Don't Mom Alone Podcast

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.