Teens today are growing up in a confusing world, and they are facing things we couldn’t have imagined when we were young. From mental health issues, to the internet (cyberbullying, access to pornography, and social media to name a few,) to vaping, increased suicide rates and more, it is not an easy time to navigate the teenage years.  Or to parent a teenager! Enter Jessica Peck! Jessica has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, she is a professor at Baylor, and she is a mom to FOUR teenagers!  In today’s interview we cover topics from her incredibly helpful book, Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life’s Toughest Issues. I love Jessica’s kind and humble heart and her passion for intentional parenting. I also appreciate the wisdom she has gained through a lot of experience quite literally, “behind closed doors.”  Please spread the word about this episode – No matter the age of your kids, these topics will be relevant eventually!  Find show notes and links to all we talk about: www.monicaswanson.com/jessica-peck   Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Don’t miss my NEW PRE-ORDER BONUS!! - Be sure to visit my new book page monicaswanson.com/raisingamazing to get access to Korie Robertson’s Foreward and my first two chapters!!  Be sure to pre-order Raising Amazing for it to arrive at your doorstep on it’s release day, February 21st and get immediate access to my PRE-ORDER BONUS: 4 Interviews featuring my 4 sons!  In the interviews, my boys respond to questions sent in by podcast listeners and social media followers related to their faith, sibling relationships, what they like about their parents (!), birth order, and so much more.  These will be great for your kids to tune into with you!   

Helping Teens Navigate Through Life’s Toughest Issues, with Jessica Peck

I am so excited to share this encouraging (and perhaps a bit convicting – in the best sort of way) – conversation with you! Abbie Halberstadt believes that Christ has so much more to offer you and your family than the empty validation of fist bumps for surviving another day that worldly culture bring to the table. Her book, M is for Mama, resonated with me deeply, and I am so glad I get to share her with all of you! Raising and homeschooling her ten kids (including two sets of identical twins—and that’s a story of its own!) Abbie has hard-earned wisdom to share, as well as humor and grace. This was one of my favorite interviews ever! Find show notes and links to all we talk about: www.monicaswanson.com/Abbie-Halberstadt Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Don’t miss my new Raising Amazing Preorder bonus!! Be sure to visit my new book page: monicaswanson.com/raisingamazing to get access to Korie Robertson’s Foreward and my first two chapters!! Be sure to pre-order Raising Amazing for it to arrive at your doorstep on it’s release day, February 21st, and get immediate access to my PRE-ORDER BONUS: 4 Interviews featuring my 4 sons! In the interviews, my boys respond to questions sent in by podcast listeners and social media followers related to their faith, sibling relationships, what they like about their parents (!), birth order, and so much more. These will be great for your kids to tune into with you!

A Rebellion Against Mediocre Motherhood, with Abbie Halberstadt.

If you want your family to have an amazing year ahead, this episode will give you some practical tools to help make that happen!  Emily Ley -- owner of Simplified Planners, best-selling author, and dedicated mom -- is with us to offer 5 ways to kick-start an amazing year ahead. (Personally,) I am a fan of starting off the new year slowly – taking my time to set goals and develop a vision for the new year. Whether you catch this episode in January or later in the year, the good news is, God’s mercies are new every morning, and we can always regroup for a fresh start!   Check out Emily’s beautiful new journal, Sure as the Sunrise: 100 Morning Meditations on God’s Mercy and Delight in show notes! Find links to everything we talk about (as well as some notes from our chat!) in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/Emily-Ley Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

An Intentionally Amazing Year for Your Family, with Emily Ley

Happy New Year and Welcome to the Monica Swanson podcast!  If you missed last week’s episode, I hope you can go back and have a listen (it’s SHORT!) In this new year I am rebranding the podcast with a new name and a broader scope, but the heart of the podcast has not changed.  I am SO excited to dive into some great topics and interviews ahead. (Also: Welcome to the girl moms joining us!) Today’s interview is special for so many reasons. First, Wendy Speake was my very first guest over 3.5 years ago when I launched the Boy Mom Podcast; it only made sense she would also help me kick off this new season of the podcast!  Second, Wendy has a new book coming out this month which is so much of my heart for all of us this year.  The 40-Day FEAST is a follow up to her books, “The 40-Day Sugar Fast” and “The 40-Day Social Media Fast.” The Feast she is referring to is the kind where we consume God’s Word…learning to read it, study it, and hide it in our hearts.  And friends: Living in this world today I cannot emphasize enough how important this is.  I am really excited about Wendy’s new book and I am excited to feast on God’s Word in the New Year alongside all of you!  (Deal?! Deal!).  Find all of the links Wendy mentioned in show notes:   www.monicaswanson.com/Wendy-Speake-Feast Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

It’s Time for Bible Believers to become Bible Readers, with Wendy Speake

A New Season with Monica!  Happy New Year and Welcome to the Monica Swanson podcast!  For over 3.5 years I have been sharing episodes on the Boy Mom Podcast, and you can still revisit all 190 episodes any time. (I recommend you do! – there’s some good stuff in there!) But in this new year and new season, we are broadening our scope (and welcoming our girl moms – and all of the dads!) as we rebrand as the Monica Swanson Podcast!! (imagine the confetti!) Today’s very short episode is a quick intro to this new season as I talk about what you can expect and about how excited I am to be releasing my next book – Raising Amazing – on February 21st!   This podcast community has grown tremendously over the past couple of years with 1.7 million + downloads and so many new subscribers (hit the + to "follow"/subscribe!) and it is my heart to continue to serve you well.  I pray that you feel welcome here and I hope you will spread the word about the podcast with all of your family-loving friends!   Find links and show notes at:https://monicaswanson.com/monica-swanson-podcast-trailer/ Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Welcome to the Monica Swanson Podcast {Trailer!}

Welcome to the FINAL episode of the Boy Mom Podcast!  Wait! Let me explain. Beginning next week (New Year's, 2023) this podcast will be called The Monica Swanson Podcast!  In this very special, final episode of the Boy Mom Podcast, I am sharing highlights from the final TWO chapters of Boy Mom! This wraps up my monthly series which began in January of 2022! If you’ve missed any of the previous book highlights, be sure to go back and catch previous episodes from the last Wednesday of each month of the year! This week we are talking about raising boys to embrace a solid worth ethic…how that begins in the home, and how we might motivate boys to be hard workers as they grow up!  After that we touch on the final chapter of Boy Mom, called “Ready, Set, Launch!”  This part brings up some emotions for me because it is a topic so near to my heart and also because this is the closing episode for the Boy Mom Podcast.  Oh, so many feelings!  Be sure to visit show notes to get the free downloads mentioned:  A list of “Life Skills by Age” as well as the “Boy Mom Manifesto”!  I pray you have enjoyed this series and I will look forward to doing a similar series highlighting chapters from my next book: Raising Amazing, which comes out on February 21, 2023!   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-190 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Episode 190: The Last Chapter of Boy Mom and the Last Episode of the Boy Mom Podcast!

Merry Christmas!  Join Luke (18), Levi (12), and I for a Merry Christmas chat…and also catch up on Luke's world travels since he was last with us back in June.  If you’re busy you can skip to 20 minutes for a brief Christmas greeting, but if you have the time/enjoy surf stories or listening to Luke (☺) then grab some cocoa and enjoy this conversation! (Your kids might enjoy it too!) Sending hugs and love to all of you and praying you have a most wonderful Christmas week ahead! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-189 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Episode 189: A Merry Christmas catch-up with Luke and Levi

True confession:  This is about the exact week when I typically find myself morphing from the happy, care-free, "I love Christmas everything!!!!" Mom, to the stressed out, feeling behind, "I just want to get Christmas over with" Mom.  Yep.  Anyone with me?  As much as I love (truly, adore!) this season, I have learned that Christmas can bring up all kinds of hard emotions and dashed expectations, leaving us moms weary and worn. If you relate to this a little or a lot, today's episode (a replay from 2020) is for you. Alexandra Kuykendall joins us today with such a refreshing, endearing message about Loving Your Actual Christmas. Drawing from her book (by that name ;)) Alex reminds us that Christ did not come for the people who have it all together (if such people even exist!) but for the weary, grieving, and hurting. He came for us real people who sometimes struggle our way through the holidays. When we don’t have our act together, Jesus meets us in the most real way. Whether this Christmas finds you with joy and plenty, or grief and struggle (or any combination of things in between,) I think Alex's words about Jesus and Advent (and “Christmastide” – I learned something new!) will will be refreshing to your soul. www.monicaswanson.com/episode-188 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Ep. 188: Loving Your Actual Christmas, With Alexandra Kuykendall

I am so excited to share this special conversation with my (now, in-real-life) friend, Asheritah Ciuciu. Asheritah has been on the podcast before as we talked about her amazing Advent devotional, Unwrapping the Names of Jesus. Now, with a beautiful Children’s Book newly released, Asheritah joins me to talk about the power of sharing our own stories with our kids, as we point to what Jesus has done in our lives. I loved learning a bit more about Asheritah and her husband (both Romanian) and the amazing things God has done in their lives. In this busy holiday season, I believe this conversation will be a blessing and so inspiring!  I hope you love it as much as I have! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-187 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  

Ep. 187:  Tell Your Kids Your Story! with Asheritah Ciuciu

In this episode we are talking about how we can approach the topic of dating and relationships as our sons grow up. I talk about how we have handled things with our sons, focusing on Biblical values and wisdom principles, not a set of rules. I share some resources we use for teaching our kids about sexuality, and the importance of having many conversations about even the awkward topics as our kids grow up. Many more highlights found in this episode and in Chapter 12 of Boy Mom. Be sure to get the free printable download: "Before He Asks Her Out" (a list of questions to go over with your son when he feels he is ready to date) in show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-186 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast      

Episode 186: Preparing our boys for dating and future relationships

Today I am sharing a podcast episode that could transform your holiday season…maybe even your whole life.  Seriously, that’s a big claim, but have a listen and I think you’ll agree — it’s that powerful. I’m so happy to bring back this conversation I had with Kate Merrick in 2019.  If you aren’t familiar with Kate yet, you’ll fall in love with her quickly.  In this episode I get to tell the funny story of how Kate and I met, and all of the wild ways our lives now intersect.  Kate shares her story of embracing presence in the hardest season of her life and how much she does not regret that now. Friends, this episode is both convicting, and inspiring.  I hope you can dive in and listen! And then go have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-185 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Ep. 185: Practicing Presence during the Holidays (and everyday) with Kate Merrick

If you're like me, you always intend to keep the holidays Christ-centered, but in reality it isn't easy. In the busyness of the holidays, we often finish the Christmas season feeling defeated and depleted. Today’s guest, Ruth Chou Simons knows the hectic nature of the holidays; raising 6 sons and running a retail business that is thriving over the holidays, the Simons family has to be intentional to keep Christ at the center.   Pour a cup of coffee (or some holidays cider!) and join Ruth and I as we talk about family traditions, (or lack of!) our shared love for raising boys, and how we can all set our hearts on Jesus during the holidays, and beyond! Find links to Ruth’s gorgeous Christmas devotional and all the things we talk about over in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-184 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Ep. 184: Holidays with Boys, and More - with Ruth Chou Simons

Come join this conversation about setting healthy boundaries, which seems especially timely as we head into the holiday season. Boundaries can be challenging – in marriage, in family, work, church, and all relationships.  Lysa Terkeurst, best-selling author and founder of Proverbs 31 ministries, joins us to talk about a biblical understanding of boundaries. She offers helpful guidelines for recognizing when and where we need to set boundaries, and she shares a bit of her own difficult story that led her to this topic. She also brings the concept home with some relatable (and fun) illustrations. Lysa and I talk about modeling boundaries for our kids and how we need to practice our own good boundaries as our kids grow into adulthood (gulp). I think you’ll find a lot of wisdom and practical encouragement in what Lysa shares.  Find show notes and links to all that we talk about on my website: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-183 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Ep. 183: Good Boundaries and Goodbyes with Lysa Terkeurst

This week's guest ushers us into the holidays with wisdom, grace, and laughter.  Grab a cup of coffee and join Lana Stenner and I for a fun chat about raising goats and chickens, the joy of grown kids who still gather around the table, and perspectives that will lead us into the holidays embracing a slower, simpler rhythm. (How good does that sound!?) Lana Stenner is a homesteading, goat-and-chicken raising, garden-growing mom who doesn’t take herself too seriously. Her new book, The Grace-Filled Homestead is irresistible, with the most beautiful photos, delicious recipes, helpful household tips, and wisdom from the farm. In today’s episode we talk about Lana’s journey to becoming a homesteader, family lessons she has learned, and wisdom for facing the holidays in the midst of busy family seasons. Lana also shares about her brain tumor diagnosis, and how that impacted her in the middle of writing a book.  I hope this interview will be a breath of fresh air to you as you enter the holiday season! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-182 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Ep. 182: Preparing for a Grace-Filled Holiday Season, with Lana Stenner

This is the 10th part of the 2022 monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” from my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing some snippets from Chapter 11 – A Lot Going On. In this chapter I focus on the things we can do as parents to prepare our sons for an emotionally healthy future.   I talk about the importance of an emotional vocabulary, how to communicate with our sons about their feelings, and the surprising value of family togetherness. I talk about how we might model emotional resilience, even when we are feeling stressed or anxious. I cover many ways we can equip our sons with coping skills for emotional health – from self-awareness to understanding an internal locus of control. We talk about navigating hard times (including depression, anxiety, and bullying) and the importance of teaching our boys to get help when they need it!  There is a lot in this chapter, and as always, I am offering a free printable download: Dinnertime conversation starters for your family!   Find more in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-181   Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Ep. 181: Give Your Son an Emotionally Healthy Foundation

“Live your truth,” “Follow your heart”, “God wants you to be happy”…the list goes on of popular cultural messages that sound so good…but do not line up with Scripture. As harmless as these memes and messages may seem, they have great potential to lead our kids down a very dangerous path. These cultural messages are not only all over on social media and the world of entertainment, but many of them have found their way into Christian communities.    Alisa Childers, once known for her role in the popular Christian band, ZOEgirl, now spends her time writing and speaking on the topic of apologetics. In her recent book, Live Your Truth and Other Lies, Alisa uncovers the most common lies our kids are being raised with. Many of these lies are candy-coated with just enough truth that we often don’t recognize them. In today’s interview, Alisa tackles some of the most common lies our kids are being confronted with and offers us some helpful perspectives and talking points so that we might teach our kids the Truth. I can’t think of a more important tool for our kids than the ability to compare cultural messages to God’s Word. Alisa is so helpful on this topic, no matter what age your children, I think you’ll get a lot out of this interview! Find show notes and links to Alisa’s books in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-180 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  

Ep. 180 Live Your Truth and Other Lies we Need to Prepare our Kids for, with Alisa Childers

This is an episode I have been so excited to share! I begin with a few announcements, one of which is about a big decision I am asking for your help with (see link to a short survey in show notes!) With my new book, Raising Amazing, coming out in February, I will also be making some changes in the podcast.  I can’t wait to share them with you! Next I dive into as many questions from podcast listeners as I can. I cover everything from helping a tween/teen to take responsibility for things to working moms and time management, to a teenager struggling with his faith. I think there is something in this one for everyone. I hope you enjoy! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-179 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Take short survey HERE and be entered to win a giveaway! 

Ep. 179 Big announcements + Parenting Q & A!

Life can be incredibly challenging, and pain and suffering are a part of the human experience. (I wish they were not.) We will all face difficult times, and when you are a parent, the way you respond to difficulties has an impact on the generations that follow you. Today’s guest, Nicole Jacobsmeyer has faced her fair share of difficulties. From being a medical residency spouse (that’s hard, I know from experience!) to miscarriage, to cancer – all in a short time frame with three little boys in her care. Though Nicole has battled depression and hopelessness, her faith and her kids have inspired her to choose purpose and joy in the midst of hard seasons. In her brand new book: Take Back Your Joy, Nicole shares the hard and vulnerable parts of her story, while encouraging readers to face their own battles with supernatural faith.  Whatever season you are in, I think you’ll feel like you’ve found an honest friend in Nicole!  Find out more and get links over in show notes… www.monicaswanson.com/episode-178 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Ep. 178: Take Back Your Joy, with Nicole Jacobsmeyer

This is the ninth part of the 2022 monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” from my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing some snippets from Chapter 10 – Body Wise. This chapter covers some of the ways we can help our boys to grow up to be active, healthy, and motivated to take care of themselves for a lifetime.   When our kids are young they depend on us for all of their health choices, and that is no small responsibility. As they grow up, we can still teach and coach and guide them in their decisions. I share some of the ways Dave and I have done this with our boys and things I’ve learned from friends who have navigated: overweight kids, picky eaters, and all the rest! I hope this offers you some food for thought (haha, catch that?) and maybe springboards you into some good conversations with your family about health…now and in their future! Be sure to check show notes for all of the links I mention, and a free download with some “boy-approved” (healthy-ish) foods we try to keep on hand for our boys!   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-177 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  

Ep. 177: Raising (Physically) Healthy Boys, with Monica

This week I am bringing back an episode from the past on a topic that is on a lot of parents' minds. I get asked about kids and video games, a lot, and have never felt qualified to give a comprehensive answer.  We are not much of a video game family, but I am not fully anti-video game, either.  So, I have always wanted to bring someone on who has an educated, balanced approach.  Boy did this conversation exceed my expectations!! Liz Busby, a researcher and writer for the Protect Young Minds website (now called, "Defend Young Minds",) a dedicated mom to four, and an enthusiastic gamer herself, 😯 joins us today to talk all about kids and video games! Liz shares the pros and cons of allowing our kids to use video games, precautions to take, resources to turn to, and so much more (including her top recommendations for games families can play together and how they might work in our favor(!)   While I have not changed my overall stance on video games for my own family (less is more - focus on outdoor activities, physical and academic challenges, etc. and use video games "occasionally") there is no doubt -- THIS was a surprising, fascinating, and really fun conversation. I also just might be trying some new games with my family soon! More good news: Liz is sharing all of her notes with Boy Mom listeners over in show notes. See link below! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-176 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  

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