Finding Courage in the Messy Middle: Surrendering Control and Embracing Unexpected Turns with Bryson Kessler | Episode 5
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
Release Date: 03/18/2025
Mothering a Movement: Vivian Mabuni on Surrender, Identity, and the God Who Sees| Episode 20
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
What does it look like to mother a movement, not jut family? To lead with open hands and awilling heart in a world that often sidelines women's voices? In this powerful episode of eighth & GRACE, Brandy sits down with Vivian Mabuni- international speaker, Bible teacher, author of Open Hands, Willing Heart, and host of the God Hears Her podcast. With decades of ministry experience and a deep commitment to cultural leadership, Vivian shares how surrender, suffering, and identity have shaped her calling to raise up the next generation of women leaders. Together, they...
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Hair Dye, A Burning Bush Moment, And Sacred Rhythms| What About This?
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
Ever felt like you were staring overr with nothing? In this poetic and puncy episode of What About This? Brandy gets real about dissapointment, disruption, and the slow sacred process of becoming. When the words vanish and the dye fades- this is about trusting the process when you'd rather just arrive already. From the frustration of her losing her writing to the svulnerabilityb of growing out years of black hair dye, Brandy weaves together humor, theology, and prophetic encouragement for anyone walking through the messy middle. Tune in for: The episode where my phone rings. Lucy Jade has...
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From Striving to Chasing Sacred with Mikella Van Dyke | Episode 19
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
Have you been wanting to study the Bible but don't know where to start? In this powerful episode of eighth & GRACE, Brandy A. Dawson sits down with theologian, writer, and mama of five- Mikella Van Dyke, founder of Chasing Sacred - for a grace - soaked conversation about surrender, Scripture, and sacred rhythms in the chaos of life. Mikella shares her journey from living in Thailand to launching a global ministry that helps women study the Bible for themselves with obedience and clarity. Together, they unpack the tension between striving and surrender, purpose and presence and what...
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Wear the Shorts. Eat the Cheesecake: God is in the Small Things
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
This episode? It's part story time, part soul revival, part sacred rant about shower filters, delayed podcast episodes, and why I only book hotels that serve cheesecake after 9pm. I lost a whole episode . Then my shower head exploded. Then God showed up anyway, with light on the lake, crumbs on a nightstand, and my last name etched on the wallpaper. We're calling this Helion Season - a golden stretch of days where the miracles look more like Monday afternoons, fireflies, and somone texting "I'm proud of you" a just the right time. Inside, we chat about: The hotel hair...
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Seen, Sent, and Set Apart: When the Wilderness is the Way with Kristel Acevedo| Episode 18
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
Have you ever felt lost in a spiritual wilderness, wondering if God has forgotten you? In this tender and timely episode of eighth & GRACE, Brandy sits down with Kristel Acevedo, author of A Way in the Wilderness and Discipleship Director at Transformation Church, for a conversatoon full of presence, wisdom, and Spirit - filled hope. This one's for the woman who's faithful but tired. Curious but unsure. Present but still questioning her place in the story. Together, we chat about: Why wilderness seasons are necessary for spiritual growth How God meets us in hidden,...
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If It's Not Good, He's Not Done with Emilie McCormack| episode 17
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
What if grace isn't waiting for us at the end of the to-do list, but right in the middle of the mess? In this episode, Brandy sits down with ministry leader and mama of five, Emilie McCormack, for a real, raw, and grace-drenched conversation about motherhood, ministry, and letting go of the pressure to be everyone's savior. From juggling family life and leadership at Breakaway Ministries to finding sacred ground in the everyday, Emilie brings wisdom, laughter, and a whole lot of Jesus. Together, we talk about: Embracing the "messy middle" seasons Tuning into God's voice in ordinary...
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What About Protecting Our Peace + Not Falling for the World
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
There's alot going on right now- in the world, in the group chat, in your heart... and even in Target's seasonal isle. What About This? An unfiltered extension of eighth & GRACE - where theology meets real life, and sacred conversations unfold in the messy middle. There’s a lot going on right now- in the world, in the group chat, in your heart… and even in Target’s seasonal aisle. In today’s episode, Brandy shares a tender and timely word about protecting your peace in a loud, opinion-saturated world and why guarding your eyes, ears, and heart is not just wise, it’s...
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Building Dreams and Breaking Barriers with Elizabeth Scruggs | Episodes 16
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
What if the walls trying to keep you out were actually the ones God called you to break down? Have you ever felt like you were living a life someone else scripted for you? Like the blueprint doesn't quite fit your soul? If you said yes, you're listening to the words meant for you today. For the one who's tired of waiting for permission- because deep down, she knows she was born to build... Buid dreams. Build Legacy. Buid differently. In this raw and hope-filled conversation with Elizabeth Scruggs, a trailblazer in the male - dominated world of construction and design.From building...
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Juice Pops, Pretty Blush, and Neighborly Love: A Sacred Summer Ramble
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
Still feeling overstimulated by Maycember and longing for a slower, soul- filled June? Can you see the hand raise, because- SAME! Girl, Me TOO! In this unscripted solo episode, Bran invites you into a real, raw, and grace- soaked ramble through the first sacred days of summer. From homemade juice popsicles to neigborly tensions, hot weather beauty favorites, barefoot rhythms- this is an honest conversation about finding God in the everyday, mundane, and oridinary moments. Inside this eoisode: How to handle har to love neighbors (with scripture + some major side eye grace) ...
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Wisdom Spots + Everday Theology with Mocica Ritchie | Episode 15
Eighth & Grace with Brandy Dawson
Ever feel like your faith is ore messy than magnificent? This episode is for you. In today's heaartfelt conversation, I sit down with Monica Ritchie- theologian, seminary graduate, mother, and host of of Theologically Fashioned - to talk about what it means to embrace the wisdom spots and wonder of faith in rea life. From fashionista to faithful student of Scripture, Monica's story reminds us that theology doesn't just live in the seminary clasroom- it belongs in carpoool lines, over late - night coffee, and in whispered prayers while folding laundry. Together, we explore how...
info_outlineHave you ever felt like you're wearing a mask, desperately trying to keep up appearances while shame and fear threaten to overwhelm you? In this heartfelt conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryson Kessler, owner of Clover and Bee and host of the Honey for Your Heart podcast, to explore the unexpected twists and turns that led her to where she is today.
Bryson, is one of those people when you talk with her for the first time, she is instantly your friend. A true girl's girl at heart! When we met, I instantly knew she was one of the special ones. Our interview felt life having coffee with a long time friend I hadn't seen in a while and needed to catch up with.
Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and God's unwavering grace. From planting a church in Tennessee to facing divorce and loss, she's experienced the highs and lows of life's rollercoaster. But it's in the messy middle - that space between the beginning and the triumphant end - where true growth and transformation occur.
Finding Beauty in the Unexpected
- • The importance of being an active listener in relationships
- • How to navigate the challenges of blending families
- • Finding courage to move forward, even when afraid
- • Recognizing God's presence in both the mundane and difficult moments
- • Embracing the "holy hush" and seeing holiness in hard times
Bryson's experiences offer hope and encouragement for anyone feeling stuck in their own messy middle. Her words remind us that God's grace can rewrite any story, bringing beauty from ashes and purpose from pain.
Whether you're facing unexpected challenges, feeling shame, or simply needing a reminder of God's faithfulness, this conversation will inspire you to keep pressing forward. Because as Bryson beautifully puts it, "He's not done yet."
"There's nothing. We are never, ever going to be too powerful to mess up our plan that God has for our life. And I think that's one of the most important things that we can learn, is that He loves us right where we are, because of who He is. His grace can rewrite any story at any time and allow us to rise from the ashes. And there's always beauty with Him. If it's not good, He's not done. Right?
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