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Celebrate one year of the Sandwich Season Sanity Podcast with us!!! This episode highlights the top five most-downloaded episodes, shares updates on coaching and upcoming seasons, and offers practical advice for caregivers and parents navigating multigenerational relationships.

Resources below are highlighted in this special episode. Please listen and share the podcast, so we can reach more multigenerational caregivers with the message of peace, even in multigenerational mayhem!

Resources:

• Exchanging Expectations of Adult Kids for Peace in Empty Nest ft Jill savage
• Jill’s Podcast
• Jill’s FB Group
• Building Healthy Connections with Adult Children and In-Laws ft. Suzy Mighell
• Suzy’s book
• Overcoming Old Wounds While Caregiving ft. Laura Acuña
• Still Becoming Hope, Help, and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul
• Lisa Serugo’s Trauma Tree
• Caregiving Special Needs Children and Aging Parents ft. Kelly Hall
• Kelly’s podcast
• Kelly’s website
• Practical Ways People Pleasers Can Balance Identity and Daily Demands ft. Lori Schumaker
• Lori’s resources

Enter to win a free coaching package with Ruthie! To enter, fill out this form. Giveaway closes Monday, May 4, at 12:00pm, est.

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

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Ever felt caught in a struggle between your beliefs and that of your adult children and your aging parents? You're not alone. In this episode, Michelle Rayburn and Ruthie open up about their own struggles and wins in bridging those generational divides with kindness and faith. If you're juggling family differences, craving peace, and seeking practical ways to stay grounded, this conversation will help.

Resources:

• Book: This Reimagined Empty Nest
• Midlife Repurposed blog and podcast
• Michelle’s Website

Bio:

Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcaster who blends humor with honesty in the midlife season. She writes Midlife Repurposed on Substack, where she explores wisdom, wonder, and the laugh lines that come with growing older and growing up at the same time. She’s a boy mom, grandmother of six, and lives in the northwoods of Wisconsin.

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

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Ever feel like mornings are just too overwhelming to handle? Trust me, I’ve been there. Whether you’re caring for loved ones, managing a busy household, or navigating life's chaos, establishing a morning ritual can be your anchor. In this episode, we explore practical ways to make mornings matter—no matter what season you're in.

In this episode, we delve into how the biblical concept of mornings as new beginnings can transform your day. We discuss the four archetypes of morning routines—are you a doer, mover, meditator, or social seeker?

Tips for connecting your routine with your unique temperament and season of life are provided, alongside the science behind God-centered thinking and its brain-changing power.

Practical ideas for busy caregivers to prioritize self-care through morning rituals are also included. Remember, only you can choose to prioritize your peace each morning—because mornings are for new mercies, and your day is waiting to be transformed.

Resources:

• How to Love Your Morning + Free Resources

Bio:

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including How to Love Your Morning, Growing Slow, and It’s All Under Control. She lives on a fifth-generation family farm, where she and her husband have made a life of growing crops, pigs, two beautiful humans, and an enduring faith.

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

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Ever feel like caregiving is wearing you thin? You're not alone—and the good news? You can find moments of joy, hope, and even peace amid the chaos. In this heartfelt episode, Kim shares honest stories and simple strategies that help caregivers like us keep dreaming, connecting, and nurturing ourselves. In this episode:

• The power of creating a bucket list to nurture hope and joy
• Practical ways to incorporate small, meaningful activities into daily life
• How using your home as a supportive space can lift your spirits
• The importance of honest sharing and protecting your peace
• Simple ways to manage your feelings and prevent overwhelm
• Embracing creativity—painting, writing, gardening—as a form of self-care
• The art of being unoffendable and extending grace in caregiving relationships

Remember, you’re not just surviving—you're creating moments of joy and peace. Take that first small step today. Dream big, protect your peace, and lean into what refreshes your soul. Because, friend, your well-being is just as important as those you care for. You’ve got this—one small act of kindness to yourself at a time.

Resources:

• 15 Ways Caregivers Can Protect Their Mental Health
• Moments of Grace for Teachers
• Moments of Grace for Moms
• This Reimagined Empty Nest: Stories and Poems for Moms Embracing New Chapters
• Life in the Estrogen-Free Zone: Humor and Heartfelt Wisdom from Boy Moms
• Kim's Facebook Profile
• Kim's Instagram Profile
• Full Joy Ministries Website

Bio:

Kim Cusimano is a collaborative author and mother of adults with special needs. Beyond her family, she spends time encouraging others to reach their full potential through hospitality, mentoring, and the arts, weaving in the faith lessons she learns as a wife, mother, and caregiver.

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

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

Sometimes life throws a curveball when you least expect it. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, faith, and finding peace amid chaos—like Lois Flowers’ story of surviving a traumatic brain injury or navigating her parents' last years without fear. We discuss:

• How fear influences caregiving and the importance of trusting God's plan
• Practical tips for capturing memories with loved ones
• The power of scripture, especially Psalm 139 and Deuteronomy 31:8, during difficult seasons
• Learning to surrender and find peace in God's sovereignty
• Encouragement for those walking through unexpected health crises or loss

Resources:

• Free 7-day devotional called Faith, Fear, and the God Who Goes Before Us
• Blog: https://www.loisflowers.com/
• Parent Loss page: https://www.loisflowers.com/help-for-parent-loss/

Bio:

Lois Flowers is a book editor, blogger and lifelong Midwesterner who values authenticity. She’s a wife of 31 years, mom of two young adult women, sixth of seven siblings and daughter of two parents in heaven.

The tagline of Lois’s blog is “Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow.” and she writes—one pilgrim to another—to encourage us all as we navigate the long walk home together.

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

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

In this conversation, Lori G. Melton discusses the challenges and opportunities of rediscovering personal callings during the sandwich season of life, where individuals often juggle caregiving responsibilities for both children and aging parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, journaling, and the practice of journeying with spiritual giants to gain insights and courage in pursuing one's purpose. The discussion highlights the significance of recognizing one's own growth and identity amidst the demands of family life, and how learning from historical figures can provide guidance and inspiration.

Resources:

• Lori’s website: www.lorigmelton.com,
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.melton
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori.gmelton/
• Journey with a Giant Sneak Peek (Introduction and Chapter 1) & The Transformational Ten Spiritual Giant Quiz

Bio:

Lori Melton is an author, spiritual director, and retreat leader. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center, serving hundreds of people a year. She also has six children and 3 grandchildren AND is the newly published author of the brand new book, Journey With A Giant. her story of writing Journey with a Giant — after homeschooling six children, supporting your husband’s work, and then stepping into a new season as a spiritual director, retreat leader, and author — illustrates that it’s never too late to become who God is calling you to be.

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

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

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

Get Ruthie's Sandwich Season Pieces Newsletter

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

Click here to send a text and tell us how you like the show!

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