Today we’re joined by, Ryan Wekenman as he talks about feeling like a third wheel, embracing singleness, and building strong relationships with married friends, sharing his healing journey and insights.
Introduction
Third Wheeling
Being a Blessing
Solo Travels and Dining Alone
Embracing Singleness
Ryan’s Journey and Book
Final Thought
Hey HOD fam! We’re back and super pumped for another episode in our series on navigating the single life. Today, we’re chatting with the awesome Ryan Wekenman about what it’s like being the third wheel and how to turn those awkward moments into something positive. You’re gonna want to share this one with your married or coupled-up friends to help them get where we’re coming from. Let’s dive in!
Ryan opens up about realizing his insecurities about singleness as a kid, which set him on a path of self-discovery and healing. Ryan shares a funny-but-awkward story of being a third wheel at a sushi dinner, highlighting the weirdness and assumptions people make.
We chat about how it can feel awkward being the third wheel on vacations and trips with married friends, but Ryan talks about shifting your mindset from feeling like a burden to being a blessing.
Ryan stresses the need for single folks to talk openly with married friends about wanting to be included in their lives and activities.
Kait and Ryan share their solo travel adventures and laugh about the challenges single travelers face, especially in couple-centric spots.
Ryan tells a story about dining alone at a restaurant and the introspection that comes with those moments.
We dive into the mental gymnastics of being single and how Ryan copes by jotting down notes for his book during solo meals.
Ryan shares a light-hearted story about a kid choosing a hot dog over fancy food, drawing parallels to finding joy in singleness.
Ryan talks about how his single journey inspired his book, "Single Today," and the importance of deepening your relationship with God during this season.
The hosts jokingly offer to set Ryan up, and discuss the importance of being clear and grateful when friends want to play matchmaker.
Ryan encourages everyone to find joy and embrace being single as a time to grow closer to God and prepare for whatever He has in store.
That’s it for today, HOD fam! Remember, we’re all in this together. See you next time
Ryan Wekenman is a storyteller and single pastor who passionately believes we don’t have to be married to live wholly. Ryan has a master’s degree from Talbot School of Theology. He is the co-host of two podcasts, Stories in Scripture, a show that brings the Bible to life for people all around the world, and Afterthoughts, a weekly conversation about faith, culture, and the church. Ryan is the teaching pastor of Red Rocks Austin, a young, vibrant church he helped start with two of his best friends. He lives in Austin, Texas.
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