This is a good one. I've known Kristen since we were roommates together during our study abroad in Turin, Italy back in 2005 (we were just wee babes of 20 years old!). Scott, her boyfriend at the time and now husband, came to visit, and we've all been in each other's lives these past 20+ years. (Scroll on for photos!)

I recently had the honor of hosting each of them, separately, on the podcast, because Kristen's life changed in one magical sip of wine while we were living in Italy, and she tells the story of how she created an entire career out of that on the show.

And Scott's life (and his family's and pretty much his entire orbit) changed massively just over a year ago when he was paralyzed in a surfing accident. He's now a walking quadriplegic (did you even know that exists?) and his outlook on life is... WOW. From living a life of constant travel in the Air Force, to finally settling down in Southern California with his family, to the major plot twist of his surf accident, Scott shares all the stories and wisdom.

Here's the kicker: a smile saved his life. Seriously.

"Of all the things I’ve learned… effort and attitude… embracing failure… if there’s one thing I want someone to know, it’s the power of a smile. Being kind to your fellow human and giving them grace. You don’t know what people are going through or what day they are having. You never know what that smile will do." - Scott

Only have a minute right now? Watch this and turn your day around​

​Listen to Scott's story here​

​Watch Scott's story here​

And after you maybe shed a tear and share a smile with Scott, listen to Kristen's story here and grab a glass of wine, or an espresso because we're going to Italy. 😉

​Watch Kristen's story here​

And check out Kristen and I in Italy in 2005 compared to a couple months ago in Montana in 2026 ❤️ (we weren't even trying to recreate this photo). Below are Kristen & Scott and their family and Scott's rescuers!

Hoping this leaves you smiling,

💛 Jackie