Best Monicaswanson Podcasts (2024)

1
3 Faith Principles for Navigating Youth Sports, with Dr. Dave. 35:50

21m ago35:50

35:50

Welcome to part II of our summer series on parenting and youth sports. Be sure to catch last week’s (packed!) episode if you missed it! Today my husband Dave is with us to consider 3 important FAITH PRINCIPLES that impact our kids’ athletic endeavors. Background: Dave played soccer through the collegiate and professional level, and we are both supe…

1
Can we Make Youth Sports Fun Again? With John O’Sullivan 49:19

6d ago49:19

49:19

Note: This is the first of a 3-part summer series on Youth Sports. (I'm so excited about this!) I hope you’ll spread the word and comment over in show notes to keep the conversation going. According to recent research, 70% of kids drop out of organized athletics by the age of 13. Today’s guest, John O’Sullivan, suggests that this is because youth s…

1
How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t, with Erin Loechner  40:20

10d ago40:20

40:20

"We’ve all heard the mind-boggling statistics about technology and social media use. The numbers don’t lie; our obsession with smartphones and social media is slowly eroding the very essence of our homes and families. We see it. We feel it. We know it. So what do we do about it? "... - Erin Loechner, today's guest. Erin Loechner walked away from ov…

1
How to Have a Better Relationship with Your Phone, with Joey Odom  41:58

17d ago41:58

41:58

When Joey Odom missed his son’s first soccer goal because he was looking at his phone, he had a realization: his phone was getting in the way of his best intentions as a Dad and a husband. Since then, he has been on a journey to change his relationship with his phone so that he can change the most important relationships in his life. I heard about …

1
Simple rules for decorating any space, with Myquillyn Smith 43:36

24d ago43:36

43:36

Whether you’re a natural at home decorating or, (like me) feel a little lost on the topic, Myquillyn Smith (aka “the nester”) is the friend you need. When I got my copy of “House Rules” with 100 simple, memorable tips for decorating any space, I knew this would be a fun topic for the podcast this summer! I think you’ll enjoy Myquillyn’s laid back (…

1
The 3 Best Things I Did as a Dad, with Andrew Pudewa 44:08

1M ago44:08

44:08

Happy Father’s Day week everyone! Today my friend Andrew Pudewa, is with us to offer some lessons and encouragement for all of the dads out there! (Ladies, you'll enjoy this too!) Andrew is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), father of seven, and grandpa to a whole bunch of kids! Andrew travels and speaks arou…

1
Parent Differently, with Kathy Koch 32:15

1M ago32:15

32:15

A child’s character reflects their convictions, establishes their reputation, and ultimately determines their destiny. In the world today it may seem like a big job to raise kids with biblical character, but today’s conversation should offer a lot of HOPE! Kathy Koch, child development specialist, author, and sought-after speaker, is here to help u…

1
Why We are So Tired and What to do About it, with Jess Connolly 31:53

2M ago31:53

31:53

Women are mostly all tired, aren’t we? For women today, fatigue has become the norm, and busyness is often worn as a badge of honor. Jess Connolly has lived in that bone-weary place, even to the point of developing chronic panic-attacks, battling anxiety and an autoimmune disease. But with wise practices and a new way of living, Jess discovered the…

1
Being a Mission-Minded Family, with Ann Dunagan 46:04

2M ago46:04

46:04

For Christian families in the thick of it, the thought of world missions can seem unrealistic and overwhelming. Many of us feel like we are in survival mode, just taking care of our families and trying to protect our kids from the crazy world. (and that’s all so important!) Yet, in light of the fact that 1/3 of our world has not yet heard the Gospe…

1
The Juggle is Real, with Sarah Molitor of Modern Farmhouse Family 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

When I come across a wildly popular influencer who is also raising (and homeschooling) 7 children, and keeping their home and marriage in (seemingly) great order, I can’t help but wonder: HOW DOES SHE DO IT ALL? Sarah Molitor is one of those people, and in this interview with Sarah, I dive right into my honest questions: When do you sleep? Do you h…

1
Highs and Lows from 25 years of Motherhood (and celebrating a BOOK RELEASE!) 35:32

2M ago35:32

35:32

My husband Dave is with me today for a special Mother’s Day/book release interview! Dave and I are reflecting on the last 25 years of my motherhood journey...highs and lows, what I have learned, and my advice for younger moms. I share about some of my biggest joys of motherhood, (the laughter and fun, and much more!) and some of my greatest challen…

1
Parenting, Homeschooling, and Friendships with Grown Kids, with Sally Clarkson 35:17

3M ago35:17

35:17

Sally Clarkson’s books and podcast have inspired me for years. Living between England and Colorado, Sally’s writing and voice is like a trusted mentor who puts everything in perspective. I have always hoped to meet Sally so this interview was really special. I got to ask Sally about her heart for parenting, what the rhythms in her home were as her …

1
Raising Spiritual Champions with George Barna 43:19

3M ago43:19

43:19

Renowned researcher and bestselling author, Dr. George Barna is with us to share some startling data, along with a passionate call-to-action for Christian parents. This may be the most important episode you could listen to, and I pray that what we talk about inspires you to a deeper level of commitment in your parenting. (Don’t run away – I promise…

1
The Fruit of a Purposeful Family, with Melissa Brown 32:24

3M ago32:24

32:24

When you come across a family with a bunch of young adults thriving in their faith, work, and passions, you can’t help but want to ask the parents: “Ok! What is the secret?” (Right?) And for good reason: Yes we can learn through mistakes and struggles, but I vote that it is even better to learn from those who have had successes! Melissa and Jonatha…

1
Hard is Not the Same as Bad, with Abbie Halberstadt 55:43

3M ago55:43

55:43

Our most trying moments as a parent can quickly spiral into discouragement, hopelessness, and sometimes even resentment toward God or your family—partly because our culture has conditioned us to believe that anything this hard can’t possibly be good for us. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why me, Lord?” today’s podcast guest will resonate wi…

1
Raising Boys to Men, with Durenda Wilson 46:47

4M ago46:47

46:47

This one is especially for the boy moms out there! I know you'll love hearing from Durenda Wilson -- Mom to 8 (five boys!) author, podcaster, and someone I consider a virtual mentor -- as she shares from her new book, Raising Boys to Men. Durenda has homeschooled all of her kids, and now with grown children (and a bunch of grandchildren) she has a …

1
Setting the First Tracks: Talk to Your Kids about Everything 29:27

4M ago29:27

29:27

Who do you want to set the first impressions on your kids on topics like: identity and self worth, sexuality and gender, politics, and other cultural hot topics? I vote YOU DO, Mom and Dad. I think most of us would say that we, the parents, are the best people to begin these conversations. Yet, it is easy to put these (sometimes awkward!) conversat…

1
How to Experience REAL JOY in a world gone mad, with Brant Hansen 41:42

4M ago41:42

41:42

Would you say that joy (a deep sense of well-being, regardless of circumstances) is something you live with daily? Brant Hansen joins us to tell us that this is not only possible, but promised to all who follow Jesus. In fact, through Christ, we can start to see the world in a more childlike, humble, and optimistic way. Brant and I are talking abou…

1
Life is Messy, God is Good, with Cynthia Yanof 39:33

4M ago39:33

39:33

Today’s guest, Cynthia Yanof is the friend we all need. She is honest, encouraging, and hilarious. She shoots straight and stays humble. I am so glad she poured all of these things into her new book: Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life. In today’s conversation Cynthia and I talk about parenting (she has college age dow…

1
Practicing The Way, with John Mark Comer 42:52

4M ago42:52

42:52

Best selling author, teacher and Pastor, John Mark Comer, is here to talk about his newest book: “Practicing the Way”, which explores the concept of being an apprentice of Jesus. John Mark explains that to practice the way of Jesus, we must: “Be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did” (the subtitle to the book.💥) In this conversation we talk…

1
Screentime and Other Ways Kids Spend their Days 29:36

5M ago29:36

29:36

If screentime is a challenge in your home (pretty sure that is most of us!) then this episode is for you! Today we’re talking about how we can be intentional about screens, sports, hobbies, and all the ways kids spend their days! - From Chapters 12 and 13 of my book: Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dish…

1
No Regrets Parenting in Difficult Cultural Times, with Rhonda Stoppe 38:48

5M ago38:48

38:48

Having a solid mentor in your life is a true gift; mentors offer us wisdom from their life experience and help us navigate all that we face. If you don’t have a mentor in your life, I encourage you to pray for, and seek one out. But I am also thankful that we live in a time when we can have “virtual mentors”, people we may not know in real life but…

1
7 Attitudes that will Sabotage Your Marriage (and 7 to Replace them with) with Dave 40:23

5M ago40:23

40:23

Happy Valentine’s Day! My husband Dave is with me as we celebrate our 28th Valentine’s Day together. ☺ In this episode we are talking through a blog post that has been very popular for many years now on my website: “7 Attitudes that Will Sabotage Your Marriage, and 7 to Replace them with.” Dave and I are sharing from our own experience -- as we’ve …

1
Let’s Talk about Kids and Dating, with JP Pokluda 41:49

5M ago41:49

41:49

Dating has never been simple (who remembers?!) but today it is more complicated than ever. The world offers all kinds of mixed messages to young adults and teenagers and our Christian culture isn’t giving a lot of alternatives. In such crazy times our kids need a voice of reason and a lot of Biblical wisdom to help them navigate. Pastor Jonathan “J…

1
Helping Siblings Become Friends, with Luke and Jonah 37:09

6M ago37:09

37:09

Since last March, at the end of each month I have been covering highlights from a chapter of my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked! Today we get to cover the topic of sibling relationships from Chapter 11, with the help of my two sons, Jonah (22) and Luke (19). I know sibli…

1
The Sacredness of Secular Work, with Jordan Raynor 34:20

6M ago34:20

34:20

Jordan Raynor is back with us (he’s been a favorite guest in the past!) with an encouraging message about the eternal value of our work. All of it! As Christians we often talk about how our workplace can be our mission field (and that is so true!) but Jordan suggests that is only part of the story. And he is passionate that we – and our kids, hear …

1
What is Christian Deconstruction? (And how should we respond to it?) with Alisa Childers 37:08

6M ago37:08

37:08

Alisa Childers is back with a conversation I want every Christian parent to hear! A movement called “spiritual deconstruction” is sweeping through our culture, our churches, and (maybe especially) our universities. It is confusing and complex. It is leading young people away from the church and dividing families. In today's interview, Alisa offers …

1
Monica’s (work and life!) Updates for 2024 29:08

6M ago29:08

29:08

Hey friends! Today I hope you can grab a cup of coffee (or your tennis shoes!) and join me for a more personal chat. I’m sharing updates from my podcasting and writing life, as well as personal reflections as I look at the year ahead. From my next book release (May 7!) to my fitness plans (💪🏼), from podcast topics, to skin-care in my 50’s (🤗) it’s …

1
The Value of Just Showing Up, with Drew Dyck 32:46

7M ago32:46

32:46

Happy New Year! Whether you are heading into 2024 with goals and resolutions, a word-of-the-year, and a whole lot of confidence, or you are just barely…plodding your way into it, this episode is for you! Drew Dyck, author of JUST SHOW UP, is with us to offer some encouragement and perspective. Drew reminds us that there is great value in every smal…

1
3 Ways to naturally instill character into your kids every day 25:34

7M ago25:34

25:34

With a little intentionality, we can develop character in our kids’ throughout the natural rhythms of our days. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, this episode will equip you with some great tools for practical character development! Today I am pulling from chapters 9 and 10 of my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like…

1
10 Do’s and Don’ts for a Happy Family Christmas, with Dave and Monica 27:11

7M ago27:11

27:11

Happy Christmas week everyone! 🎄Join my husband Dave and I for a fun and hopefully helpful “date-night” style conversation! Dave and I are sharing wisdom we have gleaned over 28 Christmases together, most with a house full of boys...Some important “do’s” as well as a few “don’t”’s! Hopefully a few will be encouraging reminders and a few will make y…

1
6 Discipline Mistakes to Avoid During the Holidays 36:31

7M ago36:31

36:31

One of the most important and challenging jobs we have as parents is that of disciplining our kids. Most of us wish it weren’t necessary (and a lot of parents today mostly ignore it!) but I have learned that good discipline is one of the greatest keys to raising amazing kids! Back when my oldest sons (now 24 and 22 years old) were very young, I rea…

1
Be a Memory Making Mom this Christmas, with Jessica Smartt 36:31

7M ago36:31

36:31

As moms we want to fill the holidays with all kinds of magic and meaning for our families. We want to celebrate Advent, bless our kids with good food, special gifts, and then come out of it all with great memories, right? Yet, all of our best intentions often lead to a lot of overwhelm and frustration. (it’s not just me, is it?) If you feel any of …

1
The Power of Parenting with Yeses and Nos 36:10

8M ago36:10

36:10

I am so happy to be back with another monthly podcast covering highlights from my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked! Today we get to cover Chapter Eight: All about the importance of saying YES…and NO…to our kids. This is one of my personal favorite chapters/topics and I th…

1
Happy Thanksgiving with Luke and Levi: Q&A, Gratitude, and Giggles 24:00

8M ago24:00

24:00

Happy Thanksgiving week! Today I am sharing a very real, laughter-infused episode with my two youngest sons, Luke and Levi. Though it is a replay from 2 years ago, it’s still a listener favorite. Invite your kids to join as Luke and Levi answer a few questions, share what they are grateful for, and keep it all very real. Basically, this offers a sn…

1
How to be Unoffendable, with Brant Hansen 41:21

8M ago41:21

41:21

Head’s Up: This may be the most important thing you listen to before your holiday gatherings this year! I am so excited to share this conversation with Brant Hansen – radio show and podcast host, author, and truly amazing (/self-proclaimed quirky) man, with all of you! It turns out giving up your “right” to be offended can be one of the most freein…

1
Finding Hope and Healing after Marriage Ends, with Brandi Wilson 43:34

8M ago43:34

43:34

While no one goes into a marriage imagining it will ever end, we know that divorce is a reality for approximately half of Americans. And while I will always be pro-marriage and encourage those of you in difficult marriages to seek help and fight to save your marriage, I know that sometimes there are no other options than divorce. Today’s guest, Bra…

1
How To Support Students Standing Strong in the Public Schools 29:45

9M ago29:45

29:45

Public school parents, this episode will be a huge inspiration to you! Terry Ann Kelly is with us to talk about how God is working in the public school system through Students Standing Strong (S3). These are student-led Clubs held in public schools all across the nation which are completely legal and opening the door for amazing ministry opportunit…

1
Making Your Home the Hub! 28:21

9M ago28:21

28:21

I am so happy to be back with another monthly podcast episode covering highlights from my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked! Today we get to cover Chapter Seven: How we can make our homes the hub -- a welcoming place for our kids…and their friends. Many of us have always i…

1
God Never Gives Up On You, with Max Lucado 29:13

9M ago29:13

29:13

Max Lucado, America’s bestselling inspirational author, has always been a dream podcast guest of mine. I started reading Max’s books back in the 90’s when my faith journey was just beginning, and I’ve always admired his winsome ability to bring deep theological truths down to earth. In this interview I also found him to be incredibly warm, funny, a…

1
How to Experience God’s Strength When You Feel Weak, with Emily Jensen 33:50

9M ago33:50

33:50

Emily Jensen, cofounder of the wildly popular Risen Motherhood, joins us today to talk about the very relatable experience of...feeling weak. 😌Whether we are in the midst of big hard things (a child with a disability, marriage or financial stress, etc.) or we’re just staring at the laundry pile in front of us, we have times of feeling overwhelmed, …

1
The Power of Our Words, with Sarah Molitor 46:09

10M ago46:09

46:09

If you’ve had moments when your words have gotten the better of you (who hasn’t?) then this episode will encourage, challenge, and inspire you! Sarah Molitor -- best known for her darling 6-boy + 1 girl family on her super popular @modernfarmhousefamily Instagram account – is with us to share her honest journey learning to use her words for good. I…

1
Your Best Weapon or the Greatest Danger: Raising Amazing Chapter 6 27:09

10M ago27:09

27:09

I am so happy to be back with another monthly podcast covering highlights from my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked! Today we get to cover Chapter Six: All about the importance of surrounding your kids with helpful influences…and protecting them from bad ones! There is no …

1
Using Influence for Good (Good), with YouTuber, Matt Scharff 54:20

10M ago54:20

54:20

How would you respond if one of your kids told you they wanted to drop out of college and become a YouTuber? In case that topic has already come up in your home (or if, like me, you have just wondered how in the world you’d respond if it did!) today’s episode will give you a ton of insight…wand encouragement! My son Levi is a huge fan of the YouTub…

1
Losing Their Home (but not Their Perspective) in the Maui Fire, with my friend Jes Claydon 1:09:21

10M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

People all over the world have been shocked and saddened by the tragic fire that recently destroyed the iconic town of Lahaina, on Maui. This is the deadliest fire in US history to date, and there is a long road ahead of healing and rebuilding. Yet, in the midst of all of the news, blaming, and politics, I think it is helpful to hear from real fami…

1
Coffee Date, with Announcements, Updates, and Questions for YOU! 29:24

11M ago29:24

29:24

Welcome to my first ever “Coffee Date” Podcast episode! (Hopefully not the last!) If you’ve been around long, you might know how much I love a good coffee date with a friend. I’ve done many virtual coffee dates on my blog and via weekly emails (You can sign up for those at monicaswanson.com/subscribe) but today I hope you can join me on the podcast…

1
Give Your Kids a Secure Foundation: Raising Amazing Chapter 5 with Monica and Dave 32:42

11M ago32:42

32:42

I am so happy to be back with another monthly podcast covering highlights from my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked! Today we get to cover Chapter Five: All about offering your kids a secure foundation through a healthy marriage. Most of us would agree that building a stro…

1
How to be a Worry-Free Parent, with Sissy Goff 31:21

11M ago31:21

31:21

Are you a worrier? Do your kids worry too? Sissy Goff, best-selling author and child-therapist (for over 30 years) wants to help parents overcome their tendency to worry. Because: worry is contagious – and an anxious, worry-prone parent is likely to raise kids who also worry. Fortunately, Sissy has good news. She has help for uncovering the roots o…

1
Why We Drift into Loneliness and How to Fight for a Life of Friendship with Justin Whitmel Earley 40:15

11M ago40:15

40:15

We were made for people. Yet, most of us are living a dangerously lonely life. In fact, loneliness is perhaps the least talked-about epidemic in our culture today. Justin Whitmel Earley, lawyer, #boydad, and one of my favorite authors is here to share a cure for this loneliness problem. This is a conversation I hope some men can tune into as well a…

1
The Secret Art of Confident Motherhood with Alli Worthington 35:42

11M ago35:42

35:42

By now you probably know that I consider parenting and family life some of the highest privileges on earth; it is Kingdom work. Yet, often in our season of raising kids, we tend to “lose ourselves”, right? I hear from women who don’t remember what they used to enjoy before kids… “Did I have any hobbies?...What do I like to do/eat, etc?” As these Mo…

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