Note: First segment of Jody Hudson's interview published August 20, 2026. Go back to catch the opening segment.

In this powerful segment, Jody Hudson opens up about the resilience she learned in childhood—and the unexpected blessing of letting people love you through casseroles, cards, and acts of kindness. She traces her spiritual journey from a strict Catholic upbringing to “double-dipping” weekends with her daughter Alex—Saturday sacraments and Sunday worship at a non-denominational church—moments that laid the groundwork for unshakeable faith during Alex’s illness.

Jody recalls a providential meeting with “Jack,” a prayer companion whose words reframed healing as spiritual transformation, and shares the letter of Scripture he gave them. She also tells the story behind the bluebird on her book cover: a daily reminder that God hadn’t forgotten Alex—and a sign that brought deep peace. Jody describes Alex’s radiant final moments and how that parting gift breathed new life into her purpose, moving her from grief to action.

This conversation explores accepting support, recognizing God’s presence in suffering, and carrying forward Alex’s legacy through a Lyme disease foundation focused on awareness, prevention, and patient support. Listeners will find hope-filled takeaways on faith, resilience, and choosing how to “show up” after loss.

In this heartfelt bonus episode of Lessons From Living, we honor Dolly Parton’s life and legacy by reflecting on 10 timeless lessons she modeled for the world. From being unapologetically herself and chasing audacious dreams, to putting in the reps as a prolific songwriter, protecting her business interests, and leading with humility, kindness, loyalty, and love for children—Dolly showed us what it means to live big and give bigger.

We revisit her iconic journey from a one-room cabin in Tennessee to global stardom; her fearless stage persona and frank honesty about beauty and image; the long road from childhood songwriting to worldwide hits like I Will Always Love You, Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and 9 to 5; the pivotal decision to keep ownership of her catalog (including the song Elvis wanted and Whitney later made immortal); and the enduring impact of Dollywood and the Imagination Library, which has gifted books to millions of children. We also reflect on her steadfast marriage, her collaborative spirit, and her forward-looking philosophy—working and dreaming right to the end.

If Dolly taught us anything, it’s that excellence comes from patience and practice, success from courage and ownership, and legacy from compassion. As we grieve, we can honor her by embodying the kindness she gave so freely: “If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours.”

If this episode resonates, please share it with a fellow Dolly fan—and let us know your favorite Dolly lesson or memory.

Ben Oofana joins Lessons From Living to explain how trauma imprints in the body and how to heal it from the inside out. Drawing on his apprenticeship with a traditional Native healer, decades of vision quest practice, internal martial arts, and work with clients worldwide, Ben details an embodied meditation method that processes emotions rather than bypasses them. We discuss spiritual bypassing, resilience, why some people fragment while others cope, the trauma–health link, relationships after wounding, and cultivating connection to a higher power. Expect practical steps you can use today to calm the nervous system, digest difficult feelings, and rebuild capacity.

BenOofana.com

TeachMeToMeditate.com

BreakUpFirstAid.com

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