Fun Grandma

After discussion their experience with family estrangement in episode 7, this mother-daughter duo now shares how God continues to use their passions to help the community at large. From a joyful ministry for special needs adults to caring for those who are homebound, this episode is full of hope, redemption, and practical ministry inspiration.

#Christianpodcast #fungrandmapodcast #specialneedsadults #ministryhomebound #motherdaughterstory #abbottelementary

What happens when family life doesn’t look the way you hoped—but God still shows up with purpose?

In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of the Fun Grandma Podcast, we sit down with mother-daughter duo Debbie Kyes and Rachel Ayers to talk honestly about family estrangement, multigenerational living, and building life-giving ministries out of real-life challenges.

Debbie and Rachel share their journey of navigating broken relationships, opening their home to multiple generations, and becoming catalysts for ministry in their church and community. Together, they’ve helped launch and support ministries centered on prayer, home visitation, and social gatherings for young adults with special needs—creating spaces where people feel seen, loved, and included.

We had so much to talk about we created two episodes out of this conversation.  If you’ve ever wondered, “Can God still use my story?”—this episode is for you.

Christian grandmother podcast, faith and family relationships, family estrangement and healing, multigenerational living, special needs ministry, prayer ministry, home visitation ministry, women in ministry, grandma faith podcast, Christian encouragement for grandparents

In this sweet and meaningful episode of the Fun Grandma Podcast, Susan is joined by two very special guests—her grandchildren BreeElla and Jaxsen, who live with their parents, Brooke and Justin, on the beautiful Washington coast.

Together, they gently step into a hard but important conversation: grieving the loss of a grandparent. With honesty beyond their years, BreeElla and Jaxsen share what grief has felt like for them, what has helped, and how families can talk about loss in ways that feel safe and loving.

Susan also demonstrates how to use a conversation guide from Axis.org, modeling practical tools grandparents, parents, and caregivers can use to create space for meaningful dialogue—especially around big emotions and life-changing experiences.

This episode is filled with sincerity, kindness, and surprising insight. It’s a reminder that children often understand far more than we expect—and that when grandparents slow down and listen, healing conversations can happen.

Whether you’re a grandparent walking alongside grieving grandchildren, or someone who wants to foster deeper connection across generations, this episode will encourage your heart and equip you with gentle, practical tools for connection.

Grandparenting, Grief and Loss, Faith and Family, Conversations with Kids, Christian Parenting, Emotional Health, Axis.org, Fun Grandma Podcast

Running behind this Christmas…? well you are in good company.  (At least we think we are good company! - LOL!) But don’t worry—whether you’re sipping that first cup of cocoa or rummaging through wrapping paper at midnight on Christmas Eve, Susan and Shelleigh have simple, heartfelt, ideas that will help you truly connect with the people you love. So grab a cup of something warm and pull your favorite people close—this episode is your last-minute lift toward a Christmas filled with shared laughter, and unforgettable memories.

#FunGrandma #ChristmasConnection #IntentionalFamilyTime

We are not affiliates "yet" - but here are some links to all the ideas mentioned here: https://www.fun-grandma.com/fun-g-blog/links-to-s2-ep-5-ideas

You don’t need to be a grandparent to like this listen as we sit down with the wonderful Ronda Laybourn for a heart-felt conversation about the joys of family. We laugh, we cry, and we learn — as Ronda shares warm stories about her family, reflects on life in retirement, and reveals how to keep family bonds strong. We suspect you will be inspired by what Ronda is learning and her willingness to keep growing.  Whether you’re a grandparent, a parent, or just someone who just needs some encouragement, this episode will leave you feeling uplifted and reminded of what really matters.

Polar Express Ride Hood River

https://www.mthoodrr.com/train-rides/polar-express-christmas-train/

Fun Grandma Website:

https://www.fun-grandma.com

“grandparents podcast”, “grandparenting stories”, “retirement and family”, “keeping family bonds strong”, “fun grandma podcast”. “grandchildren memories”, “family connection tips”, “grandparenting advice”, “retirement reflections”, “multi-generational family stories”

In this inspiring episode of Fun Grandma, we talk to Michelle King, founder and director of the LC Valley Youth Resource Center in Lewiston, Idaho. Michelle shares her heartwarming story of being a grandma with a mission—offering love, stability, and belonging to vulnerable youth who don’t have a safe place to call home. She also tells us of her new initiative to provide for homeless youth 18-21 to launch successfully into adulthood. It was an honor to visit with Michelle who is a fun grandma, innovator and passionate Jesus follower.

#grandparent podcast, Fun Grandma podcast, Michelle King LC Valley Youth Resource Center, youth homelessness support, Lewis Clark Youth Resource Center, #inspiring grandma stories, #helping homeless teens, faith and family podcast, community outreach for youth, intergenerational compassion

RCC Valley Girls, a women’s ministry founded by Susan Bramlet, is celebrating 25 years this year.  To mark the occasion we had a party and Fun Grandma interviewed women who have been active in building the Kingdom of God.  We have a few of those interviews right here.  We are pretty sure you will be inspired by these ladies and be reminded that each of us have been blessed to be a blessing!

We first talk to Kristi Ottmar about travel tips. She invited you to check out her facebook page for more info:

https://www.facebook.com/kottmar

Next we speak with Sydney Beeson about rhythms she has in her home as a young mom. Check out her liturgy resource, Liturgies for the Little Years here:

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/58999-liturgies-for-the-little-years/day/1

Finally we speak with Martie Beck about grief and the ministry she has started to help others navigate grief. Visit her instagram to add a bit of joy in your life!

https://www.instagram.com/tablethymetidbits/

#Christian women’s ministry, #faith podcast for women, #women of faith stories, #Fun Grandma Podcast, #building the Kingdom of God, #intergenerational faith, #Christian grandparenting, #ministry celebration, , #grief and healing retreat, #faith and family connection #traveltips #hawaii

Season 2 • Episode 1 — “Heather Lawless is "Leaving a Legacy of Love”

Welcome to Season 2 of the Fun-Grandma podcast! We’re kicking off with a powerful, candid, and hope-filled conversation with Heather Lawless, founder and visionary of the Reliance Center (Lewiston, Idaho) and author of We Do Talk About It—a book and workbook designed to help women move from shame into freedom.

Not only is Heather a fun grandma but she is a national speaker, and coach. https://www.heather3130.com/

She daily is a "hope dealer" for those who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. She is also transparent with her own story. You’ll hear raw, real truths, stories of redemption, and a reminder that you are not alone.

Heather’s work has been featured on places like Unashamed with the Robertson Family, where she shared the trajectory of building a ministry and choosing life in the face of challenges Apple Podcasts+2blazetv+2. She’s also appeared on Faith Radio discussing the mission of Reliance Ministries Apple Podcasts. Her book We Do Talk About It: Breaking the Silence on Shame, Sex, and Redemption is already helping women confront hard stories with vulnerability and grace Amazon.

If you’ve ever carried a burden of shame, whispered what you could never say, or felt stuck in parts of your past—this episode is for you.

—Shame & healing • women’s healing • sexual trauma recovery • faith and freedom • shame to purpose • redeeming narratives • Christian women’s ministry • healing stories • overcoming shame • spiritual transformation • pro-life advocacy • inner healing •grand parenting

Join us as we consider the question: Would you throw yourself a baby shower as a new grandparent? We also get into the rising statistic of those who live 24/7 with their grandkids. We finish up with a reflection over the first season of “Fun Grandma!!” We discuss what we have learned, some of our favorite moments and how our lives have changed for the better. It truly has been a season of learning what it means to connect with the next generation, how to show up when things get hard and trading some really fun suggestions on how to spend time with the kiddos in your life.

What would REALLY BE FUN is to hear from YOU, the listener, on what has been helpful, or meaningful. Drop us a comment or share your thoughts on our Speak Pipe account, https://www.speakpipe.com/FunGrandma, Click the link, and leave a recorded message just for us. It’s very easy, and totally free! You could also help us plan for SEASON TWO coming out in early October. Let us know things you would like to hear more about or ideas you’d like to share.

Other links to things mentioned in the podcast:

 Culture Translator [link: https://axis.org/culture-translator/]

https://www.morethangrand.com/

The summer season is ripe with opportunities to connect with grandchildren or any child. Susan Bramlet provides us some great ideas & reminders of what is available to us during the summer to make memories together. Be sure to listen to the end for a “reposting” of our conversation with Martie Beck! The ideas she shared in that episode were worth repeating. Whether you're a grandma looking to connect with your grandkids or a parent wanting to create tech-free fun, this episode is packed with simple, nostalgic, and screen-free summer ideas that everyone will love.

#SummerFun #FamilyConnection #FunGrandmaPodcast #IntergenerationalActivities #4thOfJuly #GrangevilleIdaho #ThriftShopping #DollarTreeHacks #FamilyOlympics