Smart Living with Grit and Grace | The Grit and Grace Project

It’s Time to Stop Saying These 7 Things! – 106

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreIsn’t it true that there are some phrases we find ourselves repeating? We do it without realizing we say them over and over again. Whether we have spoken to ourselves or even to others, there are certain things we say that may do way more harm than good! There may be more than seven, but on this episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham admit these particular ones they say far too often. Since they want to change this unhealthy pattern in their own lives, they’re sharing why and how to do just that. If you’re “sorry for,” “worried about,” or wish you “should have” done something […]

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Grit and Grace, but What About God? – 105

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More We believe grit and grace are vital traits of a woman’s nature—but some ask if we believe they can exist without faith. Or does our faith create the grit and grace within us? Are we strong women because of our faith, or is that strength already there? We say yes and no, or perhaps another way to say it is that we believe it can be both/and. In this episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham tackle that conversation, discussing how grit, grace, strength, and faith exist together and how these are the foundation of a strong woman’s life. Then, they share how we can bring God

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Darlene and Julie Chat Fall, Facial Hair and Friendship – 104

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreWonder what happens when your co-hosts leave the outline behind? This week you’re going to find out. From fall festivities to female facial hair, friendship to frustrations in motherhood, they keep it real. This unscripted convo between these two friends, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender (formerly Julie Graham), sounds a lot like ones they have in the living room over a cup of coffee. Taking a little break from tackling hot topics, sharing deep thoughts, and discussing challenging issues, they instead chat about what they’re thinking—talking about their own grit and grace lives! We welcome your questions and comments because we’d like to hear what you think

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Want to Be a Strong Woman? Set Healthy Boundaries – 103

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More Healthy relationships require healthy boundaries. But do you struggle to know what they are? Whether we’re talking with a friend, significant other, family member, or stranger, boundaries matter! And sadly, healthy ones are not taught; most often, we learn that we need them when the relationships we find ourselves in begin to hurt us. Having pondered this, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham discuss why boundaries are important. They focus on four types you need and how to begin implementing them in your life. Setting these boundaries will require grit and grace, but take heart; you can do it! This episode will serve you well in all

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Rest Easy Moms, Here Are the Things That Matter – 102

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreMoms, 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

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Julie Graham’s Untold Story of Heartbreak, Healing and Hope – 101

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreEvery 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, quick-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

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10 Truths for Every Strong Woman’s Grit and Grace Life – 100

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More 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

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Tips for Your Grit and Grace Life – 099

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreDarlene 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.

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Victorious Women of Grit and Grace With Skillet’s Korey Cooper – 098

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | 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

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Get It Girl! How Self-Respect Can Change Your Life – 097

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreWe 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

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How to Be a Grace-Filled Friend in Hard Times – 096

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreDo 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,

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What Are the Unexpected Gifts of Depression? With Melissa Maimone – 095

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreCan 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

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What Today’s Dating Scene is Really Like – 094

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreAre 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

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What Makes a Great Dad? How Can You Encourage It? – 093

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreMany 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? What qualities does he offer our children that we may not? How can we encourage his relationship with our kids? With Father’s Day approaching, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham take this episode to discuss those things and celebrate the unique position and qualities of a dad. They consider the plight of a single mom too:

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Catch up on This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreSummer has arrived, and with it the shift from school busy has been replaced by summer busy. Hopefully, you’re going to get some time to relax, even a vacation in the schedule too! With this in mind, we’re going to change our podcast publishing rhythm and release a new episode every other week to give us a break. Also to give you time to catch up on any shows you may have missed while living your grit and grace life! In this short episode, Darlene and Julie recap some of their favorite conversations by topic. If you’re looking for one on men (dating/marriage); motherhood; building confidence or

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Are You the Proverbs 31 Woman? Should You Be? – 092

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More A catchphrase often used among the Christian community “a Proverbs 31 woman” is thrown about with underlying expectations. It can bring with it inspiration, but also pride, fear, and even insecurity. This passage is referenced when discussing “how we should live” as women of faith and even the way it begins, the “wife of noble character” can be intimidating. Can you be like her? Should you even try? Co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham (both Christian women who have been in church for decades) candidly share how they feel about this woman they’ve been taught to look up to (and emulate). They consider how grit and

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Can Women Do It All? With Christy Wright of Business Boutique – 091

By Smart Living with Grit and Grace / Podcast

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More“A lot of women treat everything in their life as equal, so when push comes to shove and you’re needed in two places, you don’t know what to choose.” That quote from this week’s guest resonated with your co-hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham. It probably does you too! To discuss this struggle and offer possible solutions for most women’s busyness, we brought in an expert on the subject. Meet our new best friend; Author, Business Coach, Ramsay personality and busy wife and mom, Christy Wright. In her casual yet straightforward style, she explains why it’s OK for a woman to want to pursue passions (even growing

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