Lessons from Living

Do you tend to stay stuck in the fallout of painful experiences, or find a way to create something meaningful from them? That’s exactly what Aaron Grunke chose to do after facing a brutal cancer diagnosis and enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy at just 21 years old.When physical training helped him heal not just his body, but also his mind and spirit, Aaron knew others needed access to the same kind of support. What started as a personal path to recovery became a calling — and ultimately, Survivor Fitness, a nonprofit that now provides cancer survivors with free access to personal training, nutrition coaching, and mental health therapy.In this episode, Aaron shares his journey from survival to purpose, and how he found the courage to take action when a dream to serve others was laid on his heart.

From the time Melody Crosby Hale was a child, a birth defect led her to believe that God would not love a flawed child.  In a desperate attempt to feel empowered, she learned to lean on alcohol and painkillers, leading to stronger and stronger drugs.  Follow this remarkable story of how God found Melody in the darkness and gently but insistently offered his love.  Today, she walks free of addiction and instead leans on the power of God and his everpresent Spirit in her life.  Through her testimony and victory over the chains of addiction, she teaches others to do the same. Freedom to Fly: From Persecution to Prosperity, A Life Story of Salvation  

In this insightful episode of Lessons From Living, we explore the growing frustration among young Americans and their evolving views on socialism. We discuss the challenges they face, from soaring housing costs to predatory college debts, and how these experiences prompt a desire for fairness and relief. Delving into the misconceptions around socialism, we clarify that the call for change is not about government ownership but about seeking pathways to affordable healthcare, education, and meaningful work. We also examine successful models like the Scandinavian approach to social welfare, emphasizing that real solutions require both responsibility and autonomy. Join us for a candid conversation on how to build systems that empower young people, foster true growth, ensure their voices and aspirations are understood and addressed, and freedom is preserved.

In this powerful episode of Lessons From Living, Caleb David shares his remarkable journey from a childhood marked by spiritual abuse, violence, and a narcissistic father to becoming a compassionate leader dedicated to service. Caleb opens up about witnessing his mother being beaten, how his early spiritual formation was distorted by an abusive pastor-father, and the long path toward healing and reclaiming his faith.We explore how he broke free from the example he was shown, building resilience through business failure, the collapse of a marriage, and the deep work required to recover a healthy sense of identity. Caleb discusses why providing stability for his adopted Ethiopian children matters, how he rebuilt his understanding of God, and what motivates his lifelong commitment to service-oriented work.This conversation dives into:Overcoming childhood trauma and spiritual abuseBreaking generational patterns and choosing compassionRecovering from business and relationship failureRehabilitating a damaged faith relationshipThe importance of stable community for childrenWhy a service mindset thrives in both nonprofit and private sectorsEncouraging others to give back—even when they doubt their valueIf you’re looking for a story of resilience, purpose, and the redemptive power of service, this episode will stay with you long after listening.

Join Beth as she reflects on her recent travels through Italy and the timeless lessons this vibrant country offers. From Italy’s deep sense of community and love for family to the importance of taking pride in how we present ourselves, Beth explores what makes Italian life so rich and meaningful. She also touches on some of the social and economic challenges Italy faces today — and how mutual inspiration between nations keeps hope and creativity alive.

Caregiving can change everything—your relationships, your health, your sense of self. In this Lessons From Living episode, writer and former ICU nurse Tracy Crump shares her journey through years of caregiving, having cared for four close family members. We talk about the emotional drain caregivers face, making tough medical and family decisions, handling guilt, caring for difficult patients, and rebuilding life afterward. Tracy offers practical insights and hope for anyone walking the caregiving road. From advocating through the healthcare system to practicing self-care and finding healing after loss, this Lessons From Living episode offers compassion and insight for every caregiver’s journey.Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness, Tracy CrumpTracy Crump.comInstagram: TracyCrumpWrites

In this heartfelt episode of 'Lessons From Living,' Beth sits down with her husband, Richard, to explore their journey of raising six children, running a business for 25 years, and his inspiring transition into leadership coaching. Join them as they share valuable lessons from family life, business challenges, and the power of leadership growth. Bonus: listen til the end to hear two family legends that the Graham's still laugh about today.

After interviewing more than sixty guests on Lessons From Living, Beth finally answers the signature question: What’s your greatest life lesson? The answer is simple yet powerful—loving each other well makes every life better.In this heartfelt solo episode, you’ll hear why love is not just sentimental, but the most practical truth for healing our divided world. From politics and social media to families, communities, and everyday interactions, every breakdown is at its core a breakdown of love. But love also has the power to restore dignity, bridge divides, and bring peace where there is conflict.You’ll discover practical ways to live out love—whether through small acts of kindness, listening in conflict, modeling compassion in your family, or choosing encouragement over criticism online. With real-life stories and timeless wisdom (including a reminder from Mother Teresa), this episode challenges us to live as if we truly belong to each other.👉 If you’ve ever wondered how to make your life—and the world around you—better, start here: choose love.

Do you ever feel stuck, wondering if your life still has meaning? Maybe your kids are grown, you’ve retired, or you’re simply asking, “Is this all there is?” You’re not alone.In this uplifting episode of Lessons From Living, Beth shares how true purpose isn’t found in success, productivity, or comfort—it’s found in giving. Drawing from personal stories of family foster care, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and creating this very podcast, you’ll see how seasons of service have brought Beth her deepest sense of fulfillment.If you’ve ever wrestled with purposelessness or longed to live a life of significance, this conversation will encourage you to see purpose not as something to stumble upon, but something you build—through love, sacrifice, and service.👉 Tune in to learn how you can find meaning in every stage of life and embrace the joy of living with purpose.

This week, Beth reflects on the life and impact of Charlie Kirk — a man whose faith, vision, and authenticity inspired countless lives. Beth shares twelve key lessons from his example — from living with purpose to speaking truth boldly — and honors the legacy he leaves for his family, our nation, and the next generation. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live with courage and faith.

In this powerful episode of Lessons From Living, host Beth sits down with Vikki Southwell, author of His Name is Michael. Vikki opens up about her life’s mistakes—including an abortion at just seventeen—and the deep regret that followed. She shares how God redeemed her story, blessing her with children, love, and a renewed purpose after years of broken relationships. Today, Vikki uses her platform to inspire young women to make wise choices, lean into God’s guidance, and discover His grace through life’s hardest struggles.👉 Listen in for a raw and hopeful conversation about forgiveness, faith, and finding redemption in Christ.

In this episode of Lessons from Living, we explore the disappearance of civility in today’s world. From politics to social media to everyday interactions, respect and kindness often seem to be fading.Beth reflects on what civility once looked like—even drawing from classics like Pride and Prejudice—and shares examples of how our language, public discourse, and daily habits have shifted dramtically. More importantly, Beth talks about why civility matters: it isn’t about outdated manners, but about dignity, respect, and the way we choose to treat one another.This episode offers practical ways we can restore civility in our homes, communities, and conversations. Whether you’ve noticed the harshness of modern culture or simply long for a more respectful world, this conversation will encourage you to be part of the change.

In this heartfelt episode of Lessons from Living, Beth speaks with Maureen Yarborough, a mother who has walked through unimaginable tragedy—the loss of a grandchild, and two of her three children, one in a devastating car accident and another to suicide just three years later.Maureen opens up about her grief journey, the painful whys, and the everyday struggle of living with such deep loss. Yet at the heart of her story is resilience, grounded in God's love and provision. She shares how she continues to move forward, finding meaning and hope in the belief that life goes on, even in the face of heartbreak.This conversation offers encouragement for anyone coping with loss—whether you’ve faced the death of a loved one, battled through tragedy, or are seeking perspective for your own struggles. Maureen’s example reminds us that while grief never fully leaves us, God never does either--and life still holds beauty, purpose, and hope.

How much is enough? It’s a question Nashville priest Charles Strobel first pondered as a child—a question that shaped his commitment to living simply and intentionally. In this episode, Beth reflects on Strobel’s wisdom and explores how each of us can bring more peace and clarity into our lives by simplifying our surroundings. Whether your home feels cluttered or your mind feels overwhelmed, you’ll discover practical tips for:Decluttering your home with intention Creating a more peaceful, organized space Making mindful purchasing decisionsLetting go of what no longer serves youEmbracing a lifestyle of “enough” rather than “more”If you’ve ever felt weighed down by too much stuff—or wondered what it might feel like to live lighter—this episode will inspire you to take small steps toward a calmer, more meaningful life.

Parenting a special needs child comes with unique challenges, deep joys, and life-changing lessons. In this heartfelt episode, Julie Adams shares her journey of adopting Lola Ruth, a tiny Bulgarian orphan with Down syndrome, and the struggles of being a special needs parent. From navigating adoption hurdles to facing unexpected medical challenges, Julie opens up about her faith, resilience, and the vital role of community. As a single mother, she’s learned the importance of accepting support for parents with a special needs child—from family, friends, and church. Julie’s story is a reminder that these families need our awareness, compassion, and practical help. Hear how Lola Ruth is already fulfilling God’s plan for her life and why Julie is grateful to be part of it.

Do most people really operate from a place of fear, instead of love? Transformational life coach, Annmarie Chereso believes so, but knows how to change this inclination so that we are nearly always elevating our relationships to be truly grounded in love. Through heightened awareness and some simple practices, every relationship has the potential to change: beloved to beloved, parent to child, sibling to sibling, friend to friend: there is no relationship that can not benefit from AnnMarie's practical strategies. Ready for an "exquisite" life, in all ways? Listen in to Annmarie's wisdom for achieving transformation in your own life and those you love. annmarie@bringithome.me@annmariecheresoannmariechereso.meThe Map of Consciousness Explained, David Hawkins

Do you feel pressured to have an opinion about everything, just because our present climate seems to demand it? We're going back in history (a mere 1900 years or so) to see what Marcus Aurelius had to say about this! The peace of your soul just might depend upon your deciding to opt out. Replace focus on trivialities with focus on things that God deems worthy of our time and attention. Real peace is just a few minutes away! Let us hear about what is capturing your attention these days.

How do we share the power of God without sharing our stories? In this episode of Lessons from Living, I reflect on a recent personal encounter with God’s presence and explain why testimonies matter. You’ll hear how sharing life-changing moments can inspire faith, offer hope, and point people toward the redeeming power of Christ. I also share powerful stories of transformation—from addiction to restored relationships—that remind us no situation is beyond God’s reach.

Feeling invisible after sixty? You're not alone—but you're far from done. Pro-age advocate Ande Lyons joins us for an inspiring conversation about breaking free from age-related expectations and rewriting the story of what it means to grow older.At 69, Ande is the embodiment of vibrant aging. As the host of Don't Be Caged By Your Age, she showcases remarkable individuals thriving well into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond—proving that age is not a limitation, but a launching point.Together, we explore how to stop internalizing outdated societal narratives and start defining aging on your own terms. If you're ready to embrace your power and possibility in the golden years, this rollicking, uplifting episode is for you.Show Notes:Don't Be Caged By Your Age Podcast, on Apple Itunes, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.The Intern, movie with Robert DeNiro and Anne HathawayWelcomeToHeidi on InstagramWomen.60.Plus on InstagramDon't Retire; Rewire: Five Steps to Fulfilling Work..., Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners"Sure, it's been done before, but not by you and not for us." Seth Godin"Base your decisions on your hopes, not your fears." Nelson MandelaThe Blue Zones: Nine Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest, Dan BuettnerIt's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond, Julia CameronTHANK YOU for subscribing to Lessons From Living, and rating and reviewing the podcast on Apple Itunes and Spotify! We love our LFL Community!

Sometimes we denigrate our efforts to jump into faith (or anything else, for that matter) as being "small" and "measly" and hardly worth mentioning.  Especially if you have a tendency toward perfectionism, you might grade your initial attempts as subpar.  This mindset can set you up for discouragement before you're even out the door.In today's episode, Beth talks about how while we might be critical of our own efforts, God is tickled by our trying: God honors effort.  Hopefully, you'll find encouragement here that'll motivate you to keep moving forward in faith and other aspects of your life as well.