The Grit & Grace Podcast
Real Women. Real Conversations. Full Lives.
Because no one's just wearing one hat, and these women are here to talk about all of it.
Hosted by Dana Lyons, The Grit & Grace Podcast brings you real, unfiltered conversations with women who are leading, building, navigating change, and living busy, multi-faceted lives. These aren't just interviews. They're honest, life-giving conversations about what it means to show up with faith, courage, and purpose, through every season and assignment.
From building businesses without losing yourself, to balancing marriage, motherhood, and ambition, to walking through menopause and midlife shifts with boldness and grace, this podcast is for women who are done living small.
What you'll hear:
–Bold steps outside comfort zones
–Stories of reinvention, risk, and renewal
–Career pivots, personal growth, and purpose-driven leadership
–Faith-forward wisdom for navigating business and life
–The messy, meaningful behind-the-scenes that don't make it to Instagram–but
matter the most.
If you're looking for insight, encouragement, and the kind of truth that doesn't need a filter, you're in the right place.
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The Grit & Grace Podcast
Community Isn’t Automatic: How to Build Real Connection | Lori Haraldsen #7 | Grit & Grace
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Community doesn’t just happen—and meaningful connection takes intention.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected, disappointed by relationships, or unsure how to truly belong again, this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with Lori Harreldsen, entrepreneur, community builder, and CEO of Valor Connect, for an honest and powerful conversation about what it really takes to build authentic community.
After moving back to Oregon following nearly 20 years away, Lori found herself starting over—knowing almost no one. Rather than waiting to be invited in, she intentionally rebuilt connection from the ground up through curiosity, courage, clarity around values, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone.
This conversation goes far beyond networking or surface-level relationships. It explores the deeper emotional work of rebuilding trust, choosing healthy community, and creating spaces where women support—not compete with—one another.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why community isn’t automatic and why waiting to be included keeps us stuck
- The difference between a comfort zone and a truly safe community
- How to rebuild connection after relational hurt or betrayal
- Why knowing your values helps you choose the right yes—and the right no
- How women can stop competing and start championing one another
- How small, honest conversations can lead to meaningful, lasting relationships
If you’re craving deeper connection, feeling the weight of isolation, or wondering how to begin again, this episode will meet you right where you are.
Connect with Lori Harreldsen:
Email: loriharaldsen@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-haraldsen/
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🎧 Follow The Grit & Grace Podcast for conversations on leadership, resilience, faith, purpose, and building a life rooted in courage and connection.
