

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 25, 2025 • 31min
24. How to Forgive People Who Never Say Sorry
There’s a verse in Matthew that hit me like a ton of bricks:“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15)I had to ask Debbie if that was really in the Bible. Spoiler: it is. 😳This week on My Southern Godmother, we’re talking about forgiveness: the kind that feels impossible, the kind you want to avoid, and the kind that sets you free. Debbie shares a powerful story about someone she genuinely struggled to love, and how God broke through in the most unexpected way. And I share how some of my dreams (yes, literal dreams) revealed unforgiveness I didn’t even realize I was still holding onto.In this episode:Why forgiveness isn’t just spiritualThe unexpected way bitterness shows up in your everyday lifeA moment in Debbie’s car that changed everythingHow to forgive someone who never said “I’m sorry”Why letting go doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurtQUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who do you need to forgive?-----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!

Jun 18, 2025 • 37min
23. The Most Embarrassing Way I’ve Judged Someone (And What It Taught Me)
I’m not proud of it - but I’ve judged people for things I had no business judging.And wouldn’t you know… it came right back around. 😬This week on My Southern Godmother, Debbie and I talk about the kind of judgment Jesus warns us about - the kind that says more about us than the person we’re criticizing. We dig into a verse I thought I understood…until God used a house project, a newborn, and a very humbling moment to show me otherwise.In this episode:The verse that hit Debbie differently after 30+ years of faithThe story of how I judged a stranger… and then found myself in their shoesWhat to do when your reaction is bigger than the offenseHow to check your own heart before checking someone else’s behaviorQUESTION OF THE WEEK: Has there ever been a time you judged someone and then found yourself in the same situation?----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!

Jun 11, 2025 • 33min
22. Listen If Someone's Comment from Years Ago Still Stings
We’ve all had something said to us that stuck.Sometimes it was life-giving.Other times? It became a label we’ve carried for years.This week on My Southern Godmother, Jena and Debbie talk about the power of words - how they shape our identity, influence our parenting, and reveal what’s in our hearts.In this episode:A bedtime story gone sideways (and the words that brought it back)The comment that made Jena question who she really wasWhat Jesus’ question - “Do you want to be healed?” - means for us todayWhy our words to kids matter more than we thinkHow to speak life when you’re exhausted and overstretchedDebbie and Jena talk about potential merch!QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How are you storing up God's word in your heart?---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!

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!


