Grace, Grit & Hope

Burned out from seeing patients nonstop, managing insurance paperwork and barely sleeping, two Lexington, Kentucky internal medicine doctors—Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz—walked away from traditional medicine to build something radically different. Today, they focus exclusively on the six pillars of health (nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances), and their patients are reversing heart disease, slashing medications, dropping weight, and—most importantly—regaining power over their own health and lives. In this eye-opening episode, learn how small, shame-free changes can put us on a trajectory to live long and well, and why the future of primary care should look more like a medical office attached to a gym and teaching kitchen than a waiting room of sickness.

From mid-April until Sept. 27, Clay Comer, age 23, hiked from Mexico to Canada alone on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). During his incredible 2,650-mile journey, Clay braved a 40-foot fall off snowy Mount San Jacinto. For hundreds of miles, he battled swarming mosquitoes. Even when temperatures soared above 100, he walked 20 miles or more a day through the charred skeletons of burned forests. Despite the challenges, he met incredible people and saw beautiful mountains, lakes, giant Sequoias, deer, stoats, marmots and all kinds of wildlife. Surprisingly, he said the problems on the trail were not as difficult as the advance preparation and taking the first step. Don't miss this fascinating interview about Clay's PCT journey and what it teaches us about handling life's inevitable problems.

Best-selling Carl Nordgren talks about his great new book "Common Ground for US," which outlines something few people talk about today: a hopeful vision for America. Carl draws on decades of experience, beginning with his years as a teenage fishing guide to his time building 14 successful cellular companies and through his years as a Duke professor, explaining how people can nurture their natural creativity and entrepreneurial instincts, while helping themselves and their communities to thrive. Carl suggests practical ways to find like-minded creative individuals who are solely interested in solving problems, rather than debating a tired, old political playbook. You will be inspired by his belief that a small group of passionate people can change the world.

To celebrate his 96th birthday, co-host Paschal Baute shares his recipe for a long, fruitful life. Despite being blind, surviving cancer and dealing with pain each day, Paschal shares his wisdom about the things that have helped him get another year closer to the century mark. Foremost, he credits the grace of God and his wife. But he also stresses the importance of life purpose, goals, exercise and diet. And he's emphatic about mental outlook, deep breathing, staying curious, creating projects and avoiding giving free-rent to bad stuff like cable news. Don't miss Paschal's recipe for aging well.

Joey Spencer faced his Goliath when his career came to a fork in the road. He could take a high-paying and safe job or follow a passion that was ignited by the movie Fireproof to become a firefighter. Joey took the less certain path and is glad he did. Today, he serves as a captain in the Montgomery County Fire Department in Kentucky. In this inspiring interview, Joey says nearly everyone has a giant challenging our lives: Bad habits, irrational fears, anxiety, poor choices, addictions or baggage from childhood. Though our first response is to run or do nothing, Joey says that putting ourselves at risk, getting help and going down the more challenging path is the best way to beat the Goliaths in our lives.

Kijuan Amey is the author of: "Don't Focus on Why Me," a powerful story about him being on top of the world one minute then suddenly losing his eyesight after a 2017 motorcycle accident. In this inspiring episode, Kijuan tells how he lost his sight but not his vision. Though he had many dark days of struggle, depression and even thoughts of ending his life, Kijuan has overcome severe injuries and maintained his sense of humor to get where he is today: motivating, inspiring and running a successful business. Don't miss this episode of Kijuan telling his amazing story.

Perfectionists can't lose games, worry constantly, overwork, burn out, judge quickly and constantly find faults in themselves and others. In this episode, Kevin and Pashal laugh at their own perfectionism, like Paschal using a ruler to put stamps straight on envelopes. Paschal talks about his dramatic transformation from "never-good-enough spirituality" during 16 years as a monk. Back then, he went to bed each night saying, "Tomorrow, I will do better." Eventually, he freed himself from perfectionism by embracing St. Paul's message of God's grace and love. Don't miss this light-hearted look at a serious problem many Christians and many people face today.

Maggie Bushway tells her amazing story of battling brain cancer beginning at age 7 and over two decades. Though there were (and still are) terrifying seizures, painful chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, Maggie explains how cancer brought the Bushway family closer, deepened their faith and taught them the importance of laughter. Maggie explains the spiritual encounters that convinced her of a calling to share her story in a book called "Pearls: A Memoir of Childhood Brain Cancer and Hope," which she co-authored with her father Rob. Even in life's hard moments, Maggie wants everyone to know that hope can shine through.

Author and Teacher Liz Prather shares key insights from her coming book "Writing for Connection," explaining how addiction to smartphones and social media has dangerously isolated students. She explains a path forward: make writing central in schools to forge new connections among students. Writing can give us self-confidence and the ability to make sense of the crazy world in which we live. As a long-time educator and writer, Liz says writing can help all of us to put down our phones and put us back in touch with one another. It's a profound message for educators and anyone who spends their day looking at screens.

As many people battle to maintain mental health, journalist Kevin Osbourn and psychologist Paschal Baute share stories of how they stay sane in an insane world. Kevin talks about going on a backpacking trip with his sons to the Ouachita National Trail in Arkansas last fall. Paschal discusses the importance of reconnecting with family and friends, and why he swims laps three days a week at age 95. They talk about the importance of hobbies, laughter, deep breathing, and getting out of our rooms. Both are staying away from cable news because Paschal says there's no need to give free rent in our minds to bad stuff. They close the show with the power of gratitude. Don't miss this episode on how to keep your head above water.