Lessons from Living

Healing Trauma from the Inside Out with Ben Oofana

Ben Oofana joins Lessons From Living to explain how trauma imprints in the body and how to heal it from the inside out. Drawing on his apprenticeship with a traditional Native healer, decades of vision quest practice, internal martial arts, and work with clients worldwide, Ben details an embodied meditation method that processes emotions rather than bypasses them. We discuss spiritual bypassing, resilience, why some people fragment while others cope, the trauma–health link, relationships after wounding, and cultivating connection to a higher power. Expect practical steps you can use today to calm the nervous system, digest difficult feelings, and rebuild capacity. BenOofana.com TeachMeToMeditate.com BreakUpFirstAid.com IG @BenOofana

When Lyme Steals a Future: One Family’s Fight Back

Author and advocate Jody Hudson joins Lessons From Living to share the powerful story behind her book, “My Promise to Alex,” and the legacy she’s building after losing her 22-year-old daughter, Alex, to late-diagnosed Lyme disease. Jody recounts a decade-long medical mystery, 40 doctors, false negatives on outdated tests, and the painful reality of “invisible illness” and medical gaslighting. She explains early Lyme symptoms (summer-flu feelings, joint pain, brain fog, digestive issues), why only some patients get a bullseye rash, and how timely antibiotics after a tick bite can change everything. Jody also opens up about caregiving, faith, and resilience; advocating inside a complex medical system; and helping kids develop empathy and selflessness through real-world service. You’ll hear how Alex’s competitive spirit, big heart for the homeless, and deepening faith continue to inspire Jody’s advocacy and foundation work. What you’ll learn: Early signs of Lyme disease and why testing can miss it How to advocate for a loved one amid misdiagnosis Practical support ideas for caregivers Ways to nurture empathy and service in kids If this episode resonates, share it with someone navigating chronic or “invisible” illness, and subscribe for more conversations that turn hardship into hope.

Mitch Parsons: Holy Living, Gym Culture, and Raising Godly Men

In this powerful Lessons From Living finale with Mitch Parsons, host Beth Graham dives into Mitch’s vision for The Remnant—a Christ-centered training center designed to call men to holiness, strengthen marriages and fatherhood, and offer a countercultural alternative to modern gym and bar culture. Mitch shares the moment that sparked the idea, why he walked away from traditional gyms, his decision to quit alcohol to protect his marriage and integrity, and how The Remnant will blend fitness, brotherhood, Bible studies, and practical community to forge men who lead at home, church, and city. From addressing oversexualized gym norms to offering sober camaraderie (golf simulator, co-working, marriage events, daddy–child experiences), Mitch lays out a blueprint for discipling men and transforming culture—starting in Denver. What you’ll learn: Why Mitch believes gym culture is failing men—and how The Remnant reframes fitness as discipleship Practical steps to replace alcohol-driven socializing with Spirit-led community How shoulder-to-shoulder activities help men open up about marriage, parenting, and purpose The vision for a holistic training center: fitness, co-working, Bible studies, marriage/fatherhood events, and sober fun A call for ordinary men to stand against cultural complacency and lead with courage and holiness Mitch’s core life lesson: “If it’s not Jesus, it doesn’t matter—and if He asks, the answer is yes.”

From SEC Athlete to Healing: Mitch Parsons on Eating Disorders, Identity, and Obedience to God

Former Vanderbilt football standout Mitch Parsons joins Beth Graham to share a raw, faith-filled journey from performance-driven living and a seven-year battle with anorexia to freedom, healing, and wholehearted obedience to God. Mitch opens up about the “curse of the athlete,” body image, control, and the long-term neurological and emotional scars of an eating disorder—and how he’s retraining his mind and heart. He talks social media’s pull, leading a family in a city where faith isn’t “cool,” raising bold kids who love Jesus, and building a Christian men’s training center in Denver while trusting God for provision. What you’ll learn: The athlete-to-eating-disorder pipeline: control, identity, and body image Long-term impacts of disordered eating and renewing neural pathways Living for God vs. impressing people (Galatians 1:10) Healthy boundaries with social media while pursuing calling Parenting tiny evangelists and cultivating everyday discipleship at home Obedience, provision, and surrender when God redirects your plans

Dawn Ward on Ambiguous Loss, Spiritual Warfare & Rugged Love — Lessons From Living

In this portion of Dawn Ward’s Lessons From Living conversation with Beth Graham, Dawn goes deeper into the spiritual and emotional realities families face when a loved one struggles with addiction. Key topics: ambiguous loss — grieving a child who is physically present but relationally distant — and how mothers can begin grieving while still holding hope. Dawn explains practical tools for healthy boundaries, the traffic-light method for safer conversations, and the difference between enabling and “rugged love” (love with teeth). She addresses spiritual warfare in families, shares a personal encounter with a sinister presence and how prayer, Scripture and reclaiming the home helped, and wrestles honestly with the disease vs. moral-failure debate from both scientific and biblical perspectives. This episode is essential listening for Christian moms, caregivers, and faith leaders seeking: Guidance on grieving ambiguous loss without losing hope Practical communication strategies for difficult interactions How to set loving, faith-based boundaries that avoid enabling Spiritual practices to protect and restore your home and family Perspective on addiction that integrates neuroscience, scripture, and grace Resources & where to connect with Dawn Ward: From Guilt to Grace (book), TheFaithtoFlourish.com, DawnRWard.com, and The Faith to Flourish social channels — for ministry support, prayer groups, and community for moms navigating addiction. Tune in for candid testimony, biblical counsel, and actionable next steps to move from fear and control into faith, rest, and resilient hope.

Faith to Flourish in Hard Seasons: Dawn Ward’s Lessons on Addiction and Grace

Dawn Ward opens up to host Beth Graham about her family's two very different experiences with addiction — one son who fought his way back after being inadvertently exposed to laced drugs in high school, and another who became dependent on prescription pain and anti-anxiety medications compounded by mental-health challenges. Drawing from her book From Guilt to Grace and her Faith to Flourish ministry, Dawn describes how the Holy Spirit prompted her to share a vulnerable, scripture-rooted testimony, the struggle of shedding shame as a Christian parent, and the practical spiritual and emotional tools that helped her move from control and hyper-vigilance to surrender and trust. This episode offers insights on setting healthy boundaries, distinguishing love from enabling, supporting adult children with respect, navigating church stigma, and finding community — especially for Christian moms facing addiction in the family. Tune in for honest stories, faith-based counsel, and actionable resources to help parents find hope, healing, and a path forward.

Redeeming the Mother–Daughter Bond: Stacey Glass on Forgiveness, Faith, and a Holy Farewell

In this powerful second segment, Stacey Glass shares how an estranged mother–daughter relationship was redeemed through persistent love, faith, and everyday invitations—calls, cards, short visits, and “keeping the door open.” Hear the pivotal moment her mom asked, “Why did you forgive me?,” the quiet watching that rebuilt trust, and how integrity at home matched what her mother saw in public. Stacey recounts a sudden health crisis, a brain tumor diagnosis, treatment, relapse, and 30 sacred hospice days filled with bucket-list grace—motorcycle ride, skydiving, and, ultimately, baptism. We talk practical reconciliation steps, healthy hope vs. forcing outcomes, breaking generational cycles, self-forgiveness, and how community and God’s love heal what trauma breaks. If you’re navigating an estranged parent, grief, or starting over, this testimony offers faith-filled encouragement and actionable ideas. Topics: reconciliation with an estranged parent, Christian forgiveness, restoration, healing from childhood trauma, grief and hospice, mother–daughter story, keeping boundaries and invitations, breaking cycles, hope, “Grace Between the Cracks.” Connect with Stacey: staceyglass.com | @StaceyGlassAuthor.

100th Episode Celebration: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives | Lessons From Living with Beth Graham

Join host Beth Graham for Lessons From Living’s 100th episode—a heartfelt look back at the podcast’s original vision: elevating ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Beth revisits the story that started it all (Episode 1: Will Reynolds and his life-changing kidney donation), reflects on a growing body of work, and shares behind-the-scenes challenges of finding humble, never-before-featured voices alongside seasoned storytellers. Discover insights on perseverance, the power of a singular voice in audio, steady growth, faith interwoven with resilience, and what keeps this inspirational podcast moving forward. Help shape the next 100 episodes: Share stories of everyday heroes in your life Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Subscribe and share with a friend Watch episodes on YouTube Email Beth: beth@lessonsfromliving.net

From Trauma to Triumph: How Church Community Transformed a Broken Childhood - Stacey Glass on Lessons From Living

In this powerful episode of Lessons From Living, Stacey Glass shares her remarkable journey from a traumatic childhood marked by addiction and abandonment to finding hope through the loving hands of a church community. Discover how a pastor's family driving 20 minutes out of their way three times a week, a music director who saw potential beyond circumstances, and surrogate families who opened their doors changed the trajectory of not just one life, but generations to come. Stacey's story reveals the profound impact of small acts of love - from picking up a third-grader for church to encouraging musical talents to providing a safe home when nowhere else existed. She also candidly discusses the lasting wounds from careless words by teachers and coaches, showing how both positive and negative influences shape our self-perception. This episode explores themes of resilience, the irreplaceable longing for maternal connection, finding worth in Christ versus performance, and the ripple effects of showing up for hurting children. Whether you're in ministry, education, or simply want to make a difference in someone's life, Stacey's story will inspire you to see the extraordinary power of ordinary kindness.

Redefining Success After Crisis: Adrian Jones on Self-Compassion & Finding Your Ikigai | Lessons From Living

What does success really mean? After two heart attacks derailed his Wall Street career, Adrian Jones had to completely redefine his markers of achievement. In this deeply personal conversation with Beth Graham, Adrian shares how health crises forced him to confront the truth: traditional success was literally killing him. Discover Adrian's powerful framework for career reinvention, including the Japanese concept of Ikigai (a life worth living), the "I Want" exercise for radical honesty, and why self-compassion isn't "woo-woo"—it's essential survival. Adrian reveals the hidden costs of living misaligned with your purpose, from regret to physical deterioration, and explains why transformation happens best in community, not isolation. Whether you're at a career crossroads, feeling burned out, or simply questioning if there's more to life than your current path, this episode offers practical tools and hope for reinvention. Learn how to give yourself permission to choose YOU, build a foundation of self-compassion, and find work that lights up your soul—before a crisis forces the decision.

From Widow-Maker to Wake-Up Call: Adrian Jones on Surviving Two Heart Attacks & Redefining Success

In this powerful Lessons From Living episode, Adrian Jones shares how surviving two “widow-maker” heart attacks—one in 2016 and another in 2024—finally forced him to transform his life. We explore what his life and definition of success looked like before these health crises, why the first heart attack wasn’t enough to spark lasting change, and why it often takes a life-threatening “wake-up call” for us to finally listen. Adrian opens up about stress, lifestyle, ambition, and the mindset shifts that followed his second heart attack, offering honest insight for anyone ignoring warning signs in their own life.

Rekindling Communication: Insights from Couples Counselor Raffi Bilek on Humor, Conflict Resolution, and Lasting Relationships

In this encouraging episode of "Lessons From Living," couples counselor Raffi Bilek shares invaluable insights into the art of communication in relationships. Explore how humor can enhance dialogue, how even gridlock can be navigated and discover effective strategies for couples when one partner is resistant to improving their communication skills. Raffi discusses the impact of cultural, gender, and family of origin differences on communication styles. He reveals the one essential practice couples should remember, shares an inspiring success story, and highlights the broader societal implications of his work. Tune in for a hopeful message aimed at rekindling connection for struggling couples!

Creating Connection: Expert Insights on Improving Communication in Marriage with Raffi Bilek

Join us on this illuminating episode of Lessons From Living as we sit down with seasoned couples counselor Raffi Bilek to explore the art of effective communication in relationships. Discover the critical gaps in communication guidance that Raffi addresses in his insightful book, "The Couples Communication Handbook." We delve into common myths about relationship communication, uncover ineffective patterns, and identify the biggest challenges couples face when implementing new strategies. Plus, learn a practical technique you can start using today to strengthen your connection, create lasting communication habits, and understand the powerful role emotions play in our interactions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your relationship skills and move from being right to truly listening and being heard! The Couples Communication Handbook: The Skills You Never Learned for the Marriage You Always Wanted, Raffi Bilek

Unlocking Your Potential: A Journey of Self-Improvement

In this transformative episode of Lessons From Living, we're diving deep into the world of self-improvement and personal growth. Discover why investing in yourself is essential for happiness, fulfillment, and success. We'll explore the importance of recognizing areas for development, setting SMART goals, and creating actionable plans to achieve your aspirations. Join us as we share inspiring stories of individuals like J.K. Rowling and Tony Robbins, who faced challenges but overcame them through dedication and resilience. Their journeys remind us that we all have the power to change our lives for the better. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, boost your confidence, or improve your relationships, this episode offers practical tips and motivational insights to guide you on your self-improvement journey. Embrace the power of growth and take the first step towards unlocking your true potential today!

Empowerment Through Adversity: Zolal Habibi on the New Vision for Iran's Future

Join us for an inspiring second segment with Iranian-American activist Zolal Habibi, as we delve into her unwavering quest to raise awareness for the Iranian people. Discover how Zolal overcomes fear and danger to share her vision for a brighter future and what motivates her resilience. We explore her insights on whether American youth would cherish their freedom enough to defend it if roles were reversed, and we uncover the most significant life lesson she's learned along her journey. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of cultural awareness. FB: https://www.facebook.com/IranNCR/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashrafi4ever/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ashrafi4ever LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zolalhabibi Email: zolalhk@gmail.com WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+393312094616

Lessons from Living: Zolal Habibi on the Iranian Resistance and the Fight for Freedom

In this compelling episode of Lessons from Living, join us as we delve into the remarkable story of Zolal Habibi, an American-Iranian resistance member. Discover the profound impact of her father's tragic loss to the regime at a young age, the unwavering dedication of her mother to the resistance, and Zolal's courageous decision to leave a prestigious medical career to fight for freedom. We explore the realities faced by the Iranian people, the complexities of government policies toward Iran, and the reasons behind Iranians' reluctance for foreign intervention. Gain insight into the current state of resistance and learn about the potential timeline for genuine revolution in Iran. This is just the first installment of a captivating journey into the heart of a nation's struggle for liberty. FB: https://www.facebook.com/IranNCR/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashrafi4ever/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ashrafi4ever LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zolalhabibi Email: zolalhk@gmail.com WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+393312094616

Rediscovering Joy and Purpose: Ally Phillip's Secrets to Thriving and Longevity

Join us in this engrossing segment of "Lessons From Living" as Ally Phillip shares her journey of reinventing herself in her 60s. Discover how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth, the importance of brain stimulation for a long, healthy life, and the joy that faith can bring. Ally discusses her valuable tips for maintaining a sense of joy, the significance of leaving a legacy, and her top life lesson that anyone can embrace. Tune in to unlock the secrets to thriving at any age!

Resilience and Triumph: Ally Phillips' Journey Through Tragedy | Lessons From Living

In the first part of this powerful episode of Lessons From Living, influencer Ally Phillips opens up about the three formative tragedies that shaped her life, including the heartbreaking suicide of her father when she was just 10 years old. Discover how her mother, a young single parent with four children and no support, became a beacon of strength and inspiration. Ally shares the invaluable lessons in resilience, toughness, and resourcefulness that she learned as she navigated her own crises. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that highlights the power of faith and fortitude to triumph amid life's toughest challenges.

From 200 Pounds Lost to a Life System: How to Transform Health, Mindset & Life

In this powerful Part 2 interview of Lessons From Living, Stanley Bronstein shares the 20-trait system of excellence he developed after losing 200 pounds and transforming his life. Stanley explains each trait — from personal responsibility, persistence, and discipline to vision, balance, and integration of mind, body, and spirit — and shows how these principles build on one another to create lasting change. He shares vivid stories, including meeting Peggy Chun, an artist with ALS whose joy reshaped his perspective, and real transformations from people who applied his methods. Learn practical advice on time and resource management, positive self-talk, habit formation, and the law of reciprocity. Visit thewayofexcellence.com for free guidebooks and short videos on each of the 20 topics. Ideal for listeners seeking sustainable weight loss, improved wellbeing, leadership training, or transformational life principles. Tune in to discover a step-by-step framework for permanent change and how to share it with your family, employees, or community.

• Transcript

Transforming Weight Loss: Stanley Bronstein’s Journey of Losing 200 Pounds and Inspiring Change

In this motivating episode of Lessons From Living, we chat with Stanley Bronstein, who successfully lost 200 pounds and has maintained his weight loss for 18 years. Stanley shares his personal journey, revealing the circumstances that led to his significant weight gain and the four simple steps he took to achieve lasting change. Discover the valuable lessons he learned along the way, which not only shaped his own life but also motivated him to inspire and teach others on their transformation journeys. Tune in to learn practical strategies for weight management and personal growth that can help you or someone you know achieve a healthier lifestyle!