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The Story That Almost Didn't Happen ft. Madi and Grant Troutt

with

Kait, JJ, Madi, and Grant

Today we’re diving into Grant and Madi’s whirlwind love story as they open up about anxiety, breakups, navigating public scrutiny, and the power of wise community in dating!

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Introduction

Hey HOD fam! This week’s episode is the ultimate combo of hilarious, relatable, and deeply honest. We’re hanging out with Grant and Madi Troutt, diving into their seriously wild and refreshingly real dating (and now married!) story. From Madi being on The Bachelor to fighting through anxiety, and public scrutiny… nothing’s off the table. Whether you’re single, dating, or just love a good origin story, this is such an encouraging episode about what it looks like to truly pursue a relationship with humility, honesty, and LOTS of wise counsel.

Sponsor Shoutout

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! If you’ve been putting off therapy because of cost or not knowing where to start, BetterHelp now has insurance options with average copays as low as $23 per session. Go to betterhelp.com/HOD to learn more and get 10% off your first month.

Grant & Madi: From Blind Date to Bold Love

  • Grant spills on being so nervous before their blind date thanks to mutual friend JD—and, naturally, looking Madi up on Instagram and seeing two million followers. No pressure! 23:03
  • Madi’s first impression? Grant’s infectious joy, authentic passion for God, and the way he literally knew everyone at Mi Cocina. 13:27
  • The vibes were SO. GOOD. But the second date took a nosedive thanks to Grant’s anxiety, which he bravely owned instead of ghosting or self-sabotaging. 24:04
  • Madi saw his courage to be vulnerable as true strength, saying it was the first time she’d really experienced that in a guy. 25:42
  • Their journey wasn’t without bumps—there was even a brief breakup featuring a movie premiere and meeting the parents… all in one night! 33:38
  • Long distance, public scrutiny, and learning to process both together and with trusted community became the backbone of their relationship.

Navigating Public Criticism & Staying Grounded

  • Madi and Grant open up about what it’s like to date in the public eye—and why the internet can just be savage. 46:50
  • How they battle the temptation to put up walls, defend themselves, or shrink back from who God called them to be.
  • Madi: “I’ve had to remind myself literally since Bachelor days: Lord, you are my defender and protector. I don’t have to prove myself.” 53:03
  • The importance of keeping honest, wise voices (like friends and mentors) in your corner, not just unintentionally relying on your partner to be your sole comfort or answer. 54:29

Big Takeaways: Healthy, Holy Relationships Aren’t “Easy-Breezy”

  • Every relationship, romantic or friendship, has tension and conflict. That’s not a red flag; it’s an invitation for growth. 40:15
  • The “honeymoon phase” can be over fast (sometimes 24 hours!) and real love is forged, not found. 42:17
  • Process your stuff in community, not just as a couple! Their relationship was basically a “group decision” with trusted, godly voices speaking in. 55:13
  • Don’t buy the lie that healing or wholeness are prerequisites for starting a relationship. Being in relationship will always bring up new things you couldn’t anticipate. 21:06

Iconic Moments

  • The infamous pink Puma jumpsuit breakup! May it forever hang framed in the Troutt house! 57:11
  • Riding around listening to clean Drake on the first date (“If you didn’t go through a Drake phase, did you even live?”).
  • Holding hands again within two hours of breaking up.

For You, If You’re Dating or Hoping to Be

  • Real talk: It’s okay to be messy, anxious, or unsure. Just don’t run. Community, honesty, and humility are your best friends.
  • If you’re getting “picked on” by outsiders, stay close to God’s voice (and keep some wise people in your corner) 48:14
  • Humility, humor, and a willingness to get back up after things go sideways are maybe the best markers of a relationship that’s going somewhere real.

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HOD Fam, send this episode to a friend who needs an honest laugh and some deep encouragement about dating, conflict, or letting God use even the awkward-est moments for your story!

We’ll see you next Wednesday for another episode. And if you haven’t, would you leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts? We love you guys!

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