

My Southern Godmother
Jena Dunay & Debbie French
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 4, 2025 • 31min
21. Safe, Seen & Loved: What Every Woman Needs to Hear
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that God actually loves us.We say it. We sing it. We know the verses. But deep down? Many of us still wrestle to believe it’s true—for us.This week on My Southern Godmother, Jena and Debbie talk honestly about what it means to be loved by God—and why it’s so hard to grasp sometimes.In this episode:Mother’s Day reflections (and why it’s a complicated day for many women)The cracks in our hearts where God’s love wants to goWhy “Even if…” faith matters more than “What if…” fearHow to build a home where love is felt, seen, and safe---Encouraged by this episode? Help us spread the My Southern Godmother message:✅ Leave a review and subscribe 📤 Share this episode with a friend who’s feeling weary 👩👧 Share it with the Women’s Director at your church 📬 Email us at mysoutherngodmother@gmail.com—tell us your God stories or what stood out to you in this episode!

May 21, 2025 • 32min
20. Do You Need Help Believing in Jesus?
We believe a crazy thing. We believe that a man died on a cross to save us from our sins and then three days later he rose from the dead to conquer death. It's a crazy thing. But if we really believe that.... If we really believe that God did this because He loves us - it changes everything. This week Debbie and Jena talk about:- Funny things they believed forever that weren't true (involves pickles and Italian names and French babies!)- Faith isn't based on what we feel- Scriptures to help you with your unbeliefQUESTION: Where do you need to reevaluate what you believe?P.S. We had some audio issues this week, so bear with us!---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!

May 14, 2025 • 42min
19. What to Do When the Storms of Life Come
Life's storms can hit unexpectedly, and this conversation dives deep into personal experiences of overcoming adversity. From battles with eating disorders to the challenges of job loss, the hosts share heartfelt journeys of resilience. They reflect on the power of supportive friendships and faith during tough times, while also exploring the roles of community and social media in building connections. Lighthearted anecdotes mix with profound insights, making this a comforting listen for anyone facing their own storms.

May 7, 2025 • 39min
18. Our First Guest! Having Faith Amidst a Health Crisis
What an episode!We bring our first guest Southern Godmother on the podcast - Maria - to talk through her cancer journey and how the Lord was near through it all.Even if you aren't in the midst of a health crisis, this episode will encourage you to believe in God's goodness, come nearer to Him, and have hope for your future. --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 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!