Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska

Posted on by Wynne Leon

It seems like the vein of stories about dates that didn’t go well is as wide as it is deep, and usually worth a giggle. I remember a good friend telling me the story about a date who showed up to pick her up for dinner with a Big Head Barbie affixed to his hood ornament. As she tried to puzzle out what this said for his value system or sense of humor, she was then stunned when they parked at a restaurant, he removed Big Head Barbie, and then stowed her away in a sack so she wouldn’t get stolen. She might not have fully pieced together the symbolism of Big Head Barbie but she quickly figured out that it was more drama than she was willing to sign up for.

Knowing from Mark Petruska’s hilarious and entertaining post, Purple Trans Ams, White Lies & Green Cards, that he had some good dating misadventures to mine, Vicki and I were able to get him to come back on the podcast to talk about love lessons.

Mark has us laughing about all the things that can go wrong when we put ourselves out there. And how that sometimes leaves us looking for the nearest exit.

We dig into a few of his funny dating stories to find the secret behind staying resilient on the trail to true love. And Mark treats us to the key that led him to Tara.

As I shared a couple of my own misadventures as well as my own ambivalence about dating that I have these days, Mark reminds me that being on the fence is not where dreams are found.

Which leads us to the wonderful conclusion of this delightful episode where Mark shares some of his love advice that both rings true and is so well-said. And then we get Vicki, who just celebrated her 42nd wedding anniversary, to chime in with the secret she’s found for relationships.

This is a great episode about how misadventure leads us to love. I know you’ll love it. And another thing I know you’ll love is our catchy new podcast music composed for us by the exquisitely talented Jack Canfora and Rob Koenig. I hope you give it a listen!

Episode 135: This Sea Within with Deborah Brasket – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with novelist Deborah Brasket about her new book, This Sea Within, a sweeping historical novel that blends political intrigue, love,coming-of-age, and spiritual longing. Deborah shares how her world travels, deep research, and personal reflections shaped a story rich with danger, beauty, and purpose. Together, they explore the connection between the sensualand the spiritual, the power of story to illuminate history, and what it means to be called by something greater than yourself. If you love thoughtful conversations about books, creativity, courage, and the deeper currents that move our lives, this episode is for you.Links for this episode:When Things Go Missing, A Novel – Amazon,Bookshop, Barnes & Noble This Sea Within – Pre-order on Amazon Author Website and BlogSubstack NewsletterInstagramFrom the hosts:Vicki’s new book – a ghost story, Slivers. Her book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne's blog: Surprised by Joy and podcast: The Life of Try
  1. Episode 135: This Sea Within with Deborah Brasket
  2. Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka
  3. Episode 133: Shadow of the Deceiver with Dr. Wayne Runde
  4. Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec
  5. Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska

Links for this Episode:

Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska on Anchor

Mark’s Blog: Mark My Words

⁠No Time for Kings⁠ by Mark Petruska – a fantastic eco-thriller!

21 thoughts on “Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska”

  2. What a relatable conversation. Who hasn’t had a purple Trans Am date before? I’m with Mark about smoking being one of my instant turnoffs, especially if someone isn’t forthcoming about that. Though happily married for 37 years, I agree with much of the advice doled out. Don’t be on the fence or be afraid to dust ourselves off and try again. That same advice should apply to other areas besides our love lives. A key to a successful relationship, in my opinion, is you must be good together while also having your separate interests. I would never ask my wife to give up something that’s important to her, and I know she wouldn’t of me. My wife and I also haven’t stopped laughing together since day one, and laughter makes everything better.

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    2. I love your comment about laughter making everything better. Yes! And I love your relationship advice about being good together and having separate interests. So good.

      As is your rhetorical question – who hasn’t had a purple trans am date before. So good! Thanks, Pete!

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  5. I keep forgetting to comment specifically about the beautiful music Jack and Rob created…composed…performed for us. It’s magical and uplifting. Please extend our gratitude – over and over again, Wynne – to them for their generosity and talent. 🥰🥰🥰

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