In this heartfelt and hilariously candid episode of The Love Story Podcast, host Ashley Green is joined by her fiancé Jesse Formanek for a raw, real conversation about how they met, fell in love, and navigated the twists and turns of building a relationship—despite not being "ready" at first.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The awkward first date that turned into something unforgettable
• Jesse’s honest reflection on sobriety, validation, and emotional growth
• Ashley’s journey from single motherhood to building a furniture business
• How they navigated boundaries, mixed signals, and the “situationship” phase
• The moment that changed everything (yes, it involves sanding a table!)
• Why their second chance at love stuck—and how they’re growing together today

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is for anyone who’s ever loved someone at the “wrong time,” dealt with emotional baggage, or wondered if it’s possible to get it right after getting it wrong. It’s honest, funny, and full of relatable moments about vulnerability, timing, and what it really takes to choose each other—again and again.

Key Topics Covered:

• Real-life love stories
• Emotional intimacy and relationships
• Sobriety and self-awareness in dating
• Blended families and parenting
• Entrepreneurship and creative careers
• Healing from past trauma
• Boundaries and communication

Perfect For Listeners Who Love:

• Raw relationship talk
• Couples who keep it real
• Personal growth stories
• Dating after divorce or trauma
• Honest conversations about mental health and sobriety

🎙️ Mentioned in the Episode:

• Ashley’s journey as a furniture upholsterer
• Jesse’s sobriety and mental health evolution
• Their first date at Old Capitol and Jimmy’s Poor House
• Life with kids, work, and love in Sartell, Minnesota

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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 episode of the Love Story podcast, hosted by Ashley Green, Chris and Chelsea continue sharing the intricacies of their love story. The couple recounts their journey of recently eloping, navigating life after a severe accident, and the strength of their bond during tumultuous times. They delve into their unique partnership, balancing work, and personal life, as well as overcoming challenges that have forged their resilient and loving relationship. The conversation also touches on the significance of being open and supportive, maintaining personal wellbeing, and the dynamics of working together. Alongside heartfelt anecdotes, there are moments of humor and the importance of staying authentic. The episode is a tribute to enduring love and personal growth through life's adversities.

00:00 Introduction to Kris and Chelsea's Love Story

00:13 The Elopement and Life's Little Surprises

00:46 A Hilarious THC Experience

04:50 The Accident That Changed Everything

07:06 Recovery and Moving In Together

12:13 The Proposal and Taking the Next Step

18:09 Wedding Day Chaos and Joy

22:01 Reception Fun and Family Moments

23:07 Family Support and Happiness

23:56 Working Together as a Couple

24:53 Communication and Conflict Resolution

25:39 Personal Growth and Overcoming Trauma

26:42 Authenticity in Relationships

27:45 Balancing Openness and Privacy

29:04 Finding the Right Partner

32:16 Humor and Everyday Life

34:43 Reflections on Past Relationships

39:20 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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 episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green chats with Kris and Chelsea about their journey from co-workers to life partners. The pair recount their early days on a country radio station during the start of the pandemic, their developing friendship, and eventual romantic relationship. They candidly discuss their memorable moments, challenges, and the dynamics of navigating a blended family. Their story is filled with humor, sincerity, and a shared love for country music, Jesus, and their community. They also share some of their amusing dating app experiences and board game rivalries, all while highlighting the importance of taking things slow and valuing each other's companionship.

00:00 Welcome to the Love Story Podcast

00:56 Introducing Kris and Chelsea

01:12 Chelsea's Radio Journey Begins

05:00 Navigating the Pandemic Together

11:14 The Kris and Chelsea Morning Show

15:56 The Mimosa Incident

21:39 Rumors and Speculations

22:12 Taking It Slow

23:43 Brief Split and Facebook Dating

25:33 Dating App Adventures

30:11 Board Games and Competitiveness

34:46 Pet Stories and Mishaps

41:06 Conclusion and Announcements

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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 episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green chats with Chris and Chrissy Haux about their enchanting journey from meeting online on Plenty of Fish to building a life together filled with mint chocolate bonding and adventures in home remodeling. The couple shares highs and lows, including a comically botched first date at a closed bar, a whirlwind proposal amidst fireworks, and their heartfelt backyard wedding. Tune in for their candid discussion on the importance of respect, trust, and compromise in a relationship, punctuated by humorous anecdotes and insightful reflections.

00:00 Welcome to the Love Story Podcast

00:05 Meet Chris and Chrissy Haux

00:23 How Chris and Chrissy Met

01:11 First Date Adventures

03:12 The Pickled Loon Date

04:21 Second Date and Beyond

10:15 Moving in Together

18:38 Meeting the Families

23:45 The Proposal

25:29 The Proposal and the Ring

25:56 Sibling Rivalry Over the Ring

26:18 Wedding Planning Timeline

26:39 Backyard Wedding Details

28:51 Writing and Remembering Vows

29:28 Life After Marriage

39:08 Home Renovation Challenges

46:32 Managing Finances and Hobbies

50:20 Final Reflections and Love

51:08 Podcast Outro and Promotions

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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 episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green chats with Amanda Bzdok and Austin Miller about their serendipitous seven-year journey from mutual friends to partners. The couple shares their initial meeting at a house party, the awkward and amusing Tinder interactions, and moments of unspoken attraction that led to their first official date. The narrative deepens as they recount moving in together unexpectedly after Austin's best friend’s tragic passing, a life-changing event that tightly bonded them. They discuss home renovations, meeting each other's families, and future plans, including the possibility of buying a farm. Woven with humor, heartfelt moments, and reflections on relationships, this episode captures the essence of a modern love story.

00:00 Welcome to the Love Story Podcast

00:47 Meet Austin and Amanda

01:28 The Inception of Their Love Story

03:45 The Tinder Chronicles

05:19 Friendsgiving and Missed Connections

07:25 The Turning Point

12:10 The House Renovation Saga

24:02 The Fixer Upper Dilemma

24:32 Early Relationship Challenges

25:27 Binge-Watching Bonding

26:55 Defining the Relationship

28:29 Meeting the Parents

32:47 Moving In Together

37:00 Future Plans and Dreams

38:43 Farm Life Aspirations

44:06 Conclusion and Reflections

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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 episode of the Love Story Podcast, host Ashley Green provides a detailed preview of the Love Story Wedding Show 2026. Attendees can expect various vendors offering wedding and event services, a runway show, VIP hour activities with prizes, and several informative talks from industry experts. Ashley and co-host Abbey discuss the latest wedding trends, including unique DJ ideas and bouquet preservation techniques. They highlight the importance of personalizing weddings to reflect the couple's unique style and share their experiences working in the wedding industry. The episode also includes promotions for Molly B's Gourmet Cookies and Garden State Distillery's Norman's Shuck Vodka, along with the call to action to share love stories for future podcast episodes.

00:00 Welcome to the Love Story Podcast

00:08 What to Expect at the Wedding Show 2026

00:39 Runway Show and VIP Hour Details

01:56 Vendor Highlights and Offerings

03:27 Fun Wedding Trends and Ideas

05:14 Preserving Wedding Memories

10:22 Unique Wedding Trends and Personal Touches

15:30 Defining Wedding Styles

15:50 The Magic of Floral Design

16:09 Handling Client Feedback

18:25 Wedding Day Logistics

19:05 The DJ's Perspective

20:29 Vendor Collaboration

25:14 Love Story Wedding Show

28:06 Unique Wedding Cookies

29:14 Norman's Shuck Vodka

30:15 Join the Love Story Podcast

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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 episode of the Love Story podcast, host Ashley Green invites LeAnn Orth to discuss their shared love for libraries, books, and especially love stories in literature. Alongside podcast producer Abbey, who joins live in studio, the conversation meanders through their favorite reads, the role of library supporters, and humorous anecdotes from their lives. They share their passion for the community role of libraries, the ease of accessing diverse media through library apps like Libby, and their preferences for different genres, from romance to thrillers. The show also delves into Leanne's rich family background, her experiences as a breast cancer survivor, and her active involvement with the St. Cloud Friends of the Library. The episode rounds off with a look at some quirky ad reads and a reminder to support local libraries.

00:00 Welcome to the Love Story Podcast

00:07 Meet LeAnn Orth: Love for Libraries and Books

00:34 Champagne and Camouflage: A Fun Start

00:50 Library Love: Digital and Analog

02:45 Halloween Party Recap

03:50 Friends of the Library: Mission and Activities

05:29 Book Sales and Fundraising

06:23 Rediscovering the Library

13:35 Book Exchange and Recommendations

20:17 Minnesota Authors and Local Stories

23:43 Fun with Vodka and Cookies

26:11 Coffee Compromises and Humor

27:47 Microwaves, Crockpots, and Pressure Cookers: A Fun Kitchen Analogy

28:45 Books and Kitchen Appliances: A Fun Comparison

30:17 Family Stories: Growing Up with 14 Siblings

31:10 Life on the Farm: Childhood Memories

35:51 Writing a Book: Family Stories and Inspirations

38:56 Cancer Survivor: A Journey of Strength and Support

41:37 Favorite Reads: Celebrity Autobiographies and Smut Books

48:17 Supporting Local Libraries: Importance and Benefits

50:17 Conclusion: Love Stories and Podcast Information

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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/

This is part two of Frank and Lisa's love story. The first one ran long so we needed to break it into two episodes. In this episode of the Love Story podcast, hosted by Ashley Green, listeners are invited to hear the continuation of Frank and Lisa Vouk's love journey. The episode unfolds their tale from the proposal on Thanksgiving 1996 to their memorable wedding filled with unpredictable events and their life henceforth. Hear how Frank overcame his commitment fears, and eventually proposed with a well-thought-out plan including a special George Strait song. The couple share their experiences of building a log home together, navigating career changes, and growing their family with two daughters. Listeners gain insights into their values of faith, commitment, and family that sustained their marriage through life's challenges.

Capturing the Magic of Every Love Story.

Affiliates - use code "LOVESTORY" at checkout to save at these great retailers: Garden State Distillery: https://gardenstatedistillery.com/ Molly Bz Cookies: https://mollybz.com/

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/