Girls in Real Life

“Dilly-dallying” is the most recent phrase we’re using for our mindless, girly tasks. Whether running errands, scrolling for hours, or aimlessly taking on the day, we’ve definitely romanticized filling our days with distractions. And while there’s nothing wrong with a slow day here and there, what happens when delay and distractions become our lifestyle? When weeks, months, or even years slip by w...

Lately I’ve been asking myself a hard question: if God never did another thing for me—if He didn’t answer another prayer, open another door, or bless me with the things I desire—would I still be satisfied in Him? Honestly, that’s not an easy question to wrestle with. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how God has been shifting my perspective from chasing His blessings to cherishing His presence....

Being a mom comes naturally to me — making sure my son is fed, cared for, and always thought of first. But recently, a conversation with my husband made me realize that while I’m a great mother, I haven’t always been the most considerate wife. It’s not intentional, but somewhere along the way, I began to give my husband less of the same energy and attention that I freely give our child. In this we...

Abortion is one of the most debated and sensitive topics of our time, and recently it’s been flooding my comment section. Some say it’s “just a clump of cells,” while others argue it’s the ending of a life. In this episode, I’m not here to debate or water down what I believe—I’m here to share my perspective through the lens of my faith. We’ll talk about free will and God’s gift of choice, why our...

Happy Monday girlies! In this week’s episode, we’re talking about the power of the tongue and why the words you speak—whether in frustration, in a joke, or in passing—carry so much weight. The Bible reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue, yet so often we casually speak negativity over ourselves without realizing the impact. From saying things like “I’m broke” or “I have bad...

Happy Monday girlies! In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the beauty lessons I wish I knew sooner. Think of this as your shortcut to confidence, self-care, and figuring out what really works without all the trial and error. From the habits that actually make a difference to the little tweaks that elevate your routine, this episode is all about helping you feel your best without the overwhelm. Whet...

For years, I only knew how to be disciplined if there was a finish line in sight — a game, a pageant, a vacation. But when the those seasons of my life ended, so did my routines. And somewhere after those things were over, I lost myself. Not intentionally, but simply because I didn't have anything to work towards anymore. I neglected my health, my joy, my self care — all because I didn’t have...

Happy Monday girlies! Ever make a decision and then wonder, “Why would God let this happen?” In this episode, we’re having a real talk about what happens when you blame God for the choices you made. We explore the hard truth about spiritual accountability, what it means to abuse God's grace, and why free will doesn’t erase the need for wisdom. God can redeem anything—but it starts with you be...

Have you ever felt stuck between where you are and where you know you're meant to be? In this episode of Girls in Real Life, we’re talking about the tension of the in-between—the place where your dreams feel close but not quite reality. I’m sharing my personal story of navigating the highs of living glimpses of my dreams, and the lows of returning to my reality afterward. We’ll unpack: ➤ Why...

When life takes an unexpected turn, how do you respond? In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with my husband, Justin, to share the full story of when we found out we were pregnant. You’ve heard my side before, but this time you’ll hear an honest discussion between us about how he felt, the fears he carried, and how he navigated the uncertainty of our future. We’re talking about the raw emotions th...

Five years ago, I sat behind a mic with a heart full of hope and a voice still learning what it wanted to say. I didn’t know who would listen. I didn’t know where this journey would lead. But here we are five years later and somehow, you’ve stayed. In this very special anniversary episode, I’m taking you behind the mic to share the full story: how Girls in Real Life began, the ways we’ve grown tog...

Happy Monday girlies! In this week’s episode, we’re dismantling the pressure to “figure it all out” and rethinking what purpose really means in a world obsessed with hustle, titles, and perfectly packaged callings. I share my personal journey with purpose, including the fear I carried for years about missing God’s calling on my life — and the peace I found in realizing that purpose isn’t one thing...

Happy Monday girlies! In this episode, we’re exploring how the rise of “main character energy” in culture can lead us to idolize ourselves more than we realize. From the subtle ways we prioritize our own desires to the ways we remove ourselves from other people’s stories, this conversation is a reminder to re-center your life on Christ. We’ll talk about Jesus’ example of self-denial, the differenc...

Happy Monday girlies! 👋 Today’s episode is for the dreamers who’ve been hiding behind perfection and fear. We’re talking about what it means to overcome the fear of being seen — especially when God has placed a calling on your life that makes you feel wildly unqualified. Whether you’re afraid to fail, nervous about what others will say, or battling imposter syndrome, this one’s for you. Let this...

Happy Monday girlies! 💕 In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that affects all of us — learning how to trust God even when our feelings are pulling us in every direction. From emotional highs and lows to the spiritual stillness we long for, this episode dives deep into how we can stop letting our emotions dictate our faith and start letting God lead our lives instead. We’ll talk about...

Happy Monday girlies! Today's episode is all about self forgiveness. We talk a lot about forgiving others, but what about forgiving ourselves? 👀 We’re diving deep into the guilt, shame, and self-condemnation that often keep us stuck — and how we can begin to release that through God’s truth and grace. This one is personal, reflective, and super necessary for anyone who’s been carrying around...

Happy Memorial Day Monday! I wish today's episode was cute and fun, but it's definitely not lol. This episode is one of the most vulnerable I’ve ever recorded because it's the story of my life.  After leaving a long-term relationship, I found myself ultimately getting pregnant just 2 months into meeting my now husband. Though that chapter of my life now includes love, marriage, and...

Happy Monday girlies! Today's episode is about spiritual maturity and growing in your faith. I discuss the beauty (and complexities) of personal convictions, the reality of being set apart, the dangers of judging others, and a whole lot more! We’ll explore how to recognize when you're growing spiritually and how to extend grace to others without condemning them. Whether you're in a...

Happy Monday girlies! Today we are discussing Biblical femininity with Nadia Rue ✨ A native of Dallas, Texas, and current LSU student, she is devoted to helping women navigate womanhood through Biblical principles.  Together, we explore what it means to truly embody the Proverbs 31 woman in today’s culture. From unlearning the “boss babe” mentality to embracing softness, structure, and strength t...

Happy Monday girlies! Today's episode is all about self-awareness. You can name the flaw. You can recognize the habit. You even know the scripture. But for some reason, nothing is changing. In this episode, Mariah talks about the trap of self-awareness without surrender and how knowing better doesn't always mean doing better. From spiritual pride to the discomfort of obedience, she dives...

Happy Monday girlies! Have you been feeling stuck in a routine—waking up, working, paying bills, and wondering if there’s more to life than just getting through the day? In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to break free from auto-pilot living and reconnect with the freedom, joy, and creativity you were made for. You’re not a machine, and you’re not here just to function. Let’s talk...

This week, Mariah dives into the power of intercessory prayer — the prayers we pray for others and the ones that have been prayed over us. What if you’re living in someone else’s answered prayer? What if part of your purpose is to cover someone else in prayer the same way you've been covered? In this episode, we’re looking at biblical examples of intercession, the legacy of prayer through gen...

Happy Monday girlies! We don’t like to admit it, but sometimes comparison feels justified—especially when it seems like people who don’t even believe in God are thriving. In this episode, I’m diving into the tension we feel when life seems unfair and non-believers are flourishing and successful. We’ll explore what Scripture says about this kind of comparison, how to reframe our perspective, and wh...

Happy Monday girlies! And happy birthday to me 🥰🎂 In this birthday reflection episode, Mariah shares the biggest lessons she’s learned over the past year—personally, spiritually, and emotionally. From navigating change to embracing growth, she's opening up about the moments that shaped her and the wisdom she’s carrying into her next year of life. FOLLOW ME:  @girlsirlpod @mariahclayton_ Don...

Happy Monday girlies! On today's episode, Mariah is spilling all the details about her big day 💍 From everything she loved to her biggest regrets, she's letting you in on it all! If you love wedding talk, want a real and honest recap, or are in the middle of planning your own, this episode is for you. 🥰 FOLLOW ME:  @girlsirlpod @mariahclayton_