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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Easter is packed with overflowing baskets, Easter egg hunts, and fashionable attire, yet this day is so much more. We don’t want to let the fun activities become the essence of this holiday. If we do, we’re missing it. Taking a few moments to reflect on “the big day” of their faith, Darlene and Julie share personal thoughts, what it means to each of them and the hope this day can provide for all. And yes, they do throw in their favorite Easter traditions, too! You might want to review some of the passages we discussed on your own. Check out Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 21:4 Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love What Is the Best Love Story Ever Told? I sit this morning, alone, watching as the sun crests the peak of my home. It is quiet, with a waterfall in the background and nature sounds playing their melody. I ponder the gravity of this season. It is Read more My Dad’s Suicide and the Hole in My Heart I knew my father was having a difficult time in life. It was so very unlike this man whose smile warmed the hearts of perfect strangers to see that smile so infrequently. But at the age of 50, having Read more Chutes and Ladders—Are You Trying to Work Your Way to God? The delightful game of Candy Land has brought about many award winning meltdowns in our home including (but not limited to) boards being slung across the room, people body slammed to floor, and other bizarre behaviors that Read more We mentioned Darlene's three-part faith series, click the image to read each of the three articles. Quote of the episode: "'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4 If you want to ask any questions, be sure to email podcast@thegritandgraceproejct.org or find us individually: Darlene here, or Julie here. Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram
Are you afraid your teen may be out of control? Or, is their behavior typical teenage boundary-pushing? When do you know that enough is enough and things have to change? These questions often consume the mind of a mom with a pre-teen or teenager. To determine when to draw a line, Darlene and Julie brought back our trusted friend and Licensed Therapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw. This family therapist of 16 years discusses when you need to give your teen room to make mistakes to learn from them, or how to recognize that the time has come to step in and intervene. If you have a teen (or will one-day), this must listen to episode is filled with the answers you need. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Julie encouraged you to go back and make sure you listen to the last episode with Dr. Zoe, When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship With Your Man (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) – 024 and you'll also really benefit from another episode where teens are the focus, Sneaky Teen Texting Trends You Need to Know About – 006. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Sneaky Teen Texting Trends You Need to Know About If you are raising a teen or a soon to be teen, or if you simply have a human in your life who’s in the middle of those challenging years—a nephew, niece, or the child of a friend—there are Read more Advice on Technology Safety for Kids From a Licensed Psychologist When it comes to technology in the hands of your children, what’s safe? What isn’t? Navigating this world with kids is so difficult. As a mom, I want to protect my children from the evil Read more 6 Ways to Help Someone With an Eating Disorder Recover A year ago, I had a traumatic experience that triggered a sharp turn in my emotional health. Eventually, this warped into a vicious battle with anorexia—and as anyone who suffers from an eating disorder knows, they come with a
Looking for a friend, or even better, a really good one? We need people who will love us throughout the highs and lows of our lives, encouraging us when we're strong, carrying us when we're weak. What kind of friend do you want to be? What kind of qualities make a friendship meaningful and strong? Darlene and Julie, girlfriends who cross generational lines, talk about relationships they cherish and why, and practical ways you can be this kind of friend. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Once you're done with this episode, you'll want to go back and listen to Grit, Grace & Girlfriends: How to Make Healthy Relationships – 003. You'll find the list of the qualities discussed in this episode detailed in the first article link below! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 9 Qualities You Need in a Good Friend I drove upstate to visit my best friend from college this past weekend because she just had her first baby. I couldn’t help but ponder the milestones we’ve shared: graduations, weddings, fur-babies, careers, buying and selling homes, and now…motherhood! Read more Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life Healthy personal boundaries are the key to healthy relationships. Without them, healthy relationships are impossible. Yes, you heard that right. Impossible. That is because boundaries provide a necessary and very important distinction between yourself and Read more Self-Care: What to Do When It Feels Like Another Commitment A few different approaches can be taken when it comes to self-care. I’ve probably read two dozen articles titled something along the lines of “10 Tips to Prioritize Self-Care,” and while they’re always super helpful, I actually find myself Read more Learning to Love Your Single Self “Hi Mommy. How’s life? You have a boyfriend yet?” I had just picked up my 9-year-old daughter from school. It was a rare moment that just the two of us were in the car together, and after she plopped down 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.
How can a woman lead in every area of her life? Do you feel like you make an impact? Is leadership only for the workplace? We know that all women have influence in every area of their life, so we brought in Author, Leadership Expert, and CEO Jenni Catron. From the day she got her first job (her boss was none other than your co-host Darlene Brock), Jenni has proven that she has the formula for leadership... Darlene and Julie interview her about the six characteristics you may not even know you have that make you strong. A must-listen episode for strong women, and those who want to be. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. You can follow Jenni by visiting her site or finding her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. You can also purchase her book The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love The 6 Qualities That Make a Female Leader Strong It is no surprise that “strong” is a word we use to describe women who have risen to positions of leadership. Males and females alike recognize that women in positions of power must be strong in order to survive Read more Stuck in a Bad Work Culture? 6 Ways to Make it Better Several years ago I left a job I loved with a team of people that I adored to pursue an opportunity that looked like an amazing next step for me. The new role would stretch me and I was Read more 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 Put on Your Big Girl Panties and Get to Work (On Yourself) I go through the same struggles as everybody else; personal battles of love, life, loss, and lessons… Heartbreaks and disappointments that the average female faces at least once or twice (or 122,039,482 times).
Are you like Julie, a card-carrying extrovert or a completely comfortable introvert? Maybe you’re a bit like Darlene, the self-diagnosed extroverted-introvert? Not sure where you land, introvert or extrovert? Consider taking this test from Psychology Today! Probably like most of us, when it comes to these labels we just feel lost. This week we’re talking about how each trait is different, the pros and cons of both, and ways to interact with every personality in your life. We’re also sharing some funny conversation starters that will have you rolling. Here are a few of the conversation starters we discussed that would be perfect to use at a party: "What would you do with an extra $1,000?" "Toilet paper, over or under?" "In 40 years what will people be nostalgic for?" "Would you rather never be stuck in traffic or never get another cold?" And as promised, here are a few we didn't share on the show: "Is a hotdog a sandwich?" "Would you rather have a live-in massage therapist or a live-in chef?" Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Rules for the Introvert Vs. Extrovert Fight This is the post in which I am the grumbling Israelites and my husband, Bill, is Moses. Not because I’m especially humble, but it’s just that this phrase in the Old Testament stood out to me Read more What Being Best Friends With an Introvert Has Taught Me The exact moment after I discovered I had an opportunity to write for The Grit and Grace Project, I did what most excited women do right before posting a status on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter… I called my Read more Dwelling on Your Mistakes? Stop it, Give Yourself Grace! I own a few TV series on DVD, but one of my favorite extras included with these boxed sets is the blooper reel. I love to see the candid clips of actors messing up their lines, playing pranks on each Read more When Her Yes Feels Like Your No Her post stared at me like a reflection in the mirror. She was up there sharing a message I could give, to thousands of her followers, and I had a front row seat for what could’ve… even Read more It’s OK to Be Assertive and Make Decisions Have you ever been in a group of friends that is too nice? You know the scene: you’re all trying to decide what to do, but everyone keeps asking, “Well what do you want to do? What do you
There are days we love remembering wonderful moments that have passed. But there are other times the past invades our lives, affecting how we live and react today. We find our grit and grace when discovering how to determine our future while learning powerful lessons from our past. In this episode Darlene takes a little time to talk to Julie about a past that could have determined the course of Julie’s life but did not. You may have come to relate to our outspoken, bubbly and transparent co-host, but what you may not know is some of the hardship she's had to overcome. Listen in and see if you can't learn to leave some of your past behind you, too. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Julie encouraged you to go back and make sure you listen to our recent episode on optimism; The Benefits of Optimism in the Grit and Grace Life – 025. We would also suggest you go listen to the next part of her story in Julie Graham’s Untold Story of Heartbreak, Healing and Hope – 101. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Overcoming Shame in the Grit and Grace Life If you were a victim of child abuse or neglect like me, you very likely have experienced or do experience some level of shame. In my case, it plagued me for many years, yet I had no idea what Read more When You’re Desperate to Know the Reason for Your Pain Friends. I write this with a very heavy heart. Pain. Confusion. Rejection. I want to talk about all of that today. I am not here to make light of any situation. I am not here to try to bring Read more There Is Hope and Healing for the Fatherless I was about 11 years old when I realized my dad didn’t love me. I remember praying and telling God, “You need to be my Father. You need to be my dad. If I don’t have a dad, I’m Read more This Is a Window Into My Widowhood I remember getting the call. “Paul has had an accident and it’s not good. We need to get over there.” It was his dad delivering the news, and we needed to travel an hour and a half to learn Read more Is Your Anger Holding You Hostage? Freedom Can Be Found The assault stole more than my innocence: it also taught me how to withhold forgiveness. As time marched on, that single event began to chisel away at my soul, leaving
Are you a Valentine’s Day lover or hater? Can’t wait for the presents even if you may think it’s over-commercialized (what holiday isn’t?). Or does it trigger feelings of loneliness, an unnecessary reminder for those who are single (enter Galentine’s Day - our new fave)? Whether you plan to celebrate or not, Darlene and Julie spend a little bit of time to find the good in this day of love. Offering a fresh take on gifts to give and get, dates to enjoy with lovers (or your gal-pals) and of course, a little girl talk that might sound straight-up TMI. Here’s to a Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 8 Ways to Create the Perfect Spa (in Your Home!) Growing up my mother would host little spa nights for me and my friends (that and tea parties were definitely her forte!). It wasn’t until my honeymoon when I planned a day at a silent spa (yes, I said Read more 8 Ideas For a Fun (and Cheap) Girls’ Night Out Girl time is a necessity. Whether you are married, dating, or single, spending time with your girlfriends is a must! Just like for men—spending time with their bros is a must. But, one thing that can be hard when planning Read more 7 Simple and Memorable Valentine’s Day Date Ideas Because we don’t all have a budget like The Bachelor to take a Maserati to a private jet plane that lands us in Las Vegas where we rappel the side of a 70-story building and end the night in a hot Read more Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Him and Her When it comes to personal Valentine’s Day gifts, leave the box of chocolates at home for Forrest Gump. Okay, I’m joking … chocolate is always a good idea. But I highly suggest gifting chocolate alongside a more personal gift. This Read more Great Sex—What Is It? There seems to be an unending list of articles on the subject of sex, from espousing general attitudes to detailing specific acts. Interesting though many of them are, I believe there is often one missing detail. The basis of Read more Quote of the episode: "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." Charles M. Schultz Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter
It’s the Mom juggle - work, activities, shopping, cooking, tantrums and mood swings to manage (yours and your kids! Ha!). Keeping up with all.the.things... How can one woman do it? Darlene (Mom to two grown girls and Nonie to a grandson) and Julie (recent single mom to a “threenager”) share helpful hacks that will save you time and sanity. We all agree, “mommin’ ain’t easy” but it is rewarding! Let this episode entertain and inspire you with a few shortcuts and remember that you got this, Mom! Be sure to check out Darlene’s nephew’s company, (which was one of our hacks) home of handy items to keep your kids legos (and plenty of other toys for that matter) under control - you can find them here on Amazon Creative QT! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Mom Hacks: 10 Easy Ways to Save Time and Money The following are a few simple ways my hubby and I save money for our family without spending hours clipping coupons or filling out surveys. Seriously, with three kids under the age of four, I need fast, easy, and Read more 10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Staycation Traveling can take a lot out of you and can even leave you with the need for a vacation to recover from your vacation. It is easy to forget about all of the planning, preparation, and time it takes to get Read more Super Easy Housecleaning Tips Apart from the current baby paraphernalia scattered around my house for my brand new grandson (all of which I love and have happily incorporated into my decorating scheme), you would generally come into my house and think it was Read more In Need of Mom Friends? 7 Ways to Reach Out Like a deer caught in headlights, I was blindsided when I became a mom. I found myself in the throes of mommyhood right after my husband and I moved from Honolulu to the heart of Dallas. It took months to 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. It certainly doesn’t feel like it’s you. You won’t win every battle nor should you expect to. You can’t put it Read more This is Why I Don’t Have Just One Parenting Style Just because I videoed my son jumping off the roof...
Want to live longer? Research tells us that optimism holds the key, and it also says that our gender is the most optimistic. So, are you a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty kind of gal? In this episode Darlene and Julie remind each other how important it is to look for the good, even when you’re facing difficult circumstances. They take a little time to explore some practical ways you can do that for yourself and when needed, be that voice in the lives of your friends. Because, hey, today is a gift and if you are that glass-half-full kind of gal you will have a whole lot more good ones yet to come. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. (We also suggested you read some of our articles addressing anxiety or depression if you're struggling with either of those difficult scenarios, which understandably make it hard to be optimistic.) Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Stepmother: The Most Difficult Job in a Family What is the most difficult and underappreciated role in a family? Why, a stepmother of course! No, I am serious. The majority of my counseling practice is working in family law, a.k.a. divorce. In my capacity, I deal with Read more When Others Minimize the Pain of Your Miscarriage My husband and I have always been dreamers and planners. When we started dating, we dated with the intention of marriage being our end goal. We talked about life goals, dreams, that white picket fence, traveling plans, and of course, Read more Applying Grace and Understanding in the World of Autism “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism,” said Susan Pieples, who has 25 years of experience working with and advocating for families living with autism. What she meant by that statement is that Autism Read more 5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Nutrition If you want to eat healthier but you aren’t sure where to start, here are some suggestions for you! I’ve learned these on my own, from family members (especially my hubby), and from other healthy friends who have walked alongside me Read more 3 Reasons You’re Unhappy and How to Make a Change Although I’m only in late 20’s, I’ve been around long enough to acquire some toxic mindsets that have tainted my perspective.
So, men can be pretty great, until they are not. Has the man in your life crossed a line that you just cannot live with? Are you dating and seeing signs that he’s not the guy you thought he was? Or are you married, and at an impasse, disagreeing at every turn? When you find yourself compromising your principals, your morals, your self-esteem perhaps it’s time to tell him “enough is enough?” To discuss this difficult situation, we brought in trusted friend and Licensed Psychotherapist and Relationship Expert, Dr. Zoe Shaw to help you determine when and how it’s time to step away from an unhealthy relationship. Darlene and Julie ask the questions you have to help you figure out how to make and keep the healthy boundaries that will rebuild what is broken and lead to a relationship that will last. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Julie mentioned going back to listen to the last episodes Dr. Zoe joined us on, "Is it Time For Counseling? A Therapist Helps You Decide (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) - 004" and "Conquering Struggles Women Will Face in Every Stage of Life (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) - 009. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman. 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 If Your Man Didn’t Propose (But Should Have) Read This To the girl who didn’t get the engagement you were expecting, this is what you need to do to finally get a commitment… You tried not to get your hopes up, but deep down you feel like it is time. Read more Learning to Love Your Single Self “Hi Mommy. How’s life? You have a boyfriend yet?” I had just picked up my 9-year-old daughter from school. It was a rare moment that just the two of us were in the car together, and after she plopped down Read more Commitment— the Road Forward in a Relationship
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