Episodes

  • 8 things I've learned since becoming a mom with Mallory Riddaugh

    8 things I've learned since becoming a mom with Mallory Riddaugh
    Jul 22 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with my sweet friend Mallory Riddaugh—one of my go-to girls for all things motherhood—and we got real about the highs, lows, and holy chaos of being a mom. Mallory shared 8 incredible lessons she’s learned since becoming a mama (trust me, they are GOLD), and we chatted about everything from surviving the newborn days to choosing joy in the trenches. We laughed (a lot), maybe cried a little, and kept it super honest about how God has used motherhood to absolutely reshape our hearts. Whether you're eight months pregnant, holding a fussy baby, or just dreaming about motherhood one day, we hope this convo reminds you that you're not alone—and you’re doing better than you think. In This Episode Why We Almost Started a Mom Podcast Motherhood Friendship & Advice Exchange The Podcast We Never Made: Not Your Mother’s Meet the Riddles: Mallory’s Family + Background From Teacher to Instagram Mom Life One Hard Thing a Day: Mental Health in the Newborn Stage Lesson #1: “Hard” Doesn’t Mean “Wrong” Tolerating Hard Feelings Is a Mom Superpower Finding Humor in the Chaos Lesson #2: Who You Marry Affects Motherhood Night Shifts, Diapers, and Dream Teammates Lesson #3: If It's Not In Your Life, It Won't Be In Your Kid's Lives Lesson #4: The Mental Load Is Real Lesson #5: No One Knows What They Are Doing Lesson #6: It's An Incredible Use of Your Time Lesson #7: It's Ok To Not LOVE Your Post-Birth Body. But Be Proud. Lesson #8: Mom Anxiety is Real. Joy Is a Choice When It’s Hard to Like the Season You’re In Mom Hacks & Laugh-Out-Loud Moments Encouragement for the New Mama Follow Mallory Instagram If you’d like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our ⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠ form! Follow us! 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthegirl___ https://www.instagram.com/macleighbridges/ https://www.instagram.com/kenzraedurham/ Subscribe! 🍏⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠ 🎧⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ 📹⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • The #1 Thing That Changed Our Marriage for the Better with Mac's Husband

    The #1 Thing That Changed Our Marriage for the Better with Mac's Husband
    Jul 15 2025
    In Part 2 of my convo with Tyler, we’re diving into the number one thing that has completely transformed our marriage. It’s something we’re deeply passionate about—and honestly, it might surprise you. We reflect on how we went from Netflix nights to stepping into something that gave our relationship new purpose and depth. We share the story of how it all began, what we’ve learned along the way, and how it continues to challenge and shape us. Whether you're single, dating, or married, we hope this episode encourages you to think about what it could look like to say “yes” to something bigger—together. In This Episode Why Serving Together Matters Backstory: How We Got the Heart to Serve The Boredom That Sparked Purpose Our Call to Young Life and Choosing Butler A Text, a Taco Spot, and a God Moment Saying Yes to Something Bigger The Reality of Doing Ministry Alone From One Kid to Many: The Power of Showing Up Marriage, Ministry, and the Trench Moments When It’s Not Glamorous — But It’s So Worth It Camp Stories and Catching the Vision When It’s Not Easy to Keep Going Why Showing Up Matters More Than Being Perfect How Ministry Reshaped Our Marriage What We’d Say to Couples Wanting to Do Ministry Together A Word for the Girl Who’s Waiting on Her Person Final Thoughts + The Real Heart Behind It All Mac’s Closing Prayer Resources Mentioned Check out Younglife.org to learn more about what they are doing and how to partner with them! If you’d like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our ⁠Advertise With Us⁠ form! Follow us! 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthegirl___ https://www.instagram.com/macleighbridges/ https://www.instagram.com/kenzraedurham/ Subscribe! 🍏⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠ 🎧⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ 📹⁠⁠Youtube⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • A Real-Life Rom-Com: Mac & Tyler's Story!

    A Real-Life Rom-Com: Mac & Tyler's Story!
    Jul 8 2025
    In this hilarious and very transparent episode, Mac invites her husband Tyler onto the podcast to finally share their full love story! From an age-gap romance and a snowstorm to a Zoom dating event with 300 women watching, this episode is packed with all the juicy, awkward, and sweet moments that brought them together. Whether you're single and waiting, dating with questions, or just love a good rom-com plot—this one's for you. We had so much fun recording this one and we hope you love it. In This Episode [00:00] Studio Shenanigans – Bare feet and backup co-host vibes [03:00] Why We’re Sharing This Now – Finally telling the full story [04:00] Mac’s Backstory – Single, 28, and living in her parents’ basement [07:00] Tyler’s Backstory – 21, heartbroken, and figuring it out in college [12:00] Virtual Fate – The Zoom call that changed everything [17:00] One Hour Before the Call... – Mac ends another relationship [20:00] The Zoom Date – Tyler’s moment to shine (and Mac takes notice) [23:00] Group Text Beginnings – Mac makes the first move 👏 [27:00] Talking, Dating & DTRs – Texts, FaceTimes, and visiting Nashville [35:00] Long-Distance + Big Conversations – What made them say yes [41:00] From “Too Young” to “This is My Husband” – Letting go of expectations [46:00] What We’ve Learned in Marriage – Honesty, humor, and God’s faithfulness If you’d like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form! Follow us! 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthegirl___ https://www.instagram.com/macleighbridges/ https://www.instagram.com/kenzraedurham/ Subscribe! 🍏⁠Apple⁠ 🎧⁠Spotify⁠ 📹⁠Youtube⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Learning How to Love Your Life Even When You Don't Like It with Rachel Awtrey

    Learning How to Love Your Life Even When You Don't Like It with Rachel Awtrey
    Jul 1 2025
    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 Instagram Podcast: Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey Pre-Order Rachel's Book Follow us! 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthegirl___ https://www.instagram.com/macleighbridges/ https://www.instagram.com/kenzraedurham/ Subscribe! 🍏Apple 🎧Spotify 📹Youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • Dating Part 2 - Younger Guys, First Moves & Red Flags

    Dating Part 2 - Younger Guys, First Moves & Red Flags
    Jun 24 2025
    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 Follow Us! 📸Instagram: ⁠For The Girl⁠ ⁠Mac Bridges⁠ ⁠Kenz Durham⁠ Subscribe! 🍏⁠Apple⁠ 🎧⁠Spotify⁠ 📹⁠Youtube⁠ 📪⁠Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Dating Part 1 – Big Sister Dating Advice, Situationships & Making a Move

    Dating Part 1 – Big Sister Dating Advice, Situationships & Making a Move
    Jun 17 2025
    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 Follow Us! 📸Instagram: For The Girl Mac Bridges Kenz Durham Subscribe! 🍏Apple 🎧Spotify 📹Youtube 📪Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • How to Live with Purpose in Every Season of Life with Megan Holmes

    How to Live with Purpose in Every Season of Life with Megan Holmes
    Jun 10 2025
    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” Follow Us! 📸Instagram: For The Girl Mac Bridges Kenz Durham Subscribe! 🍏Apple 🎧Spotify 📹Youtube 📪Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • People We Look Up To — And Why!

    People We Look Up To — And Why!
    Jun 3 2025
    Hey girls! We’re getting real today (and yeah, a little exposed!) about our biggest money mistakes and what we’ve learned about stewarding our finances with faith, wisdom, and a whole lot of grace. From surprise IRS letters and tanked credit scores to paying off student loans and learning to live within our means, we’re sharing the honest stories that shaped our financial journeys. Plus, have some major money tips for the single girl. 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 Follow Us! 📸Instagram: ⁠For The Girl⁠ ⁠Mac Bridges⁠ ⁠Kenz Durham⁠ Subscribe! 🍏⁠Apple⁠ 🎧⁠Spotify⁠ 📹⁠Youtube⁠ 📪⁠Newsletter⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins