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

This episode is a dream come true for me.  Thunderstorm Artis has been a favorite young man of mine for years; ever since he brought my sons on board with him to lead worship for our local church youth group, I have been a fan of both his music and his heart.  In today's episode, Thunder shares his story of growing up as one of 11 children in a musical family, losing his Dad to a sudden heart attack when he was just thirteen, then going on to pursue a career in music as a young adult.  This last winter Thunder entered the blind auditions for NBC's "The Voice", and received the highest response from the judges in a "four-chair turn."  Thunder made it through all of the rounds of the competition and all the way into the finals.  In this interview we talk about his experience on the Voice as well as meeting and marrying his wife, Faith, in the middle of it all.  I also asked Thunder to share some of the lessons he learned from his parents who he has such great respect for.  I think you'll find great encouragement in his message to boy moms everywhere.  Thunder and I end the conversation by touching on the racial tensions in our world right now and I appreciated hearing Thunder's perspective from his experience (both here in Hawaii and on the mainland where he lives now.) Find links to all of the places you can listen to and follow Thunder in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast.   This episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-58.   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ruth Schwenk has walked through seasons of anxiety as she went through multiple miscarriages and her husband's cancer diagnoses.  But she has also learned that sometimes anxiety comes through more daily battles -- including the unknowns we all face due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  After all she has been through Ruth loves to encourage women to face their own anxious seasons with the loving help of our faithful God.  I know this episode will be a great encourage to you if you feel a little (or a lot) anxious now.  Check show notes for Ruth's free download of 30 verses to read when you're feeling fearful or anxious: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast today's episode;  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-57   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is for anyone who either has a child with special needs, or knows someone who does. (pretty sure that is everyone!) This topic was born out of my own desire to be a better friend; to not let my lack of knowledge or awkwardness get in the way of better supporting my friends who have kids with special needs.  I'm pretty sure I am not not alone in all of this, and I'm so grateful Sandra Peoples was willing to come on to guide us from her experience, and with so much grace.  Sandra has a son with Autism and she was also raised with a sister with Down Syndrome.  Because of this she understands well what special needs families need most.   Sandra gives us practical advice on how we can support our friends (the parents of the kids) and ALSO how our kids can be a good friend to the child with special needs as well as to the "typical" siblings of them!  This is so packed with ideas, inspiration and grace, I hope you love it!  Please pass this episode on to your friends and find show notes over at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-56 Thank you to this episode's sponsor:  www.wondercratekids.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jen McDonald, author, host of Milspousematters podcast and super encourager to all women (especially military spouses and anyone doing the hard work of parenting mostly on their own) joins me for this awesome episode.  I loved talking to Jen, and appreciate all of her hard-earned wisdom and refreshing perspective.  I know you'll love her too!  Jen is giving away two copies of her book, "You are not Alone:  Encouragement for the heart of a military spouse" so be sure to see show notes and enter to win!  show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode;  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-55   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For every weary mom (and student) out there, this list of 27 ways to finish the school year strong will be a huge encouragement.  Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, joins us to cheer us to the finish line.  Robert was the oldest of four boys, and his mom was developing Classical Conversations homeschool curriculum while he was growing up.  Now Robert is all grown up and the CEO of Classical Conversations (CC).  CC is in over 42 countries and it is one of the most popular, respected homeschool curriculums in the world.  You can download all 27 tips in the show notes!  Head over: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey Friends!  Happy Mother's Day week!  This week I am sharing a short reading from one of my favorite chapters of Boy Mom (I might cry a little, oops) and some reminders to help you savor this sweet occasion.  Also, I have an announcement to share, AND a GIVEAWAY!!  Be SURE to check out show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast and for this episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-53   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode just scratches the surface on so many questions I've been saving...Let me know if you love it, and we'll do more of these!  Today I tackle the story of how our family started homeschooling, what we love about it, and tips for inspiring boys to read.  I talk about boys' need for adventure, and how you can help meet that need -- outside or in!  I answer a question from a mom who is reluctant in the kitchen, sharing a mindset shift that is good for all of us.  THEN, my 16 yr. old, Luke, joins me to address all of the questions about video games and whether or not our boys play games.  Finally I get Luke and Jonah to each answer the question:  What is one thing your parents have done differently (from what they see 'out there') that they are GLAD we've done differently...and what is one thing they didn't like but think they'll be glad about later. ;)   Find show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-52   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I'm so happy to have Kristen Welch on with me to talk about her experience going from being a mom-blogger, to a world changer.  After a 2010 trip to Kenya with Compassion International, Kristen's world was rocked, and she hasn't looked back since.  In her recent book, Made to Move Mountains, Kristen talks about the various mountains we face -- the mountains we dream of climbing, as well as those we would never choose, but God puts in front of us.  As we're all facing various mountains related to the Coronavirus and a long quarantine period, Kristen's wisdom is incredibly relevant and inspiring.  We may not all be called to start global ministries but there is something each of us can do.  This may be the perfect time to consider which mountains we are being called to climb now.   Find show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-51   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Marriage is an awesome gift from God, but it can also be really challenging.  When we are in the thick of raising kids, marriage can feel even more stressful.  Today's guest, Ashley Willis understands this well.  She is a mom to four boys, and alongside her husband, Dave, she writes and speaks all over the country about marriage and parenting!  Ashley and Dave are authentic, funny, and super encouraging.  We hope that today's conversation will inspire you to keep it real, and stay intentional as you build your marriage into all that it can be -- even in this crazy season of raising kids (and the Coronavirus! ) Find show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode;  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-50   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

My sons Josiah (20) and Luke (16) join me for this special Easter episode.  When kids are raised in a Christian home, sometimes they hesitate to share their personal testimonies.  They might feel like they've "always been Christians" because they've heard about God or gone to church since they were young.  My boys join me to share that even though they were raised in a Christian home, they each have a story of how Jesus changed their life.  I hope this inspires some of the listeners' kids to consider their own story of faith, and how they might share it with others.  Find show notes and links to where you can follow my boys on social media at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-49 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy