Room for Lovely

In this heartfelt conversation, Amber shares her journey through profound grief after the loss of her son, River, and how it transformed her life and faith. She discusses the complexities of grief, the importance of lament, and the challenges of navigating public scrutiny while grieving. Amber emphasizes the significance of supporting one another as a family during difficult times and the signs of hope she received from God. Ultimately, she reflects on the joy of welcoming her son, Maverick, and how their loss has led to a deeper purpose in sharing their story and faith with others.
Key Takeaways
Lamenting is a gift from God that allows us to express our pain and find healing.
Grief can often be accompanied by feelings of shame, which can be difficult to articulate.
Navigating grief as a family requires understanding that everyone grieves differently.
About Amber
Amber Smith is a Christ follower, wife and mama. She and her husband Granger have been married since 2010 and live on a little farm with lots of animals in central Texas with their kiddos, London, Lincoln and Maverick. Their lives were forever changed when their youngest son River went to be with Jesus in June of 2019. Amber began Arise with Amber to share her journey through grief and how Jesus saved their lives in the middle of it all. She strives to bring good from pain, to find meaning and purpose, and to share their hope in Jesus to a lost, hurting and broken world. The River Kelly Fund honors their son and since its inception, they have given back over half a million dollars to other non-profit organizations and those in need. Amber believes that grief and joy can co-exist and is so grateful to serve a God who is writing a better story than she ever could. 
Connect with Amber
Website:
https://arisewithamber.com/
Social Media:
IG: @amberemilysmith
Book:
The Girl On the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything Is Falling Apart
Connect with Erin
IG @erincuccio
www.erincuccio.com

Order Any of Erin's Books HERE

In this episode, John Mabry shares his incredible journey of resilience and recovery. From facing a life-altering car accident that led to the amputation of his leg to battling addiction and personal loss, John discusses the importance of gratitude, community support, and faith in overcoming life's challenges. He emphasizes that while everyone may not relate to losing a limb, we all experience emotional pain and setbacks that can feel like an amputation of the spirit. Through his story, John inspires listeners to embrace their own comebacks and seek help when needed, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Key Takeaways
Gratitude can be found even in difficult times.
Every setback can lead to personal growth.
Reaching out for help is essential in recovery.
Community support plays a crucial role in healing.
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
About John
John Mabry’s charmed life took him from a private collegiate Christian education in Texas to acting on major productions – while landing national media attention from the moment he landed in Hollywood. However, mental health issues, alcoholism and addiction took him from parties at the Playboy mansion to living in a dilapidated trailer on the banks of the Cumberland River in Tennessee.

Despite a master’s degree in counseling, an invention to his name and multiple public-speaking awards, John experienced more loss than most. From a fatal car accident to an overdose of a dear loved one – these events lead his downward spiral into a two decade-long battle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorder. 

John has previously worked in the treatment industry, hosted a recovery podcast and excelled at sharing his story with over 6-million people around the world.

With his 20+ years of knowledge, John speaks to audiences around the country on the real causes of anxiety and depression and the practical ways he has found to overcome adversity in life.
Connect with John
Website:
https://www.johnmabryconnects.com/
Social Media:
IG: @johnmabryconnects
FB: John C. Mabry
TT: @johnmabry_speaker
Connect with Erin
IG @erincuccio
www.erincuccio.com

Order Any of Erin's Books HERE

In this powerful conversation, Amy Duggar King shares her journey from being known as the 'crazy cousin Duggar' to finding her voice and purpose. She discusses her upbringing, the impact of reality TV on her identity, and the challenges of family dynamics. Amy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, healing from past traumas, and embracing a life filled with peace and purpose. She also reveals her plans for a new clothing line and her commitment to giving back to the community, showcasing her growth and resilience.
Key Takeaways
Learning the importance of setting boundaries.
There is power in forgiveness but also in letting go.
Finding peace and purpose is the most important part of her journey.
About Amy
Amy Duggar King grew up appearing on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, but today she’s using her authentic, God-given voice to encourage others who want to break free from dysfunctional families, toxic situations, or cycles of abuse. She also appeared in seasons one and two of Amazon’s chart-topping documentary Shiny Happy People and continues to be featured in major outlets such as Vanity Fair, People, Business Insider, Us Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post. In her debut memoir, Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade by Getting Louder with the Truth (October 14, 2025), Amy shares her powerful story of faith, freedom, and finding her true voice beyond fame and family expectations. Amy lives in northwest Arkansas with her husband, Dillon, and their son, Daxton.
Connect with Amy
Website:
https://amyduggarking.com/
Social Media:
IG: @amyrachelleking
FB: @amyrachelleking

Book:
Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade by Getting Louder with the Truth
Connect with Erin
IG @erincuccio
www.erincuccio.com

Order Any of Erin's Books HERE

Lies You Might Believe & the Truth You Should Know Instead is a 14-day podcast series for those who feel tired, stretched thin, or quietly longing for more.
Each episode gently names a common lie many of us carry—thoughts that sound responsible, selfless, or “just the way things are now,” but slowly steal our peace and clarity. Together, we’ll replace those lies with truth rooted in faith, wisdom, and God’s steady presence in every season.
You’ll find honest conversation, practical tools, and gentle encouragement to help you create margin, rediscover who you are, and trust God with your story and timing.
This series isn’t about striving or fixing yourself—it’s about slowing down, choosing truth, and making some room for lovely.
About Erin
Erin Cuccio is a writer, speaker, executive coach, and podcast host. She spends her days wrangling her three wild boys and supporting her husband in their family-owned business. Her hidden talent is bring order to any kind of chaos, navigating never ending loads of laundry, and drinking too much coffee. Her heart is most at home encouraging others through the trenches of everyday life to find the thread of lovely woven through every season.
Connect with Erin
Website:
https://erincuccio.com/

Books:
Unraveled- Finding the Lovely When Life Comes Undone
Live Lovely: Make Room for Peace & Pursue a Life of Purpose

Social Media:
Instagram @erincuccio

Finally, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and SHARE!  Make sure you don't miss a thing by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform and share so that all your friends can find us too! 

Connect with Erin
IG @erincuccio
www.erincuccio.com

Order Any of Erin's Books HERE

Lies You Might Believe & the Truth You Should Know Instead is a 14-day podcast series for those who feel tired, stretched thin, or quietly longing for more.
Each episode gently names a common lie many of us carry—thoughts that sound responsible, selfless, or “just the way things are now,” but slowly steal our peace and clarity. Together, we’ll replace those lies with truth rooted in faith, wisdom, and God’s steady presence in every season.
You’ll find honest conversation, practical tools, and gentle encouragement to help you create margin, rediscover who you are, and trust God with your story and timing.
This series isn’t about striving or fixing yourself—it’s about slowing down, choosing truth, and making some room for lovely.
About Erin
Erin Cuccio is a writer, speaker, executive coach, and podcast host. She spends her days wrangling her three wild boys and supporting her husband in their family-owned business. Her hidden talent is bring order to any kind of chaos, navigating never ending loads of laundry, and drinking too much coffee. Her heart is most at home encouraging others through the trenches of everyday life to find the thread of lovely woven through every season.
Connect with Erin
Website:
https://erincuccio.com/

Books:
Unraveled- Finding the Lovely When Life Comes Undone
Live Lovely: Make Room for Peace & Pursue a Life of Purpose

Social Media:
Instagram @erincuccio

Finally, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and SHARE!  Make sure you don't miss a thing by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform and share so that all your friends can find us too! 
Connect with Erin
IG @erincuccio
www.erincuccio.com

Order Any of Erin's Books HERE