Middle Class Matters

They’re Part of Our Family: Advice from a Veterinarian Every Pet Parent Needs

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 parenting to the emotional side of loving an animal through every season of life, this episode is full of insight, reassurance, and the kind of wisdom every pet owner needs. If you have a dog, a cat, or any furry friend who feels like family, you won’t want to miss this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind the Badge: PTSD, Addiction, and the Fight to Stay Alive

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Changes Everything: Teens, Trust, and the Power of Listening

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, not at them, and how families and communities can build bridges of trust instead of walls of frustration. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or mentor, this episode will remind you that being present matters more than you know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plunged into Darkness: A Survivor’s Story of Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Grace

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 us—and your story is not over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting to the Root Cause: Functional Medicine, Faith, and Fighting for Our Kids

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 oncology nursing to becoming a leader in pediatric functional medicine. We talk gut health, genetics, nutrition, environment, and why one-size-fits-all medicine often falls short for kids with complex needs. Jana also discusses her co-authored book, The Parent’s Roadmap to Autism, and how empowering parents with knowledge can change the entire trajectory of a child’s health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices