Indepartners Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:27:36 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2446291 en-us © 2026 Indepartners yes 1a817095-258b-5f6b-980f-4f008cf0128b Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger episodic false     Think long distance relationships never work? Think again! In Indepartners, two behavioral scientists talk about the advantages and opportunities that come with a permanent, loving relationship – that happens to take place in two different cities. 

    Dr. Lisa Finkelstein and Dr. Kurt Kraiger have successfully navigated their careers while being, in their words, the happiest couple they know. As Lisa and Kurt explore the dynamics of love at a distance, couples living apart or living together will discover ways to be more intentional and get the most out of their relationships – and their personal lives.

    Listen as Lisa and Kurt explore topics like intentionality, communication, and the value of rituals over holidays in a 30-minute format combining personal experience, humor, and relatable examples. 
    New episodes will drop on the 14th of each month.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger https://storage.buzzsprout.com/kaier1tdsg4n5yolqazu6d2mufnz?.jpg Indepartners Kurt Kraiger Lisa Finkelstein Us in Flux (The one where Kurt goes to the hospital) Us in Flux (The one where Kurt goes to the hospital) Kurt and Lisa are back for Season 2 of Indepartners, kicking off a month later than anticipated and with an episode they definitely didn't plan to start off the season with.

Overnight and with no prior signs of trouble, Kurt started January 3 with some scary symptoms that turned out to be endocarditis, a bacterial infection in his heart. Lisa and Kurt tell the story of how his time in the hospital unfolded, how they pivoted their plans for January, and what happens when couples living apart are suddenly hit with a need to be closer together.

Reflecting on this time, Kurt and Lisa realized how so many of their themes from the first season factored into this time of flux.



Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Kurt and Lisa are back for Season 2 of Indepartners, kicking off a month later than anticipated and with an episode they definitely didn't plan to start off the season with.

Overnight and with no prior signs of trouble, Kurt started January 3 with some scary symptoms that turned out to be endocarditis, a bacterial infection in his heart. Lisa and Kurt tell the story of how his time in the hospital unfolded, how they pivoted their plans for January, and what happens when couples living apart are suddenly hit with a need to be closer together.

Reflecting on this time, Kurt and Lisa realized how so many of their themes from the first season factored into this time of flux.



Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-18806114 Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500 2742 full false You Got Questions? We Got Answers! You Got Questions? We Got Answers! And that’s a wrap!  After nine episodes of deep dives and wonderful guests, Kurt and Lisa hang out together (in the same studio!) to dish about the season and answer listener questions.  In their most unscripted episode yet, the indepartners each took a few notes on listener questions, but had no idea what the other was going to say.  Find out where they agree, where they disagree, and what they learned from their conversations this season.

Kurt and Lisa are so incredibly grateful to the listeners who provided questions and to all of you who listened in this season (from 417 cities and 36 countries!).  

Season Two will launch in 2026. Have any ideas for new topics?  Want to appear on the pod?  Please reach out!


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> And that’s a wrap!  After nine episodes of deep dives and wonderful guests, Kurt and Lisa hang out together (in the same studio!) to dish about the season and answer listener questions.  In their most unscripted episode yet, the indepartners each took a few notes on listener questions, but had no idea what the other was going to say.  Find out where they agree, where they disagree, and what they learned from their conversations this season.

Kurt and Lisa are so incredibly grateful to the listeners who provided questions and to all of you who listened in this season (from 417 cities and 36 countries!).  

Season Two will launch in 2026. Have any ideas for new topics?  Want to appear on the pod?  Please reach out!


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Buzzsprout-18188702 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0600 3114 1 10 full false From George Glass to Jimmy Crafts: Michelle and Jim’s Story From George Glass to Jimmy Crafts: Michelle and Jim’s Story We are thrilled to bring you another interview with some Indepartners with a twist!  Michelle and Jim were high school sweethearts who always dreamed of big careers in broadcasting and journalism and promised to support each other in reaching their dreams, even if it meant having to be apart.  That’s just what they did.  After attending college together, Michelle climbed the ladder in radio broadcasting and Jim in sports writing.  They have moved in and out of indepartnership, spending stretches of time in separate states and other stretches of time in the same household.  

Michelle and Jim share with us the lessons they’ve learned over time in managing and thriving with this dynamic lifestyle – the ups, the downs, and one of the most hilarious rituals we’ve ever heard of.  We know you will enjoy this delightful, heartfelt, and humorous interview.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> We are thrilled to bring you another interview with some Indepartners with a twist!  Michelle and Jim were high school sweethearts who always dreamed of big careers in broadcasting and journalism and promised to support each other in reaching their dreams, even if it meant having to be apart.  That’s just what they did.  After attending college together, Michelle climbed the ladder in radio broadcasting and Jim in sports writing.  They have moved in and out of indepartnership, spending stretches of time in separate states and other stretches of time in the same household.  

Michelle and Jim share with us the lessons they’ve learned over time in managing and thriving with this dynamic lifestyle – the ups, the downs, and one of the most hilarious rituals we’ve ever heard of.  We know you will enjoy this delightful, heartfelt, and humorous interview.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-17994994 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2729 1 10 full false LAT but not least: An interview with Vicki Larson LAT but not least: An interview with Vicki Larson We are so honored and excited to bring you an interview with award-winning journalist and author of the book LATtitude: How you can make a live apart together relationship work. In our lively conversation, Vicki shares many of her well-researched insights from her book on LAT (Living Apart Together) relationships, including her findings on:

-       Who tends to be most attracted to LAT.

-       The role of trust in LAT.

-       Perceptions of the stigma of LAT.

-       The meaning of realness in relationships.

-       Changing attitudes about LAT.

-       The rules of LAT: Practical conversations and advice for successful LAT.


We know you will enjoy this spirited and enlightening conversation!

You can find a link to Vicki’s book here and follow her on Instagram



Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> We are so honored and excited to bring you an interview with award-winning journalist and author of the book LATtitude: How you can make a live apart together relationship work. In our lively conversation, Vicki shares many of her well-researched insights from her book on LAT (Living Apart Together) relationships, including her findings on:

-       Who tends to be most attracted to LAT.

-       The role of trust in LAT.

-       Perceptions of the stigma of LAT.

-       The meaning of realness in relationships.

-       Changing attitudes about LAT.

-       The rules of LAT: Practical conversations and advice for successful LAT.


We know you will enjoy this spirited and enlightening conversation!

You can find a link to Vicki’s book here and follow her on Instagram



Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-17812710 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2647 full false Memphis? But you won’t even go to Brooklyn! Mindy and Austin’s story Memphis? But you won’t even go to Brooklyn! Mindy and Austin’s story In Episode 7 we bring you another great Indepartners interview!  Austin is a self-described southern gentleman who was an entrepreneur living in Memphis, and Mindy is an executive living in Manhattan. Austin and Mindy met online and really connected – and then Mindy realized where Austin lived. Her friends predicted it would never last because she “won’t even go to Brooklyn".  Luckily, they gave the Indepartners lifestyle a chance and four years later they are thriving.   

Mindy and Austin share their unique perspective on some of the themes discussed all season like intentionality, communication, and anticipation. They introduce a new topic to the podcast – the added challenge of each having children who always remain a priority.  Both share their insights on how they’ve built the incredible bond they now share.  We believe anyone listening will find takeaways from their story to try in their own lives – we know we did!


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> In Episode 7 we bring you another great Indepartners interview!  Austin is a self-described southern gentleman who was an entrepreneur living in Memphis, and Mindy is an executive living in Manhattan. Austin and Mindy met online and really connected – and then Mindy realized where Austin lived. Her friends predicted it would never last because she “won’t even go to Brooklyn".  Luckily, they gave the Indepartners lifestyle a chance and four years later they are thriving.   

Mindy and Austin share their unique perspective on some of the themes discussed all season like intentionality, communication, and anticipation. They introduce a new topic to the podcast – the added challenge of each having children who always remain a priority.  Both share their insights on how they’ve built the incredible bond they now share.  We believe anyone listening will find takeaways from their story to try in their own lives – we know we did!


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-17668331 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2516 full false New Orleans, Boston, and Blueberry Hill: Karon and Steve’s Story New Orleans, Boston, and Blueberry Hill: Karon and Steve’s Story We are so excited to bring you our first interview on the Indepartner’s podcast!  Karon and Kurt had a chance meeting at a beer event a few years ago and bonded over both being in long distance committed relationships, and we’ve all been friends since. 

Listen in to hear how Karon and Steve met and fell in love. They have had two different phases of indepartnerships in their relationship and we’ll see how they used lessons from the first experience to make the second time great.  

We talk about their communication patterns (so different than ours, and perfect for them!) and learn their perspective on the highs and lows of being long distance.  They share their advice for couples starting indepartnerships or for anyone looking for new ways to grow their relationships.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> We are so excited to bring you our first interview on the Indepartner’s podcast!  Karon and Kurt had a chance meeting at a beer event a few years ago and bonded over both being in long distance committed relationships, and we’ve all been friends since. 

Listen in to hear how Karon and Steve met and fell in love. They have had two different phases of indepartnerships in their relationship and we’ll see how they used lessons from the first experience to make the second time great.  

We talk about their communication patterns (so different than ours, and perfect for them!) and learn their perspective on the highs and lows of being long distance.  They share their advice for couples starting indepartnerships or for anyone looking for new ways to grow their relationships.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-17496549 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2000 1 6 full false Valentines Schmalentines: Your Relationship, Your Rituals Valentines Schmalentines: Your Relationship, Your Rituals One fun and meaningful way that couples, Indepartners or otherwise, can be more intentional is to develop their own rituals. Couples can choose whether or not they want to celebrate traditional holidays, can do holidays on their own terms, and can create new rituals - regularly occurring events that celebrate life and are bespoke to the couple's interests and idiosyncrasies.

In Episode 5, Lisa and Kurt talk about how central rituals have been to their Indepartnership and why they matter.  In the first segment, they draw from research on the importance of rituals and differentiate traditions and routines.  In the second segment they describe their Renewal Dinner and how it's become a central touchstone in their relationship.  In the final segment they provide examples of some of their rituals just for fun, like Big Walk Day and the Christmas Eve Dive Bar Pub Crawl.  They also discuss ways to honor each other's important solo rituals.

As always, they wrap up with ideas listeners can try in any type of relationship.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> One fun and meaningful way that couples, Indepartners or otherwise, can be more intentional is to develop their own rituals. Couples can choose whether or not they want to celebrate traditional holidays, can do holidays on their own terms, and can create new rituals - regularly occurring events that celebrate life and are bespoke to the couple's interests and idiosyncrasies.

In Episode 5, Lisa and Kurt talk about how central rituals have been to their Indepartnership and why they matter.  In the first segment, they draw from research on the importance of rituals and differentiate traditions and routines.  In the second segment they describe their Renewal Dinner and how it's become a central touchstone in their relationship.  In the final segment they provide examples of some of their rituals just for fun, like Big Walk Day and the Christmas Eve Dive Bar Pub Crawl.  They also discuss ways to honor each other's important solo rituals.

As always, they wrap up with ideas listeners can try in any type of relationship.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-17324824 Sat, 14 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2366 full false Tom Petty Was Wrong: The Waiting Is Pretty Great Tom Petty Was Wrong: The Waiting Is Pretty Great Anticipation is one of the most underrated emotions. There is a natural cycle to indepartnerships involving not only anticipation of the next time together, but savoring of the limited time together and reminiscing about the joy of being together.

In Episode 4, Lisa and Kurt give their take on these three stages of the cycle. They nerd out over scientific research supporting the well-being benefits of each element. In segment one they talk about anticipation, emphasizing the emotions and behaviors that make this stage special (with bonus insight into Kurt's clothing obsessions). In segment two they provide ways to flex your savoring muscles.  In the last segment they review how intentional reminiscing practices can help extend the fun.

As always, they wrap up with ideas listeners can try in any type of relationship.

 


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Anticipation is one of the most underrated emotions. There is a natural cycle to indepartnerships involving not only anticipation of the next time together, but savoring of the limited time together and reminiscing about the joy of being together.

In Episode 4, Lisa and Kurt give their take on these three stages of the cycle. They nerd out over scientific research supporting the well-being benefits of each element. In segment one they talk about anticipation, emphasizing the emotions and behaviors that make this stage special (with bonus insight into Kurt's clothing obsessions). In segment two they provide ways to flex your savoring muscles.  In the last segment they review how intentional reminiscing practices can help extend the fun.

As always, they wrap up with ideas listeners can try in any type of relationship.

 


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-17148139 Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2314 full false Indepartners Communicate: Lisa and Kurt Hate the Phone Indepartners Communicate: Lisa and Kurt Hate the Phone It’s no big news that communication is important to great relationships, but when you are indepartners, communication is the relationship most of the time!  This makes it especially important to be intentional and communicate about communication (so meta); intentional not just what you communicate about, but also how you do it and how often.

In Episode 3, Lisa and Kurt break down these three elements.  In the first segment, they discuss the different mediums of communication.  Get ready for a game of over/under regarding how often they use the phone!  In the second segment they talk about when (and how often) they communicate and the importance of taking advantage of the independent part of being indepartners, releasing the socially-imposed pressure to try to communicate as often as couples who cohabitate do.  In the last segment they hit on what they communicate about, and what they intentionally choose not to (and why).  

As always, they wrap up with ideas listeners can try in any type of relationship.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> It’s no big news that communication is important to great relationships, but when you are indepartners, communication is the relationship most of the time!  This makes it especially important to be intentional and communicate about communication (so meta); intentional not just what you communicate about, but also how you do it and how often.

In Episode 3, Lisa and Kurt break down these three elements.  In the first segment, they discuss the different mediums of communication.  Get ready for a game of over/under regarding how often they use the phone!  In the second segment they talk about when (and how often) they communicate and the importance of taking advantage of the independent part of being indepartners, releasing the socially-imposed pressure to try to communicate as often as couples who cohabitate do.  In the last segment they hit on what they communicate about, and what they intentionally choose not to (and why).  

As always, they wrap up with ideas listeners can try in any type of relationship.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-16970249 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500 2400 full false Cheers to Intentionality Cheers to Intentionality In Episode 2, we discuss intentionality, a word that came up so much in Episode 1 that Lisa invented a drinking game. A key benefit of choosing to live apart is the opportunity to design the relationship you want; as nerdy psychologists we explore what intentionality means and then how many opportunities there are to deliberately craft a relationship that works for both people - and strengthens them as a couple. In the second segment, we share insights about being intentional every day whether we are apart or in the same place at the same time. In the final segment, we ask some questions that anyone - in any type of relationship - can ask themselves and their partners to bring more intentionality to that relationship.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> In Episode 2, we discuss intentionality, a word that came up so much in Episode 1 that Lisa invented a drinking game. A key benefit of choosing to live apart is the opportunity to design the relationship you want; as nerdy psychologists we explore what intentionality means and then how many opportunities there are to deliberately craft a relationship that works for both people - and strengthens them as a couple. In the second segment, we share insights about being intentional every day whether we are apart or in the same place at the same time. In the final segment, we ask some questions that anyone - in any type of relationship - can ask themselves and their partners to bring more intentionality to that relationship.


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-16760864 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2264 full false Myths: Busted! Myths: Busted! Date:                                                   February 14, 2025
Show Title:                                         Indepartners
Episode Title and Number:              1.  Myths:  Busted!

In their season launch, Lisa and Kurt talk about the origin of this podcast – and of their relationship.  Having received reactions to their choice to live apart indefinitely that range from pity to disapproval to confusion to admiration, they recognized the value of clarifying the benefits of an Indepartnership as a legitimate and desirable choice for a permanent and loving relationship.

Lisa and Kurt turn to AI to pick five of the central negative beliefs about long distance relationships and bust those myths with counterpoints from experience, observation, and behavioral science.  They introduce their take on the concept of intentionality – to be explored more in Episode 2. 

Key moments

·      Lisa and Kurt’s origin story [1:20]

·      Myth busting: [4:55]


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Date:                                                   February 14, 2025
Show Title:                                         Indepartners
Episode Title and Number:              1.  Myths:  Busted!

In their season launch, Lisa and Kurt talk about the origin of this podcast – and of their relationship.  Having received reactions to their choice to live apart indefinitely that range from pity to disapproval to confusion to admiration, they recognized the value of clarifying the benefits of an Indepartnership as a legitimate and desirable choice for a permanent and loving relationship.

Lisa and Kurt turn to AI to pick five of the central negative beliefs about long distance relationships and bust those myths with counterpoints from experience, observation, and behavioral science.  They introduce their take on the concept of intentionality – to be explored more in Episode 2. 

Key moments

·      Lisa and Kurt’s origin story [1:20]

·      Myth busting: [4:55]


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-16507063 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0600 1909 living apart, relationships, long-distance relationships, 1 1 full false Indepartners Trailer Indepartners Trailer Think long distance relationships never work? Think again! In Indepartners, two behavioral scientists talk about the advantages and opportunities that come with a permanent, loving relationship – that happens to take place in two different cities. 

Dr. Lisa Finkelstein and Dr. Kurt Kraiger have successfully navigated their careers while being, in their words, the happiest couple they know. As Lisa and Kurt explore the dynamics of love at a distance, couples living apart or living together will discover ways to be more intentional and get the most out of their relationships – and their personal lives.

Listen as Lisa and Kurt explore topics like intentionality, communication, and the value of rituals over holidays in a 30-minute format combining personal experience, humor, and relatable examples.  Episodes drop on the 14th of the month.  Join us on Valentine's day - February 14, 2025 - for our first episode. 


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> Think long distance relationships never work? Think again! In Indepartners, two behavioral scientists talk about the advantages and opportunities that come with a permanent, loving relationship – that happens to take place in two different cities. 

Dr. Lisa Finkelstein and Dr. Kurt Kraiger have successfully navigated their careers while being, in their words, the happiest couple they know. As Lisa and Kurt explore the dynamics of love at a distance, couples living apart or living together will discover ways to be more intentional and get the most out of their relationships – and their personal lives.

Listen as Lisa and Kurt explore topics like intentionality, communication, and the value of rituals over holidays in a 30-minute format combining personal experience, humor, and relatable examples.  Episodes drop on the 14th of the month.  Join us on Valentine's day - February 14, 2025 - for our first episode. 


Thanks for listening!

Original Indepartners theme song composed by David W.K. Johnson.

Get in touch with us:

Learn more about the podcast and future episodes at demandtheshimmer.com/podcast.

]]> https://demandtheshimmer.com/podcast/ Lisa Finkelstein and Kurt Kraiger Buzzsprout-16507032 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0600 139 living apart, relationships, long-distance relationships, 1 trailer false