Life Is Meant To Be Lived

Molly Harper
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Biweekly

Life Is Meant to Be Lived is a storytelling podcast highlighting people with physical disabilities who choose to live fully despite adversity. Through honest, emotional, and hope-filled conversations, host Molly Harper shares stories of resilience, faith, purpose, and what it means to keep showing up for life when it looks different than expected. While these stories center on physical disability, this podcast is for anyone navigating hardship and needing a reminder that even in difficult seasons, life still holds meaning, beauty, and possibility.

Episodes

  1. Sep 10

    Life is Hard, but God is Good

    When life is suddenly split into before and after, what does it take to keep choosing joy? Bella Wilson shares the astonishing story of a childhood medical error that changed everything - and the hard-won faith, resilience, and perspective that carried her through years of surgeries, hospital stays, and life on TPN. Bella was healthy until age four, when a tonsil surgery led to a catastrophic complication that damaged nearly every system in her body. She opens up about the physical reality of living with a port that feeds directly to her heart, the daily exhaustion and nausea, the identity shift of moving home from college, and the emotional toll of feeling overlooked, isolated, and misunderstood. Bella also shares the spiritual turning point that reshaped her testimony: learning that faith is not just about getting the outcome you want, but about trusting God deeply enough to keep going when you do not. Her story is raw, honest, and unexpectedly hopeful. Essential listening if you need courage for a season that feels unfair, or if you want a reminder that meaningful joy can exist right in the middle of pain.

    Life is Hard, but God is Good

  2. Aug 17

    You Will Be Happy Again with Desiree Ferrin

    Molly Harper sits down with Desiree Ferrin to share a story of survival, resilience, and purpose. Desiree opens up about a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage that led to an emergency hysterectomy, the emotional and physical recovery that followed, and how that darkest season of her life became the catalyst for meaningful advocacy. From navigating trauma and isolation to finding healing through community, therapy, and faith, Desiree speaks candidly about the gaps in maternal mental health care and why patient advocacy matters. She also shares how her work with Utah’s birth trauma initiative is helping bridge the gap between medical care and emotional support for mothers and families. This conversation is honest, moving, and deeply hopeful for anyone who has felt alone in their pain or uncertain about what comes next. Desiree’s story is a reminder that even our hardest experiences can become a source of connection, healing, and change. If you or someone you love is navigating birth trauma or maternal mental health challenges, learn more at birthtrauma.utah.gov.

    You Will Be Happy Again with Desiree Ferrin

  3. Aug 6

    Finding good through the hard

    A rare spinal condition. Three surgeries. A mission cut short. And a story of resilience that will change how you think about pain, purpose, and faith. Christine Durham shares the raw, unfiltered journey of living with tethered cord syndrome, from being diagnosed at 7 after suddenly losing the ability to walk, to navigating years of chronic pain, misdiagnosis, and life-altering decisions. Christine and Molly unpack the moments that made this story unforgettable: the physical therapist whose three children also had the same rare condition, the doctor who finally confirmed what was happening, and the repeated fight to get answers when her symptoms returned years later. Christine opens up about what it really felt like to face surgery, recover, retrace her steps through more MRIs and more specialists, and keep moving when her body would not cooperate. Christine also shares how her mission in Lima, Peru was interrupted by pain, how she made peace with coming home, and why she believes some of the hardest detours in life can still become holy ground.

    Finding good through the hard

  4. Jul 27

    Marriage and Chronic Illness

    Molly and Seth’s story is a powerful reminder that love and faith can turn even the hardest circumstances into profound blessings. Their journey through a challenging diagnosis of cystic fibrosis to a marriage built on devotion, service, and eternal perspective will inspire you to see your own struggles in a new light. You’ll discover how Molly’s resilience and advocacy shine through her life, proving that a hard diagnosis doesn’t mean a hard life. Seth shares the unwavering long-term mindset that holds their marriage together, the importance of faith, service, and trusting God’s plan even in the face of uncertainty. Their story reveals why, despite medical challenges, they believe their love is sealed for eternity, grounded in divine purpose and shared hope. This episode isn’t just about overcoming health issues; it’s about embracing a life of purpose and joy amid adversity. It’s perfect for anyone facing personal or relational challenges, or those seeking the eternal perspective that can anchor us through life’s trials. Whether you’re in the midst of your own battle, supporting someone who is, or just need a reminder that love transcends even the hardest challenges, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical faith based insights that can help transform your outlook.

    Marriage and Chronic Illness

  5. Jul 22

    Choosing Hope with Amberley Snyder

    Amberley Snyder’s story proves that resilience can turn tragedy into triumph. After a devastating accident left her paralyzed from the waist down, she fought her way back to the horse and built a life rooted in hope, grit, and purpose. In this episode, Amberley shares the mindset that helped her keep going, the truth behind her comeback, and why “walk, ride, rodeo” became her mantra. Amberley Snyder is a professional barrel racer and motivational speaker whose comeback story inspires anyone facing impossible odds

  6. Jul 15

    Getting back on the horse! Emma’s struggle with the unknown

    Emma shares her journey through a mysterious health battle, the impact it’s had on her life, and the small wins that keep her going. A heartfelt conversation about resilience, self-worth, and learning to keep living one step at a time.

    Getting back on the horse! Emma’s struggle with the unknown

  7. Mar 20

    Love Life! Tessa's Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis

    Episode 2 is one that hits especially close to home. 🤍 In this episode of Life Is Meant to Be Lived, I sit down with Tessa Parkinson—someone who understands this journey in a way few people can. Like me, Tessa is living with cystic fibrosis, and together we open up about what it really looks like to fight a battle that most people never see. We talk about the highs, the setbacks, and the mindset it takes to keep choosing joy, purpose, and a full life in the middle of chronic illness. Tessa shares her story, her strength, and the perspective that has helped her keep moving forward—even on the hardest days. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging for anyone facing challenges of their own or supporting someone who is. Because no matter what you’re up against… life is still meant to be lived.

  8. Mar 13

    My Story & Why I Started Life Is Meant To Be Lived

    Welcome to the first episode of Life Is Meant To Be Lived! In this episode, I share a little about my story and how navigating chronic illness ultimately led me to start this podcast. While the idea for this podcast was born out of my experience with chronic illness, it isn’t just for people dealing with health challenges. It’s for anyone who wants to live life more fully, shift their perspective during hard seasons, and keep moving forward even when life doesn’t go as planned. I’m so grateful you’re here from the very beginning! Life is Meant to be Lived!!

    My Story & Why I Started Life Is Meant To Be Lived
  • 8 Episodes

About

Life Is Meant to Be Lived is a storytelling podcast highlighting people with physical disabilities who choose to live fully despite adversity. Through honest, emotional, and hope-filled conversations, host Molly Harper shares stories of resilience, faith, purpose, and what it means to keep showing up for life when it looks different than expected. While these stories center on physical disability, this podcast is for anyone navigating hardship and needing a reminder that even in difficult seasons, life still holds meaning, beauty, and possibility.

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