Markie Ostler is a mom who boldly shares the story about her daughter, Everly Jo, and the few weeks they were given with her here on this earth. After a devastating diagnosis (one all too common), this episode will make you smile, cry and laugh! Markie's strength is inspiring and amazing as a mom who lives in the happy and sad feelings simultaneously. *Trigger Warning: Child Loss* Song: Happy & Sad - Kasey Musgraves Follow Markie on Instagram: @meeteverlyjo Follow The Rocky Road Podcast: @therockyroadpod

This week Mandy and Kristin discuss this emotional whirlwind called grief. In this mini-series we discuss a topic that many people don't know much about yet it is inevitably something that effects us all. Why do we have feelings of sadness, as expected, but in the same breath we feel happy? Why do we find ourselves trying to make a deal with God? Why did I just get angry at the trash can not being taken out? Hang with us for a bit this week as we talk through the stages of grief using the Kübler-Ross grief cycle. Have questions or thoughts? Email us at [email protected]

Join us this week with an easy listening episode featuring our new friend Lee Atherton, who specializes in grief, bereavement and resilience. We walk through the difficulties of grief, the stages of grief and the five wishes that can help someone prepare for the inevitable. Lee is gentle, kind and peaceful which leads to a great conversation revolving around one of the most sacred times in our lives. Song: In the Bulb there is a Flower - Gary Freeland Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

When the people around us are struggling it can feel like we’re not doing enough. Join us this week as we chat about some straightforward and approachable ways to support our loved ones through a difficult or unexpected time. Spoiler alert: it starts with you opening your ears. Do you have any favorite tips for helping people feel validated and supported? Let us know at [email protected]

Molly wants to know how you are. Really. Are you good, or more importantly NOT good? For Molly, opening the door to vulnerability meant supporting others by sharing her the moment she broke free from abuse, living with a narcissistic partner, and healing her relationship with Jesus. Song - Glory by Dermot Kennedy Find Molly on Instagram at @notgoodpodcast

Do you ever find yourself struggling to be vulnerable? Would you rather keep things to yourself then burden someone with your struggles? Kristin & Mandy have both been there! We talk in this episode about what it's like to share your struggle, who to share information with and why your struggle can actually be a blessing to someone else! Find us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: [email protected]

As a Christian podcaster himself, Eric shares with us his journey through studying and receiving his M.Div and navigating some difficult hardships in the Christian world. In our conversation, Eric talks about the 4 stages of rediscovering Jesus and the importance of discipleship. Song: Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi, Hard to Get - Rich Mullins Eric's Podcast Group: Christian Podcasters Association Follow Eric on Instagram: @eric_nevins Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

Have you ever experienced church hurt? Have you experienced the love of a Christian and then saw a different side of them that made you question your own faith? God and Jesus are good, so why do some Christians act that way. Kristin and Mandy consider themselves Christians, yet talk more about how our own body of believers can be some of the most hurtful people to us. We dive into this hot button topic in this week's episode! God is truth and love and as humans we are always trying to find this balance in our lives. At the end of the day, Christians do amazing things around the world and we are so thankful for those who act in love and share the good news with others. We are also humans, and we are thankful for the mercy and forgiveness found in knowing and loving Jesus. Follow us on instagram: @therockyroadpod

Living as a Christian is not easy, let alone being invited by God to live as a Christian missionary in the US. Paul Granger, an ambassador of Christ, shares with us his story and journey through working for a variety of ministries, non-profits, seasons of unemployment and what it means to reflect Christ in his everyday life. How can we trust God at times when it feels like it's impossible? How can this even make sense? Listen to some of these "crazy" God stories and be encouraged by Paul today. Song: Bring Your Nothing - Shane & Shane Check out Paul's podcast, Where Did You See God?, HERE Follow Paul on Instagram: @wheredidyouseegod Follow The Rocky Road Podcast on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

Naturally as humans, we want to feel accepted and a part of a community. In our American culture, we are so individualistic that sometimes we don't see the importance of community and how to build it. Hang with us today as we give you 3 important pieces to the puzzle of building and sustaining your firm foundation of a community and why it can be life changing. Find us on instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at [email protected]