Beauty In The Real Podcast

What does a thriving marriage really look like when you're raising a child with special needs? In this honest conversation, we share true confessions from our own marriage journey, the unique challenges of special needs parenting, and how faith, grace, and intentional connection have helped us redefine what it means to thrive together. Whether you're navigating autism, disability, caregiving demands, or simply looking to strengthen your relationship, this episode offers encouragement, practical insights, and hope for the journey.Notes & Links:Link to song I referenced with the lyrics "Father use my ransomed life in any way you choose" https://open.spotify.com/track/65izTsJGgmglkd0AkGCkKB?si=7d8a42a54e2e4365Check out my shop for encouraging products including the one I referenced in this conversation about "This day" being "assigned to me" https://www.beautyinthereal.com/product-page/assigned-ornamentFind us on Instagram for daily encouragement and the beauty of real life moments, messes & meltdowns. https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Affiliate links from partners that I love:AG1 is one of the supports that I have used to feel better in my own skin and to be able to show up as the best version of myself. Use my link to get some extra gifts and to support my podcast.https://shop.drinkag1.com/BITR BRICK has changed the way I use my phone for the better! https://getbrick.com/?snowball=ROHNDA10834

What happens when your sense of calling feels clear—but your daily reality is caregiving?In this episode, we explore the tension between pursuing your God-given gifts and faithfully showing up in a season that demands your time, energy, and presence. For many caregivers, especially mothers of children with additional needs, this tension is daily, and often unseen.This conversation with author and speaker, Beth Lawrence, examines what it means to be a “living sacrifice” in a modern context: not just in ministry or outward service, but in the hidden, repetitive, and often exhausting work of caregiving. How do you reconcile the desire to build, create, lead, or serve beyond your home when your current assignment keeps you anchored in place?You’ll hear reflections on:The internal conflict between calling and capacityRedefining purpose in constrained seasonsLetting go of timelines, expectations, and comparisonTrusting that calling is not canceled, even when it is delayedThis episode also addresses the grief that can come with setting aside dreams, as well as the deeper formation that often happens in seasons of limitation. We don’t offer trite solutions but instead process through tension that so many of us walk in.  If you’ve wrestled with questions like “Will I ever have space for my gifts again?”, or “Does this season matter?”—this episode provides grounded encouragement rooted in faith, surrender, and long-term perspective.Links:Know & Follow with Beth Lawrence:Website: https://knowandfollow.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnowandfollowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbethlawrenceBeauty In The Real:Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/

In this episode, I sit down with Tori Hein for a candid and unfiltered conversation about what it really looks like to walk through hard seasons and to process our struggles in ways that are honest and invite Jesus to meet us there.. This discussion goes beyond theory and into real life, where emotions are often pushed aside and survival mode takes over.We talk openly about my own struggles with not processing emotions well, and how that can impact our faith, our relationships, and our ability to show up fully in our lives. This episode creates space for honesty, without pressure to have everything figured out.Together, we explore how fear, avoidance, and emotional overwhelm can quietly shape our decisions and what it looks like to begin acknowledging those patterns in a healthy, faith-centered way.If you are someone who feels stretched thin, emotionally overwhelmed, or unsure how to process what you’re carrying, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we discuss:The prodigal son and the older brother and how both need the FatherThe difference between transparency and vulnerability What does it look like to stop and actually feel the pain we have been avoidingResources for you if you need to do this type of work in your own heartThis episode is an invitation to slow down, become aware, and begin navigating your inner world with honesty and grace.Links:Tori's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/torimaehein/Story Work: https://www.wearefm.org/offers/K4eQhfEZ/checkoutWebsite: https://www.wearefm.org/toriHonest Pod: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KqxnjpqoCQe7IprptKEsbBeauty In The Real:instagram https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/

E4: Sudden Loss & Sustaining Faith with Jessica KimeIn this episode, join me in a conversation with Jessica Kime, an artist, a mother of 4 kids, and a widow.  She shares with us a glimpse into the day that she lost her young and seemingly healthy husband to sudden cardiac arrest and testifies to the faithfulness of God who has continued to walk with her through the grief.  With grace and grit, she shares with us the honest ups and downs of the last few years and gives us insight into how we can better love and serve those walking through loss.  You can connect with Jessica or shop her art collection here:https://jessicakime.com/https://www.instagram.com/jessicakime.art/?hl=enSong Ancient Gateshttps://open.spotify.com/track/2IiQGTBemdlQZjrG3ElLA2Beauty In The RealLinks:Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/p/Beauty-In-The-Real-61579367797740/

In this episode, I share what God is teaching me about loving when it’s hard, when serving feels exhausting, unseen, and costly. If you’re caring for someone, walking through a difficult relationship, or simply weary from giving so much, this conversation is for you.You’ll hear:*The difference between surrendering to God vs. surrendering to people*How everyday acts of service can become worship*Why loving when it’s hard requires trust, not perfection*A biblical framework for obedience without resentmentScripture References:Colossians 3:23Matthew 25:40Matthew 10:39Matthew 16:24Matthew 23Links:Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/p/Beauty-In-The-Real-61579367797740/

In today’s episode of Beauty in the Real, I’m joined by a missionary serving in Thailand who also grew up as a missionary kid. For the past 10 years, she and her husband have been raising their three boys overseas — including their oldest, who is autistic.We talk about the reality of missionary life beyond the highlight reel, parenting a child with autism in another culture, caring for your body as a form of stewardship, and walking through the deep grief of losing her mom while living far from home.Together, we reflect on Psalm 42:7 — “Deep calls to deep” — and what it means to encounter God in the deep waters of motherhood, ministry, and loss.If you’re in a stretching or tender season, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone — and that there is beauty, even here.

Beauty In The Real – Relaunch EpisodeWhy Beauty In The Real?In this relaunch episode, I share the heart and vision behind Beauty In The Real and why this season will focus on meeting God in the middle — not just in the breakthrough.We talk about the wilderness seasons, the waiting, the doubt, and the quiet obedience that often go unseen. This podcast is for the tired mom, the woman wrestling with faith, and the one holding it together while wondering if God is still good.This season will feature honest conversations, real-life struggles, and biblical encouragement rooted in truth — because beauty isn’t the absence of hardship, it’s God’s presence within it.Scripture referenced:Isaiah 43:20Deuteronomy 8:3Mark 9:24Subscribe and join us as we learn to see beauty in the real. 💛My Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/

E8: Holiday Stress, Family Chaos & One Too Many CookiesFeeling the holiday pressure rising faster than a batch of over-ambitious gingerbread cookies? In this episode, we’re unwrapping the real story behind the season—the invisible load, the unrealistic expectations, the tender spots of grief, and the sweet moments of grace that make Christmas meaningful. Grab a cookie (the one you meant to decorate but are going to eat instead) and settle in for laughter, honesty, and encouragement for moms navigating it all.In This Episode, We Bake Up:The Invisible Holiday LoadWhy moms carry 87% of the planning in their heads—and how to set boundaries so you’re not running Christmas like a one-woman production team.Letting Go of Cultural “Perfect Christmas” PressureA fun and freeing conversation about ditching Pinterest-level expectations and embracing traditions that fit your actual family (not your imagined Instagram family).Finding Peace (and Jesus) in the Middle of the MessFrom grief to hospitality to spiritual grounding, we explore how to choose presence over perfection, even when we ate too many cookies and the countdown feels like it will never end.Rohnda’s Candied Pecans: 1/2 cup sugar1 tsp cinnamon1 tsp saltcombine & set aside in a large bowl add:1 tsp cold water1 lg egg whiteBeat until frothy add:2 cups large pecan halvesstir to coat nuts Pour in sugar mixture and stir to coat.Spread on Baking dish and bake 1 1/2 hoursstirring every 10 to 15 min. Remove from oven  and separate before cooling.Keep in air tight container after cooling.Beauty In The Real Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Samantha’s Ig: https://www.instagram.com/honestly_samantha0/Rohnda’s Ig: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/

E7: Raising Autistic Disciples with Larah Roberts — Author of Letters to LindseyIn this episode, we talk with author and advocate Larah Roberts, creator of Raising Autistic Disciples and author of the brand-new book Letters to Lindsey: Seeing your Child’s Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens.We explore what it means to parent, disciple, and advocate for autistic children while staying rooted in faith, hope, and the goodness of God.In this episode, we cover:📘 Larah’s new book: Letters to Lindsey• Why she wrote it• How the diagnosis changed their family• What she hopes parents will take away⛪ What churches can do to be truly inclusive• Practical steps• Heart-level shifts that matter• Why inclusion is discipleship, not charity📄 How to stay true to your beliefs in tough IEP meetings• Grounding yourself emotionally• Holding boundaries with compassion• Advocacy through a gospel lens🧩 Raising an autistic disciple• Understanding discipleship for neurodivergent kids• How autistic children uniquely reflect God• Letting go of rigid expectations🕊️ Daily rhythms that build a spiritual life at home• Simple practices that fit real families• Creating connection, safety, and peaceHow small habits shape long-term formationLinks:Larah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples/Larah’s Podcast: https://zencastr.com/z/JQVoVzM9Letters To Lindsey https://amzn.to/3LJuRS7How To Advocate and Stay Christian: https://amzn.to/4i8wXaeBeauty In The Real Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Samantha’s Ig: https://www.instagram.com/honestly_samantha0/Rohnda’s Ig: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/

🎙️ Episode Title: Q&A + Assumptions: Tattoos, Travel, and the Apocalypse?!Episode Description:We’re flipping the script this week and answering your questions — plus reacting to the funniest assumptions you’ve made about us! From tattoos and our favorite trips, to the random places we’ve lived, guilty-pleasure movies, our opinions on MLMs and influencers, and of course… who would actually survive an apocalypse 😅It’s lighthearted, a little chaotic, and full of stories we’ve never shared before. Come hang out with us for an episode that feels like a late-night chat with your best friends.In this episode:    •    🎨 Our thoughts on tattoos — do we have them or would we ever get a matching one?    •    ✈️ Favorite trips + what made them unforgettable    •    🏠 The random places we’ve each lived    •    🎬 Favorite comfort movies we’ll never get tired of    •    💼 MLMs + Instagram influencers — hot takes and honest opinions    •    💥 Who would be more likely to survive an apocalypse (and why it’s probably not who you think!)Grab your coffee, throw on your comfy clothes, and let’s get into it.Links & Mentions:Rohnda's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Samantha's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/honestly_samantha0/Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/My Rebounder LInk: https://www.needak.com#2868 Rohnda's Jewelry: https://shorturl.at/hi7Tc

🎙️ Episode 5: Understanding OCD — Intrusive Thoughts, Faith, and Finding VictoryIn this week’s episode, we’re joined by a special guest who shares her personal experience living with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) — an often misunderstood mental health condition that goes far beyond being “a little anxious” or “extra clean.”We dive deep into the realities of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, and how they can affect everyday life. We also talk about scrupulosity — when OCD takes aim at faith, morality, or spirituality — and how that can feel especially heavy in Christian circles.Together, we unpack what it’s like to navigate therapy, counseling, medication, and supplements, and the importance of finding what works for you. We also touch on how other people’s opinions (and misconceptions) can make the healing journey harder — and how to handle that with both grace and boundaries.Our guest shares her perspective on what victory looks like — both in the short-term (those small daily wins that add up) and the long-term (learning to live with peace, not perfection).And, of course, we end on a lighter note — with a fun question: What’s your favorite chick flick? 💕Whether you’ve been personally impacted by OCD or love someone who has, this episode offers compassion, understanding, and hope.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube — and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or message us with your own experience.Links & Mentions:Rohnda's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Samantha's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/honestly_samantha0/Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Resource mentioned by Emily:https://markdejesus.com/about/Emily's Blog: https://www.emilyclaire.co/blog

This Solo Episode is a recording of a message that Rohnda gave to a group of moms with the Embrace Family Ministry. It is a teaching on James 1 and how we are encouraged to "count it all joy" when we go through trials. Rohnda teaches from God's word and her own painful experiences to give us tools and perspectives to do that in our own lives. Links & Mentions:Rohnda's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Embrace Family Ministry https://embracefamilymn.squarespace.com/

✨ Episode 3: “Seasons of Self-Care: Bubble Baths or Bare Minimum?”Episode Description:Self-care: is it a spa day… or just brushing your teeth before noon? 🤔 This week, we’re unpacking what self-care actually means, especially for moms juggling neurodivergent kiddos, faith, and the everyday chaos of life.We share why it’s necessary (not selfish!), the ways we each think about it differently, and even lovingly disagree. You’ll hear how self-care has changed for us over the years — from survival mode to slowly reclaiming pieces of ourselves again.And of course, we wrap things up with something delicious: our current go-to breakfasts. Because nothing says “I’m taking care of me” like a a good breakfast!In This Episode:• What self-care is…and what it is not• How we can plan ahead for the next hard season.• How building friendships gives back 100 fold. • Where we don’t see eye-to-eye on self-care (and why that’s okay!)• Our favorite breakfast staplesPull up a chair, pour your coffee, and join this honest convo about choosing life giving care for our body & soul, even when that is uncomfortable!⸻Links & Mentions:Links & Mentions:Rohnda's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Samantha's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/honestly_samantha0/Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Bible Study Fellowship https://www.bsfinternational.org/our-studies/Jen Wilkin Women Of The Word https://amzn.to/3JxX4ueJen Wilkin None Like Him https://amzn.to/4oK0WHM

✨ Episode 2: “Diagnosis, Detours & Dry Shampoo”Episode Description:This week, we’re diving into the real stuff — the moment that changes everything: diagnosis. We’re opening up about our journeys through autism and ADHD with our kids: the evaluations, the emotions, the therapies we’ve tried, the supplements that helped (and the ones that… yeah, didn’t 😅), and how all of it has shaped our families and our friendship.We talk about how overwhelming those early days can be, the importance of trusting your gut as a mom, and the surprising places we’ve found support along the way.But don’t worry — we’re not leaving you in the heavy. We end with something fun: our current favorite hair care products, because sometimes surviving motherhood literally comes down to a good shampoo and a miracle styling cream. 💁‍♀️✨In This Episode:• What autism and ADHD diagnosis looked like for our families• Navigating Therapies, Meds & other options while holding onto faith.• How friendship has been a lifeline through it all• Our top hair-care picks of the moment (you’re welcome) 😉Come hang out with us, feel seen, and maybe snag a new hairspray rec while you’re here.⸻Links & Mentions:Rohnda's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Samantha's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/honestly_samantha0/Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Keratin Heat Spray https://amzn.to/3X2xvEELiving Proof Texture Spray https://amzn.to/43COqRW

✨ Episode Title: “From Hawaii to Here: Welcome to the Beauty In The Real PodcastEpisode Description:This week, we’re taking you back — all the way to Hawaii, 1997, where two young women (yes, us!) crossed paths and accidentally kicked off a 28-year friendship. 🌺We’re spilling the story of how we met, the chaotic and hilarious moments that bonded us, and what it’s looked like to stay connected through motherhood, autism/ADHD journeys, moves, marriage, and the FAITH that shaped us through the hard seasons. Plus, we wrap up with a fun little check-in: What are we reading right now? (Spoiler: one of us may have five books going at once… 👀)In This Episode:• How a Hawaii meet-up turned into lifelong BFF status• The secret to lasting friendship through major life transitions• Why moms need friends who really get them• Our current reads and why they’re giving us life 📚Grab your coffee (or a diet soda — we don’t judge), settle in, and join the conversation!⸻Links & Mentions:Rohnda's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/beauty.in.the.real/Samantha's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/honestly_samantha0/Website: https://www.beautyinthereal.com/Books Discussed: Slow Theology https://amzn.to/48Pvsep The Poppy Field https://amzn.to/4oecGlQ