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

We all have habits that fill our parenting, but are they the ones we choose? Justin Whitmel Earley says that “Our routines become who we are, good or bad, and over time they become the story and culture of our families.” If we do not carefully choose our habits, we end up falling back on rhythms that are forming us to be distracted, overstimulated, too busy, and lonely. Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author, speaker, and father to four boys! I have quickily become a huge fan of his new book, Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms. In this episode, Justin and I talk about how the book came to be, (a story we will ALL relate to!) and some of the habits and liturgies families can use to reduce chaos and create sweeter daily rhythms. We camp out on technology for a bit because I love that part of his book. If you are not already family with Justin, I think you’ll feel like you made a new friend after listening. Grab links and show notes at… www.monicaswanson.com/episode-147 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast       Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the second part of my new 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 3 -- Training Grounds: Boundaries, freedoms and discipline.  This chapter has been a reader favorite and a most-requested topic for radio and podcast interviews. I love this topic so much and I hope it offers you some helpful perspective on: setting limits and saying no, giving kids a chance to stretch their wings, (and maybe skin their knees!) and disciplining kids with love and grace.  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-146 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Parenting a child through substance abuse is one of the most difficult experiences imaginable; something none of us could have fathomed when our kids were young. Yet the statistics on teens and substance abuse is startling. The percentage of teens vaping (nicotine or marijuana) has increased in recent years, and many parents are either totally unaware or don’t realize the extent of the problem.  Today’s guest, Richard Capriola, spent years working as an addiction counselor at the Menninger Clinic in Houston Texas, and has now written the helpful guide, The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. This book educates parents on everything from the types of drugs kids are abusing and what drug use does to the adolescent brain, to the kinds of treatment available for addiction. There is also a great resource list in the book for parents to find the help and support they need. In this interview we chat about the content of the book, and Richard shares hopeful stories from families who have overcome addiction to find a brighter future. We are all impacted by substance abuse to some extent, and I think you’ll find this an informative and encouraging conversation!  Please share with friends as none of us know who might need this information. www.monicaswanson.com/episode-145 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better time to have a counselor, relationship expert, and author of “Married Sex” join us to talk about the importance of intimacy in marriage.  Debra Fileta is so much fun to talk to, and even if I’m blushing throughout this interview, she totally is not!    Debra talks about why women need to see sex as a gift for them as well as for their husbands as well as the importance of communicating about our sex lives. We also talk about how we can talk to our kids about marital intimacy and model a healthy love life that inspires them.   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-144 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you're starting off the new year feeling just as hurried and hectic as you ended last year. (um, 🙋🏼‍♀️) then this episode is for you and me both. Today we get to talk to Jordan Raynor, serial entrepreneur and national bestselling author. Jordan offers a refreshing, biblical antidote to swamped to-do lists and hurried schedules. Jordan’s energy is contagious and I love that he focuses on meaningful and lasting lifestyle changes which we can practically implement right away!  Small changes make a big difference!  I hope you enjoy!   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-143 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the first of a new monthly feature I plan to do covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” from my book, Boy Mom.  Today I am sharing some snippets from Chapter 2: A Connection that Lasts, and expanding on the topic of growing a strong and healthy relationship with our sons. Though all relationships go through challenging seasons, I believe that a focus on these four building blocks will be very helpful.   In show notes find a link to a (free!) download "20 Ways to Make Your Son Feel Loved" as well as links to Boy Mom and more. I hope you enjoy this episode and that this new series offers you a ton of encouragement and support to be the best #boymom you can be in the year ahead! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-142 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While the past few years have put a spotlight on the divisive, contentious, darkness of our world, it is good to remember that God has not changed. And, His goodness and light are still there.  The question is: Do we see it?  Alexandra Kuykendall joins us today to point us to the practical truth of Philippians 4:8 – and a reminder that we can choose to shift our focus from the messy, hard things of our current culture, to all that is true, noble, and good right now. (hint: There’s a lot.) Alex tackles the hard stuff of personal conflict, cancel culture, and social media crazy with hope, help, and humor. This topic is so relevant to our lives right now!  The way we navigate these things will be passed on to our kids so we have many reasons to learn, grow, and do better! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-141 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There is so much pressure on moms to do everything right, and asking for help along the way often feels like defeat.  Heather MacFadyen, host of the popular “Don’t Mom Alone” podcast, joins us today with a refreshing reminder that we were never meant to do this on our own!  We need community. And community is available to all of us – if we look for it!   Heather and I talk about how to find and foster the key relationships you need to be the mom you want to be. I think you’re going to love Heather and this conversation!   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-140 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As we kick off 2022, Mark Batterson offers us practical ways to make habits, break habits, and get serious about reaching our dreams. Mark says that “Destiny is not a mystery…Destiny is daily habits”. He believes that our lives are built on our patterns of behavior: both constructive and counterproductive habits. He also tells us the good news that “Each person is just one habit away from a totally different life!”  I love this topic, especially as we kick off a new year.  These are all ideas to share with our kids as we encourage them to dream big and establish a lifestyle that will support their greatest goals! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-139 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kimberly Amici is a Family Culture Coach and the host of the Build Your Best Family Podcast.  She is passionate about relationships and family life.  Today Kimberly shares some ways we might shift our focus from short-term goals to lifestyle habits that will shape our destiny.    As we go into the new year we could all use some inspiration for setting an intentional family culture, with habits and routines that support our truest values. I hope you enjoy this topic as much as I do!   Find show notes and get Kimberly’s Family Culture Discussion Sheet at: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-138 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy