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. 22h ago

    The Warm Cookie Effect: Small Moments, Big Impact with Samantha Irwin | Grit & Grace | #30

    What if a warm cookie, remembering someone’s name, or simply looking up to say hello could completely change someone’s day? In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast, I’m sitting down with Samantha Irwin, author of The Warm Cookie Effect, to talk about the power of hospitality, leadership, and the small, intentional moments that make people feel seen, valued, and remembered. Samantha’s journey is anything but ordinary. She went from teaching middle school to buying and restoring a 21-room historic hotel—with no hospitality degree, no existing staff, and plenty to learn along the way. Through that experience, she discovered that creating an unforgettable customer experience isn’t about fancy amenities or complicated systems. It’s about people. We talk about the lessons she carried from the classroom into the world of hospitality, why front-facing employees are often the most undervalued and undertrained people in business, and how small acts of kindness can have a big impact on customer loyalty, company culture, and the bottom line. Samantha shares memorable stories from her own experiences, including a cruise that taught her the importance of simply acknowledging someone and a coffee shop encounter in Switzerland that showed how one small interaction can break down barriers and change someone’s day. We also dive into her new book, The Warm Cookie Effect—why she wrote it, the personal motivation behind bringing it to life, and what it means to finally share your story with the world. This conversation is a reminder that whether you’re leading a team, running a business, serving customers, or simply navigating everyday life, the way we make people feel matters. You don’t need a grand gesture to make a difference. Sometimes, the smallest moments leave the biggest impressions. 🎧 Listen in and discover how you can create your own “warm cookie effect” for someone today. 📚 Get Samantha’s book, The Warm Cookie Effect: https://www.amazon.com/Warm-Cookie-Effect-Hospitality-intention/dp/B0HHLCNTPY/ #TheGritAndGracePodcast #TheWarmCookieEffect #SamanthaIrwin #Hospitality #Leadership #CustomerExperience #BusinessCulture #PeopleMatter 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    The Warm Cookie Effect: Small Moments, Big Impact with Samantha Irwin | Grit & Grace | #30

  2. Sep 18

    She Lost Her Dad to Cancer | Then Turned Her Pain Into a Mission | Grit & Grace | #29

    What happens when something that breaks your heart becomes something you spend your life fighting to change? In Episode 29 of The Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with longtime cancer advocate and survivor Kathy Ottele for a powerful conversation about cancer, hope, early detection, advocacy, and the difference one person can make. Kathy’s journey into cancer advocacy began nearly 30 years ago after losing her father to pancreatic cancer. What started with participating in Relay for Life grew into a lifelong mission. After facing skin cancer herself and losing additional family members to cancer, Kathy chose to turn her experiences into action and use her voice to help others. Dana and Kathy discuss the importance of cancer screenings, being your own health advocate, advances in early detection and biomarker testing, the emotional reality of life after cancer, and why research and advocacy matter. Kathy also shares the story behind Salem’s Lights of Hope event and why honoring survivors and remembering those lost continues to fuel her work. At the heart of this conversation is one word: hope. Hope for better research. Hope for earlier detection. Hope for more survivors. And hope that ordinary people can make a difference when they are willing to speak up, share their stories, and get involved. Listen in for an inspiring reminder to pay attention to your body, get your screenings, ask questions, be your own advocate, and never underestimate the power of your story. 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    She Lost Her Dad to Cancer | Then Turned Her Pain Into a Mission | Grit & Grace | #29

  3. Sep 7

    Back-to-School Nutrition: How to Fuel Busy Kids & Families | Ali Virtue | Grit & Grace | #28

    Back to school season brings early mornings, packed schedules, sports practices, homework, activities, and plenty of meals eaten on the go. For busy parents, finding simple ways to provide healthy, nourishing food can feel overwhelming. So how can we help our kids get the nutrition they need without making healthy eating complicated? In Episode 28 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana Lyons sits down with functional nutritionist and friend Ali Virtue to talk about back to school nutrition, kids’ nutrition, and healthy eating for busy families. Together, they share realistic nutrition tips that can help kids feel energized, focused, strong, and ready for everything their day brings. Dana and Ali talk about why breakfast for kids can help set the tone for the day, simple ways to add protein and plants to family meals, and how to pack healthy school lunches that kids will actually eat. They also share easy healthy snack ideas for kids, practical hydration tips, and guidance around sports drinks, caffeine, and those popular after school coffee runs. This conversation is not about perfect eating or creating strict food rules. Dana and Ali discuss how parents can help children develop a healthy relationship with food without labeling foods as “good” or “bad” or creating unnecessary food guilt. Instead, the focus is on helping kids understand what food does for their bodies and learn how nutrition can support the way they feel, think, grow, learn, and perform. The conversation also looks at sports nutrition for kids and young athletes, including how to think about fueling before and after practices, activities, and busy days. Most importantly, Dana and Ali talk about teaching children how to fuel themselves for life. Our kids are watching us, and the habits we model can have an impact long after we stop packing their lunches. If you are looking for realistic family nutrition tips, healthy school lunch ideas, nutritious snacks, breakfast ideas, hydration guidance, and practical ways to support your kids’ health during the school year, this episode is full of simple ideas you can start using right away. In this episode, you will learn about: • Back to school nutrition for busy families • Healthy eating habits for kids • Easy breakfast ideas for busy school mornings • How to add protein and plants to kids’ meals • Healthy school lunch ideas kids will actually eat • Healthy grab and go snacks for kids • Hydration for children and young athletes • Sports drinks and sports nutrition for kids • Kids and caffeine, including after school coffee • How to build a healthy relationship with food • How parents can model positive eating habits • Teaching kids to understand and respond to their body’s needs • Simple nutrition habits that can support kids for life The goal is not perfect nutrition. It is helping our kids understand their bodies, develop confidence around food, and build healthy habits they can carry with them long after the school year ends. 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises) #BackToSchoolNutrition #KidsNutrition #HealthyKids #FamilyNutrition #HealthyEating #HealthySchoolLunch #KidsHealth #GritAndGracePodcast 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    Back-to-School Nutrition: How to Fuel Busy Kids & Families | Ali Virtue | Grit & Grace | #28

  4. Aug 28

    Our TOP 5 Moments of the Summer! | Thank You for an Amazing Year

    What a year it’s been! ❤️ As we wrap up our summer season, we wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us along the way. Whether you’ve watched us on YouTube, listened on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, followed us on social media, subscribed, shared an episode, or simply encouraged us, we truly appreciate you! To celebrate, we’re looking back at our Top 5 Moments of the Summer. 🎉 👉 Which moment was your favorite? Watch until the end and let us know in the comments! Thank you for being part of this journey. We couldn’t do it without you. ❤️ Subscribe, follow, and join us for what’s next! 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises) #Youtube #Top5Moments #Podcast #ThankYou #SummerSeason #PodcastHighlights 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    Our TOP 5 Moments of the Summer! | Thank You for an Amazing Year

  5. Aug 11

    Know Your Worth, Build Confidence & Be Authentically You | Grit & Grace | #27

    Have you ever wondered what it really means to be yourself, to know your worth, trust your values, and live with the courage to become the person you were created to be? In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana is joined by Jackie and Lori for an honest, encouraging conversation about confidence, self-worth, authenticity, personal growth, leadership, faith, integrity, purpose, and the power of community. Whether you're listening on your favorite podcast app, watching the full conversation on YouTube, or searching for encouragement on your journey of personal development, this episode will challenge you to stop letting other people's opinions define your identity and start living confidently from the inside out. Together, Dana, Jackie, and Lori explore what it looks like to live authentically, know your value, make decisions rooted in your personal values, and build confidence through everyday choices. They also talk about how our actions shape our reputation and personal brand, why meaningful relationships matter, and how strong communities can help us grow into better leaders and better versions of ourselves. In this episode, we discuss: • Knowing your worth without constantly seeking approval • Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt • Finding the courage to be authentically yourself • Living your values instead of simply talking about them • Discovering your purpose and staying true to who you are • The connection between integrity, character, and leadership • How everyday choices build confidence and shape your identity • The power of community, friendship, and meaningful relationships • Why your actions shape your personal brand and reputation • Women in leadership and becoming a confident, authentic leader • Growing through challenges and learning to trust yourself • Living with courage, faith, grit, and grace If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, insecurity, people-pleasing, finding your purpose, confidence, or wondering if you're enough, this conversation is for you. You don't have to have everything figured out. Keep growing. Keep showing up. Keep choosing courage. Keep becoming who you were meant to be. 🎧 Listen to The Grit & Grace Podcast for more real, meaningful conversations about personal growth, women's leadership, business, faith, confidence, purpose, relationships, authenticity, and living with grit and grace. ▶️ Watch The Grit & Grace Podcast on YouTube for full video conversations, inspiring stories, leadership discussions, and practical encouragement for your personal and professional growth. Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of their worth and the courage to be authentically themselves. #GritAndGracePodcast #Podcast #YouTubePodcast #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #Confidence #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #Leadership #Faith #Purpose #PersonalDevelopment #SelfConfidence #Empowerment #Integrity #Community #Relationships #WomenInBusiness #Mindset #GrowthMindset #LeadershipPodcast #PersonalGrowthPodcast #WomensPodcast #InspirationalPodcast 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    Know Your Worth, Build Confidence & Be Authentically You | Grit & Grace | #27

  6. Aug 4

    One Conversation Changed Everything | Sarah's Incredible Journey | Grit & Grace #26

    Some of the biggest moments in life begin with the smallest decisions. In this episode of Grit & Grace, I sit down with Sarah to share the remarkable story of how an unexpected opportunity completely redirected the course of her family's life. What began as a simple desire to help one child receive an education grew into a mission that would take them across the world and transform countless lives—including their own. This conversation is about so much more than one family's journey. It's about finding purpose when life doesn't go according to plan. It's about having the courage to say "yes" when the path ahead is uncertain. And it's about discovering that the life we never expected may become the one we were always meant to live. Whether you're facing a season of change, wondering what's next, or questioning whether the small acts of kindness you offer really matter, this episode is a reminder that ordinary moments often become extraordinary stories. If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Grit & Grace. Every week we share honest conversations about: • Faith • Leadership • Business • Purpose • Family • Personal Growth • Living with Grit & Grace 💬 We'd love to hear from you: Have you ever had one unexpected moment that completely changed your life? Share your story in the comments below. Connect with Sarah & Learn More About ILAD 🌐 Website: http://www.ilad.ngo/j2028 📧 Email: inquire@ilad.ngo 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ILADNGO 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iladngo/ Learn more about ILAD's mission to empower under-resourced communities through education, business development, agriculture, and language technology. Follow Grit & Grace: 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises) #GritAndGrace #Purpose #Faith #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #Inspiration #LifeJourney #Hope #MakingADifference 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    One Conversation Changed Everything | Sarah's Incredible Journey | Grit & Grace #26

  7. Jul 27

    When Your Worst Fear Becomes Reality: A Story of Hope and Grace | Mary Ann Noack | Grit & Grace #25

    What do you do when life doesn't turn out the way you imagined? In this inspiring episode of the Grit and Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with pastor, Bible teacher, and author Mary Ann Noack for a powerful conversation about faith, motherhood, caregiving, grief, resilience, and finding hope in life's unexpected seasons. After her young son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Mary Ann's life changed forever. Through decades of caregiving, ministry, marriage, and trusting God through unimaginable challenges, she has discovered that even the hardest seasons can become places of deep purpose, unexpected joy, and lasting faith. In this episode, you'll discover: -How to trust God when life doesn't go as planned -Parenting through uncertainty and chronic illness -Living with grief while choosing hope and joy -Strengthening your marriage during long-term caregiving -Why authentic Christian community matters -Finding your identity in Christ instead of your circumstances -Encouragement for caregivers, parents, and anyone facing disappointment -How God's grace meets us in life's most difficult moments Whether you're navigating caregiving, chronic illness, parenting struggles, grief, or simply asking why life hasn't unfolded the way you hoped, this conversation will encourage you to keep trusting God and embrace the purpose He is writing in your story. 👍 If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share for more authentic conversations about Christian faith, leadership, motherhood, family, resilience, spiritual growth, and living with courage. Follow Grit & Grace: 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises) Learn more about Mary Ann's ministry and the work of River West Church: 🌐 Website: River West Church 📧 Email: maryann@riverwest.org 📘 Facebook: Mary Ann Noack on Facebook 📸 Instagram: @manoack on Instagram #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Caregiving #Motherhood #Hope #Grace #DuchenneMuscularDystrophy #Parenting #Grief #shorts #SpiritualGrowth #Leadership #Resilience #GritAndGracePodcast 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    When Your Worst Fear Becomes Reality: A Story of Hope and Grace | Mary Ann Noack | Grit & Grace #25

  8. Jul 17

    Leadership, Motherhood, Burnout, and Living with Purpose | Dani Daly | Grit & Grace #24

    What happens when you're successful, but something still feels off? In this conversation, Dana sits down with pastor and leader Dani Daly to talk about integrity, burnout, leadership, motherhood, purpose, and learning to listen to the quiet voice inside that so many of us ignore. From chemistry labs to church leadership, and from raising toddlers to navigating difficult conversations, Dani shares how slowing down, paying attention, and living with integrity can completely change the way we lead our lives. If you've ever felt exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or wondered if there's more to life than simply getting through each day, this conversation will encourage you to pause, breathe, and listen. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe for more real conversations about business, life, faith, leadership, and everything in between. 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 🌐 Website: [https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com](https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/](https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/) 🎵 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises](https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises) 📘 Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises](https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises)

    Leadership, Motherhood, Burnout, and Living with Purpose | Dani Daly | Grit & Grace #24
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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
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Grit & Grace Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Grit & Grace Podcast