In this special live-audience episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee welcome back long-time friends and returning guests, Jim and Martha Brangenberg. From running a real estate development project to revitalizing their small town, serving as volunteer firefighters and chaplains, caring for aging parents, hosting their radio show I Work for Him, and spearheading community events — Jim and Martha live a full, fast-paced life. Yet, despite the chaos, they’ve learned the value of slowing down, setting boundaries, and keeping God at the center of their marriage.

Together, we unpack the disciplines, decisions, and daily habits that help them work as a team in both life and business. They share how prayer has been their “secret sauce” for 43 years, why listening to each other’s God-given instincts matters, and how choosing connection over conflict has kept their relationship strong. From avoiding “hangry” arguments to navigating seasons where traditional date nights are impossible, Jim and Martha offer practical, real-life strategies for staying close in the busiest of seasons.

Whether you’re building a business, leading in your community, or simply juggling the everyday demands of marriage and family, this episode will encourage you to protect your partnership, prioritize your quiet time with God, and let go of the small stuff that doesn’t matter in the long run. Jim and Martha’s story is a reminder that thriving in tandem isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention, grace, and staying on the same team no matter what.

Listen to them on https://www.iwork4him.com/

Listen to episode 82 https://marriedentrepreneur.co/blog/dance-business-spous

https://www.iwork4him.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Prayer is a powerful anchor — begin and end your day with it, even if everything else falls apart.

• Listen to and respect your spouse’s instincts, especially when they feel prompted by God.

• Protect your marriage from unnecessary tension by “letting go” of minor irritations.

• Seasons of busyness may require redefining date nights — connection matters more than formality.

• Set boundaries with your time, use your calendar intentionally, and be willing to say no to protect your priorities.

• True teamwork means surrendering your agenda to God’s direction and committing to run the race together.

Bio:

Jim Brangenberg

An entrepreneur for life, Jim has grown several start-ups and mentored many business owners. His God-gifted ability to ask the right questions lends itself well to his role as host of the iWork4Him program, the Faith and Work mouthpiece founded in 2013.

Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

Together, Jim and Martha are passionate about living out faith at work, building strong marriages and regularly offer marriage retreats. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Join Robert and Kay Lee Fukui as they draw surprising yet powerful parallels between crafting a fine bottle of wine and building a strong, lasting marriage. Fresh off their dream vacation to Italy and inspired by the care, patience, and intentionality they witnessed at the wineries, the Fukuis unpack four key principles that apply both to wine-making and thriving in tandem with your spouse: patience, environment, oxygen (aka communication and emotional safety), and blend.

Through personal stories—from the early days of their relationship to navigating conflict and collaboration in business—they share how patience creates room for growth, how cultivating the right environment fosters trust, how healthy communication lets go of toxic buildup, and how honoring each other’s differences creates the perfect blend in marriage and business. Whether you're a wine lover or just looking for a fresh way to strengthen your relationship, this episode will challenge and encourage you to be more intentional in your marriage and business.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Key Takeaways:

• Patience pays off: Just like wine matures under the right conditions, great marriages require time, grace, and room to process emotions and decisions.

• Environment matters: Creating a safe, supportive space—both emotionally and physically—allows your spouse (and your team) to thrive.

• Let it breathe: Addressing conflict and giving each other space to communicate reduces relational toxicity and builds emotional intimacy.

• Blended is better: Embrace your spouse’s strengths, differences, and gifts—together, you’re far more powerful and approachable as a team.

In this heartfelt and adventurous episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui take you behind the scenes of their dream trip through Italy—from Cinque Terre to Florence, Tuscany to Lake Garda. While the landmarks and landscapes were stunning, it was the lessons learned along the way that left the deepest impression. From learning to ask for help, to the value of simplicity, to taking the time to just be, the trip served as a powerful reminder of what truly matters—both in life and in business.

They share stories of free Michelin-starred meals, ancient wine cellars, hiking coastal towns with just a carry-on, and why going slow created the richest experiences. But it wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about practicing margin, enjoying the moment, and bringing that same intentionality into their marriage and entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're dreaming of your next vacation or trying to find a better rhythm between business and family, this episode offers practical and soulful takeaways to help you thrive in tandem.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Key Takeaways:

• Ask Boldly, Expect Lightly: Robert shares how simply asking opened doors to unforgettable (and surprisingly free) experiences, reminding us that relationships matter in business and life.

• Pack Light, Live Light: Traveling with only carry-ons for 18 days taught the power of simplicity—and how less really can be more, even in the way we run our homes and businesses.

• Build in Margin: Whether on vacation or in your calendar, creating space to just be allows for connection, spontaneity, and soul-level rest that recharges you far beyond a to-do list.

👉 P.S. Want their full Italian itinerary? DM them on Instagram @thrivingintandem for the Google Doc with all the details!

Chapters

00:00 Dream Vacation in Italy

04:39 Lessons Learned from the Trip

10:20 The Importance of Asking for Help

11:41 Traveling Light: The Carry-On Experience

15:32 Simplicity in Travel and Life

19:47 Enjoying the Moment: Taking Time to Savor

24:30 Intentional Living: Appreciating Your Surroundings

29:51 Relaxation vs. Adventure: Finding Balance

33:15 Going with the Flow: Embracing the Unexpected

In this eye-opening episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee share the single most common money mistake keeping countless married entrepreneurs from building real wealth: debt. Fresh off the facilitation of a financial stewardship workshop, they dig into how everyday debt—often justified or ignored—is quietly stealing your financial future. But here’s the good news: the solution is simpler than you think. Spoiler alert: You have to listen til the end.

You’ll learn how debt is not just a financial burden, but a barrier to freedom, peace of mind, and legacy-building. Whether it’s credit cards, car loans, or payday advances, this conversation explores the hidden costs of “buy now, pay later” culture and how breaking that cycle can unlock wealth potential that most couples never realize. They even run the numbers—showing how just $500/month invested wisely could grow into $1 million over time.

If you’ve ever said, “We don’t have enough to invest,” this episode will challenge that belief—and show you exactly how to create margin, eliminate debt, and finally start building long-term wealth together. Practical tips, real-life examples, biblical wisdom, and a strong dose of encouragement await.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Debt Repayment Calculator https://www.crown.org/all-resources/debt-snowball-calculator/

Investment/Retirement Calculator https://www.crown.org/all-resources/?cat=economy-investing&type=calculator

• Debt is the true wealth killer. The average American carries over $20,000 in consumer debt, costing $1,500/month—money that could be building your future.

• Delayed gratification wins. Saving and paying cash—especially for big-ticket items like cars—can save you thousands and put you on the fast track to financial freedom.

• Simple strategy, massive results. The debt snowball method helps you eliminate debt faster than you think, freeing up cash for giving, investing, and enjoying life.

• Building wealth is more doable than you think. Just $500/month invested at 10% can become $1 million over 30 years—yes, really.

Freedom from debt brings peace. No matter the economy, having no payments gives you breathing room, confidence, and options.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

In this deeply vulnerable and inspiring episode of Thriving in Tandem, we’re joined by Krystal Parker, President of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce. Krystal shares her raw journey from corporate executive climbing the ranks of a Fortune 200 oil and gas company to discovering the devastating cost of success when it came at the expense of her marriage and family. What looked like professional triumph on the outside masked a crumbling home life and personal disconnection from what mattered most.

As Krystal takes us back to the peak of her corporate climb—fueled by power, ambition, and external validation—she candidly reveals the blind spots that hurt her marriage ending and relationship with her young daughter. But in the aftermath of that breaking point, Krystal discovered what true leadership and intentional living looked like. From restructuring her work-life rhythms to raising up her team, and ultimately placing God and family at the center, her story offers hope and a powerful reminder that redemption is possible.

Whether you're in a season of hustle or navigating growing pains in business and marriage, Krystal’s testimony is a call to evaluate where your time and heart are going. She shares practical boundaries she and her husband now implement, how she keeps her daughter a priority, and the critical difference between using work as worship instead of worshiping work. This is a must-listen for married entrepreneurs who don’t want to succeed in business only to lose what truly matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• Success without alignment can destroy what matters most. Krystal's corporate rise came with sacrifices she didn't fully see until her marriage and family unraveled.
  
  

• You are irreplaceable at work but you not at home. Delegating empowered Krystal’s team and freed her to re-engage with her daughter and home life.
  
  

• Boundaries and intention create lasting connection. Krystal and her husband carve out intentional moments—even in busy seasons—to stay united and keep God at the center of their marriage.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in Tandem Podcast

02:01 Crystal Parker's Journey in the Oil and Gas Industry

10:11 Challenges of Balancing Career and Family Life

12:00 The Turning Point: Becoming a Solo Parent

18:07 Finding Balance in a New Marriage and Career

23:53 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

In this deeply personal episode, Robert and Kay Lee invite you into their real-time decision-making process as they consider a cross-country move from California to North Carolina. Fresh off a month-long stay in Lake Norman, they share candid reflections on the conversations, emotions, and logistical considerations that come with such a significant transition. From the practical realities of moving and renting to the emotional weight of leaving behind familiarity and friendships, this episode reveals how they approach big decisions as a married couple and entrepreneurial team.

Whether you're facing a business pivot, relocation, or other major life decision, you'll gain valuable insights on how to navigate change without unnecessary conflict. Robert and Kay Lee walk through the importance of “baby steps” in decision-making, how to test the waters before diving in, and how differing emotional responses between spouses can actually work together to bring clarity and peace. They also reflect on the value of community, intentionality, and leaning into God's guidance when the future feels uncertain.

This episode is not just about moving houses—it’s about building a life with intention, staying united through change, and creating space for wise, thoughtful decisions that serve both your marriage and business. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how real-life married entrepreneurs process transition without growing apart.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Key Takeaways:

• Big transitions—whether in life or business—are best navigated in small, intentional steps.

• Differing emotional responses between spouses are normal and can be leveraged for better communication and mutual understanding.

• Creating a plan B and “testing the waters” reduces anxiety and sets you up for more confident decision-making.

• Don’t rush into big changes—whether it’s a move, business shift, or investment—without first confirming peace and unity as a couple.

• Community, intentional planning, and faith-driven discernment are key to thriving in tandem through seasons of change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background on the Move

02:52 Exploring Lake Norman and Decision-Making Process

06:09 Testing the Waters: A Month in Lake Norman

08:54 Building Relationships and Community Connections

12:13 Emotional Aspects of Major Life Transitions

15:03 Decision-Making Styles in Relationships

17:56 Taking Baby Steps in Major Changes

20:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts