Stories We Share

In this episode of Stories We Share, Simone and Stephanie discuss a new opportunity that has Stephanie stepping outside of her comfort zone: writing for a magazine for cancer survivors. As a secret lifelong writer, Stephanie reflects on what it feels like to share her work publicly for the first time, especially when the subject matter is so deeply personal. Together, they explore the vulnerabilit...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Simone opens up about what it was like to spend three years single after divorce and the unexpected journey of finding love again. She reflects on the healing, growth, and self-discovery that happened during her time alone, as well as the fears, hopes, and lessons that came with stepping back into dating. Together, Simone and Stephanie discuss how dating after...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Simone and Stephanie reflect on the transition to Summer, the ways people respond differently to change, and how past experiences can shape the way we approach the future. Through conversations about motherhood and summer break they diverge deeper into the patterns they’ve noticed in themselves. They open up about the tension between anticipating joy and bracin...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Simone and Stephanie catch up on life lately as summer approaches. Stephanie shares her excitement for slower days ahead, her daughter graduating kindergarten, and the complicated emotions that come with navigating survivorship. As the weather gets warmer and layers come off, she opens up about the emotional weight of wearing prosthetics and going back and for...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Simone and Stephanie discuss the ways trauma can unexpectedly resurface, especially around anniversaries of difficult moments. Simone opens up about experiencing an emotional flashback tied to a specific day from her past, while Stephanie shares her ongoing frustration with the lingering side effects of chemotherapy and the reality that healing is rarely linear...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Simone and Stephanie take a break from the heavier conversations and simply catch up as lifelong best friends. After not talking for a while, the two spend the episode reminiscing on childhood memories, past vacations, funny stories, and the moments that shaped their friendship over the years. Filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a little chaos, this episode f...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Simone and Stephanie start with a much-needed catch-up after not seeing each other for a while, then dive into a conversation about safe spaces. They reflect on how safe spaces can look like a place, a person, or a community, but more importantly, how those spaces help you learn who you are. Especially after life-changing experiences like cancer and divorce, th...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Simone and Stephanie talk about the tension between choosing happiness and choosing bitterness in seasons of loss. Whether it’s divorce, illness, or grief, they reflect on the moments when bitterness felt easier and how they’ve learned to intentionally fight for peace, gratitude, and joy instead. They share real moments when bitterness crept in, how they recogn...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Stephanie and Simone discuss what it looked like to walk through hard seasons while still finding joy, laughter, and connection along the way. Along with honest and vulnerable moments, they talk about the importance of gratitude, recognizing God’s faithfulness in the little things, and what it means to feel both deeply understood and, at times, misunderstood. T...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Stephanie and Simone are catching you up on what’s happened during their time away. It was a busy year, and they reflect on what the summer, fall, and winter brought, with an honest look at life in the in-between. Along with a few funny and unexpected moments, they open up about what inspired them to return to the podcast and what they’re hoping for this new se...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Stephanie opens up about the emotional weight of losing her hair during cancer treatment and the complex journey of healing that followed. From the meaning tied to losing her hair to expectations of "getting back to normal", Stephanie reflects on what it really means to navigate life after cancer treatment. Whether you're a cancer survivor, supporting someone i...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Stephanie and Simone talk about the awkward, messy, and often vulnerable journey of making friends after trauma. From navigating social interactions during survival mode - like cancer treatment treatment or emotional recovery - to the discomfort of small talk while wearing wigs or feeling emotionally raw, they reflect on what it means to connect with others du...

In this episode of Stories We Share, Simone and Stephanie open up about their journeys through motherhood - the surprises, the challenges, and the moments that changed them. They reflect on the early days of parenting, the pressures that came with the constant flood of social media advice, and how they've leaned on each other through it all. From the serious to the hilarious, they explore how frie...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Simone opens up about embracing her unconventional life choices and her journey to accepting life on her own. From making decisions solo to spending intentional time by herself, she shares how this season of solitude has led to deep self-discovery and a newfound appreciation for her own company. Whether you've recently gone through a break up, a divorce, or ar...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Stephanie and Simone reflect on the two-year anniversaries of life-altering moments - Simone leaving her marriage and Stephanie receiving her breast cancer diagnosis. They open up about how they've been processing these milestones, the unexpected emotions that still surface, and what healing has looked like in their own ways. Through it all, they've come to on...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Stephanie and Simone take a trip down memory lane to an era they lovingly call 307 - a time in their early 20s when they moved to the same state and became roommates. From navigating early adulthood together to the lessons (and laughs) that shaped them, this episode is all about friendship, growth, and moments that define us. Whether you're in your 20's lookin...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Simone opens up about the emotional unraveling of her marriage, the challenges of rebuilding, and the deep personal growth that came from making of the hardest decisions of her life. Stephanie shares her perspective on watching her best friend navigate depression from 730 miles away. Whether you're going through a divorce, adjusting to single parenthood, or wo...

In this episode of Stories We Share , Stephanie opens up about the lasting impact of her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis - what it feels like to be in remission and the emotions that surface with every visit to the cancer center. Simone shares her perspective as a best friend watching from 730 miles away, navigating how to support someone she loves through something she couldn't fix. Whether you're a...

Welcome to the first episode of Stories We Share! Meet your hosts, Simone and Stephanie - two childhood best friends whose friendship has stayed strong, even from 730 miles apart. In this episode, we're taking you back to where it all began - eighth grade - sharing the journey of our friendship and the moments that have shaped us. This is our chance to give you a glimpse into who we are and why we...

Lifelong best friends reflect on growth, shared experiences, and the moments that define us