristen is flying solo this week. Today's episode is pre-recorded because K & D are out of town for friends' wedding in Atlanta. So excited for them! David is finishing up a school day before they hit the road. In this solo episode, Kristen speaks openly about the challenges of preserving her interpretation of her own sense of Womanhood since the s…

A little conversation with David and Kristen about identifying your best self. What is your two hundred percent best self? What about your partner? Do the people in your life support you and nurture your best? Do you support them? Think about that: Who are you called to be? Also, in this week's episode, our darling dogs are ill behaved. Monty and V…

Kristen and David explore Love, Love Languages, Shakespeare in Love, Pablo Neruda in Love, Love in Love, Premarital Counseling (total misnomer), Old Man Behind Steering Wheel, Laundry, Texts vs. Hugs, and so much more. If you are going to get married, think long and think hard. Sometimes the Universe throws a curveball and your sacred vows step up …

Kristen and David explore the necessity of hope and how hope has been found in these past several months. Glass half empty? Glass half full? There's a glass! Also, a far-too-brief shout out to the extraordinary Village of people who have cared for us and inspired us. Too many names to name, but a few highlights are shared. Golly, you are all so bea…

In this week's episode, David and Kristen talk about how spontaneity has gone out the window. There are a thousand little things that we all take for granted.... until they are gone. Transportation? That's a project. Getting dressed? That's a project. Going out? That's a project. Eating? Um, there will be no eating... We'll also have a surprise vis…

David is back this week! Kristen and David have a candid conversation about how they each responded to K's spinal stroke with (or without) faith. Do you pray? Does it matter? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? Join in on the conversation by emailing a response. And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and …

Kristen is flying solo on this one. Poor David is sick as a dog, so he's out this week. (Poor guy! Ugh!) This week is about discovering goals and limitations, hopes formed and hopes dashed, an incredible community, and KUDOS to everyone who marched this weekend in March For Our Lives.

Inpatient rehabilitation: Oh. Em. Gee. THE WERK!! David and Kristen talk about rehabilitation, goals, how to walk again, sandy beaches, finding the ground again, and Kristen's first crush!

On January 9, 2017 Kristen woke up at 3:00 AM with every symptom of a heart attack. David got up, called 911.... and the next several weeks were filled with chaos, fear, and a little bit of hope. Join Kristen and David as together they tell the tale of how their world turned upside down in a matter of minutes.…

Kristen's introduction to our new podcast, THIS IS THIS! Her perspective on what and why we are talking about life and love with a giant personal life-altering medical event. On January 9, 2017, Kristen Barner was suddenly paralyzed from chest to toes. Her husband, David Loar, buckled in and shared this harrowing event with her. Kristen and David t…

David's introduction to our new podcast, THIS IS THIS! His perspective on what and why we are talking about life and love with a spouse with a giant life-altering medical event. On January 9, 2017, Kristen Barner was suddenly paralyzed from chest to toes. Her husband, David Loar, buckled in and shared this harrowing journey with her. "You know what…