The Life We're Given: Stories of Resilience Through Life's Challenges

What happens when a mother loses her daughter after a long battle with Lyme disease — and chooses faith over bitterness?

In this emotional and inspiring episode of The Life We’re Given, Jody Hudson shares her journey through grief after the passing of her daughter, Alex, who battled Lyme disease. Jody opens up about parenting through medical uncertainty, navigating unimaginable loss, and how her faith in God carried her through her darkest moments.

She also shares how she turned heartbreak into purpose by creating the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation to raise awareness and advocate for families facing Lyme disease.

This conversation is for anyone walking through grief, chronic illness, or searching for hope after loss.

✨ Topics in this episode:
Parenting a child with Lyme disease
Faith and trusting God through tragedy
Coping with the loss of a child
Turning grief into purpose
Lyme disease awareness and advocacy

If you or someone you love is battling chronic illness or navigating grief, this episode will remind you that hope still lives here.


My Promise to Alex
https://www.amazon.com/My-Promise-Alex-Jody-Hudson/dp/B09RM8WP5N

Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation
https://www.alexhudsonlymefoundation.org/

Jody Hudson Contact
[email protected]

What happens when a COVID-19 diagnosis turns life-threatening?
In this powerful episode of The Life We’re Given, Holly Porter shares her near-death COVID experience and the profound transformation that followed. A mother of eight and successful entrepreneur, Holly went from managing a busy life and multiple businesses to fighting for her life in the ICU.

In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Holly opens up about:
• Surviving severe COVID-19
• Her near-death experience and spiritual awakening
• The mental and emotional impact of critical illness
• The power of surrender, hope, and community support
• How she developed her “SHIFT” framework for healing and resilience
• Her book, Near Death Shift
If you’ve faced COVID, long-term illness, or any unexpected health crisis, this episode will encourage you to hold onto hope — even in your darkest moments.


Holly Porter Links
Listen to Full Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80RKoLj5WjY

Holly Porter Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyporterinternational/featured

Near Death Shift Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Near-Death-Shift-Business-Purpose-ebook/dp/B0G1J9PCBY

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Life We’re Given Podcast, Brandi Lewis sits down with Teresa Baglietto, a four-time cancer survivor, author of The Ripple Effect, and podcast host, to explore what it truly means to embrace resilience through life’s hardest moments.

Teresa opens up about navigating multiple cancer diagnoses—including breast and lip cancer—while also facing grief, divorce, and profound life transitions. She shares how community, laughter, faith, and self-advocacy became anchors during her healing journey and why planning ahead mentally helped reduce fear and anxiety during treatment.

This conversation dives into the emotional and psychological realities of serious illness, the importance of support systems, and how finding joy in small moments can coexist with pain. Teresa’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about being strong all the time—it’s about continuing forward with courage, honesty, and hope.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Teresa navigated cancer diagnoses with mental strength

Why community and support matter during health crises

How grief and loss reshape identity and purpose

The role of joy, laughter, and self-advocacy in healing

How to find hope and resilience when life feels overwhelming

If you’re facing illness, grief, divorce, or unexpected life challenges, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that resilience can be built, even in the darkest seasons.

Links
The Ripple Effect Book
https://www.amazon.com/Ripple-Effect-Teresa-Baglietto/dp/B0G2SXSLXG

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresabaglietto/

Podcast
https://inshock.buzzsprout.com/2437350/contributors/91394-teresa-baglietto

In this episode of The Life We’re Given podcast, Brandi Lewis sits down with her brother-in-law Alex for an honest conversation about building a meaningful life rooted in purpose, family, and intention.

Alex shares his journey — from growing up with big dreams to navigating adulthood, marriage, and fatherhood — and how his passion for football shaped his mindset without defining his entire identity. Together, they explore what it really means to grow into the person you’re becoming, balance ambition with presence, and redefine success beyond career titles.

This episode is for anyone questioning their path, learning how to show up better for their family, or trying to build a life they’re genuinely proud of. Through real conversation and reflection, Alex offers encouragement for listeners to pursue their passions while staying grounded in what truly matters.

🎧 Topics include:
• Purpose beyond career
• Marriage and fatherhood
• Identity and personal growth
• Passion without burnout
• Redefining success in adulthood

If you’re navigating life transitions or wondering how to align your values with the life you’re building, this episode will meet you right where you are.

In this heartfelt episode of The Life We’re Given Podcast, host Brandi Lewis sits down with her father, Connie Lewis, for an honest and eye-opening conversation about fatherhood, faith, and breaking stereotypes around Black fathers.

Connie shares his experience raising three daughters as a Black man in America, what it truly means to be a “Girl Dad,” and the values he worked hard to instill in his children — kindness, resilience, accountability, and faith. Together, they unpack the pressures of parenting, the harmful stereotypes placed on Black fathers, and why community support and open dialogue are essential for change.

This episode explores:

What active fatherhood really looks like
The realities Black fathers face in society
Raising confident daughters with strong values
The importance of kindness, community, and showing up
How small actions can create lasting impact

Whether you’re a parent, a daughter, a father, or someone seeking to deepen your understanding of the role of Black fatherhood and positive male leadership, this episode will inspire reflection, empathy, and action.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that challenges narratives and reminds us that presence matters more than perception.


Link
John Hope Bryant: https://www.youtube.com/@UCCKNk9Sb3H5ueNK_X9V-3yA 

In this inspiring conversation, Tera Wages—mother, entrepreneur, and CEO of Connection Codes—shares her journey of balancing family life and entrepreneurship while building a business centered on emotional regulation and connection. She opens up about her personal experiences with identity, motherhood, healing, and self-awareness, and highlights why strong communication in relationships is key to both personal and professional growth.
Tera also discusses the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, the importance of curiosity in truly understanding others, and the tools that help foster deeper emotional connection, harmony, and resilience in both family and business settings.


Connection Codes Website - https://connectioncodes.co/
Connection Codes Core Emotions Wheel - https://connectioncodes.co/wheel-download
Connection Codes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-codes/id1613594520
I Get It Podcast with Tera Wages - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-get-it/id1505519893

In this inspiring episode of The Life We’re Given, Tera Wages—mother, entrepreneur, and CEO of Connection Codes—shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship while building a purpose-driven business centered on emotional regulation, communication, and connection.

Tera opens up about identity, healing, self-awareness, and the realities of maintaining work-life balance as a working mother and business leader. She explores how emotional intelligence and curiosity play a critical role in creating healthy relationships—both at home and in professional settings.

This episode dives into the importance of strong communication, emotional connection, and resilience, offering practical insights and tools for fostering harmony in families, partnerships, and businesses. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, leadership, or personal growth, this conversation provides meaningful guidance on building deeper connections and living with intention.

Connection Codes Website - https://connectioncodes.co/
Connection Codes Core Emotions Wheel - https://connectioncodes.co/wheel-download
Connection Codes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-codes/id1613594520
I Get It Podcast with Tera Wages - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-get-it/id1505519893

 In this reflective episode of The Life We’re Given, Brandi Lewis explores the power of starting the new year with intention rather than pressure. Instead of creating long lists of resolutions, Brandi shares why choosing one meaningful word can create clarity, growth, and alignment throughout the year.

Drawing from her own experience with the word consistency, Brandi walks listeners through how reflection, self-awareness, and values-based living can lead to lasting personal growth. She encourages listeners to look back on the past year with honesty, release perfectionism, and intentionally shape the year ahead in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

This episode is perfect for anyone seeking a gentler approach to goal-setting, personal development, and emotional wellness — especially those ready to trade burnout for purpose.

✨ Topics include:

Choosing one word for the year
Letting go of perfectionism
Intentional living and self-reflection
Aligning actions with values
Creating meaningful personal growth


Whether you’re entering a new season of life or simply craving clarity, this episode offers encouragement to move forward with intention and grace.

In this powerful episode of The Life We’re Given Podcast, Brandi Lewis sits down with Mariana Elchert to share her deeply personal journey of living with pseudochondroplasia, a rare genetic bone growth disorder. Mariana opens up about her childhood diagnosis, growing up with medical challenges, undergoing multiple surgeries, and how her condition impacted not only her body—but her faith, mental health, and family relationships.

As a mother, Mariana reflects on how her own health journey prepared her for navigating her child’s health scares, teaching her resilience, surrender, and self-love. This episode explores the emotional weight of chronic illness, the psychology behind long-term medical trauma, and the importance of community, kindness, and faith during life’s most uncertain moments.

Whether you’re living with a rare disease, parenting through medical challenges, or seeking hope in difficult seasons, Mariana’s story is a reminder that every day is a new opportunity for growth, healing, and purpose.

In this heartfelt episode of The Life We’re Given, Brandi Lewis sits down with her sister, Courtney Page, to talk openly about her journey into motherhood. Courtney shares the real, unfiltered truth about the first year — the joy, the exhaustion, the identity shifts, and the moments that stretched her faith and resilience.

Together, they explore topics like balancing self-care with parenting guilt, learning to ask for help, and the importance of having a strong support system of family and friends. Courtney also talks about what she’s learned spiritually and emotionally, how motherhood reshaped her priorities, and the memories she’s intentionally creating with her son.

Whether you’re a new mom, expecting, or supporting someone in their motherhood journey, this conversation offers encouragement, vulnerability, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Topics Include:
– First-year motherhood struggles
– Faith and emotional resilience
– Mom guilt & identity shifts
– Self-care as a parent
– The power of community and family support
– Encouragement for new and overwhelmed mothers

Perfect for moms searching for support, motherhood stories, parenting encouragement, and mental health insights.