How'd You Meet

In this season finale of The How’d You Meet Podcast, Lauren sits down with Ashley Couchman to hear the story of how she met her husband, Toby. A story that began on the very first day of a brand new church.Toby had just moved from Queensland to help plant the church, while Ash and her family had been searching for a church home for over two years. When they both arrived at that very first service, neither of them could have known what would eventually unfold.After building a strong foundation of friendship, their relationship grew over time into something deeper. From Toby moving in with Ash’s grandparents, to a surprise proposal during a girls’ trip in Tasmania, their story is filled with unexpected moments and thoughtful intention.Together, we talk about timing, friendship, navigating anxiety, and what it looks like to build a relationship grounded in faith and community.Ash is a morning announcer on The Light Melbourne and host of the Everyday Joy podcast, and she brings both warmth and wisdom to this conversation.This episode is a meaningful and fitting close to Season One, a reminder that God’s timing is intentional, and that some of the most significant stories begin in the most unexpected ways.The Everyday Joy podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4MSYSYzpptL6wTruTeKp?si=e7ca0404b0d0459bAshley's Instagram: @ashcouchmanIf you have a love story you want to share, please email: howdyoumeetpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the How’d You Meet Podcast, Lauren sits down with Jess and Jared McGaffin to hear the story of how they met, a story that began long before they ever started dating.Jess and Jared first met as children at school and grew up in the same church community, their lives quietly intersecting over the years. During that time, Jess felt a strong sense from the Lord that Jared would one day be her husband, a moment that would take years to unfold.After many years of knowing each other but not being close, the two connected on a night out clubbing, and what followed was the beginning of a relationship built on intentionality, patience, and deep care for one another. From long skateboard rides just to spend time together, to choosing not to say “I love you” until the moment of the proposal, their story is both unique and deeply meaningful.Together, we talk about timing, trust, and what it looks like to build a relationship with purpose and conviction.Jess and Jared’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes God’s plans unfold over time, and often in ways we don’t expect.

In this episode of The How’d You Meet Podcast, Lauren sits down with blogger and photographer from Moments to Rest and operations manager at Life FM Adelaide, Lorrene McClymont, to hear the story of how she met her husband, Owen.Long before dating apps were common, Lorrene and Owen connected through online dating nearly 20 years ago. Living in different states and both navigating life after previous marriages with children, they decided to take a leap of faith and meet halfway between their homes, in the middle of nowhere, without telling anyone.What followed was the beginning of a relationship built on courage, honesty, and a willingness to trust God with the unknown. In a remarkable moment of timing, Lorrene’s mum felt prompted by God with the word “Boaz,” believing a godly man was about to enter Lorrene’s life, without knowing Lorrene had just connected with Owen.Together, we talk about second chances at love, blending families, and what it looks like to pursue a healthy, faith-filled relationship later in life. Lorrene’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected beginnings lead to the most meaningful love stories.Lorrene's Blog Moments To Rest: https://momentstorestblog.com/

In this episode of The How’d You Meet Podcast, Lauren sits down with her grandpa Brian to hear the story of how he met his late wife Kathy.What began with a young man arriving in a small town and meeting the local grocer soon grew into a love story spanning more than 60 years. From swooping in to offer her a ride home to Kathy telling Brian he would have to come to church if he wanted to take her on a date, their relationship grew through faith, perseverance, and a shared commitment to building a life together.Brian reflects on moving across the world at just 17 years old, meeting Kathy as a young adult, and how their relationship deepened during their courtship as faith became an important part of their lives.Since recording this conversation in 2024, Brian’s health declined, and he passed away in 2025. This episode is shared in loving memory of Brian and Kathy Francis, and is a treasured recording for Lauren and her family.

In this episode of The How’d You Meet Podcast, I’m joined by Brett and Kate Ryan, Ministry Spokespersons and Content Creators for Focus on the Family Australia, as they share the story of how they met.It all started at a birthday party. What followed? A hug coupon, Love letters left on a windscreen, and a Valentine’s Day proposal In this conversation, we talk about the red flags that weren’t automatic deal breakers, what it looks like to sit down and have the hard conversations, and why building a healthy relationship with your in-laws is part of building a strong foundation for marriage.It’s romantic, yes, but it’s also grounded in discernment, communication, and choosing love intentionally.If you want a relationship that honours God and is built to last long after the wedding day, this one is for you.Brett and Kate Ryan serve with Focus on the Family Australia, equipping families and strengthening marriages across the nation.You can find out more about their ministry here: https://families.org.au/

In this episode of The How’d You Meet Podcast, I’m joined by author Kathy Pitman, who shares the beautiful and unexpected story of how she met her husband, Alistair. A journey that began through a book and continued in a school carpark and with six teens in tow.Kathy opens up about finding love again, marrying for a second time, and navigating the joys and challenges of blending a family. Together, we talk honestly about faith, healing, and what it looks like to build a healthy, God-centred marriage after loss and change.This conversation is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement for anyone considering marriage, dating with intention, or trusting God with their future love story.Kathy is the author of My Story, My Song: A Collection of Devotions to Offer Comfort and Hope to the Brokenhearted, and her story is a powerful reminder that God is always at work, even in the most unexpected places.Kathy's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Story-Song-collection-devotions-brokenhearted-ebook/dp/B096T6RRHFor find her on Instagram: @kathy.pitto

A New Podcast for Hopeful Romantics, hosted by Lauren Francis. This is your first taste of How'd You Meet. Subscribe now, first episode dropping soon!