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In this episode, I am joined by friend Brandice Lardner, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and Amazon bestselling author of "Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body”. Together, we discuss the challenges women face around food, perfectionism, and self-care, especially during busy caregiving seasons. Brandice unpacks her grace-filled approach to ditching diet mentalities, encouraging listeners to shift away from all-or-nothing thinking and embrace sustainable, realistic habits that honor both body and spirit.

Listeners will hear practical strategies for marrying their food wants with wisdom, inviting God into everyday food choices, and cultivating gratitude for their bodies. Brandice shares how even small, mindful changes can transform your relationship with food and foster peace—no matter how hectic life gets. The conversation is full of real-life examples, faith-based encouragement, and actionable tips for anyone seeking to break free from diet cycles and find true nourishment, both inside and out.

Resources:

• Book: https://gracefilledplate.com/book
• Website: https://gracefilledplate.com

Bio:

Brandice Lardner is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author, and Jesus Girl whose mission in life is to help women ditch the diet mentality and find peace with food and their bodies so that they are better equipped to do the great things God has called them to do. And, she is the author of the new book, “Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body”.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

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Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

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In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, I am welcoming back my friend, Laura Acuña, for her deep insight into caregiving and personal healing. Laura shares in-depth about her own journey of emotional recovery through caregiving.

We explore practical strategies for self-care, share the importance of therapy and spiritual support, and highlight key resources—including Laura’s book, "Still Becoming," and recommendations for navigating trauma and family transitions. With real-life wisdom and touching personal stories, this episode encourages listeners to embrace healing for themselves and future generations, reminding every woman that her journey is sacred and transformative.

Resources:

• Laura’s book: Still Becoming
• Laura’s website
• Episode with Lisa Saruga: Identifying and Managing Caregiver Trauma ft. Lisa Saruga
• Lisa Saruga’s book: The Trauma Tree
• Ruthie’s book: Empty Nest Awakening

Bio:

Laura Acuña is a speaker, author, podcast host, and Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. She’s the founder of Laura Acuña Ministries and host of The Still Becoming Podcast.

Known for her honesty, warmth, and humor, Laura shares biblical truth and real-life wisdom to help women grow in emotional and spiritual health. She’s the author of the 31-day devotional Still Becoming: Hope, Help, and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul.

Laura’s journey reflects God’s love, grace, and healing. Embracing her “work-in-progress” nature—quirks and all—she testifies that God has transformed her struggles into a source of freedom and joy. Married for 42 years to her sweetheart, Pat, she’s the proud mom of three grown sons, a beloved daughter-in-love, and one precious 4-year-old granddaughter who calls her Nonie.

When she’s not ministering, Laura loves time with family, traveling, exploring vintage shops, and sharing coffee with a friend.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose

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In this episode of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast, Ruthie sits down with relationship expert and author Jill Savage to discuss the delicate balance of parenting adult children during the empty nest years and how to become “unoffendable”. Jill shares candid insights from her own life, including relatable stories about unreturned texts and learning not to take delayed responses personally. Together, they explore why many parents feel anxious or rejected by their grown kids' independence, touching on anxious and avoidant attachment styles and how these styles shape our expectations and emotional responses.

Listeners will walk away with practical wisdom on fostering healthy relationships with adult children, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and finding personal peace rooted in faith rather than in others' validation. Jill offers guidance on addressing past parenting guilt, embracing opportunities for personal growth, and building emotional security in this new stage of life. Tune in for encouragement and actionable steps to truly prioritize your peace while navigating the challenges and joys of the empty nest and sandwich seasons.

Resources:

• Jill’s website
• Empty Nest, Full Life
• Ruthie’s Newsletter & Private Podcast

Bio:

Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about relationships. She hosts the No More Perfect Podcast, and some of her book titles include Empty Nest, Full Life, the best-selling No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Kids, and No More Perfect Marriages. Jill and her husband, Mark, serve as Christian marriage coaches. They live in Normal, Illinois and have five children and seven grandchildren.

Visit Ruthie's Website at RuthieGray.com

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

Read Ruthie's book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose