In this episode of What a Gift, we sit down to talk about the unexpected gifts of bars and being single.

Whether you're like Jule—who loves finding community with strangers at a dive bar—or like Sarra, navigating the complexities and freedoms of being single in your 30s, let’s pull up a stool for some relatable stories, honest reflections, and perspectives on how life's plot twists can somehow end up being gifts.

🎁 What’s Inside 🎁

• Jule unwraps the gift of bars, especially the neighborhood corner spots where strangers come together seeking community. Hear why she champions the local watering hole over trendy millennial joints (and why a Touch Tunes jukebox is a non-negotiable). We discuss everything from taking over the vibe with the perfect song to the adventure of finding a karaoke bar in a gas station strip mall in Lincoln, Nebraska.

• Sarra unwraps the gift of being single, exploring the mindset shift required to see this season as a gift rather than a setback. She shares how being single allows her to be uniquely available to her friends and family, making a gift of herself in a way she couldn't otherwise. We get vulnerable about the pain of longing, the temptation to compare your life to your friends' or even your own past dreams, and the freedom that comes with trusting the story God is writing for you.

• We discuss the highs and lows of single life, from Jule recounting her fear of commitment when she met her now-husband to Sarra sharing the deep gratitude she feels for being able to support her sister through her engagement and marriage. We both agree that while singleness can be a painful tension, it's also a time filled with possibility, adventure, and the freedom to say "yes" to life.

• Stick around for our closing segment, My Gift to You, where we recommend some things we've been enjoying. Jule shares a must-have seasonal ice cream from Trader Joe's, and Sarra recommends a life-changing lip balm that will save you from chapped lips. In this episode of What a Gift, hosts Jule and Sarra sit down to talk about Jule’s definitive theory on how to throw an unforgettable house party and Sarra's passionate defense of adult birthdays.

Whether you're looking to elevate your next gathering, curious about building community through hospitality, or simply seeking ways to "go from grasping at presents to basking in the present," this conversation will provide valuable insights and inspiration for creating lasting memories.

What You’ll Hear:

* Jule Reveals Her In-Depth Party Theory: Discover the eight progressive stages of a party, from "Hangout" to "Bash," and learn how to elevate your gatherings with intentional music, lighting, and guest curation to create "electric" moments.

* The Gift of Adult Birthdays: Sarra shares why planning your own birthday is a "gift to other people to give them a chance to love you" and recounts hilarious and heartfelt childhood birthday memories

* Creative Hosting & Community Building: Get inspired by unique themed party ideas, like a "Noah's Ark" setup designed to connect singles or an Oscars-themed snack challenge, and find out how good hospitality is a muscle we’ve got to flex and practice.

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What a Gift is a production of FOCUS