You saw the invites go out..... just not to you.

The group chat went quiet.

The connection you once leaned on now feels distant and you're wondering if it's you... or if you are growing in a direction they weren't meant to follow.

In this raw episode of What About This,? we're naming the ache of unseen seasons, where friendship fades, community shifts, and God feels quiet... but is stilll very PRESENT.

You'll hear talk on:

• Navigating loneliness when support systems change
• Being "left on read" without losing your idenity
• Why you're not too much and not forgotten
• The difference between rejection and holy redirection
• Finding Kingdom friendship without shrinking who you are
• Understanding she is not your enemy

Whether you've been hurt by women in the church or are simply longing for your people, We're going there! You are not alone. There is a table with your name on it. And God is preparing it, even in the silence.

If you would so kindly- Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a friend who needs to be reminded:

You weren't left out. You were set apart.

Connect with for podcast collaboration or speaking: myeighthandgrace@gmail.com

Connect on Social: Instagram | website | Substack

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, Who is this for?

If you're worn out by silent expectations, unseen timelines, or the pressure to live someone else's version of "right," this conversation is a holy pause.

In this vunerable and hope - filled episode, I sit down with my friend Stephanie May Wilson- author, podcaster, and a tender voice for women longing to ive from truth. We talk about what it means to come home to yourself in a world that constantly asks you to perform, to achieve, to keep pace with expectations that God never placed on you.

Fom her bold move across the world to the quiet transformation of therapy and friendship, Stephanie''s story is a living testimony: grace makes room for change. And sometimes, the most sacred thing we can do is begin again.

What we unpack together:

• How therapy and self - awareness help uncover your truest self
• Why courage often looks like quitting what no longer fits
• The sacred strength of wise, honest female friendships
• Navigating life transitions- including motherhood, with grace- not guilt
• Letting fo of timelines and trusting God's slower, better way

If you're in the in-between naming your longing but not sure yet how to live into it- this episode is for you. It's a reminder that life is not on hold. You are not behind. And it's not too late.

As Stephanie says "A beautiful olife is something you can build and rebuild as often as you need."

So breathe deep. The pressure is not holy. Grace is calling you forward.

So, whether you're facing a major life decision or feeling pressured by invisible timelines, this is a conversation is for you and anyone who feels caught in the in-between or who's quietly wondering, Is this all there is? Let this be your reminder: you're allowed to change. You're allowed to have desire. And God's mercy is wide enough to hold your becoming.

Connect with Stephanie May Wilson https://stephaniemaywilson.com

Girls Night Podcast

If you want to connect: https://brandyadawson.com

email| myeighthandgrace@gmail.com | Instagram | Substack

What do you do when you're getting ready for the day, spiritually abd literally- and you still feel like a hot mess?

In this episode of What About This,? Brandy Dawson shares a hilarious and heartfelt story from the Kerygma Summit: A Pray + Yap hat, undone roots, a bathroom counter full of Color Wow powder, and a God who meets us right in the middle of it all.

This is a lighthearted but powerful reflection on hpw the Holy Spirit doesn't wait until we're polished or perfect to show up. He moves in the raw, real, roller-in-your-hair-moments. Because your quiet yes, even in the unseen and ordinary is Kingdom ground.

Takeaways from this episode:

You don't need to be polished to be powerful

the Holy Spirit moves in bathrooms, backseats, and broken places.

Authentic obedience is more important than appearance.

Even when you feel out of place, you are seen, and spiritually marked

God meets you right where you are, with roots showing and heart wide open.

So whether you're listening mid meltdown or mid- makeup routine, this one is for you.

He is with you.

Connect with me: Substack | Instagram

For speaking, podcast collaboration, or questions contact me:

myeighthandgrace@gmail.com

https://www.brandyadawson.com

Have you ever felt like you are not enough? Like no matter how hard you try, you'll never neasure up? If so, you're not alone.

What if the fear holding you back isn't as powerful as you think it is?

In this bold episode of the eighth & GRACE podcast, Brandy Dawson sits down for a conversation with with bestselling authour, Mary Marantz- Yale Law grad, business coach, and host of the Mary Marantz Show to tear down the lies that keep us stuck in perfectionism, procrastination, people - pleasing, overthinking, and imposter syndrome.

Drawing from her new book, Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway, Mary shares the battle - tested mindset shift that helped her rise from a single - wide trailer in West Virginia to the Ivy League, and why your story isn't too broken, late, or small for God to use. She knows firsthand what it means to be underestimated- by others and herself. But through her experiences, Mary discovered the profound truth: our worth isn't dtermined by our achievements or others' opinions.

This is not a conversation about hustling harder or pretending you're fine.

This is about expposing fear's boring lies, and making the brave, messy shift to move forward anyway.

Key Takeaways:

• The surprising shift that changes everything when we feel underestimated
• Why success doesn't always silence our inner critic
• How to stop playing small and step into our true potential
• The power of living from God's love and not striving to earn it

If you're tired of second -guessing your dreams, questioning your worth, or playing small in a life you were made to live fully- this episode will meet you right where you are.

Because you were never actually underestimated.

You were being prepared to rise.

ORDER MARY'S BOOK:

Out Today. Release date 4/29/2025

https://marymarantz.com/underestimated

Connect with her: http://www.instagram.com/marymarantz

Don't Miss Out:

Become part of the Wildly Hopeful Ones! For my friends who are feeling weary and looking for a place to sit, you have a seat here. You're invited to my table! Join Me On Substack

If you would like me to speak at your gathering, church, conference, or collaborate for podcast, you can contact me at myeighthandgrace@gmail.com

Connect with me: https://www.brandyadawson.com | Instagram

This week's episode of What About This? was born under the cozy down comforter in my bedroom, coffee in hand, and with my BIG pink glasses on my face, and my heart a little heavy.

I almost didn't record, but grace pulled up a seat and I hit the mic anyway....

This mini lunchtime episode is a solo deep- dive into the the in-between seasons- the ones where we're not quite broken but not feeling quite whole either, where healing feels slow, and hope feels like a whisper instead of a roar.

This one is for the woman in-between.

We talk about...

• The sacred tension of the middle
• Delayed dreams and quiet faith
• Holding it together with flowy dresses, skin scare routines, and lipgloss
• And how God is in the midst of you, even here.

There's a story in this space

There's purpose in the pause

And yes, there is still grace in the middle.

Pull up a seat. You're not too late

This episode was made for gals still holding on.

Have you ever found yourself in the messy middle- where nothing looks how you planned, and hope feels out of reach? In this episode of eighth & GRACE, I sit down with my mom, Nancy Cottrell, for a deeply personal conversation about finding grace in unexpected places.

From becoming a mother at 15 to eventually leading a multimillion - dollar company, Nancy's story is one of redemption, grit, and the faithfulness of God through every chaptr- especially the hardest ones. Together, we talk about generational patterns, perspective shifts, and what it means to keep showing up when the path is unclear.

In this episode, we explore:

• Overcoming shame and societial expectations as a teenage mom
• Breaking generational cycles with courage and grace
• The power of perspective when grace is rewriting our story
• How to walk through the "middle" when you can't yet see the miracle
• Trusting God when your past says otherwise

Nancy's journey is a reminder that the story doesn't end in brokeness. God redeems what we thought disqualified us and sometimes, the very thing we hide becomes the testimony to set someone else free!

This is more than a tribute episode, it's a conversation about becoming, trusting, and believing that grace holds us through it all.

Don't Miss Out:

Become part of the Wildly Hopeful Ones! For my friends who are feeling weary and looking for a place to sit, you have a seat here. You're invited to my table! Join Me On Substack

If you would like me to speak at your gathering, church, or conference, you can contact me at myeighthandgrace@gmail.com

Connect with me:

https://brandyadawson.com | Instagram |

Get ready for a fresh twist on your favorite podcast. In this exciting mini episode of the eighth & GRACE podcast, I'm thrilled to announce a new collaboration that's about to shake things up. Join me and my special guest, Anna Laura Sommer from Shine Studio in Charleston, South Carolina, as we unveil our plans for a dynamic new series of off-the-cuff Friday episodes of - what About This?

Think of this as Friday bite-size lunch snacks—bonus material for the eight and GRACE podcast:) that will be launching on Good Friday. We will come to you every week at noon for an absolute hoot of a time.

We're pulling back the curtain on our creative process, giving you a sneak peak into the raw, unfiltered, off-the-cuff conversations that happen behind the scenes of everyday life. From car troubles to splurge-worthy sandwiches, we're bringing you the real, relatable moments that make up our lives—all while keeping the focus on God's work in every season.

What's New on Fridays?

• Unscripted off off-the-cuff conversations about life, faith, and everything in between
• A collaborative effort bringing you fresh perspectives and double inspiration on most Fridays
• Live Q&A sessions where you will get to join in on the fun

Why you won't want to miss these new episodes:

• Authentic insights into our daily struggles + victories
• Relatable discussions on finding God in the midst of life's chaos
• A chance to be a part of this growing community of faith

eighth & GRACE is stepping out of our comfort zones and into the spotlight, embracing God's call to stop hiding and start sharing in the call! Whether you're in a season of growth, change, or simply need a dose of real- talk encouragement, our Friday episodes are designed to meet you right where you are.

" There is no more hiding."

As we embark on this new adventure, we're excited to introduce you to Sommer Media and share the incredible ways God is working in and through our lives and businesses to help us encourage and inspire you along your journey of growth, too.

What's on the horizon?

• Potential live recordings in a city near you
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creative process
• Honest conversations about faith, accountability, and personal growth

So mark your calenders and tune in every Friday at noon for a dose of unscripted faith, friendship, and fun. We can't wait to connect with you and grow together in this new chapter of the eighth & GRACE podcast.

Also, bonus points if you can detect the mistake we made in this teaser episode. We only had one job, so can you see if we missed the mark? This is real life!

This episode brought to you by Shine Studio & Sommer Media