This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle is recording on location from the Pinecraft Inn in Sarasota, Florida with special guest Kendra Cross, who offers a heartfelt window into the Amish and Mennonite way of life. Raised in these communities, Kendra shares her personal story of multigenerational wisdom, strong women, and cultural connection.

Kendra speaks candidly about growing up in a male-dominated culture, the misconceptions outsiders often have, and the ways in which community, storytelling, and tradition shape Amish life. With honesty and clarity, she explores what it means to honour your roots while helping others understand a world that often feels hidden.

Key Insights:

🎙️ Stories Over Screens: In a culture without modern distractions, storytelling is at the heart of family and connection. Kendra reflects on how these traditions preserved community and passed down strength through generations.

🎙️ Community & Culture: Amish and Mennonite life is deeply rooted in togetherness. Whether it’s shared work, meals, or worship, the focus is on mutual support and belonging.

🎙️ Understanding a Male-Dominated Culture: Kendra explains the unspoken rules women navigate in traditional communities. “You don’t have to agree with the system,” she says, “but once you understand the rules, you can learn how to play the game.”

🎙️ Dispelling Myths: From dress codes to education, Kendra clears up common misconceptions about the Amish and Mennonite way of life - offering thoughtful insights that go beyond what most people assume.

🎙️ Wisdom Passed Down: Inspired by her grandmother, Kendra celebrates the quiet strength of women who’ve shaped communities through faith, love, and lived experience - often shared in the simplest of settings, like generations of women gathered around a quilt, telling stories and singing together.

Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at [email protected], and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

Want to learn more from Kendra?

🧵 Take a tour with Kendra Cross: Discover Sarasota Tours – Amish Experience

Thank you to our season 9 sponsor: Hair Today More Tomorrow - with expert tips on managing hair in midlife from trichologist Sara G Allison on www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: Two Women Chatting

Amish, Mennonite, Kendra Cross, Sarasota, storytelling, community, faith, simplicity, multigenerational women, traditions, quilt circle, culture, female strength, male-dominated society, empowerment, rural life, spirituality, women supporting women, connection through story, Discover Sarasota Tours

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.