Girls in Real Life

Have you ever felt stuck between where you are and where you know you're meant to be? In this episode of Girls in Real Life, we’re talking about the tension of the in-between—the place where your dreams feel close but not quite reality. I’m sharing my personal story of navigating the highs of living glimpses of my dreams, and the lows of returning to my reality afterward. We’ll unpack: Why the in-between seasons feel so painful What Joseph’s story teaches us about the in-between  The reality of balancing your aspirations with your current responsibilities 5 ways to stay hopeful when your dreams feel distant If you’re feeling discouraged, impatient, or ready to give up—this is for you. The promise still stands, even when the timeline doesn’t make sense. FOLLOW US:  @girlsirlpod   @mariahclayton_  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to be notified when new episodes drop every Monday!

When life takes an unexpected turn, how do you respond? In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with my husband, Justin, to share the full story of when we found out we were pregnant. You’ve heard my side before, but this time you’ll hear an honest discussion between us about how he felt, the fears he carried, and how he navigated the uncertainty of our future. We’re talking about the raw emotions that come with big life changes—the joy, the shock, and even the silent struggles we don’t always share out loud. Justin opens up about what it was like watching me change during pregnancy, balancing his emotions while helping me carry mine, and stepping into fatherhood sooner than expected. Whether you’re in a relationship, navigating your own unexpected season, or curious about how couples grow through challenges, we hope this conversation encourages you to create space for honesty, grace, and faith in your own life. FOLLOW US:  @girlsirlpod  @mariahclayton_  Don't forget to leave a 5 star review! 

Five years ago, I sat behind a mic with a heart full of hope and a voice still learning what it wanted to say. I didn’t know who would listen. I didn’t know where this journey would lead. But here we are five years later and somehow, you’ve stayed. In this very special anniversary episode, I’m taking you behind the mic to share the full story: how Girls in Real Life began, the ways we’ve grown together, and the lessons God has taught me along the way.  Thank you for being part of this story. The best is still ahead. Follow Us:  @girlsirlpod @mariahclayton_ Don't forget to leave a 5 star rating! 

Happy Monday girlies! In this week’s episode, we’re dismantling the pressure to “figure it all out” and rethinking what purpose really means in a world obsessed with hustle, titles, and perfectly packaged callings. I share my personal journey with purpose, including the fear I carried for years about missing God’s calling on my life — and the peace I found in realizing that purpose isn’t one thing, it’s everything. We’ll explore why so many of us feel stuck, lost, or confused when it comes to our calling, and how culture has twisted the meaning of purpose into a goal we chase instead of a life we embody. Using reflections from the book of Ecclesiastes, real-life stories, and spiritual truths, this episode is your invitation to stop striving and start surrendering. Whether you're feeling behind, unsure of your next step, or overwhelmed by “not knowing,” this one’s for you. FOLLOW US:  @girlsirlpod  @mariahclayton_  Don't forget to leave a 5 star rating!