The Esme Graff Podcast

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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.

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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.

Let's Connect!

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.

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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.

Let's Connect!

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.

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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.

Let's Connect!

What kind of history are you leaving behind? This week on The Esme Graff Podcast, I'm diving into the power of our personal history—not just the stories we tell but the impact we have on the people around us.

I share a personal story of a life-changing moment, the kindness of a nurse, and the biblical example of Tabitha—a woman whose legacy of love and service left an unforgettable mark on her community.

In my book Friendships, I explore how the way we serve others—whether through small acts of kindness or deep, sacrificial love—shapes the legacy we leave behind. Tabitha’s story in Acts Chapter 9 reminds us that our impact isn’t measured by status or success but by the lives we touch.

In this episode, we’ll explore:
How small actions shape lasting legacies
The importance of making people feel seen and valued
How past hurts don’t have to define future relationships

So, how will you be remembered? You were created for a purpose, and if you live it out, you will leave a memorable history behind.

🎧 Tune in now and be inspired to live your life with intentionality!

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.

Let's Connect!

Welcome back to The Esme Graff Podcast! Today, we have a special conversation that’s all about faith, resilience, and the wild, beautiful journey of stepping into the unknown.

I’m sitting down with my dear friend, Hillary Shelton a first-generation farmer, who took a leap of faith—literally—by buying a farm. We’ll talk about what it means to trust God in the process, the challenges and heartbreak that come with building something from the ground up, and the unexpected ways He shows up in it all.

We’ll also dive into why farming is making a comeback, the meaningful lessons we can learn from working the land, and how animals—yes, animals—reflect the very heart of God. Because creation itself tells a story!

So, whether you’re a city dweller, a dreamer, or someone who just loves a good story of faith and grit, this one’s for you. Let’s get started!

To connect with Hillary Shelton and see pictures of "Chico" AKA Abe visit their social media page HERE or website 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.

Let's Connect!

Welcome back, friends! Can you believe it’s already March? Before we know it, summer will be here!

This month, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month, and today, I want to talk about women who have shaped my own history: my friends.

I didn’t always have strong female friendships. For years, I believed I was independent and self-sufficient. But during my hardest season—my divorce—God showed me the life-changing power of deep, meaningful friendships with other women.

In this episode, I’ll share three reasons why female friendships are essential for our growth and well-being:

1️⃣ No one understands women like women do—From hormonal struggles to life’s everyday challenges, female friends just get it.
2️⃣ Friendships help us heal—Research shows that time spent with good friends can reduce stress and improve mental health.
3️⃣ No one will fight for you like your girlfriends will—Women support each other in ways that no one else can.

But let’s be real—sometimes, making and maintaining friendships isn’t easy. I’ll talk about why we struggle with female friendships and how we can build authentic, life-giving connections instead of falling into the trap of rivalry or comparison.

If you’ve ever doubted the importance of female friendships, or if you’re looking to build deeper connections, this episode is for you! 

Let’s embrace the joy, strength, and sisterhood that comes with surrounding ourselves with good women.

💛 Let’s connect! Share your thoughts with me on Instagram, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

You can get a copy of my book Friendships Here

Listen to episode 29 The Work I love, which was dedicated to my professional single moms . 

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.

Let's Connect!

Welcome friend!

Over the past two weeks, I’ve opened up about love—love lost, love found, and today, the love I have for what I do. In this episode, I’m speaking directly to my professional single moms and every working woman balancing career and family. If that’s you, this one’s for you.

One of my biggest passions is helping others discovey their full potential and communicate effectively because words have the power to transform relationships, influence teams, and create lasting impact. Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about knowing yourself, knowing your team, and communicating in a way that builds trust and clarity. If you want to lead well, you have to invest in your personal and professional growth.

Other episodes: The Love I Lost and The Love I Have

If you’re a professional looking for leadership insights, communication skills, and faith-driven encouragement, subscribe to The Lead Well, Live with Purpose and Influence Transformation newsletter, which is sent out on the 12th of every month. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave a review, follow the podcast, and connect with me through the Q&A section on Spotify or at www.esmegraff.com. 

Let’s build a life and career we truly love—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.