Grace & Grit Podcast

Grace & Grit Podcast

The Grace and Grit Podcast takes the health fairy tale you've heard all your life and turns it upside down and inside out, helping women rebuild their relationship with their body once and for all. Placing the focus on love and respect, rather than the aggressive demands and unrealistic expectations that have become the norm, Courtney Townley is determined to help women mend the fabric of what is driving the female health story.

Episodes

August 8, 2025 29 mins

In this episode, we explore the journey from living on autopilot to becoming the conscious author of your life, especially for women in midlife. We discuss how years of prioritizing others, societal conditioning, and overwhelming responsibilities can lead to disconnection from our authentic desires and purpose.

Key points covered:

  • The signs you're living on autopilot: feeling like you're just checking box...
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In this conversation with Val Thompson, a woman of Grace & Grit, we dive deep into the reality of midlife for women today. If you’re navigating the fog of hormonal shifts, processing major life transitions, or simply wondering “what’s next?” as you create your second-half-of-life blueprint, this discussion offers both validation and direction.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

  • Practical approac...
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While the world steals your attention in a thousand different ways, your one wild and precious life is happening right now. In this episode of Grace & Grit, I explore the revolutionary power of presence for midlife women and why it’s the missing ingredient in truly experiencing this rich stage of life.

I share my personal journey with presence (including how I learned this lesson the hard way!) and guide you through understanding w...

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In this episode, I dive deep into a topic that’s rarely discussed but incredibly important: the art of pleasure at midlife. I’m joined by Laini Gray as we explore why many women have either disconnected from intentional pleasure or are caught in cycles of false pleasures that don’t truly satisfy.

We cover:

  • The science behind pleasure – How our brain chemistry works and why pleasure matters for our health ...
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In this episode of the Grace & Grit podcast, I help listeners explore the concept of unnecessary labor and how releasing these burdens can transform your midlife health and vitality:

  • Discover what “unnecessary labor” is and why it’s particularly harmful during the midlife transition
  • Understand the direct connection between unnecessary labor and hormonal imbalance, chronic stress, and inflammation
  • Identify...
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In this episode, we dive deep into what might be the most overlooked aspect of wellness in midlife: our relationships. While we’re busy chasing the perfect diet, exercise routine, or supplement regimen, the true foundation of our health may actually be the quality of our connections—with others, with food, with movement, and most importantly, with ourselves.

Joined by the insightful Laini Gray, we explore how to conduct a thorough ...

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Are sleepless nights and anxiety about sleep stealing the vitality from you at midlife? In this episode, we dive deep into the science of sleep, exploring evidence-based strategies that go beyond conventional wisdom.

Key Points:

  • The surprising truth about sleep trackers and who should (or shouldn’t) use them
  • Understanding CBTI: The gold standard treatment for insomnia
  • Practical tips for using natural ligh...
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In this episode, we are diving deep into the world of midlife wellness marketing, helping you develop a keen “bullsh*t detector” to navigate through misleading claims and predatory tactics. Equipping you with practical tools to make informed decisions about your health and wellness journey.

Key Points:

  • Exploration of common marketing red flags in the midlife wellness industry, including fear-based messagi...
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In this episode of the Grace & Grit podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of wellness strategies, focusing on how pharmaceutical supports can be integrated into a holistic approach to health for midlife wellness. We discuss the importance of maintaining fundamental wellness practices while considering medical interventions as complementary tools rather than replacements.

Key Points from this Episode:

    ...
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Join Laini Gray and I as we explore the vital skill of boundary setting for women in midlife. Together, we dive deep into why maintaining healthy boundaries becomes increasingly important during midlife transitions and how the ability to say “no” can be the most powerful “yes” you can give yourself.

Drawing from both our personal experiences and scientific research, I offer practical strategies for establishing and maintaining boun...

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In this episode of the Grace & Grit podcast, I sit down with gerontologist and global menopause researcher Zora Benhamou for a fascinating discussion about menopause through a worldwide lens. Drawing from her interviews with over 200 women across 50 countries, Zora shares invaluable insights about how different cultures approach this significant life transition.

As a self-described nomad who speaks six languages, Zora brings a uniq...

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In this episode of the Grace & Grit podcast, I’m excited to share my conversation with Angi McClure, a neuro-based Movement Therapist and creator of Bamboo Bodies™. Together, we explore a fresh perspective on aging that combines ancient practices with modern brain science.

In our discussion, we cover:

  • How to train your brain for better aging outcomes
  • The fascinating relationship between seasonal changes a...
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Are your emotions at midlife more unpredictable than ever? You’re not alone! Join me and my dear friend and colleague, Laini Gray, as we decode the mysterious world of midlife mood swings.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why your emotions aren’t “crazy” – they’re chemistry!
  • The secret connection between your hormones and your hot-headed moments
  • Practical strategies to regain emotional balance without ha...
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What if the key to navigating midlife’s challenges isn’t found in the latest trendy supplement or self-help book, but in reconnecting with something we’ve always had access to? Nature just might be the medicine you’ve been seeking. In this episode of the Grace & Grit Podcast, we explore how reconnecting with the natural world can transform your midlife journey.

Join me and nature therapy expert Sylke Laine as we share:

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In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and colleague Laini Gray for a dynamic conversation about reimagining consistency in midlife. Together, we explore how women can create sustainable health practices while navigating the complex terrain of hormonal changes.

Key points from our discussion:

  • Understanding the difference between rigid and flexible consistency, and why this distinction matters even ...
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Are you drowning in wellness apps, expired supplements, and enough saved “life-changing” health articles to fill the Library of Congress? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re tackling the elephant (or should we say the dusty treadmill?) in the room: health clutter. It’s time to Marie Kondo your wellness journey.

A few things we explore in this episode:

  • Understanding what health clutter is and its impa...
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Looking to graduate from the “weight-is-everything” school of health tracking? Join me and my wonderful colleague, Laini Gray, for an eye-opening conversation about why your bathroom scale shouldn’t be your only health advisor (because, let’s face it, it’s not exactly giving you the full story). We’re diving into the metrics that actually matter for women in midlife – and trust me, it’s about so much more than the number staring ba...

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Ever feel like you’re running on fumes, scrolling through Instagram at midnight, wondering where your “me time” disappeared to? In this energizing episode of Grace & Grit, we’re tackling the all-too-familiar energy crisis that keeps amazing women from chasing their dreams. No more dragging yourself through the day like a smartphone on 2% battery! We’ll show you how to flip the script on exhaustion by becoming a ninja of the “hidden...

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Let’s be honest—most of us are masters at playing the “what if” game. But instead of using it to imagine bold, exciting possibilities, we use it in a way that riddles with us with self-doubt and makes us hide from our potential: “What if I fail?” “What if everyone laughs at me?” “What if I accidentally become a meme?”

In this episode, we’re flipping the script. Because, let’s face it, the fear-based “what if” game isn’t winning us ...

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This short and sweet episode explores how midlife women can embrace gratitude even in challenging seasons, especially when the holidays feel more depressing than joyful. Discover simple ways to find moments of peace, connection, and hope—no matter what life looks like right now.

What we’ll cover:

  • Why it’s okay not to feel grateful for everything AND to find gratitude in the moment.
  • Practical ways to culti...
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