Lessons from Living

Beth Graham
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Personal Journals
  • Biweekly

Everyday heroes, young and old, are interviewed to glean wisdom and secrets for living well so that listeners are inspired to live meaningful lives. As a mother of six, theology student, breast cancer survivor, and wife of 36 years, host Beth Graham includes many personal tidbits surrounding parenting, health, marriage, and spiritual living. No more treading water and feeling unfulfilled; it's time to take action! Welcome to our community of inspiration!

  1. 22h ago

    Finding Purpose After Loss: Danniele Reeves on Grief, Courage, and Community

    After suddenly losing her husband, Danniele Reeves chose to take her life in an unexpected new direction, opening the Raven Book Lounge in Brentwood, Tennessee. In this episode of Lessons From Living, Danniele reflects on navigating grief, deciding what comes next, and finding the courage to try something entirely new—even later in life and as an introvert. We also explore the role of community and relationships, and how we can celebrate both our unique selves and the shared humanity that connects us. https://www.theravenbooklounge.net/

  2. Oct 22

    Thriving in the Empty Nest: Managing Expectations & Nurturing Adult Children with Suzy Mighell | Lessons From Living

    Are you struggling to navigate the transition into the empty nest? In this encouraging second segment, author and speaker Suzy Mighell joins Lessons From Living to share practical, faith-filled wisdom on how to embrace this new season of life with hope, purpose, and joy. Whether you are just entering the empty nest or have been navigating it for years, this episode provides actionable advice on fostering healthy relationships with your adult children and reclaiming your own identity. In this episode, we discuss: Managing Expectations: How self-imposed expectations can rob your joy and why it is essential to replace them with hope.Parenting Adult Children: The two most powerful tools you still have to influence your children: setting a fruitful example and offering intentional encouragement.The Danger of "Suggestions": Why unsolicited advice can undermine your adult child's confidence and how to shift your communication style.Processing Grief: Why it is a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek professional help or counseling during this major life transition.Strengthening Your Marriage: The importance of turning toward your spouse and intentionally growing together as you navigate life after kids.Praying Scripture: How to align your heart with God's promises by praying specific verses over your children. Suzy reminds us that God does not waste a thing—not our pain, our challenges, or our victories. Tune in to be reminded that you are not alone, you have a purpose in this season, and you can trust the Lord with the children you love so dearly. Connect with Suzy Mighell: Visit her website for resources, blog posts, and encouragement: emptynestblessed.comCheck out her book: Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest Enjoyed this conversation? Make sure to subscribe to Lessons From Living and join our community at lfl.net to share your thoughts and join the conversation!

  3. Oct 15

    Navigating the Empty Nest: How to Find Joy, Purpose, and Your New Identity with Suzy Mighell

    Are you struggling with the transition to an empty nest? In this episode of Lessons from Living, host Beth Graham interviews author Suzy Mighell about the complex emotions of this significant life phase. They explore the "two-track" experience of simultaneously feeling grief and exhilaration, why it is crucial to reclaim your identity outside of motherhood, and actionable steps to reorient your time and focus. Discover how to move past feeling adrift and step into a purposeful, joy-filled next season.

  4. Oct 9

    Lessons from Peru: Machu Picchu, Community, and What Travel Teaches Us

    After two weeks in Peru, Lessons From Living host Beth Graham reflects on the warmth and resilience of the Peruvian people, the country’s turbulent history, and the contrasts between Machu Picchu’s Inca engineering and modern infrastructure challenges. The episode explores community-led cooperation, education, opportunity, and the lessons travel can offer—while inviting listeners to share their own perspectives on Peru.

  5. Oct 1

    Choosing Gratitude After Grief, Finding Purpose as We Age | Lessons From Living with Chris Moore

    In our second segment of our conversation with Chris Moore, we explore grief, resilience, and the mindset shifts that help us keep living with purpose after devastating loss. Chris shares the story of losing his wife Barbara at 55, the fog that followed, and the conscious decision to “start living again.” He explains how reframing—choosing gratitude over despair—can transform suffering, why community and shared experience matter, and how deep sorrow can expand our capacity for joy. We also discuss: Practical ways to walk through grief (not around it)Building resilience, empathy, and meaning in later lifeConnection across generations and making younger friendsCreating a life you don’t want to retire fromPurpose, mentorship, and shifting goals as abilities changeLifelong learning for brain health (languages, instruments)The spiritual dimension of aging well and longevityValuing your wisdom—others need what comes naturally to you Connect with Chris: Age Out Loud (book and community) and Alma Travel with Soul.

  6. Sep 27

    Rethinking Ageism: Chris Moore on Belief, Purpose, and the New Face of Aging | Lessons From Living

    Aging specialist Chris Moore joins Lessons From Living to debunk ageism and show how belief, purpose, and intergenerational connection drive healthy, meaningful aging. Learn why mindset matters, what “retirement” gets wrong, and how simple shifts can add years to your life. What you’ll learn:A clear definition of ageism—and why the most damaging form is self-directedHow cultural narratives about “acting your age” limit health, purpose, and potentialThe truth behind “retirement,” Social Security, and why 65 became the normWhy belief changes outcomes (Roger Bannister effect) and can add ~7.5 years to lifePractical ways to counter ageism: purpose, visibility, intergenerational ties, travelLoneliness vs. social isolation—and hidden barriers like untreated hearing loss Highlights & timestamps (Part 1): 00:01 Welcome 00:18 What ageism really is (expectations based on age) 01:50 The 91-year-old Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (why outliers matter—but so do myths) 03:43 Why norms change slowly—and the power of visible counterexamples 04:29 How 65 became “retirement” (Social Security origins and shifting math) 06:13 “Retire” vs. human value: we don’t outlive our usefulness 07:22 America’s worship of youth—procedures rising even in 20s 08:26 What we should honor about youth (wonder, trying new things) vs. looks 10:22 The undervalued strengths of age: wisdom, discernment, relationships 11:42 Appearance vs. character: what actually matters 13:39 From multigenerational homes to age segregation—what we lost 14:44 The 1960s and the amplification of ageism (“never trust anyone over 30”) 16:35 Ageism as prejudice against your future self 18:34 Living purposefully as proof that changes beliefs 19:28 Roger Bannister and breaking “impossible” limits 23:25 Self-directed ageism, belief, and Becca Levy’s research (+7.5 years) 24:41 Age-segregated living and why it matters 25:26 University–senior living collaborations that bridge generations 27:07 Cross-cultural lessons from Japan (reverence vs. openness) 30:33 “Alma: Travel with Soul” — designing trips for people who think they’re “too old” to travel 32:49 Loneliness vs. social isolation—and why hearing loss can isolate About our guest: Chris Moore is an aging specialist and author focused on practical, evidence-based approaches to healthy aging, purpose, and intergenerational connection.Mentioned:Becca Levy, Breaking the Age Code (positive aging beliefs linked to ~7.5-year longevity gain)Dale “Greybeard” Sanders, record-setting AT thru-hike at 91Call to action: If this helped you rethink aging, subscribe, share with a friend, and comment: What belief about aging are you breaking this year?

  7. Sep 19

    US Open Life Lessons: Composure, Gratitude, and True Sportsmanship

    In this solo episode of Lessons from Living, Beth Graham reflects on the powerful life lessons she gleaned from an unforgettable US Open. From contrasting emotional styles on the women’s side to extraordinary humility and gratitude on the men’s, Beth explores what truly endures beyond a scoreboard. She contrasts visible emotion and outbursts with steady composure, then highlights moments of quiet greatness: Alexander Zverev staying locked in point-by-point, his heartfelt respect for Ben Shelton at the net, and Ben’s remarkably generous runner-up speech that thanked everyone from tournament staff to his driver by name. Beth also shares Zverev’s story of overcoming diabetes—and a mother’s courageous resolve that her son would not be defined by a diagnosis. Themes include emotional regulation, sportsmanship, resilience, faith, parenting for character over accomplishments, and why grace under pressure shapes reputations and futures. Whether you watched every match or none at all, you’ll find timely reminders for raising kids, leading teams, and living well. Quote to remember: “Who you are and how you treat others lasts forever, while a victory on a scoreboard is temporary.” Write Beth at beth@lessonsfromliving.net—she reads every email.

  8. Sep 10

    Adversity to Impact: Carissa Hope on Resilience and Purpose | Lessons from Living

    In this moving episode of Lessons from Living, host Beth Graham welcomes Carissa Hope—a poised, purpose-driven young leader who turned a difficult childhood into a calling to help others heal. Carissa opens up about the moments that shaped her, the mentors and practices that helped her reframe pain into strength, and the daily habits that keep her grounded as she serves her community. If you’ve faced adversity and wondered how to transform it into impact, Carissa’s story offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a roadmap for resilient living. Drawing on the spirit of J.K. Rowling’s reminder that emerging wiser and stronger from setbacks builds lifelong confidence, this conversation explores how to move from survival to service. You’ll hear how Carissa cultivates hope, sets healthy boundaries, finds meaning in the mess, and empowers others—proving that it’s never too early (or too late) to start changing lives. What you’ll learn: How to reframe hardship into purpose and servicePractical tools for healing: mindset, routines, and supportive relationshipsSetting boundaries without losing compassionFinding your voice after adversity and using it to uplift othersWhy starting young accelerates growth—and how to begin wherever you are Who this episode is for: Anyone recovering from a tough season and seeking directionYoung adults and students looking for purpose-driven pathsCaregivers, educators, counselors, and community leadersListeners who love real stories of grit, grace, and growth Quotable moment: “The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are ever after secure in your ability to survive.” —J.K. Rowling Call to action: Watch the video version on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@LessonsfromLivingSubscribe for more stories that encourage and equip you to live with purposeShare this episode with someone who needs a reminder that hope is possible Suggested chapter markers (optional): 00:00 Welcome and today’s theme01:23 Meet Carissa Hope06:10 Turning pain into purpose14:45 Habits that build resilience22:30 Boundaries, healing, and serving others32:50 Advice for starting young40:00 Final reflections and J.K. Rowling quote

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5
out of 5
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About

Everyday heroes, young and old, are interviewed to glean wisdom and secrets for living well so that listeners are inspired to live meaningful lives. As a mother of six, theology student, breast cancer survivor, and wife of 36 years, host Beth Graham includes many personal tidbits surrounding parenting, health, marriage, and spiritual living. No more treading water and feeling unfulfilled; it's time to take action! Welcome to our community of inspiration!

Information

  • Creator
    Beth Graham
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Beth Graham 2017 | Lessons from Living
  • Show Website
    Lessons from Living

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