Welcome everyone and pull up a seat at the table. It’s Lunchtime in Rome. Tonight’s episode 288 is titled “Vacations, good and bad.” Sometimes vacations are the best, other times they just don’t work out. Tonight we will celebrate and remember with some and mourn with others. That’s what we’re doing at The Table this evening.
Pull up a seat at the table and join us!
Episode Summary
In episode 288 of the Lunchtime in Rome podcast, titled "Vacations, Good and Bad," the guys dive into the highs and lows of vacation experiences, sharing personal stories and listener submissions that capture the joy and chaos of getting away. Guided by their mission to "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15), the episode blends humor, reflection, and heartfelt moments.
The episode kicks off with the guys recounting their recent disc golf trip, a fun but physically taxing adventure involving 15 miles of walking. One host shares the pain of sore feet from wearing minimalist barefoot shoes, while another describes an epic day of disc golf, hockey, and muscle cramps after a grueling schedule. The trip, though exhausting, was a bonding experience filled with laughter and memorable shots.
The conversation then shifts to listener-submitted vacation stories, showcasing a range of experiences. Highlights include Gab Hershman’s bittersweet vacation where she discovered her pregnancy (best) but also faced an exploding electric stove (worst), only to find a silver lining in a fun pizza place. Chesney shares her dreamy Hawaii honeymoon as her best trip, contrasted by a painful childhood beach trip ruined by a foot-long splinter. Tamara Bergamasco recalls a family trip to Puerto Rico where lost car keys in a rainforest led to a memorable zipline adventure, while Robert Greene celebrates his daughter’s wedding in Sweden but laments a sweltering bed-and-breakfast stay without power.
The guys also reflect on their own vacation memories. One host vividly describes the emotional weight of dropping his son off at college orientation, a poignant moment of pride and transition. Another recounts a disastrous family vacation with a sick infant and a sunscreen allergy, while a third celebrates a vow renewal on the beach as a cherished milestone. The episode wraps up with Dan Leppold’s inspiring perspective, viewing every vacation challenge as an opportunity to embrace a positive attitude, paired with his jaw-dropping list of adventures like playing with lava in Hawaii and exploring Machu Picchu.
Throughout, the guys weave humor and empathy, from joking about ancient Rome’s fall to salmonella to mourning vacation mishaps like car troubles and mandatory evacuations. They invite listeners to share their own best and worst vacation stories, emphasizing the privilege of getting away, whether it’s a far-flung trip or a staycation.
Join the Lunchtime in Rome community at lunchtimeinrome.com to take their relational needs questionnaire and follow along on social media. The podcast takes a break next week but returns on July 2nd for episode 289. Whether your vacation is a triumph or a trial, the guys are ready to celebrate or commiserate with you!
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