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

Merry Christmas everyone…or as we say around here: Mele Kalikimaka! In this week’s episode I am checking in briefly to say hello and to read a special prayer from the Every Moment Holy book of prayers. I hope it offers you a moment of quiet and reflection in the midst of a busy season! Have a wonderful Christmas, and please know that I am so grateful for your part in my podcast community! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-137 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am so grateful to introduce you to my friend, Marci Pecora. Marci is a licensed marriage and family therapist, well-acquinted with grief.  After a nearly 5-year battle with cancer, Marci’s husband went to heaven 10 years ago, leaving behind Marci and their two children.  Through grief groups and with the support of family and friends, Marci has not only survived, but discovered a gift in walking others through their unique stories of grief. I am so grateful that Marci would join us to share some insight and wisdom for understanding and walking through seasons of loss and grief – especially during the holidays. Whether you are grieving a loss now, or know someone else who is, I think you’ll find this to be a really helpful conversation.  What Marci shares will be useful to all of us eventually, and I hope you’ll consider sharing this episode so those who need it will find it. Marci’s recommended books and resources for grief are linked to in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-136 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When I first listened to JJ Heller’s song, “A Hand to Hold”, I had to pause the music and get tissues!  JJ’s music captures the wonder of childhood and the love between parents and children in such a magical way! Today, JJ joins us to talk about her journey…from college basketball player, to crippling anxiety attacks, to finding her voice and place in the music industry (and 10 million streams of Hand to Hold!) And now “Hand to Hold’ is also the sweetest children’s book! I love JJ’s honesty and humility and I think everyone will enjoy getting to know her in this chat.  Her story is a great reminder that God can use every struggle, hurt, and disappointment for His glory and our good when we love and trust Him! Find Hand to Hold on Amazon www.monicaswanson.com/episode-135 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Yay!  We made it to December, and I am so excited for the Christmas season ahead! Today’s guest, Tama Fortner is helping us simplify Christmas, reclaim peace, and ENJOY all the best parts of Christmas without any unnecessary stress!  Tama and I chat about so many great ideas tucked into her new devotional book, Simply Christmas – from practical ways to simplify your decorating, to some creative (and simpler!) gift-giving ideas...and more!  Join us for this fun conversation as we kick off what I hope will be the best Christmas ever! Get Simply Christmas on Amazon! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-134 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I love sharing my sons with all of you, and this week my two youngest – Luke, 17, and Levi, 11, are with me to answer some listener questions and share some Thanksgiving holiday cheer.  The boys were fighting a case of the giggles and our dog fell off the bed in the middle of our chat, but this should give you a pretty realistic look at life at the Swansons real life! (This is a great one for your kids to listen to as well!) Don’t miss it!!  --- The Character Training Course doors are now open for a first-time ever, THANKSGIVING SALE (from November 22nd to Monday, November 29th)!  Find out more here:  www.monicaswanson.com/character-course. www.monicaswanson.com/episode-133 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Entitlement has become an epidemic among our kids. We are raising children in a quick-fix society, where everything they want seems to be available at the touch of a button (or a holler out to Alexa!) Many of us (me included!) have grown frustrated with this issue, and wonder if there is some way to fight against it.  Kristen Welch, founder of Mercy House Global, and author of “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” (among other awesome books) joins us today to talk about gratitude, which she calls the antidote for entitlement!  Kristen is sharing 6 ways we can “train our kids” (and ourselves) in gratitude…These are practical and do-able -- at the holidays, and all year long.  Note! -- >  If you want to hear more on this topic of gratitude (and the issue of entitlement) be sure to check out my Character Training Course, which will open its doors for a special THANKSGIVING SALE beginning Monday, November 22nd 2021.  Find out more here:  www.monicaswanson.com/character-course. Find links to Kristen’s book, website, and notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-131 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jamie Ivey, popular podcast host and author, joins us today to talk about helping our kids discover and enjoy their God-given identity. Jamie and I talk about the story behind her book for women -- You Be You, and how that led to her new children’s book, God Made You to be You.    Our culture today offers plenty of messages about who our kids are and what gives them value.  As parents we have an awesome opportunity to teach our kids the Truth – helping them establish a foundation in their uniquely wonderful, God-given identity. This prepares them to stand up against any lies that might come their way! I love this chat with Jamie about everything from her own story, to the making of her children’s book, to how she feels about her soon-to-launch son. I hope you finish it feeling encouraged! www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today’s episode: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-131 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today I am excited to share a “guest podcast” from Kari Kampakis, host of the Girl Mom Podcast. In this episode Kari shares some helpful perspectives to keep in mind if your son is dating someone you don’t feel good about, as well as some sound wisdom to share with your teens or young adults when they enter the dating season of life.  (It’s not easy – rememeber!?) Be sure to go to show notes to find and follow Kari Kampakis, her awesome blog (with many viral posts) her podcast, and her books.  If you have daughters or know someone who does, Kari is a must-follow! www.monicaswanson.com/podcast today’s episode: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-130     Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Levi Lusko, Pastor, best-selling author, husband, and Dad -- joins us to chat about his heart for tackling real issues kids face with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity.  Pastor Levi’s newly released children’s devotional, Roar Like a Lion, helps parents open up conversations and bring Biblical truth into relevant topics including peer pressure and bullying, faith, fears, friendships, and finding the courage to try new things.   Levi and I talk about his family’s healing process after one of his young daughter’s went to heaven, and how in God’s mysterious way that opened the door for he and his wife to have their first son. He shares about how much he loves to bring the Bible to life for his kids and how that led to writing his first kids’ devotional.  At the end I got to ask Pastor Levi a few Dad/Pastor questions, and I loved his responses.  Find links and show notes at…   www.monicaswanson.com/podcast today’s episode: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-129 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When life is difficult, it can be hard to believe that God is for you – that He is truly working all things together for your good. If you have ever wrestled with these thoughts, then this interview with Megan Fate Marshmann -- gifted Bible teacher, storyteller, and writer is just for you.  I recorded this interview in early 2021 to talk about the message in her incredible book, Meant for Good, but days before the interview was scheduled to release, Megan’s husband Randy had a sudden heart attack and departed for heaven. The message from Megan’s book became only more relevant and profound.  I held on to the interview for many months and am so grateful for the chance to share it now. Megan's words are powerful and I think you’ll be encouraged -- whether you’re currently in a good season, or a hard one.  Perhaps you know someone who needs to hear this message now (please pass it along!)  Find all of the links in show notes… Show notes:  www.monicaswanson,.com/episode-128 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy