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

People all over the world have been shocked and saddened by the tragic fire that recently destroyed the iconic town of Lahaina, on Maui. This is the deadliest fire in US history to date, and there is a long road ahead of healing and rebuilding. Yet, in the midst of all of the news, blaming, and politics, I think it is helpful to hear from real families who have been affected by the fire. And I happen to know an incredibly special family who was willing to share their story. Our friends, the Claydons, have been the Maui area Young Life leaders for a long time, and they are very integrated into the Lahaina community. They always referred to their Lahaina home as “God’s house” where they kept the doors open to countless students and visitors. In today’s episode, Jes Claydon joins us to share her family’s story from the fire. While they did lose their home, they have incredible perspective and a heart to continue to serve their community in whatever way God leads them.  Jes is fun to talk to (even in a time of tragedy!) and her faith and attitude will inspire you to face whatever you might be going through as well. She also shares some ways you might help the victims of the fire and the rebuilding process at the end of the episode. I hope you feel like you are hanging out with Jes and I for this very special conversation.  Find more information and show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/mauifire Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to my first ever “Coffee Date” Podcast episode! (Hopefully not the last!) If you’ve been around long, you might know how much I love a good coffee date with a friend. I’ve done many virtual coffee dates on my blog and via weekly emails (You can sign up for those at monicaswanson.com/subscribe) but today I hope you can join me on the podcast for some really exciting announcements, updates, and some things I hope you’ll give me feedback on!! In this episode I am announcing my next book (and how/why it came to be!)(I’m so excited!), as well as topics I hope to write + podcast on soon (can I get your vote…?) I talk a little bit about the recent tragic fire on Maui and my thoughts for those of you with vacations planned on Maui this year. And I also share some things about Dave and my background that most of you probably don’t know!  I sincerely imagined we were having coffee together as I recorded this. So, whatever you’re doing, I hope you feel like we’re IRL friends in this episode. Then please go over to show notes to respond to a couple easy questions! ☺  www.monicaswanson.com/coffeedate Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am so happy to be back with another monthly podcast covering highlights from my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked! Today we get to cover Chapter Five: All about offering your kids a secure foundation through a healthy marriage. Most of us would agree that building a strong, healthy, and lasting marriage is one of the most important and beautiful, as well as one of the hardest things we will do in this lifetime. Yet, there may be nothing more important to your kids. In this episode Monica and Dave each share highlights from the chapter in Raising Amazing all about marriage. We cover the overlooked beauty of marriage vows and encouragement for single parents who want to pass on healthy perspectives on marriage to their kids. We also cover a packed list of ways you can nurture your marriage, even in the busy years of raising kids.  Dave also pops in to share some “Words to the Dads” at the end. I hope some of the men can tune into this! Find a free download: 10 Amazing Date Night ideas in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/Raising-Amazing-5 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you a worrier? Do your kids worry too? Sissy Goff, best-selling author and child-therapist (for over 30 years) wants to help parents overcome their tendency to worry. Because: worry is contagious – and an anxious, worry-prone parent is likely to raise kids who also worry.   Fortunately, Sissy has good news. She has help for uncovering the roots of anxiety and suggestions for processing your anxiety rather than passing it on. With practical tools and helpful perspectives, Sissy helps will help you model bravery, faith, and healthy coping skills.   I think you’ll find a ton of encouragement and hope in today’s interview.   Find more information and show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/sissy-goff   Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Whitmel Earley, lawyer and author of the book Made for People, joins the podcast to discuss our epidemic of loneliness and the importance of authentic friendships. They explore the obstacles to true friendship such as busyness, fear of vulnerability, and past pain. Justin offers practical habits for cultivating real friendships and moving away from digital loneliness. The conversation touches on the significance of friendship in the Christian life, opening up and combatting loneliness among men, and the wonder of the James River. Congratulations to Justin on his book release!

By now you probably know that I consider parenting and family life some of the highest privileges on earth; it is Kingdom work. Yet, often in our season of raising kids, we tend to “lose ourselves”, right? I hear from women who don’t remember what they used to enjoy before kids… “Did I have any hobbies?...What do I like to do/eat, etc?” As these Moms prepare for their kids to launch, they can begin to feel a little bit lost.   Alli Worthington wants to help moms avoid this! She coaches women to love and care for themselves, even while raising their kids. She offers practical ideas and mindsets to stay healthy, balanced, and to avoid burnout. I think you’ll enjoy Alli’s straight-forward advice and relatable humor! The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Find more information and show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/alli-worthington   Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's back-to-school time, and the transition can create anxiety for families. Discover three simple steps to get everyone ready, including how to create a shared family calendar to ease stress. Learn the importance of instilling a strong work ethic in kids, which is crucial for both school and future success. Dive into character development strategies that promote family bonding and decision-making. Plus, find out how prayer can play a pivotal role in preparing for the new school year.

I am so happy to be back with another monthly podcast covering highlights from my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked!  Today we get to cover Chapter Four: The Most Important Thing. This is all about making faith your highest priority.   While every chapter of this book is important, I believe this topic truly is…the most important. The way I see it, if our kids grow up to love God and follow His ways, we have little else to be concerned about. They will then have the wisdom and resources to make good choices, find the support they need, and live amazing lives. In this chapter we talk about faith from the early years through the teenage years…the spiritual disciplines in childhood that research has shown correlate with a life-long faith…and much more. I hope this episode encourages and inspires you! Find a free download with the steps to lead your child into a relationship with God in show notes!   www.monicaswanson.com/Raising-Amazing-4 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Gather your kids and join Josiah and I for part III of my summer Proverbs mini-series! The Book of Proverbs is packed full of wisdom and has incredibly practical help for all the things kids (and adults) face today. I am so excited to share this 3rd and final episode of my summer mini-series as Josiah (turning 24 on the day this episode releases!) brings everything together with an insightful look at perhaps the greatest reason our kids should be reading Proverbs! In today’s episode, Josiah shows us how the book of Proverbs ultimately points to Jesus, the “Proverbial Man.” We talk about how Proverbs points to the Gospel message and our need for a Savior. And then Josiah prays for the kids listening. I think this is a super powerful episode for your kids to tune into! Find show notes and links in the link below: www.monicaswanson.com/proverbs-josiah **Don’t miss the free PROVERBS for LIFE Printable over on my website.   Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Gather your kids and join Jonah and I for part II of my summer Proverbs series! The Book of Proverbs is packed full of wisdom and has incredibly practical help for all of the things kids (and adults) face today. The Swanson boys have all grown up reading a lot of Proverbs and it has shaped them into the (wise) young men they are today. In today’s episode, Jonah (22) joins us teach us a bit more about the book of Proverbs…Who wrote it, how to read it, why it matters, and more. Your kids will learn a lot in this episode and hopefully finish it with fresh inspiration to grow in wisdom! Don’t miss the free PROVERBS for LIFE Printable over on my website: www.monicaswanson.com/proverbs-jonah   Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy