Don't Mom Alone Podcast

How are you doing?  Honestly. What is the pace of your day? What do you long for and feel you are missing out on? What activities have you crammed in your life out of a “should” mentality? When do you focus on your spiritual life? Today we are getting honest about our lives. And discussing ways to deepen relationships, simplify schedules, and connect spiritually. This week’s podcast guest is the talented, Shauna Niequist. Author of several books (“Cold Tangerines”, “Bread and Wine”, etc), she has a new devotional available called, “Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are”. If you are longing for friends you can share vulnerably with, Shauna offers a simple plan. If you struggle with the concept of slowing down and “savoring”, we discuss our own struggle and practical ways to start. If you want to expand your spiritual life beyond time alone with your Bible, then Shauna paints a beautiful picture of what that can look like. Shauna dishes out oodles of wise words. Enjoy! Connect with Shauna Niequist:  Website:  https://www.shaunaniequist.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sniequist/  Instagram:  @sniequist Links Mentioned:    Savor: Living Abundantly, Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist Cheddar Sage Shepherd’s Pie–switch out the sage for thyme and extra cheddar Nigella Lawson’s Guiness Chocolate Cake Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead Wayne Muller’s “A Life of Being, Having, and Doing Enough”  Concentric Circles of Care Related Episodes: Soulful Over Frantic :: Shauna Niequist [Ep 127] Walking Through Seasons of Unbelonging :: Shauna Niequist [Ep 362] Recovering from Mom Burnout :: Nicole Zasowski [Ep 257] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “college tuition”? Does your heart rate speed up?  Sending a child to college is the culmination of a lot of effort. It’s emotional and there are a lot of logistics to manage. In this hands-on, information-packed conversation Kristi and I cover the basics of applying for financial aid for college. We talk through deadlines and how-to’s to help relieve some of the logistical stress of sending a child to college.   Connect with Kristi Steele:  Website:  https://www.kc360.co/  Links Mentioned:   FAFSA Federal Student Aid  CSS Profile MyCap College Funding Services  Kristi’s The College Project   Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Dive Into Financial Aid and Scholarships: November 27, 11:00am CST (Webinar will be recorded and recording sent to all who register) **Private School Special Circumstance Form will be found with the specific university your child is applying to**  Related Episodes: Work of Worth :: Kristi Griem [Ep 39] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What are two words to describe your mind when your head hits the pillow most nights?  The quiet space before sleep can be our most vulnerable moments. Whether it’s to-do’s or dredging up memories from the past, our thoughts can feel overwhelming. If we let our mind spiral we’re sacrificing the rest God intends us to enjoy. But my guest this week, Emily Ley has some bedtime rituals that can help us stop the spiraling. Crafted to help herself with the nighttime barrage of thoughts, Emily’s simple routines and reminders can set you on a path to the peace that comes, not from an easy life, but from an abiding trust in God.  Emily is a mom of three, a best-selling author, and the founder of organizational products and tools company, Simplified.    Connect with Emily Ley:  Website:  https://emilyleybooks.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplified  Instagram:  @simplified  Links Mentioned:   The Simplified Planner Heather uses Raising Them Ready: Practical Ways to Prepare Your Kids for Life on Their Own by Jonathan and Erica Catherman   How to Be a Person Camp - Emily Ley on Substack  Near in the Night: 100 Evening Meditations on God’s Peace and Rest by Emily Ley Sure as the Sunrise: 100 Morning Meditations on God’s Mercy and Delight by Emily Ley  Growing Boldy: Dare to Build a Life You Love by Emily Ley A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living by Emily Ley  Related Episodes: Fighting Toxic Thoughts :: Jennie Allen [Ep 272] Freedom From Anxiety :: Ashley Willis [Ep 180] Getting Brave About Anxiety :: Sissy Goff [Ep 311] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do the sights and sounds and feels of parenting overwhelm you some days? Or most days? How can we parent kindly and intentionally when we desperately need a break from all the stimulation?  My guest this week is Mary Van Geffen. She is a mom who has striven to cultivate good relationships with her children and husband while also navigating life as a Highly Sensitive Person with diagnosed ADHD.  She knows firsthand the struggles moms face with sensory overload and she’s not trying to “fix” you - you’re not broken! But she does offer a bevy of tips to help us take care of ourselves amidst the din of life and to parent in a calm and connected manner.  Connect with Mary Van Geffen:  Website:  https://www.maryvangeffen.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcoachforspicyones  Instagram:  @maryvangeffen  Links Mentioned:    How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty Class with Mary Van Geffen  Heather and Mary’s Instagram performance–Body Posture in Parenting Related Episodes: Body Awareness in Parenting :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 333] When Your Child is on the Autism Spectrum (Part 1) :: Terri Conlin [Ep 182] When Your Child is on the Autism Spectrum (Part 2) :: Terri Conlin [Ep 183] Parenting Neurodivergent Children - Summer Edition :: Carrie Cassell [Ep 413] Parenting Sensitive and Intense Kids :: Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex [Ep 395] Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues :: Lynne Jackson [Ep 258] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Pull out the petit fours and lip plumpers - it’s time to celebrate! Don’t Mom Alone has officially reached double digits!!  Get Sidetracked with us as Cynthia leads us on a surprising, only mildly teary ride as we look back on 10 years of the podcast.  There’s even a Cameo from Bob Ross! Jk, there isn’t.  But we do have a great lineup of special guests and listeners to help us commemorate 10 years of mom-ing together.  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof  Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Links Mentioned:   Don’t Mom Alone  Right Where You Belong: How to Identify and Occupy Your God-Given Space PREORDER: Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life by Cynthia Yanof   Milani Keep It Full Maxxx Lip Plumper **Plump At Your Own Risk** Related Episodes: Helping Our Kids Foster Friendships :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 338] Raising Girls :: Sissy Goff [Ep 141]  The Worry-Free Parent :: Sissy Goff [Ep 421] Getting Brave About Anxiety :: Sissy Goff [Ep 311] Raising Worry-Free Girls :: Sissy Goff [Bonus] 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] The Art of Nuturing Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 119] Shrinking or Swelling to Fill Your Space :: Courtney DeFeo [Ep 406] RWYB Wk 5  Light ‘Em Up :: Courtney DeFeo [Ep 50] “Help, I’m Tired of Fighting with My Daughter About Clothes” :: Kari Kampakis [Ep 429] Connecting with Your Daughter Through Humility and Compassion :: Kari Kampakis  - Part 1 [Ep 390] Steady Identity in Shifting Roles :: Kari Kampakis - Part 2 [Ep 391] The Goldmine of a Mother’s Hindsight :: Chrystal Evans Hurst [Ep 71] Rescuing the Girl in You :: Chrystal Evans Hurst [Ep 172] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Some moments create a “before” and “after” in life. Whether it’s a circumstance we live through or a person we encounter, we see the world and our lives differently after these experiences.  In choosing the most memorable moments to go back to, I thought about, “What were the conversations that changed my own life and parenting?”  Don’t forget, we are walking together down this path of motherhood! I’m sharing these conversations again because they have impacted my journey in encouraging, clarifying, and simplifying ways.  Full Episodes:  Anchoring Our Kids’ Lovability in Christ :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 91] Motherhood, Career, and Identity :: Kat Armstrong [Ep 171] When to Have the Talk :: Mary Flo Ridley [Encore] The Window of Tolerance :: Charissa Fry [Ep 260]  Gospel Parenting :: Paul David Tripp [Ep 176] Connect with:  Jeannie Cunnion  Website:  https://www.jeanniecunnion.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieCunnion  Instagram:  @jeanniecunnion  Mary Flo Ridley  Website: https://birds-bees.com/  Podcast: The Birds and Bees  Instagram: @birds_bees  Kat Armstrong Website: https://www.katarmstrong.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katarmstrongauthor  Instagram: @katarmstrong1  Charissa Fry Lopez Website: https://charissalopez.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharissaFryCounseling/  Paul David Tripp  Website: https://www.paultripp.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdtripp Instagram: @PaulTrippQuotes  Links Mentioned:   Books by Jeannie Cunnion  Parenting the Wholehearted Child: Captivating Your Child’s Heart with God’s Extravagant Grace by Jeannie Cunnion  Mom Set Free: Find Relief from the Pressure to Get It All Right by Jeannie Cunnion Don’t Miss Out: Daring to Believe Life is Better with the Holy Spirit by Jeannie Cunnion  Never Alone: Parenting in the Power of the Holy Spirit by Jeannie Cunnion  Books by Kat Armstrong  The In-Between Place: Where Jesus Changes Your Story by Kat Armstrong No More Holding Back: Emboldening Women to Move Past Barriers, See Their Worth, and Serve God Everywhere by Kat Armstrong  The Storyline Project by Kat Armstrong   Resources from Charissa Fry Lopez  Regulation Pack  Keys to Playing with Your Kiddo  Resources by Mary Flo Ridley  God’s Very Good Design by Mary Flo Ridley Birds and Bees Courses  Resources by Paul David Tripp Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family  New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional  Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make  Complete List of Paul Tripp’s Resources  Related Episodes: In Light of Eternity :: Jen Clouse [Ep 100]  Quiet Your Inner Critic and Practice Self-Compassion :: Kim Fredrickson [Ep 188] Lessons Learned in 87 Years (Part 1) :: Vickie Kraft [Ep 73] Lessons Learned in 87 Years (Part 2) :: Vickie Kraft [Ep 74] Donut Dates with John Price [Ep 6] Jeannie Cunnion How to {really} Parent with Grace :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 55] Set Free From Shame :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 190] Parenting in the Power of the Holy Spirit :: Jeannie Cunnion  [Ep 347]  Kat Armstrong Women Can Be All in for Jesus :: Kat Armstrong [Ep 253]  Mary Flo Ridley  Birds and Bees? Oh Help Me Please :: Mary Flo Ridley [GCM Ep 25] Birds and Bees (Continuing the Conversation) :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 153] Preparing Now for Future Puberty and Masturbation Questions :: Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley [Ep 243] Let’s Talk About Sex :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 328] Charissa Fry Lopez Connecting Through Play :: Charissa Fry [Ep 319]  Ages and Stages Series - The Tween Years :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 380] Paul David Tripp The Good God Wants for Our Families :: Paul David Tripp [Ep 285] Habits of a Healthy Marriage :: Paul David Tripp [Ep 234] Opportunity vs Disruption :: Paul David Tripp [Ep 212] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Though I didn’t have a five-timers jacket to send them, the guests on today’s show have all been on DMA at least 5 times (some have been on double that amount!).  As we celebrate ten years of the podcast we wanted to acknowledge the voices I turn to again and again for support in parenting and life. Trustworthy and encouraging, their episodes are full of hope and help so we don’t mom alone (see what I did there? ;) ).  Connect with:  David Thomas and Sissy Goff Website: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/  Instagram:  @raisingboysandgirls Online Courses Sally Clarkson  Website: https://sallyclarkson.com/  Instagram: @sally.clarkson  Jim and Lynne Jackson Website: https://connectedfamilies.org/  Instagram: @connectedfams  Online Courses  Kirk Martin Website: https://celebratecalm.com/  Instagram: @celebratecalm  Podcast: Celebrate Calm Online Courses  Full Episodes Here:  Emotional Milestones :: Sissy Goff and David Thomas [Ep 160] Create a Home of Belonging & Becoming :: Sally Clarkson [Ep 107] Help Your Child Feel Safe and Loved :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 80] Calmly Parenting the Strong-Willed Child :: Kirk Martin [Ep 69] The Right to Change My Mind :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 196] Links Mentioned:   Books by David Thomas and Sissy Goff  Are My Kids on Track: 12 Emotional, Social and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach by Sissy Goff and David Thomas The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff  Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff Brave by Sissy Goff Braver Stronger Smarter by Sissy Goff Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James and David Thomas Books by Sally Clarkson Different: the Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him Giving Your Words: The Lifegiving Power of a Verbal Home for Family Faith Formation  Help, I’m Drowning: Weather the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope  Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood  Girls Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World   The Lifegiving Parent: Giving Your Child a Life Worth Living for Christ The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith Through Feasting One Meal at a Time Books by Jim & Lynne Jackson Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart  How to Grow a Connected Family  Related Episodes: David Thomas and Sissy Goff  Helping Our Kids Foster Friendships :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 338] Raising Girls :: Sissy Goff [Ep 141]  The Worry-Free Parent :: Sissy Goff [Ep 421] Getting Brave About Anxiety :: Sissy Goff [Ep 311] Raising Worry-Free Girls :: Sissy Goff [Bonus] 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] The Art of Nuturing Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 119] Sally Clarkson That’s Me…Sleep Deprived and Needing Jesus :: Jennie and Sally [Ep 106] Create a Home of Belonging & Becoming :: Sally Clarkson [Ep 107] Cultivating Friendships in a World of Isolation :: Sally Clarkson [Ep 233] Weathering Life’s Storms :: Sally Clarkson [Ep 336] How to Own Your Life :: Sally Clarkson [Ep 54] Identifying Your God-Given Space (Part 2) :: Sally Clarkson [Ep 404] RWYB Wk 3 Jim and Lynne Jackson How to Connect, Coach and Correct Your Child :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 81] Connecting With Your Kids in Any Circumstance :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 98] Resolving Sibling Conflict :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 126] The Entitlement Fix :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 200] Discipline 101 (Live Event - Friday Night) :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 221] Connected Relationships (Live Event) :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 222] Helping Your Child With Sensory Processing Issues :: Lynne Jackson [Ep 258] Grace and Truth for Moms :: Lynne Jackson [Ep 296] Parenting Sensitive and Intense Kids :: Lynne Jackson and Lydia Rex [Ep 395] Kirk Martin How to Stop Yelling, Lecturing and Power Struggles :: Kirk Martin [Ep 62] Calmly Parenting the Strong-Willed Child :: Kirk Martin [Ep 69] Summer (and Sibling) Survival Guide :: Kirk Martin [Ep 77] How to Stay Calm with School Stress :: Kirk Martin [Ep 88] Q and A with Kirk Martin From Celebrate Calm :: Kirk Martin [Ep 104]  10 Ways to Stop Meltdowns and Arguments :: Kirk Martin [Ep 139]  The Legacy of a Calm Father :: Kirk Martin [Ep 210] Bruce How to Shine a Light as a Family :: Bruce MacFadyen [Ep 5] When Your Husband Has a Demanding Job :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 38] Goals, Roles, & Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather MacFadyen [Ep 112] This is Us :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 145] The Right to Change My Mind :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 196] 20th Anniversary Q and A Episode :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 242] Bruce Learns to Label His Feelings :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 316] Talking, Teens, and Twenty-Four Years :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 399] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

How do you quantify 10 years of mom-ing together?  Let’s start with what I want to make sure you don’t miss. As we inch closer to 500 episodes, I selected clips from 5 episodes over the years for us to listen to together this week.  Some have been transformational for me, all get to the heart of the message I want you to hear as a mom - you’re in the right spot and God is lavishing his love over you as your work to pass on your faith, to really see what your kids need, to release the shame you carry, and to fully occupy your God-given space.   Connect with:  Dr Kara Powell - https://karapowell.com/ Instagram: @kpowellfyi   Amy and Jeffrey Olrick - https://www.growingconnected.com/ Instagram: @growingconnected  Jo Saxton  - https://www.josaxton.com/ Instagram: @JoSaxton  Dr. Curt Thompson - https://curtthompsonmd.com/Instagram: @curtthompsonmd  Lisa Harper - https://www.lisaharper.org/Instagram: @lisadharper  Listen to the Full Episodes: Build Lasting Faith In Your Kids :: Dr. Kara Powell [Ep 290] Six Needs of Every Child :: Amy and Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 322] Embracing the Mom You’re Meant to Be :: Jo Saxton [Ep 283]  Redeeming Shame Through Community :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Ep 308] When Your Wounded Soul Needs a Smiling God :: Lisa Harper [Ep 174] Links Mentioned:   Books by Dr. Kara Powell  3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager: Making the Most of Your Conversations and Connections Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family: Over 100 Practical and Tested Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Kids  Books by Amy Elizabeth Olrick and Jeffrey Olrick The 6 Needs of Every Child: Empowering Parents and Kids Through the Science of Connection  Books by Jo Saxton  The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence  More Than Enchanting: Breaking Through Barriers to Influence Your World Influential: Women in Leadership at Church, Work and Beyond Books by Curt Thompson, MD The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves by Curt Thompson, MD The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope by Curt Thompson, MD The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and Community by Curt Thompson, MD Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships by Curt Thompson, MD  Books by Lisa Harper  A Perfect Mess: Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Being Good Enough for God The Sacrament of Happy: What a Smiling God Brings to a Wounded World Overextended and Loving Most of It Stumbling Into Grace     Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What hats do you wear? We’ve all heard the phrase “She wears many hats.” Maybe we’ve said it about ourselves or others. But do you know what is constant in this word picture about one person performing many roles? The head that the hats sit on. It’s such a simple concept - we remain the same in each job we do or season we’re in. But it isn’t simple at all, is it? If we think of our identity as the hat rather than the person wearing the hat, we’ll continually be shifting, trying to keep up.  So how do we find our true identity and live in the freedom of who God created us to be? My guest this week is author and storyteller Jamie Winship. In our encouragement-packed conversation, Jamie invites us to learn to hear the voice of love and to live fearlessly in our truest selves.  Connect with Jamie Winship:  Website:  https://www.jamiewinship.com/ & https://www.identityexchange.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejamiewinship  Instagram:  @thejamiewinship  Links Mentioned:   Antioch Youth Camp --Jamie shares more of his story Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship  Related Episodes: Inner Healing Prayer :: Jennifer Barnett [Ep 323] Listening to the Lord :: Kelsey Phillips [Ep 279] Right Where You Belong Podcast Series Motherhood, Career, and Identity :: Kat Armstrong [Ep 171]  Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

It’s mum time in Texas, y’all! Both the colorful garden flowers and the personalized faux floral and ribbon creations seen at Texas homecoming football games.  Get sidetracked with Cynthia and me this week as we decode what the kids are saying these days, design our own mums, and talk about the hard things life has thrown at us lately. We discuss the trap of comparison and we finally stop searching for the elusive Conflict-Free Sibling Zone but instead help our kids learn reconciliation.  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof  Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Links Mentioned:   Joy (movie about self-wringing mop) QVC meat  HALO usb/bolt charger Cynthia mentioned.  This Dream Is Not For You: Learn to Live by Letting Go by Wady Joye  Right Where You Belong: How to Identify and  Fully Occupy Your God-Given Space by Heather MacFadyen  Related Episodes: Resolving Sibling Conflict :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 126] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What is our role in our children’s salvation?  It’s easy to hope in a formulaic approach for our kids’ salvation - to think if we just pray and have the family bible studies we’re guaranteed our kids will make an early decision to follow Jesus. But what about when they don’t? How do we stay “ok” when our kids are choosing the things we wouldn’t choose for them? How do we trust in God’s relentless but gentle pursuit of our kids when we don’t see any evidence of it?  My guest this week, Vela Tomba, says we stay in our own hula-hoop. We let go of the things we cannot control. We allow ourselves grief but we also allow ourselves hope and trust in the way God is writing the story. She draws from her own experience as a mom and from helping other moms struggling with their kids’ choices.  Connect with Vela Tomba:  Website:  https://www.velatomba.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vela.tomba/  Instagram:  @velatomba  Links Mentioned:   Cru Campus Ministries Paige Brown Bible Study on Jonah (new videos each Wed with discussion questions…only up for a week) The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble Strong’s Concordance App Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring For Yourself by Melody Beattie  Pollyanna Related Episodes: Hula Hoop-o-logy :: Vela Tomba [GCM Ep 28] Self-Differentiation and Why It Matters :: Nancy Houston [Ep 335]  Summer of Mentorship 2019 Week One :: Nancy Williams  Building Lasting Faith in Your Kids :: Dr. Kara Powell [Ep 290]  Doubt, Questions and Your Teen’s Growing Faith :: Mary Jo Sharp [Ep 375] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What is your ministry? Of course, motherhood is its own type of ministry, but did you envision something else as your “ministry”? Whether you had plans you’ve set aside or not, working at something you’re passionate about outside of your home can quite the challenge.  My guests this week are Angel Ricchuiti and Brittany Turner. Both are moms of 4 and both want to use their giftings and experience to serve Christ. Our conversation explores the tension between caring for children and doing ministry.  Connect with Angel Ricchuiti:  Website:  https://angelricchuiti.blogspot.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angel.ricchuiti  Instagram:  @angelricchuiti Connect with Brittney Turner:  Website:  https://brittanyjturner.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambrittanyjturner  Instagram:  @iambrittanyjturner  Links Mentioned:   Tim Ricchuiti's Math TikTok Account  How to set up your own Amazon Affiliate account Related Episodes: Church Hurts, Healed by the Churh :: Angel Ricchuiti [Ep 355] Postpartum Depression :: Brittany Turner [Ep 277] Mom, You are Important but Not Essential, That’s Good News :: Brittany Turner [Ep 361] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Admit it, you’ve seen a girl somewhere and thought, “I can’t believe her mother let her out of the house wearing that.” But if you’ve parented a teenage girl, you know it’s just not that simple.  How can we connect with our daughters and let them know we’re on their side even if we are not on board with certain trends or styles? My guest this week is author, speaker, and mother of four girls, Kari Kampakis. She has walked the road of countless clothing conversations with her girls. She gives practical encouragement for moms to build relationships and learn the art of compromise that doesn’t throw out standards but still lets girls have choices.  Connect with Kari Kampakis:  Website:  https://www.karikampakis.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karikampakiswriter/  Instagram:  @karikampakis  Podcast: Girl Mom  Links Mentioned:    Lee Cordon Homecoming Dresses Post   Related Episodes: Connecting With Your Daughter Through Humility and Compassion :: Kari Kampakis Part 1 [Ep 390] Steady Identity in Shifting Roles :: Kari Kampakis Part 2 [Ep 391] Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology, and Friendship:: Lee Cordon [Ep 408] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What would you do if your kid told you they saw porn? What would you do if you discovered porn on your child’s device?  My guest this week is mom and founder of NextTalk, Mandy Majors. Her daughter was exposed to pornography at age 9 at school and she didn’t see it on a cell phone. That was a wake-up call moment for Mandy and she made it her goal to teach other parents how to talk through the quickly changing digital world.  Fast forward 10 years and NextTalk is spreading the message of fostering real relationships between parents and kids - the kind where both parties can talk about those awkward or taboo subjects freely. Mandy encourages us that if we do our best to create a safe place of open communication between us and our kids there isn’t a tech situation we can’t face together.   Connect with Mandy Majors:  Website:  https://nexttalk.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk  Instagram:  @nexttalkorg  Podcast: https://nexttalk.org/podcast/  Links Mentioned:   Chris McKenna and Protect Young Eyes  Kristen Jenson and Defend Young Minds Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen A. Jenson Fight the New Drug  Related Episodes: Creating Digital Safe Spaces :: Chris McKenna [Ep 360]  Braving the Tech Landscape Through Connection :: Chris McKenna [Ep 424] Porn-Proofing Our Kids :: Kristen Jenson [Ep 256] Pornography :: Jimmy and Josh Myers of Pairadocs Podcast [Ep 162] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Who do you call when it feels like your world is falling apart? Do you share your struggles with trusted friends or is it hard to open up about what is going on in your life?  Toward the end of her first marriage Kristen Glass broke a habit she’d had for years - struggling silently. For years she suffered alone, carrying shame for her actions and circumstances that left her feeling condemned and isolated. All that changed one weekend in Utah when she found the courage to tell a friend her story. That simple act of speaking up freed her to see the truth of who God made her to be and His great love for her. Join me for her story that has dark times and places but is also filled with the hope of redemption and restoration that only God can bring.  Connect with Kristen Glass:  Email:  gypsysoulinteriors@gmail.com  Related Episodes: Walking Through Divorce :: Lara Williams [Ep 324] Forgiving What You Can’t Forget :: Lysa TerKeurst [Ep 304] Good Boundaries and Goodbyes :: Lysa TerKeurst [Ep 387] Coping Mechanisms, Recovery, and Codependency :: Taylor Bashta [Ep 275] Sinners Married to Sinners - How God Refines Us :: Cheryl Scruggs and Jae Carpenter [Ep 195] Rebuilding From an Abusive Marriage :: Jeni B [Ep 246] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Is Back-to-School time a mini fresh-start for you? With all the fresh supplies we get a chance to think again about who we want to be and what our daily life can look like.  Get sidetracked with Cynthia and me this week as we discuss rhythms we are creating for the fall. Cynthia discovers AI and we talk habits, opening our homes for connection, scrapbooking for our younger selves, and new business ventures!  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof  Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Links Mentioned:   Book a Mahjong training party with Heather and Amber  @Mad4Mahj  Leanne Morgan  Nate Bargatze  Kevin James  Related Episodes: Previous episodes with Heather and Cynthia Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Maybe you’ve wondered if you are addicted to your phone? Or if your kids are addicted to their devices? Is addicted the right word to use?  Between work and school and life it is nearly impossible to live without some screen interaction, but what if we could change our relationship with our screens? What if they are not something we are powerless against, but something we can put in their proper places?  My guest this week is dad and entrepreneur, Joey Odom. His own missed moments as a dad served as the impetus for changing his relationship with his phone and creating a system to help us do the same. His encouragement and creativity help us give ourselves (and our spouses and kids) grace and tools to shape our time spent with and away from screens.  Connect with Joey Odom:  Website:  https://www.goaro.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goaronow/  Instagram:  @goaronow  Links Mentioned:   Troomi Phone    Related Episodes: The Screen Struggle is Real :: Arlene Pellicane [Ep 331] Time and Space for Flourishing in a Tech World :: Andy Crouch [Ep 208]  Creating Digital Safe Spaces :: Chris McKenna [Ep 360]  Braving the Tech Landscape Through Connection :: Chris McKenna [Ep 424]  Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What are your digital fears? What are the things you are afraid will happen if your child interacts with technology regularly?  We all have digital fears to varying degrees, but anxiety isn’t our friend when it comes to strategies to keep our kids safe in the digital landscape. My guest this week is CPA turned tech expert Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes, an organization devoted to keeping kids safe in digital spaces. Chris has a great set of tools to help us protect our kids in their digital spaces and it all starts with connection with them. He encourages us to be transparent and honest with our children regarding tech as well as giving us concrete steps and tools that help us stay informed and create protective layers for our kids.  Connect with Chris McKenna:  Website:  https://protectyoungeyes.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/protectyoungeyes/  Instagram:  @protectyoungeyes  Links Mentioned:   Bone Marrow Registration Drive---Aug 27th 9:30 to 3pm Park Cities Baptist Church (activities building) 3933 Northwest Pkwy.  Gryphon Router  Bark Digital Parental Controls and Phone Covenant Eyes Screen Accountability  Gabb Phones use code DMALONE Protect Young Eyes Ultimate Guide to YouTube for Caregivers   Related Episodes: Creating Digital Safe Spaces :: Chris McKenna [Ep 360] Time and Space for Flourishing in a Tech World :: Andy Crouch [Ep 208] A Lil Help with Boys and  Screen Time :: David Thomas [bonus] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

We’re baaaaaack! How was your summer? Maybe you're like us...a little laughing, crying and even vacation freak-outs. Around here you're never alone. Listen in for a fun conversation with our friend Cynthia Yanof as we chat about summer adventures and the transition to Fall.  We’re talking about expectations as moms. How sometimes things turn out better than expected and other times we grieve the loss of what we thought would be. We discuss surrendering long-held family traditions to embrace what God has next for your family. And, listen closely for a special announcement for Fridays in the fall!  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof  Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Podcast: MESSmerized  Links Mentioned:   Essential Bob Ross Videos (to calm your kids down!) Lahaina GoFund Me  Heather’s ideas for free experiences in Maui Cynthia’s husband flipping of his bike after going up a ramp Related Episodes: Summer of Mentorship series with Cynthia Yanof 

What helped you feel ready for a new school year as a kid? All the supplies purchased and organized? The perfect first-day outfit?  What helps you feel ready for school now, as a mom? How can you advocate for your kids and support their teachers? My guest this week is Dallas-based therapist and speaker Dr. Kelly Jameson. She shares a great set of tools to help us advocate for our children and interact well with teachers and school staff. She also shares her wisdom and experience on how to parent well through our ever-changing technology landscape.  Connect with Dr. Kelly Jameson:  Website: https://drkellyjameson.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyjamesonPhD/  Instagram:  @DrKellyJameson  Links Mentioned:    Accommodations Sheet Template  Donation for aid to Lahaina Families Related Episodes: How to Stay Calm With School Stress :: Kirk Martin [Ep 88]  Supporting Students with Dyslexia :: Kerri Irvin [Ep 317] Creating Digital Safe Spaces :: Chris McKenna [Ep 360] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.