Grace, Grit & Hope

Author Mary Knight joins Grace, Grit & Hope to explore why storytelling is one of the most powerful forces we have to change the world. From her award‑winning novels Saving Wonder and What the Seahorse Told Me to her CoreEmpathy work and school visits across the country, Mary shows how words can open hearts, inspire courage, and help us see one another with deeper compassion. Mary also shares a deeply personal chapter of her life — a tragedy she faced in college — and how journaling became the lifeline that helped her survive it. Her story is a testament to how writing can heal, anchor us, and guide us through the darkest moments. Her journey, from Whidbey Island to Chautauquas events to classrooms nationwide, reminds us that empathy is essential — and that story is the bridge that carries us forward together. Learn more about Mary Knight's work: https://www.maryknightbooks.com/

Maggie Bushway tells her amazing story of battling brain cancer beginning at age 7 and over two decades. Though there were (and still are) terrifying seizures, painful chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, Maggie explains how cancer brought the Bushway family closer, deepened their faith and taught them the importance of laughter. Maggie explains the spiritual encounters that convinced her of a calling to share her story in a book called "Pearls: A Memoir of Childhood Brain Cancer and Hope," which she co-authored with her father Rob. Even in life's hard moments, Maggie wants everyone to know that hope can shine through.

As many people battle to maintain mental health, journalist Kevin Osbourn and psychologist Paschal Baute share stories of how they stay sane in an insane world. Kevin talks about going on a backpacking trip with his sons to the Ouachita National Trail in Arkansas last fall. Paschal discusses the importance of reconnecting with family and friends, and why he swims laps three days a week at age 95. They talk about the importance of hobbies, laughter, deep breathing, and getting out of our rooms. Both are staying away from cable news because Paschal says there's no need to give free rent in our minds to bad stuff. They close the show with the power of gratitude. Don't miss this episode on how to keep your head above water.

Don't miss this special episode on "The Power of Goals" from professional body builder Josh Miller. In this one-hour podcast recorded Dec. 21 at College Park Gym in Winchester, KY, Josh explains how goals give us purpose, energy, joy, passion, creativity, commitment and direction. Amazingly, though, research shows that most people have no goals. This seminar is based on Josh's 20 years of training people. He explains the powerful steps that anyone can practice to open doors to success and become the captain of your life. Best of all, you can apply the steps outlined not just to fitness, but to any area of life. This seminar will help you stick to resolutions and make 2025 your best year ever.

From his youth growing up the son of a coal miner to today, Kentucky and Tennessee National Gym Association Chairman, Josh Miller, has set goals and enjoyed the process of who he becomes as he trains. Miller married his high school sweetheart Melissa in 2000 and today owns Transformation Personal Training in Lexington, Ky. He achieved one of his many dreams when he started the first natural bodybuilding show in Kentucky in 2013. A year later, Miller got his Natural Pro Card, and two years later won his Body Building Pro Card. Today, Miller puts on the Bluegrass Body Building Championships each spring and fall. Don't miss this fascinating interview where Josh explains how journaling changed his life and how you too can change negative thinking and reach for the stars.

Over the past year, ten amazing people have shared unique and precious stories. On this episode, the hosts share what each participant has taught them, and they encourage listeners to write down takeaways from their own lives. Our guests found new life after losing a spouse, overcame paralyzing fear, got a college degree despite setbacks, and survived a life-threatening injury. One guest hiked the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail alone, one started a successful business after her divorce and another persisted and found her uncle's sunken ship from World War II. You'll enjoy hearing what each has taught us, and we hope you'll write the takeaways from your unique life journey.