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

Are you quick to celebrate the big and small things in life? Or do you hesitate – feeling like celebration must be earned, or like the minute you celebrate, things might take a turn for the worst? Nicole Zasowski, marriage and family therapist, and author of newly released book, What if it’s Wonderful, joins us to talk about the gift, and discipline of celebration! Sharing from a research perspective, as well as personal experience, Nicole’s voice is honest, relatable, and endearing! After walking through her own seasons of disappointment, Nicole shares how she learned to shift her perspective from that of being suspicious of joy, to choosing to pursue a life intentionally anticipating joy! I LOVE this topic so much, and I learned a ton from Nicole in this interview.  SHOW NOTES: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-157 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast * This episode is sponsored by Sarah’s Spanish School, an online Spanish class for kids, with FREE CLASSES in MAY!! Go to sarahsspanish.com/theboymom to check out it! (my boys are doing it!) Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I’m so excited to share this special Mothers’ Day episode with Kirsten Watson! As a mom to seven kids, wife to NFL veteran - Benjamin Watson, and cohost of a popular podcast, Kirsten Watson knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. She has also learned what it takes to thrive, even in the busiest seasons; it all begins with taking a breath. Taking a breath is about inhaling the Word of God so we can exhale peace. Taking a breath is about recognizing our gifts and our limits…it is learning to say yes, and no. It’s about recognizing the significance of our significant other, finding our “dark alley friends”, and growing through every season. In today’s interview Kirsten shares highlights from her beautiful book, Sis, Take a Breath.  This conversation will be a good way to prepare for Mothers’ Day (and every day) with perspective, humor, and plenty of deep breaths. www.monicaswanson.com/episode-156 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast * This episode is sponsored by Sarah’s Spanish School, an online Spanish class for kids, with FREE CLASSES in MAY!! Go to sarahsspanish.com/theboymom to check out it! (my boys are doing it!) Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the fourth part of the new monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” found in my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing from Chapter 5, “Secure Foundations: Affirming Significance and Identity.” This topic is so relevant to all the things are kids face today. How can we help our sons develop a self-worth that is not dependent on their performance or other people’s opinions?  How can we help our sons know that while many things will describe them, none of those things have to define them? What happens when our boys fail at what they are passionate about…When their dreams are crushed, or they get stuck in the comparison trap? These are all important questions, and I believe that parents who have thought through them will be a great asset to kids growing up today. In the noisy world our kids are growing up in, having a security based on the unchanging Truth of God’s love for them can be an absolute game changer. Join me as I share highlights from Chapter 5 of Boy Mom. Find a free download and more encouragement over in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-153 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast *Reminder: Ratings and reviews are so helpful! Please leave one wherever you listen to this podcast!   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today’s guest, Kate Swenson, shares her honest, difficult, but inspiring journey of raising a son with severe autism. We can learn a lot about autism through her story, and I think we can all relate to facing unexpected challenges in parenting.   Approximately 1/54 kids in America are diagnosed with autism, and I know many of you are affected in one way or another by this diagnosis. Kate shares candidly about the pain and isolation she has experienced, her divorce -- and remarriage (a story of its own!) and the and how she has ultimately found joy and purpose in her journey to “find Cooper’s voice.”  Be sure to share this episode with those you know who might be encouraged by Kate’s story!   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-154   Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey Friends! Happy Holy Week! This week I have my husband, Dr. Dave, with me to celebrate our 26th anniversary, answer some questions, chat about parenting and marriage, and offer some Easter reflections. Though he is a much more behind-the-scenes type of guy, Dave has so much wisdom to offer, and I love getting to share him with all of you! Invite your men to join us for this fun and encouraging chat! Have a wonderful Easter and thank you for being a part of this podcast community.  *Reminder: Ratings and reviews are so helpful! Please leave one wherever you listen to this podcast! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-153 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am so excited to be bringing back the most-downloaded episode of 2021 this week!  I loved this chat with Duck Dynasty star, Korie Robertson, who has raised a number of amazing kids (her daughter, Sadie Robertson, is one of my top-recommendations for role models for young women!) I have admired Korie and her entire family for years, so this interview with a special honor!   Korie shares stories about ways she focused on character in her kids when they were growing up, and she also answers questions sent in by podcast listeners.  This is a fun way to get to know Korie, and to be inspired to raise your own kids to be strong and kind! *On this topic of kids and character, be sure you are signed up for this weekend’s Perfectly Imperfect Parenting event (all-online!) where I’ll be speaking on 3 practical ways to raise kids of character!  Get tickets at boymom.perfectlyimperfect.org.  Event is on April 8th but you can watch allll the amazing speakers until the end of 2022!!   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-152 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the third part of the new monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” found in my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing from Chapter 4 – “The Beginning of Wisdom: Nurturing Faith.”  This chapter is what I would consider the heart of the book!  It’s the best I have to give! I get a lot of questions from people about what we did to raise sons who all love God and choose to follow Him, even as they launch and live independently. While I would never suggest there is a formula, I do believe there is a lot parents can do to nurture and inspire faith in our children.  I hope this episode gives you some practical ideas and hope for raising your own sons to live a life of faith for all of their days!  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-151 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Whether or not you've ever considered being a foster family, this conversation with Jamie Finn will inspire you.  Her heart for children and family is contagious and her message is for all of us. After reading Jamie’s book, Foster the Family, I was so inspired to learn more. In today’s conversation we cover Jamie's story of becoming a foster parent and starting a super creative and brilliant ministry. I ask some total beginner questions, and Jamie so humbly answers! She is so real and honest, and so much fun. Please share this episode with your friends because we can all play a role in supporting children and families in need, and I think Jamie has some great ideas on how we might do that well.  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-150 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Do you love youth sports, or dread them? Are you an enthusiastic fan, or would you rather avoid every gym, field, and court possible? Do you get excited to see your kids growing in strength and character through sports, or do you see competition bringing out their dark side?  Let’s face it – If your kids play sports, they will likely be a big part of your life! There is a lot we can talk about on this topic! After I shared a series of Instagram Stories asking for your experience and feedback about youth sports, I decided this topic was worthy of a full podcast episode.  I thought it would be fun to bring a real-life friend on with me, so I invited my friend Carla, whose sons are in very different sports from mine! In this very real conversation, we talk about the good and difficult parts of youth sports…with an emphasis on the good! Carla is an enthusiastic football, soccer, and track mom, and I think you’ll find her passion contagious! Grab a coffee (or put on your sneakers!) and join Carla and I for this fun chat all about youth sports! PS Do you enjoy this mom-to-mom chat?  Let me know! I’d love to plan more episodes like this! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-149 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast       Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Growing up as an American-Chinese daughter of a mail-order bride and a busboy working in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Bonnie Gray has a story that will capture your attention and win your heart. In her Memoir, Sweet Like Jasmine, Bonnie shares her grown-up journey of revisiting her childhood memories, uncovering family secrets, and witnessing brokenness made beautiful. (She’s such a good writer!) In today’s interview, Bonnie and I talk about her amazing story, how she has shared the hard parts of her past with her sons, and how finding our identity in Christ is the key to peace and belonging for all of us. Bonnie is so much fun to talk to, and I appreciate her honesty, vulnerability, and strength.  Bonnie’s story is unique, but it is also our story!  One of loneliness, longing for love, and ultimately finding the greatest love and security only in a relationship with God.  I am so excited to share this interview with you! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-148 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy