In this episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green interviews Barb Graves, mother-in-law to podcast producer Abbey. Barb shares her touching journey of meeting her late husband, Curt, in high school, their life together, and the challenges she faced after his unexpected passing. The discussion delves into the importance of cherishing moments, the struggles of moving forward, and the resilience required to rebuild life after a significant loss. Barb’s story is a heartfelt testament to love, survival, and the power of family.

00:00 Introduction to the Love Story Podcast

00:07 Meet Barb Graves: Abbey's Mother-in-Law

00:25 Barb's First Impressions of Abbey

01:45 Barb's High School Romance with Curt

04:27 Life After High School: Marriage and Family

07:25 Building a Life Together: Homes and Kids

12:31 Kurt's Personality and Family Life

14:41 Green Thumb Ad Break

15:18 Love Story After Dark: Bonus Content

16:14 Life on 40 Acres: Hunting and Family Challenges

19:25 A Normal Day Turns Tragic

19:42 The Search Begins

20:59 Finding Him in the Woods

21:54 Emergency Response and Realization

23:16 Coping with Loss

25:33 Reflecting on Their Life Together

29:03 Dealing with Practical Matters

37:24 Advice for Others

45:14 Looking Forward

46:15 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

In this inspiring episode of the Love Story Podcast, host Ashley Green sits down with Kristen Hannon, Advancement Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. Kristen shares her unique journey from a career in banking to finding her true passion in nonprofit work, making a difference in the lives of local youth through mentorship.

Episode Highlights:

• Kristen’s career transition: From banking to nonprofit leadership
• The mission and impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s longest-running one-to-one mentoring organization
• How mentorship changes lives: Real stories of Bigs and Littles forming lifelong bonds
• The importance of community involvement and how anyone can become a mentor
• Current campaigns: “Paint the Town Green” and the Back to School recruitment drive
• How to get involved, volunteer, or support Big Brothers Big Sisters in Central Minnesota

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship provides stability, confidence, and improved mental health for youth
• Big Brothers Big Sisters serves over 400 matches annually in Central Minnesota
• There is a growing need for mentors, especially in outlying areas like Elk River and Big Lake
• Anyone 18+ can become a Big, and kids ages 7-18 can be matched as Littles
• No special skills or financial commitment required—just a willingness to make a difference

Get Involved:

• Learn more or inquire about becoming a Big at www.bigdefenders.org
• Support the “Paint the Town Green” campaign (September 14–20) by wearing green, sharing on social media, or partnering as a business
• Follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota on social media for updates and events

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

In this heartwarming episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green interviews Jolene and Michael Gordon as they share their unique and magical love story. They recount meeting at a company party, navigating a long-distance relationship, and overcoming various personal and familial challenges. Jolene and Michael's story takes listeners through their journey from a bar encounter, through a heartfelt proposal, and into the blending of their families. The couple beautifully illustrates how their strengths complement each other, leading to a supportive, loving relationship. This episode highlights the importance of perseverance, honesty, and unconditional support in building a lasting partnership.

00:00 Welcome to the Love Story Podcast

00:07 Meet Jolene and Michael

00:36 The Company Party Encounter

02:52 The Long-Distance Relationship

11:21 First Date Challenges

14:52 Meeting the Family

18:01 Thanksgiving and Family Dynamics

21:21 A New Beginning: Moving to St. Cloud

22:00 Adjusting to Life Together

22:56 Navigating Parenthood and COVID

23:25 Career Changes and New Opportunities

24:47 Building a Blended Family

31:18 The Proposal and Engagement

37:35 Wedding Day and Family Dynamics

42:06 Reflections and Future Plans

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

About Love Story Wedding Show (January 11th, 2026)

At the Love Story Wedding Show, we believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individuality of the couple. We understand that planning the perfect wedding is a journey, and we are here to help guide you on your way! Celebrating Love, Inspiring Dreams. The Love Story wedding Show isn’t just an event; it’s an experience designed to inspire and guide couples on their journey to creating the wedding of their dreams. Whether you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply dreaming of that special day, our show is tailored to meet your every need.

In this heartfelt episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green continues the tale of Nathan and Tina Johanning covering their journey from a delayed wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic to welcoming their daughter Zoe and navigating her health challenges. The couple reflects on their practical approach to marriage, from remodeling their kitchen to planning a family. They candidly share the trials of Zoe's rare medical condition, Aicardi syndrome, which includes dealing with infantile spasms and epilepsy. Their story is one of resilience, profound love, and unyielding support as they strengthen their bond amidst life's unexpected challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:15 Planning for Parenthood

00:52 The Wedding That Wasn't

05:42 Navigating Pregnancy

07:31 The Birth Experience

16:09 Post-Birth Reflections

18:39 Helplessness in the Delivery Room

19:11 Hospital Stay and Birth Experience

20:12 Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions

21:18 Adjusting to Parenthood

22:16 Work-Life Balance and Night Shifts

22:50 Dealing with Colic and Overproduction

24:03 Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

26:44 Living with Icar D Syndrome

28:13 Navigating Medical Challenges

37:23 Support Systems and Communication

38:41 Conclusion and Reflections

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

About Love Story Wedding Show (January 11th, 2026)

At the Love Story Wedding Show, we believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individuality of the couple. We understand that planning the perfect wedding is a journey, and we are here to help guide you on your way! Celebrating Love, Inspiring Dreams. The Love Story wedding Show isn’t just an event; it’s an experience designed to inspire and guide couples on their journey to creating the wedding of their dreams. Whether you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply dreaming of that special day, our show is tailored to meet your every need.

In this episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green speaks with high school sweethearts Tina Johanning and Nathan Johanning about their 12-year journey together. Starting as classmates in high school, Tina and Nathan share stories from their early days of innocent high school crushes to their deepening relationship over the years. They discuss their first date mishap, living together at a young age in their first home, and their eventual engagement at Itasca State Park. The couple also touches on their influences growing up, the importance of independence and trust in their relationship, and the supportive role Nathan's parents played. With humor and heartfelt moments, this episode recounts Nathan and Tina's seamless transition from high school, through college, into careers, and finally to their marriage and plans for a family.

00:00 Introduction to the Love Story Podcast

00:10 Meet Tina and Nathan: High School Sweethearts

00:39 The Early Days: From Friends to More

02:21 First Dates and Family Impressions

09:12 Navigating High School Together

11:56 Prom Memories and Growing Up

15:48 College and Career Paths

19:27 Moving In Together: The Early Days

20:01 Buying Our First House

20:11 Life in Our First Home

20:54 Balancing Work, School, and Finances

24:06 Our Relationship Dynamics

29:20 The Proposal Story

36:11 Sharing the News

38:08 Asking for Permission

39:39 Looking Forward: Marriage and Family

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

About Love Story Wedding Show (January 11th, 2026)

At the Love Story Wedding Show, we believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individuality of the couple. We understand that planning the perfect wedding is a journey, and we are here to help guide you on your way! Celebrating Love, Inspiring Dreams. The Love Story wedding Show isn’t just an event; it’s an experience designed to inspire and guide couples on their journey to creating the wedding of their dreams. Whether you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply dreaming of that special day, our show is tailored to meet your every need.

In this episode of the Love Story Podcast, host Ashley Green dives deep into the unique friendship between Jenna and Kate, two hockey moms with a penchant for adventure. The conversation meanders through their history, from meeting through a chamber leadership program to the hilarious and heartwarming tales of how their families interconnected. They recount their exciting backcountry camping trips, including a suspenseful encounter with a stranger and various family mishaps, like a teenage machete accident. The duo’s love for the outdoors and their mutual support system are highlighted, showing that the bonds of friendship can be just as magical as romantic love stories.

00:00 Welcome to the Love Story Podcast

00:22 Jenna and Kate's Origin Story

00:46 Hockey Moms and Small Town Connections

02:15 The Husbands' Bond

04:05 Kate and Kurt's Love Story

08:09 Ashley and Vinny's Love Story

13:22 The Kids and Their Adventures

19:14 Backcountry Camping Adventures

23:33 Love Story After Dark and Closing Thoughts

25:46 Road Trip Adventures and Future Plans

26:36 Memorable Moments and Mishaps

29:04 Unexpected Encounters in the Wilderness

35:33 The Thumb Accident and Its Aftermath

43:49 Hockey Culture and Community

50:14 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

About Love Story Wedding Show (January 11th, 2026)

At the Love Story Wedding Show, we believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individuality of the couple. We understand that planning the perfect wedding is a journey, and we are here to help guide you on your way! Celebrating Love, Inspiring Dreams. The Love Story wedding Show isn’t just an event; it’s an experience designed to inspire and guide couples on their journey to creating the wedding of their dreams. Whether you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply dreaming of that special day, our show is tailored to meet your every need.

In this episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green is joined by returning guest Reva Van Vleet to share and reminisce over their earliest crushes, first kisses, and dating misadventures. The episode is filled with humorous and heartfelt anecdotes, from giggling over school crushes and awkward first dates to reflecting on the evolution of relationships from their teenage years into adulthood. The duo discusses everything from grade school crushes and naive romantic gestures to later-life relationships and the pressures of adult dating. They even delve into the changing dynamics of love, growth, and maintaining individuality in long-term partnerships. The episode is a nostalgic and entertaining exploration of love through the ages.

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

About Love Story Wedding Show (January 11th, 2026)

At the Love Story Wedding Show, we believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individuality of the couple. We understand that planning the perfect wedding is a journey, and we are here to help guide you on your way! Celebrating Love, Inspiring Dreams. The Love Story wedding Show isn’t just an event; it’s an experience designed to inspire and guide couples on their journey to creating the wedding of their dreams. Whether you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply dreaming of that special day, our show is tailored to meet your every need.

In this episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green welcomes Rachel Sogge to share the compelling and emotional love story of her late husband, Kelly. The narrative traces their initial meeting after Rachel left an abusive relationship, through their rapid engagement and newfound family life with five children. While their burgeoning love was marked by day-to-day challenges, they strived to integrate their lives in unconventional settings, including a tiny home. Over time, Kelly’s struggles with mental health and addiction surfaced, leading to multiple attempts at rehabilitation. Despite the support, love, and understanding from his family, Kelly’s internal battles culminated in his tragic suicide. Rachel reflects on their profound connection, the pain of her loss, and her ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness and support for survivors of suicide loss. The episode sheds light on the delicate balance of love, mental health, and the indelible impact of such a heart-wrenching experience.

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

The Love Story Podcast is a weekly podcast and platform sharing the unique and inspiring love stories between two people. We will be sitting down with couples from all walks of life to share their stories and be inspired to find love in our own lives.

Connect with Us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585650777

https://www.instagram.com/lovestoryweddingshow/

https://www.thelovestoryweddingshow.com/

https://greenthumbetc.com/

About Love Story Wedding Show (January 11th, 2026)

At the Love Story Wedding Show, we believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individuality of the couple. We understand that planning the perfect wedding is a journey, and we are here to help guide you on your way! Celebrating Love, Inspiring Dreams. The Love Story wedding Show isn’t just an event; it’s an experience designed to inspire and guide couples on their journey to creating the wedding of their dreams. Whether you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply dreaming of that special day, our show is tailored to meet your every need.