Episode 202

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Published on:

28th Apr 2026

Smelly, But Absolutely Necessary for Relational Success

Let me know how today’s episode helps you!

Today I focus on something smelly, sometimes even stinky. But success in every relationship requires this. Yep, every one. Between parents and kids, colleagues, businesses and customers, friends, and well, the list is as extensive as the types of human relationships.

It’s like sulfur. Not exactly tasty or pleasant but incredibly healing and critical for life.

What is this crucial but smelly item? The work of repair.

I cover:

  • Repair goes downstream before upstream
  • Don’t follow repair work with a conversation about someone else’s failures
  • The difference between remorse and repentance
  • How trust gets built and rebuilt
  • Apologies aren’t one-size-fits-all

Resources mentioned include:

Trust: Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken by Dr. Henry Cloud

The 5 Apology Languages: The Secret to Healthy Relationships by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Godly Impact.

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#relationships

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#moms

#dads

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#humanbehavior

#humandesign

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About the Podcast

Live Only True Stories
Grow spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally wise by aligning your internal stories with truth.
The stories we tell ourselves impact every area of our life.
We begin telling ourselves stories as children--about ourself, others, life, God. We continue adding to our stories as adults.
Live Only True Stories empowers people to learn to investigate their stories. Keep those that are true. Change those that aren't.

Research-informed and Biblically sound insights offer real hope and help for growing spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally wise.

Stephanie brings depth and winsomeness, authority and vulnerability. A wife, mom, mother-in-law, and Nana, Stephanie is a speaker and writer who loves helping others flourish.
Learn more at her website, https://www.stephaniepresents.com/

About your host

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Stephanie Smith

Stephanie knows from experience good intentions aren't enough to be spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally smart--or to raise kids who are. She shares powerful Scriptural principles and science-backed insights into human behavior to equip people to grow good intentions into godly impact.

Stephanie's authenticity creates immediate connection with audiences both virtual and on the stage, while gracious authority provides clarity and confidence for listeners. Her leadership experience includes being a certified Primal Question coach, Christian school founding board member and teacher, homeschool cooperative founder, and Teen Theater Director.

Stephanie is a wife, mother of five grown sons, mother-in-law of four, and Nana to a growing tribe of awesome grandkids. She is committed to Psalm 17:17-18, proclaiming God's power to generations through wisdom forged in real life.