PODCAST · society
Grounded Conversations
by Olivia Merryweather
Season 3, New to Faith, is our deepest dive yet: for anyone new to Christianity, coming back after drifting, or still working it out.Expect reflections and conversations about the things all of us have doubted about our faith and God by someone who has gone through it herself. From growing up, occasionally going to Church to straying far from it during her teens to finding Jesus in 2024- Liv understands how uncharted exploring faith can feel.Listen now to explore faith and Christianity from someone who gets it.New episodes every other Thursday. UK-based, listeners worldwide.
Episodes
-
Grace: The Gift You Can't Earn
I used to think I had to prove myself to God before He'd actually accept me. Episode 4 is about grace, the free gift you were never meant to earn. We're looking at the story of a criminal on the cross next to Jesus, someone who did nothing to deserve forgiveness and received it anyway. If you've...
-
Coming back to God
Episode 3 is about coming back to God, even when it's been a while. If you grew up around faith and drifted from it, this episode is for you. We're talking through the parable of the lost sheep, the shepherd who leaves ninety-nine to go find the one that wandered off, and what that actually means...
-
What is God actually like?
Season 3 is all about helping you explore faith gently, honestly, and at your own pace. And if you’re new to faith or returning after years away, one of the biggest questions is often the simplest one: Who is God actually? In this episode, we look at God not as the distant judge many of us grew…
more -
The God You Think You Know (Probably Isn't)
What do you actually believe about God, and where did that belief come from? Episode 1 of Grounded Conversations Season 3 kicks off New to Faith, a season built for anyone new to Christianity, anyone coming back to faith after drifting, or anyone still working it out. We're starting with the...
-
Season 2 EPS 14: Faith After Loss with Matthew Efird (for all those who feel lost in grief)
Most people believe faith is about answers and explanations, but what if true strength lies in trusting what we can't see? Matthew Efird shares how his devastating journey through the loss of his son transformed his faith, leadership, and ability to find hope amid unimaginable grief. His story,...
-
Season 2 EPS 13: God Hasn't Forgotten You
What do you do when you have no idea what God is doing? Lately, I've found myself overthinking a lot- university, the future, money, whether I'm in the right place, and wondering what God is doing behind the scenes. Through all of it, God's been teaching me something simple but powerful: just...
-
Season 2 EPS 12: Fear, Courage & The Stories We Carry (with Dr. Randolph Schiffer)
This week on Grounded Conversations, I’m joined by Dr. Randolph Schiffer — neurologist, psychiatrist, author, and former founding director of the Cleveland Clinic Centre for Brain Health. Together, we explore the psychology of fear: what it does to the mind and body, why it’s such a universal…
more -
A Conversation with Jacob Foot: Uni, AI, Friendships & More
Join me in a conversation with my friend Jacob about how we're finding uni, the potential consequences of AI, theatre etiquette and of course, friendship.
-
Season 2 EPS 11: Trusting God (and letting go of control)
What does it actually mean to trust God when nothing feels certain? In this episode, I talk about the struggle of letting go of control- especially when it comes to things like money, exams, and the future. Trusting God isn't always easy or clear, but it's in these moments that our faith grows…
more -
Season 2 EPS 10: Becoming New (and letting go of the old)
This episode is about what it really means to change and experience a new beginning… and how that often starts with letting go of something you didn’t fully want to end. I talk about that in-between stage — when something is over, but you’re not fully in the new chapter of your life yet. When you...
-
Season 2 Episode 9: Things that aren't meant for you (even when you want them to be)
This episode is a candid conversation about letting go… even when you don’t fully want to. I talk about that feeling of knowing something isn’t right for you, but still trying to hold onto it anyway. Whether it’s a person, a situation, or just an idea of how you thought things would go. We get…
more -
Season 2 EPS 8: Things will get Better (even when it feels like it won't)
This episode is a candid conversation about growth, change, and those moments when life feels overwhelming. I open up about a time when I didn’t want to be here anymore, and how things slowly started to feel lighter again. I talk about what a growth mindset actually means, how to deal with change...
-
Season 2 EPS 7: How to calm down your nervous system
Do you ever feel anxious or stressed without knowing why? This could be a response from your nervous system, which is trying to protect you from any danger. In this episode, I talk about what your nervous system is and how it works. I also share some easy, realistic ways to calm your nervous…
more -
Season 2 EPS 6: Making Vision Boards and Setting Intentions
Does anyone else feel like this year is going by quickly? Join me in having a mini check-in and re-evaluating the goals I set at the start of the year to really narrow down what my intentions for the year are. I personally find vision boards help me to visually see my goals for the year and help…
more -
"Why else live if not for Love?" - Valentine's Day Edition EPS
This episode is inspired by one of my favourite musicals and one of my favourite quotes: "Why else live if not for love?" With Valentine's Day around the corner, I've been reflecting a lot on love, especially how it shows up in friendships, creativity, and life overall. I talk about how past hurt...
-
Setting Goals without Pressure
The first episode of 2026, reflecting on why we put so much pressure on ourselves at the start of the year- and how we can set goals whilst being kind and patient to ourselves. IG: olivia.merryweather IG: grounded.conversations
-
Reflecting on 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to pause — not to list achievements or highlight reels, but to reflect on the lessons this year quietly taught me. In this episode, I share the things I learned about self-belief, mental health, accountability, and doing things even when they scare you. We talk...
-
Let yourself be Uncomfortable
In today’s episode, I’m talking about something we all avoid but secretly need: being uncomfortable. From missing home to stepping into new seasons of life, discomfort shows up in so many ways — but it’s also where real growth happens. I dive into why comfort feels like control, why discomfort...
-
Season 2 Episode 1: New Beginnings
WELCOME BACK! I know it's been a while since the last episode but whether you've been here since this Grounded Conversations or if you're new.. welcome to season 2 of Grounded Conversations! This episode is all about new beginnings- with me moving to university and the new season this episode…
more -
Romanticise your Life- make everyday feel special
In this episode of Grounded Conversations, Liv dives into how to romanticise the little things in life and transform ordinary routines into meaningful moments. Instead of waiting for big milestones to feel happy, discover how simple daily habits- like your morning coffee, evening walks…
more -
How to Break-Up with People Pleasing
Are you tired of always saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”? In this episode of Grounded Conversations, Liv explores how to break free from people pleasing and start setting healthy boundaries without guilt. We’ll talk about: ✨ What people pleasing is and how to recognise the signs ✨…
more -
Put Yourself First
In this episode of Grounded Conversations, Liv delves into the transformative power of putting yourself first. Discover why prioritizing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is crucial for building confidence and maintaining healthy relationships. Liv shares personal insights and...
-
Be Your Biggest Cheerleader
Join Liv on Grounded Conversations as she explores the transformative power of self-encouragement. Discover how to turn negative self-talk into positive affirmations, set realistic goals, and celebrate your achievements. Learn practical tips to become your own biggest fan and unlock your full...
-
Who Cares? Don't Let the Opinions of Others affect You
It's easy for us to obsess over and overthink about what other people think about us. It's easy to forget that everyone is too focused on themselves to notice what we're doing. Listen now for more on why we shouldn't let the opinions of others dictate our lives, why we want people to like us, and...
-
EPS 23: The Power of Doing Nothing
Is rest unproductive? In a world where hustle culture is common is rest actually that important? Join Liv in discussing why is rest is not only necessary for our mental and physical health but is also crucial for emotional and creative breakthroughs. Rest also helps improve our focus and reduces...
-
EPS 22: What is self-care really?
Self-care seems to be everywhere these days but what is it past the glamorized skin care and bubble baths? Listen now to learn about the realities of self-care and how you can realistically practice self-care in your life. IG: @olivia.merryweather @grounded.conversations
-
Know Your Worth
In this episode, Liv discusses why it's important to be kind to yourself and know your worth so others and yourself can treat you how you deserve and even better.. (spoiler: you're worth more than you think by just existing) IG: olivia.merryweather IG: grounded.conversations
-
Finding your Path: Growing up and the Friends who fade away
Join Liv in discussing the pressures faced from herself and others when reflecting on the future and her life. Liv discusses how growing up, losing friends and not focusing on the present can hurt and ways to move past that.
-
EPS 19: Lessons Learned- Alone is better than Lonely
Friendship breaks up suck and so does being friends with people that make you feel lonely and left out. Join me as I talk about how I navigate 'friendship break ups' and how I've been beginning to learn to enjoy my own company more. [Personal IG: olivia.merryweather] [Podcast IG: liv_laughlovesmile]
-
EPS 18: Lessons Learned-- Focus on what you can control
Join Liv in this series on lessons learned from 2024. This first one features why it's important to focus and proritise the things we can control and how we can let go of the things we can't. [IG: Olivia.merryweather] personal [IG: liv_laughlovesmile] podcast
-
EPS 17: Exam Stress
Exams can feel daunting and scary and most of all stressful. Listen to Liv's own experiences with dealing with exam stress and her tips for overcoming and managing stress. Whehter you have GCSEs, A-levels, SATs or another exam, staying calm and less stressed is KEY- press play to find out more.…
more -
16: The Essence of Kindness
The smallest act of kindness can change the world in wonderous ways <3 Listen now to hear Liv discuss why kindness is so importance for our well-being, especially during men's mental health month, and learn more about how you can be a little more kind. Recommendations: Why are men so depressed,...
-
15: Mental Health- What is it?
Mental Health is everywhere. So what is it? Join Liv in discussing what mental health is and how to help yourself and others as Liv speaks on why you shouldn't be ashamed to talk about your mental health. [IG: olivia.merryweather IG: liv_laughlovesmile Tiktok: liv.merryweather]
-
The Importance of Balance
We can all admit how stressful and out of our control our lives can sometimes feel. Finding a balance between the different areas of our lives and prioritising areas can help us feel more in control. Please listen now to find out more about why having a balance in life is important and why you...
-
Slowing down in a Fast-Paced World
The world can often feel like its moving 10 x faster than we want it too. Join Liv in discussing ways to slow down and appreciate life in the moment and the impact gratitude can have on our thoughts. IG: @olivia.merryweather or @liv_laughlovesmile
-
Friendships & Endings
Everything comes to an end at some point right? I think we can all admit friendship endings are the worse. Join Liv in tackling different friendship endings. For video watch on youtube or spotify Youtube: @livmerryweather IG: @olivia.merryweather TikTok: @liv.merryweather
-
Keeping a Balance over the Summer
It's important we stay healthy over the summer and that we maintain a good work-life balance. Listen now for tips on dealing with the heat, managing work load alongside wanting to see friends and how to avoid procrastinating.
-
'Something to Believe In'
What we love takes up our entire lives. So what's stopping us from loving things that inspire us? Listen to me talk about human connection and how being creative can help our mental health.
-
Being a Girls Girl
Listen to me discuss how I think being a girls girl and a feminist is interlinked as I talk about what being a girls girl and a feminist means to me. Listen now to find out more about the mental health foundation and their mental health awareness week theme of movement.
-
Learn to Love Yourself
Being told to love yourself is easier said than done. Listen now to hear my tips on ways to love yourself in a much easier way by learning more about yourself.
-
Live Your Life: Put Yourself First
You control your life. Choose to do things you enjoy. Choose to work towards your goals. No-one else is going to do it for you.
-
Keep Smiling during Exam Season: Study Tips with Liv
Do you struggle to study? Listen now to my tips on how to study and how to find what works best for you.
-
Exam Stress: How To Cope
Exams are stressful for everyone. Listen to this episode for tips on overcoming exam stress to help you feel more relaxed for any upcoming exams. Follow @liv_laughlovesmile on Instagram for more ♡
-
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Is it worth worrying about if we're not happy? We need to stop comparing ourselves to everyone else. Go and live your life. Instagram: @liv_laughlovesmile
-
New Year, New Me?
Join me in talking about the new year, setting goals and some of the challenges surrounding New year's resolutions.
-
Gift giving and Christmas Blues
Christmas isn't always merry for everyone and there can be a lot of pressure around buying gifts. Listen now for some Christmas comfort and easy gift ideas.
-
Be Kind & Try your Best
"If you see someone without a smile give them yours" - Dolly Parton
-
What is self-care? An introduction
An introduction to me and my thoughts surrounding the importance of self care.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Season 3, New to Faith, is our deepest dive yet: for anyone new to Christianity, coming back after drifting, or still working it out.Expect reflections and conversations about the things all of us have doubted about our faith and God by someone who has gone through it herself. From growing up, occasionally going to Church to straying far from it during her teens to finding Jesus in 2024- Liv understands how uncharted exploring faith can feel.Listen now to explore faith and Christianity from someone who gets it.New episodes every other Thursday. UK-based, listeners worldwide.
HOSTED BY
Olivia Merryweather
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Grounded Conversations have?
Grounded Conversations currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Grounded Conversations about?
Season 3, New to Faith, is our deepest dive yet: for anyone new to Christianity, coming back after drifting, or still working it out.Expect reflections and conversations about the things all of us have doubted about our faith and God by someone who has gone through it herself. From growing up,...
How often does Grounded Conversations release new episodes?
Grounded Conversations has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Grounded Conversations?
You can listen to Grounded Conversations on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Grounded Conversations?
Grounded Conversations is created and hosted by Olivia Merryweather.
URL copied to clipboard!