Episode 18 of the Grit & Grace Podcast is all about laughter, real talk, and those “asking for a friend…” moments we all have 😄
Join us as we sit down with special guests Lori Haraldsen and Jackie Ellerbrock for a completely unfiltered, joy-filled conversation that proves the best episodes are the ones you don’t overprepare for.
From the moment we hit record (maybe a little early 👀), this episode turns into a hilarious and honest girls’ chat, covering everything from awkward social phrases like “let’s circle back,” to hugging boundaries, forgotten birthdays, and the kind of random stories that only come out when you’re truly comfortable.
And yes… somehow we also end up talking about tarantulas, snakes, and the everyday chaos of life 🤣
✨ In Episode 18, we chat about:
“Asking for a friend” questions (the funny, the sarcastic, and the real)
The truth behind common phrases we all use
Friendship dynamics and laugh-out-loud moments
Hugging etiquette—are you a hugger or not?
Midlife moments, mishaps, and everything in between
Why the best conversations happen when you just show up as yourself
This episode feels like sitting down with your girlfriends—messy, funny, honest, and full of joy 💛

👉 Hit subscribe for more real conversations, encouragement, and a whole lot of laughter!

Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️
🌐 Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/
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📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises

#podcastforwomen #funny #womenempowerment #friends #story #shortsfeed #women

This is a conversation many women have lived, but few have ever said out loud.

In Episode 17 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, we talk openly about sexual assault, the confusion around it, and why so many women don’t recognize their experiences until years later.
This episode dives deep into the hidden realities of sexual trauma, breaking down what sexual assault really is—and what it isn’t. Through real stories and honest conversation, we explore the silence, shame, and self-doubt that often follow.

If you’ve ever questioned your story or wondered, “Was it really that serious?”—this conversation is for you.

✨ In this episode, we cover:
What sexual assault can actually look like (and why it’s often misunderstood)
Common red flags and subtle patterns many women miss
How culture, religion, and personal beliefs shape what we accept or excuse
Why so many survivors stay silent for years
The importance of safe spaces, speaking up, and using your voice
What healing after sexual assault can begin to look like
This episode is not about blame.
It’s about truth, awareness, and healing.
You are not alone.

💬 If you’ve ever carried something in silence…
💬 If you’ve ever thought, “maybe it was my fault”…
💬 If you’ve ever struggled to name your experience…
This episode was made for you.

Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️
🌐 Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises

Follow Valerie Geer ⬇️
🌐 YMCA
https://www.theyonline.org/
📸 Instagram: @vmgeer
https://www.instagram.com/vmgeer
📘 Facebook: Valerie Kiesser Geer
https://www.facebook.com/valerie.kiessergeer

👉 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it—because healing often begins when we realize we’re not the only one.

What if rebuilding trust in your community starts with one simple conversation?
In this episode of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with Lori Haraldsen, founder of Valor Connect, for a powerful and honest discussion about law enforcement, community trust, and real-world solutions that bring people together.
Lori shares her firsthand experience serving on the Salem Police Foundation, explaining why police foundations matter—especially as budgets tighten—and how community support directly impacts officer safety and effectiveness. From life-saving trauma kits to ballistic vest inserts funded by donors, this episode highlights the meaningful work happening behind the scenes—and how everyday citizens can be part of it.
You’ll discover:
• How the Police Activities League (PAL) builds trust with youth through sports, mentorship, and community programs
• What ride-alongs reveal about the realities officers face every day
• How National Night Out creates stronger neighborhoods through simple community gatherings
• The ethical role of police foundations in funding critical training, equipment, and resources
• Why rebuilding trust happens one conversation, one relationship at a time
If you’ve ever asked, “How do we actually make our communities safer and stronger?”—this episode gives you a practical, hopeful starting point.
👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about community, trust, and making a difference.

👉 Connect with Lori Haraldsen:
Email: loriharaldsen@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-haraldsen/
Follow Grit & Grace ⬇️
Website: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgraceenterprises/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises

#GritAndGracePodcast #CommunityLeadership #LawEnforcement #CommunityTrust #PoliceFoundation #CivicEngagement #PublicSafety #PAL #NationalNightOut #RideAlong #StrongerCommunities #TrustBuilding