Lessons from Living

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 dramtical...

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...

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’l...

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 th...

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, sib...

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...

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 re...

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...

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 migh...

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 s...

When addiction strikes, it doesn’t just impact one person—it shakes an entire family. In this episode of the Lessons from Living podcast, author Kathryn Mae Inman opens up about walking beside her son through years of struggle, including six failed rehab attempts, relapses, and the devastating chaos of addiction. But this is not only a story of pain—it’s a story of hope. Kathryn shares how faith i...

Feeling a little joy-less today? In this snack-sized episode, Beth explores the idea of anticipatory joy—how simply looking forward to something, big or small, can lift your mood and bring a fresh boost of happiness. Inspired by her upcoming trip to Italy with friends, she reflects on how planning and anticipation can be as rewarding as the event itself. Through personal stories, scientific insigh...

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 addictio...

Are you one to focus on disappointing situations that come your way, causing you to become immobilized?  It's time to reframe disappointment as an inevitable part of being human but learn to give it the limited focus it deserves. Beth gives examples of how lack of progress might indicate a timing issue but encourages us to move forward nonetheless.  Informed by the Holy Spirit, God doesn...

Diagnosed with fatal Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at six, Elijah Stacy refused to let his condition define him. Instead, at just 15, Elijah founded Destroy Duchenne to fight for a cure. Now, his work extends into biotech, public speaking, and nonprofit leadership. He shares how his experiences have shaped his character and why adversity is often the best teacher. We are privileged to enjoy this spe...

Loneliness is shaping hearts and health, with many people reporting that they often feel isolated. In this episode of Lessons from Living, Beth explores why intentional community matters for well-being, faith, and everyday life. Through honest stories, Scripture, and hard-won lessons, she shares how real connection takes commitment yet brings strength, clarity, and hope. From a small group that st...

Corwin “CJ” Johnson (CJ Moneyway) opens up about the road from reckless living to a purpose-filled life rooted in faith. He shares how early “fighting” instincts became a calling to fight spiritually, what real success looks like, and why genuine love and integrity must lead the way. Through stories about family, fatherhood, and mentors, CJ explains how to listen for God, use your talents, and liv...

Beth looks back over the year of inspiring episodes we have shared, explaining why one in particular holds a special place in her heart.  She gives an update on the Graham Fam, and forecasts what's in the future for Lessons From Living.  There's a special podcasting announcement at the end of the episode.  Happy New Year!

From losing jobs, friends, and family to being triggered by an early sexual assault, Brittany Young knows what it's like to suffer.  She spent a large chunk of her life living the unsustainable and dysfunctional life of an alcoholic.  The good news is that Brittany also knows the victory of living in sobriety for more than a decade.  This is a hopeful story for anyone suffering from...

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?  Our Thanksgiving guests and all of the Grahams share their thoughts on Thanksgiving, and what they're thankful for.  Some were quite surprising!  Enjoy this sneak peek into the Graham family that will leave you feeling warm and inspired.

There has been much said about the best way to motivate and inspire our younger generations, but today we hear directly from a GenZ representative who has been carefully observing the examples of leadership she has personally witnessed. With these observations and impressions, Laura Ray Read offers listeners a fresh perspective on what it means to be a leader, and how to do it with excellence. We...

Have you ever suffered a psychological wound from someone in authority in your life?  Sometimes we allow these events to affect us far into the future, impacting our potential success.  Dr. April Minatrea says it doesn't have to be so: we can make a different decision to heal, and learn lessons from these life crises--including how to treat others with compassion.  Dr. Minatrea is an articulate, i...

In this solo episode of Lessons from Living , host Beth Graham opens up about life after breast cancer, the mental spiral that can follow “watch and wait” protocols, and how fear can distort what we feel and think. She shares a candid story of scans, sleepless nights, and the inner dialogue that often follows uncertainty. Beth introduces a simple practice that brought clarity: contemplating mortal...

In this conversation, Beth welcomes artist and entrepreneur Isabel Varela to unpack a candid story of identity, insecurity, and a shopping addiction that spiraled into six figures of debt. Isabel shares the underlying need for validation that fueled her fashion choices, how social pressure amplified the cycle, and the moment a crisis forced her to change. With grit, accountability, and faith, Isab...

In this heartfelt conversation, host Beth Graham welcomes writer and podcaster Angee Robertson to talk about cultivating an intimate, everyday relationship with the Holy Spirit. Angee shares how a logic-first faith as a teen later collided with grief, doubt, and infertility, and how honest questions brought her back to a deeper trust in God. Together they explore practical ways to invite God into...