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What does it look like to navigate mental health struggles while living out your faith?

It’s a question many of us carry—sometimes silently. And it’s one I was honored to explore in this week’s conversation with Carla Arges.

Carla’s story isn’t neat or easy. She experienced childhood trauma, homelessness at 14, misdiagnoses for years, and eventually received an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder just six years ago.

But here’s what moved me most: Carla talks about thriving, not just surviving. And she does it in a way that’s gentle, honest, and deeply rooted in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Carla Arges is a mental health coach, podcaster, and writer who helps Christian women navigate trauma and mental illness with grace and truth. After experiencing childhood trauma, homelessness, and a journey through misdiagnoses, Carla was accurately diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder six years ago. Through partnering with the Holy Spirit, therapy, medication, and holistic healing practices, she has moved from surviving to thriving—and now equips other women to do the same.

Carla is the host of the Affirming Truth podcast and a content writer for the Bible app, where she creates bite-sized, accessible devotionals for women struggling with mental health. She offers courses on nervous system regulation and biblically based boundaries, and provides one-on-one coaching to help women integrate faith, healing, and practical tools for everyday thriving.

In our conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why a diagnosis is information, not identity
• The role of medication and therapy in faith-based healing
• How to regulate your nervous system in practical ways
• Why thriving isn’t about living on the mountaintop all the time
• How God doesn’t waste our pain—He redeems it for purpose

Connect with Carla:

• Website: carlaArges.com
• Podcast: Affirming Truth (available on all podcast platforms and YouTube)
• Bible App: Search for plans by Carla Arges

Learn More about Moving Forward Together

Apply by January 23

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

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Our episode today explores how the same physical activity can serve completely different purposes depending on your intention behind it.

We challenge the wellness industry's constant pressure to "go harder" and achieve maximum intensity every single day, suggesting it's time to release that mentality. Instead, let's go after a grace-based approach rooted in freedom rather than legalism. We are wired for freedom by God!

By pre-deciding your intention before exercise—whether that's challenging your cardiovascular system, gently moving for mental health, building strength, or simply clearing your head—you can stay focused on what you truly need rather than falling into comparison or guilt. The key is being honest with yourself about what you need while giving yourself permission to adjust when necessary, recognizing that backing off isn't failure—it's listening to your body with wisdom and discernment.

Main points discussed:

1. Macro Why vs. Micro Why

2. Examples of Micro Whys

3. Saying Goodbye to "Go Harder"

4. Freedom Through Grace (Drawing from Galatians 5:1)

5. Examples of Micro Whys

6. Protecting yourself from falling into old comparison patterns

Links:

Strong and Vibrant at Home: Strength Training and Wellness for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

Moving Forward Together: 4-Week Small Group Coaching

Learn More about Moving Forward Together

Apply by January 23

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

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This is a insightful conversation with Tiffany Giganti, a certified functional nutrition counselor, discussing gut health and overall wellness. Tiffany shares her journey from struggling with her own health issues to becoming a practitioner who helps women understand their bodies through a functional health approach.

Your body isn't broken or working against you—it's communicating with you. Learning to understand and respond to those signals through a functional health approach creates lasting vitality rather than just treating symptoms.

Main Points:

1. Why Doing "All the Right Things" Isn't Enough

2. Gut Health = Overall Health

3. The Big Three Non-Negotiables

4. The Supplement Problem

5. Listening to Your Body

6. The Gut Harmony Program

7. Simple Action Steps

Learn more about Gut Harmony Here

Use code AMY for $50 off

Links and Episodes discussed

Simple ways to increase your sleep quality 😴 and quantity 🛌 with holistic sleep coach Morgan Adams

The Wellness Industry Has Lots Its Mind. Here's How to Navigate It.

Should I Wear a Weighted Vest?

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Take Supplements

Important Note:

I participated in Gut Harmony last fall to understand my own gut better as well as preview the program for you. I learned so much from Tiffany and highly recommend it if you are in a place to strategically participate in food-elimination. Tiffany's approach is gentle and warm but this program does guide you to temporarily eliminate certain foods. If you are healing from or working through an eating disorder or disordered eating, I do not recommend this for you and suggest you work directly with a Registered Dietitian certified in Eating Disorders. (Need one? Hit reply and I'll help connect you.)

Bristol Stool Chart

Connect with Tiffany

www.tiffanygiganti.com

Instagram: @tiffanygiganti

Learn More about Moving Forward Together

Apply by January 23

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

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Can you believe we’ve wrapped up 24 seasons of the Grace Health Podcast?! The journey has been nothing short of incredible. For those new here, I typically run three seasons a year, each with its own flavor—sometimes focused, sometimes a bit more “loosey-goosey,” but always with the goal of bringing you value, encouragement, and practical health wisdom.

I love doing these season recaps for two reasons. First, if you’re new, it’s a great way to get a high-level overview of what we’re about. I know when I discover a new podcast, I look for recap episodes to get a sense of the content and see if it’s a good fit. Second, even my most loyal listeners can’t catch every episode. Life happens! These recaps let you see what you might have missed and revisit topics that resonate.

We’re about to hit a major milestone—500 episodes! I’d love your ideas on how to celebrate. If you have thoughts, please use the “click to text” feature in your podcast player or episode description. And as we head into the holidays, remember: the best gifts aren’t always wrapped. Sharing an episode with a friend is a wonderful way to show you care.

Learn More about Moving Forward Together

Apply by January 23

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

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Today on the podcast Becky Fields shares her extensive personal experience caring for aging parents and in-laws, emphasizing that proactive planning makes transitions significantly easier than waiting for a crisis.

Becky is writing a workbook with practical checklists and a book called "Daughters of Naomi" addressing the emotional aspects of caregiving. She also runs a service buying homes from families who need to transition parents quickly. Her core message: maintain open communication, start planning early, build a support community, and trust God through the process.

Main points discussed:

1. Early Planning is Critical

2. Warning Signs to Watch For

3. Communication Strategies

4. Emotional Considerations

5. Practical Resources

Links:

Purchase Becky’s Book, Guiding Them Home, here

Connect with Becky:

https://grandmahousebuyer.com/

https://daughtersofnaomi.org/

Instagram: @grandmahousebuyer

YouTube: @grandmahousebuyer

Learn More about Moving Forward Together

Apply by January 23

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

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Forget the matching workout sets, the perfectly planned gym sessions, and the hour-long commitment that never happens. Here's the plot twist: One minute of vigorous movement = 40% lower risk of premature death.

Yes, one minute. The same amount of time it takes to microwave leftovers.

We overcomplicate everything, including exercise, when we just need to show up for ourselves.

From this episode on "Fitness Snacking", I pray you learn to embrace short workouts as a legitimate and effective approach to fitness, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Main topics today:

1. The Power of Short Workouts ("Fitness Snacking")

2. Key Benefits

3. Why Short Workouts Work

4. Practical Implementation Options

Links Discussed:

YouTube: @amyconnell (psst subscribe if you haven’t and like the episodes…it’s super helpful!)

10-Minute Workouts

Research for Today’s Episode

One-minute bursts of activity during daily tasks could prolong your life, finds study

Analysis: Short bursts of physical activity during daily life may lower risk of premature death

Short, intense bursts of exercise more effective after stroke than steady, moderate exercise

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

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Pelvic floor issues often worsen dramatically during perimenopause and menopause. By age 50, estrogen can drop by 50%, which decreases collagen production—the building block of pelvic floor tissue. Today you'll hear an informative conversation with PT Christina Walsh from Tighten Your Tinkler about pelvic floor health, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Main points discussed:

1. Why Pelvic Floor Issues Worsen with Age

2. Dysfunction vs. Prolapse

3. Medical Care Challenges

4. Birth and Risk Factors

5. Exercise Recommendations

5. Practical Tips to Start Today

LINKS

Episodes Featuring Christina and Jenn of Tighten Your Tinkler:

These two common exercise moves aren't helping your pee issues. Here's why. Season 15 Episode 9

The surprising reason for your back and hip pain (not visible on x-ray) Season 13 Episode 13

Episodes Mentioned

Should I wear a weighted vest

Fiber and menopause

Resources

Take the 5-minute quiz

https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/backandhiprelief

Use code GRACEDHEALTH for $50 off the Tighten Your Tinkler Signature Program

Connect with Christina and Tighten Your Tinkler

https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/

Instagram: @tighten.your.tinkler

YouTube

Learn More about Moving Forward Together

Apply by January 23

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode

In this episode, we'll discuss the often-overlooked phenomenon of post-stress crashes—the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that follows high-intensity seasons like work deadlines, book launches, caregiving, weddings, or major life transitions.

Key Topics Covered:

• What qualifies as a stressful season
• How crashes manifest
• The science behind it
• Chronic vs. acute stress
• Biblical perspective on rest
• Practical recovery strategies

*** Have you had a season of high stress then the recalibration was rough? Hit reply and let me know!

Links Mentioned:

Protein Playbook

How I Heard From God Without Spending Time in Prayer or Worship

B.COMPLETE

Strong and Vibrant at Home: Strength Training and Wellness for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

Learn More about Moving Forward Together

Apply by January 23

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell