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Life got you down? What if you could laugh anyway? Christian comedian Tracy DeGraaf (along with her bff Cathrine) will drop weekly episodes (Wednesdays) on topics you care about like how your marriage can survive your husband’s loud chewing, how you can laugh about your kids driving you nuts, and how to scoff off those lady whiskers and not worry about your Howdy Doody sleep wrinkle. Tracy and Cathrine have been next door neighbors and besties for over 20 years. They survived the Great Recession, teenage years, disappointment, health crisis, depression and other stuff that sucks. They have truly learned the secret of Life Happens Laugh Anyway. At the end of each episode, the ladies will point you to faith in Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer regardless of how weird life gets.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
🎙️ Episode 228: “Vacationing with Adult Kids”
🚗 ✈️ It’s a special kind of chaos, folks.
In this episode, Cathrine shares her Michigan mishaps, Tracy spills the Georgia tea (spoiler alert: no ghosts were spotted, but drama was), and together they recount the realities of traveling with adult children.
From TSA misunderstandings to parking fines, chicken-gate to haunted tours with zero hauntings, and Adam’s free-range audio choices—this episode is jam-packed with laugh-out-loud moments and actually helpful travel tips.
👨👩👧👦 Whether your grown kids are your favorite travel buddies or your favorite reason to book separate flights—this one's for you.
💡 Tracy’s Pitfall Prevention Tips for Traveling with Adult Kids:
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Expectations Are Everything – Clarify the vibe: chill or tourist-mode?
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Divide and Delegate – Everyone hauls their own stuff (and loses it, too).
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Book Smart – Remember the Alamo… but don’t book with them.
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Use Communication Tools – Notes, pins, group texts = sanity savers.
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Build in Downtime – Don’t overpack the schedule—or the emotional luggage.
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Pack Earbuds. Seriously. – Looking at you, Adam.
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Laugh Anyway – The mishaps are tomorrow’s best stories. Trust us.
📖 Scriptures for the Journey:
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Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – “Impress them on your children...” (Yes, even the adult ones.)
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Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Especially when your parking ticket is $45.
💬 Final Thoughts:
Vacations with adult kids can be full of love, laughter, and a little low-key trauma—but they're worth it. If nothing else, they give you podcast content for days.
🎧 Listen now and tell us: What’s your best (or worst) family vacation story?
👇 Drop us a DM or comment—we’re all ears and packing cubes.
📢 CTA:
If this made you laugh or gave you travel hope, leave us a review and share it with your favorite travel buddy (or your adult kid who still thinks you’re paying for the chicken).
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
🎙️ Episode 227: Marriage Maintenance – Laughing Through the Bumps
Marriage isn’t all candlelit dinners and couple’s massages—it’s chewed-off fingernails on the floor 🧟♂️, nose-blowing symphonies 🎺, and communication glitches that could power a sitcom. In this episode, we unpack the everyday bumps of long-term relationships and how laughter can be the ultimate suspension system. 🚗💨
💬 In this episode:
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Why relationship "bumps" are normal (yes, even the weird ones 🤪)
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How humor diffuses tension (spoiler: dead plants may be involved 🌿🪦)
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Tracy and Cathrine share their favorite marriage maintenance tools that keep love from going flat 🛠️💕
🛠️ Marriage Maintenance Tips:
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📆 Schedule the tune-ups
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😆 Laugh at yourself first
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😂 Use inside jokes as glue
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🔄 Reframe arguments with humor
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🥊 Fight fair, joke fairer (know when funny helps vs. hurts)
📖 Scripture of the Week:
Proverbs 17:22 – "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." 💊🦴
👉 Call to Action:
Whatever your next “bump” is—try reframing it. Add a little humor, sprinkle grace, and remember you're on the same team. 👫💗
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
🎙️ Episode 226: Did you know? Interesting Random Fun Facts – Leg Hair, Belly Buttons & Other Body Surprises
Ready to laugh and say “WAIT—what?!” We’re diving into the weird and wonderful facts about the human body that will make you marvel at how God made you (and maybe check your leg hair situation).
👵 Cathrine reveals her daily shaving drama—three hairs per pore, y’all.
🦵 Tracy, meanwhile, is apparently part dolphin.
💡 From glowing in the dark to belly button ecosystems, we’ve got trivia you’ll be dying to tell your friends.
🔬 We cover:
- Why your leg hair might vanish or explode with age
- Why shaving doesn’t actually make hair grow back thicker
- What your pinky finger has to do with hand strength
- How your stomach is basically a self-renewing acid tank
- And why God cares about every single hair on your body
📖 Spiritual Takeaway:
Matthew 10:30 — “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
God made you with hilarious, holy detail. You are fearfully, wonderfully, and sometimes weirdly made.
🎯 Call to Action:
Laugh at your quirks this week. Then thank God for designing you with purpose—even your random leg hairs. And don’t forget to tell us your weird body or hair story. Seriously, we want to hear it!
😂 Life happens.
🙏 Laugh anyway.
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
🎧 Episode Title:
The Tylenol Painkiller Story: One Crime, Countless Ripples 💊💔
✨ Episode Summary:
In this gripping episode of Life Happens, Laugh Anyway, we’re taking a sharp turn into the true crime world (like we sometimes do) to talk about the chilling 1982 Tylenol murders—a case that shook America and changed consumer safety forever. 💥
Inspired by the documentary Painkiller: the Tylenol Murders, we cover:
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What exactly happened when seven innocent people died after taking Tylenol 💀
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The man behind the extortion letter—James Lewis—and his shady rap sheet 🕵️♂️
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What life was like in 1982 before fear crept into our medicine cabinets 🧼📺🎶
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How this crime redefined public trust and the safety measures we now take for granted 🛡️
But, we don’t stop there.
We dig deep into the value of a single life with a powerful passage from Luke 12:6–7 📖, and reflect on how God sees and cherishes each person—even in the midst of evil. 💛
🧠 In This Episode:
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🎬 Pop culture and fun trivia from 1982 (Cathrine got them mostly right. Muffin too.)
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🔍 A breakdown of the murders, the investigation, and the unanswered questions
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✝️ A faith-based perspective on the worth of a single human life
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📣 A call to action: How we can honor life today in a world that too often devalues it
📖 Scripture of the Week:
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God... you are worth more than many sparrows.”
— Luke 12:6–7 (NIV)
🎯 Call to Action:
Today, be intentional about showing someone they matter. A kind word, a check-in, or just being present can make a powerful difference. ❤️
Or… honor the lives lost by living yours more alert, more grateful, and more compassionate. 🕯️
📲 Connect With Us:
If this episode moved you—or gave you goosebumps—share it with a friend and leave us a review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
🎙️ Episode 224: Why Everything Hurts (and What to Do About It)
Aches and pains with no explanation? 🦴 Waking up sore when all you did was sleep? 😩 Welcome to midlife! But don’t worry—we’re not just complaining today. We’re getting practical, honest, and yes...a little snarky about how to prevent those annoying aches and pains as we age. 👟💪
In this episode, we dig into:
🔸 What happens to hormones between 35–55 (hint: it’s not fun)
🔸 Why your muscles, bones, and joints are acting like divas
🔸 The real reason older people crave sweets 🍬
🔸 How to eat in a way that fights pain and supports aging bodies 🥦🥩
🔸 Whether supplements are your friend or a waste of money 💊
🔸 Why “use it or lose it” is more than just a gym slogan
🔸 The difference between joint pain and muscle pain—and which one is better 🙃
🔸 Encouragement from doctors and hilarious real-life stories along the way 🎉
💡 Bottom line: Aging is inevitable. Falling apart is optional.
You can feel better with the right info, movement, and mindset!
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Recorded live at Christian Hills Church, Orland Hills, IL – May 11, 2025
- Opening Video: Very Funny Police Chase setting the stage for a message about divine pursuit.
- Psalm 139 Breakdown:
- Verses 1–6: God’s Omniscience – He knows everything about us.
- Verses 7–12: God’s Omnipresence – We can’t escape His presence.
- Verses 13–18: God’s Omnipotence – He knit us together fearfully and wonderfully.
- Latin Word Fun: Learn the OMNIs in a memorable, Tracy-style breakdown.
- Personal Stories:
- Tracy’s toddler logic about thumb-sucking and visibility (spoiler: God still sees us!)
- A hilarious “Mom Stakeout” when her teenage son broke the law (he’s a respectable adult now… sort of )
Whether you’re a biological mom, a spiritual mom, or a nurturer of any kind, today’s message is for YOU. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you are loved by a God who never gives up on you.
We love hearing from our listeners!
Email us at tracy@tracydegraaf.com
Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded they’re not alone—and they’re not out of God’s reach.
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
🎙️ Episode 221: Enjoying Your Life through Faith and Spirituality
Episode Summary:
Faith isn’t just about religion—it’s about relationship. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Tracy and Cathrine share how their faith and spirituality fuel joy, resilience, and purpose in everyday life. With personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical habits, this episode offers inspiration for anyone seeking a deeper, more grounded way to enjoy life.
What We Cover in This Episode:
✨ It’s More Than Religion—It’s a Relationship
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Tracy shares how faith gives her purpose (with a nod to Episode 219)
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Cathrine reflects on how her relationship with God motivates her to keep moving forward and navigate life with hope
✨ How Faith Plays Out in Everyday Life
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The role of community through prayer groups, life groups, and serving at CCC
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Events like the banquet that deepen spiritual connection
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The trust it takes to walk in faith—choosing better, more hope-filled decisions
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How F.A.T.T.J. (Faith and Trust Through Jesus) shapes our daily choices
✨ Overcoming Common Faith Challenges
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Feeling spiritually dry or distant from God
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Burnout and disillusionment with religion or church hurt
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Rekindling your spiritual spark through small habits: prayer, nature, gratitude, and meaningful connection
📖 Scripture Highlight:
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Key Takeaways:
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Faith is your compass in life—it grounds you and guides your steps
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Joy comes from nurturing your soul, not from your circumstances
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Building a strong spiritual life doesn’t require perfection—just small, consistent steps
Your Encouragement This Week:
JUST DO IT.
Start where you are.
Establish daily habits of faith and let God do the rest.
Call to Action:
Share this episode with a friend who could use encouragement in their faith walk.
Follow us on your favorite platform, and leave a review if this episode blessed you!
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
🎙️ Episode 220: Part 6 of 8 – How to Enjoy Your Life by Owning Up to Responsibilities
Welcome back to our series "How to Enjoy Your Life" — and today’s topic might just be the one that unlocks your joy the fastest. In this episode, we’re talking about the freedom that comes when you own your stuff, stay in your lane, and let go of the victim mindset.
Too often, we miss out on peace because we avoid accountability or get caught up in comparison. But Scripture reminds us in Galatians 6:4–5 that each of us is responsible for our own actions. There’s no greater joy than walking in personal integrity and freedom.
Here’s what we cover:
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How playing the victim keeps you stuck
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Why owning your mistakes helps you move forward
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The power of tough conversations and sincere apologies
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The beauty of staying in your lane and minding your own business
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How forgiveness — especially forgiving yourself — is a game-changer
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Insights from the book Thin Within on accountability and spiritual growth
🔔 Don’t miss the final challenge and powerful reminder in our Call to Action: Mind your own business — in the best way possible!
Scripture Highlight:
📖 Galatians 6:4–5 – “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
💬 Let’s Connect!
What’s one area of responsibility you’re choosing to own this week? Email us at Tracy@tracydegraaf.com — we’d love to cheer you on!
🎧 Listen now and take your next step toward enjoying the life God has given you — one responsibility at a time.
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
🎙️ Episode 219: Part 5 – Living with Purpose: The Secret to Enjoying Your Life
Description:
In this episode of Life Happens Laugh Anyway, we're talking about one of the most powerful ways to enjoy your life: living with purpose. Whether you’re navigating a new season or wondering if you’ve missed your chance, this conversation is packed with hope, humor, and heart. Tracy and Cathrine share personal stories, practical insights, and spiritual encouragement for women who want to live intentionally and joyfully—no matter their age or stage.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
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What it really means to “live with purpose” (and what it doesn’t)
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Cathrine’s take on purpose and her personal experience with it
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Tracy’s story of leaving her job to be present for her family—and how that led to comedy and cancer advocacy
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Why purpose brings deeper joy, especially during hard or mundane seasons
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Reflective questions to help you discover (or rediscover) your purpose
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How to overcome fear, comparison, or the lie that it’s too late
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A reminder from Ephesians 2:10 that you were created for good works
Practical Takeaways:
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Start small: kindness, service, and using your gifts in everyday ways
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Say YES to what fuels your soul—and NO to what drains it
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Build habits that align with your values
Scripture of the Week:
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Resources & Links:
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Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
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Leave a review if today’s episode inspired you!
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Learn more about Tracy’s comedy and cancer awareness mission at TracyDeGraaf.com
Share the Joy:
If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s navigating a new season or could use some encouragement to live on purpose.