Welcome back! 

The holidays can be heavy when you’re a single mom, and if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or quietly carrying the weight of the world, this episode will meet you right where you are. In today’s episode, Esme Graff, Army veteran, author, speaker, and host of The Esme Graff Podcast, opens up about the real challenges single moms face during the holiday season: the pressure to provide, emotional burnout, and sleep deprivation.

This episode is part encouragement, part truth-telling, and 100% relatable for single moms, divorced moms, and anyone navigating the holidays while feeling stretched thin. With humor, honesty, and faith, Esme shares personal stories, practical wisdom, and a reminder that a “single-parent home” is not a broken home.

If you’ve been searching for a Christian single mom podcast, support for single motherhood, or real conversations about healing, confidence, and navigating the holidays as a single parent, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away feeling seen, grounded, and reminded that you are enough — exactly as God created you to be.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• The pressure single moms feel to “provide” emotionally, financially, and socially
• Emotional triggers that resurface during the holidays and how to filter them
• Why sleep deprivation hits harder for single moms
• How to fight the lies the world tells single parents
• A faith-filled reminder that your story is not defined by statistics

If this episode encourages you, hit follow, leave a review, and share it with another mom who needs it. To connect with Esme, visit esmegraff.com or reach out on social media.

You’re not alone and you’re not behind.
You’re becoming exactly who God created you to be.

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome and Warning: I say "this sucks" a lot in this episode! 

If you’re a single mom navigating the holidays, this episode is going to make you feel like someone finally gets you.

Today, Esme is pulling back the curtain on what the holiday season really feels like when you’re doing it solo and how to find strength, joy, and sanity when everything around you feels heavy.

In this honest, faith-filled episode, she shares three raw and unfiltered truths about being a single mom during the holidays: 

• Feeling like an outsider
• Sharing the kids (alternating holidays)
• Being the only parent who enforces the rules

With real stories, practical guidance, and warm encouragement, you'll walk away feeling seen, supported, and equipped to create a season filled with peace and meaningful memories.

Whether you're newly divorced, co-parenting, raising kids on your own, or simply searching for a Christian single-mom community that gets it, this episode gives you hope you can hold onto.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The real reason the holidays feel so isolating for single moms, and how to find your people
• How to process the emotional punch of sharing or alternating holidays with your kids
• What to do when you’re the only parent enforcing rules, routines, and boundaries
• Why “making memories over making everything perfect” will change the way you mom
• How to stay grounded in faith and confidence in the mom you are called to be

You are not behind. You are not too much. And you’re not doing this wrong.
You’re a strong, resilient, faith-driven mom who is building a home filled with love, and this episode gives you the tools to do it with confidence.

If this conversation encouraged you, it would mean the world if you followed, rated, and left a review, and shared the link with someone who needs to hear it!

To connect with Esme, follow along on social or visit www.esmegraff.com.

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the show!

Let me tell you a little secret: You don’t need more hustle. You don’t need more noise. What you need is clarity, and that only comes from pausing long enough to reflect, reset, and realign.

In this episode, I continue to talk about the process I use every summer to reset my life and leadership, so I can step into September with focus, confidence, and intentionality. 

Listen to part I of this episode:

Click the link: Listen on Apple Podcast

Click the link: Listen on Spotify

This isn’t just about feeling inspired. It’s about using the correct data from your own life to make better decisions, eliminate what’s not serving you, and double down on what moves you closer to who you want to be.

We’ll talk about how to invest in yourself, evaluate your relationships, your time, your finances, and your energy. And how to know whether your decisions line up with your calling. 

I’ll share why investing in your growth is never a waste, how faith guides my choices, and what Proverbs 4:7 teaches us about wisdom and good judgment.

If you’re ready to stop drifting, start deciding, and finish the last four months of 2025 strong, this episode is for you.

Montly Newsletter: Sign up here

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome!

Summer is officially over, and it’s time to refocus and step boldly into the final four months of 2025. In this episode, I’m sharing the three Summer Reset Questions I ask myself every year. 

These questions help me measure progress, check my habits, and make sure I’m not just staying busy but actually becoming the person I want to be.

Here’s the truth: Intentionality is everything. Whether it’s how you spend your time, who you invest in, or the way you show up for your calling, your effort reflects your values. And if you want to finish the year strong, you need clarity on what’s working, what’s draining, and what’s moving you closer to the life you’re meant to live.

We’ll talk about:

• Why “Am I performing at my best?” is more than a productivity question—it’s a character question.
• How to stop living on autopilot and start asking, What do I actually get from this?
• Is this getting me closer to who I want to be? Every action you take has the power to shape the future you want to have.

This is your chance to step into September with confidence, joy, and intentionality because the best version of you is waiting.

✨ And if you’re ready to go even deeper, I’m hosting a Half-Day Leadership Workshop on October 9th. Space is limited, so grab your spot now at www.esmegraff.com/workshop

✨ To stay connected and be the first one to know about upcoming events and learn about leadership development, sign up for my monthly newsletter by clicking this link: Monthly Newsletter

Let’s finish 2025 strong.

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

Hello and welcome!

In today’s episode, I'm diving into what it means to create a memorable, fun and meaningful summer without breaking the bank. Whether you're a single parent trying to make the most of your downtime or just looking for ways to reset and realign your life, this conversation will give you the nudge you need.

I’m sharing personal stories (like day trips with my kids and why we always get a t-shirt), powerful reflections from my book Friendships, and why the people you surround yourself with are shaping you more than you realize.

You’ll learn:

• The reason you become your friends
• How to create unforgettable summer memories (on a budget)
• 12 biblical qualities to build into your life and relationships
• Why now is the perfect time to reset your energy and your focus

Plus, I’m inviting you to make Friendships your summer reading pick (or book club book!). Because when your friendships grow, you grow!

Let’s use this summer to lead well, live with purpose, and influence transformation.

🎧 Hit play now.
📝 Grab your copy of Friendships here
📩 Sign up for the newsletter www.esmegraff.com

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

What makes someone a faithful friend—and why does it matter so much?

Welcome to the Pod! In this heartfelt episode, Esme unpacks Chapter 12 of her book Friendships and dives deep into one of the most underrated but essential qualities in any relationship: loyalty. 

From how loyal friends handle gossip, to why they won’t sell you out (even when it's tempting), this episode is packed with relatable stories, personal conviction, and truth that challenges us to rise higher in our friendships.

Whether you're healing from betrayal, evaluating your circle, or simply wanting to grow into a more loyal and grounded person, this conversation will inspire you to choose friends who lift you up—and to become one yourself.

Esme also shares a vulnerable moment from her post-divorce season and how choosing loyalty to her children over temporary escape changed everything.

👭 Ready to level up your friendships and lead with loyalty?
🎧 Hit play and join the conversation!

➡️ Leave a comment in the Spotify Q&A section or DM Esme on social—she wants to hear your loyalty story!

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome back!

In this powerful episode, I'm diving into Chapter 11 of my book Friendships—and it's all about kindness!

You'll learn how the people closest to you shape your future (for better or worse), and why being kind doesn't make you weak—it makes you unstoppable. From Joseph’s quiet strength in the Bible to the friends who’ve shown me grace when I didn’t deserve it, I’m sharing the lessons that have changed me. And might change you, too!

Whether you're navigating forgiveness, craving deeper friendships, or just trying to be the kind of person God created you to be… this one’s for you.

📖 What You’ll Learn:
• 95% of your life (success or failure) is shaped by the people around you
• Being kind can be really challenging at times
• Kindness is attractive

💬 Plus, my kid is influencing my life in surprising ways (hello, Stanley cup 😅).

This is the one you listen to if you’ve ever struggled to forgive, be kind to someone who hurt you, or wondered how to show up as the faithful friend others need.

🧡 Let’s go deeper today. Hit play.

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

What if the breakthrough you're waiting for isn't about praying harder—but about acting in faith?

In this powerful episode, I'm diving deep into Chapter 10 of my book Friendships, and unpacking three truths about what it really means to be faithful. If you're someone who's trying to live with intention, especially through the ups and downs of life, this one's for you.

We’ll talk about:

• How to Recognize True Faith (Even When You Can’t Feel It)
• Real Faith Always Takes Action
• What It Really Means to Sacrifice in Faith

I’m sharing personal stories, biblical insights, and a challenge that might just shift the way you see your circumstances. Whether you’re walking through a season of waiting, facing a big decision, or just trying to stay obedient in the little things—this episode will encourage you to live bolder and trust deeper.

Plus, I’ll share how faith played a role when I lost my job of nine years, and why obedience often costs more than we expect—but always leads to more than we can imagine.

If you’ve ever wondered how to become more like Jesus and less like the version of yourself that doubts, hesitates, or plays it safe—this episode will speak directly to your heart.

Episode 10 Part I: FRIENDSHIPS CH 10: The Faithful One - Apple Podcast

Episode 10 Part 1: FRIENDSHIPS CH 10: The Faithful One - Spotify

💌 Be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter at esmegraff.com where I share leadership tips, personal growth strategies, and tools for navigating faith and professional life with purpose.

You matter. You were made on purpose. Let’s walk in faith—together!

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the show, my friend!

In today’s episode, I’m opening up about what it really means to be a woman of faith—not by the world’s standards, but by God’s.

We’re diving into Chapter 10 of my book Friendships and asking some powerful questions:
• What makes someone a woman of faith?
• Can you still be a woman of faith if you watch KUWTK or the Bachelor?

I’m also breaking down the three core characteristics of a woman of faith and why faithfulness isn’t just about religion but about relationships. This is for anyone craving a deeper connection with God, longing for more meaningful friendships, or trying to figure out how to keep going when things get hard.

This episode is filled with truth, encouragement, and practical wisdom to help you live your best life!

Last Episode: CH 9: The One Who Serves

💌 Want more encouragement and leadership tips?
Sign up for my monthly newsletter, which is packed with tools for communication, personal growth, and leadership. April’s issue is all about asking better questions and connecting deeply. 

📝 Resources + Links
• Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.esmegraff.com

• Order the Friendships book: Amazon
• Visit my site: www.esmegraff.com
• Connect on social: @esme_graff_

👉 If this episode encouraged you, hit follow, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a friend. Don’t forget to use the Q&A on Spotify—I’d love to hear from you!

#faithfulness #christianpodcast #womeninleadership #friendshipgoals #jesusfollowers #faithoverfear #christianwomen #podcastforwomen #divorcedandfaithful #leadershipcoach #esmegraffpodcast

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.

This one’s for the servant-hearted leader in you. 💥

In this episode, Esme dives into Chapter 9 of her book Friendships and focuses on one of the most powerful (yet misunderstood) qualities of growth and Christlikeness: serving others.

Whether leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to live with intention—you can't miss this episode!

What you'll learn:

• The powerful truth from Hebrews 6:10 that changed how I view serving
• The mindset shift between serving from love vs. obligation
• A raw story about a time I served resentfully—and what it revealed about my heart
• The surprising way my friend showed up when I needed her most

Plus, hear what I learned at the International Maxwell Conference (spoiler: it involves Avengers-level women and major perspective shifts!).

This episode is real, vulnerable, and packed with encouragement for anyone who wants to become a person others can count on. Because the people we surround ourselves with? They shape who we become.

Podcat Website: The Esme Graff Podcast
Connect with me on social media (Instagram) or visit my website at www.esmegraff.com to stay updated on new episodes, book releases, and more!
© 2024 Esme Graff LLC. All rights reserved.