Because the Ask Dr. Zoe column has given us so many great answers to life's questions, we decided to bring Dr. Zoe back to the podcast to discuss some of those a little deeper. We have received a lot of questions from women dealing with three specific issues, so we tackled each of those on this episode. How do we handle anxiety or worry and what is "normal?" How do you get your "forever fiancé" to follow through on his commitment? Can you leave hurt or trauma from your past behind? Co-hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham, will tell you that every discussion they have with Dr. Zoe is chock-full of incredible wisdom. This one is no exception! These answers may be for you or perhaps someone you love. Listen now and share with a friend who's also living this #gritandgracelife. And if you've got a burning question for which you need an answer, the Ask Dr. Zoe column is a great place to start.

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Don't miss these questions from the Ask Dr. Zoe column:

Ask Dr. Zoe – Anxiety: What is Normal, When Do I Seek Help?

Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Handle My Friend’s Anxiety?

Ask Dr. Zoe – Is Lack of Emotion Healthy?

Ask Dr. Zoe – Coping With Anxiety Biblically

Ask Dr. Zoe – He Asked Me to Marry Him Now He Won’t Set a Date

Ask Dr. Zoe – Can You Get Past a Betrayal in Marriage?

Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Leave the Past Behind?

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

When a Strong Woman Is Quitting, But Not Failing

You’re reading this because there is something in your life that you have an inkling you need to let Read more

3 Ways Positive Self-Talk Can Improve Your Life

Relationships are a gift. They challenge us to think outside of our own perspective and expand our ideas about Read more

What to Do When He Didn’t Propose (But Should Have)

To the girl who didn’t get the engagement you were expecting, this is what you need to do to Read more

Isn’t it true that there are some phrases we find ourselves repeating? We do it without realizing we say them over and over again. Whether we have spoken to ourselves or even to others, there are certain things we say that may do way more harm than good! There may be more than seven, but on this episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham admit these particular ones they say far too often. Since they want to change this unhealthy pattern in their own lives, they’re sharing why and how to do just that. If you’re “sorry for,” “worried about,” or wish you “should have” done something today, press play instead. Maybe you need this little bit of self-awareness, too. We know you’ve got this, quit saying these 7 seven phrases in your grit and grace life.

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

5 Things You Need to Quit Right Now

I was scrolling through Instagram the other day and came across a quote that Read more

Take It Easy—On Your Man

Sometimes we can be a bit hard on the men in our lives, mostly because we don’t understand how Read more

To the Mom Who Feels Like She’s in the Ditch

One day, as our collective brood of six children (later to become eight, between our two families) played in Read more

Tired? Overwhelmed? 4 Guilt-Free Reasons to Say “No”

Tired? Distracted? Disappointed in yourself? Feeling used and used up? There is a good chance you’re saying “yes” to Read more

Have You Ever Said It? “I’m Not Good Enough.”

“I’m not good enough.”

Chances are, you have said this to yourself. You feel inadequate Read more

3 Phrases That Will Strengthen Your New Marriage

Every girl dreams of that happily ever after, but unlike fairy tales, your dream-wedding day isn’t the end of Read more

Bible Verses From the Grit and Grace Team on Peace

In the midst of life’s circumstances and the chaos that is our kids, spouse, job,

 

We believe grit and grace are vital traits of a woman’s nature—but some ask if we believe they can exist without faith. Or does our faith create the grit and grace within us? Are we strong women because of our faith, or is that strength already there? We say yes and no, or perhaps another way to say it is that we believe it can be both/and. In this episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham tackle that conversation, discussing how grit, grace, strength, and faith exist together and how these are the foundation of a strong woman’s life. Then, they share how we can bring God honor in our daily lives—in the messy, mundane, complicated, and delightful. So, if you’re wondering about how we create that unique blend of Grit and Grace, with God as the center, give this episode a listen.

Here are some verses we discussed in the episode:

We were created in God's image: Genesis 1:27

Life is like a race, or a fight: 2 Timothy 4:7

The armor God provides for us: Ephesians 6:10-18

God's love endures forever: Psalm 138

We didn't deserve it, but God gave Jesus for us: Romans 5: 6-8,11

Jesus too felt weak: Matthew 26:41

We now have Jesus' power: 2 Corinthians 13:4

Every single one of us has value: 1 Corinthians 12:22

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

Beginning Faith: Walking This Life With Grit, Grace, and God

When I was loading the car to fly my elder daughter off to college, I stopped and made her Read more

Battered Faith: Holding on to Hope Even When You Struggle

I was 13 years old when I was diagnosed with a muscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis. I had a Read more

This Is What Jesus Says About Equality for Women

Religion has often been used as an excuse for inequality between men and women. Historically, and even today within

 

Wonder what happens when your co-hosts leave the outline behind? This week you’re going to find out. From fall festivities to female facial hair, friendship to frustrations in motherhood, they keep it real. This unscripted convo between these two friends, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham, sounds a lot like ones they have in the living room over a cup of coffee. Taking a little break from tackling hot topics, sharing deep thoughts, and discussing challenging issues, instead, they chat about what they’re thinking—talking about their own grit and grace lives! We welcome your questions and comments because we’d like to hear what you think about the subjects we discuss or even some of your own. After all girls, we are in this thing together! Grab your coffee and press play, then pass it on to a friend who loves girl time as much as we do.

Check out the Tinkle Razor here.

You can also make Julie's aunt's pumpkin roll here!

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

What to Do With All the “This Is Us” Feels

Besides ugly cry and eat snacks…

If a non This Is Us watcher were to ask why Tuesday nights on NBC have Read more

Encouragement and Hope for a Single Mom

Single mom-hood, the hardest job ever but the most rewarding.

The best way to give some insight on being a Read more

Mom Hacks That Will Make “Back to School” Easy

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or working mom, going back to school Read more

When You Don’t Feel #Blessed as a Mother

Have you ever had those days where you feel like everything is working out? You slept well the night Read more

Why You Need to Support Other Women and 5 Ways to Start

She sat across from me on the floor, on a multi-colored pillow. We were in a room full of Read more

 

Healthy relationships require healthy boundaries. But do you struggle to know what they are? Whether we’re talking with a friend, significant other, family member, or stranger, boundaries matter! And sadly, healthy ones are not taught; most often, we learn that we need them when the relationships we find ourselves in begin to hurt us. Having pondered this, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham discuss why boundaries are important. They focus on four types you need and how to begin implementing them in your life. Setting these boundaries will require grit and grace, but take heart; you can do it! This episode will serve you well in all of your relationships, so listen in. Then share it with someone you love—this is a conversation all of us need!

We discuss these types of boundaries:

Physical

Verbal

Mental

Emotional

Learn more in this article Darlene mentioned from Psychology Today.

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life

Healthy personal boundaries are the key to healthy relationships. Without them, healthy relationships are impossible. Read more

Great Sex—What Is It?

There seems to be an unending list of articles on the subject of sex, from espousing general attitudes to Read more

A Strong Woman Can Respect Other Opinions (Even If She Disagrees)

The world is loud.

The world is full of viewpoints including your own.

Social media is beautiful until it gets opinionated. Read more

Tired? Overwhelmed? 4 Guilt-Free Reasons to Say “No”

Tired? Distracted? Disappointed in yourself? Feeling used and used up? There is a good chance you’re saying “yes” to Read more

5 Questions to Make the Most of Couple’s Counseling

Going into a counseling session by yourself can be intimidating. The idea of opening up to someone you have Read more

This Is Why You Need a Self-Care Day (And What to Do)...

Moms, are you stressed? Do you find yourself worrying about almost everything? The right food, the growth chart percentile, the best school, grades, their behavior, screen time, and that discipline subject—terrifying. What is even more stressful is worrying about what other moms think about our decisions. It’s exhausting. It’s time to go back to the basics and remember what matters! Cross-generational friends and moms, Darlene Brock (mom of two grown daughters and Nonie to two grandkids) and Julie Graham (single, widowed boymom), discuss the things that do matter, what we should spend our energy on, and what we can let go of—now. Rest easy, moms. You do have what it takes to mother with both grit and grace!

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

Running on Empty, Mom?

Running on empty, who is going to fill MY tank?

I love being a woman, a Mommy, a business woman, Read more

Your Bad Kid Doesn’t Make You a Bad Mom

You have just received your first phone call, the one every mother dreads and hopes to never have to Read more

A Little Encouragement When Motherhood is Disappointing

Wait. Is this taboo? Can I talk about when this joyous thing called parenting is disappointing? Whether you have Read more

Dear SAHM: I See You and Want You to Know These 8 Things

Dear Stay-at-Home Mom,

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would end up being a stay-at-home mom Read more

5 Quotes That Will Encourage You, Working (Super) Mom

Working moms do it all—but it’s hard! The struggle to find work and life balance is real, but in the Read more

This is Why I Don’t Have Just One Parenting Style

Just because I videoed my son jumping off the roof onto the trampoline before I made him stop does Read more

Who’s the Boss? 5 Ways You Need to Be the Authority

Whether you have a two-year-old or a 10-year-old there are some days you may wonder who is in charge.

Every woman’s story is unique. So is the road she's traveled while discovering her inner strength, her grit, and her grace. We don’t always tell these stories, perhaps the hurt is still present or we fear what others may think. But sharing is what often encourages others and offers hope to them when they, too, find themselves in hard places. That is why, this week, our bubbly, quit-witted co-host, Julie Graham, shares the full story of one part of her life. You’ve heard a bit of her traumatic childhood and the unexpected passing of her husband. But this week she goes deeper, telling of the heartbreak and hurt she experienced during her marriage and how she’s rediscovered herself as healing came. Her mentor and co-host, Darlene Brock, beautifully walks her through these hard conversations, as she did when they happened real-time. As Julie often says, her life is proof that nothing is outside of the grace of a personal God; he will always give you the grit you need to not only endure but to flourish. We invite you to listen to her story and to her heart. Our desire is as you do, you will find the strength that you need, looking toward your time of healing and believing it will come. If you know someone who needs to hear this story, one of heartbreak and hope, please share. It is our prayer that together we can learn to live out each day with both grit and grace.

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story

We all have stories.

We’ve lived our varied lives, and while some details may overlap, our stories are specific to Read more

Posttraumatic Growth: Finding Meaning in the Pain

Posttraumatic Growth sounds like an oxymoron; growth after trauma. But after talking with some childhood

 

This Grit and Grace Life is 100 strong this week! To celebrate, we are chatting about the most important topic: what makes you a strong woman! You are a one-of-a-kind woman with a personality, talents, and life experiences that no one else has. On this episode, cross-generational co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham share 10 truths that will remind you how to be a tenacious-yet-gentle woman, full of grit + grace. Struggling with self-doubt? We have an answer for that. Want to make sure that life challenges don’t defeat or define you? We can help. Do you find your value from what you do or who you are? We chat about that, too. Listen in as we celebrate this 100th episode milestone, and let’s continue on the road to becoming stronger women, doing this grit + grace life together.

10 truths for your grit and grace life:

1. Don't believe everything you hear.

2. Everything is figureoutable.

3. Strong women respect men.

4. Laughter is the best medicine.

5. Moms don't have to be perfect.

6. You don't need a man to be strong.

7. Just because she’s pretty doesn’t mean you’re not.

8. Nobody's house is clean.

9. A strong woman knows when to quit, and that’s not failing.

10. Nobody's too far gone for the grace of God.

 

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

3 Ways Positive Self-Talk Can Improve Your Life

Relationships are a gift. They challenge us to think outside of our own perspective and expand our ideas about the world. Many would report that relationships make life more enjoyable as they share life’s important milestones and the sweet Read more

How to Have Your Own Coffee + Bible Time

If you follow me on social media (you should, by the way) you likely see me post on Facebook most mornings (not every day—no perfection here!) that I’m enjoying “C&B” or Read more

How to Read Your Bible: For Beginners

On the day that America celebrates freedom, I was handcuffed with the diagnosis of Alopecia Areata (a stress-induced autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss). You’d think that finding two bald spots the size of baseballs on my scalp would Read more

A Little Encouragement When Motherhood is Disappointing

Wait. Is this taboo? Can I talk about when this joyous thing called parenting is disappointing? Whether you have a newborn who is screaming all night or a 40-year-old adult child living downstairs, there comes a point (well, many of Read more

When a Strong Woman Is Quitting, But Not Failing

Darlene and Julie are ramping back up. With summer behind us, it’s time to go full steam ahead with new episodes. But to get ready, they spent a little time chatting about their favorite ones that might help all of us get back into our regular routines—balancing family, friendships, work, hobbies, your health, and even self-care. If you’re feeling a little off, we know this is a great way to give yourself a restart; it was for us. You will get tips from real women facing the same struggles you are. Listen on your commute to work, in the car line, while running errands, or during a workout. Pick and choose from the links to each show below, and share one with a friend you know could use the encouragement! And join us next week as we celebrate—our 100th episode!

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Have you heard our first episode? If not, start here! What is a Grit and Grace Life? – 001

Do you need help processing your feelings in a healthy way?

How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 075

Do you want to recommit to your health and fitness? Not sure how to balance that with a busy life?

On Business, Happiness & Health with Burn Boot Camp’s Morgan Kline – 065

Were you too busy to pursue your faith this summer? Does that leave you feeling guilty or unworthy?

Are You the Proverbs 31 Woman? Should You Be? – 092

Are you trying to decide if a friendship is unhealthy?

When Is a Friendship Unhealthy and What Do You Do? – 081

Are you thinking about chasing a dream? Not sure of your voice?

How to Find Your Own Voice, With JJ Heller – 085

Have you been interested in dating? Curious what it's like for your friends who are?

What Today’s Dating Scene is Really Like – 094

Does it seem like you're facing obstacles you can't overcome?

Overcome These 5 Struggles and Live a Grit + Grace Life – 088

Do you wonder if you can be a strong woman who is independent, too?

Miss Independent: Can You Be Healthy, Strong and Dependent? – 047

Next week we'll pick back up with weekly episodes and our 100th episode celebration!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

Are You Grumpy or Just Neglecting Yourself?

I’m a moody person. I’ll admit that. But often, when I feel grumpy, depressed, irritable or anxious, I find Read more

 

Think you have nothing in common with the guitar slaying, multi-platinum, international touring artist Korey Cooper from the band Skillet? She joins Darlene and Julie for a candid conversation where you may be surprised that in reality, you do! She’s wife to band’s front-man John, a mother to two teenagers, and working in a man’s world as a performer, songwriter, and producer. The women discuss subjects we all deal with—insecurity, parenting, faith, relationships, and respect between genders. Ultimately Korey is right there with the rest of us, finding the grit and grace to be exactly who she's meant to be. This conversation is an honest chat that every strong woman will enjoy. Listen now, and be sure to check out Skillet’s newest album, Victorious, wherever you get your tunes.

You can find out more about Korey Cooper and the new album Victorious by visiting Skillet's site. You can follow Korey on Instagram and Twitter and follow Skillet on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, too!

 

 

Don't miss our episode with Jen Ledger, the drummer from Skillet who Korey mentioned on the episode!

She joined us on episode 044 Skillet’s Jen Ledger Shares Her Faith, Her Fear and Her Strength – 044.

You can follow Jen Ledger by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!

Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love

This Is What Jesus Says About Equality for Women

Religion has often been used as an excuse for inequality between men and women. Historically, and even today within many world religions, women find themselves restricted in what they are allowed: in their appearance, their behavior, and of course Read more

Skillet’s Korey Cooper Talks About Marriage, Motherhood, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

A multi-platinum record-selling, international touring rock band is hardly the first place one would look to discover the formula for a great marriage. Celebrities of any type are not generally known for their ability to begin, build, and maintain