
My Southern Godmother
My Southern Godmother is a cross-generational, faith-based podcast designed to help you navigate the ups and downs of life. Hosted by Debbie French (70-something) and Jena Dunay (30-something).We'll learn what it looks like to walk with Jesus through all seasons of life - from those that have lived it. So if you’re feeling discouraged in this season. Or you’re looking for some encouragement. Or just some inspiration to re-engage your faith.You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to My Southern Godmother.
Latest episodes

Apr 30, 2025 • 30min
17. How to Stop Feeling Shame About Your Past
It's really easy to sit in your past or worry about your future. On today's episode, we talk about removing shame and entering into the new things God has for your life. We also have a giggle about:"socially acceptable sins"tornadosJena's lack of gardening knowledgeIf you've ever dwelled on the past, sat in shame, or dwelled on all the bad things in your life - this episode is for you.QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Where are you dwelling in the past and is it distorting your vision of new growth in your life?-----Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Apr 23, 2025 • 33min
16. Listen if You Need a Reminder that God Cares for You
WE ARE BACK! After Jena took some time to welcome her son into the world, we are back and ready to share more encouraging stories of God's goodness. On today's episode:Jena shares Beckett's birth storyDebbie shares what she's been up to How to balance joy and sorrowDo you believe that God loves you?We missed y'all and are so glad to be back recording. QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Where are you not believing that you are loved? What cares do you need to fling into the arms of Jesus?-----Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Dec 23, 2024 • 36min
15. How to Host Without Stress This Christmas
Merry Christmas y'all! Thank you for joining us this year on the My Southern Godmother journey. In today's episode we talk about settling into the Christmas season and not getting wrapped up in all the pomp and circumstance, but rather sitting at the feet of the King. We also share some updates on the future of MSG and what's ahead for 2025! --Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Dec 19, 2024 • 33min
14. How to Make and Keep Friendships as an Adult
This episode is so practical. Jena and Debbie talk about the importance of female friendships, how to identify a good friend, and when it's time to reevaluate some relationships in your life. We also talk about Steel Magnolias, Christmas preparation, and the benefits of cross-generational friendships.QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How can I be a better friend to the friend's that I have?--Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Dec 5, 2024 • 35min
13. Do You Miss God's Presence Because You're in a Hurry?
Ever wonder if God is there? Like, does he really see YOU? Debbie asks a thoughtful question using the story of the Road to Emmaus that pushes back at this fear: "How many times do you sense the presence of Jesus, but you're in a hurry?"It's a doozy folks! Especially as we enter the Christmas season which seems like busy busy is the name of the game, Debbie reminds us that pausing to be with Jesus is the best thing we can do.(Plus! We'll give you some laughs as Jena shares her potty training woes!)--Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Nov 21, 2024 • 35min
12. Are You In a Hidden Season? Listen to This.
Did you ever play hide & seek when you were little?Debbie shares a story of hide & seek that will help you see God in a different light. Especially if you are in a season of "hiddenness", this episode will be encouraging, thought-provoking and fun.QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What does it mean to seek God?---Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Nov 14, 2024 • 33min
11. How to Figure Out God's Purpose for Your Life
A couple of weeks ago, we talked about getting out of the PEWS and into your PURPOSE. But what does that mean? How do you uncover God's purpose for your life? In this episode, we talk about:Different purposes in different seasonsSpiritual Gifts vs. TalentsChatGPT (which hilariously Jena ALSO got wrong) Practical ways to live out your purposeQUESTION OF THE WEEK: How will you use your talents or spiritual gifts today?---Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Nov 7, 2024 • 33min
10. What Does It Mean to Wait on God?
Waiting is hard. Maybe you're waiting on a job. Or good health news. Or a baby. Or a spouse. Or breakthrough in your marriage. Everybody is waiting on something.But, what does it mean to wait thou only on God? Debbie tells a story of waiting that will change your perspective on how to wait well.QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What are you waiting for? And how are you waiting? Do you wish you could shift the way you wait?-- Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!

Oct 30, 2024 • 40min
9. How to Read the Bible (Even if You Aren't a Theologian)
Anyone else feel intimidated by the Bible? Or maybe you've quit reading it altogether because it just feels so overwhelming. In today's episode, Debbie walks through how she reads the Bible and we discuss practical ways to walk through Scripture. This is a really practical episode that we know will be extremely helpful in your spiritual formation! Resources Mentioned:The Bible RecapLectio DivinaThe Bible ProjectQUESTION OF THE WEEK: What is one thing you're going to implement this week? How do you read the Bible? (psst! we want to know! email us at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com)-- Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear how you read the Bible!

Oct 24, 2024 • 33min
8. The #1 Reason Why Women Aren't Flourishing
If you feel like you're just going through the motions of life - this episode is for you. Debbie gives us a great framework for how to get out of the PEWS and into God's PURPOSE no matter how he has gifted you. You'll leave this episode feeling inspired to ask God how he has wired you and feeling compelled to use those gifts for His glory.QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do you feel as if you're growing and flourishing? Are you willing to let God transplant you?-- Are you encouraged by these episodes? Here's how you can help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:Leave us a review and make sure you subscribe!Share with a friendShare with the Women's Director at your churchShoot us an email at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com - we'd love to hear your God stories!