loader from loading.io

The Power of a Solo Retreat: A Year-End Reflection for Faith, Marriage, Family, & Work

The SavvyCast

Release Date: 12/19/2025

Modern Grandmother Advice: The Sweetest (and Most Challenging) Parts of this Role show art Modern Grandmother Advice: The Sweetest (and Most Challenging) Parts of this Role

The SavvyCast

In this episode, I’m sharing my heart behind stepping into this new season of becoming a grandmother. I chat about the joys of being “Savvy” to my grandbabies, and the modern grandmother advice I’d pass along to any new grandmother. From the deep joy and delight to the unexpected fears and boundaries, I open up about what it really looks like to step into this new role. From the sweetest moments to the more challenging ones, I hope this grandmother advice encourages you, wherever you are in your journey.    WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: My experience in becoming a...

info_outline
38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We’d Do Differently) show art 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We’d Do Differently)

The SavvyCast

After 38 years of marriage, my husband Zane and I wanted to sit down and have a truly honest conversation about what this journey has looked like for us—the good, the hard, and everything in between. We’re sharing what we believe we got right, where we missed the mark, and what we would do differently if we could start over. Also, we talk about some of the foundational ideas that shaped our marriage and why we’ve come to view marriage more like a business. This episode is full of the long term marriage advice we wish we had when we were just starting out. Whether you’re single, newly...

info_outline
Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here’s How to Tell show art Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here’s How to Tell

The SavvyCast

In this episode, Zane and I chat about expectations in marriage: what’s healthy, what’s unrealistic, and how to tell the difference. In fact, this conversation came out of a session we recently had with our young marrieds small group, and it prompted us to reflect on our own 38 years of marriage.  We talk through the areas where expectations can easily create tension—like communication, household roles, and finances—and share six practical questions you can use to evaluate whether your expectations are realistic or ridiculous.  Through honest conversation and real-life...

info_outline
Menopause, Hormones, & Feeling Like Yourself Again with Joanna Strober of Midi Health show art Menopause, Hormones, & Feeling Like Yourself Again with Joanna Strober of Midi Health

The SavvyCast

If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just not like yourself, this episode is for you. I sat down with Joanna Strober, co-founder of Midi Health, to talk about how midlife women can get the menopause treatment they need in a simple, accessible way and start finding real relief from their symptoms. We cover everything from hormone therapy to weight loss medications, peptides, and the real, tangible solutions available to help midlife women feel their best again.   QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: What is Midi Health, and how does it...

info_outline
Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, & Recovery: Cathy Williamson’s Cancer Journey show art Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, & Recovery: Cathy Williamson’s Cancer Journey

The SavvyCast

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Cathy Williamson of The Middle Page blog for a conversation that is both powerful and deeply encouraging. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor, Cathy shares her journey from diagnosis through treatment, including chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. We also talk about the emotional side of it all—losing her hair, the realities of treatment, and the practical tips that helped her get through it. Her story is full of wisdom, perspective, and so much hope—and I know it will encourage you.   🔗LINKS & RESOURCES: ➡️365 DAYS OF...

info_outline
When Heartburn Isn't Just Heartburn: Esophageal Cancer Signs & Early Detection show art When Heartburn Isn't Just Heartburn: Esophageal Cancer Signs & Early Detection

The SavvyCast

Esophageal cancer is something many people don’t think about until it hits close to home. In this episode, we’re joined by Patti Pierce and Dr. Swaroop Vitta to have an eye-opening conversation about the warning signs, symptoms, and why early detection matters.  After losing her 25-year-old son, John Michael, to Stage 4 esophageal cancer, Patti shares her story and the mission behind the John Michael Pierce Foundation to raise awareness, especially among young men. Dr. Vitta also explains what to watch for, because many symptoms can easily be dismissed as everyday heartburn. This is a...

info_outline
Navigating Hair Loss: Solutions for Cancer Patients, Thinning Hair, Alopecia, & More show art Navigating Hair Loss: Solutions for Cancer Patients, Thinning Hair, Alopecia, & More

The SavvyCast

Hair loss affects millions of people, whether from cancer treatment, alopecia, genetics, hormonal changes, and more. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and hair expert Kim Laslo, owner of , to talk about the many alternative hair solutions available today. From wigs and toppers to extensions and men’s hair systems, Kim shares practical insight and hope for anyone navigating hair loss and looking for options to feel confident again.   LINKS & RESOURCES   TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: How people are experiencing hair loss at younger ages than ever...

info_outline
10 Ways I Use ChatGPT Every Week (That Make Everyday Life So Much Easier) show art 10 Ways I Use ChatGPT Every Week (That Make Everyday Life So Much Easier)

The SavvyCast

This episode is all about one of my favorite tools lately: ChatGPT. I know many women, especially in midlife, feel hesitant about AI. But, I’ve found it to be an incredibly helpful tool for everyday life! I use AI for everything from improving recipes and planning meals to creating travel packing lists. It even helped me redesign my laundry room! It’s become a simple way to save time and stay organized. In this episode, I’m sharing the practical ways I use ChatGPT each week and how it can make your daily life a little easier, too.   LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:   WHERE...

info_outline
Infrared Sauna Q&A: Health Benefits, Safety, & Red Light Therapy Explained show art Infrared Sauna Q&A: Health Benefits, Safety, & Red Light Therapy Explained

The SavvyCast

Connie Zack, co-founder of Sunlighten, is back on the podcast for a deep-dive Q&A all about infrared saunas and red light therapy. I asked her your most-submitted questions—from longevity and health benefits to safety, cancer support, and how to choose the right sauna for your home. If you’ve ever wondered whether an infrared sauna is worth it, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed answers for you!   LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: - I own the 3-seater mPulse Conquer.   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . One of the best ways to support...

info_outline
What It's ACTUALLY Like Working in Fashion show art What It's ACTUALLY Like Working in Fashion

The SavvyCast

What is it actually like working in the fashion industry? In this episode, I sit down with Katie Kittrell and Katrina Longoria from the Ming Wang team to pull back the curtain on how fashion REALLY works.  We talk about how they got their start, what it takes to launch a collection so far in advance, how trends are forecasted, and whether it’s anything like The Devil Wears Prada. Plus, get behind-the-scenes insight into the new If you’ve ever wondered what happens between design and the sales floor, this episode gives you a true insider’s perspective.   Links & Resources...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

As we head into a new year, it’s so easy to keep moving without ever slowing down to reflect. In today’s episode, my husband Zane joins me to share a powerful reflection exercise his firm has practiced for years: a solo retreat. 

We talk about the intentionality behind stepping away, eliminating distractions, and creating space to thoughtfully evaluate your faith, marriage, family, finances, health, and work. Whether you’re craving clarity, peace, or direction for the year ahead, this conversation will give you practical tools and meaningful questions to help you move forward with purpose.

 

SOLO RETREAT REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

SPIRITUAL

  • How satisfied am I with reading the Bible and praying?
  • Am I growing in my faith?
  • How am I involved in my church and ministry?
  • How am I using my spiritual gifts?
  • Do I encourage my spouse spiritually?
  • Am I in an accountability group?

 

MARRIAGE/FAMILY

  • How close am I with my spouse?
  • How well am I meeting my spouse’s emotional, physical, and intellectual needs?
  • How do we communicate with one another?
  • How often do we go on dates?
  • What is our level of physical intimacy, and how do we both feel about it?
  • Are we planning vacations together, and how much do we want to spend?
  • How does our marriage relate to our children, grandchildren, parents, and extended family?
  • Do we spend enough quality time together?
  • How do we encourage one another?

 

FINANCES

  • How are we stewarding our money?
  • How do I feel about our income?
  • What are our spending habits?
  • What is our level of debt, and what is the appropriate use of debt?
  • What is our investment strategy?
  • Is our insurance appropriate for our stage of life?
  • How are we approaching charitable giving?

 

PHYSICAL & SOCIAL LIFE

  • What is my balance between being home and being away?
  • How often do we entertain?
  • How are our relationships with close friends and neighbors?
  • How involved are we in our community?
  • Am I taking care of my body?
  • How is my weight, exercise routine, and sleep?

 

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:

 

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

 

ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!