When was the last time you and your spouse really laughed together? In this week’s episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee dive deep into a topic too many married entrepreneurs overlook—fun. After returning from an 18-day dream vacation in Italy and hosting their first “Thriving in Tandem Date Night,” they realized just how many couples have stopped making space for joy. Between business demands, family responsibilities, and endless to-do lists, fun often gets pushed aside.

Robert and Kay Lee share creative, budget-friendly ways to bring fun back into your marriage without waiting for the “perfect” time or a big trip. From driveway date nights to free concerts in the park, they remind us that joy isn’t about extravagance—it’s about intentionality. They also reveal how planning events for their married entrepreneur community has given them built-in reasons to prioritize their own date nights and adventures.

This episode is full of practical ideas, relatable laughs, and a powerful reminder that fun is essential for a thriving marriage and business. Whether it’s putting date nights on the calendar, joining in-person gatherings, or even “forcing” fun through memberships or pre-paid trips, Robert and Kay Lee challenge you to stop waiting and start creating shared memories now.

Join our Thriving in Tandem event waitlist https://marriedentrepreneur.co/event-waitlist

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:

• Fun fuels connection – Laughter and shared experiences lower stress, boost creativity, and strengthen your bond.

• Intentionality is everything – If it’s not on the calendar, it probably won’t happen.

• Fun doesn’t have to be expensive – Explore free and local activities; creativity counts more than cost.

• Community matters – Being around other married entrepreneurs creates instant understanding and encouragement.

Sometimes you have to “force” fun – Pre-committing with reservations, memberships, or events helps ensure you follow through.

In this episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee unpack the dangers of making impulsive business or investment decisions based on hype, emotion, or pressure. Whether it’s a flashy marketing strategy, a “can’t miss” real estate deal, or a new business venture, many married entrepreneurs get swept up in the excitement without counting the cost. Drawing from real-life lessons—some painful—they discuss how couples can safeguard their finances and their marriage by slowing down, asking the right questions, and aligning their risk tolerance.

Together, they walk through key decision-making pitfalls: FOMO, emotional buying, and lack of due diligence. You’ll learn how to avoid being manipulated by urgency or scarcity tactics and how to test business ideas in small ways before investing big. Most importantly, Robert and Kay Lee show how couples can communicate through their differences in risk tolerance and move forward in unity—because your business should grow your wealth, not blow up your relationship.

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:

1. Risk tolerance matters—especially in marriage. Know yours, know your spouse’s, and talk about it before you’re faced with a big decision.

2. Don’t let hype override wisdom. Watch out for pressure tactics like limited-time offers or guaranteed returns—they’re red flags.

3. Test before you invest. Whether it’s marketing or real estate, start small. Use low-cost or no-cost methods to gauge results first.

4. Emotions + speed = danger. Fast decisions made under emotional pressure are more likely to backfire. Take time to assess the risk.

5. Do your due diligence. Ask hard questions. Get wise counsel. Research independently. Don’t rely solely on what a salesperson says.

💡 Bonus Tip: Discuss hypothetical investment decisions when you're not under pressure. It helps you understand each other better and prepares you to make wiser choices when it counts.

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.