The Grit & Grace Podcast

Dana Lyons
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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. 

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    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

  2. JAN 26

    Ali Virtue on the Healthy Reset Women Actually Need | Midlife Health & Hormones | Grit & Grace #8

    Functional nutritionist Ali Virtue joins the Great Grace Podcast to unpack what a healthy reset for women really looks like—without diets or shame. This episode covers hunger cues, hormones, midlife metabolism, sleep, emotional eating, and sustainable habits that support long-term women’s health. Connect & Learn More ⬇️ Grit & Grace: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises Ali Virtue (Parkside Nutrition): Email: ali@parksidenutrition.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali.parksidenutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParksideNutrition

    48 min

  3. JAN 19

    Community Isn’t Automatic: How to Build Real Connection | Lori Haraldsen #7 | Grit & Grace

    Community doesn’t just happen—and meaningful connection takes intention. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, disappointed by relationships, or unsure how to truly belong again, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with Lori Harreldsen, entrepreneur, community builder, and CEO of Valor Connect, for an honest and powerful conversation about what it really takes to build authentic community. After moving back to Oregon following nearly 20 years away, Lori found herself starting over—knowing almost no one. Rather than waiting to be invited in, she intentionally rebuilt connection from the ground up through curiosity, courage, clarity around values, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone. This conversation goes far beyond networking or surface-level relationships. It explores the deeper emotional work of rebuilding trust, choosing healthy community, and creating spaces where women support—not compete with—one another. In this episode, we discuss: Why community isn’t automatic and why waiting to be included keeps us stuckThe difference between a comfort zone and a truly safe communityHow to rebuild connection after relational hurt or betrayalWhy knowing your values helps you choose the right yes—and the right noHow women can stop competing and start championing one anotherHow small, honest conversations can lead to meaningful, lasting relationshipsIf you’re craving deeper connection, feeling the weight of isolation, or wondering how to begin again, this episode will meet you right where you are. Connect with Lori Harreldsen: Email: loriharaldsen@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-haraldsen/ Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️ https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises 🎧 Follow The Grit & Grace Podcast for conversations on leadership, resilience, faith, purpose, and building a life rooted in courage and connection.

    1h 1m

  4. JAN 12

    Anxiety, Burnout & Trauma Explained: Your Nervous System Isn’t Broken | with Sarah Haugland-Hagge | Grit & Grace #6

    Do you feel anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in survival mode—even when your life looks “fine” on the outside? In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast, host Dana Lyons talks with nurse practitioner Sarah Haugland-Haggeabout nervous system regulation, trauma, somatic healing, and the powerful mind-body connection. Together, they explore why your body may feel unsafe even when your mind says you’re okay—and what to do about it. If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but you still don’t feel well… If you’re dealing with anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, hormonal imbalance, or emotional overload… If you want a clear, compassionate explanation of trauma healing and nervous system health— This episode will help you understand what your symptoms mean and how to begin healing. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Nervous system regulation and chronic fight-or-flightHow trauma is stored in the body (somatic healing explained simply)The connection between anxiety, gut health, hormones, and burnoutPractical ways to calm your nervous system when life feels overwhelmingWhy self-trust breaks down—and how to rebuild itHow to shift from survival mode into thrivingYour nervous system isn’t broken. It’s been protecting you. 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward nervous system healing. Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️ https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises Follow Sarah ⬇️ https://www.iawellnesscollective.com #NervousSystemHealing #AnxietyPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #TraumaHealing #SomaticHealing #MindBodyConnection #WomensHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #GritAndGracePodcast

    1h 2m

  5. JAN 5

    How to Lead Without Losing Yourself | Emotional Intelligence, Faith & Purpose with Lucy Escobar | Grit & Grace #5

    What does it really look like to lead without losing yourself? In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana talks with executive coach Lucy Escobar about emotionally intelligent leadership, faith, family, and building a life that actually works. Most women aren’t trying to build a brand—they’re trying to build a life that works. In Episode 5 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with Lucy Escobar, former banking executive, executive coach, and founder of the Oregon Book Fair, for a powerful conversation about leadership, faith, family, and purpose. Lucy shares her journey from a 20-year career in banking into coaching leaders, mentoring women, and building community spaces rooted in belonging and literacy. She opens up about motherhood, becoming a grandmother, releasing expectations, and how to lead with heart while carrying real responsibility. This episode is for women who are already doing a lot—and want to do it with more clarity, confidence, and peace. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why leadership begins with emotional intelligence and self-awareness • How to support adult children without controlling or resenting • The simple 90-day practice Lucy uses to stay grounded (The Wheel of Life) • Why persistence matters more than perfection • How the Oregon Book Fair was built—and why community still matters • What to do when discouragement shows up If you’re leading at home, at work, or in your community—and wondering how to keep going without losing yourself—this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to do it alone. Follow, rate, and review The Grit & Grace Podcast for more real conversations with women leading real lives.

    1h 1m
  6. Holiday Health Without the Guilt | Ali Virtue | Grit & Grace #4

    12/22/2025

    Holiday Health Without the Guilt | Ali Virtue | Grit & Grace #4

    Can you actually enjoy the holidays without feeling sluggish, bloated, or guilty afterward? In this festive Christmas episode of Grit & Grace, we welcome back Allie Virtue of Parkside Nutrition to break down how to stay healthy, energized, and grounded during the busiest (and treat-filled) time of the year. We move past the awkwardness and talk about real health—starting with gut health (yes, even poop 💩). Allie shares why digestion is one of the most important indicators of overall well-being and how to navigate the holiday “treat fest” without derailing your progress or mindset. You’ll also hear about “Grandma Training”—a powerful way to find your personal why—plus practical strategies for staying active when you’re traveling, hosting family, or completely off your normal routine. 🎁 In this episode, you’ll learn: 💩 The Truth About Digestion: Why regularity matters and what your body is trying to tell you 👵 Grandma Training: How to anchor your fitness goals to real-life function and purpose 🚶‍♀️ The 15-Minute Rule: Why “something is better than nothing” keeps momentum alive 🥩 The Double P Rule: How prioritizing Protein & Plants is the ultimate holiday hack 🧠 Stress vs. Digestion: Why “running from the lion” shuts down your gut health ⏰ Time Budgeting: How to take ownership of your schedule—even with toddlers or houseguests ✨ Key Quote: “Nothing has absolutely no potential to go anywhere. Something, even a 5-minute walk, has the potential to become everything.” Whether you’re trying to maintain progress, ditch the guilt, or simply feel better in your body this holiday season, this episode is packed with realistic, grace-filled strategies you can actually use. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this Christmas episode with someone who needs permission to choose progress and joy this season. Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️ https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises Contact Ali ⬇️ Email: ali@parksidenutrition.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali.parksidenutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParksideNutrition #women #podcast #healthyliving #christmas #holiday #dailyhabits #womenempowerment #guthealth #gritandgracepodcast #health #wellness #nutrition #selfcare

    55 min

  7. 12/18/2025

    You Have All the Time in the World: Lessons in Presence and Purpose | Amy Donaldson | Grit & Grace #3

    Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? In this episode, Dana sits down with coach, author, and speaker Amy Donaldson for a powerful and honest conversation about time—how we use it, how we lose it, and how to reclaim it. They dive into what it truly means to live with intention, create peace in the middle of chaos, and stop living by the phrase “I don’t have time.” Amy shares practical wisdom on emotional time management, setting boundaries that actually stick, and shifting from survival mode into a life of purpose and freedom. If you’re overwhelmed, overcommitted, or constantly running on empty, this conversation will give you tools to bring order to your days, margin to your schedule, and grace to your life. ✨ You don’t need more time—you need a new way to own it. Amy Donaldson Links: Southwestern Consulting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyD4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwesternconsulting/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-donaldson-cpc-2b046966/ Book: (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Get-Cash-Flow-Roller-Coaster/dp/1772049484/ref=sr_1_2?crid=4P1FNQAFJ4KV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._IvB89DhzUD1t8Nwv_CkwxUY19V9qWecXZ43r4alcO6Hm7utXag2BX-p_CJ2XSxB9iljJE51Hh96s8GjCKZm86k4WzD1pDR47ni_Up65HSgl0duFu9UT0qjtl7bemxWjGpKJ0hB97iTl9HFmyy2TulruRUnTEjh68tmveip5CtQ4499p-gRjbUuo_unrmOVNzAqFuSFwMp8MJy6AQDtQQHy3V0oIYfjjYDZgeqXjBMY._1wiJFCfFW3GjWeAG9wfpmuabVoT8DdSxNabOfeWkoc&dib_tag=se&keywords=amy+donaldson&qid=1760239599&sprefix=amy+donaldson%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-2 🎙️ Thank you for listening to the Grit and Grace Podcast! If you love conversations rooted in resilience, leadership, and authenticity, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode! #GritAndGracePodcast #JackieEllerbrock #podcast #GreenChairChronicles #Leadership #Community #podcastepisode #new #womenempowerment #women

    1h 12m

  8. 12/10/2025

    Meet the Woman Connecting an Entire Community: Jackie Ellerbrock | Grit & Grace #2

    Welcome to Episode 2 of the Grit and Grace Podcast!  In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Jackie Ellerbrock, the Director of Operations at the Salem Chamber of Commerce in Salem, Oregon. Jackie is a connector, a storyteller, and a powerhouse of community impact. From championing local businesses to cultivating meaningful spaces for genuine conversation, Jackie brings her signature blend of grit, grace, and heart to every project she touches. Join us as we dive into her journey, her passions, and the stories behind the work that influences Salem’s business landscape and beyond.    Jackie is deeply involved in community-building, storytelling, and leadership—both professionally and personally. Her initiatives, such as Green Chair Chronicles, provide intentional spaces for authentic connection and shared stories that matter. Follow Jackie and Her Work Facebook – “Tale of Resistance” Stories: https://www.facebook.com/Ellerbrockj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwwicb_and_elliottdadoodle/ Salem Capitols Basketball Team: https://salemcapitalsbasketball.com/ Green Chair Chronicles An intimate, invite-only gathering centered around real stories, honest conversations, and meaningful connection. “No agenda, no pressure—just space. Because here, every story deserves a chair.” 🎙️ Thank you for listening to the Grit and Grace Podcast! If you love conversations rooted in resilience, leadership, and authenticity, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode! #GritAndGracePodcast #JackieEllerbrock #podcast #GreenChairChronicles #Leadership #Community #podcastepisode #new #womenempowerment #women

    1h 5m

  9. 12/03/2025

    Redefining Health with Functional Nutritionist Ali Virtue | Grit & Grace #1

    In our first episode, we sit down with functional nutritionist and business owner Ali Virtue for a real, refreshingly honest conversation about food, health, and what it truly means to feel good in your body. Ali breaks down her approach to treating nutrition like strength training—teaching women the “proper form” for how we eat, how we fuel, and how we tune into what our bodies are telling us. We dig into unlearning diet culture, redefining what “healthy” actually looks like, and why optimal wellness is about so much more than lab results—it’s about energy, confidence, and everyday freedom. And yes… we even go there and talk about poop. If you’re a busy woman juggling it all or simply ready to feel strong, nourished, and at home in your body again, this episode is for you. Real women. Real conversations. Real life. Contact Grit & Grace ⬇️ https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises Contact Ali ⬇️ Email: ali@parksidenutrition.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali.parksidenutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParksideNutrition #GritAndGracePodcast #FunctionalNutrition #WomenWhoFuel #HolisticHealth #FoodFreedom #WellnessJourney #HealthyHabits #MindBodyConnection #WomenSupportingWomen #FeelGoodFromWithin

    1h 8m

  10. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Welcome to the Grit & Grace Podcast Real Stories. Real Women. Real Lives.

    Hi there! I’m Dana, and I believe every woman has a powerful story to share. As your host for the Grit & Grace Podcast, I’m a wife, mom, grandmother, author, and speaker who knows firsthand what it means to lead, serve, grow, and sometimes navigate a home that seems to have a mind of its own (read: never Pinterest perfect!). My own journey through midlife transitions, navigating work-life balance as a female entrepreneur, and continually striving for personal growth has fueled my deep passion for authentic conversations. I’m not here to just talk; I’m here to dive into the real, layered experiences that shape us. From women’s leadership and business insights to finding your purpose and living out your faith, I’m dedicated to asking the hard questions, celebrating the small victories, and uncovering the overlooked stories that truly matter. Let’s explore these important topics together, no filter needed. ---  #Motivation #Women #womenempowerment #foryou #gritandgrace #podcast #womenpodcasters

    1 min

Trailer

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
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Grit & Grace Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Grit & Grace Podcast