Having someone come alongside us in grief, is everything. It helps us to see we are not alone, it helps to affirm what we are facing and going through, and it gives us hope that we can make it to the other side. In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with my friend Jodi Grubbs to discuss the theme of allyship and living slow. And how it can allow for meaningful connections and understanding.

Allyship and Living Slow

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 Being an ally means coming alongside someone and believing them.

Jodi grubbs

Evoking the contentment Jodi Grubbs once had in the gentle rhythms of Bonaire, she learned of another path: a path away from burnout and toward restoration. And she invites you, too, to grasp a sustainable approach to life anchored by the forced pauses of spiritual practices and an openhandedness before God. Each chapter offers slow-living shifts to help you put the concepts into practice. Begin to rest and let go of the need to keep up, as you learn to live slowly.

Get the book here.


The conversation with Jodi teaches us that being an ally and living a slower, more intentional life go hand in hand. By embracing empathy, making conscious space for others, and resisting the urge to rush through life, we can better support those around us and foster deeper connections. I put it this way, the act of slowing down allows us to notice, tend to, and process the painful and harmful aspects of life, paving the way for a more compassionate existence.

Main Points:

  • Understanding Through Presence
  • Empathy as a Strength
  • The Power of Living Slowly
  • Intentional Listening and Allyship

Episode Talking Points:

  • 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Black Woman Grief
  • 00:29 A Personal Story of Allyship
  • 02:15 Meet Jody Grubbs: Advocate and Author
  • 04:46 The Power of Empathy and Allyship
  • 06:14 Reflecting on Historical Injustices
  • 12:46 Defining Slow Living
  • 23:12 The Importance of Intentional Listening
  • 28:31 The Role of Rest and Slowing Down
  • 31:07 Conclusion: Embracing a Softer Life

Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Jodi Grubbs:


About the Guest:

Jodi H. Grubbs is the podcast host of Our Island in the City and a slow-living advocate. She is the author of a children’s book, The Island Adventures of Lili and Oliver, and coauthor of a Bible study called The Friendship Café. Jodi and her daughter, Lili, live in North Carolina. Connect with her at jodigrubbs.com.

Mentioned in the Episode:

Live Slowly by Jodi Grubbs
Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith