Lessons from Living

Everyday heroes, young and old, are interviewed to glean wisdom and secrets for living well so that listeners are inspired to live meaningful lives. As a mother of six, theology student, breast cancer survivor, and wife of 36 years, host Beth Graham includes many personal tidbits surrounding parenting, health, marriage, and spiritual living. No more treading water and feeling unfulfilled; it's time to take action! Welcome to our community of inspiration!

It's OK to Start Small 05/28/2025

It's OK to Start Small Sometimes we denigrate our efforts to jump into faith (or anything else, for that matter) as being "small" and "measly" and hardly worth mentioning. Especially if you have a tendency toward perfectionism, you might grade your initial attempts as subpar. This mindset can set you up for discouragement before you're even out the door. In today's episode, Beth talks about how while we might be critical of our own efforts, God is tickled by our trying: God honors effort. Hopefully, you'll find encouragement here that'll motivate you to keep moving forward in faith and other aspects of your life as well. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/36736005

From Survivor to Servant 05/22/2025

From Survivor to Servant Do you tend to stay stuck in the fallout of painful experiences, or find a way to create something meaningful from them? That’s exactly what Aaron Grunke chose to do after facing a brutal cancer diagnosis and enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy at just 21 years old. When physical training helped him heal not just his body, but also his mind and spirit, Aaron knew others needed access to the same kind of support. What started as a personal path to recovery became a calling — and ultimately, Survivor Fitness, a nonprofit that now provides cancer survivors with free access to personal training, nutrition coaching, and mental health therapy. In this episode, Aaron shares his journey from survival to purpose, and how he found the courage to take action when a dream to serve others was laid on his heart. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/36646100

Never Too Lost: How Christ Rescued a Family from Addiction 05/01/2025

Never Too Lost: How Christ Rescued a Family from Addiction When addiction invades a family, it doesn’t just break the addicted—it wounds everyone who loves them. In this powerful episode, author Kathryn Mae Inman shares the heart-wrenching journey of walking beside her son through six failed rehab attempts, relentless relapses, and the dark grip of addiction. But this is not just a story of suffering—it’s a story of rescue. Through the depths of despair, Kathryn found an unshakable hope, and her son found salvation in the most unexpected way—not through programs or punishment, but through the redemptive love of Christ. Today, her son is a husband, father, and man of faith—a testimony to the life-changing power of grace. If you’re a parent, a sibling, or a friend battling beside someone in addiction, this episode offers more than comfort—it offers hope. Inspired by Kathryn’s book Counting Spoons, this is an unforgettable conversation about pain, perseverance, and the God who never stops pursuing. Counting Spoons, Kathryn Mae Inman /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/36376220

Easy Way to Bring Joy to Your Life 04/26/2025

Easy Way to Bring Joy to Your Life Feeling a little joy-less today? In this snack of an episode (brief but nutritious!), Beth shares an easy way to bring your life an extra boost of joy. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/36321590

Liberation From Addiction 04/10/2025

Liberation From Addiction From the time Melody Crosby Hale was a child, a birth defect led her to believe that God would not love a flawed child. In a desperate attempt to feel empowered, she learned to lean on alcohol and painkillers, leading to stronger and stronger drugs. Follow this remarkable story of how God found Melody in the darkness and gently but insistently offered his love. Today, she walks free of addiction and instead leans on the power of God and his everpresent Spirit in her life. Through her testimony and victory over the chains of addiction, she teaches others to do the same. Freedom to Fly: From Persecution to Prosperity, A Life Story of Salvation /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/36077870

Leave Disappointment in the Dust 04/03/2025

Leave Disappointment in the Dust Are you one to focus on disappointing situations that come your way, causing you to become immobilized? It's time to reframe disappointment as an inevitable part of being human but learn to give it the limited focus it deserves. Beth gives examples of how lack of progress might indicate a timing issue but encourages us to move forward nonetheless. Informed by the Holy Spirit, God doesn't want us to be afraid to make bold moves and doesn't want us to be discouraged when things don't go as planned. It's time for action, people! Enjoy a nice dose of encouragement today. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/35981225

In the Fight for a Cure 03/20/2025

In the Fight for a Cure Diagnosed with fatal Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at six, Elijah Stacy refused to let his condition define him. Instead, at just 15, Elijah founded Destroy Duchenne to fight for a cure. Now, his work extends into biotech, public speaking, and nonprofit leadership. He shares how his experiences have shaped his character and why adversity is often the best teacher. We are privileged to enjoy this special encore visit with our friend, Elijah, which will be featured in Podcasthon, an event highlighting non-profits all over the world. Show notes: A Small If: The Inspiring Story of a Seventeen-Year-Old with a Fatal Disease and a Mission to Cure It, Elijah J. Stacy elijahjstacy.com Twitter: @elijahjstacy Facebook: @FBelijahjstacy TikTok: @elijahjstacy Instagram: @elijahjstacy destroyduchenne.org Twitter: @destroydisease Instagram/ Facebook: @destroyduchenne /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/35780280

Created for Connection 03/06/2025

Created for Connection Loneliness is more than an emotion—it takes a real toll on our minds, bodies, and spirits. In Lessons from Living, we dive into the power of community, why God calls us to connection, and how meaningful relationships can change lives. Some attempts at community fail, while others become lifelines in our darkest moments. Beth shares personal experiences, biblical wisdom, and a life-changing story that proves the right people in your corner can make all the difference. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/35557180

Becoming An Inspiration 01/16/2025

Becoming An Inspiration The wisest teachers of how to walk on the right path in this world often strayed from the path themselves. Corwin Johnson, "C.J.", would be the first to admit that he has some regrets about the path he chose as a young man, and the opportunities he forfeited as a result. But having earned that wisdom the hard way, he has the credibility to speak out boldly to an upcoming generation about the pitfalls of living a selfish life devoid of God's presence. C.J. knows what it takes to become a man of worth, and our society is better for his influence on a new crop of leaders that will make a difference in the years to come. C.J. Moneyway Show (Podcast) IG C.J_moneyway Both Eyes Open, Both Eyes Shut /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/34844840

Year In Review 01/02/2025

Year In Review Beth looks back over the year of inspiring episodes we have shared, explaining why one in particular holds a special place in her heart. She gives an update on the Graham Fam, and forecasts what's in the future for Lessons From Living. There's a special podcasting announcement at the end of the episode. Happy New Year! /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/34661960

From Suffering to Sobriety 12/12/2024

From Suffering to Sobriety From losing jobs, friends, and family to being triggered by an early sexual assault, Brittany Young knows what it's like to suffer. She spent a large chunk of her life living the unsustainable and dysfunctional life of an alcoholic. The good news is that Brittany also knows the victory of living in sobriety for more than a decade. This is a hopeful story for anyone suffering from addiction, or dealing with a loved one who is. We cover it all: how she was drawn to alcohol at a young age, how she lived as an alcoholic, what the addiction cost, and how healing began after surrendering to God. Brittany offers encouraging words to those who might be walking her old path, and is a shining example of hope for anyone willing to take those steps toward surrender and healing. BrittanyYoungWealth.com Instagram @brittany_m_young LinkedIn /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/34371715

Thoughts on Thanksgiving 12/02/2024

Thoughts on Thanksgiving What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Our Thanksgiving guests and all of the Grahams share their thoughts on Thanksgiving, and what they're thankful for. Some were quite surprising! Enjoy this sneak peek into the Graham family that will leave you feeling warm and inspired. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/34222075

Leading with Excellence 11/21/2024

Leading with Excellence There has been much said about the best way to motivate and inspire our younger generations, but today we hear directly from a GenZ representative who has been carefully observing the examples of leadership she has personally witnessed. With these observations and impressions, Laura Ray Read offers listeners a fresh perspective on what it means to be a leader, and how to do it with excellence. We talk about whether everyone has the capacity to be a leader, and the importance of mentors in your life. Enjoy this unique opportunity to experience a familiar subject through innovative eyes. Show notes: theverdantleader.com /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/34072661

Healing From Leadership Injury 11/08/2024

Healing From Leadership Injury Have you ever suffered a psychological wound from someone in authority in your life? Sometimes we allow these events to affect us far into the future, impacting our potential success. Dr. April Minatrea says it doesn't have to be so: we can make a different decision to heal, and learn lessons from these life crises--including how to treat others with compassion. Dr. Minatrea is an articulate, inspirational advocate for becoming healthy ourselves so that we can encourage good health in others throughout the layers of our society. We can learn to treat each other with care and consideration, and it is time we see a proliferation of this kind of positive interaction. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/33819682

Sharpen Your Priorities 09/20/2024

Sharpen Your Priorities Beth shares an unusual way to center oneself and focus on what is most important in life. Do you have a difficult time discerning what is important? This method which happens to be a "natural" part of Beth's life allows one to zero in with clarity on your most important priorities. No beating around the bush here! Let us hear from you about how you tend to refocus your priorities, and learn from each other. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/33131557

Taking a Life U-Turn 09/05/2024

Taking a Life U-Turn Faced with an exorbitant, self-accumulated debt, Isabel Varela made the brave decision to address her problem head-on. Her story is one of addiction fueled by painful negative self-image. The resulting life change required spiritual and secular work, along with an incredible persistence and determination. If you feel buried beneath your life challenges, even if they result from your own stupidity or lapse of judgement, this episode is sure to inspire you not only to hang on, but find appropriate solutions, and learn to thrive again. Make what could be a frustrating ending your new beginning. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/32888987

Talking with God 08/15/2024

Talking with God Angee Robertson knows a thing or two about communicating with God. Having navigated some difficult trials during her life, including infertility and her husband's illness, she has become acutely aware of God's desire to interact with and support her. To that end, she has honed in on some creative ways to communicate with her Father. We discuss the power of words, and how we tend to focus on the negative, doubting God, communicating with God through journaling, having authority in Christ, tapping into the Holy Spirit, the importance of knowing God's character, different ways the Holy Spirit communicates with us, and so much more! You can have daily, intimate interactions with God; listen to learn how. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/32477072

Serving Those Who Serve 07/25/2024

Serving Those Who Serve What does the most fulfilling retirement look like? Our guest Chris Marquardt offers an excellent picture of that: he has made an intentional geographical move with his wife of 36 years to a corner of the world that gives him peace and happiness. He has learned a new skill, bee-keeping, that has helped him through his own PTSD, having served in the military for 24 years. And he has found a way to share this passion and healing with other veterans. This is an expansive conversation covering how to stay married for 36 years, deciding to make a move, building a new community, how he entered into bee-keeping, all of the details about keeping hives, how he began sharing this fascinating passion with other veterans, and his suggestions for building a great retirement. Share this episode with others who seek to shape a meaningful retirement through service! On Facebook: Marquardt's All-American Honey Battle Buddy Bees: https://marquardts-all-american-honey.square.site/ /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/32189917

Headed Toward Heaven 07/11/2024

Headed Toward Heaven What's it like to walk with someone who is dying? And what lessons can we learn from this experience of witnessing someone passing from this world into the next? Enjoy an interview with an extraordinary doctor, Reggie Anderson, as he shares these truths with us. We talk about how a horrific event in his young life separated him from God, despite having grown up in a faith-filled home. He shares how meeting his future wife and studying medicine played key roles in returning him to a relationship with God. Dr. Anderson shares what it's like to walk with the dying, including unexpected details, and how he has learned to diagnose through the power of human touch. We discuss how to press into faith even through challenges, making it to the other side of tragedy, and why he believes God allows calamities to occur in our lives. He also touches on doing the work God has called you to do, and why we should learn about living and dying from God's word. This episode will surely bring comfort to anyone who has lost a loved one, and assurance to all of us in navigating our final journey. Appointments with Heaven: The True Story of a Country Doctor's Healing Encounters with the Hereafter, Dr. Reggie Anderson /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/31970162

Growing a Family Through Fostering 06/27/2024

Growing a Family Through Fostering When Jessica Spencer, her husband, and birth son decided to dip their toes into the waters of fostering children, they had no way to know that within days their little family would morph from 3 to 7! This is Jessica's story of the often meandering process fostering can take to grow a family. She touches on the training and evaluation required, getting that fateful call, and how parental rights can impact the possibility of adoption within a fostering relationship. If you have any interest in growing your own family through fostering, this episode is a must-listen. If you know someone whose heart is inclined toward growing their family through fostering or is already in the process, this episode will offer a compassionate glimpse into their lives. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/31701717

Surviving Infidelity 01/28/2024

Surviving Infidelity If you have ever wondered whether your spouse has been unfaithful, or even had that fear confirmed, this episode about surviving infidelity is for you. Our guest, Kate Conwell, shares her journey from discovering her husband's infidelity to moving beyond this trauma to an even stronger marriage. Today, Kate and her husband model this kind of healthy, growth-focused behavior resulting in a renewed relationship and share it with other men and women walking this same path. There is hope for marriages in crisis, and Kate demonstrates how the necessary work in her own life has led not only to a thriving marriage but a thriving faith life, as well. Share this episode and share hope! journeybeyondbetrayal.com /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/29682313

When A Nobody Says "YES!" 11/02/2023

When A Nobody Says "YES!" Self-described "nobody," Barbara Demorest, describes how a personal encounter with cancer inspired her to find a solution for a common problem facing breast cancer victims. She said "Yes," when many others may have taken a pass. We talk about walking through open doors, not stressing when a door closes, the hazards of putting limits upon ourselves, how impostor syndrome impacts our ability to step forward, beginning with little steps, how to equip and inspire others, dealing with criticism, the symbiotic nature of giving/receiving, why caring is critical, humility and staying on guard against pride, suffering in order to transform, trusting and having faith even in adversity, how encouragement speaks life into people, and how God uses the nobody's. Barb is certainly not a "nobody" to thousands of women across the globe, and you'll love finding out what a special somebody she is! knittedknockers.org /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/28486952

Justice in the Hands of the Ordinary 09/14/2023

Justice in the Hands of the Ordinary David Zach is the lead singer and songwriter of Remedy Drive, a rock band. He also is an undercover operative for an anti-sex trafficking organization, the Exodus Road. David talks about how this association came to be, how his past prepared him for this work, and the impact working undercover has on his family. David shares his creative process. We talk about the way sex trafficking is portrayed in the media and entertainment, what this scourge looks like in America, and the connection between trafficking and immigration. David shares how he maintains joy in the face of darkness, and why everyone is capable of making a difference. David is counting on "...the righteous to rise up out of their indifference." Let David inspire you to take that first step! https://www.instagram.com › davidmzach /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/27898089

Journey to Freedom 04/21/2023

Journey to Freedom What does one do when faced with the worst kind of choices? Alvaro Rivas literally found himself with a gun to his head, when the Nicaraguan government claimed he was a spy because of his work with American ministries. He knew that he risked imprisonment or death if he remained in his native country; the only option was to flee to freedom. The problem? His wife and children could not join him in the arduous journey. They would have to come later, when Alvaro could secure them safer passage. In the meantime, he would cross forests, rivers, and endure internment in a detention facility, encountering the worst of humanity along the way. Safer in a free country, Alvaro holds onto faith that his family will ultimately join him, all the while building a life of legacy and service in his newly adopted country. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/26605218

Begin Anew 01/06/2023

Begin Anew Beth considers this time of refresh and renewal, and the ways we might evaluate where we stand at the cusp of this new year. She also discusses plans for the podcast in the new year, and how YOU can be a part! Notes: Ten Questions to Diagnose Spiritual Health, Donald Whitney /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/25516389

A Dance With Cancer 09/17/2022

A Dance With Cancer Following a devastating breast cancer diagnosis, Lindsay McDonnell did all of the right things, including challenging accepted traditional medical protocols and procedures. Yet, it returned not once, but three times. Today, Lindsay lives with a body full of cancer, but is stable, and has developed a new mission: coaching others who are now enduring what she has overcome before. She is brave beyond words, and a model of compassion, dogged determination, and good humor. Show notes: "Dancing With Cancer and How I Learned to Lead: A Guide to Becoming an Advocate for Personalized Cancer Care," Lindsay McDonell /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/24398232

Book Review: The Last Arrow 07/15/2022

Book Review: The Last Arrow Erwin Raphael McManus offers a thought-provoking, motivating treatise in The Last Arrow, published in 2017. In this episode, Beth discusses some of McManus' themes, such as what is represented by arrows, why we tend to hold back from pursuing our most important goals, how God uses ordinary people to accomplish his purposes, the importance of community, how to take action, how to guard against the temptation to quit, and why it's not just acceptable, but crucial to go BIG, where life and God are concerned. The Last Arrow: Save Nothing for the Next Life, Erwin Raphael McManus /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/23747549

When Life Throws a Curveball 07/07/2022

When Life Throws a Curveball Dennis Mellen knew from the age of ten that he wanted to be a pilot, and set the entire trajectory of his life toward that goal. At fifty-six, he had enjoyed his dream career for more than 30 years when tragedy struck, and his well-planned life was upended. How does one move forward when the unexpected, unwanted wrench is thrown into the course of our lives? Dennis models well how to navigate this challenge: with courage, creativity, persistence, and determination. Learn from Dennis how to transform challenges into opportunities. Show Notes: Takes More Than Heart, Dennis Mellen takesmorethanheart.com beabean.net /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/23652767

A Vision of Mission 06/02/2022

A Vision of Mission Elijah Stacy has arguably accomplished more in his twenty years than most people do in a lifetime. His mission, to minimize human suffering and propel human prosperity so that humanity can have a better quality of life, directs all of his actions. What motivates a young adult to develop a super-sized mission which focuses on others and not themselves? Perhaps the fact that he was diagnosed with a fatal disease as a child, and wishes others to not experience the suffering he himself has endured. We can all learn from Elijah's courage, his conviction and his never-quit attitude. Show notes: A Small If: The Inspiring Story of a Seventeen-Year-Old with a Fatal Disease and a Mission to Cure It, Elijah J. Stacy elijahjstacy.com Twitter: @elijahjstacy Facebook: @FBelijahjstacy TikTok: @elijahjstacy Instagram: @elijahjstacy destroyduchenne.org Twitter: @destroydisease Instagram/ Facebook: @destroyduchenne Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/23297597

The Adventuresome Life 05/27/2022

The Adventuresome Life If you are feeling kind of ho-hum about your life right now, this episode is for you! Shawn Anderson shows us how to add adventure into our lives, and he would know: he has walked across eight countries and biked across America coast to coast twice! We'll learn how to stare fear in the face, and walk through life with intention. Hesitating to take action on a project or plan? We'll learn to get off the dime and make things happen. No more excuses; we can all live extraordinary lives. Show notes: shawnanderson.com A Better Life: An Extraordinary Story About Starting Over, Shawn Anderson The Greatest Salesman in the World, Og Mandino Your God is Too Small, J.B. Phillips The Valley of Amazement, Amy Tan Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old, Stephen Petrow The Wonder Test, Michelle Richmond The Last Checkmate, Gabriella Saab The Woman Next Door, Barbara Delinski Pack Up the Moon, Kristan Higgins, The Bookshop, Penelope Fitzgerals /episode/index/show/lessonsfromliving/id/23241248

Lessons from Living

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