Life Happens Laugh Anyway

Episode 219-Part 5-How To Live A Happy Life-Living With Purpose

🎙️ 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:

• What it really means to “live with purpose” (and what it doesn’t)

• Cathrine’s take on purpose and her personal experience with it

• Tracy’s story of leaving her job to be present for her family—and how that led to comedy and cancer advocacy

• Why purpose brings deeper joy, especially during hard or mundane seasons

• Reflective questions to help you discover (or rediscover) your purpose

• How to overcome fear, comparison, or the lie that it’s too late

• A reminder from Ephesians 2:10 that you were created for good works

Practical Takeaways:

• Start small: kindness, service, and using your gifts in everyday ways

• Say YES to what fuels your soul—and NO to what drains it

• 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:

• Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode

• Leave a review if today’s episode inspired you!

• 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.

Episode 218 - Grieving After A Mother's Passing

🎙️ Episode 218 – Grieving After Your Mother Passes Away

In this episode, we open our hearts and share personal experiences of navigating grief after the loss of a mother. Whether your relationship with your mom was close, complicated, or somewhere in between, grief can show up in unexpected ways.

Takeaways:

💔 Cathrine’s Experience – A tender reflection on the early stages of grief and the surprising waves that continue to come.

💬 Tracy’s Experience – The layered emotions of loss, including moments of peace, laughter, and longing.

📖 Scripture: Psalm 139:13–14
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!”
A reminder of the deep connection between mother and child—and the value of every life.

💡 CTA: Call Your Mother.
If your mom is still with you, take a moment today to reach out. A simple phone call can mean the world—to both of you.

 

If you enjoy the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast, please consider supporting us with a monthly donation of $5 (or any amount). You can support us by going here. Thanks so much.

Cathrine and Tracy

Episode 217-How To Have A Happy Life Financially

Today, Tracy and Cathrine take on How to Enjoy Life through Financial Stability

1. 5 Benefits of Financial Stability

• Inspired by this article in Prosperity Awaits, the gals discuss the key benefits of being financially stable, including reduced stress, greater freedom, and the ability to give generously.

2. How Downsizing Can Help Regain Financial Footing

• Cathrine’s Story – Selling her house and the financial relief it brought.

• Tracy’s Story – Real-life experiences of financial struggles:

  • Stretching $20 to feed seven people for a week and encountering someone with an overflowing cart.

  • The humbling moment of a declined debit card.

  • When even a gym membership card was declined!

  • The unexpected kindness of a stranger who paid for her groceries.

3. Plan for Retirement – KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

• Sit down with a financial planner, family member, or even just a notebook and calculator to assess your situation.

• Understand your savings (IRA, 401k, etc.), Social Security benefits, pensions, and potential work options.

• Taking proactive steps now can create financial peace for the future.

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Inspirational Scripture

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your increase; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." – Proverbs 3:9-10

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Call to Action

✅ KNOW YOUR NUMBERS – Consider taking advantage of a free financial consultation with Edward Jones or another trusted financial advisor.
✅ Subscribe & Share – If you found this episode helpful, send it to a friend who could use encouragement in their financial journey!

🎧 Listen now and start taking steps toward financial peace!

Episode 216: How To Enjoy Life Through Relationships Part 3 of 8

 How to Enjoy Your Life Through Relationships—Prioritizing, Loving, and Anchoring in Jesus

Episode Summary:
Relationships are one of the greatest sources of joy in life—but how do we build and maintain meaningful ones? In this episode, we explore the value of all relationships and highlight the most important one: our relationship with Jesus. Cathrine and I share personal stories of how our faith has shaped our friendships, family connections, and even how we handle challenges. [Bonus: Tracy admits that she was judgmental of Cathrine's bikini top as she waved to Tracy like a crazy person while hanging laundry on the line.]

We’ll cover:
✅ Why quality matters more than quantity in relationships
✅ How to lead with love and grace in every interaction
✅ The importance of anchoring your life in Jesus (Matthew 22:37-39)

Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Prioritize Quality Relationships Over Quantity – Deep, meaningful connections bring more joy and fulfillment than having a large number of surface-level friendships. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and be that kind of friend in return.

2️⃣ Lead with Love and Grace – Strong relationships require open communication, forgiveness, and understanding. Practicing Christ-like love helps us navigate conflict and strengthen our bonds.

3️⃣ Anchor Your Life in Jesus – The most important relationship you will ever have is with Jesus. When He is your foundation, every other relationship benefits. Matthew 22:37-39 reminds us to love God first and love others as ourselves.

✨ Tune in as we share personal stories and insights on how faith transforms relationships!

Resources & Mentions:
📖 Matthew 22:37-39
🙌 Need encouragement? We are here for you.
💌 Email us at tracy@tracydegraaf.com with your thoughts, comments, prayer requests.

🙏 If you are getting value from the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast, please support it with your prayers and consider crossing over from "Humor Consumer" to "Humor Contributor." Your support will keep the podcast going and growing. Most Humor Contributors donate $5 monthly. This pays for our current platform, email service, and editing help. Contributions also help Tracy and Cathrine to plan for growth. A few items on their wish list include hiring someone to help with tech. Tech is a constant struggle. (Your hosts were both born in the 60s.) Tracy and Cathrine also would like to improve their video situation with a camera and some additional equipment. Click here to sign up today to become a Humor Contributor. Thanks so much. Blessings on you!

 

Episode 215: How to Enjoy Your Life Part 2: How to Use the Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

🎙️ Episode 215: How to Enjoy Your Life Part 2 – How to Use the Let Them Theory

💡 Episode Summary:

In this powerful follow-up episode (second of eight in the series), we dive deep into how to enjoy your life by using Mel Robbins' transformative “Let Them” theory.

Cathrine breaks down why we struggle with letting go of control and introduces practical tools to help you surrender outcomes and find peace. Tracy shares a personal story of someone walking out of her life and what that taught her about trust and release. We also explore spiritual alignment through Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God...” — grounding the “Let Them” approach in faith and letting God work.

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🧩 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Origin Story: How the advice Tracy received from her 83 year-old friend impacted her to “Enjoy Your Life”

Tracy shares how she came to the idea of living life with joy and freedom, and how personal experiences led her to value presence over pressure.

2. What is the “Let Them” Theory?

Cathrine introduces the concept popularized by Mel Robbins, explaining WHY we often cling to control and how “Let Them” offers a path to peace and authenticity.

• Main Tools: Perspective shifting, surrender practices, boundary awareness.
• Quick Tools: Breath work, journaling prompts, “Let Them” mantras.

3. How to Let Go of Control

Practical strategies to use “Let Them” in your everyday life. Learn to recognize what’s not yours to carry and how to trust both God and the process.

4. Real Talk: Let Them Failures & Lessons

Tracy and Cathrine both share personal “let them” moments, unpacking the messiness of release and the beauty of learning to let go.

• Tracy’s Story: An honest look at a relationship that ended, how she wrestled with control, and what God revealed through it.

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📖 Scripture of the Episode:

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

This verse anchors the episode’s message — when we stop striving and start trusting, we create space for divine peace.

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🎧 Call to Action:

Watch Mel Robbins’ Let Them video. Reflect on how God might be nudging you to let go, step back, and ENJOY your life more fully.

➡️ Takeaway Challenge: This week, when control creeps in, whisper “Let them.” Watch what unfolds.

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🔗 Links & Resources:

• Mel Robbins – Let Them Theory Video 
• Journal Prompt: “What am I holding onto that’s not mine to control?”

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Let us know: What’s your Let Them story? Share with us by emailing tracy@tracydegraaf.com

Episode 214: How to Enjoy Your Life Part 1: Prioritizing Your Health and Well-being

Welcome back to the Life Happens, Laugh Anyway podcast with your hosts, comedian Tracy DeGraaf and co-host Cathrine. Join us in our Pod Lab as we dive into the first episode of an exciting eight-part series called "How to Enjoy Your Life." We're kicking things off by exploring how prioritizing your health and well-being can lead to a happier life.

In this episode, discover actionable strategies for maintaining physical health with accountability, staying active, and tapping into mental health resources like counseling and medication when needed. We discuss the importance of implementing wellness practices on any budget, from finding free resources to the value of investing in yourself.

Along the way, enjoy our humorous anecdotes about set building, dealing with unexpected mishaps, and of course, our passion for bringing laughter into everyday life. Don't forget to sponsor our podcast and help us continue to create content that inspires and entertains!

You can become a sponsor by going here.

Unmasking Scamanda: A Tale of Deception and Trust

Welcome back, humor consumers, to the Life Happens, Laugh Anyway podcast, where comedian Tracy DeGraaf and co-host Cathrine bring you an episode full of intrigue, humor, and life lessons.

In the heart of our pod lab, we're diving into the mind-boggling story of 'Scamanda,' a gripping tale suggested by our friend Kim Teske. This episode unravels the layers of deception spun by Amanda C. Riley, a woman who captivated her community with a false narrative of cancer, pulling on heartstrings and pocketbooks alike.

Today, you will walk through...

• The crazy con job Amanda pulled over on people
• Tracy and Cathrine will share valuable tips on how to avoid being scammed
• They will discuss the challenging path to forgiveness when deceit shakes the foundation of trust.

As always, Tracy and Cathrine are armed with scripture and a call to action that you won't want to miss.

Dive into episode 113 and join us in uncovering the truth behind Scamanda's tangled web!

A note from your podcast hosts....

 

We are inching our way to adding video to our podcast!

Yes, it's true. It is taking us forever...mainly because we don't know tech and we don't have the funds to buy fancy equipment and hire someone to do it for us....ha ha. But, we are getting there. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps us tremendously and brings smiles to our faces. ;0)

 

So, if you LOVE the podcast...if you look forward to Wednesdays because you are pretty sure there will be a new episode...

 

Become a Humor Contributor by donating $5 per month or a one-time gift of any amount. Click here to go to Tracy's website and help us offset the cost of producing weekly episodes for your binging pleasure and personal growth.

 

Funds collected from our Humor Contributors are used for:

• monthly platform fees
• email service fees
• editing costs
• equipment upgrades
• And...we are adding video to this podcast ASAP!

If you look forward to each episode, please help us keep going and growing by crossing over from Humor Consumer to Humor Contributor.

 

Thank you so much!

Tracy and Cathrine

 

Episode 212: 2025 Spring Fashion for Women Over 50

Fashion over 50? Wait. What? Today, we are talking about all the things...

 

✅ What to do if you don’t like your “Hi Betties” 🙋🏼‍♀️

🚫 Fashion DON’TS for women over 50

✅ Our best tips for loving the way you look 👀

As always, we share from God's word: Luke 12:22-23

Listen all the way to the end and be encouraged to...

Put on the full armor of God! Make sure to invest in your spiritual clothing…with time in the Word, prayer and connection with other Christians.

Thank you for tuning into our podcast! We have a favor to ask...

 

Please share this podcast with others if you think it worthy. This helps us grow. Thanks so much.

 

BTW, we are inching our way to adding video to our podcast!

Yes, it's true. It is taking us forever...mainly because we don't know tech and we don't have the funds to buy fancy equipment and hire someone to do it for us....ha ha. But, we are getting there. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps us tremendously and brings smiles to our faces. ;0)

 

So, if you LOVE the podcast...if you look forward to Wednesdays because you are pretty sure there will be a new episode...

 

Become a Humor Contributor by donating $5 per month or a one-time gift of any amount. Click here to go to Tracy's website and help us offset the cost of producing weekly episodes for your binging pleasure and personal growth.

 

Funds collected from our Humor Contributors are used for:

• monthly platform fees
• email service fees
• editing costs
• equipment upgrades
• And...we are adding video to this podcast ASAP!

If you look forward to each episode, please help us keep going and growing by crossing over from Humor Consumer to Humor Contributor.

 

Thank you so much!

Tracy and Cathrine

 

Episode 211-Divisiveness: How to get along with people with opposite views

It's Tracy here...

Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Our true hope is that divisiveness will melt into unity for all. Cat and I prayed before this episode that the unity that our triune God (Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) desires will be ours and yours. Bless you. May I two things of you? 

 

1. Would you email us and share some encouragement ? We would love to know where our listeners are from in the world and how you found us. 

2. Would you share this podcast with others if you think it worthy of a share. ;0)

 

Send your email to tracy@tracydegraaf.com

 

We are inching our way to adding video to our podcast!

Yes, it's true. It is taking us forever...mainly because we don't know tech and we don't have the funds to buy fancy equipment and hire someone to do it for us....ha ha. But, we are getting there. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps us tremendously and brings smiles to our faces. ;0)

 

So, if you LOVE the podcast...if you look forward to Wednesdays because you are pretty sure there will be a new episode...

 

Become a Humor Contributor by donating $5 per month or a one-time gift of any amount. Click here to go to Tracy's website and help us offset the cost of producing weekly episodes for your binging pleasure and personal growth.

 

Funds collected from our Humor Contributors are used for:

• monthly platform fees
• email service fees
• editing costs
• equipment upgrades
• And...we are adding video to this podcast ASAP!

If you look forward to each episode, please help us keep going and growing by crossing over from Humor Consumer to Humor Contributor.

 

Thank you so much!

Tracy and Cathrine

 

Now back to the next episode...

 

Episode 211 Divisiveness: How to get along with people with opposite views

 

We live in an US V. THEM culture. True story. From politics and religion to work life and family life....everyone has an opinion and they're not afraid to use it. Today, your hosts Tracy and Cathrine dive into the divisiveness of divisiveness. They begin with a brief debate on how the word divisive is even pronounced. There are two trains of thought on that. ;0)

In this episode, you will discover...

1. Addressing the issue - Calling out the elephant in the room.
2. Overcoming Divisiveness - Wait. What? You mean it can be overcome?
3. Faith Over Fear - The real answers to the real problems.

As always, your hosts share encouragement from the Bible with you.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10

A Church Divided Over Leaders

10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

 

Romans 14:13

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

 

Jude 17-19

A Call to Persevere

17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

 

And, they leave you with a call to action.

CTA: Let’s all just practice kindness and grace

 

Episode 210: Outreach: The Power of God in Everyday Life

A note from your hosts...

 

We are inching our way to adding video to our podcast! 

Yes, it's true. It is taking us forever (mainly because we don't know tech and we don't have the funds to buy fancy equipment and hire someone to do it for us....ha ha. But, we are getting there. Your contribution (no matter the size) helps us tremendously and brings smiles to our faces. ;0)

 

So, if you LOVE the podcast...if you look forward to Wednesdays because you are pretty sure there will be a new episode...

 

Become a Humor Contributor by donating $5 per month or a one-time gift of any amount. Click here to go to Tracy's website and help us offset the cost of producing weekly episodes for your binging pleasure and personal growth.

 

Funds collected from our Humor Contributors are used for:

• monthly platform fees
• email service fees
• editing costs
• equipment upgrades
• And...we are adding video to this podcast ASAP!

If you look forward to each episode, please help us keep going and growing by crossing over from Humor Consumer to Humor Contributor. 

 

Thank you so much!

Tracy and Cathrine

 

Now back to the next episode...

 

Join comedian Tracy DeGraaf and co-host Cathrine in this engaging episode of the "Life Happens, Laugh, Anyway" podcast as they explore the topic of outreach in everyday life and Christian ministry.

Discover what outreach really means and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. Through personal stories, humor, and insightful discussions, Tracy and Cathrine offer a fresh perspective on why outreach is essential and how anyone can be a part of it.

Together, they recount experiences of being "reach-er-outers," from mission trips and community service to creative outreach ideas like "egging houses" during Easter. They emphasize how outreach is more than just a service project; it's about being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

Listen in as they dive into the spiritual and personal fulfillment that comes from outreach, the role of comedy in connecting with people, and how everyone, regardless of their profession or calling, can contribute to God's work. This episode is filled with laughter, warmth, and encouragement to use your unique gifts to make a difference in the world.