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PODCAST

Middle Class Matters

Rogue Media Network

Middle-Class Matters is a bold, faith-driven podcast where Texas mother-daughter duo Renae and Brooke get real about the everyday struggles facing America’s middle class. From family and finances to faith, education, and social issues, they dive deep into the challenges and the blessings that shape working-class life today. Each week, they share honest conversations, inspiring guest stories, and spiritual encouragement with a Southern dose of sass, heart, and truth. If you’ve ever felt overlooked,

religion & spirituality parenting

All Episodes

53:50

Surviving a Mass Shooting: A story of Faith, Fear,...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/03/28

In today's deeply moving episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brook sit down with Mary Beth Talley, a survivor of the 1999 mass shooting of Wedgwood Church and an author of the new memoir Not Bad, Just Different. At just 17 years old, Mary Beth endured unimaginable trauma. Now, twenty-five years later, she shares her journey of faith, healing, and resilience, and how God transformed her pain into purpose. This conversation is for anyone walking through trauma, grief, fear, or

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44:13

This Wasn’t the Life I Planned: Rebuilding Family...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/03/21

In this moving episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with Janice Johnson Dowd, an author, Licensed Medical Social Worker, mom, and recovering alcoholic to share a story of loss, healing, and hope.Janice grew up around addiction and was determined to create a different life for her own family. But in her 40s, what began as casual social drinking with friends quietly turned into a battle she never expected. She opens up about how addiction affected her children, the heartbreak

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34:32

From Caregiver to Advocate: A Son’s Fight to Raise...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/03/14

In this deeply moving episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with George, a devoted son, caregiver, author, and advocate in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. His book, A Son’s Journey from Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver to Advocate, is a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Sharon, his best friend and inspiration, and a powerful call for awareness, understanding, and hope.As nurses, Brooke and Renae have seen firsthand the toll Parkinson’s takes on patients and families, and

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43:33

They’re Part of Our Family: Advice from a...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/03/07

For middle-class families, our pets aren’t just animals — they’re part of the family. They’re there for the big moments, the quiet evenings, the hard days, and everything in between. They listen without judging, love without limits, and leave paw prints on our hearts that last a lifetime.In this special episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with a veterinarian for a thoughtful, comforting, and eye-opening conversation about caring for the pets we love. From everyday pet

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51:31

Behind the Badge: PTSD, Addiction, and the Fight to...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/02/28

In this powerful episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Mark Kneebone, a former law enforcement officer, recovering alcoholic, and host of the Steel City Round Table Podcast. Mark shares his journey through PTSD, severe depression, and addiction — struggles often hidden behind the badge.From rock bottom and suicidal thoughts to inpatient treatment and early sobriety, Mark speaks honestly about trauma, recovery, and choosing life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

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34:56

With Changes Everything: Teens, Trust, and the Power...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/02/21

In a world that’s busy, distracted, and often rushed, teens can be left feeling unheard, misunderstood, and alone. In this heartfelt episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with author, mentor, and youth advocate Josh Cordell, whose book With Changes Everything draws on his experience walking with more than 5,000 teens to learn how presence, trust, and connection really work. Josh shares stories from the road, the importance of simply being with young people, talking with them,

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39:55

Plunged into Darkness: A Survivor’s Story of Trauma,...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/02/14

In this powerful episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with Brittney Garrett, a Central Texas mom whose life changed in an instant when a crash sent her nearly 60 feet into freezing water during a storm. She survived the accident—but the trauma led to years of PTSD, addiction, and despair.Today, Brittney is sober, restored, and walking in the healing she once thought was impossible. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God’s grace still finds

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43:42

Getting to the Root Cause: Functional Medicine,...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/02/07

When your child is struggling with chronic illness, developmental challenges, or conditions like autism, ADHD, or PANDAS/PANS, the healthcare journey can feel overwhelming—and often discouraging. In this episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke & Renae sit down with Jana Roso, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine, to talk about what it really means to treat the root cause instead of just managing symptoms.Jana shares her journey from bedside pediatric

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46:01

Aging Parents & Hard Decisions: When Is It Time?

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/01/31

When aging parents or grandparents begin to struggle, families face some of the hardest decisions of their lives—safety, dignity, independence, memory loss, and the fear of “doing the wrong thing.” In this heartfelt episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with registered nurse Laura Painter, owner and operator of The Residency at Ridgewood in Waco, Texas.Together, they talk openly about when it’s time to consider assisted living, what memory care truly means, how to choose a

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15:03

Middle-Class Tips for 2026, The Economy, Taxes, and...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/01/24

As we move through 2026, many middle-class families are beginning to see signs of economic stabilization, even while still feeling the impact of higher costs from recent years. In this episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down for a thoughtful, faith-centered conversation about what’s happening now and how families can move forward with wisdom and confidence.Together, they talk about the new tax laws affecting middle-class households—including changes to the Child Tax Credit,

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37:32

Running on Empty: What IV Hydration Offers, How it...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/01/17

Life can drain us—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In this refreshing episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with Shaunta, a representative from I-Vit Hydration Lounge in Downtown Waco, to talk about the importance of hydration, balance, and self-care. From IV vitamin therapy to immune support and post-workout recovery, Shaunta explains how nourishing your body can uplift your mind and spirit.Tune in for an encouraging conversation about health, restoration, and the

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34:44

The woman in the church pew: A mother’s story of...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/01/10

In this deeply moving episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with Texas author and speaker Roseann Mayer, who bravely shares her story of surviving years of emotional, spiritual, and physical abuse—all while appearing to be part of a normal, churchgoing family.Week after week, Roseann sat in the pews wondering if other women were suffering in silence too. When she finally found the courage to leave, she rebuilt her life and began sharing her story so others wouldn’t feel

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28:36

A Daughter Returned Through DNA: Healing After...

Middle Class Matters ·

2026/01/03

What happens when a secret buried for decades is brought to light—through a DNA test? In this powerful episode of Middle-Class Matters, we sit down with Carole, a brave and faith-filled woman who became pregnant as a teenager and made the heartbreaking decision to place her baby for adoption. Now, at 80 years old, Carole’s daughter has found her… and what happened next is nothing short of a miracle.Join us as we unpack Carole’s honest and vulnerable story—of trauma, shame, silence, and ultimately,

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43:13

Home Sweet Home: Realtor Advice Before You Buy or Sell

Middle Class Matters ·

2025/12/27

Thinking about buying your first home? Or maybe you’re ready to sell and move on? In this episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with real estate broker Reagan, who walks us through everything you need to know about the buying and selling process—from staging your home and setting the right price, to understanding inspections, loans, credit, and taxes. Packed with faith, facts, and that good Southern charm, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!Whether you’re buying your

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42:02

From Empty Arms to Overflowing Hearts: A Journey of...

Middle Class Matters ·

2025/12/20

After a heartbreaking battle with infertility and a failed IVF attempt, Jana turned to foster care—where God gave her not just one, but six children through adoption. In this powerful episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Jana as she shares her emotional journey, the high cost of infertility, and the unexpected blessings that came from trusting God's plan. If you’re in a season of waiting, this story will inspire you to hold on and believe that purpose can grow out of

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43:29

The Healing Journey: One Family’s Fight for Their...

Middle Class Matters ·

2025/12/13

What happens after the diagnosis? In this powerful follow-up episode, Nakala returns to share what’s working—what brought hope, progress, and even smiles back into her daughter’s world. From food sensitivities and gut health to supplements, epigenetics, and faith, this episode dives into real strategies one family used to support their child with autism. Whether you’re a parent seeking answers or simply want to understand autism more deeply, don’t miss this inspiring and practical conversation.

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33:33

From Our Family to Yours: Family Traditions, Faith,...

Middle Class Matters ·

2025/12/06

It’s Christmas time, y’all! In this special holiday episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with their friends Regan and Stephanie to talk about what truly matters to families during the Christmas season. From keeping Jesus at the center of it all to the simple, meaningful family traditions that make this time of year so special, we’re sharing stories, memories, and the little things that bring joy to our homes.Whether your Christmas is filled with matching pajamas, candlelight

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48:24

Hearts on Fire: Spreading the Gospel Beyond Borders

Middle Class Matters ·

2025/11/29

What inspires someone to leave the comfort of home to share the Gospel across the world? In this powerful episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Matthew Heaton, a devoted missionary and partner with One Mandate, to talk about his recent ministry journey to Guatemala. From citywide evangelism campaigns to praying over hurting schoolchildren, Matthew shares incredible stories of salvation, healing, and lives transformed by the power of Jesus.If you've ever felt a stirring to

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43:23

Grace Behind the Bar: How God Redeemed a Life from...

Middle Class Matters ·

2025/11/22

In this moving episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with Omar, a man whose life once spiraled into alcoholism and liver failure, but whose story didn’t end there. Raised in a Catholic home and rooted in early faith, Omar battled a rough upbringing and a long struggle with alcohol that nearly cost him his life. But just when doctors told him there was no hope, God stepped in.Now completely healed, Omar is living proof of God’s mercy and power. He shares his powerful testimony

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38:03

From Fear to Freedom: Escaping the Grip of Domestic...

Middle Class Matters ·

2025/11/15

Domestic violence is a silent epidemic—happening behind closed doors every single day. In this powerful episode of Middle-Class Matters, Renae and Brooke sit down with Amanda, a survivor who bravely escaped years of physical and emotional abuse.Amanda opens up about the darkness she endured, the courage it took to leave, and how God turned her pain into purpose. Her message is one of survival, hope, and faith—and a reminder that no one is too broken for God’s love. If you or someone you love is

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33 results

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