Lessons from Living

Join host Beth Graham for Lessons From Living’s 100th episode—a heartfelt look back at the podcast’s original vision: elevating ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Beth revisits the story that started it all (Episode 1: Will Reynolds and his life-changing kidney donation), reflects on a growing body of work, and shares behind-the-scenes challenges of finding humble, never-before-featured voices alongside seasoned storytellers. Discover insights on perseverance, the power of a singular voice in audio, steady growth, faith interwoven with resilience, and what keeps this inspirational podcast moving forward.Help shape the next 100 episodes:Share stories of everyday heroes in your lifeRate and review on Apple Podcasts and SpotifySubscribe and share with a friendWatch episodes on YouTubeEmail Beth: beth@lessonsfromliving.net

What does success really mean? After two heart attacks derailed his Wall Street career, Adrian Jones had to completely redefine his markers of achievement. In this deeply personal conversation with Beth Graham, Adrian shares how health crises forced him to confront the truth: traditional success was literally killing him.Discover Adrian's powerful framework for career reinvention, including the Japanese concept of Ikigai (a life worth living), the "I Want" exercise for radical honesty, and why self-compassion isn't "woo-woo"—it's essential survival. Adrian reveals the hidden costs of living misaligned with your purpose, from regret to physical deterioration, and explains why transformation happens best in community, not isolation.Whether you're at a career crossroads, feeling burned out, or simply questioning if there's more to life than your current path, this episode offers practical tools and hope for reinvention. Learn how to give yourself permission to choose YOU, build a foundation of self-compassion, and find work that lights up your soul—before a crisis forces the decision.

In this encouraging episode of "Lessons From Living," couples counselor Raffi Bilek shares invaluable insights into the art of communication in relationships. Explore how humor can enhance dialogue, how even gridlock can be navigated and discover effective strategies for couples when one partner is resistant to improving their communication skills. Raffi discusses the impact of cultural, gender, and family of origin differences on communication styles. He reveals the one essential practice couples should remember, shares an inspiring success story, and highlights the broader societal implications of his work. Tune in for a hopeful message aimed at rekindling connection for struggling couples!

In this transformative episode of Lessons From Living, we're diving deep into the world of self-improvement and personal growth. Discover why investing in yourself is essential for happiness, fulfillment, and success. We'll explore the importance of recognizing areas for development, setting SMART goals, and creating actionable plans to achieve your aspirations.Join us as we share inspiring stories of individuals like J.K. Rowling and Tony Robbins, who faced challenges but overcame them through dedication and resilience. Their journeys remind us that we all have the power to change our lives for the better.Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, boost your confidence, or improve your relationships, this episode offers practical tips and motivational insights to guide you on your self-improvement journey. Embrace the power of growth and take the first step towards unlocking your true potential today!

Join us in this powerful episode of Lessons From Living as we sit down with Jenna Udenberg, who has bravely faced Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since the age of seven and has been confined to a wheelchair since she was eight. Jenna shares her heartfelt journey through the childhood trauma of experiencing chronic pain, and emotional struggles, revealing how two inspiring teachers ignited her passion for music and teaching. Despite physical challenges, she has not allowed limitations to prevent her from accessing the outdoors or achieving her goals. Discover how she transformed her experiences into strength, advocating for better accessibility so that others can live the lives God created them to live. This episode is not just about inspiration—it's a call to action for listeners to effect change in their communities. Tune in and learn how one person's resilience can pave the way for others.

What does perseverance really look like after life changes forever?In this deeply moving and surprisingly joyful episode of Lessons From Living, host Beth Graham sits down with Dr. James Perdue—Professor of Perseverance—for an honest conversation about resilience, faith, and rebuilding a meaningful life after catastrophe.After a life-altering accident left him a quadriplegic, Dr. Perdue shares what quadriplegia is, what a typical day looks like, and the ongoing health challenges he navigates. He opens up about how he initially spent his energy after the accident, why it took three years to land his first job, and the people who were instrumental in keeping him going when hope felt distant.We talk candidly about:Why faith was difficult for him in the beginning—and how God’s role in his life has evolvedHis journey through depression and suicide attempts, and what ultimately shiftedThe moment he chose perseverance as his life’s focusDeveloping resilience after trauma and reframing injury as an event, not an identityTreating every setback as a resetHow to control the controllables and build healthy daily ritualsUsing gratitude as fuel, anchoring to something bigger than yourself, and developing purposeThe power of building a strong, supportive teamDespite the depth and gravity of these topics, this conversation is filled with humor, joy, and hope, offering practical wisdom for anyone facing adversity, loss, or major life transitions.This episode is for anyone who wants to learn how to keep going, redefine what’s possible, and live a life of meaning—no matter what they’re carrying.🎙️ Listen now and discover how perseverance can transform catastrophe into purpose.

What if silence is not the absence of God—but the place where you finally meet Him?In this Lessons From Living episode, Rich Lewis, author of Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer, shares how contemplative prayer became one of the most life-giving and identity-shaping practices of his spiritual journey.Rich explains what centering prayer is, exactly how it is practiced, and why letting go—rather than striving—can lead to deep healing and transformation. We talk about discovering your “true self,” carving out time for prayer in a busy world, and using journaling alongside contemplative prayer to process what surfaces in silence.This conversation also addresses common struggles with centering prayer, seasons of spiritual dryness and doubt, and why contemplative prayer is theologically sound. Rich shares how this ancient practice can be done in community, why silence is undervalued in modern culture, and the surprising “side effects” of a prayer life rooted in stillness.If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God, curious about contemplative prayer, or feeling spiritually weary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a grounded invitation to sit with God—and be changed.Show Notes:Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self with Centering Prayer, Rich LewisHealing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, Amos Smithhttps://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/https://silenceteaches.com/

In this powerful episode of Lessons From Living, Caleb David shares his remarkable journey from a childhood marked by spiritual abuse, violence, and a narcissistic father to becoming a compassionate leader dedicated to service. Caleb opens up about witnessing his mother being beaten, how his early spiritual formation was distorted by an abusive pastor-father, and the long path toward healing and reclaiming his faith.We explore how he broke free from the example he was shown, building resilience through business failure, the collapse of a marriage, and the deep work required to recover a healthy sense of identity. Caleb discusses why providing stability for his adopted Ethiopian children matters, how he rebuilt his understanding of God, and what motivates his lifelong commitment to service-oriented work.This conversation dives into:Overcoming childhood trauma and spiritual abuseBreaking generational patterns and choosing compassionRecovering from business and relationship failureRehabilitating a damaged faith relationshipThe importance of stable community for children Why a service mindset thrives in both nonprofit and private sectorsEncouraging others to give back—even when they doubt their valueIf you’re looking for a story of resilience, purpose, and the redemptive power of service, this episode will stay with you long after listening.