The Grit & Grace Podcast

Dana Lyons

Real Women. Real Conversations. Full Lives.  Because no one's just wearing one hat, and these women are here to talk about all of it.  Hosted by Dana Lyons, The Grit & Grace Podcast brings you real, unfiltered conversations with women who are leading, building, navigating change, and living busy, multi-faceted lives. These aren't just interviews. They're honest, life-giving conversations about what it means to show up with faith, courage, and purpose, through every season and assignment.  From building businesses without losing yourself, to balancing marriage, motherhood, and ambition, to walking through menopause and midlife shifts with boldness and grace, this podcast is for women who are done living small.  What you'll hear: –Bold steps outside comfort zones –Stories of reinvention, risk, and renewal –Career pivots, personal growth, and purpose-driven leadership –Faith-forward wisdom for navigating business and life –The messy, meaningful behind-the-scenes that don't make it to Instagram–but    matter the most.  If you're looking for insight, encouragement, and the kind of truth that doesn't need a filter, you're in the right place.  Hit play. We're just getting started. 

  1. Rebuilding Trust: Law Enforcement & Community Connection | Lori Haraldsen | Grit & Grace #16

    2D AGO

    Rebuilding Trust: Law Enforcement & Community Connection | Lori Haraldsen | Grit & Grace #16

    What if rebuilding trust in your community starts with one simple conversation? In this episode of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with Lori Haraldsen, founder of Valor Connect, for a powerful and honest discussion about law enforcement, community trust, and real-world solutions that bring people together. Lori shares her firsthand experience serving on the Salem Police Foundation, explaining why police foundations matter—especially as budgets tighten—and how community support directly impacts officer safety and effectiveness. From life-saving trauma kits to ballistic vest inserts funded by donors, this episode highlights the meaningful work happening behind the scenes—and how everyday citizens can be part of it. You’ll discover: • How the Police Activities League (PAL) builds trust with youth through sports, mentorship, and community programs • What ride-alongs reveal about the realities officers face every day • How National Night Out creates stronger neighborhoods through simple community gatherings • The ethical role of police foundations in funding critical training, equipment, and resources • Why rebuilding trust happens one conversation, one relationship at a time If you’ve ever asked, “How do we actually make our communities safer and stronger?”—this episode gives you a practical, hopeful starting point. 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about community, trust, and making a difference. 👉 Connect with Lori Haraldsen: Email: loriharaldsen@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-haraldsen/ Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️ Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises #GritAndGracePodcast #CommunityLeadership #LawEnforcement #CommunityTrust #PoliceFoundation #CivicEngagement #PublicSafety #PAL #NationalNightOut #RideAlong #StrongerCommunities #TrustBuilding

    1h 2m
  2. Stop Chasing Grants: Build a Sustainable Nonprofit Instead | Joy Dickinson | Grit & Grace #15

    MAR 23

    Stop Chasing Grants: Build a Sustainable Nonprofit Instead | Joy Dickinson | Grit & Grace #15

    What if strong communities aren’t built by one system alone—but through nonprofits, leadership, and people working together? In Episode 115 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, we sit down with Joy Dickinson, nonprofit consultant and Owner of Dickinson Consultants, to explore nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and how organizations can build long-term sustainability. If you're a nonprofit leader, board member, executive director, or someone passionate about community development, this episode breaks down what it really takes to create lasting impact. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn about: • Nonprofit fundraising strategy (what it is and what it isn’t) • Why grants alone won’t sustain your nonprofit • The difference between grant funding and donor relationships • Nonprofit sustainability and long-term planning • Leadership succession planning for nonprofits • Paying nonprofit staff a living wage • The role of philanthropy, government, and community collaboration • How to create impact without starting a new nonprofit Joy Dickinson shares her journey from working with foster youth to becoming a trusted nonprofit consultant helping organizations grow, scale, and strengthen their mission. This episode is all about: ✔️ Nonprofit leadership ✔️ Community impact ✔️ Sustainable growth ✔️ Mission-driven work When nonprofits are strong, communities thrive. 👉 Whether you’re building a nonprofit, serving on a board, or leading a mission-driven organization, this conversation will give you practical insights and strategy. 🔗 Learn more: Dickinson Consultants: https://dickinsonconsultants.com Salem Leadership Foundation: https://salemlf.org 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on leadership, nonprofit growth, and community impact.

    57 min
  3. Networking Tips for Introverts + Leadership Presence | Samantha Irwin | Grit & Grace #14

    MAR 16

    Networking Tips for Introverts + Leadership Presence | Samantha Irwin | Grit & Grace #14

    In this episode of Grit and Grace, host Dana Lyons sits down with hospitality expert and former boutique hotel owner Samantha Irwin to explore networking, leadership, and the power of authentic human connection. Samantha shares her practical “3-2-1 Rule” for introverts at networking events, explains the hospitality trifecta—eye contact, a smile, and a greeting, and talks about how women in business can confidently own their authority without shrinking their presence. From nonverbal communication and leadership presence to unexpected coffee alternatives like Mud/Wtr and pistachio milk, this conversation blends business strategy with real-world insight. In this episode: Networking tips for introvertsHow to “host” a networking event even when you’re a guestNonverbal cues that build instant trust and authorityLeadership confidence for women in businessCoffee alternatives like Mud/Wtr and pistachio milkSubscribe for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and personal growth. Follow Grit & Grace: Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises Connect with Samantha Irwin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthairwin/ Website: https://kaizen.zone/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha_kaizen/ Creating a Culture Deck: https://kaizen.zone/creating-a-culture-deck/ For your listeners: if they enter the code Culture, they’ll receive a discount. Aunt Rita’s Peanut Butter Cookies – via Samantha Irwin 1 egg ¾ C. Sugar (I use less)   Hand mix until blended   1 C. Peanut Butter 1 t. Soda 1 t. Vanilla (I almost always forget)   Stir together then add   ½ C. Chocolate chips   Dollop small bits (mine are a scant small spoon, maybe 1T. ish) onto a cookie sheet. Use the fork press thing to look like traditional peanut butter cookies (or not – I don’t).   Bake at 350 Degrees 9 minutes (depending on the size of your cookies and your oven, you might need 8 minutes, or 10 minutes).   Original notes say to bake on parchment but I don’t find it necessary on my air bake cookie sheet.   Let them cool for two-three minutes before trying to remove them. They’re crumbly!   Enjoy.

    1h 35m
  4. Heart Health for Women: Fiber, Cholesterol, Gut Health & Metabolism | Ali Virtue | Grit & Grace #13

    MAR 10

    Heart Health for Women: Fiber, Cholesterol, Gut Health & Metabolism | Ali Virtue | Grit & Grace #13

    Welcome to Episode 13 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, hosted by Dana Lyons, featuring nutrition professional Ali Virtue from Parkside Nutrition. In this episode of the Grit & Grace women’s health podcast, we break down the simple daily habits that support heart health for women, energy, metabolism, and long-term wellness. Instead of extreme diets or trending wellness fads, this conversation focuses on sustainable nutrition habits and healthy lifestyle routines that can improve important biomarkers like cholesterol, inflammation, gut health, and metabolic health. Ali explains how movement, fiber intake, digestion, muscle mass, hydration, and personalized nutrition all play a major role in building a healthier body. We also discuss why health is never one-size-fits-all—your genetics, lifestyle, and personal biology influence how your body responds to food, exercise, and stress. If you're trying to improve metabolism naturally, support heart health, reduce inflammation, or build better daily health routines, this episode offers practical strategies you can start today. In This Episode We Discuss • Why fiber for gut health is essential for cholesterol balance • The connection between digestion, hormones, and metabolic health • How muscle mass helps build a higher-metabolism body • The importance of movement for cardiovascular and heart health • Why blood work and biomarkers matter for personalized health • The surprising link between oral health and heart disease • Understanding genetics and cholesterol risk • Differences between athletes vs sedentary adults in nutrition needs • The truth about gluten sensitivity vs celiac disease • How to build simple, sustainable health routines Contact Grit & Grace ⬇️ Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises Connect with Ali Virtue ⬇️ Email: ali@parksidenutrition.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali.parksidenutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParksideNutrition 👍 Subscribe to the Grit & Grace Podcast for more conversations about women’s health, metabolism, nutrition habits, gut health, and sustainable wellness routines.

    56 min
  5. Honesty Wins: Brooke Herbert on Building Real Relationships in Business | Grit & Grace | #12

    MAR 2

    Honesty Wins: Brooke Herbert on Building Real Relationships in Business | Grit & Grace | #12

    Customer service isn’t about being “nice.” It’s about building trust. In this episode of the Great Grace Podcast, I sit down with Brooke Hubert to talk about what really creates loyalty in business: relationship, honesty, and genuine care—even when conversations are hard or the answer isn’t what someone wants to hear. If you’ve ever felt turned off by pushy sales energy, awkward networking, or customer interactions that spiral fast… this conversation is for you. We talk about: Why honesty is Brooke’s “word” (and why it matters in business) How relationship builds trust before someone becomes a customer Hard conversations: what to do when things don’t go well Don’t take it personal: separating emotion from facts Networking for people who hate networking (yes, the “sit in the car” feeling) A simple mindset shift: What’s the worst that could happen? If you lead a team, serve customers, or own a business, this episode will challenge you in the best way: stop trying to sell people—start caring for them well. Like, subscribe, and share if this encouraged you Comment: What builds trust for you as a customer—honesty, follow-through, or being treated like a human? Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-hammond1/ Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️ 🌐 Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises #customerservice #business #podcast #womenempowerment

    1h 8m
  6. Severe Mental Illness & Family Support | NAMI Help With Valerie Geer | Grit & Grace | #11

    FEB 17

    Severe Mental Illness & Family Support | NAMI Help With Valerie Geer | Grit & Grace | #11

    Mental health touches every family. In this episode, Valerie Geer shares an honest conversation about severe and persistent mental illness, caregiver burnout, stigma, crisis response, and what real community mental health support looks like beyond a therapist’s office. We discuss the role of a community chaplain at the YMCA, why safe spaces matter, and how families can find practical help through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). If you’re supporting a loved one with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety — or navigating your own mental health journey — this episode offers clarity, compassion, and real next steps. Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️ 🌐 Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises Follow Valerie Geer ⬇️ 🌐 YMCA https://www.theyonline.org/ 📸 Instagram: @vmgeer https://www.instagram.com/vmgeer 📘 Facebook: Valerie Kiesser Geer https://www.facebook.com/valerie.kiessergeer

    1 hr

  7. FEB 11

    Serve Smart: Knowing Your Craft, Trusting Your Gut, and Leading with Love With Amy Donaldson | Grit & Grace | #10

    How do you build a profitable business while leading with heart? In this episode of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana interviews Amy Donaldson — author, business coach, speaker, and real estate leader — about servant leadership, cash flow management, entrepreneurship, and empowering women in business. If you're a real estate professional, entrepreneur, small business owner, coach, or woman in leadership, this conversation delivers practical strategies and mindset shifts you can apply immediately. In this episode, we cover: Servant leadership in business and lifeBuilding scalable real estate systemsCash flow strategy and financial stability for entrepreneursGetting off the “cash flow roller coaster”Leadership development and mastering your craftWomen’s empowerment and personal safetyHow trusting your gut becomes strategic business wisdomAmy shares real-world insight from years in real estate coaching and business development, offering tools for sustainable growth, stronger leadership, and long-term success. If you care about entrepreneurship, leadership, women in business, real estate growth, financial resilience, and personal development, this episode is for you. Connect with Amy Donaldson: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyD4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwesternconsulting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-donaldson-cpc-2b046966/ Book: Get Off the Cash Flow Roller Coaster (available on Amazon) Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️ 🌐 Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises

    1h 20m

  8. FEB 2

    Healing Beyond Survival: Cancer, Mindset, and the Truth About Joy | Dr. Cindy Howard | Grit & Grace | #9

    A cancer survivor physician on illness, women finding their voice, and why real healing isn’t toxic positivity What happens when life breaks you open—and you choose not to look away? In this powerful episode of the Grit & Grace Podcast, host Dana Lyons sits down with Dr. Cindy Howard—physician, cancer survivor, and award-winning author of Positively Altered—for an honest conversation about cancer, chronic illness, mindset, and what true healing really means. This is not a conversation about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It’s about telling the truth, listening to your body, emotional resilience, and finding joy even when life doesn’t get easier. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why saying “I understand” can invalidate real painHow cancer and illness force women to reclaim their voiceMotherhood, vulnerability, and the emotional weight of watching loved ones sufferWhy mindset isn’t motivational fluff—it’s a survival skillLetting go of perfection, control, and people-pleasingHow healing often begins when life falls apartIf you’re navigating cancer recovery, chronic illness, burnout, midlife transition, emotional exhaustion, or women’s health challenges, and asking, “Is there life on the other side of this?”—this episode will meet you exactly where you are. 🎧 Listen now and remember: life doesn’t end when things fall apart—it often becomes more honest. Follow Grit & Grace 🌐 https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com 📸 Instagram: @gritandgraceenterprises 🎵 TikTok: @gritandgraceenterprises 📘 Facebook: Grit & Grace Enterprises Follow Dr. Cindy Howard 🌐 https://drcindyspeaks.com 📸 Instagram: @dr.cindyspeaks 📘 Facebook: Dr. Cindy Speaks 💼 LinkedIn: Cindy Howard 📘 Positively Altered on Amazon

    1h 23m
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About

Real Women. Real Conversations. Full Lives.  Because no one's just wearing one hat, and these women are here to talk about all of it.  Hosted by Dana Lyons, The Grit & Grace Podcast brings you real, unfiltered conversations with women who are leading, building, navigating change, and living busy, multi-faceted lives. These aren't just interviews. They're honest, life-giving conversations about what it means to show up with faith, courage, and purpose, through every season and assignment.  From building businesses without losing yourself, to balancing marriage, motherhood, and ambition, to walking through menopause and midlife shifts with boldness and grace, this podcast is for women who are done living small.  What you'll hear: –Bold steps outside comfort zones –Stories of reinvention, risk, and renewal –Career pivots, personal growth, and purpose-driven leadership –Faith-forward wisdom for navigating business and life –The messy, meaningful behind-the-scenes that don't make it to Instagram–but    matter the most.  If you're looking for insight, encouragement, and the kind of truth that doesn't need a filter, you're in the right place.  Hit play. We're just getting started. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dana Lyons
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Grit & Grace Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Grit & Grace Podcast