Because Joy is Part of the Journey Too: Friendsgiving in Chicago

Paris with Ed Lance

In the closing episode, award-winning author Tracy Lance sits down with her husband Ed Lance, the living proof that healing can lead to joy, partnership, and peace. Ed shares his own journey through hardship, perseverance, and growth, offering insight into the lessons that shaped the man he is today. Now thriving in his success and grounded in purpose, Ed reflects on love, resilience, and what it means to build something healthy after surviving hard seasons. Together, Tracy and Ed speak openly about finding one another after the fire, not as a fairytale ending, but as a hard-earned, intentional love rooted in trust, faith, and mutual respect. This episode serves as a powerful close to the series, reminding listeners that survival is only part of the story… joy is allowed too.

Cape Elizabeth with Gaylon

In one of the most powerful episodes, award-winning author Tracy Lance sits with Dr. Gaylon A, a woman whose life reflects both unimaginable survival and uncompromising purpose. Gaylon shares her journey through domestic abuse, sexual assault, and kidnapping, speaking with clarity, strength, and intention. Rather than being defined by what she endured, she reveals how those experiences shaped her commitment to justice, healing, and advocacy. Today, she stands as a women’s rights activist, fair housing advocate, mother, and abortion doula, fiercely dedicated to protecting the autonomy and dignity of others. This episode is not about trauma alone — it is about reclamation, resistance, and redefining power. Gaylon's voice is a reminder that survival is not silent, and healing can become a movement.

Chicago with Thelma

Award-winning author Tracy Lance welcomes Dr. Thelma Wiley-Lucas, a distinguished gastrointestinal doctor whose journey is rooted in legacy, education, and intention. Dr. Wiley-Lucas reflects on growing up, moving from Mississippi to Chicago, and how those early experiences shaped her path toward becoming a highly educated and respected physician. Her story is is rich with purpose, and centered on empowering communities to be proactive about their health rather than reactive. Through practical insight and accessible education, Dr. Wiley-Lucas breaks down the importance of listening to your body, prioritizing preventative care, and advocating for yourself in medical spaces.

The Japanese Tea Gardens with Marilyn

Award-winning author Tracy Lance sits down with Marilyn, owner of Destined to Publish and the writing coach who helped bring Tracy’s voice to the page. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Japanese Tea Garden in Los Angeles, the conversation flows through the heart of the writing process, from finding your voice to honoring your story with care and courage. Marilyn shares invaluable writing tips, practical gems, and honest insight into the discipline, vulnerability, and faith required to complete the writing journey. This episode is a quiet pause in the fire — a reminder that stories are sacred, and when written with intention, they have the power to heal, teach, and transform. Marilyn shows us that every story begins with permission to write it.

Because Joy is Part of the Journey Too: Friendsgiving in Chicago

In this fun-loving, heart-full episode the fire softens and the laughter rises. Recorded during Friendsgiving in Chicago, this special episode is a celebration of sisterhood, true connection, and chosen family. Surrounded by good food, shared stories, and even better energy, Tracy and her circle reflect on what it means to show up for one another — no performance, no pressure, just genuine love and presence. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always happen in heavy conversations… sometimes it happens around a table, between laughs, and in the comfort of being fully seen.