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
late
You may have seen the movie “Unsung Hero” and learned a little about the childhood and career of Christian singer and songwriter Rebecca St. James. But we thought we would revisit an earlier episode of This Grit and Grace Life podcast when Rebecca joined the show to chat about another important part of her life: dating and finding “the one.”
Landing your forever-after prince isn’t always so clear-cut. We wonder whether he’s out there, how long it’ll take to find him, and if we’ll even recognize him when the moment arrives. We can even get so frustrated with the wait that we might be tempted to settle for a good man but not the right man. But is it worth waiting for the right one?
Rebecca insists it is. She shares the ups and downs of her own journey through dating and how she ultimately found her husband (and knew he was “the one” almost instantly). She, Darlene, and Julie also discuss what character traits to look for in the right man, how you can stay committed to the values you set for yourself without settling, and whether you’re giving too many husband privileges to a boyfriend who won’t commit. Rebecca St. James is a GRAMMY-winning Christian singer/songwriter, author, and speaker. She is also the co-host of the podcast Practice Makes Parent alongside Dr. Danny Huerta where they discuss strategies and inspiration for parenting kids of all ages. You can follow Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccast.james, on Facebook @RSJames or on her website at rebeccastjames.com.
Quote of the episode:“There was this soul connection where it’s like he has the same spirit, same values, same heart, same true, core desires in life.” —Rebecca St. James on finding her husband
ResourcesMentioned
Related
When we get married, we have dreams, hopes and goals for what our lifelong union with our new partner will look like. But that idealistic view doesn’t always match reality. Instead, we may find ourselves wondering why our man is so different compared to how he used to be at the beginning of the relationship or to the doting husbands we see on social media. Maybe we find ourselves in constant conflict with him, never finding common ground. Both of these issues can slowly and painfully drive your marriage into the ground.
Comparison and conflict are major, yet common, issues in marriage. Our very own co-host, Julie Bender, experienced them in her relationships. In this podcast episode—and in her book, soon to be releases as part of our “Smart Living in Small Bites” book series*—Julie walks through her difficult upbringing, her first marriage to Paul and the challenges they faced during their 11 years together, his unexpected passing and her experience dating and marrying her current husband, Donny.
Julie shares what to do when marriage is hard, revealing the comparison traps and the signs that indicate serious, underlying issues with communication and honesty and offers practical, fresh ways to resolve them. You and your spouse need to set your pride aside and be ready to work hard to protect and save your marriage. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.
*Our “Smart Living in Small Bites” book series is our latest endeavor here at Grit and Grace Life.We’re creating and publishing a series of subject-specific guidebooks—written by our team of writers with direct experience in those subjects—that you can use to walk (and work) through your own challenges, at your own pace. Keep an eye out for this book and others in the series later this year.
Quote of the episode:“There’s no effort that you put into your marriage that isn’t going to bear fruit.” —Julie Bender
ResourcesMentioned
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!With Memorial Day upon us, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender are honoring service members’ sacrifices by encouraging us all to step into every area of life the same way those military men and women did—with bravery.
But what does that look like to be brave at work? In our relationships? In motherhood? In this episode, Darlene and Julie identify instances that might give us pause and why it’s critical to push through them. Our character and integrity are often at stake in these situations, so we must be willing to get comfortable with being uncomfortable—whether others think we’re uncool or overprotective or too Christian—to protect them.
Bravery isn’t easy, but it’s worth the things that matter.
Quote of the episode:“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” —Luke 12:7
ResourcesMentioned
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!Are you itching for a vacation? Maybe the chilliness of winter has dragged on a hair too long and cabin fever has set in. If you’re nodding along saying, “YES,” then you’ll want to tune into episode 240 of This Grit and Grace Life podcast.
In this episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share 17 summer vacation destinations around the United States that you may have never considered visiting before but will be glad to have experienced. They list recommendations for kids and adults alike that span every corner of the nation (Washington, Kentucky, Florida, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Ohio) and every interest: music, cars, space, U.S. history (the good and the bad), faith, art and more.
Let this episode be the final push you need to book that flight and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Quote of the episode:“Wouldn’t you rather like to have a lot of stories to tell, memories that were made, than a full bank account?” —Darlene Brock
ResourcesMentioned
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!We tackle many difficult subjects here at Grit and Grace Life, and often, they’re ones that have impacted us directly. In this episode, co-host Darlene Brock shares one of her own—losing her father to suicide.
As with any tragedy, Darlene found herself navigating unexpected emotions, working to reconcile the choice of suicide with the father she loved, asking questions that could be answered and accepting those that could not. In sharing her story now, she hopes to impart an important lesson to those dealing with this unbearable pain: God can bring healing. It won’t be overnight, and it won’t be easy. But there is hope to be found.
If you’ve also lost someone dear to you to suicide, we hope this episode brings you some comfort in hearing from someone who has also been through the same journey. This idea is what inspired our next endeavor here at Grit and Grace Life: creating and publishing a series of subject-specific guidebooks—written by our team of writers with direct experience in those subjects—that you can use to walk (and work) through your own challenges, at your own pace. Keep an eye out for this book and others in the “Smart Living In Small Bites” series, coming later this year.
Quote of the episode:“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.” —Thomas Moore
ResourcesMentioned (in this episode and Darlene’s book)
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!Later this month, the film “Unsung Hero” premieres in theaters across the nation. The movie chronicles one Australian mom’s radical decision to move her family across the world in faith that they can find reprieve from their struggles. We don’t want to spoil it for you, but this mother’s decision pays off. If you’ve ever jammed out to FOR KING & COUNTRY or Rebecca St. James, you can thank Helen Smallbone—the determined mum from Down Under.
Her unorthodox decision to pack up her family’s belongings and shuttle herself, her husband and their six kids (with a seventh on the way!) was met with as much doubt as you might imagine. As a mom, it’s hard to filter out the opinions and recommendations from other people on how to raise your kids.
This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender throw it back to a previous episode with Helen, who shared the good news: It’s OK to be a different kind of mom! You know your kids better than anyone, and raising them the way you feel is best—no matter how it looks to those on the outside—will undoubtedly be what they need. We hope you feel encouraged that the path you have established for your family is the right one. And if you’re still on the fence, take a listen to this episode and see for yourself!
Helen Smallbone is the co-founder of MUMlife Community and a podcast host with AccessMore. Her passion is encouraging mothers and families with the God-breathed wisdom she has gleaned over 32 years of being a mother.
Born and raised in Australia, Helen dedicated her life to Christ as a young teen at the Billy Graham Crusade in Sydney. Now a mother to seven―five boys and two girls―and grandmother to thirteen, she currently lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, David, and a small menagerie of animals.
You can follow Helen on Facebook @helenjsmallbone and on Instagram @helensmallbone.
Quote of the episode:“For me as a parent, it’s my job to encourage [my] child on their journey to seek out who God has made them to be.” —Helen Smallbone
ResourcesMentioned
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!Easter isn’t all about Peeps and Cadbury eggs, although co-host Julie Bender wouldn’t mind one or two! But is Easter the ultimate call to action?
In this heartfelt podcast episode, Julie and Darlene Brock discuss the significance of Easter, which they recognize as the pinnacle of their faith. But what does it mean to truly observe the holiday? Here, they unpack the meaning of Jesus Christ’s brutal death on the cross more than 2,000 years ago and why His suffering, while difficult to think on, is crucial to understanding the scope of His love for us and how we’re supposed to live today. You’ll see how Jesus’ forgiveness even as he was dying models the way we should approach our relationship with others through sacrificial love and grace.
The message of Easter is one of hope, today and for a lifetime.
Want to chat with us about Easter or your faith? Send us a note here!
Quote of the episode:“My relationship with Christ is secure because of what he did and [because] I’ve accepted it. And because of that, I have hope today. I have hope tomorrow. I have hope everyday of this life and for all of eternity.” —Darlene Brock
ResourcesMentioned
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!Life feeling mundane? It doesn’t have to! In fact, it’s easier to see the adventure and joys in the everyday than you might think.
In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender emphasize the importance of making the most of life. They talk through ways to shift your mindset when it comes to your purpose, your relationships, your motherhood and your work so you can more clearly see the value each facet brings. When viewed through this new perspective, the things you may think are annoying and trivial might actually be part of a larger blessing. And when each day seems full of small blessings, it’ll be impossible to deny just how special your everyday life really is.
Quote of the episode:“If you can’t see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.” —Unknown
ResourcesMentioned
Related
If you’re living with anxiety, you know it can be debilitating. A sudden panic or anxiety attack can quickly ruin your day, and over time, it can keep you from pursuing your dreams.
Caroline Beidler knows what that’s like. The author, speaker and recovery advocate recalls bouts of anxiety as a child, which were exacerbated by her parents’ divorce and sexual trauma. She began self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and though she eventually became sober, she found herself still dealing with anxiety decades later and wondering what was wrong.
In this episode, she sits down with Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to discuss how she learned to practically address anxiety as a woman of faith—and prayer and Scripture are just two parts of the larger picture. She highlights the importance of therapy, building up your circle of support, staying active and openly discussing anxiety and other mental health issues in the church.
Caroline Beidler, BA, MSW is the author of Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, and she is currently writing her next project, due 2024.
A recovery advocate, and founder of the storytelling platform Circle of Chairs. with almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry Caroline is currently a consultant with JBS International, writing and creating content for several federal agencies. She is also the founder and host of the annual International Women’s Day Global Recovery Event.
Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband and twins where she enjoys hiking in the mountains and building up her community’s local recovery ministry.
Quote of the episode:“Being human is about recognizing and acknowledging our weakness. But what’s beautiful is that God works in that place.” —Caroline Beidler
ResourcesMentioned
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!Love is in the air! Maybe you’re in a loving relationship and feel giddy at the mere mention of love, or maybe you’re on the hunt for that special someone. No matter your relationship status, one thing is certain: Don’t settle for less!
In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss how our expectations for love compare to our current relationships or what we want in a man. They explain why you should trust the process (and your gut!) and not rush anything, and how to celebrate and honor a healthy relationship. They also share their favorite relationships advice and 14 quick ways to tell if your man is worthy of your love, so you never settle again!
Quote of the episode:“When you’re dating someone, go to [1 Corinthians 13:4-7] and put their name in. ‘Is Bob kind? Is Bob loving? Is Bob patient?’ That’s going to be very telling.” —Darlene Brock
ResourcesMentioned
Related
Follow Us on Social Media!
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
