Stay ConnectedTwo women. Two generations. Each with a mic and lots to talk about.
Hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender dive into honest, funny, and practical conversations about bridging faith with today’s cultural realities. They ask the hard questions and unpack what it looks like to bring smart living to a modern world—without losing your mind (or your sense of humor).
Expect laughter, gentle truth-telling, and the kind of advice you’d actually text a friend about
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We’re back! After what co-host Julie Bender calls “the shortest summer ever,” her and Darlene Brock catch up on life and give a preview of the great things in store as they return with new episodes of This Grit and Grace Life podcast. But the summer hiatus wasn’t all road-tripping and mountain-hiking. The team at Grit and Grace Life spruced up the website and revamped the podcast to better meet you where you are. We’ve realized that the world continues to spin out of control, but we know answers can be found. The podcast takes on a new format, where Darlene and Julie pose the questions you’re asking and answer them with practical steps to help you walk through your challenges and move forward in a world that’s ever changing. You’ll hear from some of This Grit and Grace Life’s beloved guests, like Dr. Zoe Shaw and Christy Wright, as well as a few new friends who come with experiences worth sharing. So mark your calendars and join us each Tuesday as we equip you with the tips and encouragement you need to tackle this life with—what else?—grit and grace. Brought to you by The Grit and Grace Project®. Quote of the episode: “We have seasons of life, and they’re ever changing—so we have to find new roads.” Darlene Brock Don't miss this worthwhile advice from some of your past questions: What do I do if my boyfriend didn't propose? Can I get past a betrayal in my marriage? What's the right way to discipline my toddler? https://youtu.be/FXAINPCQxfc Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
With life traveling faster than we can keep up, many of us are facing storms that threaten to take our joy, sanity, and peace. What we all need right now are wise words for women to handle this grit and grace life. We don’t need a quippy cliché or a half-hearted platitude but real practical truths to apply as needed. To offer that, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender take to the mic to share six insights on life that benefit every woman. Since they are taking a recording break for a few months, they wanted to leave you with these hard-won words of wisdom. After listening to this episode, remember that there are 161 other episodes, plus more than 1,500 articles at gritandgracelife.com to catch up on. We trust you’ll have plenty to encourage you to seize and savor each day of your summer, like we plan to. We'll be back in the fall with something new that we think you'll love as we all strive to successfully live This Grit and Grace Life! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! We also encourage you to check out Julie's show, The Julie Bender Show, wherever you stream podcasts! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw Would Jesus Unfriend You? 100 Things a Grit and Grace Woman Believes True Beauty is Found in a Woman's Strength Quote of the episode: "Tough times never last, but tough people do." Dr. Robert H. Schuller Check out this related episode: How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 075 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, may earn Grit and Grace Life a small commission.
Is social drinking just a glass of wine at dinner (the answer is yes), or can it become something else (the answer is also yes)? Current statistics show that many women find themselves in a struggle with alcohol, experiencing a significant upswing after the stress of 2020. With this knowledge in hand, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender interview Lindsey Encinias, writer for Grit and Grace, who bravely shares her battle overcoming alcoholism. In this personal story, she recounts contributing factors- her family history, the tragic loss of her father while she was a teenager, and wrestling with her identity after leaving an exciting corporate role after becoming a mom. Even though it appeared her other mom friends seemed to be day-drinking on play dates as much as she was, she found she had hit rock bottom. With no place to turn, she sought help to overcome the desire that had consumed her thoughts and plans. Lindsey’s story sheds light on a growing problem that you might be facing or know someone who is. She shares the freedom she has found on the other side of this fight. We hope that telling her story will encourage women with the same struggle; they can break free, too. Lindsey is a bracelet obsessed, cheese-loving woman, passionate about sharing her wild journey in hopes of helping other women. She is a fourth-generation Texan who cheers the loudest for Oklahoma Football. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she got back to Texas as fast as she could. She now lives in the suburbs of Dallas with her two precious children and adoring husband. Lindsey is a former corporate meeting and event planner who traveled the world with bright eyes in her twenties. She will never turn down a plane ticket or the chance to plan a party! Today, her happy place is curled up watching cooking shows or reading a good book with her little family by her side. Read more of Lindsey's story here. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love My Dad’s Suicide and the Hole in My Heart 5 Slogans From AA That Will Make Every Woman Wise Change Happens When God is in Your Addiction Recovery Raising Great Girls: How to Do the Job with Darlene Brock Quote of the episode: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill
Life ebbs and flows. Some days are filled with excitement and hope. Then there are others where you feel just plain “meh.” When the mundane feeling lingers beyond a few days, it’s time to ask yourself if you’ve become stagnant. Since we all face these emotional roadblocks, we wanted to tackle them. The first thing Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share is a simple way to determine if you’re in an actual rut. Then, if so, how to begin the battle forward, reminding you to give yourself much-needed grace as you determine why you’re feeling this way. Next, they suggest an exercise you can use today to help you get back on track. This episode is the perfect balance of “you got this” and a reminder that sometimes it’s okay to “just be” —basically, the unique blend of grit and grace for your current place. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love This Is How to Avoid Stagnation and Get More out of Life Stuck In a Rut? Here’s How to Get Some Perspective 7 Tips for Taking Life One Bite at a Time Quote of the episode: "Be bold and just be you and tap into your grit and grace" - Julie Bender Check out these related episodes: Now Is the Time for a Reset – 152 and Don’t Start the New Year Stuck in a Rut – 021
Life ebbs and flows. Some days are filled with excitement and hope. Then there are others where you feel just plain “meh.” When the mundane feeling lingers beyond a few days, it’s time to ask yourself if you’ve become stagnant. Since we all face these emotional roadblocks, we wanted to tackle them. The first thing Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share is a simple way to determine if you’re in an actual rut. Then, if so, how to begin the battle forward, reminding you to give yourself much-needed grace as you determine why you’re feeling this way. Next, they suggest an exercise you can use today to help you get back on track. This episode is the perfect balance of “you got this” and a reminder that sometimes it’s okay to “just be” —basically, the unique blend of grit and grace for your current place. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love This Is How to Avoid Stagnation and Get More out of Life Stuck In a Rut? Here’s How to Get Some Perspective 7 Tips for Taking Life One Bite at a Time Quote of the episode: "Be bold and just be you and tap into your grit and grace" - Julie Bender Check out these related episodes: Now Is the Time for a Reset – 152 and Don’t Start the New Year Stuck in a Rut – 021
Do other people’s opinions affect how you feel about yourself? Often find yourself trying to please others, hoping they will see you as you want to be seen? If so, you’ll appreciate this episode. Darlene Brock and Julie Bender interview Cherlyn Decker—a speaker, writer, and coach who has helped hundreds of women turn their struggles into a source of strength. They discuss everyday battles many women face: people pleasing, mom guilt, and obsessing over what others think of them. Cheryln shares practical tools that can help you turn from these harmful habits, encouraging you to look back on past life experiences for how they “stack” on each other to help you build your confidence. Cherlyn Decker is a speaker, writer, and coach who has helped hundreds of women turn their struggles into a source of strength. Cherlyn believes that it’s only when we face our challenges that we can take back control and triumph over them. When Cherlyn isn’t busy helping women, she loves spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters at their home near Denver. Most weekends she can be found loudly cheering at her daughter’s volleyball game or curled up on the couch with a blanket, a book, and a cup of tea. Learn more about her on her site, or follow her on Instagram and Twitter! You can get her book ROAR Back: Transforming Struggle Into Strength here. Cherlyn suggested the app/tool "AnyList." Check it out here! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Now Is the Time to Ignite Your Confidence Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Stop Being a People-Pleaser To the Working Mom Struggling With Guilt Quote of the Episode: "A strong woman won't be held back by people-pleasing.” - Cheryln Decker Check out these episodes we mentioned: Stop the Mommy Wars: Every Mom is Doing Something Right – 017 and
Do other people’s opinions affect how you feel about yourself? Often find yourself trying to please others, hoping they will see you as you want to be seen? If so, you’ll appreciate this episode. Darlene Brock and Julie Bender interview Cherlyn Decker—a speaker, writer, and coach who has helped hundreds of women turn their struggles into a source of strength. They discuss everyday battles many women face: people pleasing, mom guilt, and obsessing over what others think of them. Cheryln shares practical tools that can help you turn from these harmful habits, encouraging you to look back on past life experiences for how they “stack” on each other to help you build your confidence. Cherlyn Decker is a speaker, writer, and coach who has helped hundreds of women turn their struggles into a source of strength. Cherlyn believes that it’s only when we face our challenges that we can take back control and triumph over them. When Cherlyn isn’t busy helping women, she loves spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters at their home near Denver. Most weekends she can be found loudly cheering at her daughter’s volleyball game or curled up on the couch with a blanket, a book, and a cup of tea. Learn more about her on her site, or follow her on Instagram and Twitter! You can get her book ROAR Back: Transforming Struggle Into Strength here. Cherlyn suggested the app/tool "AnyList." Check it out here! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Now Is the Time to Ignite Your Confidence Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Stop Being a People-Pleaser To the Working Mom Struggling With Guilt Quote of the Episode: "A strong woman won't be held back by people-pleasing.” - Cheryln Decker Check out these episodes we mentioned: Stop the Mommy Wars: Every Mom is Doing Something Right – 017 and
The job of "mom" can be tough! A mother nurtures, disciplines, clothes, feeds and does her very best to protect, all while balancing many more jobs both in and out of the house. With each day abundantly filled, do you find it challenging to invest enough time in building the strong relationship with your kids that you desire? Mom, you are not alone! In this episode, we give five ways every mom can build that relationship at any stage of their kids' lives. We share things you can do to develop their character while making treasured and lasting memories. Darlene (mom of adult daughters, Nonie to two, with a published parenting book) and Julie Bender (former single boymom, now considering another child with her new husband) talk through what it takes. You can achieve this sometimes overwhelming but not impossible goal: creating strong relationships as you raise great kids. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 8 Things Moms Should Say to Raise Strong Kids To the Mom Who Feels Like It Never Ends Stepmother: The Most Difficult Job in a Family 10 Simple Things You Can Do to Raise Quality Kids Mom, You Know When Your Kid Needs a Win Ask Dr. Zoe – How Can I Parent Positively When My Kids Drive Me Crazy? Raising Great Girls: How to Do the Job with Darlene Brock Quote of the episode: "It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” - Ann Landers Check out these episodes we mentioned: Real Advice Any Grit and Grace Mom Can Use Now – 134 and These Strategies Will Help You Raise Great Kids – 063 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, Grit and Grace Life may earn a small commission.
The job of "mom" can be tough! A mother nurtures, disciplines, clothes, feeds and does her very best to protect, all while balancing many more jobs both in and out of the house. With each day abundantly filled, do you find it challenging to invest enough time in building the strong relationship with your kids that you desire? Mom, you are not alone! In this episode, we give five ways every mom can build that relationship at any stage of their kids' lives. We share things you can do to develop their character while making treasured and lasting memories. Darlene (mom of adult daughters, Nonie to two, with a published parenting book) and Julie Bender (former single boymom, now considering another child with her new husband) talk through what it takes. You can achieve this sometimes overwhelming but not impossible goal: creating strong relationships as you raise great kids. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 8 Things Moms Should Say to Raise Strong Kids To the Mom Who Feels Like It Never Ends Stepmother: The Most Difficult Job in a Family 10 Simple Things You Can Do to Raise Quality Kids Mom, You Know When Your Kid Needs a Win Ask Dr. Zoe – How Can I Parent Positively When My Kids Drive Me Crazy? Raising Great Girls: How to Do the Job with Darlene Brock Quote of the episode: "It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” - Ann Landers Check out these episodes we mentioned: Real Advice Any Grit and Grace Mom Can Use Now – 134 and These Strategies Will Help You Raise Great Kids – 063 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, Grit and Grace Life may earn a small commission.
It can be tough to heal from trauma and pain from abuse in your past. It becomes even more challenging when you've kept it to yourself for years, hiding it from others. Author, speaker, and coach, Jill Monaco, has lived this life story and joins Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to share her experience with sexual abuse at the hands of church leaders. She offers hope as she walks us through her road to healing. This honest discussion will help you know how to spot signs of abuse (some are clear, others more subtle) and what to say (and not say) to someone in this heartbreaking scenario. Abuse may be a part of your life story, or maybe you're listening to better understand those around you so that you can provide them with grace. No matter what your past looks like, this episode will bring more compassion and empathy and offer hope. This is a hope-filled must-listen for so many reasons. Jill Monaco is the founder and CEO of Jill Monaco Ministries. She is a speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author who developed Freedom Coaching®, a model that blends hearing God, prayer, and coaching tools. Her first book The Freedom Coach Model® went to #1 on the Amazon best seller list. She also serves singles by publishing the online magazine, SingleMatters.com and the program From Looking To Loving: Find the Breakthrough You Need So You Can Have The Relationship You Want. Purchase her book Freedom Coach Model Get the Overcoming Audio Series and Workbook Listen to her podcast In the episode, Jill mentioned two books for healing from past abuse and trauma: Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse and The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Overcoming Shame from Abuse in a Grit and Grace Life A Fake Smile Will Not Cure Depression, So Do This Instead Ask Dr. Zoe – How To Interact With a Narcissist Quote of the episode: "Some people see scars, and it is wounding they remember. To me they are proof of the fact that there is healing.” -Linda Hogan Check out these episodes we mentioned: What Are the Unexpected Gifts of Depression?
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