The Monica Swanson Podcast - boy mom, build strong families, Biblical worldview, women’s wellness

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   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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       Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“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   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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!  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy