This Grit and Grace Life

The Grit and Grace Project
  • 4.9 (156)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Two women. Two generations. Each with a mic and lots to talk about. Hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender dive into honest, funny, and practical conversations about bridging faith with today’s cultural realities. They ask the hard questions and unpack what it looks like to bring smart living to a modern world—without losing your mind (or your sense of humor). Expect laughter, gentle truth-telling, and the kind of advice you’d actually text a friend about late

  1. 6d ago ·  Video

    Respect Yourself—It Starts With You - 292

    "R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Find out what it means to me!" Aretha Franklin may have been singing about how others should treat you, but what about respecting yourself? In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life podcast, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss the importance of building self-respect by recognizing your values and living in a way that reflects them. They also share some challenges that can damage our view of ourselves—like making mistakes or dealing with criticism from others—and how returning to those values can remind us how to show up in the world with confidence. Tune into this episode to discover the values that matter to you and how they can shape your self-respect.

  2. Sep 22 ·  Video

    291 Our Story, So Far

    Whether you're new to This Grit and Grace Life podcast or a long-time listener, we're inviting you to take a look back at the last nearly 10 years of the show and all that co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender have experienced since its debut.  Darlene and Julie have been in each other’s lives through many seasons—great ones, hard ones, and simple ones—and they will tell you they are blessed to have the relationship they have. But there's a lot you may not know about this duo. So this week, they're taking time to help you get to know them better. And, as usual, they'll probably share a few things they shouldn’t admit on a podcast.  Tune in as the friends reflect on their past and talk about the experiences that have shaped the women they are today.

  3. Sep 16 ·  Video

    290 We're Back!!!

    A glimpse into what's ahead! We're back! (Sorry for the longer-than-planned break.) And this time, we're bringing you along in a whole new way — the cameras are officially on! Darlene and Julie are back in the studio, tackling the conversations every woman deals with. Grab a seat, laugh with us, cry with us, and share in the life experience we've gained along the way — every week, right here. While you're waiting for the each week's new episode, check out all things for your Grit and Grace Life. Read wisdom, humor and real life stories from women you can relate to at the Grit and Grace Life Website. Check it out. Want to get weekly newsletters click signup on the website header to keep up-to-date on all we are doing.The Smart Living book series here,Be sure to follow us on social media links below!Facebook Our Grit and Grace Life Facebook This Grit and Grace Life Podcast Instagram Grit and Grace Life Website Instagram This Grit and Grace Life Podcast YouTube X

  4. 07/08/2025

    Why Your Story Matters – 289

    Are you sharing your story? Countless studies have shown that there’s substantial value in sharing our stories and listening to others tell theirs. Among the biggest benefits? The release of oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that fosters trust and bonding. Vulnerably discussing our joys and woes, our challenges and triumphs, our embarrassments and achievements, has the power to elicit empathy in recognizing how our stories overlap. We glean wisdom, or at the very least, the comfort of knowing we aren’t alone in facing certain experiences. This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack why your story matters. What use are our experiences and hard-earned life lessons if they never make it outside the walls of our hearts? Consider how your own life has been impacted by your mother’s stories, perhaps, or a close friend’s. They also dive deep into the lives of two biblical women, whose actions challenged the culture of their time and whose stories stand as an example of the power of learning from others who came before us and walk alongside us now. Quote of the episode: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Resources Mentioned Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission! Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page) We want to hear your story! Email us at info@thegritandgraceproject.org Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: “Who Will Tell Your Story, and What Will They Say?” “I Found Freedom After Sharing My Painful Story” “3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story” Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

  5. 07/08/2025

    Why Your Story Matters – 289

    Are you sharing your story? Countless studies have shown that there’s substantial value in sharing our stories and listening to others tell theirs. Among the biggest benefits? The release of oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that fosters trust and bonding. Vulnerably discussing our joys and woes, our challenges and triumphs, our embarrassments and achievements, has the power to elicit empathy in recognizing how our stories overlap. We glean wisdom, or at the very least, the comfort of knowing we aren’t alone in facing certain experiences. This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack why your story matters. What use are our experiences and hard-earned life lessons if they never make it outside the walls of our hearts? Consider how your own life has been impacted by your mother’s stories, perhaps, or a close friend’s. They also dive deep into the lives of two biblical women, whose actions challenged the culture of their time and whose stories stand as an example of the power of learning from others who came before us and walk alongside us now. Quote of the episode: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Resources Mentioned Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission! Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page) We want to hear your story! Email us at info@thegritandgraceproject.org Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: “Who Will Tell Your Story, and What Will They Say?” “I Found Freedom After Sharing My Painful Story” “3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story” Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

  6. 07/01/2025

    Fireworks and Freedom: The Reason Behind Independence Day – 288

    If your knowledge of how Independence Day came to be is a little fuzzy, settle in for a brief history lesson! In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender recount America’s origin story, starting with Great Britain’s imposition of taxes and military presence in the colonies. You’ll discover how the Declaration of Independence came to be and why it’s significant (see the related resources section below for more), as well as our duty as women of faith (and Americans) to not only recognize our nation’s flaws and failures but to correct them. For the little ones or fun-loving folks in your family, Darlene and Julie share 10 fresh ways to celebrate the holiday. We’re not talking about BBQs—have you ever tried watermelon bowling or hosting a 1776 party? Sign us up! Quote of the episode: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36). Resources Mentioned Learn how to set up an outdoor movie theater here Want to send a care package to a military service member? USPS removes the guesswork with its Military Care Kit—the kit is free and includes 6 boxes, address labels, envelopes and priority mail tape. Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: “The Beauty of the Declaration of Independence” “How Can We Teach our Kids the True Meaning of Freedom? with Brooke Raybould – 199” Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

  7. 06/24/2025

    Feeling Discontent? Fix These 3 Areas of Your Life – 287

    Feeling discontent with life? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Less-than? There are typically three culprits to blame: clutter, comparison, and conflict. Their impact, individually or collectively, can bog you down. Luckily, you’re in control. In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack the burden that the three Cs—clutter, comparison, and conflict—can drain our contentment with each area of our lives: our jobs, families, home, appearance, spirituality, and more. If we don’t keep them in check, we’ll never be satisfied. Tune in to learn practical strategies for managing the three Cs and reclaim your peace. Quote of the episode: “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Resources Mentioned Catch up on these podcast episodes: “If Your Clutter Is Driving You Crazy – 263” “Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 1 – 283” “Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 2 – 284” Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles: “How to Crush Comparison With a Compliment” “Conquering Clutter Will Reveal the Things That Matter” “A Therapist’s Advice on How to Handle Conflict”  Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

  8. 06/17/2025

    Stuck in a Hard Season? 5 Tips to Turn It Around – 286

    Bad days and hard seasons are to be expected, and yet we can never fully prepare for the way they might shake us to the core and disrupt our lives. So how are we supposed to respond when life seems to dish out one hit after another? In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack five practical ways to work through the sting of a rough season, especially when it tests your faith. If you’re in the middle of one of those chapters—you know, the kind you’d rather forget about entirely—this conversation is for you. Quote of the episode: “I have told you these things so that in me, you may have perfect peace. In the world, you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous; be confident; be undaunted. Be filled with joy. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Resources Related When Life Hits Hard, It Just Takes a Little Faith  God’s Strength Is Found in the Hard Places Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

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4.9
out of 5
156 Ratings

About

Two women. Two generations. Each with a mic and lots to talk about. Hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender dive into honest, funny, and practical conversations about bridging faith with today’s cultural realities. They ask the hard questions and unpack what it looks like to bring smart living to a modern world—without losing your mind (or your sense of humor). Expect laughter, gentle truth-telling, and the kind of advice you’d actually text a friend about late

Information

  • Creator
    The Grit and Grace Project
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 This Grit and Grace Life
  • Show Website
    This Grit and Grace Life

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