The SavvyCast

The SavvyCast is a podcast of the Family Savvy blog, where Jamie Tarence will host savvy guests to discuss real life topics that affect us all. Food and family. Marriage and divorce. Fitness and health. The Enneagram and relationships. Each episode is designed to entertain, educate and inspire all who listen. Everyone is welcome at the table! So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk.

What Kills Romance in Marriage in Your 50s and 60s (And How to Get It Back When It Feels Hopeless) 08/07/2026

What Kills Romance in Marriage in Your 50s and 60s (And How to Get It Back When It Feels Hopeless) Romance in midlife is one of the topics I get asked about most, which is exactly why I invited Zane to sit down and have this honest conversation with me. Keeping romance alive in marriage in your 50s and 60s looks completely different than it did at twenty-five, and Zane and I are not here to pretend we have always had it figured out. We have been together forty years, and that means we have had seasons of deep connection and seasons of real drift. In this episode we talk through what actually keeps romance going in a long marriage, what quietly kills it when you stop paying attention, and how you can get it back when it feels completely hopeless. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why romance shifts from chemistry to intentionality the longer you are married, and why that shift is actually something worth celebrating The honest conversation about hormones for women 50+, why getting them in balance matters more than most people talk about, and where to start What it means to become a student of who your spouse has actually become across the decades, not just the person you married The powerful difference between feeling chosen and feeling merely tolerated, and what it does to a marriage when your spouse knows you would still pick them all over again How curiosity, mystery, and paying attention to the small things fuel intimacy and keep romance going long after the early excitement fades Why earned love, the kind only built through decades of faithfulness together, can be the most romantic love of your life, and how to find your way back to it if it feels hopeless right now LINKS & RESOURCES The SavvyCast episode with Ally Phillips (Ally's Kitchen) — a source of inspiration for aging well in midlife: WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, we would love it if you took a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much and helps more women (just like you) find the show! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/42328995

The Brain Aneurysm That Gave Her a Better Marriage, a Healed Mind, & a Brand New Life 07/31/2026

How We're Investing in Our Grandchildren: Trump Accounts, 529s, & Family Traditions 07/24/2026

How We're Investing in Our Grandchildren: Trump Accounts, 529s, & Family Traditions If you have grandchildren or are getting close to that sweet season of life, these are the things you need to know about investing in your grandchildren. I sat down with my husband Zane for a real chat about the steps we are taking to intentionally invest in our grandchildren both financially and in life. We talk about the kind of legacy we want to leave our two grandbabies (and two more on the way!) that goes so much deeper than money. We dive into the family traditions we hope will anchor them. Plus, we cover the financial tools every grandparent should know right now, including Trump accounts and 529 college savings plans. Zane also shares the compound interest math that will stop you in your tracks! WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: How Trump accounts work, what the $1,000 government gift at birth means for your grandchild, and why you need to sign up now The compound interest math that will make your jaw drop: how investing $250 a month from birth can build its way up to millions by the age of 65 Why Zane believes faith, presence, and speaking identity over your grandchildren matter even more than financial gifts What grandparent traditions we hope to establish to make lifelong memories: quarterly grandparent weekends, birthday affirmations, lake weeks, graduation celebrations, and more How 529 college savings plans work and why grandparents are in a unique position to contribute The "multiplier" approach to teaching grandchildren about generosity (and how we used it with our own daughters) Why investing in grandchildren by blessing their parents (think date nights, Mother's Day out, and house cleaners for new moms) might be the smartest use of your resources right now LINKS & RESOURCES WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, we would love it if you took a few minutes to rate and review the SavvyCast! It means so much and helps more women find the show! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/42197745

Stop Dreading Getting Older. This 77-Year-Old Changed Everything I Thought About Aging! 07/17/2026

Stop Dreading Getting Older. This 77-Year-Old Changed Everything I Thought About Aging! If the thought of getting older fills you with more dread than anything else, this conversation is for you. I brought back one of my all-time favorite guests, Ally Phillips, for a second visit on The SavvyCast, and if you caught her first episode, you already know why. Ally will be 77 this October, her husband Pop just turned 84, and she will tell you herself that she found her stride in her sixties. She exemplifies what it looks like to age well after 60. Aging can feel like a burden, but Ally is proof that your best years aren't behind you! In this episode, Ally shares the mindset that has carried her through some of life's hardest seasons, her fitness routine, her three simple eating philosophies, what she has learned about how to stay strong as you age when so many people around her are slowing down, and how she stays fully present with her grandchildren while running her business as a Creator. If you feel like your best years are behind you, this episode will completely change your mindset! WHAT TO EXPECT: Why aging well after 60 is not something that just happens to you, and what it actually takes to make it possible Her "16 Weeks to 70" challenge series & why she hiked a 14,000-foot mountain at 70 The mindset that carried Ally through losing a child, the Marshall plane crash, and divorce, and what she wants every woman in a hard season to hear What she tells women who feel like their purpose vanished the moment the kids left home Her complete weekly workout routine and why doing it early is the only way it gets done Her three eating philosophies and how she hits 100-plus grams of protein a day through everyday food How she and Pop have kept their spark after decades of marriage and what makes their partnership so easy even now in their seventies and eighties How she stops work the moment her grandchildren arrive, and why she believes birth to age ten is your real window with the littles RECIPES MENTIONED: LINKS & RESOURCES: Ally Phillips on Instagram: on Amazon WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to The SavvyCast. It means so much and helps more women find the show! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/42115160

Hairstylist Confessions: What a Top Hairstylist Wishes Women Over 50 Knew About Their Hair 07/10/2026

What Every Woman Over 50 Wants to Know About Her Skin (My Dermatologist Answers it All) 07/03/2026

What Every Woman Over 50 Wants to Know About Her Skin (My Dermatologist Answers it All) I put out a question box asking you to share your most pressing skincare concerns, and the response was everything I needed to see: so many of us are sitting with the same questions and not getting straight answers! Sagging. Crepey skin. Jawline changes. Melasma. Collagen confusion. Lines that seem to appear overnight. So, I sat down with my dear friend and dermatologist Dr. Jo Herzog to get into the nitty gritty of all of it. We cover what is really happening to your skin after 50, why it is happening, and what actually works to address it. Dr. Jo does not hold back, and that kind of honesty is exactly what our real midlife skin concerns deserve. If you have been looking for real, straightforward solutions, this is the episode for you! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: What's really happening to your skin after 50, including the surprising role bone loss plays in sagging, jowls, and those nasolabial folds The honest truth about collagen supplements: when they might help, when you're spending money for nothing, and why protein in your diet comes first How neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers address wrinkles, lip lines, and volume loss (and what they genuinely cannot fix) Crepey jawlines and neck bands: treatment options & what a truly "snatched" jawline actually takes Brown spots, melasma, and sun damage: causes, treatments, the SPF you actually need, and the sun protection mistake most women are making The skin conditions nobody talks about: what lichen simplex chronicus and lichen sclerosus actually are and why Dr. Jo says modesty has to be checked at the door when it comes to intimate skin concerns Under-eye bags: when fillers can help, when it's time to see an oculoplastic surgeon, and what a lower bleph actually involves LINKS & RESOURCES: WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . 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! Botox, Fillers, Hair Growth, & Skin Texture: What a Dermatologist Really Recommends Considering a Facelift? 10 Things to Think About Before You Say Yes /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/41952580

The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats) 06/26/2026

A Candid Conversation with my Family: The Truth About Zane as a Dad 06/19/2026

A Candid Conversation with my Family: The Truth About Zane as a Dad With Father's Day this weekend, we are revisiting one of the most meaningful conversations we have ever recorded on The SavvyCast. My husband Zane sat down with our three daughters, Ellie, Jud, and Emma, for an honest, candid conversation about what it was really like to grow up with him as their dad. What did he get right? What would he change? And what do our girls treasure most? Whether you are hearing this for the first time or coming back for a second listen, I hope it blesses you this Father's Day! GET TO KNOW MY HUSBAND ZANE Zane is originally from Montgomery, Alabama, and as of 2026, Zane and I have been married for 38 years. In addition to being an incredible husband and father, Zane works as the managing partner with Founders Advisors. He is also the author of 17 Reasons Your Company is Not Investment Grade & What to Do About It. Zane is an Enneagram 3 wing 2. WHO ARE THE TARENCE GIRLS? Ellie is our firstborn and the typical first child. She is an Enneagram 3, driven, goal-oriented, and independent. She is married to Sean Hiller, and since we first recorded this episode, she has become a mother to my first grandgirl, Anne Parker. Jud is our second daughter and an Enneagram 2. She is joyful, a peacemaker, deceptively competitive, and a mother to all. Since this episode first released, Jud has married Owen Carr and become a mother to my second grandgirl, Mary Owen. She is also expecting a baby boy this fall! Emma is our youngest and our "unicorn" daughter. She is an Enneagram 4, relational, fun-loving, candid, and direct. Since filming this episode, she graduated from Auburn University, lived out her dream of moving to California, and now calls Nashville home, where she works as a Partnerships Manager for Logo Brands. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: What Zane was truly like as a dad, in our daughters' own words The things Zane got right that our girls remember and treasure most An honest conversation about what he would do differently Favorite family memories and the moments that shaped who our girls are today What Zane himself wishes he had done differently as a father LINKS & RESOURCES WHERE TO LISTEN ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! A Candid Conversation with the Tarence Girls on Having Jamie as a Mom 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (and What We’d Do Differently) /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/41695990

My Catholic Son-in-Law Answers Your Tough Questions About the Catholic Faith 06/12/2026

Why I Stopped Caring What Size I Wear: Midlife Fashion Lessons I Learned from Countless Try-Ons 06/05/2026

Everything We Put in Our Lake House Bedrooms (Affordable Finds + Luxury Touches) 05/29/2026

Am I Becoming a Catholic? My Faith Journey Update 05/22/2026

Am I Becoming a Catholic? My Faith Journey Update A year ago, I shared publicly that my husband had converted to Catholicism and opened up about what it looked like for us to navigate faith differences within our marriage and family. Since then, so many of you have asked where I stand today. In this episode, I’m sharing an honest update on my faith journey, including what aspects of Catholicism have resonated with me, what questions I still wrestle with, and how these conversations have impacted my marriage, family relationships, and friendships along the way. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: I share an honest update on my faith journey How conversations about faith in our marriage and family have changed over time The parts of Catholicism that have resonated with me The specific aspects of Catholicism that still make me pause How my Church of Christ and evangelical background shaped my perspective My thoughts on my husband, daughter, and son-in-law becoming Catholic Why some of these deeper conversations feel harder with immediate family One of my biggest fears during this process (and how people actually responded) How respect, listening, and grace have become so important in our family The main thing still holding me back from becoming Catholic LINKS & RESOURCES ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller’s Faith Journey Listen on or Watch on She Tried to Convert Catholics, Then Became One: Ellie Hiller’s Faith Journey Listen on or Watch on My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage Listen on or Watch on From Bookstore Owner to Author: Annie B. Jones on Owning The Bookshelf & Her New Book Listen on or Watch on A Peak Inside the Head of an Enneagram 8 Listen on or Watch on WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . 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! /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/41382675

From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller’s Faith Journey 05/15/2026

From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller’s Faith Journey In this week’s episode, I sit down with my son-in-law, Sean Hiller, to hear the powerful story of how he went from being an atheist for nearly a decade to eventually becoming a Christian and later converting to Catholicism. Sean also runs a where he shares content and discussions centered around Catholic beliefs applied to real-world topics. Sean opens up about the questions and experiences that challenged his worldview, including the role my daughter Ellie and my husband Zane played in his faith journey. We also dive into deep conversations surrounding the Eucharist, predestination vs. free will, Catholicism vs. Orthodoxy, and whether God is truly indifferent to what we believe. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Sean’s testimony of going from Southern Baptist to atheist Why Sean drifted away from Christianity as a teenager The question that challenged Sean’s atheist worldview: “What is love?” How Ellie influenced Sean’s perspective on faith and Christianity The Bible study Sean never wanted to attend How a debate about predestination vs. free will impacted him How Zane unexpectedly played a major role in Sean’s Catholic journey The questions about Catholicism Sean couldn’t answer Why the Eucharist completely changed Sean’s perspective Why Sean chose Catholicism over Orthodoxy Sean’s thoughts on visiting Rome and whether Catholics should go Whether Sean’s entire family is Catholic today Sean weighs in on the question: “Is God indifferent to what you believe?” LINKS & RESOURCES WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . 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! She Tried to Convert Catholics, Then Became One: Ellie Hiller’s Faith Journey Listen on or Watch on My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/41297645

A Life Update: The Story Behind Our New Lake Home 05/08/2026

Botox, Fillers, Hair Growth, & Skin Texture: What a Dermatologist Really Recommends 05/01/2026

Botox, Fillers, Hair Growth, & Skin Texture: What a Dermatologist Really Recommends If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the advice around Botox, fillers, skincare treatments, and hair growth, you are not alone. I’ve had so many of these questions myself, which is why I’m so excited to sit down with my good friend and trusted dermatologist, Dr. Jo Lynne Herzog, for this conversation. We’re cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what actually works (and what’s not worth your time or money). From injectables like Botox, Dysport, and Daxify, to how we can maintain facial volume as we age, to achieving glowy skin and improving texture—we cover it all. My hope is that you walk away feeling more informed, more confident, and less pressured to chase every new trend! WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE What we think every woman needs to know before getting fillers The only filler Dr. Jo feels confident using on her patients’ temples How we lose facial volume over time (and why a facelift isn’t the full solution) Why you shouldn’t chase trending treatments or “fad” injectables How Dr. Jo thinks about achieving glowy, “glass” skin in midlife Tips for maintaining smooth, healthy skin texture How Dr. Jo and I met—and why I trust her approach The differences between Botox, Dysport, Daxify, and other neuromodulators Why Botox is safe (even though it’s technically a toxin) Whether microneedling with PRP is worth the extra cost What to do about crepey skin Dr. Jo’s honest thoughts on peptides Why too much biotin is not a good thing Hair growth solutions, including oral minoxidil Whether permanent hair removal actually exists LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . 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 EPSIODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Listen on or Watch on Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/41075310

Modern Grandmother Advice: The Sweetest (and Most Challenging) Parts of this Role 04/24/2026

38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We’d Do Differently) 04/17/2026

38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We’d Do Differently) 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 married, or years into your relationship, our hope is that this gives you practical insight and encouragement for the long haul. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Our best long term marriage advice for those who want to be married someday The meaning behind “The Chair” and how it represents our marriage Why we believe you should treat your marriage like a business An honest look at what we got wrong (and what we got right) The values we were looking for when we were dating How we figured out our roles within our marriage over time Why self-awareness and clearly communicating your needs is critical What actually makes husbands love their wives more as the years go on What our marriage looks like in this current season of life The long term marriage advice we’d give ourselves if we were starting over today The story behind why we made the decision to sell our farm LINKS & RESOURCES Relationship Expert: How to Find a Great Partner (and Avoid Divorce) | Lila Rose Show The Chair and How to Ask the Marriage | The SavvyCast episode with Jamie & Zane WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . 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! Listen on or Watch on Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/40901665

Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here’s How to Tell 04/10/2026

Menopause, Hormones, & Feeling Like Yourself Again with Joanna Strober of Midi Health 04/03/2026

Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, & Recovery: Cathy Williamson’s Cancer Journey 03/27/2026

Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, & Recovery: Cathy Williamson’s Cancer Journey 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 HEALING BY MARK BRAZEE: ➡️FOLLOW ALONG WITH CATHY WILLIAMSON: BLOG: FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: ❓QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: What is triple negative breast cancer, and how is it different from other types? How did Cathy first discover something was wrong? What did the diagnosis process look like for her? What treatments did Cathy undergo (double mastectomy, chemo, etc.)? What is the “red devil” chemotherapy, and why is it called that? What helped Cathy manage side effects like nausea during chemotherapy? What are some practical tips for someone currently going through chemotherapy? How did Cathy navigate the emotional side of her breast cancer diagnosis? After a double mastectomy, are mammograms still necessary? What are some things people should not say to someone going through cancer? What are meaningful ways to support a friend or loved one during treatment? How did Cathy’s lifestyle and wellness habits change after her diagnosis? What is something positive that came out of Cathy’s cancer journey? How did her experience shape her work today in fashion, style, and wellness for midlife women? 🎙️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! ➡️ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS: ➡️YOUTUBE: 🎙️ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! ➡️WHEN HEARTBURN ISN’T JUST HEARTBURN: ESOPHAGEAL CANCER SIGNS & EARLY DETECTION Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: ➡️MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER TOO: TALKING WITH A MALE BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/40634675

When Heartburn Isn't Just Heartburn: Esophageal Cancer Signs & Early Detection 03/20/2026

When Heartburn Isn't Just Heartburn: Esophageal Cancer Signs & Early Detection 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 powerful, informative conversation that could truly save lives! QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE: How did John Michael discover he had Stage 4 esophageal cancer? What are the different stages of cancer, and what do they mean? What are the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer? What are the key signs and red flags to watch for, including: Persistent heartburn that doesn’t improve with antacids Difficulty swallowing Black or tar-like stools Unexplained weight loss Is esophageal cancer more common in men or women? What trends are doctors seeing in esophageal cancer cases among younger men? What does true chronic heartburn actually feel like? What does screening for esophageal cancer look like? What is Barrett’s esophagus, and why does it matter? What new, less-invasive screening options are currently in development? How is the John Michael Pierce Foundation raising awareness and educating others? HOW TO SUPPORT THE JOHN MICHAEL PIERCE FOUNDATION: Attend their on August 3, 2026, at the Highland Park Golf Course LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Stay up to date with the Schedule an appointment with Follow along with Birmingham Gastroenterology on , , & WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on and . 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! Listen on or Watch on Listen on or Watch on /episode/index/show/savvycast/id/40544755