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

September 12, 2025 33 mins

In this episode, I break down the unique nutritional challenges we face as women in midlife and how to navigate them without losing your mind (or appetite). Let’s face it – the eating strategies that worked in your 30s might be falling flat now as your hormones and metabolism shift. I’ll walk you through the four most common nutrition traps that catch us in midlife and share practical, doable alternatives that actually work with yo...

Mark as Played

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Laini to reflect on our recent retreat in the Azores. I share my experiences leading 16 incredible midlife women through a transformative journey on this breathtaking island. We discuss how this unique gathering created space for authentic connection, vulnerability, and personal growth as we collectively redefined what health and vitality mean in this season of our lives.

Just a few things...

Mark as Played

In this episode, we explore the five essential pillars that empower women to navigate midlife with renewed purpose and energy. Rather than fighting against natural transitions (hello, menopause!), we discuss how to harness your accumulated wisdom to create sustainable vitality during this transformative phase. The episode highlights why the strategies that served you in your 30s often fail to support you now, and introduces a frame...

Mark as Played

In this enlightening chat with strength coach extraordinaire Steph Gaudreau, we dive headfirst into the adventure of building strength, making bold life leaps, and embracing growth in midlife with open arms (and maybe some dumbbells). Steph drops truth bombs about strength training for women over 40 and reveals how picking up new skills can be the ultimate form of self-care.

We also explore…

  • Why giving yo...
Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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 ...
Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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:

    ...
Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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:

    Read more
Mark as Played

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 ...
Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Charlie Kirk Show

    Charlie is America's hardest working grassroots activist who has your inside scoop on the biggest news of the day and what's really going on behind the headlines. The founder of Turning Point USA and one of social media's most engaged personalities, Charlie is on the front lines of America’s culture war, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of students on over 3,500 college and high school campuses across the country, bringing you your daily dose of clarity in a sea of chaos all from his signature no-holds-barred, unapologetically conservative, freedom-loving point of view. You can also watch Charlie Kirk on Salem News Channel

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.