The Rocky Road Podcast

Markie Ostler is a mom who boldly shares the story about her daughter, Everly Jo, and the few weeks they were given with her here on this earth. After a devastating diagnosis (one all too common), this episode will make you smile, cry and laugh! Markie's strength is inspiring and amazing as a mom who lives in the happy and sad feelings simultaneously. *Trigger Warning: Child Loss* Song: Happy...

This week Mandy and Kristin discuss this emotional whirlwind called grief. In this mini-series we discuss a topic that many people don't know much about yet it is inevitably something that effects us all. Why do we have feelings of sadness, as expected, but in the same breath we feel happy? Why do we find ourselves trying to make a deal with God? Why did I just get angry at the trash can not b...

Join us this week with an easy listening episode featuring our new friend Lee Atherton, who specializes in grief, bereavement and resilience. We walk through the difficulties of grief, the stages of grief and the five wishes that can help someone prepare for the inevitable. Lee is gentle, kind and peaceful which leads to a great conversation revolving around one of the most sacred times in our liv...

When the people around us are struggling it can feel like we’re not doing enough. Join us this week as we chat about some straightforward and approachable ways to support our loved ones through a difficult or unexpected time. Spoiler alert: it starts with you opening your ears. Do you have any favorite tips for helping people feel validated and supported? Let us know at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Molly wants to know how you are. Really. Are you good, or more importantly NOT good? For Molly, opening the door to vulnerability meant supporting others by sharing her the moment she broke free from abuse, living with a narcissistic partner, and healing her relationship with Jesus. Song - Glory by Dermot Kennedy Find Molly on Instagram at @notgoodpodcast

Do you ever find yourself struggling to be vulnerable? Would you rather keep things to yourself then burden someone with your struggles? Kristin & Mandy have both been there! We talk in this episode about what it's like to share your struggle, who to share information with and why your struggle can actually be a blessing to someone else! Find us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: the...

As a Christian podcaster himself, Eric shares with us his journey through studying and receiving his M.Div and navigating some difficult hardships in the Christian world. In our conversation, Eric talks about the 4 stages of rediscovering Jesus and the importance of discipleship. Song: Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi, Hard to Get - Rich Mullins Eric's Podcast Group: Christian Podcasters Asso...

Have you ever experienced church hurt? Have you experienced the love of a Christian and then saw a different side of them that made you question your own faith? God and Jesus are good, so why do some Christians act that way. Kristin and Mandy consider themselves Christians, yet talk more about how our own body of believers can be some of the most hurtful people to us. We dive into this hot button...

Living as a Christian is not easy, let alone being invited by God to live as a Christian missionary in the US. Paul Granger, an ambassador of Christ, shares with us his story and journey through working for a variety of ministries, non-profits, seasons of unemployment and what it means to reflect Christ in his everyday life. How can we trust God at times when it feels like it's impossible? How...

Naturally as humans, we want to feel accepted and a part of a community. In our American culture, we are so individualistic that sometimes we don't see the importance of community and how to build it. Hang with us today as we give you 3 important pieces to the puzzle of building and sustaining your firm foundation of a community and why it can be life changing. Find us on instagram: @therockyr...

The "covid-boom" of disc golf has opened this world up to people who thought throwing frisbees was just a fun pastime. Now a professional disc golfer, Joel Freeman shares his journey and the exciting things happening in the disc golf world today! This individually based sport is anything but easy when it comes to winning championships yet it's one of the most cost effective sports to...

One year ago today we released our first 3 episodes. We braved our fears and told the world the beginnings of our stories! We are so thankful for our RR family and the community we've been able to build over this last year. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your listening ears and thank YOU for journeying with us down this rocky road of podcasting! Tune in for our life updates and the next...

Many of us will never tell the story that scarred us. This is Nichola's mission: To correct the perception that scars are not beautiful. Nick and her team are responsible for encouraging so many women to start or continue their healing journey by sharing their stories in the safest and most empowering way she can imagine. Song: Breathe - Maverick City Learn more about Nichola's organizatio...

Once your contract is up in the military and you served your country, what's next? It can be a difficult transition from military to civilian life and many people find themselves wondering through life, trying to find a new place to fit in. This can lead to a multitude of good/bad decisions. John Davis has been there. After his time in the military, he had to rediscover who he was as a person in o...

Whether or not we like to admit it, our internal monologue runs the show. The thoughts we think affect the words we say, the emotions we accept, and our impact on those around us. During this conversation, Shannon chats practical tips on beginning to accept and respect your own emotional process, setting boundaries with family, and the healing power of being still in nature. Shannon digs even deep...

Would you let a total stranger come in and trample on your feelings? No? Then why do so many of us allow our closest friends and family have total access to our deepest parts so they can do the same? Listen as Kristin and Mandy chat about their experiences in setting some effective (and not so effective) boundaries, and how they learned that not everyone should be trusted with full and complete ac...

Many people will never experience jail time in their country, but even less will experience jail time in a FOREIGN country. Complete with language barriers, no explanations, no communication with anyone outside the prison, and only 3 bowls of soup a day, Chancellor walks us through his time in a Beijing prison. Song: I do this - Nipsey Hussle Follow Chancellor: @chancellorkjackson Follow us: @ther...

Often times we find ourselves in situations wondering, "how did I get myself here?" It may have been something you chose to do, or it may have been something done to you. Either way, we have a choice to make whether we want to forgive someone or hold on to that bitterness. Healing is a journey that isn't linear. Mandy openly shares she is a 'late-bloomer' to conflict resilien...

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. A better life doesn't start automatically, it is built on careful practices. Join us in chatting about three specific and active things that you can do every single day to increase your self-awareness and ultimately improve the way you experience the world around you. Do you have a favorite awareness building practice you use? Let us know! Follow...

Let's talk about sex. No, seriously, let’s talk with a somatic attachment therapist, certified tantra practitioner, and clinical sexologist about sex, REAL love, and self worth and how it is all intertwined. Follow Hannah: @hannahspanke Song: In Dreams - Jai-Jagdeesh Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

Too often we wait until someone is gone to reminisce about the wonderful times that have been shared. Change the narrative: tell people how they’ve impacted you NOW and never wonder if they know how much they are loved. Jenny (founder of IMPACT: tell people they matter) wants you to know that you matter, and that you have already made an irreplaceable impact on those around you.  Song: Homewa...

Too many young boys and men are taught that showing their emotions is a weakness, causing them to never fully embrace their own vulnerability. Shaun discusses how he learned from his mistakes, felt his feelings, and ultimately benefitted from sharing his process with others in order to "get down to the nitty gritty" and fully heal.  Song: One Day - Matisyahu  Find the book Boys Do Cry on...

Nichole wants to climb every mountain…literally. From being riddled with anxiety to providing lighthearted and hopeful hiking content, Nichole walks us through her process of becoming physically and mentally stronger by getting outside and putting one foot in front of the other.  Song: Return of the Mack - Mark Morrison  Visit Nichole's website for more information on travel destinations...

Very few things in life are achieved without hard work, introspection, and a hefty dose of self-awareness. Gabe may arrive in a chiseled package with a wrought iron exterior, but inside there is a guy who has had to figure out some tough stuff in order to find his place helping others to be their best. Fair warning, this man accepts no BS.  Song: Healer - In Hearts Wake    Follow Ga...

From wall street to powder snow, Erik talks about how he shifted from traversing through mental health challenges in a highly competitive environment to seeking a place of healing and wholeness. Erik shares the ways that he has bettered himself by building a healing team, keeping our equilateral triangle balanced and using our super power of vulnerability to love and support those around us. Join...