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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Moms, are you stressed? Do you find yourself worrying about almost everything? The right food, the growth chart percentile, the best school, grades, their behavior, screen time, and that discipline subject—terrifying. What is even more stressful is worrying about what other moms think about our decisions. It’s exhausting. It’s time to go back to the basics and remember what matters! Cross-generational friends and moms, Darlene Brock (mom of two grown daughters and Nonie to two grandkids) and Julie Graham (single, widowed boymom), discuss the things that do matter, what we should spend our energy on, and what we can let go of—now. Rest easy, moms. You do have what it takes to mother with both grit and grace! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Running on Empty, Mom? Running on empty, who is going to fill MY tank? I love being a woman, a Mommy, a business woman, Read more Your Bad Kid Doesn’t Make You a Bad Mom You have just received your first phone call, the one every mother dreads and hopes to never have to Read more A Little Encouragement When Motherhood is Disappointing Wait. Is this taboo? Can I talk about when this joyous thing called parenting is disappointing? Whether you have Read more Dear SAHM: I See You and Want You to Know These 8 Things Dear Stay-at-Home Mom, If you had told me 10 years ago that I would end up being a stay-at-home mom Read more 5 Quotes That Will Encourage You, Working (Super) Mom Working moms do it all—but it’s hard! The struggle to find work and life balance is real, but in the Read more This is Why I Don’t Have Just One Parenting Style Just because I videoed my son jumping off the roof onto the trampoline before I made him stop does Read more Who’s the Boss? 5 Ways You Need to Be the Authority Whether you have a two-year-old or a 10-year-old there are some days you may wonder who is in charge.
Every woman’s story is unique. So is the road she's traveled while discovering her inner strength, her grit, and her grace. We don’t always tell these stories, perhaps the hurt is still present or we fear what others may think. But sharing is what often encourages others and offers hope to them when they, too, find themselves in hard places. That is why, this week, our bubbly, quit-witted co-host, Julie Graham, shares the full story of one part of her life. You’ve heard a bit of her traumatic childhood and the unexpected passing of her husband. But this week she goes deeper, telling of the heartbreak and hurt she experienced during her marriage and how she’s rediscovered herself as healing came. Her mentor and co-host, Darlene Brock, beautifully walks her through these hard conversations, as she did when they happened real-time. As Julie often says, her life is proof that nothing is outside of the grace of a personal God; he will always give you the grit you need to not only endure but to flourish. We invite you to listen to her story and to her heart. Our desire is as you do, you will find the strength that you need, looking toward your time of healing and believing it will come. If you know someone who needs to hear this story, one of heartbreak and hope, please share. It is our prayer that together we can learn to live out each day with both grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story We all have stories. We’ve lived our varied lives, and while some details may overlap, our stories are specific to Read more Posttraumatic Growth: Finding Meaning in the Pain Posttraumatic Growth sounds like an oxymoron; growth after trauma. But after talking with some childhood
This Grit and Grace Life is 100 strong this week! To celebrate, we are chatting about the most important topic: what makes you a strong woman! You are a one-of-a-kind woman with a personality, talents, and life experiences that no one else has. On this episode, cross-generational co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham share 10 truths that will remind you how to be a tenacious-yet-gentle woman, full of grit + grace. Struggling with self-doubt? We have an answer for that. Want to make sure that life challenges don’t defeat or define you? We can help. Do you find your value from what you do or who you are? We chat about that, too. Listen in as we celebrate this 100th episode milestone, and let’s continue on the road to becoming stronger women, doing this grit + grace life together. 10 truths for your grit and grace life: 1. Don't believe everything you hear. 2. Everything is figureoutable. 3. Strong women respect men. 4. Laughter is the best medicine. 5. Moms don't have to be perfect. 6. You don't need a man to be strong. 7. Just because she’s pretty doesn’t mean you’re not. 8. Nobody's house is clean. 9. A strong woman knows when to quit, and that’s not failing. 10. Nobody's too far gone for the grace of God. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 3 Ways Positive Self-Talk Can Improve Your Life Relationships are a gift. They challenge us to think outside of our own perspective and expand our ideas about the world. Many would report that relationships make life more enjoyable as they share life’s important milestones and the sweet Read more How to Have Your Own Coffee + Bible Time If you follow me on social media (you should, by the way) you likely see me post on Facebook most mornings (not every day—no perfection here!) that I’m enjoying “C&B” or Read more How to Read Your Bible: For Beginners On the day that America celebrates freedom, I was handcuffed with the diagnosis of Alopecia Areata (a stress-induced autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss). You’d think that finding two bald spots the size of baseballs on my scalp would Read more A Little Encouragement When Motherhood is Disappointing Wait. Is this taboo? Can I talk about when this joyous thing called parenting is disappointing? Whether you have a newborn who is screaming all night or a 40-year-old adult child living downstairs, there comes a point (well, many of Read more When a Strong Woman Is Quitting, But Not Failing
Darlene and Julie are ramping back up. With summer behind us, it’s time to go full steam ahead with new episodes. But to get ready, they spent a little time chatting about their favorite ones that might help all of us get back into our regular routines—balancing family, friendships, work, hobbies, your health, and even self-care. If you’re feeling a little off, we know this is a great way to give yourself a restart; it was for us. You will get tips from real women facing the same struggles you are. Listen on your commute to work, in the car line, while running errands, or during a workout. Pick and choose from the links to each show below, and share one with a friend you know could use the encouragement! And join us next week as we celebrate—our 100th episode! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Have you heard our first episode? If not, start here! What is a Grit and Grace Life? – 001 Do you need help processing your feelings in a healthy way? How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 075 Do you want to recommit to your health and fitness? Not sure how to balance that with a busy life? On Business, Happiness & Health with Burn Boot Camp’s Morgan Kline – 065 Were you too busy to pursue your faith this summer? Does that leave you feeling guilty or unworthy? Are You the Proverbs 31 Woman? Should You Be? – 092 Are you trying to decide if a friendship is unhealthy? When Is a Friendship Unhealthy and What Do You Do? – 081 Are you thinking about chasing a dream? Not sure of your voice? How to Find Your Own Voice, With JJ Heller – 085 Have you been interested in dating? Curious what it's like for your friends who are? What Today’s Dating Scene is Really Like – 094 Does it seem like you're facing obstacles you can't overcome? Overcome These 5 Struggles and Live a Grit + Grace Life – 088 Do you wonder if you can be a strong woman who is independent, too? Miss Independent: Can You Be Healthy, Strong and Dependent? – 047 Next week we'll pick back up with weekly episodes and our 100th episode celebration! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Are You Grumpy or Just Neglecting Yourself? I’m a moody person. I’ll admit that. But often, when I feel grumpy, depressed, irritable or anxious, I find Read more
Think you have nothing in common with the guitar slaying, multi-platinum, international touring artist Korey Cooper from the band Skillet? She joins Darlene and Julie for a candid conversation where you may be surprised that in reality, you do! She’s wife to band’s front-man John, a mother to two teenagers, and working in a man’s world as a performer, songwriter, and producer. The women discuss subjects we all deal with—insecurity, parenting, faith, relationships, and respect between genders. Ultimately Korey is right there with the rest of us, finding the grit and grace to be exactly who she's meant to be. This conversation is an honest chat that every strong woman will enjoy. Listen now, and be sure to check out Skillet’s newest album, Victorious, wherever you get your tunes. You can find out more about Korey Cooper and the new album Victorious by visiting Skillet's site. You can follow Korey on Instagram and Twitter and follow Skillet on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, too! Don't miss our episode with Jen Ledger, the drummer from Skillet who Korey mentioned on the episode! She joined us on episode 044 Skillet’s Jen Ledger Shares Her Faith, Her Fear and Her Strength – 044. You can follow Jen Ledger by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love This Is What Jesus Says About Equality for Women Religion has often been used as an excuse for inequality between men and women. Historically, and even today within many world religions, women find themselves restricted in what they are allowed: in their appearance, their behavior, and of course Read more Skillet’s Korey Cooper Talks About Marriage, Motherhood, and Rock ‘n’ Roll A multi-platinum record-selling, international touring rock band is hardly the first place one would look to discover the formula for a great marriage. Celebrities of any type are not generally known for their ability to begin, build, and maintain
We all want to be respected by others, but we must first respect ourselves for that to happen. So, what does this look like? Women don’t always consider what our actions communicate; what we do, say, and how we carry ourselves will tell the world whether or not we believe we are worthy of respect. In this episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham discuss how we can earn respect in all areas of our everyday lives: at home, work, in our friendships and romantic relationships, and, most importantly, in our minds. A strong woman of grit and grace will remember the first thing she needs to do is respect herself. And if you don’t feel like you're there yet, we know you can get there. Start now, girl! Listen in and channel those Aretha vibes! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Do I Have to Act Like a Man to Be Successful at Work? Do you ever wonder if you will make career strides in the workplace as a woman? Is it necessary to compete Read more Here’s a Quick Way to Know If You Should Keep Dating Him “All the single ladies. All the single ladies. All the single ladies, now put your hands up!” Most of us have heard this now infamous song whether playing it on our iPod after a breakup or at a wedding Read more This Is How You Protect Your Worth, Girl Honesty is always the best policy… until you are under the fire of pressure and then it looks like the worst choice. We want to be liked. We want to fit in. We do not want to see our Read more What Does It Take to Be a Strong Woman of Grit and Grace? What defines a strong woman? Can I become strong? How do I find my purpose? Do I have to know my Read more 6 Insider Tips to Help You Ace the Interview and Get the Offer No matter where you are in your career or how long you’ve been in the Read more This Is What Jesus Says About Equality for Women Religion has often been used as an excuse for inequality between men and women. Historically, and even today within many world religions, women find themselves restricted in what they are allowed: in their appearance, their behavior,
Do you want to be a friend who doesn’t run when life gets messy? The person who stays, offering her time, support, and love—sometimes without saying a word. This life is full of ups and downs. We all have our share of challenges, and when disappointment, disaster, or disruption happens, what we need most is a grace-filled friend. Off mic, Darlene and Julie have had these conversations when people they love need them. Knowing what to do or say when a friend or a family member is facing hard things like divorce, loneliness, betrayal, addiction, job loss, grief, singleness, and even doubting their faith. In this episode, they offer practical advice on how to be that friend. Because a woman of grit and grace can handle these without judgment or criticism, offering this grace because she knows one day she may need it, too. Listen in and learn. Then, you might be the one to show up and listen to someone who needs you, ice cream in hand. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love How My Husband and I Survived My Affair “How did I get here? This can’t be happening,” these words raced across my mind as I sat in a room with our pastor and the seeming stranger I was married to. But there I was, a church-raised, young woman Read more Divorce Was Not in the Plan I have walked alongside two ladies I dearly love as they were suffering the heartbreak of divorce. Their disappointment, disbelief, and pain were palpable in every breath they breathed. I know for them this was never the intention when Read more 6 Ways to Love the Addict in Your Life My first Narcotics Anonymous meeting also happened to be my last. I was “encouraged” to attend NA with my uncle—a recovering alcoholic himself—once my folks discovered the bottles of prescription painkillers in the corner of my bathroom cabinet. I Read more When Bearing Their Burden Breaks You We all know someone carrying a burden. A friend on Facebook who recently got divorced, a friend in a bad relationship, a coworker with a wayward child, a mom friend who lost her husband. We don’t have to look Read more 5 Questions to Make the Most of Couple’s Counseling Going into a counseling session by yourself can be intimidating. The idea of opening up to someone you have never met seems to be a little scary. When you add another person to the session—especially the person you are Read more To the Christian Woman With a Crooked Past
Can depression be a gift? Is there something to be gained from those dark and hard places in life? If you or someone you love live with this battle, you’ve probably also felt the shame that seems to accompany the intense pain and feelings of hopelessness. The current estimates state that 15% of adults will experience this growing challenge—depression—at some point in their lives. With this in mind, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham interview Melissa Maimone, author of The Radiant Midnight: Depression, Grace and the Gifts of a Dark Place. Her transparency is refreshing as she shares her struggle, even admitting that for her, depression has not disappeared to become a battle of the past. She tells how she has found hope for herself and offers insights for those of us who are walking with someone who is currently in this struggle. How we can have the grit to provide them with the grace they need, not expecting them to “get just over it.” A must-listen if you find yourself in a place of depression or have someone you love with these feelings, alone and helpless in this dark place. Melissa Maimone is a speaker and author. She brings a message of messy, magnificently authentic faith with depth, humor, and astute biblical teaching. Melissa stirs women to discover a deeper relationship with God. Follow her on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Is Battling Depression Disappointing God? There is a genuine struggle being waged by many, one that can overtake the entirety of a person’s life. I’ve seen it in those I love, in friends and family members who before they mounted this battle I may Read more What Your Grieving Friend Really Wants You to Know When I first lost my mom, I had so many well-meaning friends, and relatives offer help, advice, and words of encouragement. The outpouring of support was amazing, yet a little overwhelming at the same time. Everyone meant well, and Read more Infertility Is an Interruption, but Not the End When I was a little girl, I distinctly remember playing with my baby dolls and being their “Momma.” I gave them bottles, rocked them, changed diapers, put them down for night-night, talked and sang to them… my babies even Read more My Dad’s Suicide and the Hole in My Heart
Are you dating or do you have a friend who is? If you haven’t been in the dating world for the last decade, the cultural shift that has hit will leave your head spinning. For those who are currently single, we realize you’re going to face challenges your married friends may not understand. In this episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock (happily married for several decades) and Julie Graham (widowed after 11 years of marriage to her college sweetheart....and currently dating) talk through some of the stereotypes in the dating scene. First, they discuss how to know if you’re ready to date. Then, Darlene gets Julie’s inside scoop on what it’s like to navigate the often scary online dating world. In their signature style, they take a few minutes to get personal: unpacking how to support a friend who’s looking for a partner. And these ladies cannot leave this subject without sharing how to make a list of the qualities you’re looking for in a date before you consider meeting anyone new—pulling from sage advice Julie got from Dr. Zoe Shaw. Whether you’re dating, know someone who’s dating, or haven’t had a date in 15 years, this week you’re bound to learn something new! If you're looking to make your own list of what you're looking for in a potential date, feel free to pull from Julie's top 5: 1) Loves Jesus 2) Has integrity and is well spoken of 3) Emotionally Supportive 4) Common interests and chemistry 5) Supports my goals/dreams and wants to see me succeed Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love When Will I Be Ready to Date After My Husband’s Death? When my husband passed away suddenly, I knew fairly quickly I would want to date again. For some, that might seem odd. You see, I love marriage. So much so that I even began an online community for wives (and Read more 5 Guys to Avoid (That Your Mother Warned You About) Navigating the dating world at any age is difficult. We come into our own as teenagers, when many of us experience the first taste of what it is to go on a date. Perhaps your parents pick your date Read more Here’s a Quick Way to Know If You Should Keep Dating Him “All the single ladies. All the single ladies. All the single ladies, now put your hands up!” Most of us have heard this now infamous song whether playing it on our iPod after a breakup or at a wedding Read more Should You Ask Him Out? Alright, ladies, let’s tackle one of the biggest questions in our minds when we’re interested in a guy: Should we ask him out? He’s really handsome, funny, you enjoy hanging out with him, and you want to take it
Many men can be a father, but a dad, that’s so much more. He holds a special place in a child’s life—a different one than mom, and that’s a good thing. When daddy does things his way, our kids are better for it. But, what is it that makes a good dad?
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