Learning How to Love Your Life Even When You Don't Like It with Rachel Awtrey
This week, we’re joined by the one and only Rachel Awtrey—podcaster, mama, and joy-finder extraordinaire! Rachel is calling in from Birmingham, Alabama and brings such a refreshing perspective on embracing life fully, even when it doesn’t look how you expected. We talk about military life, motherhood, writing her upcoming book, and how she’s learned to chase joy through every season—from grief and moving nine times, to walks in the heat, trampolines, and all the real talk in between.
In This Episode
[02:10] Life Lately: Kids, Podcasting & Military Wife Life
[04:35] Why Rachel Started “Real Talk” and What She’s Learned
[06:00] Thomas’ Career as a Pilot & Navigating Military Transitions
[08:15] The Realities of Solo Parenting and Managing Rhythms
[10:55] What Motherhood Has Taught Her About Joy
[13:45] Slowing Down: The Power of a Walk and a Deep Breath
[15:30] Her New Book: Love Your Life Even When You Don’t Like It
[17:45] Processing the Loss of Her Dad and Holding Space for Grief
[21:15] What It Means to Carry On a Legacy
[22:40] Finding Joy in the Unseen and Undervalued
[24:10] When You Hate Your Bathroom: Practicing Perspective
[25:55] Laughter, Toots, and Trampoline Moments with Her Boys
[27:40] Encouragement for Anyone in a Mundane or Messy Season
[29:00] Closing Words of Wisdom and Prayer for the Listener
Connect with Rachel
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Podcast: Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey
Pre-Order Rachel's Book
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Dating Part 2 - Younger Guys, First Moves & Red Flags
We're are back for Part 2 of their dating deep dive, and this time they're going even deeper into your real-life dating situations. From nostalgic throwbacks about dating memories to giving tough love on "situationships," we are get candid and practical. Kenz shares never-before-revealed details about her early relationship with Josh (yes, including that wild second date!), while Mac opens up about why breaks in relationships can actually be healthy. We tackle everything from age-gap relationships to making the first move, and offer the kind of godly dating advice we wish we'd gotten ourselves. Whether you’re crushing, confused, or totally in love—this episode is for you!
In This Episode
[01:20] Throwbacks: Places That Bring Back Dating Memories
[04:20] The Best Friend’s Brother Saga—Part 2 Recap
[06:45] Why “I Don’t Know How I Feel” Means It’s a No
[07:55] Friends Who Give False Hope (Let’s Talk About It)
[09:25] Mac & Kenz’s Single Brothers: Would You Date Them? 😂
[10:45] Hinge Dating Story: When It Feels Right, But You’re Not Sure
[13:00] Red Flag vs. Yellow Flag vs. Green Flag—A Dating Guide
[14:55] Kenz on Asking the Real Questions Early On
[16:10]Mac'’s Take: Time is Never Wasted If You’re Learning
[17:30] What Does a Refreshing Relationship Feel Like?
[19:40] Kenz’s Couch Makeout Confession
[21:30] Josh’s Redemption Arc (and Why First Impressions Aren’t Everything)
[22:40] When the Guy is Younger: Is That Okay?
[24:05] How to Flirt (When You Want Him to Make the First Move)
[25:30] Final Encouragement: Be Brave, Be Honest, Trust God
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For The Girl
Mac Bridges
Kenz Durham
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48:55
Dating Part 1 – Big Sister Dating Advice, Situationships & Making a Move
This one’s for the single girl in the thick of dating, the girl with the situationship that won’t quit, and the one waiting for the right guy to come along. Mac and Kenz are throwing it back to their iconic "Help You Make a Move" segment—reading YOUR stories, your dating questions, and giving their best big sister advice with lots of laughs and honest truth. They talk about crushing on a guy from campus ministry, dating someone not all in for Jesus, and navigating jealousy in the season of singleness. You’ll walk away with courage, clarity, and some seriously helpful tips for stepping into dating with intentionality and faith.
In This Episode
Flashbacks to Our Single Girl Era
“Help You Make a Move” Is Back!
First DM: The Homework Crush with No Clarity
Practical Tips for Starting a Hard Conversation
Why Rejection Isn’t the End – It’s Growth
When You Like a Guy Who’s Not Fully for Jesus
Hard Truth: You Can’t Date for Potential
The Resentment of Singleness at 26
Radical Honesty with God + Friends
Final Encouragement: Your Story Is Beautiful
Resources Mentioned
The Dating Devo
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For The Girl
Mac Bridges
Kenz Durham
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47:37
How to Live with Purpose in Every Season of Life with Megan Holmes
In this episode, we sit down with Megan from the She Lives Purposefully podcast for a fun and faith-filled convo on what it looks like to live purposefully—especially in seasons that don’t look how you expected. Megan shares her journey into motherhood, her shift in identity and daily rhythms, and how God is teaching her to find purpose in the mundane. Whether you're in a new season, wrestling with change, or just trying to live more intentionally—this one's for you!
In This Episode
Meet Megan from She Lives Purposefully
Marriage, Motherhood, and Life Before Donnie
From Blog to Podcast: How She Lives Purposefully Began
The Transition into Motherhood + Letting Go of Hustle Culture
When Productivity and Purpose Clash
Finding Meaning in the Mundane
Practical Tips to Live Purposefully—Right Where You Are
Encouragement for Every Season
Guest Resources
Podcast: She Lives Purposefully by Megan Holmes
Instagram: @shelivespurposefully
Popular Episode: “9 Ways to Grow in Your Relationship with God PT. 1”
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Mac Bridges
Kenz Durham
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People We Look Up To — And Why!
Hey For The Girl Fam! In this episode, we’re diving into a heartfelt and hilarious (in our opinion) conversation about the people who’ve deeply impacted our lives—from spiritual mentors to Instagram follows. We share stories about Mac’s pastor dad, Kenz’s love for Francis Chan, and the dynamic duo Jesse Itzler and Sara Blakely. Plus, we reflect on how intentionality, discipline, and humility play a powerful role in shaping who we become. You’ll also hear all about our favorite weekly email (yes, it involves bikini waxes), what it looks like to pursue excellence without chasing fame, and how a single sermon can radically change your life.
Topics Discussed
Weekly Email Hype + “We’re Not Friends Anymore”
Why Mac’s Dad is Her #1 Inspiration
Lessons from 40 Years of Ministry
Francis Chan and the “Battlefield” Faith
Jesse Itzler, Sara Blakely & Intentional Living
Marriage Retreats and Family Rhythms
The Impact of Jamie Winship & Radical Obedience
Wrapping Up with Gratitude + Growth
Resources Mentioned
Francis Chan Rope Sermon
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
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📸Instagram:
For The Girl
Mac Bridges
Kenz Durham
Subscribe!
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Are you looking for your new favorite podcast that's both entertaining and will challenge you in your walk with Jesus? Welcome to the For The Girl podcast, hosted by best friends Mac and Kenz. Together in college, they started a Bible study called Delight that is now on over 200 college campuses. These days, they're busy juggling being moms, wives, and creating Bible studies and resources specifically for girls in a similar season of life. Every Tuesday, they break down everything they wish someone had told them in their 20s. From faith and relationships to wild career transitions, Mac and Kenz are getting real about all of their missteps and the things God has taught them along the way.