did i talk too much?

step-pivoting into confidence!

GRIT — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:22:35 -0700

Adjunct professor Renda Pettis took her first ballet class when she was 29. Now she teaches her own dance classes at Biola after a successful career as a dancer. Tori and Ariss sat down with Ms. Renda to learn more about her story, her life-changing encounter with dance and how that encounter transformed her confidence. Listen closely, because this episode is packed full of wisdom. We hope that after listening you’ll be convinced to try some form of dance or even sign up for Ms. Renda’s class (although it’s probably already full).

Resources:

Momentum Dance–Yorba Linda

*Instagrams:

@tori.beth.koetsier

@ariss__20

@violetvanderkooi

i feel lonely

GRIT — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:38:28 -0700

Tori and Ariss are excited to welcome Anjuli Paschall to the podcast to talk about loneliness. We hope her name sounds familiar to you because she was a main speaker at Torrey Conference in the fall. Anjuli shares her encounter with loneliness when she was a college student and takes us through her liturgy of loneliness in her book, Feel. She encourages us to be curious about our loneliness rather than avoiding it. *Side note: we encountered multiple technical difficulties during the recording of this episode so we apologize for any muffled audio you may hear.*

Resources:

Biola Counseling Center

Center for Marriage and Relationships

*Instagrams:

@tori.beth.koetsier

@ariss__20

@violetvanderkooi

unhealthy relationships?

GRIT — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:56:00 -0800

Tori and Ariss are thrilled to welcome back Willa Williams to the pod for a conversation about relationships—the good and the bad. Willa discusses the ways in which Christians can overcomplicate dating & breaks down what a good break up looks like. We hope that you learn from Willa’s wisdom and are encouraged to invite the Lord into all of your relationships!

Resources:

Biola Counseling Center

Center for Marriage and Relationships

*Instagrams:

@tori.beth.koetsier

@ariss__20

@violetvanderkooi

naked and unashamed

GRIT — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:19:44 -0800

In this episode, Tori talks to Nicoletta Bradley, a Christian fitness influencer, CEO of Noble, a faith and fitness ministry, and co-host of the “Call Her Holy” podcast. Nicoletta shares how she overcame multiple eating disorders and a negative body image through reading scripture. She dispels lies from the enemy and culture that say women should feel ashamed of their bodies.

Where to find Nicoletta!

Instagram: @nicolettabradley

CHH Podcast - Apple

CHH Podcast - Spotify

Noble Website!

Resources:

Biola Counseling Center

Pastoral Care

Spiritual Direction

& the grit team!

*instagrams:

@tori.beth.koetsier

@ariss__20

@naylahhjobe

hidden hardships

GRIT — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:44:48 -0800

In this episode, Tori talks to Morgan Clarke, who is married to Alpha RD Tanner Clarke. Morgan shares about her struggles with porn, masturbation and disordered eating. She explains how openness and accountability with God, ourselves and others is a crucial part of healing from secret sins. We hope this episode will remind you that you are not alone and equip you with tools to handle vulnerable conversations with friends!

Resources:

Biola Counseling Center

Pastoral Care

Spiritual Direction

& the grit team!

*instagrams:

@tori.beth.koetsier

@ariss__20

@naylahhjobe

meet the grit team!

GRIT — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 13:52:27 -0800

In this episode, Tori, Ariss, and — drumroll please — Naylah, grit’s lovely social media manager, sit down to share more about themselves. They talk about irrational fears, testimonies, dream jobs, and why they wanted to be at grit this year. We hope you learn lots about these girls and their heart for this new season AND that you take them up on that offer to get coffee!

*instagrams:

@tori.beth.koetsier

@ariss__20

@naylahhjobe

season five title reveal!

GRIT — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:10:00 -0700

Hey guys! Welcome to a brand new season of Did I Talk Too Much? — this year, we’re stepping In the Light. Together, we’re shining honest light on the conversations Christian women often keep in the dark — the ones that feel too messy, too personal, or too “taboo” to talk about in church circles. From doubt and identity to relationships, body image, and mental health, no topic is off-limits as we seek truth, freedom, and grace in every corner of our stories.

It’s time to bring it all into the light — because God meets us there.

how to GRIT through your freshman year

GRIT — Thu, 01 May 2025 11:45:45 -0700

Starting college can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. In this episode, Violet, Audrey, and Tori are talking directly to the college freshmen out there—sharing the real talk we wish someone had given us on day one. From making friends and avoiding burnout to navigating campus culture and figuring out your major, we break down the essentials with honesty, humor, and heart. Whether you're weeks away from move-in or already deep into your first semester, this episode is your unofficial guide to surviving—and thriving—in college.

Biola Counseling Center

Pastoral Care - Spiritual Development - Biola University

Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships

rediscovering biblical womanhood

GRIT — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:52:36 -0700

What did it mean to be a woman in the Old Testament? How did biblical women navigate their roles, relationships, and faith in a world so different from our own? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carmen Imes to explore the lives of women, unpacking their significance in God’s redemptive story. Join us as we discuss the cultural context of biblical womanhood, how these women demonstrated faith and resilience, and what their stories teach us today. Whether you have questions about women in the Bible, women in the church, or something else, this episode seeks to serve as insightful and encouraging.

love languages!

GRIT — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:28:47 -0700

Love is something we all experience and yearn for, yet we all give it and receive it in different ways. Learning how you and your loved ones feel loved the most is so important for strengthening your relationships. In this podcast, Tori, Violet, and Audrey explore the five love languages - Words of Affirmation, Gift Giving, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, and Quality Time - and how they shape and impact our relationships with others. Whether you want to improve your communication with others or just learn how to love others well and understand how they’re showing love to you, this episode will serve you well.

what's a "tradwife"?

GRIT — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:45:19 -0800

The tradwife movement is such a hot topic these days, but what exactly is a tradwife? Is it a return to traditional values, if it is truly tradition, or is it a movement against modern gender roles and expectations? Or, is it something else entirely? In this episode, Audrey and Tori unpack what a tradwife actually is and how truly “traditional” the concept is, along with talking about the influencers selling the idea.

what’s up with guy friends?

GRIT — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:18:43 -0800

Ever wonder what makes guy friendships so unique, and sometimes downright baffling? On this week's episode, Violet, Tori, and Audrey break down everything from the playful banter and unspoken rules to the heartwarming loyalty that defines guy friendships. Come with us on this lighthearted episode where we talk about what we think about having guy friends, horror stories with that, and some practical advice for navigating the world of friendship with guys.

the relationship advice you didn’t know you needed

GRIT — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:13:55 -0800

Feeling like you need some relationship advice? Have your eye on someone but not sure what to do about it? Wrestling with the balance between dating for fun and seriously dating for marriage? Want some advice on guy friends and just friendships in general? Whether you’re single, dating, or in some situationship, special guest Willa Williams is on the pod to share her wisdom and advice in the area of dating and relationships and notes about the specific atmosphere of dating at Biola.

Book Resources:

true love dates

boundaries in dating

7 myths about singleness

talking back to purity culture

Center for Marriage and Relationships and Podcast:

CMR - Center for Marriage and Relationships

Under “Resources” you’ll find more information about the Christian perspectives and relationships class which takes place in the spring on Wednesdays 4:30-7:20.

The Art of Relationships podcast site (CMR)

Art of Relationships Apple Podcast link

how can i serve faithfully in ministry?

GRIT — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 07:43:51 -0800

Having a desire to serve in the church is something that many people have because we are called to serve others. However, what if God is calling me to more of a leadership role in the church? Is that my own selfish desires, or is God nudging me to serve him in a way that’s outside my comfort zone? In this episode, we invite a special guest onto the pod, Andrea Watson, who gives us some more insight into what it means to be a woman in ministry and how to listen to God’s calling in that.

Halfway to Sunday Podcast links! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/halfway-to-sunday/id1583685375

https://open.spotify.com/show/1ENlvd1ZRpZy2gLtL7nyjO?si=9774c08f6597470d

we need to talk about comparison

GRIT — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 10:14:38 -0700

The struggle is all too real; we look out at everyone else, and then in, finding ourselves lacking or not enough. Comparison, envy, and jealousy are all things that everyone knows, and in this episode, Violet, Tori, and Audrey unpack them and uncover the biblical truth that fights them. Tune in to hear about their unique experiences with comparison on Biola’s campus, and how they seek to combat the lies of envy and jealousy with the truth of Jesus’ goodness, provision, and worthiness.

https://jmindel.substack.com/p/thou-shalt-be-nice

we are so back

GRIT — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:44:33 -0700

Welcome back to another season of “did i talk too much?” In this episode, we re-introduce ourselves, recap the summer, and reveal the theme for this new season! Tune in to meet the GRIT Gals, hear their takes on brat summer and the Olympics, and to learn more about their vision for this next batch of episodes, which is … Biblical womanhood! The term “biblical womanhood” can be so charged with connotations of things that aren’t actually in the Bible, so the GRIT gals are digging into what it really means to be a woman who loves Jesus, and how we can live faithfully to God’s calling for our lives.

Links: https://www.today.com/popculture/music/what-is-brat-summer-charli-xcx-rcna163061

bye! (Kaile and Jenna’s last word)

GRIT — Thu, 02 May 2024 05:00:00 -0700

Our beloved staff members, Kaile and Jenna are saying goodbye as they look forward to graduation this weekend. They have both served the GRIT team so well the past few years and we are going to miss them dearly. They chat in this episode about their favorite college memories, their advice for underclassmen, and the many lessons they learned in their four years at Biola.

'ships!

GRIT — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700

As we grow into womanhood, we also grow into deeper relationships with other people. In this episode, GRIT gals Kaile, Eme, and Audrey discuss how their friendships and relationships have changed, and the ways in which they are adapting to that in order to fulfill God’s command to love one another. Tune in to hear their thoughts on the gift of ‘ships!

being a woman in higher education

GRIT — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:20:07 -0700

Women have long been barred from the world of academia, but now, women are getting more degrees than ever! Today, Dr Lisa Igram shares her story as a woman in the world of higher education, from how she wound up with so many degrees, to her leadership position at Biola. She offers beautiful insight to how her femininity aids her in her career, and gives advice to other women who are navigating a predominantly male educational environment.

finding yourself as a woman

GRIT — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0700

“Do I like this because I like it, or because everyone else likes it?” It can be tricky to really know yourself: your true interests, likes, and personality. Kaile and Audrey get together to talk about the awkward but beautiful process of understanding the unique woman that God has made each of us to be! From silly chats about fangirl phases to struggles with comparison and competition, they share their experiences of “finding themselves” and give advice to anyone else going through the same phase!

the mystery of women’s health

GRIT — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800

Our bodies do what now?! Historically, so many women have suffered from a serious lack of knowledge around their own physical and mental health. This episode, Audrey hosts two guests from the Biola Health Center, Dr. Tamra Hocking, and nurse practitioner Sofia Kim, to answer common questions that women have about their bodies. From menstruation to mood swings, to depression and social anxiety, Sofia and Dr. Hocking discuss what’s normal and what’s not, and that seeking help is never a bad thing!

To make an appointment with the Biola Health Center, use this link: Health Center

Access the PDF of the menstrual cycle visual aid: Menstrual Cycle

being a woman in the 21st century

GRIT — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800

Talk to any woman born before the year 2000, and you’ll find that their lives and experiences as women are vastly different than those of this millenia. Today, the whole GRIT team is on the podcast to discuss the privileges and lingering challenges of being a woman in the 21st century. From complex social movements such as the #MeToo movement and the rise and fall of purity culture, they explore the ways in which their upbringings in the modern era shaped their identities as 21st century women.

becoming a woman!

GRIT — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0800

And that’s on period? In our episode today, Jenna, Ella, and Audrey talk about the transition from girlhood to womanhood, exploring the different cultural and personal milestones that come with that, namely, periods. The GRIT gals laugh, commiserate, and share about the awkwardness and horrors of menstruating, complete with reading anonymous period stories from Biola girls!

how i love being a woman!

GRIT — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800

Happy New Year! Last fall, the GRIT gals covered girlhood, now, we’re beginning a new season! Our theme? You guessed it: womanhood! In our theme episode, Jenna and Audrey talk about New Year’s Resolutions, what this next season is going to look like, and what they love about being a woman. The GRIT team is thrilled to navigate the way our identity as women has shaped us and is continuing to shape us today!

will you be my friend?

GRIT — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Luckily, we didn’t go through girlhood alone; we had many sweet friends to walk us along the way. Jenna, Ella, and Eme discuss their experiences with friendships in the process of girlhood. From asking kids on the playground, ”Do you want to be my friend?” to being “best friends” with someone, the GRIT girls talk about how our first years’ of friendships shaped us and our friendships today.

being a girl is hard!

GRIT — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 20:56:01 -0800

In so many settings, the experience of growing up as a girl was not an easy one. Eme, Jenna, Kaile, and Audrey get together to discuss the challenging experiences of being a girl in spaces such as school, church, and the home. From double standards for girls’ and boys’ behavior to dealing with weaponized incompetence at home, the GRIT girls explore how these matters shaped their girlhoods and have made them into the women they are today.

Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self by Laufey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Gf35I7n1w

girls love to talk

GRIT — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0800

This week the GRIT girls marvel at the art of female monologues in film, from Barbie to Little Women. Kaile and Audrey both share their experiences of giving their own monologue at different points in their life. They also highlight why we admire women who bravely speak up behind the camera, and how that leads to bravery and change in real life.

Amy March Monologue: https://youtu.be/0D8nRpJsQlk?si=4YdoLxf5966s8DWg

America Ferrera Monologue: https://youtu.be/EsY9c9WodcE?si=qPusUn2bUEjxlcxS

hi barbie!

GRIT — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0700

The Barbie movie. You probably love it, hate it or haven’t seen it. Whatever camp you fall into, this episode is for you. This week Jenna sat down with Lisa Igram, dean of student wellness here at Biola, as well as Jenna’s husband Parker. Parker joined the ladies today in their discussion about the barbie movie that came out over the summer. Parker brings in cultural and biblical references you might have missed in the film and Lisa unpacks how words like “patriarchy” are only as scary as you make them. Tune in to hear about how Barbie can teach us about gender and more.

you're just a girl!

GRIT — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:28:25 -0700

The GRIT gals chatted this week about all things girl. Hot girl walks, girl dinner and girl math. They dive into what makes these terms meaningful despite being silly and playful on the surface. Ella, Kaile and Jenna also get into how we are all really just girls, no matter how old we are. Tune in to hear about how the term “girl” is being reclaimed in culture, and what the GRIT gals have to say about it!

did you miss us?

GRIT — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0700

Welcome back to the podcast. The GRIT gals sure did miss you. Today Jenna and Eme sat down to discuss some very important business, this year's theme: GIRLHOOD! Buckle up and get ready to have your inner child healed, along with rethinking the way women are portrayed in media. The team is excited to explore this topic this fall, and would love to hear any/all suggestions from you! DM us on Instagram @GRITatBiola if you have any ideas related to the complexities of growing up as a gal!

seeking genuine connections as a college freshman and beyond!

GRIT — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:28:08 -0700

This week Eme takes the mic and shares her experience as a freshman. Jenna and Eme mostly spent the episode chatting about college friendships. What they look like, and creative ways to be intentional with the people in your life. They also talk about staying connected with friends at home, while embracing new connections at college. Eme also answers some common questions that incoming freshmen have at the end of the podcast, like how to pick your classes, how much time we actually spend studying, and how to get involved on campus.

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

BLOG: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/grit

sexual assault awareness month (SAAM) talk with Nallely Lopez

GRIT — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0700

Trigger warning: This week's episode contains content discussing sexual assault.

Jenna and Nallely discuss a variety of topics on this week's episode while bringing awareness to SAAM. From what consent looks like in our daily lives, along with what not to say when a friend opens up about sexual assault, ways to support survivors, and the resources that are available at Biola. They also answered some anonymous student questions as well. This year Biola’s SAAM theme is, care and communicate.

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

BLOG: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/grit

class of 2020: our unique college experience

GRIT — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Jenna sits down with Ellie, a fellow junior, and they talk about the experience they had with their first year of college being remote. They go into the weirdness of perceiving your classmates based on their online aesthetic, the fear of being put in a breakout room in your zoom class, and how their friendships have shifted over time. They laugh over the awkwardness of seeing someone in the caf whose Instagram stories you have watched dozens of times but you are afraid to approach…and they reflect on how sweet their time at Biola has been despite the unprecedented beginning.

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

BLOG: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/grit

why is everybody so dressed up?

GRIT — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:11:04 -0800

If you are strolling around Biola’s campus on an average sunny day, more often than not you will find that most of the women passing you have their hair neatly curled and are wearing a cute top or dress. Very rarely do you see people who have just rolled out of bed. This phenomenon called “compulsive cuteness” is the topic for discussion in this week's episode. Why do women feel the pressure to look so put together, especially at Biola? Stick around to hear about what role compliments play, along with self-objectification, insecurity, and more!

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

BLOG: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/grit

make room for us

GRIT — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 13:32:38 -0800

This week the GRIT girls sit down to talk about the difficulty of existing in male-dominated spaces, and the insidious barriers that keep women from leadership positions. They chat towards the end of the episode about sexist jokes, and what happens when you peel back the layers of contempt hidden behind humor. The girls offer their own experiences of the nuance of being in male-dominated majors (CMA & Business), and their fears and hopes for their future work in their fields.

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

BLOG: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/grit

unpacking purity culture

GRIT — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 20:47:02 -0800

Sit down with Sarah Schwartz, a Biola alum, as she speaks on the unintentionally damaging impacts of purity culture and a way forward.

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

brainfarts and big feelings – rachel’s last word

GRIT — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:54:01 -0800

For the past few years, it has been a beloved tradition to do a “last word” when a staff member graduates or steps away from their role at GRIT. This usually takes on a written form (which she reads at the end) but we decided to format it as a conversation. Rachel McCready faithfully served at GRIT for years, and we are better off because of her. Tune in to hear about Rachel’s post-grad experience, how she is processing her Biola experience, how she has found a community outside of college, and a whole lot of silly tangents along the way.

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

we need to talk about academic validation

GRIT — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:17:12 -0800

At this point in the semester, the odds are high you have stayed up far past your bedtime to complete a lofty project or cram for an exam at least once or twice. With finals week looming, Lauren and Jenna decided to sit down and chat about academic validation, a common issue women (and men) deal with in higher education. They dive into perfectionism and what it means to be “gifted”.

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA

BLOG: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/grit

what the heck is GRIT?

GRIT — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 21:54:27 -0800

Are you a female Biola student who has asked yourself, “How can I get involved with GRIT?” Well, you have made it to the right place! Tune in to hear more about our mission and founding, how to get involved, our theme this year, and get to know our 2022-23 staff. New episodes are released every other Wednesday!

EMAIL: GRIT@BIOLA.EDU

INSTAGRAM: GRITATBIOLA
BLOG: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/grit