Episodes

There is a good possibility that we will all become caregivers at some point in our lives. It may be for an aging parent, a spouse with a serious illness, or a child with special needs. If you’re not in this situation, chances are you have a friend who is. Today’s episode with Elizabeth-Leigh Bradley addresses these challenges and brings you strategies to care for yourself and others while walking through the caregiver role. In today's episode we discuss: Navigating the challenge of caring for...

Today's guest, Briana Leach, LPC, discusses the importance of preventative mental health (just like when we take our children for their well child checkups), normalizing the experience, and the importance of asking “but why?” In today's episode we discuss: The mind-body connection and honoring our mental health as much as the physical to honor our temple. Why you should think about seeing a counselor like seeing your primary care physician. What to expect the first time you visit a counselor...

Join me for the second conversation with Dr. Michelle Bengtson as we focus on caring for our teen's mental health. I don't know about you, but this is an issue I care deeply about but am not exactly sure how to do it "right." Dr. Michelle brings wisdom and guidance into this challenging topic. In today's episode we discuss: The rise of mental health challenges in our children. The different challenges our children have now, specifically with regard to technology. How children display depress...

I have to confess I when I first started this podcast I never even occurred to me to do a season on mental health. I don't know why because we all know, or I think most of us know, that our health is not necessarily our only body, but it’s our physical, spiritual, emotional, and our mental Health. It all goes together to create our whole being and what we are able to do with our body through that. My guest today, Dr. Michelle Bengtson, and I talk a lot about her own personal journey. She really...

I hope you had a chance to listen to the episode with Emily Baker last week on what exactly is grace. She brought such wisdom! Grace is such a simple word, but so complex. It took me years to learn to give myself grace in my health journey. For so long, I was bound by rules and expectations I was never meant to live. In His mercy, God gently pulled me out and taught me I take care of my body so I can do what He is calling me to do … not so it will look a certain way. Today we are filtering grac...

I am beyond blessed to have a lot of friends. Today I want to introduce you to one group of them. The women on today’s show represent half of my core group of college friends. Collectively, our group has had countless experiences together and I can’t tell you how cherished and dear they are to me. We’ve been through marriages and divorces, babies and launching adults and now caring for our older parents. We’ve tried to support each other as best we can during these individual seasons. Right now...

The word, "grace," is small, yet has such a robust meaning. Today I talk with Emily Baker about its meaning, the opposite of grace (shame) and much more. Find the full show notes including links, resources, and a picture of Emily and I around 1985 at www.gracedhealth.com/emilybakergrace Connect with Emily: www.shopebdesigns.com Instagram: @emilybaker_ebdesigns Connect with Amy: Facebook: Graced Health Podcast Group Instagram: @gracedhealth Do you ever feel shame because you’re not following al...

Graced Health was never in my plan. I was perfectly fine going along with my life until God took my heart and stirred it. Today's episode shares the story of this, the genesis of Graced Health, and how you can take the same principles to see what God may be trying to tell you. In today's episode I discuss: The story of how God took me from unsettled to starting Graced Health The power of taking intentional time with God Why it's still hard for me to do this consistently Resources and links ...

I don't know about you, but I'm having a hard time wrangling my emotions, thoughts, and feelings about all things COVID-19. With that comes the tendency to dismiss some feelings, while deeply sensing others. My spinning head can't land in one place, and I certainly am not focused enough for self care, let alone smart self care.​ Enter Elizabeth Barbour. Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for smart, sustainable self-care—especially for women who are juggling the demands of career, family, and li...

Join me in my conversation with the lovely Reverend Donna Owusu-Ansah. In today's episode we discuss: Her path from being an art teacher to a pastor Finding health, self care and grace in being a pastor, wife, and mother Practicing self care when all your responsibilities take so much The power of being outside and moving Running as a spiritual discipline as a well as a sport Managing the role as being “Reverend Runner Mother” in her Black Girls Run community Where to start when you don’t...

When I scheduled my episode release calendar several months ago, I had no idea how much I would need today's verse. Today we dig into the attributes Paul speaks of in Colossians 3:12: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This time, we discover how we can apply these to ourselves. Yes, this applies to our physical health, but in the midst of COVID-19 it takes on a whole new perspective. Resources and links mentioned: Graced Health 14-day devotional 12 ways to listen to your...

I've been sitting on this interview since January and I'm SO EXCITED to finally be able to share it! Tune in for today's conversation with Christina Chismar, MSW, LCSW as we discuss raising our daughters (and sons) with a healthy body image. In today's episode we discuss: Clown Therapy Becoming authentically ok in your own skin Accept the facts of the body God gave you The mom’s (and dad’s) role in raising her daughter with positive body image The two places your adolescent is in with rega...

It's a little nuts out there right now, and I don't know about you but I'm feeling a little helpless. The one thing I know how to do is move and help others move. That's why I'm leading free FB Live classes for the next two weeks beginning March 21at 8:30am central. These 30-minute classes will be a moderate difficulty on Monday and Wednesday, then Fridays will focus on mobility. Listen in for the details and the reasoning behind why I'm doing this, then join me on the Graced Health Facebook ...

If you haven't met Dr. Melody Stevens you are in for a real treat! Dr. Melody brings her own journey of health and faith and speaks of finding our worthiness and confidence in Christ so we can do what we're called to do. In today's episode we discuss: How looking at our health from the physical context only short circuits what we need The importance of a holistic approach to our health The importance of nurturing our soul Worthiness, shame, and where we place our identity Testing the words ...

Hey there I’m Amy Connell. Welcome to the Graced Health podcast. I’m a personal trainer who wants you to know your eating, movement, and body don’t have to be perfect, you just need to be able to do what you are called to do. This podcast is for women who want simple and grace-filled ways to take care of themselves and enjoy a little chocolate in the process. Today's episode is the first in series three of the Graced Health podcast: In the Word. I have to admit, I'm nervous stepping into this ...

You're probably aware that fiber is an important part of your diet. You also probably know it helps keep you full. But you may not be very excited about eating cups and cups of vegetables. If you want another way to consume fiber, listen in. I give you six of my favorite non-vegetable foods to help me get plenty of fiber in my diet. We discuss: Benefits of a high-fiber diet Six of my favorite non-vegetable foods to help me get plenty of fiber in my diet An easy breakfast to bulk up your fib...

If you've been wondering how to make your meals more simple during the week, tune in to today's episode! Hear how Stephanie Hillberry with fitdevo spends just one hour for a full week's worth of meals. We discuss: Building blocks of a balanced bowl Why she doesn’t cook a meal, but cook components of a meal Formula for a bowl Approach to take with seasonings and spices Her health journey that led to eating well When loved ones don’t eat as healthfully as you want How our examples influence...

If you've ever wondered why I always mention chocolate, today's episode is for you. Or if you're just looking for a delicious gluten free chocolate cake to make in your Instant Pot (because I know you're using yours after last week's episode), you're in luck. On today's episode I share: What chocolate represents to me The benefits of cacao powder Favorite ways to enjoy chocolate Find the full show notes here. Resources and links mentioned in today's episode My story episode Coach Kandice ...

Do you have an instapot? Are you part of the perceived cult of those who do? Or, are you sitting on the outside, wondering what the heck is the big deal? Maybe you got one for Chirstmas and you’re still not quite sure what to do with it. Today I’m sharing 9 ways I use it that make it different … and so much better … than a slow cooker in the hopes it can make your mealtimes easier. Visit the Graced Health show notes to receive your cheat sheet of all the items we discuss, plus the recipe for...

Have you ever heard "listen to your body" but wasn't exactly clear on what that meant? In today's episode we explore 12 ways your body may be talking to you. Fair warning, my potty humor is evident and we get real and raw in this episode! Find the full show notes, resources and links at Graced Health.

Find the show notes and 9 recipe downloads here. After my interview with sports nutritionist Roberta Anding, (if you haven't listened find it here), I was fired up. One of my kids had been leaving the house a couple days a week on an empty stomach. After relaying her words (if you’re too busy for breakfast you’re too busy to be good) and getting him on board, I decided I was going to make sure he didn’t have an excuse. The problem with a lot of make-ahead breakfasts is they take time. Prep, ba...

Nutrition can be confusing. It seems every six months we hear of new eating plans and diets and lions and tigers and bears, oh my. Adding to the noise is how, exactly, do we get quality food in our teen athletes? Do they need to eat differently? And how do we encourage them to actually eat what is best for them to perform and recover well? I'm beyond excited to share my conversation with Roberta Anding today. Roberta is a sports dietitian and has so many letters after her name I don't even kno...

According to Chicago-based food data company Food Genius, up to 80 percent of Americans don't know what they're having for dinner by 4 p.m. the same day. What's more, a majority of consumers don't particularly like the task of making dinner. The reality is, though, if we invest a little time once a week, we save time wandering through the store on our way home from work or volleyball practice, trying to figure out what’s for dinner that night. And I know I don’t need to tell you this, but you’l...

In today's episode I give you eight ways to approach your New Years resolutions so you don't find yourself burned out, exhausted, or injured in 3 weeks. Head over to the show notes on Graced Health for all the resources mentioned. Let's be friends! Find me on Instagram and Facebook, or email me at Amy.connell@gracedhealth.com