Wife for Life
by Michelle McElroy
Wife for Life is an interview style podcast for wives by wives, where we share our advice and experiences with the hope of creating longevity in your marriages, empowerment in your business, strength in your faith and support in your womanhood.
Episodes
-
The Art of Forgiveness: How Mitanni Spruill-LeSueur Built Wealth, Marriage, and Legacy on Purpose
Nearly 50 guests into the Wife for Life podcast, I asked the same question I always asks — and Mitanni Spruill-LeSueur gave an answer I've never heard before. Her answer? Forgiveness. In this episode, Mitanni & I — both published authors, both women of faith, both fast friends from the moment we...
-
Third Generation Strong: How Resa Luster-Mac Builds at Home What She Builds at Work
Resa B. Luster-Mac has built a life that looks like a lot from the outside — a generational family brand, a husband teaching financial literacy across the country, three babies in three years — but what keeps it all standing? In this episode of the Wife For Life Podcast, we peek into the...
-
Fluid, Faithful & Still Standing: 40+ Years of Marriage Wisdom with Jamell Meeks
What does it actually look like to stay married — joyfully, faithfully, and intentionally — for over 40 years? In this episode, we sit down with Jamell Meeks, pastor's wife, ministry leader, and wisdom carrier, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about what it took to build a marriage...
-
"Don't Martyr Your Marriage for the Ministry" — Surviving and Thriving as a Pastor's Wife with LaTonia Lambert
What happens when your husband's calling becomes your calling too — whether you signed up for it or not? In this episode, we sit down with LaTonia Lambert, author, empowerment strategist, and 30-year wife of a military chaplain and pastor, to talk about one of the most overlooked conversations in...
-
When the Wheel Belongs to God: Clarke Byard on Surrender, Sacrifice, and the NFL Wife Life
What does it look like to build a marriage that holds when everything around you is shaking? Clarke Byard knows firsthand. As the wife of NFL safety Kevin Byard, Clarke has navigated three high-risk pregnancies, an unexpected home birth her husband had to deliver, a 19-week water break that…
more -
Showing Up in Spite Of: Marlene Trimuel on Faith, Brain Surgery & Marriage Resilience
What does it mean to truly show up for your marriage when life throws the unthinkable at you? In this powerful episode, we sit down with minister, author, and women's empowerment speaker Marlene Trimuel to discuss her 28-year marriage journey with Reverend Terrence Trimuel Sr. Marlene shares the...
-
Building Undeniable Marriages: Dr. Kieta Joy on Faith, Friendship & Intentional Partnership
What does it take to build a marriage that thrives during your peak performance years? In this dynamic conversation, marriage specialist Michelle McElroy sits down with leadership trainer and "the league's life coach" Dr. Kieta Joy to explore how intentionality, transparency, and faith create...
-
Dating with Strategy: How Tasheekia Harris Built a Marriage Foundation Before the First Date
What if the key to a thriving marriage starts with how you date? Tasheekia Harris, founder of Crowning Daughters for Success and wife of former NFL player Walt Harris, shares how she approached dating differently in her late 30s—with strategy, intention, and biblical boundaries. You'll Learn: Why...
-
From Laundromat Dates to Legacy: How One Woman’s Standards Built a 25-Year Marriage—And What She Did When Plan A Was Over
"The laundromat. That’s where our first date was.” — Tonia Lewis At 24, Tonia walked away from a man she was falling for because he couldn’t keep simple plans. Two months later, he returned transformed. First date: laundromat. Second date: grocery store. She needed to know if he could show up in...
-
From Best Friends to Forever: Amber Staples on IVF, Identity & Fighting for Your Marriage
When best friends become lifelong partners. Event CEO and NFWA president Amber Staples opens up about her love story with retired NFL linebacker Justin Staples, why “balance is fictional,” and how entrepreneurial couples can build support systems that actually sustain the home. We go deep on IVF,...
-
Crystal Sims-Banks-From Courtroom to Covenant: Building a Law Firm, Family, and Marriage That Lasts
What happens when two litigators realize their marriage isn’t a courtroom? Attorney Crystal Sims Banks shares how she and Henderson Banks learned to communicate beyond “winning,” built a thriving personal injury & employment law practice in Chicago, and kept their union soft during a hard season…
more -
The Common Denominator: How One NFL WAG Turned Mental Health Challenges Into Marital Strength
Real love doesn't wait for perfect timing—it builds character through the chaos. What happens when "just having fun" collides with real life—a surprise pregnancy, blended family dynamics, and the weight of NFL retirement trauma? Briante Wells, soon to be Maroney doesn't just tell you how she and...
-
"Divorce Papers & Dance Partners: Maria Hickman on Patience, Purpose & 28 Years of Marriage"
She called him "beautiful" from the stands. He sent security to get her number. They've been together ever since. Maria Hickman's love story with former NFL player Kevin Hickman started at a Detroit Lions game—but it's what happened after the fairytale beginning that makes this Wife for Life...
-
Emotional Security, Real Standards: The New Foundation of Forever with Mahsa Hankins
Let’s talk about the kind of love that feels like peace—not pressure. In this candid Wife for Life conversation, Mahsa Hankins (wife of 13-year NFL vet Jonathan Hankins) joins relationship coach Michelle McElroy to unpack what really keeps a marriage steady—emotional security, shared values, and...
-
Commit to the Covenant: Faith, Grace & Grown Woman Wisdom with Dr. Dawn Milhouse
In this powerful and transparent conversation, host and AIM Marriages founder Michelle McElroy sits down with Dr. Dawn Milhouse — restaurateur, philanthropist, and faith-driven powerhouse — for a deep dive into what it really means to love with intention. From celibacy and soul ties to finding…
more -
“Purpose Over Paychecks: Healing, Hustle & the Glow Within” with TedX speaker Mickell Dent
What happens when you walk away from comfort to pursue calling? 💡 This week on the Wife for Life podcast, we sit down with Mickell Dent — TEDx Speaker, Licensed Clinical Therapist, and CEO & Founder of Glow 414 — for an inspiring, transparent conversation about choosing purpose over a paycheck....
-
Real Wife Talk with Carrie Little on Real Estate, Relationships, and Resolving Conflict
This week I’m joined by Carrie Little—a powerhouse Realtor, broker, teacher, and techie—who has mastered the art of weaving all her passions into a thriving professional and personal life. In this episode, Carrie shares:🔹 How she and her husband evolved into a professional partnership while...
-
Mentorship, Ministry, and Marriage: Dr. Nikita White on Building Career & Connection
This week on the Wife for Life Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Nikita White for a transparent and inspiring conversation about the intersections of career, calling, and covenant. Dr. White shares: 🔹 The value of having a career mentor and why you shouldn’t navigate advancement alone 🔹 How pursuing...
-
Snapping Back with Purpose: Alexis Jones on Transitions, Therapy, and Thriving in Marriage
In this episode, Alexis Jones gets real about the many transitions we face in life—career changes, personal growth, and the delicate balance of marriage. She opens up about: ✨ Preparing for job transitions and embracing life’s shifts with confidence ✨ How her upbringing almost derailed her...
-
“From the Hood to CEO: Dr. Alicia Michelle Straughter on Entrepreneurship, Elevation & Embracing the Journey”
She turned grit into greatness and never looked back. 💼✨ In this powerhouse episode, Dr. Alicia Michelle Straughter shares how growing up in the hood of Chicago shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and gave her the fuel to become a thriving CEO, author, and media executive. Her story is one of…
more -
"From Struggle to Strategy: Sheena Baker’s Journey to the Top"
She turned her childhood challenges into fuel—and now she’s one of the top-producing real estate brokers in the game. 🔥 In this episode, Sheena Baker gets real about how early-life struggles shaped her grit, her grind, and her God-given growth. 💪🏽🏡 She shares practical tips for women aspiring...
-
“Bold Moves & Brand Faith: Lindrea Reynolds on Purpose, Partnership & Pursuit”
Sis didn’t just dream it—she did it. 🔥 Meet Lindrea Reynolds, powerhouse founder of LR Brand Consulting, who’s helping organizations define their voice and tell their story with purpose. But before she became a branding boss, she had to make the boldest move yet—quitting her job to follow her...
-
"Kingdom Confidence: Faith, Marriage & the Call to Advocate"
What does it mean to walk boldly in faith—before the ring, before the vows, and before the challenges come? In this powerful episode of the Wife for Life Podcast, Dr. Catrina Dorsey—special education administrator, wife, and ministry leader—unpacks what it looks like to pursue purpose in your...
-
**“Still Standing: Marriage, Motherhood & Finding Yourself Again” with Monica Wilson*
In this heartfelt episode of the Wife for Life Podcast, we’re joined by Monica Wilson—a seasoned HR specialist, devoted wife of nearly 30 years, mother, and cancer survivor. Monica gets real about the hidden battles many women face: 💬 Losing herself in the roles of wife and mother 💔 Navigating...
-
Purpose, Partnership & Preparation with Chilond Bady
What happens when two preacher’s kids marry, become professional musicians, navigate celebrity circles—and still keep God at the center? In this inspiring episode of the Wife for Life Podcast, we sit down with Chilond Bady, wife, mother, and pastor, for a powerful conversation that will leave you...
-
The Balanced Blueprint: Faith, Family, and the Female Leader with Judge ShawnTe Raines-Welch
In today’s episode of the Wife for Life Podcast, we’re joined by Judge ShawnTe Raines-Welch—a woman who embodies excellence in both the courtroom and the living room. Married to the Illinois Speaker of the House and thriving in her own right, Judge ShawnTe opens up about the intentional…
more -
The Wisest of Women featuring Fiona Arthurs!
Ready for some real talk and royal wisdom? 👑 This week, we’re sitting down with the incomparable Pastor Fiona Arthurs—wife, woman of God, and walking wellspring of wisdom. She’s sharing her unforgettable journey to marriage the Zimbabwe way, the power behind casting a clear vision for your...
-
Another Messenger with Kristen R. Harris
In this powerful episode, we sit down with the inspiring Kristen Harris as she opens up about her transformative journey of faith. Kristen shares what it meant to lose a man in order to find a man of God, and reflects on how unchecked decisions can quietly lead us into depression. She also takes…
more -
From Viral Engagement to God's Vision with Rahkal Roberson
Tune in to hear the exciting journey when Rahkal found love, lost love, and gained true love.
-
Honoring Your Differences
Tune into our newest Wife for Life podcast episode with Relationship Coach Michelle McElroy. She'll explore the importance of celebrating our differences and how it enriches both our relationships and personal growth.
-
Bridle Your Tongue
In this episode we discuss what does bridling your tongue really mean; what does it look like; when we should exercise usage of it; and why it's a valuable resource in a healthy marriage.
-
Do the Self Work
Many of us believe our partner/spouse needs to change for their relationship to get better. Actually, your relationship can get better if YOU do the work. Here's how...
-
Cultivating a Marriage of Understanding and Grace with the Urban Agriculture Queen: Michelle Brooks
Micheál Newman Brooks is a woman of God, wife of Dr. Jonathan Brooks (pastor of Lawndale Christian Church), mother of two and a botanist as the program manager of School Gardens at Chicago Public Schools. In this episode, Micheál shares how her marital journey included the importance of building…
more -
Shine Bright Like a Diamond with Krystal Hughes, Owner of Krowned Krystals
Krystal shares how preconceived notions almost cost her the love of her life; the real role of a wife; how her past led to her purpose; and how to take your small business from passion to profitable.
-
S3:E15 Food for your SOUL with Nicky Richardson
Listen as Nicky shares the important of maintaining her friendships while married; how to manage being an extrovert married to an introvert; why getting some advice from your parents is good; and life as a legacy owner of Priscilla's Ultimate Soul Food in the Chicagoland area.
-
S3E14:Evolve mind, body, and spirit with Velle Ellerbe.
The phenomenal Velle Ellerbe shares her priceless advice on holistic living, building a business through proper energy exchange, finding purpose in your pain, and being a 'mama who breathes'. You don't want to miss this episode!
-
S3E13: Finding your true passion and purpose with Erin Brown.
Listen as we discuss Erin's journey as a self proclaimed "serial entrepreneur" as well as her empowering and impactful advice for creating longevity in your marriage.
-
S3:E12: Navigating the 4M's with London Royal, pastor at Lifeline Church
On this episode we learn how to navigate the journey from Ms. to Mrs. to Mother to Minister from the "quiet storm" appropriately named London Royal. London shares what we need to know before and during marriage; why and how to involve our husbands in our life goals; and the importance of...
-
From Health Scare to Self Care - Our guest Erica L. Harris, founder of PurposeFULL Seed
S3E11: From Health Scare to Self Care - Our guest Erica L. Harris, founder of PurposeFULL Seed and Certified Chief Purpose and Career Coach shares with us her journey from unemployment to entrepreneurship; the importance of having a ‘sister circle’ and her involvement with Mom Logic; and how her...
-
S3:E10 Marriage and Motherhood w/Dawn Swayne
Listen as Dawn, the maven of motherhood and founder of MamaStrong, LLC shares her trials and triumphs in marriage and motherhood. Her story is captivating and one of courage as she navigates parenting 5 children, some with ADHD and masters the organizational skills that help them be successful.…
more -
S2:E9 Managing your marriage w/Vicki Gray
Tune in as Vicki, wife of Derwin Gray pastor and author of How to Heal Our Racial Divide, discusses co-leading a multi-ethnic church, finances & family, and overcoming depression during pregnancy.
-
S2:E8 I AM WOMAN. I AM WIFE.
S2:E8 I AM WOMAN. I AM WIFE. A recap of some points made in episode one with our guest. 1) Quiet confidence- Recognizing your flow and owning it! 2)Self-care and creating a safe space- 3)becoming/being strong allies- Knowing your value; how to use it for the team; and how to implement properly at...
-
S2:E7 Becoming & Being a Wife for Life w/Ray McElroy
Join us as we discuss from a male perspective what a potential wife for life looks like; the importance of maintaining self care in a current marriage; and communicating your needs with your husband so he can support your wife for life journey.
-
S1:E6 Little Big Mac: A story of perseverance.
Listen as our pint size guest Jodie McCoy, wife of pastor and former NFLer Tony McCoy shares her power packed story of perseverance through 15 surgeries, 10 years in the NFL, 3 businesses, and 2 cancer scares. You don't want to miss her straight forward, no nonsense approach to being a wife for...
-
S1:E5 Purposeful Partnerships
At AIM: Activating Intentional Marriages, we believe in doing marriage on purpose, with purpose. On this episode our host and AIM founder, Michelle McElroy shares how you can create and have a purposeful partnership in your marriage.
-
S1:E4 "Give Me A 2 Piece Spicy" with AC Adams
On this episode AC Adams shares how she met her husband Spice Adams, a social media influencer with over 2 million followers, how his visibility impacts their marriage, balancing marriage and mothering 4 children, sacrificing her career, and her advice for us wife for lifers.
-
S1:E3 Why Wife for Life w/Michelle McElroy
In this episode we discuss why our host created Wife for Life; the truth about the wifehood journey; and how can we become a wife for life.
-
Why Wife for Life Short Ep2 Short
In this episode short our host discusses where a successful wifehood begins.
-
S1:E2 Love and Basketball w/Sherrin Ingram, JD
In this episode Sherrin discusses length of dating before marriage, advice for your first year of marriage; maintaining a healthy marriage miles apart; setting rules of engagement for conflict; fellowship vs. relationship; developing your discipline; and the importance of personal spirituality.
-
S1:E1 Winning Wives with Dorothy Caldwell, Discipleship Pastor & WNBA Chicago Sky Chaplain
Winning Wives with Dorothy Caldwell, Discipleship Pastor & WNBA Chicago Sky Chaplain In this episode we talk about when your spouse works in the corporate and/or entertainment field and how that impacts your marriage; parenting a large family (6 children); home schooling; and preparing your young...
About this show
Wife for Life is an interview style podcast for wives by wives, where we share our advice and experiences with the hope of creating longevity in your marriages, empowerment in your business, strength in your faith and support in your womanhood.
Hosted by
Michelle McElroy
Categories