This week on Two Women Chatting, Michelle is recording on location from the Pinecraft Inn in Sarasota, Florida with special guest Kendra Cross, who offers a heartfelt window into the Amish and Mennonite way of life. Raised in these communities, Kendra shares her personal story of multigenerational wisdom, strong women, and cultural connection.
Kendra speaks candidly about growing up in a male-dominated culture, the misconceptions outsiders often have, and the ways in which community, storytelling, and tradition shape Amish life. With honesty and clarity, she explores what it means to honour your roots while helping others understand a world that often feels hidden.
Key Insights:
๐๏ธ Stories Over Screens: In a culture without modern distractions, storytelling is at the heart of family and connection. Kendra reflects on how these traditions preserved community and passed down strength through generations.
๐๏ธ Community & Culture: Amish and Mennonite life is deeply rooted in togetherness. Whether itโs shared work, meals, or worship, the focus is on mutual support and belonging.
๐๏ธ Understanding a Male-Dominated Culture: Kendra explains the unspoken rules women navigate in traditional communities. โYou donโt have to agree with the system,โ she says, โbut once you understand the rules, you can learn how to play the game.โ
๐๏ธ Dispelling Myths: From dress codes to education, Kendra clears up common misconceptions about the Amish and Mennonite way of life - offering thoughtful insights that go beyond what most people assume.
๐๏ธ Wisdom Passed Down: Inspired by her grandmother, Kendra celebrates the quiet strength of women whoโve shaped communities through faith, love, and lived experience - often shared in the simplest of settings, like generations of women gathered around a quilt, telling stories and singing together.
Love these insights? Share your thoughts and stories at twowomenchatting@gmail.com, and donโt forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!
Want to learn more from Kendra?
๐งต Take a tour with Kendra Cross: Discover Sarasota Tours โ Amish Experience
Thank you to our season 9 sponsor: Hair Today More Tomorrow - with expert tips on managing hair in midlife from trichologist Sara G Allison on www.twowomenchatting.com
Connect with Us:
๐ Website: TwoWomenChatting.com
๐ธ Instagram: @michelleford_twc
๐ฆ Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo
๐ Facebook: Two Women Chatting
๐บ YouTube: Two Women Chatting
Amish, Mennonite, Kendra Cross, Sarasota, storytelling, community, faith, simplicity, multigenerational women, traditions, quilt circle, culture, female strength, male-dominated society, empowerment, rural life, spirituality, women supporting women, connection through story, Discover Sarasota Tours
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Iโm Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and Iโm so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood youโre able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and lifeโs ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them weโve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I donโt take it for granted โ click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I canโt wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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