The supplement industry can be overwhelming and confusing. How do you know who or what to trust? If you eat healthy, is that enough? This is a topic on a lot of women's minds, especially as they age and want to take care of their muscle and hormone health!

Today’s guest, David Block, has an amazing personal story which led him to found Previnex, a top-of-the-industry supplement company that has the highest standards for their products. In today’s episode, David answers a bunch of my questions about supplements, from what we should know about creatine and protein, to gut health, and more. David offers some helpful advice for what to look for in a supplement, and more!

I asked David to share his personal story of faith and health, which I think will encourage you. I especially love that Previnex has a “get health give health” program where they donate an order of kids’ multi-vitamins to children in malnourished communities with every order purchased! 

I hope this conversation will help you navigate your own women's wellness journey!  Find show notes and links at: 

http://www.monicaswanson.com/david-previnex 

I am excited to be teaming up with Previnex as a sponsor for future podcast episodes, and you can use code: MONICA for 15% off your first order of Previnex 

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

There is more and more information coming out related to women’s health (aren’t you glad!?) but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are a lot of voices out there, and it’s hard to know who to trust. Today’s guest is here to help!  

Dr. Anna Cabeca, the “Girlfriend Doctor” is a triple-board certified Ob/gynecologist who has an amazing story of personal trauma leading to her own early-onset menopause…then a journey around the world where she found a more holistic way to approach (women’s) health and healing. Dr. Anna is passionate about educating women, young and old, in what they need to know to navigate hormonal changes in the best way possible.   

In this conversation we cover a lot! – Dr. Anna believes it is never too early to balance hormones (so girl-moms, tune in!) She talks about the role of fasting and a “keto-greens” diet in hormonal balance. She also has a lot to say about blood work, urine PH, and the best way to seek help for hormonal challenges! As she says, “menopause is mandatory, suffering is optional.” 

Dr. Anna offers a lot of information here so if you’re a note taker, get ready. I will have links to her website where you can find a lot more information in show notes! 

http://www.monicaswanson.com/girlfriend-doctor 

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice qustions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Somehow the word "entitlement" has grown to represent children in America today. It's not entirely new -- Kids are selfish by nature, yet the culture we are raising them in reinforces a spirit of entitlement. Yet, we are not without hope! And you are not alone! 

Join Steph Thurling - Executive Director at Christian Parenting, and host of the Christian Parenting Podcast – and I as we talk about ways to cultivate gratitude and fight entitlement in kids, young and old alike! From family prayer ideas, to giving kids work to do (in and outside the house!) this conversation is honest and practical. (Steph and I are in the trenches alongside all of you!) Find show notes and links at: 

http://www.monicaswanson.com/steph-gratitude 

My Character Training Course doors are NOW OPEN (for one week only!) Be sure to check out the course page and see what is in the course! (Including an entire bonus Module on teaching kids to be grateful and fighting entitlment!) Also find the NEW video of my son, Luke, giving all of the kids a pep talk on the topic of living a disciplined lifestyle (with a printable list of 5 key disciplines included!) ALL STUDENTS from this week's sale will be invited to a Zoom call with ME in April where I will answer questions and offer encouragement!

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice qustions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Listener-favorite guest, (my son) Luke Swanson joins us for a fun and inspiring conversation about the character quality of self-discipline. Invite your kids to join you as Luke shares some of the ways he grew up to learn (and eventually appreciate!) self-discipline, and how he has grown to cultivate discipline in his own life.  

Luke and I highlight Bible verses that inspire discipline and Luke shares stories from his competitive surf life that have helped him embrace discipline. He also points to his brand new addition to my Character Training Course: A video where Luke speaks TO THE KIDS sharing 5 regular disciplines that have shaped his life! (with a printable list to go with it.)  

The Character Training Course opens on Monday, March 24 (for one week only) so be sure to check out the COURSE PAGE for all the details! Show notes and links can be found at:  

https://monicaswanson.com/Luke-discipline 

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice qustions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

When my friend, Greta Eskridge, told me she was working on a book called, “It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids about P*rn”, I told her I’d be her biggest fan. I’ve been waiting for someone I trust to cover this topic, and wow – Greta did an outstanding job! Today on the podcast Greta gives us a sneak peek into her story, and offers practical advice from the work she has done on this topic.  

In this conversation, Greta tells us the difficult story of how she became an “unexpected p*rn fighter”, and what her journey has taught her. We talk about the complexity of this issue, and Greta offers advice to parents of young and older children. We talk about the importance of computer filters, but also the false confidence they can provide. And I share how I have passed the accountability baton on to my older sons, while still checking in on them regularly.  

This is powerful conversation I hope EVERY parent can tune into.  Please spread the word to your friends about it, and head over to show notes for links to Greta’s amazing new book, and everything else we talked about!  

http://www.monicaswanson.com/greta-talks 

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice qustions!  Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

One of my greatest privileges as an author has been to get to visit Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs (twice!) for a radio and podcast interview. Touring the facility, learning more about all of the amazing family-building ministries at work, and being interviewed by Jim Daly only deepened my respect for Focus on the Family! 

I was sent home from my last interview with a little goodie bag, including the book: “Finding Home” by Jim Daly. I knew Jim had a grown up with many difficulties, so I started reading the book on my flight home. And I couldn’t put the book down. As soon as I finished I reached out to Jim to ask if we could swap seats and I could interview HIM for my podcast!  

I hope you enjoy getting to know Jim in a more personal way, hearing some of his childhood story, and learning about what led to him becoming President of Focus on the Family. Jim has encouragement for everyone listening, and if you’ve ever felt nudged to get involved with Foster-care…this conversation might be just what you need to take the next step of faith in that direction! Find show notes and listen at: 

http://www.monicaswanson.com/jim-daly 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

I often encourage women to find a mentor to encourage, challenge, and inspire you in your womanhood journey. Today’s guest, Rhonda Stoppe, is someone I consider a virtual mentor, and I am SO excited to share her with you all. (Again! She’s been on the podcast twice before. ) 

This is a fun episode because Rhonda actually invited ME on to her podcast (“Old Ladies Know Stuff” – isn’t that the best podcast title?) to talk about an article I wrote called “7 Attitudes that Will Sabotage Your Marriage, and 7 to Replace them With.” I knew this would be such a great chat, and I also trusted that Rhonda would contribute from her wisdom and experience, so I suggested we share it to both of our podcast audiences. So we did! 

In this chat, Rhonda and I walk through the 7 attitudes from my article, sharing from Scripture and our experiences. Rhonda gives some firm words of advice (I LOVE it when she does that) and we end in prayer. I hope you can feel like you are truly sitting with two “older ladies” (haha) as we encourage and exhort you in your marriage, parenting, and faith! Let’s goo! 

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/marriage-attitudes 

ALSO: Don’t miss my brand new online “MARRIAGE BUILDER BUNDLE” which is half-price for the month of February only, using CODE: LOVE at checkout! Click HERE to link to the bundle! 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

*I am re-sharing this episode with JP Pokluda as it was a favorite on the podcast and it is a perfect fit for my Feb. 2025 series on all things Love and Marriage! Hope you enjoy!

Dating has never been simple (who remembers?!) but today it is more complicated than ever. The world offers all kinds of mixed messages to young adults and teenagers and our Christian culture isn’t giving a lot of alternatives. In such crazy times our kids need a voice of reason and a lot of Biblical wisdom to help them navigate. 

Pastor Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the voice we all need and one that young people actually like to listen to. In today’s conversation JP and I are drawing from his book, “Outdated” which has become my own sons' favorite book on the topic of dating and relationships. JP offers wisdom, humor, and a ton of common sense on the topic of dating. He is tuned into our current culture yet remains biblically grounded. I think you’ll find this conversation inspiring and refreshing.

This conversation will be helpful for all of us parents as we coach and encourage our kids through relationships and prepare them for a lasting marriage one day. Find show notes and links at:

www.monicaswanson.com/jp-pokluda

General podcast page: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

As we continue in this February series of all things “Love and Marriage” on the podcast, I am thrilled to share one of my favorite people with you.  Arlene Pellicane is funny and smart, and her most recent book, “Making Marriage Easier” is a must-read!  

Many people today are pessimistic about marriage. Some of the data about divorce rates can be downright discouraging. However, research tells us that the happiest people on the planet are those in healthy marriages! In this episode Arlene walks us through four decisions that will help you clarify your values and create a clear path forward…ultimately making marriage easier!  

I think you’ll love Arlene’s stories, and practical (funny!) approach to family life and marriage.  Be sure to check show notes for all of the links, at: www.monicaswanson.com/marriage-easier. 

ALSO: Don’t miss my brand new online “MARRIAGE BUILDER BUNDLE” which is half-price for the month of February only, using CODE: LOVE at checkout!  Click HERE to link to the bundle! 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2  prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

We are kicking off a full month of “love and marriage” on the podcast with a beautiful, honest, and inspiring conversation with Rebecca St. James and her husband, Cubbie Fink. Rebecca and Cubbie just released a new book, “Lasting Ever: Faith, music, family, and being found by true love” and in today’s episode you will get a sneak peek into their story and their deep faith.  

Last fall I loved watching the movie, “Unsung Hero”, which depicted the early years of Rebecca St. James’s family life and music career, so I was eager to have Rebecca on the podcast. It was a huge bonus to get to know her husband, Cubbie, as well!  

In this interview we pick up where the movie leaves off, diving into Rebecca’s music career, her involvement in the True Love Waits campaign, and the loneliness of her years of then truly “waiting.” Cubbie shares his background, and the two of them speak to topics relevant to today’s generation of young adults. We talk about how the deconstruction movement has affected Gen Z’s perspective on the purity movement, and I loved this couple’s commitment to God’s never-changing standards and the rewards of doing life according to His Word. 

This conversation will be especially impactful for those of you with older kids, and I hope you might pass it on to the young adults in your life!  

Find show notes and links to all we mention at: http://monicaswanson.com/lasting-ever 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2  prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Last year I finally discovered a name for the very real experience I've had, well, pretty much every year since I can remember. It hits when the holidays are over, and summer break seems like an eternity away...When life feels one part exhausting and one part super boring. It’s often rainy and cold, (at least where I grew up, and sometimes even in Hawaii!) the house tends to be a bit extra cluttered (spring cleaning hasn’t happened yet.) I typically want to quit homeschooling, New Years resolutions have gone by the wayside, and I can’t think of a thing to cook for dinner.  

(Wait, you too!?) 

Well, thanks to the internet, last year I learned that this is called the “February Slump.” It’s a legit thing and if this is new to you, I hope you feel at least a little better giving it a name.

Since we both just learned about this annual phenomenon last year, my friend Leanne and I thought it would be the right thing to discuss it on the podcast. (BTW, Leanne also works with me so this is a fun chance to get to know her!) In this conversation we acknowledge "the slump", share from our experience (we each have 4 kids, in two very different seasons,) and offer some practical advice on how to navigate well. (There is hope!) I hope you enjoy this fun and honest “girlfriend/Mom” chat.  

Find links and notes to anything we mentioned over at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/february-slump 

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice qustions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org