Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt
Episode: Friendship: Breakups, Jealousy & Building Deep Connection with Grace Valentine
Release Date: June 30, 2025

In this heartfelt episode of Stay True, host Madison Prewett Troutt sits down with renowned speaker, podcast host, and author Grace Valentine to delve into the complexities of friendships. Together, they explore themes of deepening connections, navigating unhealthy relationships, overcoming jealousy, and fostering godly friendships. Their candid conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice for listeners seeking to cultivate meaningful and enduring friendships grounded in faith.

1. Shifting from Surface-Level to Deeper Friendships

The discussion begins with Madison posing a crucial question: “What are ways we can shift from these surface-level friendships to more deeper, meaningful friendships that are godly?” ([00:00]).

Grace emphasizes the importance of “radical love”, stressing that “Never be too busy for your friends. You have a list of excuses to not show up” ([00:07]). She highlights that investing genuine time and love can elevate friendships to a more profound level.

2. Recognizing and Handling Unhealthy Friendships

Madison then inquires about identifying and addressing unhealthy friendships: “How do you know when you need to walk away from an unhealthy friendship? And how do you know if a friendship is unhealthy?” ([00:15]).

Grace responds by distinguishing between giving grace and making excuses. She advises that while certain conflicts warrant understanding, “you don't have to give excuses towards” ([00:21]). Recognizing when a friendship no longer aligns with one's values is essential for personal growth.

3. Defeating Jealousy and Competition

A significant portion of the conversation centers on jealousy and competition within friendships. Madison asks: “How can we defeat comparison and competition in our life?” ([00:54]).

Grace underscores the need for self-awareness, stating, “I think the first thing you have to do is admit you're jealous” ([07:46]). She elaborates on the destructive nature of jealousy, referencing Proverbs: “anger and wrath are bad. This is a Grace Valentine translation in Proverbs. But anger and wrath are bad. But jealousy is even worse is what Proverbs warns us” ([07:52]). Grace encourages listeners to seek discernment and rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome these negative emotions.

4. Dealing with Conflict in Friendships

Conflict is inevitable in any relationship. Madison poses the question: “What would you say is good advice for dealing with conflict and friendship?” ([04:43]).

Grace advises approaching conflicts with empathy and spiritual guidance. She emphasizes controlling one's thoughts and preparing the heart through prayer to ensure conversations are both “kind and loving” ([11:40]). This approach fosters understanding and resolution without escalating tensions.

5. Handling Being Called Out

The episode also explores the delicate process of being called out by a friend. Madison asks Grace: “How should we respond in that moment and how should we leave from that conversation?” ([30:10]).

Grace recommends maintaining a “curious posture” and being open to feedback. She suggests asking for specific examples and taking time to pray about the conversation to prevent pride from hindering personal growth. “Even if it's a hard conversation, even if you don't see what they're saying, to say, thank you for coming to me” ([31:05]).

6. Overcoming Resentment and Bitterness

Madison shares a personal story about dealing with gossip and resentment, highlighting the internal struggle it creates. Grace echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative power of prayer and forgiveness: “praying for blessings over them” ([55:28]). They discuss how letting go of bitterness leads to personal peace and spiritual growth.

7. Avoiding Gossip and Its Impact

Gossip is identified as a significant threat to healthy friendships. Madison and Grace discuss the difference between seeking advice and engaging in gossip. Grace advises focusing on one's feelings without resorting to “name calling” and ensuring that conversations aim for “peace and clarity” ([38:41]).

Madison adds, “What is your goal? Is your Goal to have peace in your life is your goal to vent” ([40:13]), reminding listeners to evaluate their intentions to prevent destructive gossip.

8. Building Healthy, Godly Friendships

Towards the end of the episode, Grace shares strategies for fostering deep, godly friendships. She emphasizes the necessity of “showing up” even in challenging times, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the impact of unwavering support. Grace states, “Never be too busy for your friends” ([58:32]), encouraging listeners to prioritize meaningful connections over convenience.

Madison complements this by highlighting the sacrificial nature of true friendship, reflecting Jesus's example of love through giving and sacrifice: “Love is connected to giving” ([60:53]).

9. Final Thoughts and Encouragement

As the conversation wraps up, Madison and Grace reinforce the importance of integrating faith into friendships. They encourage listeners to “stay true” by building relationships that uplift and reflect godly values. Grace's new book, "The Better Friend," is introduced as a resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of healthy friendships.

Notable Quotes

• Grace Valentine ([00:07]): “Never be too busy for your friends. You have a list of excuses to not show up.”

• Grace Valentine ([07:46]): “I think the first thing you have to do is admit you're jealous.”

• Grace Valentine ([11:40]): “Think on these things, control your thoughts before the conversation.”

• Grace Valentine ([31:05]): “Even if it's a hard conversation, even if you don't see what they're saying, to say, thank you for coming to me.”

• Madison Pruitt Trout ([60:53]): “Love holds other records of wrongs.”

Conclusion

This episode of Stay True offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamics within friendships, particularly through the lens of faith. Madison and Grace provide actionable advice on building stronger, more authentic relationships while navigating common challenges like jealousy, conflict, and gossip. Their conversation serves as a guide for listeners aspiring to cultivate friendships that are not only meaningful but also aligned with their spiritual values.

For those interested in delving deeper, Grace Valentine's book "The Better Friend" is recommended as a valuable resource for enhancing and nurturing godly friendships.