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 intriguing episode of Lessons From Living, we delve into the transformative journey of starting over at any stage in life. Join me as I share noteworthy stories from my own experiences and those of others who have embraced change, overcome challenges, and found new beginnings. Discover practical insights and motivational tips that will encourage you to take that leap, regardless of your age. Tune in and learn how to navigate the uncertainties of starting fresh with confidence and resilience!

In Part 2 of Lee's episode, we delve into coping with rejection, defining success as an independent artist, and his personal growth throughout his journey. If you missed the first part, jump back to Part 1, a compelling episode of Lessons From Living featuring singer-songwriter Lee Isaacs. Discover the inspiration behind his music career, insights into family support, and the realities of living in Nashville. Lee shares the best and worst aspects of the music scene, the sacrifices he’s made for his passion, and how he navigates fear and motivation amidst challenges. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance and identity in the music industry!

Join us for a compelling episode of Lessons From Living featuring singer-songwriter Lee Isaacs. Discover the inspiration behind his music career, insights into family support, and the realities of living in Nashville. Lee shares the best and worst aspects of the music scene, the sacrifices he’s made for his passion, and how he navigates fear and motivation amidst challenges. In part two, we delve into coping with rejection, defining success as an independent artist, and his personal growth throughout his journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance and identity in the music industry!

Join host Beth Graham in this meaningful episode of Lessons from Living, where she delves into the vital importance of friendship throughout our lives. Discover impactful stories, including insights from a remarkable 92-year-old, and learn practical tips on how to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships. Beth reflects on her own friendships, the emotional and physical benefits they bring, and shares strategies to overcome the challenges of making new friends. Tune in to enrich your life with cherished connections, because, as Maya Angelou said, “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger's face.”

In this thought-provoking episode of Lessons From Living, we welcome AI specialist Rowena Spencer to explore the complex relationship between children and artificial intelligence. Together, we tackle the emotional draw of AI for kids, the dangers of AI toys, and the challenge of keeping children safe in a rapidly evolving digital world. Learn how to help your kids distinguish between chatbots and real friendships, why it's vital to maintain open communication as they interact with AI, and the impact of AI on college education.Rowena also emphasizes the importance of human-centered progress and accountability regarding AI's pitfalls, presenting opportunities for technology to remind us of our humanity. Join us as we discuss the benefits of AI, when it might become a hindrance to skill development, the potential for laziness, and the role of regulations in managing AI. Plus, gain insights into discerning truth in today’s information landscape. Tune in for a crucial conversation on navigating the intersection of AI and human values!

Join us in this powerful episode of Lessons From Living as we sit down with Jenna Udenberg, who has bravely faced Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since the age of seven and has been confined to a wheelchair since she was eight. Jenna shares her heartfelt journey through the childhood trauma of experiencing chronic pain, and emotional struggles, revealing how two inspiring teachers ignited her passion for music and teaching. Despite physical challenges, she has not allowed limitations to prevent her from accessing the outdoors or achieving her goals. Discover how she transformed her experiences into strength, advocating for better accessibility so that others can live the lives God created them to live. This episode is not just about inspiration—it's a call to action for listeners to effect change in their communities. Tune in and learn how one person's resilience can pave the way for others.

In this episode, we shift our perspective on “purpose,” understanding it as a collection of meaningful chapters rather than a singular calling. We delve into the challenges of adhering to a narrow path—such as immobility, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy—while also addressing the societal pressures faced by people of all ages to pinpoint their purpose. Inspired by the journey of Grandma Moses, we offer practical steps for embracing new experiences, welcoming change, and igniting creativity. Tune in to equip yourself with tools to explore evolving purposes and to find joy in the multiple stages of fulfillment throughout your life.

What does perseverance really look like after life changes forever?In this deeply moving and surprisingly joyful episode of Lessons From Living, host Beth Graham sits down with Dr. James Perdue—Professor of Perseverance—for an honest conversation about resilience, faith, and rebuilding a meaningful life after catastrophe.After a life-altering accident left him a quadriplegic, Dr. Perdue shares what quadriplegia is, what a typical day looks like, and the ongoing health challenges he navigates. He opens up about how he initially spent his energy after the accident, why it took three years to land his first job, and the people who were instrumental in keeping him going when hope felt distant.We talk candidly about:Why faith was difficult for him in the beginning—and how God’s role in his life has evolvedHis journey through depression and suicide attempts, and what ultimately shiftedThe moment he chose perseverance as his life’s focusDeveloping resilience after trauma and reframing injury as an event, not an identityTreating every setback as a resetHow to control the controllables and build healthy daily ritualsUsing gratitude as fuel, anchoring to something bigger than yourself, and developing purposeThe power of building a strong, supportive teamDespite the depth and gravity of these topics, this conversation is filled with humor, joy, and hope, offering practical wisdom for anyone facing adversity, loss, or major life transitions.This episode is for anyone who wants to learn how to keep going, redefine what’s possible, and live a life of meaning—no matter what they’re carrying.🎙️ Listen now and discover how perseverance can transform catastrophe into purpose.

Join us for a meaningful New Year's Eve episode as Richard and I reflect on the transformative moments of 2025. We discuss the beliefs we've updated, habits that brought us joy, and the books that reshaped our perspectives. Discover what we stopped doing that improved our lives, memorable conversations that left a mark, and how we learned about our capacities and limits. Each of us shares a special "word of the year" to guide our intentions for the future, along with small courageous steps and experiments we plan to undertake. We conclude with an Irish blessing for our listeners and invite you to share your own "word of the year." Tune in for inspiration and personal growth as we embrace new beginnings together!

What if silence is not the absence of God—but the place where you finally meet Him?In this Lessons From Living episode, Rich Lewis, author of Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer, shares how contemplative prayer became one of the most life-giving and identity-shaping practices of his spiritual journey.Rich explains what centering prayer is, exactly how it is practiced, and why letting go—rather than striving—can lead to deep healing and transformation. We talk about discovering your “true self,” carving out time for prayer in a busy world, and using journaling alongside contemplative prayer to process what surfaces in silence.This conversation also addresses common struggles with centering prayer, seasons of spiritual dryness and doubt, and why contemplative prayer is theologically sound. Rich shares how this ancient practice can be done in community, why silence is undervalued in modern culture, and the surprising “side effects” of a prayer life rooted in stillness.If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God, curious about contemplative prayer, or feeling spiritually weary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a grounded invitation to sit with God—and be changed.Show Notes:Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self with Centering Prayer, Rich LewisHealing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, Amos Smithhttps://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/https://silenceteaches.com/

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.