What happens when a child grows up surrounded by instability, trauma, addiction, and uncertainty, but someone finally says, “I see you. You matter. I’m here”?

In this powerful episode of Grit & Grace, host Dana Lyons sits down with Angie Newton, Executive Director of Salem Angels, to discuss childhood trauma, foster care, trauma informed care, addiction, resilience, healing, mentorship, motherhood, and the transformative power of consistent relationships.

Angie shares her deeply personal story of growing up in chaos, navigating difficult childhood experiences, loving a mother who struggled with addiction, and ultimately rebuilding their relationship before losing her to cancer. Through heartbreak, healing, and perseverance, Angie discovered that one safe, supportive relationship can change the course of a person's life.

Together, Dana and Angie explore how childhood adversity impacts development, why foster care support matters, how trauma affects families, and what it takes to break generational cycles. They also discuss the importance of mentoring youth, showing up consistently, and creating environments where children feel seen, valued, and safe.

Whether you are a parent, foster parent, mentor, educator, caregiver, or someone on your own healing journey, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical insight into overcoming adversity and building resilience.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How childhood trauma shapes emotional and relational development

• Why trauma informed care is essential for children and families

• The lasting impact of addiction on families and relationships

• How foster care support and mentorship can change lives

• The role resilience plays in healing from difficult experiences

• Why one caring, consistent adult can alter a child's future

• How compassion, connection, and community help people heal

If you are passionate about personal growth, mental health, healing from trauma, foster care advocacy, parenting, mentorship, or inspiring stories of resilience, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Grit & Grace on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that healing is possible and that showing up for others truly matters.

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

Connect with Angie Newton & Salem Angels

Salem Angels Website
https://www.salemangels.org/

Follow Salem Angels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salemangelsnonprofit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salem_angels/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Salem-Angels

Connect with Angie Newton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angie.newton.9

Book Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RH0E84

What happens when a man finally stops blaming everyone else and starts doing the hard work of facing himself?

In Episode 20 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with author and speaker Paul Carlson for a powerful conversation about marriage, addiction, healing, identity, accountability, therapy, codependency, and the long journey of personal transformation.

Paul shares his deeply personal story of reaching a breaking point, watching his marriage struggle, and realizing that true change wouldn't happen until he took ownership of his own healing. Through honesty, hard work, counseling, and self-reflection, he began rebuilding his life from the inside out.

Together, Dana and Paul discuss:
• Marriage restoration and rebuilding trust
• Addiction recovery and emotional healing
• Codependency and unhealthy relationship patterns
• Personal accountability and growth
• Therapy, counseling, and self-awareness
• Communication in marriage and relationships
• Faith, grace, and second chances
• Finding hope during difficult seasons

This episode is especially meaningful for wives praying for restoration, couples working through challenges, individuals navigating recovery, and anyone seeking healthier relationships emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Paul Carlson's story is not about perfection, it's about progress.
It's a reminder that healing is possible, relationships can be rebuilt, and lasting change begins when we stop pointing fingers and start doing the work ourselves.

If you're struggling in your marriage, supporting someone through addiction recovery, working through codependency, or pursuing personal growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope.

🎙 Subscribe to the Grit & Grace Podcast for honest conversations about faith, relationships, emotional wellness, healing, and living with purpose.

Connect with Paul Carlson
Website:
https://www.carlsontx.com/
Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4400676890248075
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/paulcarlsontx/
Featured Book:
Where Are My Feet? Searching for My Path Through Addiction, Recovery, and Life
Available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Are-My-Feet-Searching/dp/B0GH8Y2Q18

Be sure to connect with Paul online and check out his book to learn more about his journey and the lessons he's gained through recovery, accountability, and personal growth.

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

#PaulCarlson #MarriageRestoration #AddictionRecovery #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #RelationshipAdvice #CodependencyRecovery #MarriageHelp #Therapy #MentalHealth #FaithAndHealing #Accountability #ChristianMarriage #GritAndGracePodcast

Grit & Grace is packed with powerhouse women, hilarious stories, and the kind of real talk every woman needs to hear.
Host Dana Lyons sits down with Jackie Ellerbrock and Lori Haraldsen for a conversation that somehow includes community leadership, career pivots, penguins, honey badgers, accidental self-tasering, and a homeless woman chase scene straight out of a sitcom.
Jackie shares how she traded retail life at Office Depot and Babies R Us for purpose-driven leadership with Chamber Business Women (CBW), proving it’s never too late to build a legacy instead of just collecting paychecks. Lori opens up about her passion for supporting law enforcement through nonprofit foundations and why “Do It Anyway” has become her life motto.
Together, these women dive into:
✨ Midlife career reinvention
✨ Empowering women without the awkward spotlight
✨ Taking scary leaps toward fulfillment
✨ Community, leadership, and leaving a legacy
✨ Why women need friends who answer the phone immediately
✨ And exactly how many volts are too many volts
Between laugh-out-loud moments and deeply honest reflections, this episode is a reminder that purpose doesn’t expire with age — and neither does your ability to completely change your life.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, searching for more meaning, or just need a good laugh from three women who keep it painfully real, this episode will leave you inspired, empowered, and maybe slightly afraid of tasers.

👉 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/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grit&graceenterprises

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

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/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gritandgraceenterprises
📘 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

What if strong communities aren’t built by one system alone—but through nonprofits, leadership, and people working together?
In Episode 115 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, we sit down with Joy Dickinson, nonprofit consultant and Owner of Dickinson Consultants, to explore nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and how organizations can build long-term sustainability.
If you're a nonprofit leader, board member, executive director, or someone passionate about community development, this episode breaks down what it really takes to create lasting impact.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn about:
• Nonprofit fundraising strategy (what it is and what it isn’t)
• Why grants alone won’t sustain your nonprofit
• The difference between grant funding and donor relationships
• Nonprofit sustainability and long-term planning
• Leadership succession planning for nonprofits
• Paying nonprofit staff a living wage
• The role of philanthropy, government, and community collaboration
• How to create impact without starting a new nonprofit
Joy Dickinson shares her journey from working with foster youth to becoming a trusted nonprofit consultant helping organizations grow, scale, and strengthen their mission.
This episode is all about:
✔️ Nonprofit leadership
✔️ Community impact
✔️ Sustainable growth
✔️ Mission-driven work
When nonprofits are strong, communities thrive.
👉 Whether you’re building a nonprofit, serving on a board, or leading a mission-driven organization, this conversation will give you practical insights and strategy.

🔗 Learn more:
Dickinson Consultants: https://dickinsonconsultants.com
Salem Leadership Foundation: https://salemlf.org

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on leadership, nonprofit growth, and community impact.

In this episode of Grit and Grace, host Dana Lyons sits down with hospitality expert and former boutique hotel owner Samantha Irwin to explore networking, leadership, and the power of authentic human connection.

Samantha shares her practical “3-2-1 Rule” for introverts at networking events, explains the hospitality trifecta—eye contact, a smile, and a greeting, and talks about how women in business can confidently own their authority without shrinking their presence. From nonverbal communication and leadership presence to unexpected coffee alternatives like Mud/Wtr and pistachio milk, this conversation blends business strategy with real-world insight.

In this episode:

• Networking tips for introverts
• How to “host” a networking event even when you’re a guest
• Nonverbal cues that build instant trust and authority
• Leadership confidence for women in business
• Coffee alternatives like Mud/Wtr and pistachio milk

Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and personal growth.

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

Connect with Samantha Irwin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthairwin/

Website: https://kaizen.zone/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha_kaizen/

Creating a Culture Deck:

https://kaizen.zone/creating-a-culture-deck/

For your listeners: if they enter the code Culture, they’ll receive a discount.

Aunt Rita’s Peanut Butter Cookies – via Samantha Irwin

1 egg

¾ C. Sugar (I use less)

Hand mix until blended

1 C. Peanut Butter

1 t. Soda

1 t. Vanilla (I almost always forget)

Stir together then add

½ C. Chocolate chips

Dollop small bits (mine are a scant small spoon, maybe 1T. ish) onto a cookie sheet. Use the fork press thing to look like traditional peanut butter cookies (or not – I don’t).

Bake at 350 Degrees 9 minutes (depending on the size of your cookies and your oven, you might need 8 minutes, or 10 minutes).

Original notes say to bake on parchment but I don’t find it necessary on my air bake cookie sheet.

Let them cool for two-three minutes before trying to remove them. They’re crumbly!

Enjoy.