Are we living in the most anxious generation ever? In this powerful and hope-filled conversation, Max Lucado joins us to talk about anxiety, mental health, and the unseen struggles so many kids and teens are facing today?and what parents can do about it.

With constant access to phones, social media, and nonstop information, anxiety often shows up sideways in our kids through anger, withdrawal, or fear. Max explains what?s happening in the brain, why anxiety feels like an alarm that never shuts off, and how parents can become a soft place to land when emotions run high.

We also talk about the importance of parents addressing anxiety in their own lives, how worry steals joy and peace, and why our presence (not perfection) is what God desires most. Max shares encouragement for praying parents, reminding us that Jesus never turned away a parent who asked for help for their child. Here is some of what we cover: 

Why today?s kids are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety The physical and emotional toll of chronic worry Why a parent?s physical presence matters more than we realize Max Lucado?s personal faith journey and what God taught him about presence over performance Connect with Max Lucado:  Instagram: Max Lucado (@maxlucado) Facebook: Max Lucado Website: Max Lucado

Links Mentioned:  

Calm Thoughts for Kids: 90 devotions for Anxious Days  Tame Your Thoughts: By Max Lucado Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado Hermie Series?Buzby and the Grumble Bees **SIGN UP to Join Heather and Megan at Pro Love Saturday for Embrace Grace Related Episodes: Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit :: Max Lucado [Ep 381] You Are Never Alone :: Max Lucado [Ep 298] From Overwhelmed to Anchored: Replacing the Lies of Motherhood with God?s Truth :: Erica Gwynn [Ep 544]

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My friend and Sidetracked podcast co-host, Cynthia Yanof, joins me to discuss her new book, How?d I Miss That?

Cynthia shares hilarious and poignant stories about family and kids that help uncover deeper truths?reminding us that God has a plan, and there?s no formula for this parenting journey. We often stress over things that feel big at the moment, like preschool registration or making the ?right? sports team, but what really matters is having an eternal perspective?focusing on who our kids are becoming at 25 and who we are becoming as parents. In this episode, we talk about:

How to pray audacious, faith-filled prayers over our kids Trusting the process, even when it doesn?t make sense in the moment Why not all friendships are meant for every season of parenting?and being intentional about your inner circle And we wrap up with some fun hosting tips from Cynthia
Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Instagram: Cynthia Wilkinson Yanof (@cynthiayanof) Website: Cynthia Yanof

Links Mentioned:  

How?d I Miss That?: By Cynthia Yanof Sidetracked - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Draw the Circle: By Mark Batterson Pre-order Cynthia?s book and then fill out this form to join us LIVE on Jan 27th at 7:30 pm CST
Related Episodes: The Goal Isn?t Happy Children :: Cynthia Yanof ? Summer of Mentorship ? Wk 6 [Ep 419] The Unicorn That is Adult Friendship :: Cynthia Yanof ? Summer of Mentorship ? Wk 3 [Ep 416] Raising Kids Who Can Stand Alone :: Cynthia Yanof -Summer of Mentorship-Wk 2 [Ep 415] 

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BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer and kick 2026 off the right way! BUBS is running a HUGE New Year New You sale PLUS for a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at BUBS Naturals by using code [DMA] at checkout. Bubsnaturals.com Branch Basics: And here?s the good news ? Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA].  Thrive Causemetics: Amplify Your Every Day. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

Moms, life throws us into so many conversations every day?

Talking with our kids, navigating our husband?s work party, connecting with other moms, or building our own friendship. All of these moments show who we are and how we communicate.

Today, Debra Fileta, counselor, author, and podcaster, joins me to share practical tips on how to communicate effectively with friends, family, and loved ones. In our tech-driven world, we?ve lost many opportunities for genuine connection, and often we don?t realize how we come across when meeting new people or entering a room full of strangers.

Debra shares insights from her new book, People Skills, to help us connect in deeper, more authentic ways. Here?s some of what we cover:

Relationships and people skills: The strength of your relationships depends on the skills you bring into them.  Communication matters: In a tech-driven world, real-life interactions with tone, body language, and facial expressions are more important than ever.  Understanding communication styles: Learn the four types?assertive, aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive?and how to navigate them.  Practical tips for being a great conversationalist: Honor your story, honor theirs, and create space for give-and-take in relationships. Connect with Debra Fileta: 

Instagram: Debra Fileta Facebook:  Debra Fileta Truelovedates.com Website:  Debra Fileta, M.A. LPC (@debrafileta) Links Mentioned:  

Soul Care: By Debra Fileta People Skills: By Debra Fileta Talk To Me: The Debra Fileta Podcast Related Episodes: When Friendships Get Messy: Healing, Humor and Finding Your Chicken-Fried Women :: Melissa Radke [Ep 519] Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology and Friendship :: Lee Cordon [Ep 408] Helping Our Kids Foster Friendships :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 338] Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA.  Cove: Make protecting your home one of your New Year?s resolutions. Check out Cove at covesmart.com, use code DMA for an additional 10% off your first order ?easy, affordable, and peace of mind guaranteed. Green Chef: Go to Greenchef.com/ALONEGRAZA use the code ALONEGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. This 50% offer is only available for a limited time, so don?t wait. 

In this episode, author, podcaster, and speaker Mary DeMuth returns to share the inspiration behind her latest work, which spotlights overwhelmed women in the Bible?women whose stories have often been minimized or overlooked. From Mary the mother of Jesus to Hagar to the widow with two mites, these women model faith, resilience, and wholehearted trust in God.

We talk about how Christmas can be both beautiful and heavy. Mary opens up about her own seasons of overwhelm, from her water breaking on Christmas Eve to sleeping in a barn the week before Christmas. She reminds us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived through the deepest fears a mother can face, yet she remained faithful as a disciple. Here is some of what we cover: 

Why Christmas often heightens grief, trauma, and unmet longings The consumerism of the holiday season vs. the simplicity of God with us What Shalom really means: wholehearted, whole-bodied peace rooted in surrender Jesus? care for the overlooked, the aging, and the marginalized The definition of ?Whelm? which  refers to out-of-control stress,  ?overwhelmed? is that same stress amplified beyond capacity Connect with Mary DeMuth: 

Instagram: Mary DeMuth // Healing from Trauma (@marydemuth) Facebook:  Mary DeMuth Website:  Mary DeMuth Links Mentioned:  

Nobody's Mother: By Sandra Glahn 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge: By Mary DeMuth Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth The Most Overwhelmed Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth Podcast - Pray Every Day Mary DeMuth Church Hurt Checklist Related Episodes: Building the Family You Never Had :: Mary DeMuth [Ep 156] Nobody?s Mother :: Dr. Sandra Glahn [Ep 443] From Overwhelmed to Anchored: Replacing the Lies of Motherhood with God?s Truth :: Erica Gwynn [Ep 544] Featured Sponsors: 

Green Chef: Go to Greenchef.com/ALONEGRAZA use the code ALONEGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. This 50% offer is only available for a limited time, so don?t wait.  Policygenius: With Policygenius real users have gotten 20-year $2 million policies for just $53 a month. Don?t wait until next year. Give your family the gift of security today with Policygenius. Head to Policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your holiday look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

In today?s episode, I sit down with Marc Cameron, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to explore one of the most influential (and often overlooked) elements of our emotional lives: attachment styles. Drawing from more than 80 years of research, Marc breaks down how our earliest experiences with our families shape the way we connect, communicate, handle conflict, and relate to the people closest to us well into adulthood.

This episode offers a compassionate and scientifically grounded roadmap for understanding yourself and the people you love. Whether you identify as avoidant, anxious, vacillating, disorganized, or relatively secure, you'll walk away with clarity, validation, and practical tools for building healthier patterns of connection. Here is some of what we cover: 

Why attachment styles are not personality traits, but relational survival strategies formed early in life Why ?secure? doesn?t mean perfect; it means the relationship feels predictable and safe most of the time How attachment ruptures can be healed in adulthood through awareness and practice Why the holidays amplify attachment triggers?family roles, old wounds and unresolved expectations How to move toward secure attachment by learning emotional language, practicing repair, and using the comfort circle  Connect with Marc Cameron: 

Instagram: How We Love (@howwelovebook) Facebook:  How We Love Website:  How We Love ? Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage Links Mentioned:  

How We Love: By Milan and Kay Yerkovich Understanding Your Attachment Style:By Marc Cameron Love Style Quiz ? How We Love Freebies ? How We Love Related Episodes: Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] How to Align with Your Spouse in Parenting :: Dr. Kim Kimberling [Ep 491] What Does my Child Need :: Amy and Jeff Olrick [Ep 480] SofM 2024 Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics:  Complete your holiday look with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Honeylove: Treat yourself or someone you love to Honeylove this holiday season and right now you can save 20% at honeylove.com/DMA Story Worth: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you?ll all cherish for years?Storyworth Memoirs! Right now save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to Storyworth.com/dma. 

In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and investigative journalist Lee Strobel to explore some of the most profound questions of faith: Are miracles real? What evidence supports the Christmas story? What are angels like? 

Lee was famously an atheist, and when his wife came to faith in Christ, he set out to prove her wrong. In the end, he discovered that the evidence for Jesus was too substantial to ignore and he became a Christian. Since then, he has helped countless people wrestle with life?s biggest questions: Is God real? How do we navigate a spiritually mismatched marriage? How can we help our kids understand the evidence that Jesus came, died, and rose again? 

Now, he has a new movie coming out called The Case for Miracles, bringing the supernatural to life in a powerful and compelling way. In this interview, we explore:

Documented cases of divine healing Spiritual Mismatch in marriage and how to have hope  The evidence surrounding Christmas and the incarnation Do angels exist? Do we have guardian angels? What Scripture and research reveal How God is using miracles and dreams around the world to draw people to Him  Connect with Lee Strobel: 

Instagram: Lee Strobel (@lee_strobel) Facebook: Lee Strobel Website: Lee Strobel Links Mentioned:  

The Case for Miracles Movie Spiritual Mismatch: By Lee Strobel The Seeing the Supernatural: By Lee Strobel The Case for Christ: By Lee Strobel The Case for Miracles: By Lee Strobel Is God Real? for Teens by Lee Strobel Related Episodes:

Moms and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever :: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins [Ep 501] ?What is My Responsibility in My Child?s Salvation?? :: Vela Tomba [Ep 431] Seek Him First :: Lillian Richey [Ep 494] Featured Sponsors: 

BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer! For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at BUBS Naturals by using code DMA at checkout. Just head to BubsNaturals.com and use code DMA and you?re all set.  Branch Basics: Get yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all - the gift of clean with Branch Basics! For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and Free Shipping on their premium starter pack when you use code DMA at BranchBasics.com/DMA. 

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Jess Connolly?author, podcaster, and speaker?invites us into a season of her life marked by heartbreak and uncertainty. 

Jess opens up about the winter of 2023, when her husband experienced panic attacks, heart issues, and a mental health crisis. At the same time, her family was facing major loss as her stepfather passed away after heart surgery, while also preparing for a book release. Followed by one of her children walking through a dark trial. Jess brings so much truth and gentle encouragement to anyone walking through a season that desperately needs hope, not the shallow Christian clichés we often hear, but a deep and steady hope that God is with us in the valley. Here?s some of what we cover:

The myth of the ?prosperity gospel of parenting? and why 1+2 does not always equal 3 The pressure to assign purpose to a painful season  Rethinking Psalm 23 and understanding the rod and the staff  Learning to lament: why anger expressed to God is actually intimacy An exclusive sneak peak at her next book!  Connect with Jess Connolly:  Instagram: Jess Connolly | Author + Bible Teacher (@jessaconnolly) Facebook: Jess Connolly Website: Jess Connolly Links Mentioned:  

What Comes Next: By Jess Connolly Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: By Lysa TerKeurst Related Episodes:

Sidetracked with Jess Connolly :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 484] Your Body is GOOD :: Jess Connolly [Ep 329] Worth Repeating // Jess Connolly Featured Sponsors:

Sex Ed Reclaimed: Sex Ed Reclaimed offers a full curriculum with lifetime access so with that mind, visit sexedreclaimed.com to get your family's video curriculum today. Branch Basics: Get yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all - the gift of clean with Branch Basics! For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and Free Shipping on their premium starter pack when you use code DMA at BranchBasics.com/DMA . Jones Road Beauty: This holiday season, simplify your routine with makeup that?s clean, strategic, and multifunctional. From November 18th - December 1st, Jones Road is doing their first ever Black Friday Sale! Go to JonesRoadBeauty.com to get up to 20% off sitewide.

As a young mom, I felt the tension of wanting to have it all together: the boys in matching outfits, the house spotless, and dinner on the table. But no matter how hard I tried, it always felt just out of reach. 

Today, Ashleigh Surratt joins me to talk about what it means to be a Type C mom ? a blend of Type A and Type B ? and how this mix shapes the way we experience motherhood. She is a mom and faith-filled encourager who speaks honestly about motherhood, identity, and finding God?s grace in the messiest seasons of life. Her perspective helps moms release perfectionism and embrace the freedom found in authenticity. We talk about: 

How to stop comparing yourself and embrace what truly matters to you How ?ideal mom? expectations can become an idol Why authenticity and vulnerability invite connection rather than shame Create simple ?catch-all? systems to manage chaos in your home When you feel drained, pause and invite God into the overwhelm Connect with Ashleigh Surratt: 

Instagram: Ashleigh Surratt (@ashleigh.surratt) Facebook: Ashleigh Surratt Links Mentioned:  

The Lazy Genius The Ashleigh Surratt Show - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Podcast with her husband Related Episodes:

Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 492] The Lazy Genius Kitchen :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 365] Choose What Matters to YOU :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 293] Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove: Treat yourself or someone special to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth this holiday season. Save 20% off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA. Use our exclusive link to get 20% off Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get fifty percent off your first month then 20 percent off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order. 

When life doesn?t go as planned, it can be hard to see where God is working. In this powerful conversation, Sandra Peoples, author, special needs mom, and ministry leader,  opens up about her journey from growing up with a sister with Down syndrome to parenting a son with autism.


Sandra shares how her family?s story revealed a gap in the church for families impacted by disability, and how God called her to help fill it. From starting a special needs ministry to creating sensory rooms and buddy systems, Sandra offers practical and spiritual wisdom for pastors, volunteers, and parents alike. Here is some of what we cover: 

Disability families are often unreached ? the church has an incredible opportunity to serve and love them. Support for the whole family ? offer counseling, respite nights, and peer connection for parents and siblings. The church should be a whole picture of the body of Christ including those with disabilities who often enter into worship in the most beautiful ways.  What questions to ask your friends who are hesitant to come to church with their special needs child.  Hope for the mom that feels unseen or hopeless. Psalm 126:5- Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
Connect with Sandra Peoples

Website: Sandra Peoples: Equipping Churches and Encouraging Families Instagram: Sandra Peoples (@sandrapeoples) Facebook: Sandra Peoples
Links Mentioned:  

Accessible Church: By Sandra Peoples Held: Learning to Live in God's Grip: By Sandra Peoples Unexpected Blessings: By Sandra Peoples 99 Balloons
Related Episodes:

Adopting Special Needs :: Alice and Candace [Ep 213] Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515] Parenting Neurodivergent Children?Summer Edition :: Carrie Cassell [Ep 413]
Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.  StoryWorth Memoirs: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you?ll all cherish for years?Storyworth Memoirs! Right now, save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to storyworth.com/dma !

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt joins us to talk about parenting, faith, and finding courage, especially in the spotlight. Katherine opens up about her new children?s book, Kat and Brandy, an inspiring story about overcoming fear, bravery, and the bond between animals and humans.

She shares how growing up in a politically influential family shaped her values, why protecting her kids? privacy matters deeply to her, and how faith and humor help her stay grounded in motherhood. From her childhood journals to her love of animals Katherine reveals the experiences that built her courage, and how she hopes to pass those lessons on. Here is some of what we cover:

Balancing Fame and Family: How Katherine and Chris Pratt navigate parenting in the public eye while prioritizing a grounded, private childhood for their kids. Why boredom, journaling, and quiet moments sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling and creativity. Motherhood with Humor and Grace: Katherine?s honest reflections on mom life, finding laughter in chaos, and building a community that uplifts and supports. Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms: find humor in things, get outside, and give yourself grace.

Connect with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt: 

Website: Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Instagram: Katherine Schwarzenegger (@katherineschwarzenegger) Facebook: Katherine Schwarzenegger Links Mentioned:  

Kat and Brandy: By Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Jingle All the Way Christmas Movie Black Beauty: By Anna Sewell BDA Baby® Podcast Related Episodes:

Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466] Raising Rock Stars on a Firm Foundation :: Helen Smallbone [Ep 166] From Blockbusters to Blanket Forts: Patricia Heaton on Parenting, Faith, and Comedy [Ep 521] Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Bubs Natural: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code [DMA] at Bubsnaturals.com PolicyGenius: Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. Because being financially protected? That?s the ultimate self-care. 

What does it really mean to parent with grace? Does choosing grace-based or gentle parenting mean we throw out discipline or become permissive? In today?s episode, Cody Kimmel and I, explore the deep spiritual truths behind parenting the way God parents us, full of grace, full of truth, and full of delight. Parenting is not about perfection. It?s about partnering with God in the work He?s doing in our kids' lives. When we align ourselves with His heart?gracious, truthful, joyful?we parent from a place of rest, not reaction. Here is some of what we cover:

How to respond to a talking-back teen with both love and limits How our own sanctification plays a role in how we approach our kids and discipline  The role of trust and play in your relationship with your kids Grace doesn't mean permissiveness, it means parenting the way God parents us How modern parenting gets it wrong by saying parenting is death to joy and freedom but there is incredible beauty and delight in motherhood  Connect with Cody Kimmel: 

Website: Home - Gracebased Facebook: Gracebased Instagram: Gracebased (@gracebasedfamilies) Links Mentioned:  

Grace-Based Parenting: By Tim Kimmel Blueprint Pathway - Gracebased Gracebased Home Journal - Gracebased Podcasts lightcatchers - Gracebased Related Episodes:

Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs :: Karis Murray [Ep 237] Grace-Based Discipline :: Karis Kimmel Murray [Ep 150] ?What Does My Child Need?? :: Amy and Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 480] Featured Sponsors: 

Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to: littlespoon.com/DMA and enter our code DMA at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon order.  Voetberg Music Academy: This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you?re subscribed. Get 20% off the proprietary Voetberg Method Experience. Lightcatchers Podcast: Lightcatchers, a new podcast of original stories for children. Created by an organization with over 40 years of helping moms and dads experience God?s vision for parenting, Lightcatchers is loved by children and parents alike. It?s perfect for parents looking for stories that explore topics like emotional intelligence, mental health, and hope. Listen now to Lightcatchers wherever you get your podcasts. And learn more at bealightcatcher.com

In today?s episode, we?re joined by Kathleen from The Pour Over, a news outlet known for delivering the world?s biggest headlines with clarity and Christian perspective. We unpack the emotional weight of our 24/7 news cycle, especially in a world where social media pulls on your emotions and algorithms scream, ?Why aren?t you talking about this??.  Moms are expected to stay informed, care deeply, and somehow shield their kids from the fear and confusion that often comes with breaking news. Here are some of the topics we cover: 

How to talk to your kids about heavy headlines without additional fear Discernment in the age of social media and video ?evidence? Monitoring your time consuming the news ? and its effect on your mood Staying informed while still showing the fruits of the Spirit

Connect with Kathleen Wadkins: 

Website: Your politically neutral, Christian news source. - The Pour Over Instagram:  The Pour Over | News & Perspective (@thepourovernews) Links Mentioned:  

Decaf - The Pour Over Subscribe for FREE to The Pour Over The Pour Over - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Related Episodes:

Factual News, Flexible Thinking and Family Moral Imperatives :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 332] Do Not Grow Weary :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 495] Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474] Featured Sponsors: 

Branch Basics: Ready to kick off your back-to-school reset? Shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Start fresh this season, with products that are safe, simple, and actually work. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/[DMA]. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove.

In this episode I chat with the lovely Erica Gwynn, author, podcaster, and mom about her new book That?s Just Not True. She shares how easily we start believing lies about our worth, purpose, and identity. From the pressure to ?have it all together? to the quiet voice that whispers ?you?re missing out? or ?you?re not enough,? the conversation dives deep into how these thoughts take root ? and how God?s truth brings freedom. Through honest stories and truth, Erica reminds us that you are not enough ? but Jesus is enough. God hasn?t asked us to do everything; He?s gifted us to play our part in the body of Christ. Here is some of what we cover:
Turning ordinary (or in between) moments into ?breath prayers?  Recognizing lies like: I?m missing out, I missed my shot, and I can manifest my dream life We talk about how mom?s can make their kids their whole life and identity How to shift worldly affirmations to Godly affirmations How social media has become a place of ?curated messy? and fake authenticity Connect with Erica Gwynn: 

Website:  Popular Philadelphia Lifestyle Blog | Coming Up Roses Facebook: Coming Up Roses Instagram:  Erica Ligenza Gwynn // PHILLY (@ericaligenza) Links Mentioned:  

That's Just Not True: By Erica Ligenza Gwynn You Are Special; by Max Lucado Must Be Nice Hat from Sidetracked Podcast Thrive Podcast | Coming up Roses Related Episodes:

If You?re Tired of Feeling Like You Don?t Measure Up? :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538] The Shift: Overcoming Self-Sabotage, Imposter Syndrome, and Critical Inner Monologues :: Mary Marantz [Ep 520] Unpacking Moms? Mental Load :: Dr. Morgan Cutlip [Ep 503] Featured Sponsors: 

Green Chef?Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics?Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Voetburg Music Academy?The Voetberg Family loves playing music together, and they want to help you bring the gift of music into your home in an affordable, efficient, and family-centered way. This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you?re subscribed. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Is it too late to rebuild your relationship with your adult child? What if there?s grief, resentment, or even silence between you?

In this episode, Kathy Cunningham, a Christian counselor, ordained minister, coach, and inner healing ministry leader shares her deeply personal journey of healing, transformation, and restored connection with her adult children. Kathy went through a journey with both of her kids and started to see more and more parent child estrangement in her counseling practice. This led her to start a ministry that helps parents grow and be a cheerleader instead of controlling their adult kids. Here is some of what we cover:  Why your own healing journey is key to restoring connection Setting healthy boundaries in your home while honoring your child?s independence What to do when your child has cut off contact Radical acceptance: creating space for disagreement without division Moms whose identity has been wrapped up in parenting find themselves feeling lost and unsure of who they are once their kids leave home- what to do next Connect with Kathy Cunningham: 

Website:  Grace For The Journey Facebook: A Seed of Hope Instagram:  Katherine L Cunningham (@kathycunningham717) Links Mentioned:  

Doing Life with Your Adult Children: By Jim Burns Parents of Addicted Loved Ones | Support Group for Parents, Spouses, Family of Addicted Loved One FREE resources for parents to reconnect with adult children  Grace Restored Membership Related Episodes:

?How do I connect better with my kids?? [Ep 475] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] Featured Sponsors: 

GoPure Beauty?For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code DMA at checkout. Just head to gopure.com, use code DMA, and you?re all set. And after you buy, do us a favor?when they ask where you heard about goPure, tell them it was from our show! Policygenius: Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. Because being financially protected? That?s the ultimate self-care. Hiya Health: The same multivitamin that more than a million parents trust is now available with an enchanting Disney Princess welcome kit, with a new Princess unboxing experience including Princess bottle and stickers. And we've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What happens when love meets fear head-on in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy? Today, Amy Ford, from the ministry "Embrace Grace" is here to share her own personal testimony and how God is moving through local churches to love on women. Amy?s own story of an unexpected pregnancy that ends in total redemption is amazing. From that she started Embrace Grace, an organization that provides baby showers, support before and after birth, and a community that goes beyond. Here is some of what we cover: 

What ?Love Boxes? are and why 30,000+ were given out last year The powerful symbolism of Hagar, the first single mom in the Bible, who encountered the God who sees A support group for fathers called Embrace Legacy and the vital role they play The vision of being in 23,400 churches by 2050  How your church can become a place of welcome and grace for single moms and dads Connect with Amy Ford: 

Website:  Unplanned Pregnancy Support Groups | Embrace Grace Facebook: Embrace Grace | Hurst TX  Instagram:  Embrace Grace (@embracegraceinc) Links Mentioned:  

Write a Brave Girl Letter | Encourage a Single and Pregnant Mom Love in a Box ? Embrace Grace Shop Help Her Be Brave Podcast Hannah Kirkman?s IG story of healing from her abortion journey Forgiven and Set Free by Linda Cochrane Forgiven and Set Free Bible Study by Linda Cochrane Surrendering the Secret Bible Study by Pat Layton  Related Episodes: I Am Restored :: Stacy Reaves {Ep 93}  How to Stop Shame Spirals :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Summer of Mentorship Wk 6] Set Free From Shame :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 190] Featured Sponsors: 

Voetberg Music Academy: If you are ready to get started with either Piano, Guitar, Fiddle, or Ukulele lessons at Voetberg Music Academy then use my code DONTMOMALONE at checkout and get 20% off each month you?re enrolled. Weekly lessons, LIVE coaching calls, monthly performance opportunities, 24/7 messaging with your instructor, access to the VMA community, badges mailed to your home and so much more is included with your membership that is less than one in person lesson.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.  Branch Basics: Head to BranchBasics.com to shop their Ultimate Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. That?s 15% off your new Branch Basics Ultimate Starter Kit at BranchBasics.com with promo code [DMA]. Make the change today?because a healthier home starts with what you clean it with. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Have you ever felt like your teenager is pulling away, and no matter how much you talk, nothing seems to get through?

In this episode, we?re joined by Mark Gregston, a ministry leader who has spent over 50 years walking with teenagers through crises, often welcoming them into his home. His insights challenge a lot of the assumptions we make about parenting teens. Mark reminds us that relationships are the most important thing and shares ways to make that connection, and how to transition from parenting littles to older kids. Here is some of what we cover:  What to do when mom shame pops up  How to know when your teen is just being a teen... and when it's a red flag What to do when your teen surprises you with behavior you didn?t see coming How to give them more responsibility and be less controlling Creating a home where relationships flourish is possible?even when things feel hopeless Connect with Mark Gregston: 

Website:  Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Website: Heartlight Ministries Facebook: Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Instagram:  PTT with Mark Gregston (@parentingtodaysteens) Links Mentioned:  

Family Crisis Coaching Program - Parenting Today's Teens Heartlight Ministries Parenting Today's Teens Podcast with Mark Gregston eBooks - Parenting Today's Teens Related Episodes:

Help for the Unspoken Challenges of Parenting Teens :: Amy Betters-Midtvedt [Ep 493] Three Faith Pillars for Parenting Teens :: Melissa Kruger [Ep 457] Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology and Friendship :: Lee Cordon [Ep 408] Featured Sponsors: 

GoPure: Right now, goPure has a crazy deal. For a limited time, you can get 57% off the Tighten & Lift Neck Cream and Sculpt & Tone Arm Cream Bundle. You can also get 25% off all other products by using code DMA at goPure.com Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA.  Thrive Market: Go to thrivemarket.com/DMA to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Is your child really doomed if they don?t start soccer by age 2? Do you feel the constant pressure to sign your kids up for the ?right? teams and keep pace with the families around you?

In this episode, longtime youth sports leaders Ed and Brian pull back the curtain on the fear-driven culture so many parents get caught in. They challenge the myth of early specialization and share a hope-filled vision of what true success looks like for our kids?on and off the field. You?ll hear practical wisdom on how to stay connected with your child while letting them own their sports journey.

Here?s what we cover:

The silent killer: what?s said in the car ride home What the fruits of the Spirit look like on the sidelines Creating spiritual rhythms around practice and game day The myth of ?early start or fall behind? Plus, a little Napoleon Dynamite and Uncle Rico fun!

Connect with Ed and Brian: 

Website:  Away Game Instagram:  Ed Uszynski Instagram: Brian Smith Links Mentioned:  

Away Game: By Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski  Related Episodes:

Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280] How to be Calm and Kind Under Pressure :: Candace Cameron Bure [Ep 223] Parenting in the Power of the Holy Spirit :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 347] Featured Sponsors: 

Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics: Maximize your look with minimal effort. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Untriggered by Amber Lia: Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger available at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever you get good books. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you feel embarrassment or shame around talking to your kids about sex? Do you wish someone else could come talk to them for you? 

Well today Kristin Miele is here to share her curriculum called Sex Ed Reclaimed. Kristin very reluctantly dove into this topic, she kept trying to run from it but God kept putting her in spaces to teach the truth of how our bodies are made. Here is some of what we cover:
Teaching about boundaries, safety, and abuse prevention The "STOP" acronym for responding to porn exposure The difference between recognizing our feelings and declaring that they are truth Talking to your kids about abortion, same-sex attraction, and gender questions The harm of 90s purity culture?and a healthier, more grace-filled way forward
Connect with Kristen Miele: 

Website:  Christian Online Sex Ed Courses | Sex Ed Reclaimed Instagram:  Finally, Sex Ed You Can Trust Just For Kids! (@sexedreclaimed)
Links Mentioned:  

Good Pictures Bad Pictures: By Kristen Jenson Sex Ed Reclaimed Curriculum ?use code DONTMOMALONE for 15 percent off.  
Related Episodes:

Porn-Proofing Our Kids :: Kristen Jenson [Ep 256] Birds and Birds? Oh Help Me Please :: Mary Flo Ridley [Ep 25] Let?s Talk about Sex :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 328] Overcoming Barriers to Sexual Intimacy :: Nancy Houston [Ep 206]
Featured Sponsors: 

Outschool: Get your family?s first month for only $1 when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout. You?re Still a Good Mom by Hallie Dye available at MoodyPublisher.com or wherever you buy good books. Read a free sample chapter here.  Voetberg Music Academy: Use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you?re subscribed and encounter the proprietary Voetberg Method experience at Voetbergmusicacademy.com Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Who does God say you are? And how do you step into your true identity when the world (and even yourself) have told you otherwise? If you (or your kids) feel unseen, unworthy, or unwanted, this episode is for you.

In this powerful conversation, Hosanna Wong shares her journey of growing up on the streets of San Francisco with a father who battled addiction, only to see God transform his life and spark an outdoor church that reached the hurting. Her story goes on to share how she went through some hard years that were full of disappointment and lies from the enemy. She continued to press into the word and God reminded her who she is in Christ, through that season her spoken word ministry was born. Here is some of what we talked about: 

How God uses ordinary moments and people, like a mother opening her door to a vacuum salesman and sharing faith, to change generations The struggle of feeling like you don?t measure up to ?good Christian molds? and learning freedom in Christ Why God delights in your unique personality, schedule, and situation, He made you that way on purpose Hosanna reminds us that we have freedom in how we connect with our creator and God wants to meet us where we are  Connect with Hosanna Wong: 

Website:  HOSANNA Facebook: Hosanna Wong Instagram:  Hosanna Wong (@hosanna.wong) Links Mentioned:  

SPOKEN WORD: I Have A New Name What God Says About You: By Hosanna Wong You Are More than You've Been Told: By Hosanna Wong  Related Episodes:

Exchange False Beliefs with True Identity :: Jamie Winship [Ep 433] When You Need a Personal Revival :: Cleere Cherry Reaves [Ep 504] Fighting Toxic Thoughts :: Jennie Allen [Ep 272] Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Maximize your look with minimal effort. Go to ThriveCausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Hiya Health: The same multivitamin that more than a million parents trust is now available with an enchanting Disney Princess welcome kit, with a new Princess unboxing experience including Princess bottle and stickers. And we've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA.  Outschool: Get your family?s first month for only $1 when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you ever feel like clutter is taking over your home? In this episode, Tara Bremmer, professional organizer is here to dive into the heart of decluttering. We will talk about where to start if your home feels out of control, and how to tackle overwhelming projects in small, manageable steps instead of turning your whole house upside down. You?ll also hear tips for pantry organization, dealing with ?rage areas,? and how to maintain chaos resilience by scheduling time to keep things in order. We also cover: 
Practical tips for decluttering books, laundry, and pantries The emotional side of clutter and why we hold on to things in stressful times Decluttering with kids: teaching them to let go, manage clothes, and organize their space Tips for closet organization: including deciding what sizes of clothes to hang onto
Connect with Tara Bremmer: 

Website:  House Peace Instagram:  Therapy for your house. (@house.peace)
Related Episodes:

Declutter Like a Mother :: Allie Casazza [Ep268] From Chaos to Calm: Practical Tools to Manage Anger and Overwhelm in Motherhood  :: Elizabeth Andreyevskiy [Ep 513] Choose What Matters to YOU :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 293] House Rules and Learning to Love your Home :: Myquillyn Smith [Ep 462]
Featured Sponsors: 

Voetberg Music Academy: Use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you?re subscribed and encounter the proprietary Voetberg Method experience at Voetbergmusicacademy.com  Go Pure: Get 25% Off @goPure with code [DMA] at gopure.com #goPurepod Active Skin Repair: Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Our kids begin to feel and respond to shame as early as 15 to 18 months of age. Those early moments can begin a lifelong struggle with feeling unworthy, inadequate and unlovable. Shame also disintegrates us (separating our thinking brain from our feeling brain) and isolates us from others. 

My guest is Dr. Curt Thompson, a psychiatrist and expert on the effects of shame and how to find freedom from the lifelong negative messages that come after us and our family.

?One of the things that we notice about shame is that because we are immobilized and we are hiding, shame does not actually ever allow us to move toward God. This is why we have to have someone come and find us. This is why when our children are experiencing shame, we have to go and find them. This is why it's important for us as parents to have others who are coming to find us.?

YES! Moms don?t let moms sit in shame. We can choose to seek out others when they are stuck in the shame cycle. Who are your 2 or 3 moms that will help you tell your story more truly? 

Dr. Thompson walks us through some practical ways to build in memories and physical reminders to work against shame in the future for both ourselves and others. And throughout our conversation he points back to how God doesn?t leave us to deal with shame alone.

?The beautiful thing is Jesus isn?t worried about our kids. He's not worried about your mothering. He's delighted. He knows how hard this work is and he knows that we will do it imperfectly. Even when we have our worst moments in which we foist to shame upon our kids or when our kids experience shame against everything that we're doing to try to combat it, God is saying: ?I'm not worried. I never run out of options.??

Summer of Mentorship Discussion questions PDF 

Connect with Dr. Thompson: 

Website:  https://curtthompsonmd.com  Facebook: https://curtthompsonmd.com/  Instagram: @curt_thompson_md  Links Mentioned:  

BOOK: The Soul of Shame  BOOK: Anatomy of the Soul BOOK: The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and Community BOOK: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  Featured Sponsors:  Honeylove?Treat yourself to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA  Outschool?Get your family?s first month for only $1 when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout. Thrive Causemetics?Maximize your look with minimal effort. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Group Discussion Questions:

Have you studied shame before? Were you familiar with what it does to our bodies? What was the last thing you felt shame about? How did it isolate you or disrupt a creative process? Talk through how a friend or spouse could help you walk out of a shame cycle (whether minor or major). Who are 2 or 3 women that could help you feel loved or speak truth back to you that ?Jesus isn?t surprised??  Discuss meeting your children in their shame and how we can rely on God in those moments. 

Have you read the whole Bible? That was the question my guest Tara-Leigh Cobble struggled to answer while talking to a pastor friend. As she thought back through her life growing up in a Christian home, being involved in church and now working in full-time ministry, she couldn?t say for sure that she?d really read ALL of the Bible. 

So she started a chronological reading plan to read it all, even the genealogies. But as she read, Tara had to wrestle with stories she?d never heard from the pulpit.  

?I was questioning the Bible because I was reading the Bible and I was questioning not is this true, but is he good? Yeah. Do I like him? My mentor said the places where you have difficulty with God lean in because the good stuff is on the other side of this. The good stuff is on the other side of this struggle.?

After completing her own journey of reading the full Bible and seeing scripture and God in a new way, Tara-Leigh created The Bible Recap podcast and book to help others encounter God through his Word. And she?s here to give us a pep talk for reading the full Bible too. 

?You behold the living God in scripture, and all of a sudden, instead of feeling burdened by your to-do list, you're going to be buoyed and carried along by the love of the God of the universe and by the person of who he is. And that's what I want you to take away from scripture every day, a vision of the God who loves you and who has already accomplished all that he requires of you.?

Summer of Mentorship Discussion questions PDF 

Connect with Tara-Leigh: 

Website:  www.taraleighcobble.com  The Bible Recap: www.thebiblerecap.com  Instagram: @taraleighcobble 
Links Mentioned:  

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Listen to the Bible on YouVersion

Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA and start saving today. Sale ends 8/31. Active Skin Repair: Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA.  GoPure: With over 1 MIllion jars sold, this beauty secret is no longer a secret. Get 25% Off @goPure with code [DMA] at https://www.gopurebeauty.com/DMA #goPurepod

There is often a disconnect from what we read in scripture and how we experience life. God says, ?I have not given you a spirit of fear,? but we keenly feel fear and anxiety. We know that God has saved our souls through Christ's death and resurrection, but we still feel like past wounds/choices/lies come between us and hearing His voice. 

One powerful way to work towards freedom in these areas is through a biblically-based program of inner healing prayer. My guest Jennifer Barnett of Freedom Prayer joins me to talk about inner healing prayer or freedom prayer, a powerful process that helps restore individuals to a more fruitful and fulfilling walk with God.

?Inner healing prayer is its own sort of type of prayer. If you're not familiar with it, we would say it's some really intentional time devoted to allowing God to remove anything that would hinder someone from a full abiding relationship with him. That could look like sin, wounding, ungodly beliefs, or lies that we believe about ourselves, God or other people.?

My experience with inner healing prayer has been so powerful and I believe it can be for you too. For more information on Freedom Prayer visit their website at https://freedomprayer.org. 

Summer of Mentorship 2025 Discussion questions PDF 

Connect with Freedom Prayer: 

Website:  freedomprayer.org  Facebook: facebook.com/freedomresources 
Group Discussion Questions:

Is there something in your life you need freedom from to connect more with God? Can you find an inner healing prayer ministry near you to pray? How has prayer impacted your walk with Christ? Is it something you do regularly? Is there someone else you need to share inner healing prayer with? Other Episodes on the topic:  True Intimacy with God :: Mo Isom Aiken [Ep 318] Soul Freedom :: Francie Winslow (Encore) For Freedom Be Set Free with Francie Winslow {Ep. 4} Featured Sponsors:  Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Outschool: If you want to try Outschool, you can get your family?s first month for only $1 a limited time when you use my link: Outschool.com/DMA  Outschool has been a game changer for our family. This new membership exclusive discount is only available when you go through our link and use code DMA!  Thrive Causemetics: Maximize your look with minimal effort. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

A few years ago, my friend Kelsey Philips hit a crisis in her life. She felt physically unwell, depressed and desperate for healing. She connected with a missionary couple from her church who prayed with her and over her for two hours. It was in that prayer time that Kelsey recognized God?s voice for the first time.

?He had been speaking to me for a long time. I just didn't know it was him. When you have an encounter like that, he speaks to these places that are so deep. He is healing wounds that are so far back and he is breaking you free of chains that are so heavy and hard and real. You don't ever want to go back to a place where you don't have that.?

I believe we can hear God?s voice and that he is still speaking today. As Kelsey reminds us, there?s no better time than now to practice listening to the Lord. 

?It does require solitude and quiet and that is not our nature. But here we are in a season where we are in worldwide rest. We are forced into this place of quiet. We've all had to come off of the hamster wheel and this has been an incredible time to allow space to listen to him about what he's doing on so many levels.?

*this episode originally aired in March of 2020

Summer of Mentorship Discussion questions PDF 

Links Mentioned:  

Novo Missions [WEBSITE] Listening Prayer [ARTICLE]  Where to Start in Listening Prayer?Friendship Questions [PDF] Hello Mornings [WEBSITE] Additional Resources: Hearing God:  Developing a Conversational Relationship with God by Dallas Willard The Joy of Listening to God:  Hearing the Many Ways God Speaks to Us by Joyce Huggett Whispers:  How to Hear the Voice of God  by Mark Batterson  Group Discussion Questions:

Take a few moments to check in with your group. How is everyone feeling? Give space for members to share how they are dealing with the uncertainty and stress. Practice listening to one another without judgement or advice.  What has been your experience with ?listening to the Lord?? Is that a familiar or unfamiliar concept?  Have you ever had a moment like Kelsey?s when you recognized God?s voice for the first time? Share!  How could asking God for a vision for your kids change your perspective on parenting them? What is one step you can take to make space to hear God this week? Brainstorm with one another.  Is there someone you can encourage by sharing this episode with them? Take a moment to share it right now! Featured Sponsors:  Active Skin Repair?Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA.  Green Chef?Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month and then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Honeylove -Treat yourself to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA

We know that God?s word is living and active. Today?s guest Jodie Berndt takes us through using Bible verses as prayers that can powerfully influence your children?s lives. 

There is so much encouragement in this episode for standing on the truth of God?s word and relying on scripture to help shape your children, teens and adult children. Of course, we as moms can?t help but be changed when we hide his word in our hearts and pray them over our family. 

What we chat about: Using God?s word for prayers is powerful. There isn?t a need we?ll face in parenting that God hasn?t provided for in his word. Specific scriptures to pray for your child?s salvation Asking God what we can nurture and pray for in each child?s unique giftings God will accomplish the changes in your child?s character. Our job is to partner with him. Praying against fear and for protection  Asking God to shape your children into good friends Processing popular media with your kids and discussing how it aligns or doesn?t align with a Godly world view The power of having others pray for your kids in community When prayers aren?t answered the way we want, God is still writing their stories. Free resources available at https://jodieberndt.com/resources  Summer of Mentorship Discussion questions PDF 

Scriptures Mentioned: Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. John 15:7 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord will keep you from all harm?he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Acts 26:18 -  Open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. 2 Corinthians 5:17 -  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God?s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Psalm 91:11 - For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Proverbs 17:17 - Shape my child into a friend who loves at all times Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 16:28 - A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. Links Mentioned: 

https://jodieberndt.com/ Mom Life Unscripted YouTube Channel Jeannie Cunnion?s ?Mom Set Free? Book Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: By Jodie Berndt Praying the Scriptures for Your Children: By  Jodie Berndt Praying the Scriptures for Your Life: By Jodie Berndt  Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Market: Stock up smart this summer with Thrive Market. Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA to get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE sixty dollar gift just for signing up.  Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping available at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA.  Outschool: If you want to try Outschool, you can get your family?s first month for only $1 a limited time when you use my link: Outschool.com/DMA! Outschool has been a game changer for our family. This new membership exclusive discount is only available when you go through our link and use code DMA!  Discussion Questions:  Do you have scriptures you pray for your children? Were there scriptures Jodi shared you wanted to start using? What is a need you have right now in parenting that you need a verse to pray for?  How can you incorporate praying for your children into your daily rhythm?  Pick one of the verses/prayers Jodie shared and write it down on a Post-it or notecard. Put it somewhere you will see it and pray. Share a need for one of your children with the group. Pray for each other and ask God to breathe new hope and faith into your parenting.

If God is holy, then He can?t sin. If God can?t sin, then He can?t sin against you. If He can?t sin against you, shouldn?t that make Him the most trustworthy being there is?

I?m thrilled to have Jackie Hill Perry back on the podcast to share about her much anticipated book, ?Holier Than Thou?.

She walks us through Scripture, shaking the dust off of ?holy? as we?ve come to know it and revealing it for what it really is: good news. As it turns out, God being ?holier than thou? is actually the best news in the world, and it?s the key to trusting Him.

?Holiness is really abstract, but what does it have to do with me? The truth is it has everything to do with the way we live because the way we engage with the world around us is symptomatic of what we believe is true about God.?

We also chat about how Jackie doesn?t ?mom alone,? about her growing family and the holy calling of motherhood. This is a powerful episode! 

Summer of Mentorship Discussion Question PDF

Connect with Jackie: 

Website: https://jackiehillperry.com  Facebook: facebook.com/jackiehillperrypage  Instagram: @jackiehillperry 

Links Mentioned:  

BOOK Holier Than Thou: How God?s Holiness Helps Us Trust Him [Ep 214] Gay Girl, Good God :: Jackie Hill Perry  



Featured Sponsors: 

Branch Basics: Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code [DMA] at https://branchbasics.com/DMA #branchbasicspod Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA.  Voetberg Music Academy: Use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you?re subscribed and encounter the proprietary Voetberg Method experience at Voetbergmusicacademy.com 
Group Discussion Questions:

How would you describe God?s holiness?  Does understanding his holiness help you trust him more? Discuss: ?We cannot allow our experiences to define God?s nature.? Heather talks about how the first 5 years really matter and that the act of mothering is holy. Does that resonate with you? How does that change how you look at parenting in the little years?

Do you long to go deeper in your faith and help your children fall in love with Scripture ? not just the stories, but the whole story? 

Today Zach Windahl shares what led him to dedicate years to studying scripture. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying the Bible for others, particularly for those who feel overwhelmed or confused. After moving to Australia and enrolling in a transformative Bible study program, everything changed. He discovered how the entire Bible connects ? from Genesis to Revelation ? and how understanding Scripture through a Hebrew lens opens up a whole new depth of meaning. The Bible isn?t random. Every story, every verse, every command points to Jesus. Here is some of what we cover:  Why modeling your faith matters more than preaching to your kids The difference between a Greek vs. Hebrew mindset when reading Scripture What to do when Christian culture and actual Jesus living don?t align Connect with Zach Windahl: 

Website:  Zach Windahl Facebook: Zach Windahl | Facebook Instagram:  Zach Windahl (@zachwindahl) Links Mentioned:  

The Bible, Simplified: By Zach Windahl The Bible Study: By Zach Windahl See the Good: By Zach Windahl Practicing the Way: By John Mark Comer Revolutionary Parenting: By George Barna Zach Windahl ? The Brand Sunday Related Episodes:

Consistency in Bible Study :: Katie Orr [Ep 352] Every Mom a Theologian :: Phylicia Masonheimer [Ep 389] Why Read the Entire Bible :: Tara Leigh Cobble [Ep 312] Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brillian Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping available at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA or save 20% off your first order.  Outschool: Get $30 off your families first month of Outschool when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout Hiya: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Many of you have been on this journey with me since the potty-training days, and now you?re facing the incredible milestone of sending your kids off to college. In this episode, my friend Shellee Howard joins us to discuss the complexities of the college application process, the importance of early preparation, and strategies for securing scholarships and financial aid. 

Shellee shares her journey into becoming a college strategist and offers insights on how parents can support their children in navigating their educational paths. Here is some of what we cover:  What to do if your teen doesn?t know what they want to be yet How to help your child discover their core values and articulate their ?why? for college How to negotiate the cost of college like a pro (yes, it?s possible!) Pursue meaningful extracurriculars (music, leadership, service projects, and more) Which college stats matter most?and how to see through the sales pitch on college tours
Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  College Counseling Services | Graduate Debt-Free with Expert Guidance Facebook: Shellee Howard Instagram: College Ready Plan
Links Mentioned:  

College Ready Questionnaire (Shellee) Personal Values Assessment | Discover Your Values Podcast ? College Ready | College Admissions Consulting The College Admissions PLAN Simplified: Shellee Howard How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money Shellee Howard
Related Episodes:

Navigating Senior Year: College Prep, Family Talks, and Faithful Waiting :: Lee Cordon and Barrett Ball [Ep 523] Demystifying Financial Aid :: Kristi Steele [Ep 440] Long Game Parenting :: Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson [Ep 337]
Featured Sponsors: 

Building Spiritual Habits in the Home?Authors Clayton Green and Chris Pappalardo will help you turn your good intentions into spiritual intentionality through 6 small and practical steps. Build a home marked by the love for Jesus in everyday practices. Order ?Building Spiritual Habits in the Home? from Moody Publishers or wherever you get good books.
Green Chef?Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use the code 50ALONE to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. 
Active Skin Repair?Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA.
Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Knox and I recently had the incredible opportunity to go on a Compassion International vision trip to El Salvador. Today, I?m joined by my friend Nicki Koziarz to help recap this life-changing experience.

Nicki is an author, Bible teacher, and podcaster?and also a mom of six, including three boys adopted from Haiti. She brings a powerful perspective on the global impact Compassion is making and the heartbreaking reality that, in many cases, poverty is the only reason a mother has to give up her child.

We dive into how Compassion is partnering with local churches to go into the hardest places?providing food, medical care, and the hope of Christ to transform lives and futures. Nicki also shares about their amazing Survival Program, which walks alongside mothers from pregnancy through a child?s first year, ensuring families have the support they need to stay together when possible. 

I?m so grateful for the chance to witness firsthand what God is doing through Compassion in El Salvador?and I can't wait to share more with you in this episode.

Connect with Nicki Koziarz: 

Website:  Nicki Koziarz ? Author | Speaker | Bible Teacher Facebook: Nicki Koziarz Instagram:  nickikoziarz Links Mentioned:  

Last time Nicki was on the show (Ep 121) *Join Heather and Help End Child Poverty* Compassion Survival - Compassion International  Related Episodes:

Secure Borders and the Compassionate Christian :: Bri Stensrud [Ep 455] Exploring Global Cultures at Home :: Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young [Ep 327] Compassion Changes Everything :: Jonathan Almonte [Ep 264]
Featured Sponsors: 

Outschool-Get $30 off your families first month of Outschool when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout. Function?In the spirit of Long Live and taking control of your health, get a $100 credit towards your annual membership at: www.functionhealth.com/DMA This $100 credit is only for the first thousand listeners Thrive Causemetics?Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at ThriveCausemetics.com/DMA. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Kids all read at different ages, stages, and times, but how can we, as parents, ensure they are getting all the tools and skills they need to become great readers? Today, Maya Smart joins me to talk about her new book Reading for Our Lives. She delves into the science of how kids become not just readers, but also comprehend and think critically. Here is some of what we cover: Why you are your child?s chief vocabulary builder TALK stands for: Take turns, Ask questions, Label and point, Keep the conversation going Why literacy still matters?even in an AI world Literacy is relational, not just instructional Early vocabulary and sound awareness are critical foundations
Connect with Maya Smart: 

Website:  Maya Smart - Helping Parents Raise Readers | Become a Reader Facebook: Maya Smart Instagram:  Maya Smart - Parent Educator and Literacy Advocate (@mayasmarty)
Links Mentioned:  

Reading for Our Lives: By Maya Smart
Related Episodes:

How to Stay Calm with School Stress :: Kirk Martin {Ep 88} ?What is Typical When Learning to Talk?? :: Stephanie Cohen [Ep 486] Supporting Students with Dyslexia :: Kerri Irvin [Ep 317]
Featured Sponsors: 

Active Skin Repair: Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA.  Remi: No waiting rooms. No overpriced bills. Just a better way to protect your teeth while you sleep. Try Remi risk-free at shopremi.com/DMA and use CODE DMA to get up to 50% off your nightguard at checkout. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA. After you purchase, they?ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

In this episode, I sit down with Meta?s Global Director of Public Policy, who also happens to be a mom of two teenagers, to discuss the realities of raising kids in a digital-first world. There is a lot that goes into ensuring our teens are safe online, and Tara explains how Instagram is becoming a leader in this arena. Whether you?re worried about screen time, inappropriate content, or online bullying, this conversation is packed with insight and practical help.  Here are some topics we cover: How Meta uses cutting-edge technology for age verification  The three biggest concerns parents have about social media- who can contact their teen on Instagram, whether the content their teen sees is age-appropriate, and how much time their teen is spending on social media Encouraging open conversations when your teen sees (or does) something online they shouldn?t Connect with Tara Hopkins:  

Instagram: Tara Hopkins Links Mentioned:  

 Meta Family Center Related Episodes:

Creating a Family Tech Plan :: Andrea Davis [Ep 470] Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Tech :: Joey Odom [Ep 425] Braving the Tech Landscape Through Connection :: Chris McKenna [Ep 424] Creating Digital Safe Spaces :: Chris McKenna [Ep 360] Featured Sponsors: 

Function: I highly recommend Function. Learn more and join using my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DMA to own your health. Active Skin Repair: Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA. Thrive Market: Skip the junk without overspending. Head over to ThriveMarket.com/DMA to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today Katie Kimball is here to show us how to help our kids gain life skills that last and contribute to the family. Katie founded a program called Life Skills Now which covers topics from oil changes, to cooking, to entrepreneurship. She shares that competence equals confidence and with the rise of anxiety and depression, we want to give our kids all of the confidence and skills to succeed in this world. Summer is a perfect time to begin! Here are some topics we cover:  Why parenting can't be put on autopilot- we need to shift and change constantly  A list of 100 practical, emotional, and intellectual skills your kids can learn Breaking chores into doable chunks instead of ?just go clean the bathroom? How to create a "Summer Skills List" with your kids that fosters ownership and choice How to teach them skills that are hands-on, minds-on, hearts-on  How critical thinking and open-ended questions shape kids' future decision-making Connect with Katie Kimball: 

Website:  kidscookrealfood.com/dontmomalone  Facebook: Kids Cook Real Food Instagram:  Katie Kimball | TEDx speaker (@katiekimballkidscook) Links Mentioned:  

Sign up for the #LifeSkillsNow Camp! (FREE for the week of June 9th to 13th). Online Cooking Class for Kids - Kids Cook Real Food Stress Mastery Challenge for Busy Moms Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools and Knives - Kids Cook Real Food
Related Episodes:

Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474] The Lazy Genius Kitchen :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 365] Raising Kids Who Can Stand Alone :: Cynthia Yanof ? Summer of Mentorship ? Wk 2 [Ep 415]
Featured Sponsors: 

HIYA health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash extensions mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA.  Outschool: Get $30 off your families first month of Outschool when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today Eryn Lynum joins me to share about the beautiful connection between nature and rest. Sabbath has become such a hot topic right now but Eryn had to learn from age 14 how to rest like her life depended on it when she was diagnosed with Addison's disease. She is now a homeschooling mom of four, a master naturalist, author, and business owner. Her family is committed to their family values and weekly sabbath amid a very full life. She reminds us of some deep ancient truths that God created us to fully live and gives us tools to find new rhythms. We explore: How Jesus taught through nature The meaning of ?Shabbat? ? to stop and to delight How to build in Selah pauses (even if you only have 5 minutes!) God meant for the sabbath to be a celebration, not a stuffy rule following day  Rest is the perfection of vital activity- what is vital in this season for your family  Connect with Eryn Lynum: 

Website:  Eryn Lynum Author Facebook: Eryn Lynum Author and Speaker Instagram:  Eryn Lynum | Master Naturalist and Author (@erynlynumauthor) Links Mentioned:  

The Nature of Rest: By Eryn Lynum Nat Theo Podcast | Eryn Lynum Rooted in Wonder: By Eryn Lynum Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly Related Episodes:

Sidetracked with Jess Connolly :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 484] Which Type of Rest Do You Need? :: Saundra Dalton-Smith [Ep 209] Thinking Differently about Sabbath :: Shelly Miller [Ep 181] Featured Sponsors: 

Gabb?Protecting your kids has never been easier. For the best deals, sign up to
Gabb today?no contract required- at Gabb.com/dma. Terms and conditions apply. Green Chef?Make this season your most delicious yet with Green Chef. Head to greenchef.com/50ALONE and use the code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Function Health? I highly recommend Function. Learn more and join using my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DMA to own your health. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today we are live and in person in my office with Lee Cordon and Barrett Ball! My real-life friends have created a comprehensive guide for senior year and beyond. We cover the logistical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that every family walks through?from managing the college application process to preparing for big transitions at home. This conversation is packed with practical tips, encouragement, and insights every high school parent needs to hear. Here are some of the many topics covered in today?s episode: Building a realistic college list and setting financial expectations early Finding safe support systems that don?t fuel anxiety for students or parents  Summer prep checklist: housing deposits, senior photos, Greek life, dorm lists What to get started on in Junior year to make Senior year more enjoyable and less stressful Practical gift ideas and etiquette around graduation announcements  How to wait well with our kids and stay calm and collected to set the tone for your home
Connect with Lee Cordon and Barrett Ball: 

Website:  Do Say Give Facebook: Do Say Give Instagram:  DoSayGive (@dosaygive)
Links Mentioned:  

A Mom's Companion Guide to Senior Year Membership | DoSayGive Code for 20% off - HEATHER Apply to college with Common App  Electric Kettle 10 Conversations Families Should Have Before Senior Year Under $30 High School Graduation Gifts Under $40 High School Graduation Gifts High School Graduation Etiquette 101 Related Episodes:

Demystifying Financial Aid :: Kristi Steele [Ep 440] Long Game Parenting :: Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson [Ep 337] How to Stay Calm with School Stress :: Kirk Martin {Ep 88}
Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove?Treat yourself to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA Storyworth?Give the ?dads? in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you?ll all cherish for years?storyworth! Right now, save $10 during their Father?s Day sale when you go to Storyworth.com/dma.  Active Skin Repair?Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today our favorite counselors, David Thomas and Sissy Goff, are back to talk about their new project- children?s books! So much has happened over the last few years and they are beginning to see the onset of anxiety drop to age 6 from 8 years old previously. They created these books to give kids the words and emotional tools to do hard things and decrease anxiety, including a golden retriever feelings chart. As usual, they pack so much advice into every moment, here are some things we cover:

Escape and Avoidance vs. Support and Challenge in parenting  Connect over correction- we lose connections when we try to control the environment Kids are becoming less resilient-  they learn they are capable by experience How to help an introverted child with friendships How to be a good loser- turn it into something constructive How to understand your strong-willed child Why teen boys are not taking risks 
Connect with David Thomas and Sissy Goff: 

Website:  Raising Boys and Girls Facebook: Raising Boys and Girls Instagram:  Raising Boys and Girls (@raisingboysandgirls)
Links Mentioned:  

Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: By David Thomas Lucy Learns to Be Brave: By Sissy Goff Braver, Stronger, Smarter: By Sissy Goff Strong and Smart: By David Thomas Quiet Power: By Susan Cain
Related Episodes:

Helping Our Kids Foster Friendships :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 338] Getting Brave About Anxiety :: Sissy Goff [Ep 311] The Worry-Free Parent :: Sissy Goff [Ep 421] Raising Worry-Free Girls :: Sissy Goff [Bonus] Helping Socially Anxious Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 451] Raising Emotionally Strong Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 368] A Lil Help with Boys and Screens :: David Thomas [Bonus] Understanding Boys Better :: David Thomas [Ep 315]
Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Market: Skip the junk without overspending. Head over to thrivemarket.com/DMA to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Function Health:  I highly recommend Function. Learn more and join using my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DMA to own your health. Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping available at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today Emmy-winning actor Patricia Heaton joins us for a candid conversation on motherhood, career, and raising four boys. We talk about the pressure parents feel to over-schedule kids, the beauty of simplicity (just give them a cardboard box!), and how God ordered her journey through motherhood and acting. 

She and her husband, David Hunt, are in the business of producing movies and directed Unexpected, a film about the emotional ups and downs of infertility. Patricia believes that the best way into tough subjects is through comedy and this movie does just that. Stick around till the end where she shares her advice for helping four boys flourish -including her list of things to do as a family.

Connect with Patricia Heaton: 

Website:  Home - Patricia Heaton Facebook: Patricia Heaton Instagram:  Patricia Heaton (@patriciaheaton) Links Mentioned:  

Unexpected?Stream on Amazon Prime Everybody Loves Raymond (TV Series 1996?2005)  The Middle (TV Series 2009?2018) Warhammer Ordinary People (1980) On the Waterfront (1954) My Left Foot (1989)  Amazing Grace (2006) Mastermedia International ? Serving the media industry as a trusted voice of faith. 
Related Episodes:

Summer Movie Edition (Inside Out, Tomorrowland) :: Family Movie Moms {Ep 79} Annie, Into the Woods, and Night at the Museum 3 :: Family Movie Moms {Ep 53} Moms and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever :: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins [Ep 501] Featured Sponsors: 

Remi: No waiting rooms. No overpriced bills. Just a better way to protect your teeth while you sleep. ? Try Remi risk-free at shopremi.com/DMA and use CODE DMA to get up to 50% off your nightguard at checkout. Pair Eyewear: See the world with fresh eyes. Go to paireyewear.com and use the code DONTMOM for 15% off your first pair. Support the show by mentioning Don?t Mom Alone sent you in the post-checkout survey! Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Go to H-I-Y-A-H-E-A-L-T-H dot com slash D-M-A and get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you often feel like something is holding you back? You can?t quite get to where you want to go professionally, relationally, or in personal habits and goals? 

Today Mary Marantz is here to tell us about the mental shifts that change everything. Mary?s story is riveting from growing up in a single-wide trailer in the mountains full of dirt and memories to Yale law school, she has stories to tell! Through her many experiences, she has learned how our self-limiting thoughts can hold us back and how to overcome them. Not through the typical ?get it boss girl? mentality but practical steps that lead us to a life we want to live and enjoy, and how to lead our kids well in the area of achievement.  Here are some of our topics:
Why fear is a boring liar ? and how to manage it The "fear of success" and why it keeps us playing small How childhood environments shape adult confidence: the power of speaking life over yourself and your kids Feeling like everyone has a manual on how to do life and we have missed it How to handle imposter syndrome and look for the ?evidence to the contrary? of the lies in our head 
Connect with Mary Marantz: 

Website:  Mary Marantz - Home Facebook: The Official Mary Marantz Insiders Community! Instagram:  Mary Bess Marantz (@marymarantz)
Links Mentioned:  

Underestimated: By Mary Mrantz Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: By Mary Marantz Dirt: Growing: By Mary Marantz The Agile Mind: By Estanislao Bachrach Quiz Underestimated Related Episodes:

Discovering the Gift of You When You Feel Lost in Motherhood :: Chrystal Evans Hurst [Ep 507] When You Need a Personal Revival :: Cleere Cherry Reaves [Ep 504] Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280] Featured Sponsors: 

Branch Basics : Make this year the year you say goodbye to toxic products! Right now, our listeners get 15% off the Premium Starter Kit by using code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Make 2025 your cleanest, healthiest year yet with Branch Basics! Function Health: Function currently has a waitlist, but they are offering my audience the chance to skip it! Head to functionhealth.com/DMA or enter code DMA when signing up to skip the waitlist! Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping available at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA . Or save more with 20% off your first order.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Get ready to laugh! Today Melissa Radke joins me for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation. Her new book Chicken-Fried Women will make you giggle, cry, and think about the women and friendships in your life. We cover many hilarious topics including spray tans, garage sale bras, swim gym, southern church in the 80?s, and laundry on the couch. At the heart of the book is how to navigate adult friendships and here is more of what we talked about: What it means to find your people?your chicken-fried women- battered and bruised but still tender on the inside Healing a mother-daughter relationship with kindness and boundaries How to divorce a girlfriend (and maybe get her back) Stick around to the end where Melissa shares the best advice on what it feels like to build your own table (even when it?s hard or uncomfortable)  Connect with Melissa Radke: 

Website:  HOME | MELISSA RADKE Facebook: Melissa Radke | Facebook Instagram:  Melissa Radke - Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships (@msmelissaradke) Links Mentioned:  

The Radkes (TV Series 2019) - IMDb Chicken-Fried Women: By Melissa Radke CynthiaHeather (@thesidetrackedshow)  Related Episodes:

Your Funny Mom Stories [Ep 302] Don?t Dad Alone :: Dustin Nickerson [Ep 472] Sidetracked by Naming Body Parts, Steaks for Lunch, and Summer Dilemmas (when you?re not in Italy) :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 476] Featured Sponsors: 

Gabb phones and watches: Protecting your kids has never been easier. For the best deals, sign up to Gabb today ? no contract required ? at GABB.com/dma.  Storyworth: Give all the ?moms? in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you?ll all cherish for years?storyworth! Right now save $10 on your first purchase when you go to storyworth.com/dma. Function Health: Function currently has a waitlist, but they are offering my audience the chance to skip it! Head to functionhealth.com/DMA or enter code DMA when signing up to skip the waitlist! Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today Dr. Kelly Jameson joins me to help us understand the many dynamics of teen friendships. Although this episode mainly applies to girl moms there is advice for the boy mom in this episode as well! Kelly is a trained systems therapist who practices narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Through her many years of listening to families and teens, she has learned how to navigate the difficult years of teen and tween friendships and how to help parents coach their kids. Here is some of what we cover:
The rise of ?friend hoarding? and large group dynamics in 2025 What qualifies as ?mean girl? behavior?and why it?s all about power dynamics Coaching sons to stay out of the drama?and why that matters How moms are becoming more enmeshed in their kid?s friendships and the damage that causes The 3 types of friendships every kid should understand
Connect with Dr. Kelly Jameson: 

Website:  Kelly Jameson - Therapy. Speaking. Consulting. Facebook: Kelly Jameson, PhD | Facebook Instagram:  Kelly Jameson, PhD (@drkellyjameson) Links Mentioned:  

Queen Bees and Wannabes: by Rosalind Wiseman Related Episodes:

Back-to-School and Tech Toolkit  :: Dr. Kelly Jameson [Ep 422] Helping Our Kids Foster Friendships :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 338] Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology and Friendship :: Lee Cordon [Ep 408] Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Market: Ready to make the switch? Go to ThriveMarket.com/dma for thirty percent off your first order, plus a FREE sixty dollar gift!  The Chosen: Last Supper?The people welcome Jesus as king and expect a revolution. Threatened, the leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus? last. You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping. Or save more with 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA.  Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Grief is a journey that no one wants to walk, yet so many of us will experience deep loss in our lifetime. In this episode, Colleen and Erin have an open and honest conversation about Erin?s journey through unimaginable loss?losing her husband in a plane crash, navigating her children?s grief, the heartbreak of her mother?s suicide, and later, the devastating loss of her son in a car accident.

Through her story, Erin shares what it looks like to carry grief in our bodies, the crisis of faith that can come with loss, and how she found her way through the darkness. From those tragedies was born Jessica?s house, a place for families to walk through grief and be supported. And now a book When Grief Comes Home that shares the tools she has learned through so many trials. 

Here are some topics we cover:

The impact of trauma and grief on the body and nervous system The importance of modeling healthy grief and emotional expression for children How to come alongside grieving families in tangible, practical ways The unique challenges couples face when grieving a child and how to let someone grieve in their own way Brightsiding- what it is and how to speak to someone in a dark season 

Connect with Erin and Colleen: 

Website:  Jessica's House Facebook: Jessica's House Instagram:  Jessica's House (@jessicas_house)
Links Mentioned:  

NACG When Grief Comes Home: By Erin Leigh Nelson and Colleen Montague

Related Episodes:

When Moms Walk through Grief :: Stacey Thacker {Ep 76} The Ministry of Presence in a Broken World :: Tess Clarke [Ep. 252] Processing Grief, Infertility, and Loss in Community :: Julie Fowler [Ep 502]
Featured Sponsors: 

The Chosen Last Supper: You can preorder your tickets for the 3-part theatrical release at TheChosenLastSupper.com. Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Purity Woods: Honestly, I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout. Pair Eyewear: See the world with fresh eyes. Go to paireyewear.com and use code DONTMOM for 15% off your first pair. Mention the show in your post-checkout survey. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you often desire to disciple your neighbors, friends, or acquaintances but don?t know how? 

Today Courtney Garrett joins me to talk about her amazing tools to help Christians invite people into going deeper with Jesus. She is an accidental homeschool mom with years of ministry experience who saw a need for discipleship tools. Often people have grown up in church and pieced Bible stories together but they may have gaps in their view of God and His character. Courtney has written 101 Christianity -a study to help direct conversation and lead people to follow Jesus. Here are some topics we cover?
The difference between being a believer and a committed follower of Jesus Stories of high school and college students using 101 Christianity to lead well How to ask people into a discipleship study in a gracious way  How knowing the character of God can help in hard times  Ideas for discipleship with your family
Connect with Courtney Garrett: 

Website:  101 Christianity Instagram:  Courtney Garrett (@courtney_garrett_)
Links Mentioned:  

101 Christianity Podcast - Apple Podcasts A Parent's Guide to 101: By Courtney Garrett 101: Discovering the Character of God: By Courtney Garrett 
Related Episodes:

Modeling Faith: Family Spiritual Habits that Stick :: Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene [Ep 512] Discipleship 101 with Cathy Price {Ep. 9} You Deserve a Mentor :: Susie Davis [Ep 262]
Featured Sponsors: 

Cure Hydration: Hydration goes beyond just drinking water?it?s about replenishing the electrolytes we lose through sweat, sleep, alcohol, and daily activities. Water alone isn?t enough to do the job! That?s why you need to try Cure: the electrolyte drink mix that tastes as amazing as it makes you feel. For Don?t Mom Alone listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Stay hydrated and feel your best by visiting curehydration.com/DMA and using promo code [DMA] at checkout.  Branch Basics: Make this year the year you say goodbye to toxic products! Right now, our listeners get 15% off the Premium Starter Kit by using code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Make 2025 your cleanest, healthiest year yet with Branch Basics! Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping available at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA or get 20% off your first order.  The Chosen-Last Supper: The people welcome Jesus as king and expect a revolution. Threatened, the leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus? last. You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you have a child with autism or neurodivergent tendencies? Do you have a friend with a child that needs support but you're not sure how to show up? 

Today Carrie, Kate, and Adrian are here to share their deeply personal stories about their kids and how autism has shaped their families. The amazing thing is each of their experiences is so different- and each of them has approached this diagnosis uniquely. They co-wrote a book called Autism Out Loud that covers a huge variety of challenges. We barely scratched the surface but here are some things we covered?
The hidden, unexpected grief of special needs parenting How raising a child with autism magnifies stress in marriages Siblings and how autism affects their lives- the joys and sadness that come with a neurodivergent sibling and how to keep that communication open What parents of autistic children really need from friends and family It takes risk, invitation, and vulnerability to find your people and a community that can rally around and support you 
Connect with Carrie, Kate, and Adrian: 

Website:  Tales of an Educated Debutante - Adrian Harrold Wood, PhD Website: Finding Cooper's Voice | Welcome to the Secret World of Autism Website: Carrie Cariello Instagram:  Adrian Harrold Wood, PhD (@talesofaneducateddebutante) Instagram: Kate (@findingcoopersvoice) Facebook: Carrie Cariello
Links Mentioned:  

Autism Out Loud: By Carrie Carieel, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood
Related Episodes:

Parenting Neurodivergent Children?Summer Edition :: Carrie Cassell [Ep 413] Parenting as a Highly Sensitive Person :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 438] When Your Child is on the Autism Spectrum (Part One) :: Terri Conlin [Ep 182] When Your Child is on the Autism Spectrum (Part Two) :: Terri Conlin [Ep 182]
Featured Sponsors: 

GoPure Beauty: With over 1 MIllion jars sold, this beauty secret is no longer a secret. For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code [DMA] at checkout. Just head to gopurebeauty.com/DMA, use code [DMA], and you?re all set Purity Woods: Honestly, I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout. The Chosen: Last Supper : So text your favorite person, grab your favorite box of movie theater candy, and go see The Chosen: Last Supper in theaters. You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com. Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Go to GreenChef.com/alonefree and use code alonefree to get started with FREE Salads for two months plus 50% off your first box.? Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Is it possible to have a well-rested baby without sacrificing attachment? Are you an exhausted mom who struggles with the nighttime routine? 

Today Eve Squires, a sleep consultant with over fifteen years of experience, shares her journey and approach to improving infant sleep without resorting to harsh methods. Sleep is one of the most debated parenting topics, and in the past, I have avoided this topic because it is often confusing with conflicting advice. Eve was exactly the right person to do a deep dive on how to help children sleep through the night, without losing that special bond. 

In this episode we cover:
How to improve sleep without the "cry it out" method The hunger vs. habit debate?how to know if your baby truly needs to eat at night Nap windows and how to structure baby and toddler awake time for better naps Replacing sleep incentives with healthier soothing techniques Why some babies sleep well while others don?t (and potential neurological factors)
Connect with Eve Squires: 

Website: Calm and Bright Sleep Support Instagram:  CALM and BRIGHT SLEEP SUPPORT (@calmandbrightsleepsupport)
Links Mentioned:  

Infant Sleep Plans | Free Self-Assessment | Calm and Bright The Rested Baby Plan - Calm and Bright Sleep Support
Related Episodes:

Shepherding Healthy Sleep Habits :: Jenn and Robin of Sleepy Cues [Ep 230] That?s Me. . . sleep deprived and needing Jesus :: Jennie and Sally {Ep 106} Ages and Stages Series?Infants/Toddlers :: Rachel Norman [Ep 377]
Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Celebrate the women in your life with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. o Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA Thrive Market: Ready to make the switch? Go to ThriveMarket.com/dma for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE sixty dollar gift!  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you feel like you?re reacting instead of responding, constantly putting out fires, and struggling to manage your emotions?especially anger? 

Today Elizabeth Andreyevskiy joins me to share her journey from explosive to calm in motherhood. Maybe you?ve tried counseling, read the books, and learned the tools, but implementing them in real life still feels impossible. This podcast is packed with practical tools to help us manage the chaos of our homes. God wants us to be whole and to care for our minds, bodies, and spirits so that we can care for our families daily. 

In this episode we cover: How unmet expectations, physical clutter, and negative mindsets fuel frustration The power of meeting your own basic needs (eating, water, and sleeping matter!) Practical ways to create space for self-care, reflection, and increased emotional capacity Creative ways to get some alone time and reset What to do when you do have an explosion of anger and how to bring reconciliation
Connect with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy: 

Website:  Anger Coach for Christian moms Instagram:  Elizabeth (@emotionally_healthy_legacy)
Links Mentioned:  

Anger Management Coach for Christian moms Emotionally Healthy Legacy Podcast END MOM SHAME TRAINING 
Related Episodes:

How Do I Regulate My Own Emotions? :: Charissa Fry [Ep 482] Summer of Mentorship Changing the Atmosphere of Your Home with Positive Parenting :: Ralphie Jacobs [Ep 456] Focus on Growth vs. Guilt :: Lisa Bevere [Ep 291] What Triggers Your Angry Reaction? :: Amber Lia {Ep 108}
Featured Sponsors: 

BetterHelp?This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Build your support system, with Betterhelp Visit BetterHelp.com/DMA to get 10% off your first month.  Gabb Mobile ?Protecting your kids has never been easier. For the best deals, sign up to Gabb today ? no contract required ? at GABB.com/dma.  GiveHugz?Whether you?re treating yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special, these heatable, coolable plushies are a hug you can hold onto. Check out GiveHugz.co and use the code DMA for 20% off your first order.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you want to lead your home well spiritually but are not sure how? Do you need more creative and fun ideas on how to point your kids to Jesus? 

Today, Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene join me to talk about spiritual rhythms with our kids. They share plenty of ideas on creating a space for spiritual growth that doesn't need to be a checklist-driven, box-checking exercise. Their new book discusses establishing morning and evening rhythms that align with how God wired us to connect spiritually and practically with Him. 

We talk about modeling the gospel in a way that is authentic and free from unnecessary baggage for our kids to carry into the future. I get personal by sharing how my dad modeled this in my life?and that?s really what these habits create: our kids modeling the habits and behaviors we practice that point to Jesus.

We cover-
6 Key Shifts for Building Lasting Spiritual Habits Real-Life Examples: like how to practically walk out a spiritual habit with our kids Navigating Different Seasons: Dealing with a spouse or teens who are not on board And we each reflect on how we learned spiritual formation from our parents
Connect with Chris and Clayton: 

Website:  GoodKind - From the Makers of Advent Blocks Instagram:  GoodKind (@goodkind.co)
Links Mentioned:  

Christmas | GoodKind Building Spiritual Habits in the Home: by Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene Habits of the Household: by Justin Whitmeal Earley The Common Rule: by Justin Whitmel Earley GratiKube from GoodKind Atomic Habits: by James Clear Practicing the Way: by John Mark Comer
Related Episodes:

Perspective from Pastor?s Kid and Single Parent :: Barnabas Piper [Ep 163] Stewarding Sacred and Spiritual Disciplines at Home :: Jennifer Pepito [Ep 464] Family Transformation Starts with Personal Revival :: KJ Perdomo [Ep 227]
Featured Sponsors: 

The Chosen?You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com. preorder your tickets for the 3-part theatrical release. Text your favorite person, grab your favorite box of movie theater candy, and go see The Chosen: Last Supper in theaters.  Hiya Health? We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Purity Woods? Honestly, I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout. Pair Eyewear?See the world with fresh eyes. Go to paireyewear.com and use code DONTMOM for 15% off your first pair. And support the show by mentioning Don?t Mom Alone sent you in the post-checkout survey.  Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Have you ever been to your doctor or OBGYN and felt that your symptoms were dismissed? Do you know how to identify the main issues of perimenopause and menopause?

In this follow up episode with Dr. Kamilia Smith, we continue our deep dive into perimenopause, exploring how it impacts women's emotions, physical changes, and overall well-being. She clearly breaks down some of the hormonal fluctuations women go through and what some potential treatments are for each of those symptoms in a very nuanced field. Perimenopause can bring emotional upheaval and weight gain, exacerbated by hormonal changes that are often ignored. The stress of the "sandwich generation" ? caring for our aging parents while raising children ? adds to the emotional load. 

We cover so many helpful topics- Eggs and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): these levels help indicate how your ovaries are functioning How the term bioidentical hormones is often used as a marketing tool Hormonal changes, along with sleep disruptions, decreased mobility, and shifts in eating habits, all contribute to weight gain during perimenopause Mental health can take a hit during this stage, with symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, attention deficit, and night sweats. Learning how to manage these mental health changes is critical to our health
Connect with Dr. Kamilia Smith: 

Website:  Kamilia Smith Voted Best Dallas Gynecologist | Charleston House Facebook: Charleston House Gynecology Instagram:  Charleston House - DALLAS WOMENS HEALTH (@charlestonhousegyn)
Links Mentioned:  

Function Health ? 100 Healthy Years The SHIFT: Perimenopause Unscripted (A North Texas Women's Midlife Movement) BALANCE: Perimenopause Documentary / Docuseries THE (M) FACTOR ? Shredding the Silence on Menopause Related Episodes:

Is This Normal? A Women?s Health Conversation  :: Dr. Kamilia Smith [Ep 447] Overcoming Barriers to Sexual Intimacy :: Nancy Houston [Ep 206] Your Body is GOOD :: Jess Connolly [Ep 329] Featured Sponsors: 

GiveHugz?Check out GiveHugz.co and use the code DMA for 20% off your first order. Trust me, you?ll want one for you and one to share.  Green Chef?Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Go to Greenchef.com/alonefree and use code alonefree to get started with FREE salads for two months plus 50% off your first box.  Thrive Causemetics?Celebrate the women in your life with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. o Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

I don?t often do a solo podcast but God has been working on my heart when it comes to parenting teens and expectations and I felt prompted to sit down and share what I am learning with you all.  

So often as parents, we live in a worst-case scenario mindset, when it feels like the dreams and expectations for a child's future are not aligning with the present. We obsess over baby monitors, teen friendships, and grades/sports but this comes from a place of worry, or even fear-based control. 

God wants freedom and hope in our parenting! I realized I have a choice: to believe in an imagined bad scenario or to flip a switch and choose hope and expect in God for unimaginable good things to come. Both choices involve belief, imagination and control. I'm choosing to double down turn my belief toward hope, knowing that even when things don't go as planned, God's story is far greater.

In this episode, I will share the steps God gave me to practically practice choosing hope over worry. How to walk with the Spirit and produce fruit instead of formula-based parenting rooted in power and control. Reminding my own heart that God is good and has a good story for our kids- let?s lean into the HUGE expectation that God is the God of HOPE and let our prayers align with that truth. 

Connect with Me: 

Website:  Heather MacFadyen | Right Where You Belong Facebook: Don't Mom Alone Instagram:  Heather MacFadyen (@dontmomalone)
Links Mentioned:  

A Prayer for Challenging Times - Northwest Bible Church?Neil Tomba Right Where You Belong: By Heather MacFadyen Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen Man's Search for Meaning: By Viktor Frankl 
Related Episodes:

Talking, Teens, and Twenty-four Years :: Bruce + Heather [Ep 399] Freeing Your Adolescents to Step Into Adulthood ? Ages and Stages ? Teens :: Dr. Ken Wilgus [Ep 382] How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation :: Ian Cron [Ep 506]
Featured Sponsors: 

HoneyLove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable bra on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/dma . After you purchase, they?ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Treat yourself to Honeylove, because you deserve it. Cure Hydration: Hydration goes beyond just drinking water?it?s about replenishing the electrolytes we lose through sweat, sleep, alcohol, and daily activities. Water alone isn?t enough to do the job! That?s why you need to try Cure: the electrolyte drink mix that tastes as amazing as it makes you feel. For Don?t Mom Alone listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Stay hydrated and feel your best by visiting curehydration.com/DMA and using promo code [DMA] at checkout.  BetterHelp: Discover your relationship green flags, with Betterhelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DMA to get 10% off your first month. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you feel that it is hard to connect with your aging parents? Are your kids and grandparents not communicating well through the generational gap? 

In this episode, Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles shares insights into her background, her work with the elderly, and her experience growing up in a multigenerational household. She gives a unique perspective of how much joy and life we can bring to the generation before us but it takes a lot of intentionality. This conversation covers practical tips for deepening these family ties and the mutual blessings they can bring.

We cover a wide range of topics-
Simple ways to involve children in caring for their grandparents or older relatives How to foster meaningful conversations across generations How small acts of kindness can make a big difference in an elder?s life An Investigator Kit Isabela created to help families connect  How to talk to your kids about elder issues- dementia or physical constraints
Connect with Isabel Tom: 

Website:  The Value of Wrinkles by Isabel Tom Facebook: The Value of Wrinkles Instagram:  The Value of Wrinkles®? (@isabelctom)
Links Mentioned:  

The Value of Wrinkles: Isabel Tom Grandkid Investigator Family Kit - NOW AVAILABLE! Weird But True! Gross: by National Geographic Kids
Related Episodes:

Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508] Gathering a Mentor Circle :: Ben Bevis [Ep 446] Connecting with Your Kids in Any Circumstance :: Jim and Lynne Jackson {Ep 98}
Featured Sponsors: 

Purity Woods: I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout. Thrive Market: Ready for a junk-free start to 2025? Head to ThriveMarket.com/dma and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift. Thrive Causemetics: Thrive Causemetics is luxury beauty that gives back. o Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Have you struggled to break free from generational trauma or sin? Do you find it challenging to help your kids navigate tough situations at school and in sports?

Today, author Melanie Shankle joins us to share insights from her new book, Here Be Dragons. Her story is one of both deep trauma and undeniable evidence of God?s provision?placing the right people in her life at just the right time. It wasn?t until college that Melanie realized her mother-daughter relationship was far from what her friends experienced. That realization set her on a long journey of untangling her past and healing from the wounds of her upbringing.

In this conversation, we cover so many important topics, including:

The meaning behind Here Be Dragons Mean girls, motherhood, and generational trauma How to become spiritually and emotionally healthy to break toxic cycles What it looks like to set boundaries or cut off a parent as an adult How to recognize when a closed door in your child?s life is actually God's protection

Join us for an honest, insightful discussion on healing, parenting, and trusting God through life?s toughest moments.


Connect with Melanie Shankle: 

Website:  Big Mama ? the big mama blog Podcast: The Big Boo Cast Instagram:  @MelanieShankle Links Mentioned:  

Here Be Dragons: by Melanie Shankle Podcast | Kari Kampakis All My Knotted-Up Life: by Beth Moore Related Episodes:

In Light of Eternity :: Jen Clouse [Ep 100] Long Game Parenting :: Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson [Ep 337] Navigating Friendship :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 273] The Antelope in the Living Room :: Melanie Shankle [ Ep. 12] Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults Pair Eyewear: Show off new sides of yourself this year. Go to paireyewear.com and use the code DONTMOM for 15% off your first pair. Support the show by mentioning that Don?t Mom Alone sent you in the post-checkout survey!  Gabb Mobile: Right now, Gabb is offering twenty-five dollars off any device?with no contract required. Just go to GABB.com/dma to get started. Terms and conditions apply. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you often feel like you give everything to your family but don?t know what you enjoy? Have you lost your spark for life that you felt in your youth? 

Today, Chrystal Evans Hurst is here to share her journey and story from a single mom to a life filled with the passions and purposes that God has placed inside of her.  So often as women we feel the pull of family, career, and household duties and forget what makes us who we are. Here are some topics we cover. 

The mom who has lost her purpose or lost herself in motherhood How to not feel stuck, confused, and unfulfilled How to pay attention to your passions and giftings Recognizing your unique talents Creating the community you crave
Connect with Chrystal Evans Hurst: 

Website:  Chrystal Evans Hurst Facebook: Chrystal Evans Hurst Instagram:  Chrystal Evans Hurst (@chrystalhurst) Podcast: The Sister Circle Podcast
Links Mentioned:  

She's Still There: By Chrystal Evans Hurst 100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You: By Chrystal Evans Hurst Find Your People: By Jennie Allen Join Chrystal?s Inner Circle
Related Episodes:

Summer of Mentorship 2018 [Week Two] :: Chrystal Evans Hurst Rescuing the Girl in You :: Chrystal Evans Hurst [Ep 172] The Goldmine of a Mother?s Hindsight :: Chrystal Evans Hurst {Ep 71} Victory in Ministry and Motherhood :: Priscilla Shirer [Ep 229]
Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: luxury beauty that gives back. Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Hugz: Whether you?re treating yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special, these heatable, coolable plushies are a hug you can hold onto. Check out GiveHugz.co and use code DMA for 20% off your first order.  BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Write your story, with Betterhelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DMA to get 10% off your first month. Find links to this week?s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.