The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. Need some encouragement as a single parent? Single father Rich Griffin is here to talk about the ups and downs of parenting three adopted sons, dealing with trauma, and the problem of professionalizing discipleship. Rich has a message of hope for single parents, and every parent who wants guide their child towards wisdom. On today's episode, you'll learn:  2:47 Why Rich became a single dad  7:00 How to help your kids overcome trauma  9:10 From church and family, to church as family  15:03 Handling hard situations with your kids  19:33 How to do ministry with your kids  27:41 The three T’s of parenting Rich Griffith is a part-time pastor and an associate professor of Youth and Multi-generational Ministry at Toccoa Falls College, where he has been teaching since 2016. He holds masters degrees in theology and organizational leadership, as well as a doctorate in youth, family, and culture. His books include Voices: Helping our Christian and Youth Listen to Wise Counsel. Rich is the single dad of three adopted sons.  Find out more about Rich Griffith at https://d6family.com/ Have a question or comment for Rich? Email Rich at rwgriffith@tfc.edu  Read Arlene's book, Screen Kids, which includes a section for single parents. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/books You're invited to see David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025. Get your ticket today. https://parentsrisingconference.com/

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. Winning in marriage isn't about winning an argument against your spouse. You and your spouse are on the same team, which means you either both win or you both lose. NFL chaplains George and Tondra Gregory are here to help us develop a winning game plan for marriage. A great marriage won't happen by accident, but it can be built. We'll learn how from George and Tondra's new book, The Marriage Game Plan: Developing a winning strategy for marital success. On today's episode, you'll learn:  2:30 They were headed towards divorce– but rebounded by God’s grace 7:00 Why did God create marriage in the first place? 14:15 What if you approached marriage like a professional?  20:25 Getting on the same page in marriage  24:40 Having trouble with your in-laws? 28:35 How to enjoy “victory Mondays” in our marriages George and Tondra Gregory have been coaching couples through their national marriage ministry for more than 20 years. They have previously served as marriage ministry leaders at Saddleback Church. They worked with several professional sports teams and leagues including the NFL and the NBA. They are currently serving as the chaplains to the LA Chargers. Their new book is The Marriage Game Plan: Developing a winning strategy for marital success.  Find out more about George and Tondra Gregory here https://journeyforlifenow.org Get the book The Marriage Game Plan https://journeyforlifenow.org/books/ Get free date ideas (even if you just have 15 or 30 minutes) and check out Arlene's book Making Marriage Easier https://makingmarriageeasier.com/ You're invited to see David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025. Get your ticket today. https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. When was the last time you were triggered by your kids? The struggle is real! How do you respond with patience instead of anger when your child pushes your buttons? Boy mom Amber Lia has godly advice to manage our anger (and our triggers). Her new book is, Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger. On today's episode, we'll talk about:   3:21 Is parenting feeling rough right now?   4:45 How can we reframe our anger towards our kids? 9:23 What to do when your child talks back to you  14:45 Help–My kids fight all the time! 19:06 When you feel that no one appreciates you as a mom  23:00 How you can overcome past mistakes as a parent 27:05 How to release comparison as a parent Amber Lia is the bestselling author of many books including Food Triggers and Parenting Scripts. Today we talked about her new devotional, Untriggered: 60 days of transformation for moms who struggle with anger. Amber and her husband Guy have 4 boys and own a production company in Chattanooga. Amber is also a certified independent health coach.   Find out more about Amber Lia on her website https://amberlia.com/ Get Amber's book Untriggered here https://amberlia.com/books-and-resources You're invited to see David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025. Get your ticket today. https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Stop taking orders from your kids. Get Arlene's book, Parents Rising. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802416608/?tag=arlenpelli-20 Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. Today’s culture sends boys a confusing and discouraging message that men are toxic. But the truth is real masculinity is a gift from God. From her new book Mothering Boys, Molly DeFrank shows us 8 things our boys need from us before they turn 10. On today's episode, you'll learn about:  2:27 The great syrup disaster!!! 6:25 What we are facing culturally as boy moms  9:02 What does Biblical masculinity look like   16:30 How to help your son with eye contact  21:30 Getting your children to mind your authority 24:40 Help! My kids never do their chores! 28:00 Boys need to be creative– what we can do to help? Molly DeFrank is a former politico turned stay home mom. She married her college sweetheart and a week later began working in the governor’s office. She put her career on hold to raise her 3 boys and 3 girls. Molly is the author of Digital Detox, and today we're talking about her new book, Mothering Boys: 8 Things your son needs from you before he turns 10.  Find out more about Molly DeFrank and her book, Mothering Boys https://mollydefrank.com/mothering-boys/ Follow Molly on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mollydefrank Maybe you're not a reader, but you can watch a video course instead. Check out Arlene's Screen Kids Course here. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/course You're invited to see David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025. Get your ticket today. https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. The preteen years can be perilous for kids (and parents!). Kids are being bombarded today with messages and images that threaten their emotional and spiritual health. Mom of ten, Tricia Goyer not only has lots of experience with preteens, she has a new book (co-authored with Leslie Nunnery), Faith That Sticks: 5 Real Life Ways to Disciple Your Preteen. On today's episode with Tricia Goyer, we'll talk about: 3:52 What to say when your child gets tired of church 9:50 Calming down when getting angry at your children  18:22 How to deal with a child struggling with gender  25:30 Helping your children discover their interests Tricia Goyer is a speaker, podcast host, and USA Today bestselling author of over 90 books. She writes in various genres, including fiction, parenting, marriage, and books for children and teens. Tricia is a wife and homeschooling mom of ten, and enjoys mentoring writers. Find out more about Tricia Goyer and her book, Faith That Sticks: 5 Real Life Ways to Disciple Your Preteen https://triciagoyer.com/books/faith-that-sticks-5-real-life-ways-to-disciple-your-preteen/ Can kids survive without social media, video games and smartphones? Will they have friends? Find out in Arlene's free film, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film You're invited to see David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025. Get your ticket today (early bird price through June 30) https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. Complex problems don't always have to require complex solutions. A simple tweak in your marriage could make a world of difference. One of our favorite guests is back, Dr. Gary Chapman with proven marriage advice to make your marriage better starting today. Dr. Chapman has a new book, A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage: Quick Practical Insights Every Couple Needs to Thrive (co-authored with John Hinkley). On today's episode, we're talking about: 2:07 Help! I married the wrong person! 10:50 What to do when you are hurt by your spouse 12:45 Shifting from a contract marriage to a covenant marriage 15:22 How to be more patient with your spouse 18:30 Sex is not a taboo topic to God (and it shouldn't be for you either) 23:05 The ultimate way to communicate with your spouse Dr. Gary Chapman is an author, speaker, and marriage and family counselor. His bestselling Five Love Languages books have sold more than 20 million copies and have been translated into nearly 40 languages. Dr. Chapman and his wife Karolyn have been married more than 50 years. Learn more about Dr. Gary Chapman and his new book, A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage https://5lovelanguages.com/store/a-simple-guide-for-a-better-marriage You're invited to see David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025. Get your ticket today (early bird price through June 30) https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. If you could use more joy, purpose and hope as a mom, or if you’re a For King and Country fan, this episode with Courtney Smallbone is for you, We’re talking about her new devotional, Technicolor Woman and explaining what living in full color can look like for you. In this episode, you'll learn:  3:17 How do we keep ourselves humble? 6:09 Feeling way to busy?? How to handle pressure in your life  11:25 The Lord’s heart to nourish us  20:46 How to not succumb to social media 23:37 Our baby wasn't breathing  Courtney Smallbone is an author and speaker who wants to come alongside women and help them move from living in black and white to full color. She and her husband Luke Smallbone (one-half of the Grammy winning For King + Country) have four kids. When Courtney's not sipping coffee on her porch or traveling with the band, you'll find her raising cattle and kids on a farm in Tennessee.  Learn more about Courtney Smallbone and her book, Technicolor Woman https://technicolorwoman.com/ Technicolor Woman on Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Technicolor-Woman-Courtney-Smallbone-ebook/dp/B0F3W886TZ Shop For King + Country https://www.forkingandcountry.com/collections/books Tickets on sale now! You're invited to see David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025 https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. We live in a world that prizes hustle,and constant productivity. How do we break the habit of hurry? Eryn Lynum is here to show us from nature, God’s Word, and her own family life how to truly live more rested. If you're longing for a little bit of rest in your life, this is for you. We're sharing rich thoughts from Eryn's new book, The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living. On today's episode, you'll learn:  3:00 What we can learn from hummingbirds  8:00 How to practically honor the Sabbath  13:50 What does it mean for God to “stay us”? 17:43 How society lies to us about rest  23:07 How to get your kids outdoors more frequently 26:20 The two ways that God reveals Himself to us Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist and Bible teacher. She is the podcast host of the popular Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible. Her books include Rooted in Wonder and The Nature of Rest. She lives in Colorado with her husband and 4 kids.  Learn more about Eryn and her new book, The Nature of Rest https://erynlynum.com/ Check out Eryn's podcast, Nat Theo https://erynlynum.com/nattheo Can kids be happy without smartphones, social media or video games? Check out our family documentary, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words (it's free!) https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film Tickets on sale now! You're invited to see David, Sissy, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025 https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. See David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene Pellicane live at the Parents Rising Conference on September 6, 2025 in San Diego. Tickets on sale now http://parentsrisingconference.com/ Do you tend to think about what might go wrong instead of what might go right? Negativity is our default mode and can be disastrous for a family, but what if bad can sometimes be leveraged for good in your home? The power of bad can actually be leveraged for good. Learn when bad really is bad, and when it actually serves as a useful consequence for kids. This is a message Arlene shared on Mother's Day at Bonita Valley Community Church in San Diego. You'll hear about:  4:40 Would you drink juice that had a sterilized cockroach dipped in it?  7:50 The negativity effect and what it does to your thinking  9:50 How many positive comments are needed to cancel out a negative one?  12:20 One billion users on TikTok  15:15 How light acts as a disinfectant  19:00 When bad is actually helpful  23:00 Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them  25:15 Study of reward and punishment for kids  29:00 Arlene is rapping??? 33:00 Heart cracking goodness  Arlene Pellicane is the host of the Happy Home podcast, a speaker and author of several books including Making Marriage Easier, Screen Kids, and Parents Rising. She has been featured on FamilyLife Today, Focus on the Family, the Wall Street Journal, and The Today Show. She and her husband James have three children (two in college and one in high school).  Learn more at Happy Home University https://happyhomeuniversity.com/ Tickets on sale now! You're invited to see Arlene live with David Thomas and Sissy Goff at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025 https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. See David Thomas, Sissy Goff, and Arlene Pellicane live at the Parents Rising Conference on September 6, 2025 in San Diego. Tickets on sale now http://parentsrisingconference.com/ What would happen if your child could trade insecurity for bravery, and giving up for resilience? Counselors and bestselling authors David Thomas and Sissy Goff can help you raise confident, worry free kids. Drawing from their vast experience at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, David and Sissy know how to help kids and parents deal with anxiety and worry. They have written two new children's books, Lucy Learns to Be Brave and Owen Learns He Has What it Takes. On today's episode, you'll learn:  5:25 Your dog could be more than a pet! 7:45 How to tell if your child is flourishing 14:36 Modeling emotions to your child  20:50 Are we giving anxiety too much attention? 24:53 Reversing the negative effects of COVID in our teenagers   31:00 What to do if your child won’t leave their room David Thomas is the director of family counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville. His books include Raising Emotionally Strong Boys and Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys. He and Sissy host the popular Raising Boys and Girls podcast. Sissy Goff is the director of child and adolescent counseling at Daystar. Her books include Raising Worry-Free Girls and The Worry-Free Parent.   Learn more about David Thomas and Sissy Goff and their new children's books, Lucy Learns to Be Brave and Owen Learns He Has What it Takes at Raising Boys and Girls https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/ Tickets on sale now! You're invited to see David, Sissy, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025 https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com