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

September McCarthy, homeschool Mom to 10 kids (yes, 10!) joins me to share from her wisdom and experience.  September has a huge heart for family, and she is such an encouragement to me as a homeschool mom.  In today's conversation, September shares life-giving perspectives as well as some of the simple methods she uses to make her day run smoothly.  In light of the Coronavirus and most people currently being "locked in" with kids, I think this conversation will be incredibly practical and encouraging.   Be sure to check show notes for the curriculums September and I have used over the years as well as links to related blog posts, and all of the places you can follow September.   Podcast Show Notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-48   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

My son Jonah has worked incredibly hard to pursue his college dream.  In today's episode Jonah shares what he did as a high school student to put himself in the best situation possible to get accepted to his dream college, and even more -- to receive an honors scholarship to that college.  We talk about the things Jonah thinks matter most in high school (I promise I didn't tell him what to say! ) as well as coursework, internships, community involvement, and so much more. Jonah talks about his crazy SAT study method (it's impressive, I must say) and what he did to improve his score over time.  Jonah also talks about the honor's scholarship contest he was invited to, and what that looked like.  I think this is a great episode to share with your kids and I hope it inspires some of them to start dreaming of their own exciting futures, now! Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's episode is especially timely in light of so much unrest in the world due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Anjuli Paschall (Pastor's wife and mom to 5, as well as the founder of the Moms we Love Club on Instagram) joins us to discuss the topic from her new book, Stay.  Stay is an invitation to sit with God at the table of your soul...to resist the urge to run, avoid, or ignore the hard parts of our life...and to instead stay with it all, and invite Jesus to stay with you.  (we need this right now, don't we?) Anjuli shares the story behind STAY, and we also talk about how we can use this message in our parenting...as we teach our kids to "stay" in their hard places too, inviting Jesus to be with them in the midst of it all.   Be sure to catch the introduction and grab the link in show notes to my recent blog post addressing questions for Dr. Dave related to the Coronavirus and for me related to schooling from home. I also share my biggest concern for our kids in this season of spending so much time at home...I hope you can read it, and share it.   SHOW NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-46   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we are talking about finding that thing...or those things, that "fuel our souls"...The hobbies, passions, work or play that light us up and keep us going when the days are long.  During the busy season of motherhood it is easy to neglect the things that used to make us come to life, and today's guest, Stefanie Gass, is here to inspire us all to return to those things -- or find something new to fuel our souls.  Stefanie is a podcaster, business coach, and "Mompreneur" who inspires moms to find their passions and look for ways to turn their passions into profit.  I love this conversation so much, I found myself sharing parts of my own story that I have never talked about publicly!  I hope this episode inspires you.  Definitely check the show notes for free stuff and links to all the places you can find Stefanie at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode www.monicaswanson.com/episode-45   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you only listen to one episode of the Boy Mom Podcast, I hope it is this one!  Kristen Jenson, author of the best-selling book, Good Pictures Bad Pictures, is with me to talk about the importance of teaching our kids about pornography, BEFORE they stumble upon it.  We live in a world where our kids WILL eventually see "bad pictures" and it is up to us to equip them with the tools to respond well when they do.  Kristen shares the three things we must teach kids before they ever get on the internet (at any age!) as well as the "Can-Do" plan (the steps to take when they see something they know they shouldn't.)  We learn how Good Pictures Bad Pictures came to be, some of the science behind pornography addiction, and much more.  This is a packed episode and there is a big giveaway at the end!  Hope you enjoy.  **Also find lots of helpful links, statistics and more in show notes: SHOW NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast This episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-44   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's podcast episode we are talking about the 40 days leading up to Easter...The season we call Lent!  Asheritah Ciuciu, the author of "Uncovering the Love of Jesus" -- a newly released Lent devotional, shares the most beautiful and inspiring message, I got emotional during the interview! Asheritah tells us about the tradition and history of Lent, and the blessings for those who slow down to take in this season.  Asheritah also shares practical ways families can draw near to Christ together through the Lent season.  She offers a free download and all kinds of resources available for Lent.  Find links to everything at: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-43 ALL podcast show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you have what Brooke McGlothlin refers to as a "hard to handle" son, this episode is for you!  Brooke shares her story of feeling like she was always fighting against her 2 sons, when God laid it on her heart to learn to fight FOR them instead.  Brooke and I go over a list of ways we can fight for our sons, and Brooke offers a free download with 10 ways to fight for your hard-to-handle son in show notes.   Find show notes for today's episode at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-42.   Find all podcast show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast.   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's episode is an extension from my blog series:  "What Moms Need Most" and this week's post:  "Moms Need to Feel Good in their Skin."  My friend, personal trainer, Cassie Phillips joins me as we each share our journey to freedom from diets and obsessing over food, exercise, and our bodies.  We also invite everyone to join us for a (Free!) online group beginning on Feb. 17th called the "3-Week Jumpstart to the Naturally Skinny YOU."  Get link to the group and show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-41 The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends on Amazon:  Jumpstart group:  www.monicaswanson.com/jumpstart   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we get to hear from Drew Dyck, author of "Your Future Self Will Thank you: Secrets to Self Control from the Bible and Brain Science".  When I read this book I immediately knew it would be an excellent resource for parents!  I'm so happy Drew could join me to talk about the importance of self control in our sons.  He shares the connection between our kids' level of self control and how that correlates to future success in life, (gulp!) as well as some interesting research on the topic.  Fortunately, Drew offers the good news that self control can be nurtured...that we as parents can play a role in helping our kids develop self control!  (phew!)  I think you will enjoy this episode! SHOW NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-40   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode Kari Kampakis, author and speaker (and soon-to-be "Girl Mom Podcaster"!) joins me to chat about raising boys today.  We cover a lot of ground, like:  What are her teenage girls looking for in a boy?  Why is it important for teenagers to build friends with the opposite sex?  What would she want a son to know?  I think you'll gain insight and inspiration for raising amazing sons from this conversation!   Find show notes for all podcast episodes at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Find today's notes at:   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-39   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy