Grief can change your life forever, but it doesn't have to take away your ability to experience joy. In this deeply personal episode, Amy sits down with her friend Jennifer Powell, who lost her son Austin nine years ago. Jennifer shares Austin's story, the devastating impact of losing a child, and the decision she made early in her grief to choose joy—a choice she continues to make every day.

Jennifer talks honestly about what grief looks like years after a loss, including the moments when weddings, holidays, and everyday milestones remind her that Austin isn't there. She explains how grief, happiness, gratitude, and joy can all exist at the same time, and how faith, family, friendship, and community have helped her navigate life after loss.

Ultimately, Jennifer's story is a reminder that joy and grief can coexist. She shares practical advice for anyone experiencing loss, including being patient with yourself, being kind to others, and remembering that you never know what someone else may be going through.

Quote of the Episode

“Be patient. Be kind. Because you don't know what other people are going through.” — Jennifer Powell

Links

None

Topics Covered

Grief | Losing a Child | Choosing Joy | Faith | Family | Friendship | Coping with Loss | Finding Joy | Gratitude | Community | Healing | Hope | Kindness | Life After Loss

A Note About This Episode

This episode includes an honest discussion about grief and the loss of a child. While Jennifer shares her personal experience and perspective, everyone's experience with grief is different. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional or grief counselor.

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Visit our website: amykeyspodcast.com

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Have a story to share? Email: amykeyspodcast@gmail.com

If you enjoy Just a Thought with Amy Keys, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might find it meaningful.

What can happen when you say yes to something you’ve never done before? Sometimes, one small decision can lead to unexpected opportunities, new friendships, personal growth, and experiences that change your life. In this episode, Amy welcomes back friends Kelly Henderson and Karyn Whittington for a lively conversation about the power of saying yes—and the surprising ripple effects that can follow.

Kelly and Karyn share how saying yes has shaped their careers, families, friendships, and volunteer experiences. They discuss stepping outside your comfort zone, trying things you might not feel qualified to do, and discovering that confidence often comes after you take the first step. They also explore the “yes, and” approach, the importance of asking questions before committing, and why some of life's most meaningful moments begin with a simple willingness to try.

But saying yes to everything isn't the goal. The conversation also gets into boundaries, people-pleasing, overcommitment, and learning when it's okay to say no. From finding the courage to try something new to recognizing when your time and energy are stretched too thin, Amy, Kelly, and Karyn share practical wisdom, personal stories, and plenty of laughs about making room for the right opportunities. Ultimately, it's a reminder that your comfort zone doesn't have to define your life—and sometimes the best things happen when you say yes.

Quote of the Episode

“I just don't want my comfort zone to be my boundaries in life.” — Karyn Whittington

Links

None

Topics Covered

Saying Yes | Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone | Personal Growth | Unexpected Opportunities | Career Changes | Family and Friendships | The “Yes, And” Approach | Boundaries | People-Pleasing | Avoiding Overcommitment | Learning When to Say No | Faith and Intuition | Finding Balance

Connect

Visit our website: amykeyspodcast.com

Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/amykeyspodcast

Have a story to share? Email: amykeyspodcast@gmail.com

If you enjoy Just a Thought with Amy Keys, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves inspiring stories about family, history, travel, and personal growth.

Sometimes, you have to end one chapter before you can begin another. In this episode, Amy sits down with her longtime friend Christie McGee to talk about the many transformations Christie has made in recent years—including giving up alcohol, changing her approach to food and fitness, navigating divorce and becoming an empty nester, losing her mother, returning to school, and discovering a new direction for her life.

Christie opens up about her decision to stop drinking and what she has discovered on the other side of sobriety. She talks candidly about recognizing that alcohol had become something she couldn't control once she started, the challenges of those first weeks, and the difference she now feels in her sleep, energy, mental clarity, relationships, and overall outlook. She also shares how replacing an unhealthy habit with something positive—including quiet time with God and volunteering—has helped her build a life that feels more meaningful.

The conversation also goes beyond alcohol. Christie shares how she lost weight and built strength through small, sustainable changes rather than extreme dieting, why strength training becomes especially important as we age, and how therapy, faith, self-discipline, and a strong support system have all played a role in her transformation. Ultimately, this is a conversation about recognizing when something isn't working, having the courage to make a change, and being willing to begin again—with your eyes wide open.

Quote of the Episode

“Life on the other side of alcoholism is so beautiful. It's amazing.” – Christie Mcgee

Guest Links

Christie Mcgee - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christieheros.mcgee

Fall Harvest Salad recipe: https://amykeyspodcast.com/misc/Fall_Harvest_Salad.pdf

Topics Covered

Sobriety | Alcohol addiction | Life transitions | Divorce | Empty nesting | Grief | Fitness | Nutrition | Strength training | Mental health | Faith | Self-discipline | Healthy habits | Volunteering | Friendship | Finding your “why” | Starting over

A Note About This Episode

This episode includes candid discussion about alcohol use, addiction, sobriety, and recovery. Christie's experience is personal and is not intended as medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or another addiction, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional or addiction specialist.

Connect

Visit our website: amykeyspodcast.com

Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/amykeyspodcast

Have a story to share? Email: amykeyspodcast@gmail.com

If you enjoy Just a Thought with Amy Keys, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves inspiring stories about family, history, travel, and personal growth.