In this episode of Western Grace, I sit down with a woman whose journey didn’t unfold the way she once imagined, but in the end, it revealed something even more beautiful.

Sallie Jo Hawken and I talk about the heartbreak of infertility, the unexpected path into foster care and adoption, and the challenges that come with building a family in a way you never planned. Through it all, her faith remained steady, even in the moments that felt uncertain.

What began as pain and waiting has now been transformed into purpose. She shares how her family’s story inspired her to write two fiction novels that reflect the realities of adoption, the struggles behind it, and the undeniable ways God shows up in the middle of it all.

This conversation is honest, encouraging, and a reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, God is still writing something good.

If you’ve ever walked through disappointment, waited longer than you thought you would, or found yourself living a story you didn’t expect — this episode is for you.

God’s plans may look different, but they are never without purpose.

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Mary Fichtner, author of a faith-based cowboy-themed children's book series. Discover how faith, perseverance, and the Western heritage shape her stories and life lessons, including a heartfelt account of her daughter's journey and the power of hope.

In this heartfelt episode of Western Grace, host Reba Talbott sits down with her dear friend Julie Howard for an honest and hope-filled conversation about faith, resilience, and trusting God through life’s hardest seasons.

Julie shares her journey growing up in a Christian home, facing cancer and the loss of her arm, walking through deep grief after losing her husband, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her calling to help others. She opens up about learning to trust God through suffering, the power of lament, and how faith carried her through seasons she never would have chosen.

Julie also shares how her journey led her into grief ministry and health coaching, transforming not only her own life but the lives of many others along the way. Through humor, wisdom, and raw honesty, she reminds listeners that no wound is wasted, that healing takes time, and that God is always at work—even when we can’t see it.

This episode is a powerful reminder that hope is real, grace is abundant, and no matter how broken life may feel, God can redeem every part of the story.

In this episode of Western Grace, we sit down with the Jandas to talk about faith, family, and the long road of building something meaningful in the equine industry. As breeders, they share the behind-the-scenes journey of raising horses with purpose, patience, and stewardship—long before success ever reached the spotlight.

The conversation centers on their recent milestone: raising the heel horse Jake Long rode to win the 2025 PRCA Heeling Championship at the National Finals Rodeo. But this episode goes deeper than a win. It’s about trusting God with the process, staying unified as a couple, and remaining faithful through every season.

Whether you’re in the horse world or simply walking out your own calling, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope.