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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
22 minutes ago
22 minutes ago
31 min
Five years ago, we sat down with a couple of microphones, no real clue what we were doing, and a simple desire to encourage women through the ups and downs of life.
Fast forward to today...
🎉 270+ episodes later.
🎉 Tens of thousands of downloads (mind blowing)
🎉 Listeners in every U.S. state and around the world (yes...we're still wondering how Singapore found us! 😂).
🎉 Countless laughs, tears, technical glitches, life lessons, and reminders that God is faithful through it all.
In this special listener inspired episode (thank you Val), we're pulling back the curtain on what it's really been like to podcast together for the last five years.
We'll share:
- Why we started the podcast in the first place
- What surprised us most
- Funny behind-the-scenes stories (including recording bloopers!)
- Lessons we've learned about friendship, consistency, and trusting God
Whether you've listened since Episode 1 or you're brand new, we're so grateful you're part of the Life Happens, Laugh Anyway family.
Thank you for showing up mostly each week, laughing with us, crying with us, and reminding us that none of us has to do life alone.
Our Biggest Takeaway
You don't have to be famous, have the perfect equipment, or know exactly what you're doing to make a difference.
Sometimes God simply asks us to keep showing up.
We'd Love to Hear From You
How long have you been listening?
Did you find us through a friend...or did you stumble across us by accident?
Send us a message and let us know! We love hearing your stories.
If You Enjoyed This Episode…
⭐ Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
⭐ Leave us a review. It helps more women discover the show.
⭐ Share this episode with a friend who could use a little encouragement and a good laugh.
Scripture for Today
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." — Proverbs 3:5-6
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9
Connect with Tracy
🌐 Website: tracydegraaf.com
🎤 Book Tracy for your next women's event, conference, fundraiser, or outreach.
📚 Check out Tracy's book and comedy special (on Amazon Prime).
🎧 Follow Life Happens Laugh Anyway wherever you listen to podcasts.
Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
52 min
LIFE HAPPENS, GRIEVE ANYWAY
Grief isn't just something we experience after losing a loved one. We grieve broken relationships, lost dreams, health challenges, career changes, empty nests, beloved pets, and seasons of life that don't turn out the way we expected.
In this episode, Tracy is joined by special guest and substitute co-host Valerie DeGraaf for an honest conversation about the many faces of grief through two different generations. Together they share personal stories, practical encouragement, and biblical hope for anyone walking through a season of loss.
You'll hear:
- Why grief is bigger than death
- How different generations experience grief
- Practical ways to care for yourself using the DEER acronym (Drink, Eat, Exercise, Rest)
- Why gratitude doesn't erase grief—but can become an anchor in the middle of it
- Why it's okay to cry, feel deeply, and stop apologizing for your emotions
- The powerful reminder that Jesus Himself wept
Whether you're grieving a recent loss or carrying a hurt that's been with you for years, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone and that God meets us right where we are.
Key Scriptures:
- John 11:35 — "Jesus wept."
- Psalm 34:18 — "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Takeaways:
- Grief is a normal response to loss.
- Gratitude can anchor us without minimizing our pain.
- God doesn't ask us to hide our emotions—He invites us to bring them to Him.
This Week's Challenge:
If you're grieving, give yourself permission to grieve. Stop apologizing for having emotions. Take care of yourself, lean into God's presence, and remember that healing is a journey, not a race.
If this episode encouraged you, would you share it with someone who may need a little hope today? And if you haven't already, we'd love for you to follow the podcast and leave us a review—it helps more people discover the encouragement and laughter we're passionate about sharing.
Because life happens... but with God's help, we can keep moving forward—one faithful step at a time.
Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
33 min
🧠🎨 Left Brain vs. Right Brain: Why We Need Both
Are you the person who plans every minute of vacation... or are you happy to hop in the car and see where the day takes you? 🚗🗺️
In this episode, Cathrine and Tracy dive into the classic "left brain vs. right brain" conversation. While modern science says our brains don't work quite this simply, many of us naturally lean toward being more analytical or more creative. Either way, God has wired each of us with unique strengths.
You'll hear:
✨ A fun summary of a magazine article comparing left-brained and right-brained personalities
🖼️ Why Cathrine reads every museum plaque while Tracy is ready for the gift shop
🛒 Grocery shopping styles that couldn't be more different
🗺️ Why Cathrine can actually read a paper map (a true superpower!)
😂 Tracy's "Spacey Tracy" stories from childhood
👩⚕️ Why you definitely don't want Tracy as your nurse
📐 The five-page engineering math problem that convinced Tracy she made the right career choice
🌉 Why Tracy is forever grateful for left-brained people who build bridges that don't collapse
Most importantly, we're reminded that God didn't make us all the same. Our differences aren't flaws to fix—they're gifts to celebrate. ❤️
📖 Scripture: Psalm 139:14
💬 Call to Action: This week, think of someone whose brain works completely differently than yours. Instead of being frustrated by your differences, thank God for the unique gifts they bring to your family, workplace, church, or friendships. Be patient with people who are different than you.
🎙️ Because life happens... and sometimes the planner and the dreamer make the very best team. 💙
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
26 min
🎙️ Episode 272: Sarah's Oil Movie Review ⛽🛢️⭐
Have you ever watched a movie and then immediately started Googling because you realized there was a whole chapter of history you never learned in school? 🤯 That's exactly what happened to us after watching Sarah's Oil!
This week, Cathrine, Emily, and Tracy discuss the inspiring true story of Sarah Rector, a young Black girl whose seemingly worthless land turned out to contain a fortune in oil. Along the way, we explore African American history ✊🏾, Native American history 🪶, the Oklahoma oil boom 🛢️, and the surprising connections between them.
In this episode, we discuss:
✨ Cathrine's summary of the film
⭐ Our personal movie ratings (1–5 stars)
🤔 What we learned from Sarah's story
😲 What surprised us most
❤️ Our favorite moments from the movie
📚 The history behind the Creek Freedmen
💰 The blessings and burdens of sudden wealth
🙏 Faith, perseverance, and purpose
Questions we explore:
❓ What would you do if oil was discovered in your backyard?
❓ Why isn't this story more widely known?
❓ How does God use unexpected people and circumstances?
❓ What can Sarah's story teach us today?
Our Biggest Takeaway:
🌱 Sometimes the things the world overlooks become the very things God uses for His greatest purposes.
Scripture Mentioned:
📖 "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." — Psalm 118:22
We'd Love to Hear From You!
🎬 Have you seen Sarah's Oil?
📚 What's a movie based on a true story that taught you something you never learned in school?
Connect with us:
💻 Life Happens, Laugh Anyway Podcast
Thanks for listening! 💕
Remember...
🎙️ Life Happens. Laugh Anyway. 😄❤️
Jun 3, 2026
May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
26 min
1️⃣ The kind you choose.
2️⃣ The kind that just happens.
✅ Why change reminds us we were never meant to stay the same
✅ How life transitions expose what we’re really trusting
✅ Why some of life’s sweetest blessings arrive disguised as change
✅ Funny reflections on aging, priorities, and orthopedic shoes 👟😂
✅ How the brain actually responds to uncertainty and change 🧠
✅ Encouragement for anyone walking through a difficult season right now.
What change has been hardest for you in this season of life?
Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Researchers say our brains are wired to prefer certainty, so change can actually trigger stress and emotional responses. But the brain is also incredibly adaptable through something called neuroplasticity — meaning growth and healing can happen even during difficult transitions.
“At 25 we wanted adventure. At 55 we want orthopedic shoes.”
Life changes… God doesn’t. ❤️
May 20, 2026
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
46 min
🎙️ Episode 268: “A Nostalgic Look Back in Time”
😂 A hilarious walk down memory lane for Gen X, Boomers, exhausted moms, and anyone born before Wi-Fi.
This week on the Life Happens, Laugh Anyway podcast, Tracy and Cathrine dive headfirst into the weird, wonderful, mildly dangerous world of growing up before smartphones, streaming, GPS and Amazon Prime. 😂
If you ever:
📼 taped over a family wedding with a sitcom
☎️ memorized phone numbers
🚬 survived smoking sections in restaurants
🗺️ got lost trying to follow directions to turn at the big tree
📞 slammed a phone down dramatically
📚 used encyclopedias for homework
…this episode is basically group therapy.
⸻
😂 In This Episode:
☎️ Technology Trauma
Remember:
- Busy signals
- Party lines
- Call waiting
- Answering machines
- Dial-up internet screaming like a demon before connecting
- Quietly picking up another phone to spy on your sibling’s conversation 👀
And if you liked someone?
You risked calling their HOUSE and having their dad answer. 😳
⸻
🗺️ MapQuest & Getting Lost
Before GPS:
- You printed 14 pages of directions
- Missed turns were permanent
- Gas stations WERE customer service centers
- Getting lost was just… part of life 😂
Plus:
🚗 Ron refusing to use our first Garmin
🧭 Family road trip disasters
⸻
📼 TV Was a Commitment
Kids today binge watch.
We waited an entire WEEK to find out who shot JR.
We discuss:
- VCR programming requiring NASA-level intelligence
- Accidentally recording over precious family memories
- Antennas wrapped in aluminum foil
- Three channels… and only two worked 😂
- NO REMOTE CONTROLS
⸻
🚬 Things That Were Weirdly Normal
Why WAS there smoking everywhere?!
We talk about:
- Smoking sections at restaurants 🍳
- Ashtrays at McDonald’s 🍟
- Smoking on airplanes ✈️
- Parents smoking in the car with the windows up 😭
⸻
✨ 3 Takeaways
1️⃣ Every generation thinks theirs was normal
…and then you remember hospitals had smoking sections. 😳
2️⃣ Convenience changed us
Life is easier now…
but maybe we lost a little patience, resilience and problem-solving along the way.
3️⃣ Nostalgia reminds us to laugh
Sometimes looking back at the ridiculousness of life is just plain FUN.
⸻
❤️ Spiritual Encouragement
Every generation has struggles.
Today’s kids may never understand our weird childhood experiences… but they’re navigating challenges we never faced too.
📖 Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV)
“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.”
⸻
📣 We Want to Hear From You!
What’s something young people today will NEVER understand? 😂
Send us:
📞 Dial-up stories
🛍️ Mall culture memories
👩👧 Parenting differences
📼 VHS disasters
📬 Life before Amazon
Email Tracy at:
📧 tracy@tracydegraaf.com
⸻
🎧 Listen, laugh and subscribe to Life Happens, Laugh Anyway wherever you get your podcasts!
May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
33 min
🎙️ Episode 267: Wise Decision Making
How to Know if a Decision Lines Up with God’s Will
🎧 OPENING
We all have decisions to make:
- Big ones
- Small ones
- Emotional ones
- Expensive ones 😅
- And sometimes decisions that keep us awake at 2 a.m. replaying imaginary conversations.
Today we’re talking about:
👉 How do you make a wise decision that truly lines up with God’s will?
Not just:
“What do I WANT to do?”
But:
“What would HONOR God?”
Inspired by the teaching of
Charles Stanley
I. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
These questions become a filter for wise decision-making.
1. Does this fit who I am as a Christian?
📖 Identity matters.
If you belong to Christ, every decision reflects that identity.
2. Does this fit God’s overall plan for my life?
Sometimes a “good” opportunity is still the wrong direction.
💬 Discuss:
- calling
- priorities
- season of life
- stewardship
3. Is this decision in agreement with the Word of God?
👉 God’s will ALWAYS matches God’s Word.
If Scripture clearly says no…
we don’t need to keep praying hoping for a different answer 😅
4. Will this decision honor God?
Not:
- “Can I get away with it?”
But: - “Does this glorify Him?”
📖 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
5. Is it a wise decision? What are the consequences?
Talk about:
- short-term emotion vs long-term impact
- wisdom vs impulse
- consequences spiritually, emotionally, financially, relationally
6. Can I honestly ask God to enable me to achieve it?
That’s such a revealing question.
💬 If we’re embarrassed to pray about it…that tells us something.
7. Do I have genuine peace about this decision?
Not excitement.
Not adrenaline.
Not panic relief.
👉 REAL peace.
8. Will this decision result in unrest and regret for the rest of my life?
This is powerful.
Talk about:
- living with integrity
- future consequences
- avoiding avoidable regret
9. Can I expect God to reward me for this decision?
📖 God honors obedience.
Not always immediately.
But always eternally.
II. 7 STEPS TO MAKING A DECISION
1. Clear the pathway
Confess sin.
Remove barriers between you and God.
📖 Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God…”
💬 Sin clouds discernment.
2. Bring your desires into neutrality
Commit yourself to doing God’s will—even if it’s not your preferred outcome.
This one is HARD. Because usually we already know what we WANT God to say 😅
3. Be patient and submit to His timing
📖 1 Chronicles 14:14–15
David waited for God’s instruction instead of rushing ahead.
💬 Waiting is not punishment.
Waiting is preparation.
4. Be aware of outside pressure
Family.
Friends.
Culture.
Social media.
Fear of disappointing people.
📖 2 Samuel 7:3
Even good people can sometimes give premature advice.
5. Persist in prayer
Not one emotional prayer.
👉 Ongoing prayer.
📖 Philippians 4:6–7
God often clarifies direction through continued communion with Him.
6. Rest in God’s peace
📖 Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”
📖 Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
💬 Peace becomes the umpire.
Not pressure.
Not fear.
Not manipulation.
7. WAIT for His Peace
III. OBEDIENCE & TRUST
Sometimes God’s direction:
- won’t make sense immediately
- won’t feel comfortable
- won’t be the easiest option
But obedience and trust go together.
📖 Proverbs 28:26
“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.”
📖 Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
✨ 3 TAKEAWAYS
1. God is not trying to confuse you
He wants to lead you.
2. Peace is often found AFTER surrender
Not before.
3. Wise decisions are usually slow decisions
Impulsive decisions often create unnecessary pain.