Advertise on podcast: Lessons from Living

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

In this intriguing episode of Lessons From Living, we delve into the transformative journey of starting over at any stage in life. Join me as I share noteworthy stories from my own experiences and those of others who have embraced change, overcome challenges, and found new beginnings. Discover practical insights and motivational tips that will encourage you to take that leap, regardless of your age. Tune in and learn how to navigate the uncertainties of starting fresh with confidence and resilience!

In Part 2 of Lee's episode, we delve into coping with rejection, defining success as an independent artist, and his personal growth throughout his journey. If you missed the first part, jump back to Part 1, a compelling episode of Lessons From Living featuring singer-songwriter Lee Isaacs. Discover the inspiration behind his music career, insights into family support, and the realities of living in Nashville. Lee shares the best and worst aspects of the music scene, the sacrifices he’s made for his passion, and how he navigates fear and motivation amidst challenges. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance and identity in the music industry!

Join us for a compelling episode of Lessons From Living featuring singer-songwriter Lee Isaacs. Discover the inspiration behind his music career, insights into family support, and the realities of living in Nashville. Lee shares the best and worst aspects of the music scene, the sacrifices he’s made for his passion, and how he navigates fear and motivation amidst challenges. In part one, we delve into coping with rejection, defining success as an independent artist, and his personal growth throughout his journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance and identity in the music industry!

Join host Beth Graham in this meaningful episode of Lessons from Living, where she delves into the vital importance of friendship throughout our lives. Discover impactful stories, including insights from a remarkable 92-year-old, and learn practical tips on how to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships. Beth reflects on her own friendships, the emotional and physical benefits they bring, and shares strategies to overcome the challenges of making new friends. Tune in to enrich your life with cherished connections, because, as Maya Angelou said, “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger's face.”

In this thought-provoking episode of Lessons From Living, we welcome AI specialist Rowena Spencer to explore the complex relationship between children and artificial intelligence. Together, we tackle the emotional draw of AI for kids, the dangers of AI toys, and the challenge of keeping children safe in a rapidly evolving digital world. Learn how to help your kids distinguish between chatbots and real friendships, why it's vital to maintain open communication as they interact with AI, and the impact of AI on college education. Rowena also emphasizes the importance of human-centered progress and accountability regarding AI's pitfalls, presenting opportunities for technology to remind us of our humanity. Join us as we discuss the benefits of AI, when it might become a hindrance to skill development, the potential for laziness, and the role of regulations in managing AI. Plus, gain insights into discerning truth in today’s information landscape. Tune in for a crucial conversation on navigating the intersection of AI and human values!

Join us in this powerful episode of Lessons From Living as we sit down with Jenna Udenberg, who has bravely faced Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since the age of seven and has been confined to a wheelchair since she was eight. Jenna shares her heartfelt journey through the childhood trauma of experiencing chronic pain, and emotional struggles, revealing how two inspiring teachers ignited her passion for music and teaching. Despite physical challenges, she has not allowed limitations to prevent her from accessing the outdoors or achieving her goals. Discover how she transformed her experiences into strength, advocating for better accessibility so that others can live the lives God created them to live. This episode is not just about inspiration—it's a call to action for listeners to effect change in their communities. Tune in and learn how one person's resilience can pave the way for others.

In this episode, we shift our perspective on “purpose,” understanding it as a collection of meaningful chapters rather than a singular calling. We delve into the challenges of adhering to a narrow path—such as immobility, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy—while also addressing the societal pressures faced by people of all ages to pinpoint their purpose. Inspired by the journey of Grandma Moses, we offer practical steps for embracing new experiences, welcoming change, and igniting creativity. Tune in to equip yourself with tools to explore evolving purposes and to find joy in the multiple stages of fulfillment throughout your life.

What does perseverance really look like after life changes forever? In this deeply moving and surprisingly joyful episode of Lessons From Living, host Beth Graham sits down with Dr. James Perdue—Professor of Perseverance—for an honest conversation about resilience, faith, and rebuilding a meaningful life after catastrophe. After a life-altering accident left him a quadriplegic, Dr. Perdue shares what quadriplegia is, what a typical day looks like, and the ongoing health challenges he navigates. He opens up about how he initially spent his energy after the accident, why it took three years to land his first job, and the people who were instrumental in keeping him going when hope felt distant. We talk candidly about: Why faith was difficult for him in the beginning—and how God’s role in his life has evolvedHis journey through depression and suicide attempts, and what ultimately shiftedThe moment he chose perseverance as his life’s focusDeveloping resilience after trauma and reframing injury as an event, not an identityTreating every setback as a resetHow to control the controllables and build healthy daily ritualsUsing gratitude as fuel, anchoring to something bigger than yourself, and developing purposeThe power of building a strong, supportive team Despite the depth and gravity of these topics, this conversation is filled with humor, joy, and hope, offering practical wisdom for anyone facing adversity, loss, or major life transitions. This episode is for anyone who wants to learn how to keep going, redefine what’s possible, and live a life of meaning—no matter what they’re carrying. 🎙️ Listen now and discover how perseverance can transform catastrophe into purpose.

Join us for a meaningful New Year's Eve episode as Richard and I reflect on the transformative moments of 2025. We discuss the beliefs we've updated, habits that brought us joy, and the books that reshaped our perspectives. Discover what we stopped doing that improved our lives, memorable conversations that left a mark, and how we learned about our capacities and limits. Each of us shares a special "word of the year" to guide our intentions for the future, along with small courageous steps and experiments we plan to undertake. We conclude with an Irish blessing for our listeners and invite you to share your own "word of the year." Tune in for inspiration and personal growth as we embrace new beginnings together!

What if silence is not the absence of God—but the place where you finally meet Him? In this Lessons From Living episode, Rich Lewis, author of Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer, shares how contemplative prayer became one of the most life-giving and identity-shaping practices of his spiritual journey. Rich explains what centering prayer is, exactly how it is practiced, and why letting go—rather than striving—can lead to deep healing and transformation. We talk about discovering your “true self,” carving out time for prayer in a busy world, and using journaling alongside contemplative prayer to process what surfaces in silence. This conversation also addresses common struggles with centering prayer, seasons of spiritual dryness and doubt, and why contemplative prayer is theologically sound. Rich shares how this ancient practice can be done in community, why silence is undervalued in modern culture, and the surprising “side effects” of a prayer life rooted in stillness. If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God, curious about contemplative prayer, or feeling spiritually weary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a grounded invitation to sit with God—and be changed. Show Notes: Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self with Centering Prayer, Rich Lewis Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, Amos Smith https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/ https://silenceteaches.com/