Girls Gone Gritty

What happens when the traditions that once made high school unforgettable start disappearing? From homecoming dances and football games to prom nights and hometown celebrations, these experiences create memories that last a lifetime. But are today's students missing out?

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, hosts Farley Boyle and Jennifer Brenius discuss the decline of high school traditions and why preserving these milestones matters. They explore how school regulations, safety concerns, social pressures, and changing attitudes are affecting student participation. They also share personal memories, discuss the importance of parental involvement, and explain why young people need opportunities to make mistakes, build friendships, and enjoy growing up.

The conversation also touches on celebrity health concerns, New York City's horse-drawn carriage tradition, and athlete safety. Plus, a heartwarming homecoming story highlights the power of kindness and genuine inclusion.

This episode reminds parents, students, and communities that meaningful memories don't require perfect events. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up, getting involved, and making the most of moments that won't come again.

'It was the best day of my life': Utah teen recounts memorable Homecoming experience

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:41) Christina Applegate's reported MS misdiagnosis and health concerns
(3:40) The future of horse-drawn carriages in New York City
(6:10) Athlete safety and the importance of independent medical care
(8:56) Why homecoming traditions are disappearing
(9:33) Homecoming courts, voting, and student representation
(13:19) Why schools celebrate some milestones but overlook others
(13:51) Creative ways to bring back meaningful homecoming traditions
(15:00) How school rules and safety concerns affect student participation
(17:04) Why high school milestones don't feel the same anymore
(18:11) The role of parents in preserving school traditions
(19:19) Homecoming incentives and the value of simply showing up
(20:49) Why students shouldn't miss once-in-a-lifetime experiences
(21:46) Got Grit Award: A heartwarming story of kindness and inclusion
(24:43) Making memories and embracing life's opportunities
(25:30) Outro

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What happens when someone else decides which books you’re allowed to read? In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, hosts Farley and Jennifer tackle the growing debate over book banning, censorship, freedom of speech, and who gets to decide what belongs on library shelves.

From Judy Blume classics to controversial books about race, mental health, and sexuality, Farley and Jennifer question whether removing uncomfortable stories protects young readers or limits their ability to think for themselves. They discuss the First Amendment, parental rights, school board decisions, and why difficult subjects can lead to important conversations.

The discussion also covers troubling headlines involving airline behavior, cybersecurity threats, and the ethics of public executions.

Listeners will take away a few important lessons: Reading builds empathy, challenging ideas encourages critical thinking, and parents can guide their children without shutting down different perspectives. The hosts also share resources for researching challenged books and recognize author Tony Weaver Jr. for helping young people feel seen and accepted.

The message is simple: Read widely, ask questions, and think for yourself.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:51) Introducing the debate over book banning and censorship
(1:24) Top three headlines and controversial current events
(10:34) Why book bans are becoming a growing concern
(11:02) The subjects and stories most often challenged
(13:29) Book bans across states and familiar titles
(15:01) Who should decide what children can read?
(17:19) Why books encourage imagination and understanding
(20:54) The First Amendment and major censorship cases
(22:19) Could book ratings offer an alternative to banning?
(24:35) The contradiction between book bans and digital media
(27:21) How parents and school boards influence book restrictions
(29:56) Why preserving physical books matters
(30:40) Resources for parents and readers concerned about censorship
(32:15) Got Grit Award: Tony Weaver Jr. and Weirdo
(34:22) Pink Floyd, independent thinking, and freedom of expression
(36:14) Final thoughts on reading, questioning, and respecting differences
(37:03) Outro

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Would you buy a fake designer bag if nobody could tell the difference?

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, hosts Farley Boyle and Jennifer Brenius tackle the growing world of designer dupes, counterfeit luxury goods, and the pressure to look expensive without spending a fortune.

After a visit to New York City's Canal Street, the hosts question whether buying a fake handbag is harmless fun or crosses an ethical line. They explain the difference between dupes and counterfeits, discuss how TikTok and Instagram have fueled the trend, and examine the impact on designers and their intellectual property.

Farley also shares her experience having swimwear designs copied, while Jen recalls buying what appeared to be an authentic Rolex, only to discover it was counterfeit. Their conversation offers practical advice on spotting fakes, shopping secondhand, and deciding whether luxury labels are worth the investment.

Plus, they discuss Lionel Messi, the dangers of kratom, a controversial death penalty case, and young fashion designer Max Alexander.

The big question: Is looking expensive really worth the price?

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:11) Lionel Messi's emotional Argentina farewell
(2:37) Kratom dangers and concerns about regulation
(4:54) Tennessee's controversial death penalty case
(7:55) Inside New York City's counterfeit handbag market
(8:34) Understanding the difference between dupes and counterfeits
(9:15) Luxury prices, social pressure, and keeping up appearances
(11:05) How social media fuels the designer dupe trend
(12:21) Intellectual property theft and unethical manufacturing
(13:42) Farley's personal experience with copied swimwear designs
(15:11) Should you buy a fake or save for the real thing?
(16:21) Safety concerns surrounding luxury accessories
(18:06) Designer resale value and shopping secondhand
(19:15) Jen's experience buying a counterfeit Rolex
(20:59) The psychology behind luxury brands and status
(23:07) Got Grit Award: Young fashion designer Max Alexander
(25:24) Favorite wedding songs and a 30th anniversary
(26:48) Final thoughts on dupes, authenticity, and personal choice
(27:11) Outro

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What if feeling healthy isn't enough to know you're actually healthy? Many men avoid regular checkups, ignore warning signs, or wait until something feels wrong before seeing a doctor. But taking care of your health shouldn't start with a health scare.

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, hosts Farley and Jennifer get real about men's health and why prevention, early detection, and honest conversations matter. They discuss the importance of hormonal balance, including why men need estrogen as well as testosterone, and how these hormones affect energy, heart health, sexual function, and overall well-being.

The conversation also covers routine screenings, knowing your health numbers, recognizing silent health risks, and addressing mental health struggles that men often keep to themselves. Through personal stories and practical advice, Farley and Jennifer encourage women to support the men in their lives while reminding men to take responsibility for their own health.

The biggest takeaway? Don't wait for symptoms to take your health seriously. Know your numbers, ask questions, and make prevention a priority.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:31) Top Three News and Current Events
(9:20) Why men avoid talking about their health
(10:35) Estrogen, testosterone, and hormonal balance
(11:35) The importance of preventive health screenings
(13:40) Why early detection can save lives
(15:13) Prostate exams and colorectal cancer screening
(16:45) Surprising men's health statistics and warning signs
(17:22) Men's mental health and suicide risks
(17:53) Sleep apnea and its impact on heart health
(19:42) Why men put off seeing the doctor
(21:54) The five health numbers everyone should know
(23:46) Testosterone, energy, and sexual health
(26:03) Recognizing mental health warning signs
(28:04) Questions every man should ask about his health
(30:25) Taking action and encouraging others to get checked
(31:22) Men's health checklist and final advice
(31:43) Got Grit Award: David Clark
(32:57) Song of the Week: Il Filo Rosso by Alfa
(36:54) The meaning behind the red thread of fate
(37:27) Outro

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What if protecting your health starts with having the conversations most people would rather avoid?

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, Farley and Jennifer take on sexual health, STI prevention, pregnancy prevention, and the responsibility that comes with being sexually active. They break down an important distinction: many forms of birth control are designed to prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The conversation also covers testing, condoms, communication with partners, HPV awareness, and why both women and men need to take ownership of their sexual health.

Beyond the main topic, Farley and Jennifer discuss Apple’s AI challenges, the return of Toys “R” Us, GLP-1 concerns, and Christian Bale and Sibi Blažić’s foster-care initiative. The episode closes with a serious reminder about mental health, paying attention to warning signs, and speaking up when someone may be struggling.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:17) Apple, Siri, and AI expectations
(3:38) Toys “R” Us makes a comeback
(6:40) GLP-1 risks and health concerns
(9:38) Understanding STIs vs. STDs
(10:27) Preventing pregnancy vs. preventing STIs
(11:54) Why regular STI testing matters
(14:21) Taking responsibility for sexual protection
(15:38) Condoms as dual protection
(16:41) STI risks beyond intercourse
(18:58) HPV awareness and screening
(24:40) Birth control does not prevent STIs
(25:37) Talking to sons and daughters about safe sex
(28:49) Christian Bale’s foster-care village
(32:34) “Heavy” and reaching out to people struggling
(33:59) Suicide prevention, warning signs, and speaking up
(36:25) Outro

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What if thousands of dollars with your name on it were sitting somewhere, just waiting for you to find it?

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, Farley and Jennifer share how a simple search for unclaimed property led to some surprising discoveries, including forgotten insurance money, an old bank account, and other assets that had been sitting untouched for years.

They explain how money can end up with a state’s unclaimed property program, from old checks and utility deposits to pensions, brokerage accounts, insurance proceeds, and forgotten bank accounts. More importantly, they discuss how to search safely, use official government resources, verify your identity, and avoid scams that may ask for sensitive personal information.

The conversation also covers mental health and addiction, Princess Diana’s legacy, unusual weather patterns, and the episode’s Dot Grit honorees, Gauchos del Mar, whose adventures turned into environmental activism.

Sometimes what is lost is not really gone. You just have to know where to look.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:37) Mental health and addiction struggles
(3:25) Princess Diana and the revenge dress
(5:25) Atlantic and Pacific storm patterns
(6:21) Discovering thousands in unclaimed money
(10:49) Pensions and forgotten family assets
(13:31) Avoiding unclaimed property scams
(17:01) Gauchos del Mar and conservation
(20:24) Sade and the episode’s music pick
(23:21) Outro

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What happens when sex, sports, politics, celebrity, and money all collide in the same conversation?

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, Farley and Jennifer tackle several headline-making topics before turning their attention to Sydney Sweeney’s controversial Novig campaign. They discuss whether choosing to use sexuality in advertising can be empowering, objectifying, or somehow both, and why the campaign has sparked a wider debate about women, athletes, advertising, and the idea that “sex sells.”

The conversation also looks at how prediction markets and sports betting have become easier to access, how provocative marketing can pull attention away from the product itself, and why personal choice still comes with long-term consequences.
Later, the hosts discuss Bernie Sanders’ public concerns about AI, concentrated technological power, job displacement, and what could happen to workers as companies automate more tasks.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:34) Security concerns and accountability
(3:46) Nike and women’s sports debate
(5:22) Politics inside music and entertainment
(8:58) Sydney Sweeney’s controversial campaign
(12:58) Sexualization versus female empowerment
(16:10) Marketing distracts from gambling
(18:21) Sports betting and instant access
(20:28) Empowered, objectified, or both
(23:53) Bernie Sanders on AI power
(28:49) AI automation and job displacement
(31:28) Outro

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Sometimes grit is not about fighting harder. Sometimes it is choosing to keep living when life has changed forever.

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, the hosts sit down with author, speaker, mentor, and longtime chaplain Lanie Larrua for a heartfelt conversation about grief, loss, faith, and finding purpose after life’s hardest moments. Lonnie shares how facing brain tumors changed the way she viewed fear and inspired her personal motto to live life fully enough that it “overflows” onto others.

The conversation also looks at the many forms grief can take, from losing a spouse or parent to major life transitions and unexpected tragedy. Lonnie discusses her years supporting families and law enforcement as a chaplain, the value of hospice care, and why practical preparation can make loss a little less overwhelming.

At its core, this episode is about choosing hope when circumstances feel hopeless, having deeper conversations with the people you love, and remembering that life can still hold meaning after loss.

Episode Highlights:

(0:00) Intro
(7:32) Meeting Lanie Larrua and redefining grit
(9:42) Choosing life in the midst of hopelessness
(11:01) Finding strength after brain surgery
(14:45) Helping women through difficult situations
(16:47) Becoming a police department chaplain
(18:03) Finding hope after tragedy and loss
(19:31) Preparing financially for losing a spouse
(21:41) How hospice can support families
(23:37) Finding help during grief and transition
(27:01) Why choosing life is a decision
(28:25) Learning to live while grieving
(32:23) Faith, hope, and the will to continue
(33:53) Having deeper conversations and seeking help
(36:41) Where to connect with Lanie
(42:36) Outro

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When did being busy become something we brag about instead of something we question? In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, Farley and Jennifer take a closer look at our culture’s obsession with staying constantly occupied. They share their own struggles with packed calendars, endless to-do lists, multitasking, and the guilt that can show up when they finally slow down.

The conversation gets especially real around the difference between being busy and actually being productive. Farley and Jen discuss how busyness can make us feel important, needed, and in control, while sometimes keeping us distracted from ourselves. They also talk about phones, notifications, overcommitting, and how nonstop activity can quietly cost us rest, creativity, relationships, attention, and presence.

Before the main conversation, they cover travel laws in Texas, changes surrounding LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, and rising US Open ticket prices. The episode closes with a tribute to Dolly Parton and a reminder that self-worth does not have to come from how full your calendar looks.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:03) Texas travel laws and restrictions
(3:37) LIV Golf and PGA uncertainty
(7:43) US Open ticket prices surge
(10:09) When busyness becomes your identity
(17:51) Why being busy feels important
(18:54) Are we distracting ourselves?
(20:08) The hidden cost of busyness
(24:19) Honoring Dolly Parton’s grit
(30:57) Outro

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What does it really mean for women to have freedom of choice?

In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, Farley and Jennifer take on the growing “trad wife” conversation and what it says about feminism, family, work, and modern relationships. They discuss why some younger women are choosing homemaking and raising children over traditional career paths, while also looking at the financial realities and risks that can come with depending on one income.

The conversation goes beyond choosing between career and home. Farley and Jennifer talk about the invisible work of parenting, the pressure many women feel to “do it all,” and how social media can make traditional family life look easier and more glamorous than it really is.

They also stress the importance of talking openly about money, responsibilities, expectations, and long-term plans before marriage. Later, the episode shifts to Erin Brockovich’s efforts to track AI data centers and the environmental concerns surrounding their rapid growth.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:48) Top 3 stories of the week
(6:19) The return of traditional homemaking
(8:44) How generations view work and family
(10:14) Social media glamorizes the trad wife life
(12:42) Is trad wife culture anti-feminist?
(15:33) The pros and risks of financial dependence
(16:47) Choosing homemaking without losing independence
(19:06) Money, roles, and marriage conversations
(20:49) Erin Brockovich takes on AI data centers
(24:54) Song of the week
(26:44) Appreciation, partnership, and closing thoughts
(27:26) Outro

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