Ready to approach your goals differently after a difficult year? This episode of The Grit Show is your invitation to rethink success, healing, and partnership. Host Shawna Rodrigues is joined by her husband Robie Lawrence as they use their personal experiences with illness, role reversals, and uncertainty to ask: How do you truly support each other when the usual rules no longer apply? Discover a taste of their 20-question framework designed to prompt honest conversations about gratitude, strength, and future visioning. This episode is filled with glimpses of what it takes to build a thriving future when life has knocked you sideways. If you are searching for inspirational yet practical advice on building resilience, improving your relationships, or finding hope in the messy middle, let this engaging discussion plant the seeds for your best year yet.

The 20 Questions for a Year Well Loved are meant as a tool for you to use as well - get your copy at - https://bit.ly/YrWellLoved ($20 OFF for listeners- only $7 until the end of January 2026 with coupon code TGS). Every partnership deserves more connection.

Interested in the conversations (The Grit Show Episodes) that started it all?

Listen here -->

20 Questions for a Year Well Loved -115

Couple's Questionnaire... continued -116

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and copy the link to this episode to share on social media! Tell folks what you got out of it!

Be sure to send this episode to someone who would want to hear it. They'll appreciate you and we appreciate your support!!

“Growth on purpose” isn’t always easy—as Shawna Rodrigues and Robie Lawrence share in this episode of "The Grit Show." They tease out the highs and lows of their past year: a breast cancer battle, uprooting moves, shifting priorities, and the power of communication exercises to keep love thriving. Are 20 questions enough to set up a year of deeper connection and better communication? Maybe not every answer gets fulfilled, but the process itself delivers plenty of surprises. If you’re looking for authentic relationship stories, practical communication tips, or ways to support a loved one through adversity, you’ll find valuable nuggets here. Consider this your invitation to ask yourself—and your partner—the right questions for a more meaningful year ahead. Don’t miss this episode if personal development, emotional connection, and relationship advice are on your search list.

Interested in the conversations (The Grit Show Episodes) that started it all?

Listen here -->

20 Questions for a Year Well Loved -115

Couple's Questionnaire... continued -116

Download the questions ($20 OFF for listeners- only $7 until the end of January 2026 with coupon code TGS) and start your own journey toward a more connected partnership and a year well loved. - https://bit.ly/YrWellLoved

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and copy the link to this episode to share on social media! Tell folks what you got out of it!

Be sure to send this episode to someone who would want to hear it. They'll appreciate you and we appreciate your support!!

Is it possible to truly stick to your New Year’s resolutions? This week, The Grit Show spotlights why big changes feel impossible at the start of every year. Shawna Rodrigues and Dr. Kelly Hamilton, a specialist in organizational psychology, reveal the science of the “fresh start effect,” explore hidden competing agreements, and introduce the Positive Intelligence Framework. These tools help listeners identify why their inner perfectionist, people pleaser, or rebel might be running the show—and what realistic steps can be taken to make real change.

Curious about habit formation and how self-compassion fits in? Tune in for motivational tactics, expert insight, and a fresh perspective that could shake up your approach to personal development and goal setting.

Kelly Hamilton, PhD, is an executive coach, consultant, and organizational psychologist who helps leaders deepen self-awareness so they can lead with greater courage, creativity, and resilience. His coaching blends psychological science with real-world experience, giving clients both the insight and the practical tools to navigate growth, transition, and complexity with more confidence. He works with values-driven leaders who want to grow with intention and lead with greater authenticity and impact.

Before becoming an organizational psychologist, Kelly spent 15 years co-founding and leading media and marketing firms—bringing a pragmatic, entrepreneurial edge to his evidence-based consulting. His research on inclusive leadership and the workplace experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).

Kelly earned his PhD in industrial-organizational psychology from Portland State University and has completed advanced training in the Co-Active coaching model.

Learn more about Kelly:

Instagram: @kellyhamiltonphd

LinkedIn: Kelly Hamilton, PhD

Substack: @kellyhamiltonphd

Interested in taking an assessment on your saboteurs? Find the link in Dr. Hamilton’s Substack Article

Here's the link to the episodes Shawna mentioned:

Episode 31 - with Gin Stephens Intermittent Fasting

Episode 125- with Will Halpin - IFS

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else:

What if discovering your true strengths meant stepping away from something you love? In this powerful episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues opens up about her decision to close the Authentic Connections Podcast Network, exploring the intersection of passion, burnout, and the search for meaningful impact. She weaves in insights from Patrick Lencioni’s “Six Working Geniuses” framework and shares lessons from her journey with breast cancer. Listeners get a teaser of how aligning your “zone of genius” with your mission can change everything and why self-awareness is crucial.

Thinking about career pivots, purpose, or making tough decisions? Tune in to hear how growth can sometimes mean letting go and and learn more about women’s voices in podcasting. Don’t miss this episode if you crave inspiration, career clarity, or honest conversation about following your calling.

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and copy the link to this episode to share on social media! Tell folks what you got out of it!

Be sure to send this episode to someone who would want to hear it. They'll appreciate you and we appreciate your support!!

Is gratitude just something you dust off for Thanksgiving, or could it be a powerful daily practice that actually transforms your mindset? In this episode of The Grit Show, Shawna Rodrigues unpacks how regular gratitude can shift your perspective, revealing the unexpected ways it impacts decision-making and well-being. She shares personal stories—including navigating breast cancer—and offers actionable steps for making gratitude a habit, not just a holiday tradition.

Curious how gratitude can help you break out of toxic positivity, and create more meaningful connections? Tune in for a dose of real talk and practical wisdom that might just change how you look at everyday life.

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and copy the link to this episode to share on social media! Tell folks what you got out of it!

Be sure to send this episode to someone who would want to hear it. They'll appreciate you and we appreciate your support!!

Are you in midlife, staring at a packed closet, wondering why letting go is so tough? In this episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues invites the inspiring writer and creative Vickey Brown to unpack the real reasons behind our attachment to “stuff”—from childhood scarcity mindsets to inherited family blueprints. Discover how downsizing, intentional living, and even being a little “delusional” can open the door to new possibilities.

Curious about how meal planning, clutter, and shifting perspectives can truly transform your life? Tune in to hear practical stories and insightful reflections, all designed to help you make room for what’s next. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking personal growth, emotional healing, and a fresh take on midlife transitions.

Vickey Brown (writing as Ella Shawn)

Vickey Brown is a Southern speculative fiction author, hybrid publisher, and founder of SOMO Publishing House, LLC. Writing under the pen name Ella Shawn, she brings raw, unfiltered conversations on creativity, resilience, and the audacity to take up space in the literary world. Her work centers the complexities of Black womanhood through a sacred, spiritual, and erotic lens.

As a Southern Gothic erotic romance writer, Vickey is determined to "speak, so she can speak again." Heavily influenced by Zora Neale Hurston and William Faulkner, she endeavors to give voice to all the nameless people who were told to be quiet and "keep family secrets in the family." Through her Broken Souls series and as host of the Black Writer Therapy podcast, she champions the stories and lived experiences of unapologetic writers.

She weaves tales of marginalized Southern women through a lens of liberation, creating a sanctuary for discerning readers wise enough to see beyond the ordinary and bold enough to embrace the extraordinary.

Find her work:

• Substack: @vickeyellashawnbrown - My Chaotic Erotic Writer's Life
• Host of Black Writer Therapy podcast
• Author of the Broken Souls series

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

Are your daily habits and influences helping you thrive—or holding you back? In this re-release episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues explores the hidden power of the inputs in your life: everything from playlists and podcasts to friendships and social feeds. Shawna shares her own “input audit” story and offers creative tips for curating what you allow into your world, striking a balance between joy and purpose. She touches on social media, the books you read, and even the TV shows you choose—challenging you to get intentional about your environment. If you’re seeking more positivity, resilience, and authentic connection, this episode’s full of thought-starters and practical takeaways. Discover why your inputs are the seeds you sow for your future. Curious what you might need to shift? Join us and find out.

Other episodes referenced:

Conversation with Justin (61)-

Smash Limiting Belief Systems with These Clear Steps & Conquer Your Fears -61

Conversation with Laurie (54)-

Celebrating Time- The Anniversary of The Grit Show & How to Make/Keep Adult Friendships -54

Conversations with Matt-

Conquer the Stress Cycle & Focus on Your Well-Being- How to Escape Burnout: Part 1 -57

Actionable Solutions, Blissful Rest & Modern Stressors- How to Escape Burnout: Part 2 -58

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and copy the link to this episode to share on social media! Tell folks what you got out of it!

Be sure to send this episode to someone who would want to hear it. They'll appreciate you and we appreciate your support!!

Are you facing a wave of decisions after a breast cancer diagnosis? In this heartfelt episode of The Grit Show, host Shawna Rodrigues peels back the layers of what really matters when breast cancer turns life upside down. Shawna shares her personal journey through a double mastectomy, tips for navigating overwhelming choices, and why knowing your “North Star” is more vital than any research or treatment plan. Listeners will catch insights on single vs. double mastectomy, Oregon’s groundbreaking out-of-state reconstruction access, insurance curveballs, and the real questions every patient should ask before surgery.

Packed with candid storytelling and practical frameworks, this episode offers hope, clarity, and confidence to anyone touched by breast cancer. If you’re looking for support through Breast Cancer Awareness Month, decision-making tools, or just crave real talk about cancer, quality of life, and self-advocacy, you’ll find inspiration here!

As mentioned in this episode, continue the conversation and find more inspiration by listening to: 🎧 Be in the Present – Episode 119

Learn more about BRA Society - Breast Reconstruction Advocacy.

Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show, since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact.

She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @Shawna.Rodrigues | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Follow on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @Shawna.Rodrigues.

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

Really love us and want to show it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and copy the link to this episode to share on social media! Tell folks what you got out of it!

Be sure to send this episode to someone who would want to hear it. They'll appreciate you and we appreciate your support!!