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

I'm really excited today, to be reading you the first blog post in my brand new "What Moms Need Most" series over at my blog. (monicaswanson.com.)  This message is so much of my heart, and I hope it brings you a ton of encouragement.  This is the first post of many in my new series, yet it is foundational to all the rest.  Find show notes with links to the Introduction to the series and this very post in show notes. Show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's show:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-38   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today I have Jean Harville on the podcast with me. Jean has worked as a Reading Strategist for kids with learning challenges for many years.  She also adopted and raised 2 kids from China.  Now that her kids are grown, Jean is taking her passion for kids and learning to the online community as she coaches and encourages parents who want to help their kids learn to love reading and overcome learning difficulties.  At the end of January (2020) Jean will be launching a FREE online MASTERCLASS with 18 experts in the areas of brain development, nutrition, anxiety, dyslexia, ADHD and more.  Click on show notes below and be sure to sign up for UNLEASH YOUR KIDS' GENIUS MASTERCLASS! :)  show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast THIS EPISODE:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-37   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aloha and Happy New Year!  I'm stopping in to wish you all a happy 2020, and share some of the things I plan to do in the New Year -- both on the Podcast and over at my blog (www.monicaswanson.com.)  I also share a new approach our family is using to create a family mission statement, based on 3 elements of story.  Your boys will love developing a mission statement when they realize they are part of a counterattack against a villain, when the stakes are high.  :)  Hope this inspires your family to gather and get to work on your own mission statement in 2020.   Podcast show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's show:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-36   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Monica's four sons join us today to celebrate the Christmas season.  We are reflecting on Christmases past -- from favorite family traditions to favorite Christmas movies, cookies and more.  We are also talking about  what we are currently doing to intentionally focus on Christ in this season.  Get to know each son (Josiah, 20, Jonah, 18, Luke, 15, and Levi, 9) as they share an honest conversation with their mom in today's episode.  Find Boy Mom Show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-35   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode best-selling author, Asheritah Ciuciu joins us to talk about the Advent season and family devotions.  Asheritah has written a number of books, including the Advent devotional, "Unwrapping the Names of Jesus" which my family is going through as we prepare for Christmas. Asheritah encourages moms to bring kids into their devotions as they make the Word of God a beautiful part of every day.  She also shares the brain science behind how to establish new habits and how that can help us be more consistent with our Bible devotions.   Find podcast notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-34   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jessica Smartt, author of Memory Making Mom, joins us today to share some simple inspirations for making holidays memories to last a lifetime.  Making memories doesn't have to mean more work or more stress, and this episode will give you confidence that you have what it takes to make great memories in every season. Find links to al of the great resources Jessica shares, including a downloadable "Memory Making Bullet Journal" over at show notes! All podcast show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Notes for this episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-33     Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

My husband Dave joins me in this episode to talk about Thankfulness, Gratitude, and... is there a difference?  Dave and I chat about how we can cultivate a heart of gratitude, and how we might inspire the same in our kids.  We talk about some practical mindsets that help us to be more grateful and we discuss why we can be grateful even in the hardest times. Find Podcast notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast this episode at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-32 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kate Merrick joins me for today's episode and she has a story and message you don't want to miss!  Kate learned to be present while fighting for her daughter's life in a battle with cancer.  Kate made some radical decisions in order to be more present then, and she's never regretted it. Now, Kate inspires the rest of us in this no-nonsense (hilarious) conversation about living with intention, getting over the FOMO and embracing gratitude.  Kate also shares some wisdom for both moms of young kids and mom's of teenagers.  You don't want to miss this episode!   Find Podcast Notes always at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-31   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Becky Keife, author of the new book, No Better Mom for the Job, joins us for today's conversation.  Becky, who was raised mostly by her mom and alongside sisters, once wrestled with feeling inadequate as a mom to her three, "spirited" boys. God used her experiences to stretch and grow her, and now she encourages moms all over the world!  In today's interview she shares from her experience embracing her boy-mom role, finding her "mom-strengths" and working within her sons' and her natural wiring.  I love how honest and transparent Becky is, and I think you'll find a lot of practical nuggets in this interview! Find show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-30 And all podcasts and notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wendy Speake, author of the 40-Day Sugar Fast joins us for this conversation about moms and sugar.  Wendy has been leading tens of thousands of women through an annual online sugar fast, and now she has put the best of her daily devotions and inspiration into a book.  Wendy tells the story of how all of this came to be as well as testimonies from those of who have taken a break from sugar to lean into God.  We all run to something!  Whether you have a tendency to run to sugar, or Netflix, wine, or Facebook, this episode will speak to your heart! Find show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-29 ALL show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy