Smart Living with Grit and Grace

Wish you had a playbook for life? Look no further! Each week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share 15 minutes of life lived, lessons learned, and wisdom gained to help you master this Grit and Grace Life. A podcast for strong women and those who want to be!

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Mom Hacks: Help You Need in Every Stage – 026

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

Mom Hacks: Help You Need in Every Stage – 026 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

The Benefits of Optimism in the Grit and Grace Life – 025

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

The Benefits of Optimism in the Grit and Grace Life – 025 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship with Your Man with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 024

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

When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship with Your Man with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 024 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

To the Working Woman: A How-To Guide for the Workplace – 023

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreAre you looking to enter or re-enter the workplace, is it time for a change or are you looking to make the most of the job you have? With a 50% increase of women in the workplace in the last 10 years, there’s a good chance you are one of them, arriving every day with a woman’s unique blend of grit and grace. If you’re looking for tips on how to land that new job or get ahead at the job you already have, you will not want to miss this episode. Darlene shares insights from her years of employing many in the businesses she owned and while

To the Working Woman: A How-To Guide for the Workplace – 023 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Simple Hacks for You to Get More Done and Feel Less Stressed – 022

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreA woman’s life is stressful. There are never enough hours each day to accomplish all of the items on our list. Juggling family, home, schedules and even being so daring as to add something for just us, the list never gets done. But have we ever stopped to consider that maybe we write down too much to begin with? Hear us out! On this episode Darlene and Julie talk about simple life hacks to save you time, money and sanity as you work to simplify this year. They will even encourage you that these hacks will help you sneak in a few things for yourself while you’re at it.

Simple Hacks for You to Get More Done and Feel Less Stressed – 022 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Don’t Start the New Year Stuck in a Rut – 021

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreYes, it’s 2018! You may have ended the year behind us really excited for this fresh start or perhaps you find yourself struggling, feeling stuck in an impossible rut. Every woman’s life is filled with so many transitions and challenges, that oftentimes we believe that rut has no end, there is no hope of getting out any time soon (ice cream in the closet, anyone?). In this episode Darlene and Julie talk about common things that can cause our setbacks: like job loss, toddler development, divorce or poor self-worth. Better yet, they offer fresh ways to approach these challenges with grit and grace. Regardless of how you

Don’t Start the New Year Stuck in a Rut – 021 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Closing the Year With Grit and Grace – 020

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreAs we find ourselves at the close of 2017, we realize that for some this has been a great year, for others, it was filled with challenges. In this heartfelt episode, show hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham reminisce on the highs and lows of their personal lives this year, including the unexpected death of Julie’s husband. As they discuss their favorite content from dozens of The Grit and Grace Project writers from all over the world, they hope you too, will find encouragement. That you along with them will be able to close the year with grit and grace, full of anticipation for what 2018 will

Closing the Year With Grit and Grace – 020 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Shaking Off the Pet Peeves That Get Us Every Time – 019

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreAre you annoyed by the little things? The irritants we fondly refer to as pet peeves; we all have them. The problem is, we’re usually just as guilty of doing the things that make us cringe as the next gal. In this LOL episode, Darlene and Julie are taking a break from the busiest season of the year to encourage us to laugh at ourselves, extend grace to those around us and offer a simple “me too” to the things we all do without even realizing it. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here   We thought you’d want to see our staff photo from our Christmas

Shaking Off the Pet Peeves That Get Us Every Time – 019 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Does Your Self-Confidence Need a Boost? – 018

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More By the time we hit middle school (and arguably, well before) women tend to have an on-going struggle with their self-worth and often lack confidence. We focus more on our shortcomings than our strengths. We zero in on our flaws forgetting to celebrate what we’re good it! Can you relate? Do you wonder why this is? Even more importantly, how do we stop this crazy struggle and gain the self-confidence we should all possess? Darlene and Julie hash this out, admitting their own distorted views and encourage one another (and you!) to be bold and just be you (Julie’s personal hashtag, yes, that’s a thing these

Does Your Self-Confidence Need a Boost? – 018 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

You Are “Mom Enough”: How to Stop Feeling Like a Failure – 017

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreYour first case of motherhood insecurity may have started when you decided you wanted to be a mom, or when you found out you were pregnant, or maybe the day you took that baby home for the first time. And it doesn’t stop, right? When you finally master one season in your child’s life, you are thrown into the next. You worry you’re not feeding them, teaching them, disciplining them, encouraging them or loving them “enough.” Mom, you are not alone! In this episode Darlene shares her advice as a mom who has launched two grown daughters, and Julie relates as a mom to a “threenager” who

You Are “Mom Enough”: How to Stop Feeling Like a Failure – 017 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

What Makes a Woman Strong (Might Surprise You) – 016

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More Women are strong, empowered, independent, self-sufficient; at least that’s what we hear from social media to the news media – we are bombarded with these terms. But are we really? If so, what does a strong woman look like, how does she act, how does she live? This Grit and Grace Life Podcast is “redefining a woman’s strength.” In this episode Darlene and Julie talk about what makes us strong, encouraging each of us to discover the strength within us, living it out with grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Julie admitted she’s a shameless selfie taker, and promised you this

What Makes a Woman Strong (Might Surprise You) – 016 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Surviving the Holidays with Grit and Grace – 015

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More The holidays are here and often with them comes stress, drama and financial strain. It’s our goal to apply both grit and grace to “the most wonderful time of the year” choosing to slow down, connect with loved ones and enjoy every part. Darlene and Julie admit where they struggle, then share practical ways to put the holly and jolly back into this important season. Taking a just a few minutes to be thankful for our blessings, the biggest one being the birth of our Savior. Grab a peppermint mocha, take a seat to savor the lights of your tree, and enjoy! Challenge of the episode: We asked you

Surviving the Holidays with Grit and Grace – 015 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

What You Need to Know About Sexual Harassment – 014

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More Today’s headlines are filled with stories of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Whether it’s Hollywood, the news industry, politicians, or corporate executives, we are hearing about it from all fronts. What is sexual harassment and what do we do about it? Julie and Darlene take this episode to explore the current workplace climate between sexes and how to handle an unwanted advance. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Quote of the episode: “Speak your mind even if your voice shakes.” Unknown Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

What You Need to Know About Sexual Harassment – 014 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Talking About the Funny Things We are Thankful For – 013

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More Do you find yourself joining the social media trend of creating your own “thankful list” this time of year? It is a wonderful reminder that we should be grateful for the good things in life. Several weeks ago, before Julie had to step out for a bit, Julie and Darlene came up with their own list which turned out to be just plain funny. After their laughter died down they turned the mics on to share the fun with you. So take a listen, and after you do, share your own funny things to be thankful for on social media. Tag it with #gritandgracelife so we

Talking About the Funny Things We are Thankful For – 013 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

An Attorney Helps You Prepare for an Unexpected Loss – 012

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More There are some subjects we just want to avoid, especially the ones we sincerely hope to never face. Yet if that day comes, we may find we weren’t prepared. Since one of our own, Julie Graham, just found herself in this position of having lost her husband of 11 years and steps away this week, we thought it would be a good time to look at how to prepare for an unexpected loss. Darlene is joined by attorney, Leesha Crouch, to discuss in simple, relatable terms the things that every woman should do legally to safeguard her family if heartbreak should hit. Viewing in an app? Full show

An Attorney Helps You Prepare for an Unexpected Loss – 012 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Is Your Life Out of Balance? – 011

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More From the workplace, to the home front—the friends in our lives, the men in our lives, the children in our lives, the life in our lives how do we balance them all? Whether we are single, married or single again we all have days it seems impossible to meet all of life’s demands. So today, we are exploring that elusive life balance. We are offering a few tips, insights and maybe even a way to carve out a little bit of time just for ourselves as we learn how to balance This Grit and Grace Life. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Quote of

Is Your Life Out of Balance? – 011 Read More »

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

7 Things Women Need to Quit Right Now – 010

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | More Women accomplish so much, as we juggle our various roles, place in life and responsibilities. But there are some things we all do that we just need to quit and quit them right now. Join the conversation as Darlene and Julie readily admit to 7 of those pesky fall backs that they can be guilty of and suspect that you may be too. Just another conversation for all women who are embarking on This Grit and Grace Life. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Quote of the episode: “If you don’t like something change it, if you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Maya Angelou Be

7 Things Women Need to Quit Right Now – 010 Read More »

Scroll to Top