Grit And Grace

Bethany ran Boston. And we have ALL the thoughts.In this episode, Christy and Bethany take you from the qualifying journey all the way to the finish line — the expo, the 5K, the sightseeing (yes, the Boston Tea Party made the itinerary), and Ramsey's legendary subway moment. Then the real talk: a 3:23 finish, what went right, what went sideways, and the fueling and pacing lessons that are already shaping Bethany's Grandma's Marathon prep.But more than a race recap, this one is about why we show up, on the good days AND the hard ones. Stewardship. Friendship. Faith. Discipline. Boston humbles everyone, and that's kind of the point.🎙️ Follow us: @gritgrace13🌿 Grace Wellness: grace-wellness.net/contact

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are changing the weight loss conversation — but what's actually happening in real patients doesn't always match what's being marketed.In this episode, Bethany Starks (DNP, FNP-C) and Christy Dunton pull back the curtain on what they're seeing in practice at Grace Wellness: rapid weight loss paired with muscle loss, under-fueling, fatigue, and long-term metabolic consequences that no one's talking about.They break down:Why GLP-1s work — and why that same mechanism can create problemsThe critical difference between weight loss and fat lossWhat happens to your metabolism when intake drops too lowWhy muscle preservation is the real goal (and why it's non-negotiable)How Grace Wellness approaches GLP patients differently — with InBody tracking, nutrition coaching, and clinical oversightThe mindset shift that separates short-term results from long-term successThe medication can be a powerful tool. But without the right foundation — nutrition, strength training, and hormonal support — you're building on sand."You don't need another shortcut. You need a better foundation."Instagram (Christy) https://www.instagram.com/christydunton/Instagram (Bethany) https://www.instagram.com/starks.bethany/IG (Grit & Grace) https://www.instagram.com/gritgrace13/FB (Grit & Grace)https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580909242474

If you've ever felt like your body is working against you — exhausted despite doing everything right, training hard but not seeing results, or just feeling off in a way no one can explain — this episode is for you.Women are not small men. Our hormones are not our enemy. And the way most of us have been trained to push through, ignore our cycles, and treat every week the same is costing us performance, mood, and health.In this episode, Bethany Starks (DNP, FNP-C) and Christy Dunton sit down to talk about what most doctors still aren't saying — and what every woman who trains, competes, or simply wants to feel like herself again needs to know.WHAT WE COVER:→ Why hormones are the missing piece for so many women→ The hormonal symphony: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid and how they work together→ Your menstrual cycle as a built-in performance blueprint→ Phase-by-phase breakdown: what to train, when, and why→ What perimenopause actually does to your training and mood→ The truth about menopause, body composition, and what's NOT a willpower issue→ How under fueling and overtraining destroy your hormones→ What you can actually do — starting todayWhether you're 25 or 55, this conversation applies to you.CONNECT WITH US:Grace Wellness: www.grace-wellness.net/contact/Instagram — Grit & Grace - www.instagram.com/gritgrace13/Instagram — Christy - www.instagram.com/christydunton/Instagram - Bethany - www.instagram.com/starks.bethany/ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:Bethany Starks is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Functional Nurse Practitioner specializing in hormone optimization, regenerative medicine, and root-cause wellness at Grace Wellness in Bullard, TX.Christy Dunton is a nutrition coach, personal trainer, life coach, former Marine, and 4X Deka World Champion. She coaches women through Breaking Barriers Online Training and co-leads Grace Wellness alongside Bethany.New episodes drop weekly. Follow Grit & Grace wherever you listen.

SPOTIFYWe've all said it — "I'd eat better but my husband likes junk food." "I can't work out, my kids have sports." "I just don't have time." Excuses don't feel like excuses. They feel reasonable. Responsible. Even loving. And that's exactly what makes them dangerous.This week Christy and Bethany are calling it out with grace and zero apology. We're breaking down the most common diet and exercise excuses real women use every day, what they actually mean beneath the surface, and why identity, not motivation, is what changes everything.The life you say you want requires the habits you're currently avoiding. Ownership is available today.🔗 Follow us:Instagram (Grit & Grace): https://www.instagram.com/gritgrace13/Facebook (Grit & Grace): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580909242474Instagram (Christy): https://www.instagram.com/christydunton/Instagram (Bethany): https://www.instagram.com/starks.bethany/Grace Wellness: https://www.grace-wellness.net/contact/

Christy and Bethany get personal in this episode, reading letters written to their younger selves and unpacking the hard-won wisdom they wish they'd had sooner. From the Austin Half Marathon recap to the real talk about self-sufficiency, fear, trust, and the seasons of life that quietly build you — this conversation is honest, convicting, and deeply encouraging. If you've ever wished you could go back and do it differently, this episode is your reminder that it's not too late to anchor yourself in what actually matters.Breathe deep. Trust deeper. Don't waste it.

You don't have to choose between loving your body and wanting to change it.In this episode, Christy Dunton and Bethany Starks challenge the false narrative that self-love means settling or that wanting more means you hate yourself. We explore how to honor your body as it is while pursuing the strength, energy, and confidence you deserve—without punishment, guilt, or shame.Topics covered:Why people feel stuck between body positivity and disciplineWhat loving your body actually looks like in practiceThe role of discipline as an act of love, not controlCommon traps that sabotage progressHow grace and grit work together for lasting changePractical mindset shifts and language to adoptIf you're ready to pursue growth from a place of respect instead of criticism, this conversation will help you move forward.Your next step: Choose one habit this week that honors your body and supports the future you're building.Follow Grit and Grace for more conversations on faith, fitness, and living intentionally.

Join Christy Dunton and Bethany Starks as they unpack their Houston Marathon experience - from pre-race nerves to post-race revelations. This honest conversation goes beyond pace and finish times to explore what it really takes to show up when the miles get hard. Whether you're a runner or just someone chasing a big goal, you'll find encouragement in the grit it takes to keep moving forward and the grace to honor the journey. This is about friendship, faithfulness, and what happens when you refuse to quit on yourself.

Inflammation isn't the enemy, it's information. In this episode, Christy and Bethany break down what chronic inflammation really is and why it's the hidden driver behind fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, hormone imbalances, and chronic disease.In This Video:✅ The difference between acute vs. chronic inflammation✅ Common signs your body is inflamed (and you might not know it)✅ Foods that fuel inflammation vs. foods that fight it✅ How stress, cortisol, and overtraining make it worse✅ Why muscle matters for inflammation (it's anti-inflammatory!)✅ Lab markers to track inflammation✅ Practical lifestyle strategies to reduce inflammation naturally✅ Our personal approach to managing inflammationThis isn't about quick fixes, it's about understanding what your body needs and building sustainable habits for long-term healing.🎙️ About Grit and Grace Podcast:Real conversations meet real growth. Faith-driven wellness for women ready to break through barriers.📍 Connect With Us:Grace Wellness: https://www.grace-wellness.net/Instagram: @gracewellnesstx @christydunton👍 If this resonated with you, give us a thumbs up and subscribe for more evidence-based health tips rooted in grit and grace!#Inflammation #ChronicInflammation #HealthPodcast #WomensHealth #AntiInflammatory #GutHealth #HormoneHealth

You don't need clarity. You need courage.In this episode of the Grit and Grace Podcast, Christy Dunton and Bethany Starks dive into why January resolutions fail and what actually works. They break down the lies we tell ourselves—"I'll start when I'm ready," "I need a perfect plan," "Once life calms down"—and replace them with truth: readiness is rarely the starting point. Action is.Together, they explore:✅ Why most goals fail (overthinking, fear, waiting for motivation)✅ How pushing start changes your identity from thinking to doing✅ Why confidence is a result, not a requirement✅ How to build systems instead of chasing outcomes✅ The power of small wins and imperfect actionThis isn't about reinvention. It's about alignment, faithfulness, and showing up before you feel ready. If you've been waiting for the "right time," this episode will challenge you to take the next best step—right now.🎯 2026 Words: BUILD BOLDLY | OBEY FULLY💬 Share your 2026 anchor words with us on social media!📲 Follow us: @gritandgracepodcast🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations where real growth meets real life.Thanks for spending time with us. Now go pursue your life with strength, faith, and intention—a life marked by both grit and grace.

This isn't your typical New Year's resolution episode.Christy and Bethany reflect on 2025, the races that taught them about consistency and courage, the friendship that sharpened their purpose, and the business lessons they learned the hard way. They share why alignment always comes before acceleration, and why December isn't a throwaway month—it's a month to pause, reflect, and realign.What do you want to carry forward? What do you need to release? Where is God inviting you to trust Him more?Real grit is staying consistent. Real grace is knowing you don't have to do it all on your own. Close the year well and enter 2026 anchored, not rushed.Topics covered:What this year's races taught us about faith and finishing strongHow friendship became our anchor in different seasonsBusiness lessons from building Grace WellnessWhy rest, recovery, and realignment matterHow to set intentions (not just resolutions) for the new yearThe power of choosing hope as your anchor (Hebrews 6:19)At Grit & Grace, we believe goals should be anchored—not in hustle or comparison, but in truth, purpose, and obedience. Join us as we close 2025 with gratitude and step into 2026 with clarity.

What happens when two couples train for DEKA World Championships together? In this special roundtable episode, Christy Dunton, Bethany Starks, Lance Dunton, and Ramsey Starks sit down post-competition to share the raw truth about competing at the highest level while navigating marriage, faith, and full lives.Fresh off podium finishes in Fort Lauderdale, we unpack: The brutal honesty of training your weaknesses (and who still hates the Assault Bike) How DEKA either strengthens your marriage or makes it louderBalancing competition with calling - why we chase hard goals as adults. The spiritual discipline found in physical trainingWhat it really takes to compete when life is already full. This isn't just about race times and placements. It's about what happens when grit meets grace, when couples compete together, and when faith fuels performance. Whether you're chasing your own DEKA goal or wondering if you have what it takes to pursue something hard, this conversation will remind you that the finish line is just the beginning. Results recap: 1st place DEKA Mile, 2nd place DEKA Strong, 3rd place DEKA Mile, plus team placements across 5 events in 3 days. But the real wins? Those happened in the training, the marriage conversations, and the moments God showed up in the discipline.Perfect for: DEKA athletes, fitness enthusiasts, married couples training together, anyone balancing big goals with busy lives.#DEKAWorldChampionships #GritAndGrace #MarriageAndFitness #FaithDrivenAthlete #FunctionalFitness

Join Bethany Starks (DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Grace Wellness) and Christy Dunton (Breaking Barriers , 4X Deka World Championship podium finisher) and as they break down the science and practical application of supplements and peptides for optimal health and performance.What You'll Learn:Core supplement foundations: Vitamin D3+K2, B-Complex, Magnesium, Omega-3s, Collagen, Probiotics, Creatine, and DIMTherapeutic peptides explained: BPC-157 (tissue repair), GLP-1 (metabolic reset), TB-500 (recovery acceleration), and Sermorelin (growth hormone optimization)How to avoid over-supplementation and choose medical-grade qualitySynergistic supplement stacking for maximum benefitIntegration with nutrition, training, stress management, and sleepLab testing and progress tracking protocolsPerfect For:Athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking performance optimizationAnyone interested in metabolic health and weight managementPeople dealing with gut health issues, inflammation, or recovery challengesWomen 30-55+ navigating hormone balance and health optimizationCoaches and healthcare providers looking to expand their knowledgeKey Topics Covered:#Supplements #Peptides #HealthOptimization #FunctionalMedicine #BPC157 #GLP1 #TB500 #Sermorelin #MetabolicHealth #HormoneBalance #Recovery #Performance #VitaminD #Magnesium #Omega3 #Probiotics #Creatine #DIM #GutHealth #WeightLoss #FitnessNutrition #WomensHealth #AntiInflammatoryFeatured Experts:Christy Dunton - Nutrition & Life Coach, Marine Veteran, Deka World Championship athlete, host of Grit & Grace PodcastBethany Starks - DNP, APRN, FNP-C specializing in functional medicine and weight loss at Grace Wellness, Bullard, TexasConnect with us:Grace Wellness: https://www.grace-wellness.net/Breaking Barriers :https://www.facebook.com/christydunton13/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement or peptide protocol.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are everywhere right now. But most people are doing them wrong, and paying the price with muscle loss, side effects, and weight regain.In this episode, Christy Dunton and Bethany Starks break down everything you need to know about GLP-1s for weight loss and health optimization. They cover how these medications actually work, the microdosing strategy that improves tolerance, why muscle preservation is critical, and the surprising research on GLP-1s for inflammation, hormone health, and even dementia prevention.This isn't about whether GLP-1s are "good" or "bad"—it's about how to use them strategically as part of a comprehensive approach to metabolic health and longevity.Topics covered:What GLP-1 medications are and how they workBenefits beyond weight loss (metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, inflammation)The microdosing approach and why it mattersHow to preserve muscle mass while losing fatCommon side effects and how to manage themGLP-1s in the context of biohacking, longevity, and performance medicineThe connection to hormone health and dementia researchWho is a good candidate for GLP-1sWhat makes Grace Wellness Weight Loss Program different (medical oversight + nutrition coaching + strength training)If you're on a GLP-1, thinking about starting one, or just want to understand what all the hype is about—this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast, Christy Dunton and Bethany Starks explore the powerful connection between what you feed your body and how you train your mind. From breaking down common mindset traps around food to simplifying meal prep and managing cravings, they share practical tools to help you nourish with purpose and live with balance.You’ll learn how stress, sleep, and emotions impact your nutrition choices and how to build rhythms that support consistency over perfection. With the holidays around the corner, Christy and Bethany also dive into strategies for staying grounded, enjoying the season without guilt, and keeping your health anchored in gratitude and grace.If you’re ready to stop starting over and start fueling both your body and mind for real transformation, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode, Christy Dunton sits down with Bethany Starks, founder of Grace Wellness, wife, mom of four, marathon runner, Boston qualifier, and woman of unwavering faith. Together they unpack the story behind her calling, the seasons of surrender that shaped her, and how God’s grace continues to lead her in leadership, motherhood, and mission.From starting her clinic to running marathons, Bethany shares the grit it takes to build something lasting and the grace that keeps her grounded. Whether you’re chasing a dream, walking through a hard season, or learning to trust God’s timing, this episode will remind you that every struggle can become sacred when surrendered.

In this episode, Christy and Bethany are diving deeper into what it really takes to rewire your thinking and create lasting change. From stacking micro-wins and controlling the controllable to navigating midlife transitions and stress with grace, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical tools, and powerful reminders that your mindset shapes your health, habits, and future.They talk about how mindset shapes everything, from how you show up in your health to how you navigate stress, aging, and change. They unpack the power of small, consistent choices (micro-wins), what it means to truly “control the controllable,” and why protecting your energy isn’t selfish, it’s essential.This is a real, honest conversation about building resilience, breaking mental barriers, and creating habits that help you age strong, from the inside out.Tune in for insight, laughter, and the kind of truth that helps you take ownership, body, mind, and spirit.

Bethany sits down with Christy to trace her path from Marine to coach, unpack the Breaking Barriers framework, and dig into sustainable nutrition, training that fits real life, faith, and sobriety. Candid stories, practical takeaways, and a rapid-fire finish.

Hormones affect far more than menopause—and the myths around them keep many women confused and even afraid of treatment. In this episode of Grit & Grace, Christy sits down with Nurse Practitioner Bethany Starks to tackle the most common hormone misconceptions.Together they break down:– Why hormones matter at every age– The truth about lab testing vs. guessing by symptoms– Whether hormone therapy really causes cancer– The differences between oral, transdermal, and pellet therapies– Why testosterone is vital for women too– How strength training plus balanced hormones actually helps you get leaner, not bulkierBethany shares clear, practical insights that cut through fear and misinformation so you can better understand how hormones impact your health, strength, and longevity.Follow Grit & Grace for more real conversations blending fitness and clinical truth.

In this episode, Christy and Bethany take you along for their Boston adventure, from countless Ubers and thousands of steps, to celebrating Bethany’s Boston Marathon qualification. They share the highs, the laughs, the unexpected turns of travel, and the deeper thread of friendship woven through it all. Whether you’re a runner, a traveler, or simply love a good story of grit and connection, this conversation will leave you inspired to chase your own adventures.

In this episode, Bethany Starks of Grace Wellness and Christy Dunton of Breaking Barriers unpack the powerful connection between stress, inflammation, and your overall health.From brain fog and fatigue to hormone imbalance and gut issues—chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood, it literally reshapes your biology.You’ll learn:How stress fuels systemic inflammationWhy your thoughts and beliefs impact your physical healthPractical ways to lower inflammation through mindset, movement, and daily habitsThis is your invitation to stop spinning your wheels—and start healing from the inside out.Tune in and take your next step toward peace, clarity, and true wellness.

Fasting has been called everything from a fad to a miracle reset. But what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what actually works? In this episode of Grit & Grace, Bethany Starks and Christy Dunton break down the science behind fasting, tackle common myths, and explore the mindset shifts that make fasting sustainable.From metabolism and mood to cellular repair and longevity, you’ll learn why fasting is more than just skipping meals, it’s a tool to unlock your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive.Tune in and walk away with clarity, confidence, and practical ways to make fasting work in your everyday life.

Grit and Grace: What We Learned at Grandma’s MarathonIn this episode, Christy Dunton and Bethany Starks share the highs, lows, and lessons from running Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN. From race day nerves to finish line triumphs, we’re talking about resilience, friendship, faith, and the mindset it takes to keep showing up, on the road and in life.Whether you’re a runner or just chasing a big goal, this one’s for you.

We’re your hosts, Bethany Starks of Grace Wellness and Christy Dunton of Breaking Barriers. Each week, we’re diving into practical topics that help you optimize your health, mindset, fitness, and faith.Whether you’re on the go, at the gym, or just needing a little midweek motivation, we’re here to walk alongside you with encouragement, evidence-based insight, and a few laughs along the way.Let’s get stronger together from theinside and out.This is Breaking Barriers with Grit and Grace - let’s jump in!