Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, connects you the listener with people and resources to help you feel less alone. Consider it an invitation to "withness".

  • 57 minutes 10 seconds
    Navigating Homework Battles, Understanding Executive Function & Helping Teens Succeed :: Dr. Matthew Housson [Ep 568]


    Why does homework and school in general turn into a battle in so many homes?

    In this insightful conversation, Dr. Matthew Housson breaks down what’s really going on when kids struggle with homework—and why it’s often not a discipline issue at all. Instead, many challenges come down to executive function skills—things like planning, focus, emotional regulation, and the ability to start and finish tasks.

    We talk about how brain development impacts motivation, why some kids struggle to shift into “low dopamine” tasks like homework, and what parents can do to support their child without taking over.

    If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or even discouraged trying to help your child succeed academically, this episode will give you clarity, practical tools, and encouragement—you’re not alone, and there is a better way forward. In this episode we talk about: 

    • When behavior is developmentally normal vs. when to seek help
    • The key signs of depression in teens (including irritability)
    • Why a full profile is often more helpful than a diagnosis
    • Practical tools to make homework time smoother
    • Executive function skills are learned and developed over time

    • You can’t rush development—but you can support it

    Connect with Dr. Matthew Housson: 
    Links Mentioned: 
    Related Episodes:


    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Hiya: We’ve worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children’s vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA (not available on regular website). Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. 
    • In The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini share more than 40 years of lived experience raising a son with profound disabilities. With honesty and faith, they speak to the strain on marriage, the weight of finances, the sting of unkind comments, and the grief of a journey you didn’t choose, but also the joy you didn’t expect. If you’re walking this road—or love someone who is—this book offers steady encouragement for the long journey ahead. To learn more about The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold.
    • Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code DMA. 
    13 April 2026, 5:15 am
  • 49 minutes 44 seconds
    When You've Had Enough Hard :: Kirby Kelly [Ep 567]

    What do you do when life doesn’t just hand you lemons—but keeps throwing them at your face?

    Today, Kirby Kelly joins us to share about her new book, The Fabric of Hope.  After unexpectedly losing her mom, Kirby turned to Scripture to find hope in a season that felt unbearable. With a Master’s in Theology, she began searching for truth and hope right in the middle of her pain.

    When life unravels, it can feel impossible to believe that anything good could come from it. In those moments, it’s easy to begin seeing God as the enemy in our situation. But God is not the author of evil—He is the redeemer of it. And when the hits keep coming, that truth can be incredibly hard to hold onto.

    This episode is a reminder to stay tethered to Him through both praise and lament—to remain connected and fight for that connection, even when it’s difficult.

    Be encouraged today as Kirby shares her personal story of pain and how God is with us in all things. 

    Connect with Kirby Kelly: 

    Links Mentioned: Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA. 
    • Green Chef: Where fad diets fail, Green Chef delivers real food and recipes that make healthy eating easy…and lasting. Head to greenchef.com/50alone and use code 50alone to get 50% off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months. 
    6 April 2026, 5:15 am
  • 49 minutes 36 seconds
    How to Set Boundaries Without Cutting People Off :: John Townsend *top 10 episode* [Ep 566]

    As moms, we are like a life support system for our kids. To keep our families healthy, we need to be healthy. A key part of our overall well being is setting healthy boundaries. 

    But boundaries are hard. They require uncomfortable, direct conversations. We may need to put a limit on really good things or draw a line in the sand with our in-laws or parents. 

    My guest, Dr. John Townsend literally wrote the book on boundaries and he shares some deep wisdom on how to set healthy boundaries while honoring our family members and others. 

    “You've got to take care of your energy, your heart and your emotions. You've got to take care of yourself and your health. If you don't guard that heart, then the wellsprings of life won't come out from it. Boundaries are basically about how to set healthy, loving limits in our life. So we have something to offer to our children.”

    Townsend answers your tough questions about setting limits with in-laws, making healthy boundaries for the holidays and even models having a tough conversation with a parent about a boundary. 

    This is an episode packed with great information and Townsend has several books and resources available if you want to go deeper. Let’s make setting healthy boundaries a priority and guard our hearts and our time to bring life to our family!

    Connect with John Townsend: 

    Links Mentioned: 


    Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 
    30 March 2026, 5:10 am
  • 53 minutes 32 seconds
    Parenting Through Divorce: Helping Kids Heal, Co-Parent Well & Trust God :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 565]

    How do you parent your kids through a story they didn’t choose?

    In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Vaneetha Risner shares her journey of raising two adolescent daughters as a single mom after divorce. She opens up about the pressure to “hold everything together,” the tension of co-parenting with different values, and the deep questions kids ask about God in the middle of pain.

    This episode offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for all moms, reminding us that while we can’t control our children’s stories, we can faithfully shepherd their hearts—and trust God to restore what has been lost. Here is some of what we cover: 

    • The balance between sharing too much vs. hiding your emotions
    • Navigating co-parenting with different rules and values
    • The importance of community when you feel alone
    • You don’t have to have all the answers—sometimes “I don’t know” is enough

    • Parenting is a long game—trust God with the outcome

    Connect with Vaneetha Risner: Links Mentioned: Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Wayfair: Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home. 
    • Cozy Earth: Discover how care in every detail transforms simple routines into moments of true comfort and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DMA for up to 20% off. Experience the craft behind the comfort, and make every day feel intentional.
    23 March 2026, 5:10 am
  • 59 minutes 2 seconds
    Vision and Values | Clarity Series (Part two) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 564]

    In part two of my interview with Nadya Dickson, we dive deeper into how Christian moms can lead their families with clarity by identifying their values and creating a vision. 

    Values and vision go hand in hand. Whether we’ve named them or not, every family operates from a set of values. Nadya explains that when we take the time to identify and name the values that matter most to us, they become a powerful lens for making decisions, setting priorities, and shaping the atmosphere of our homes.

    We also talk about creating a yearly vision for your children, focusing more on character than performance, and asking God to reveal who each child is becoming. In a world filled with competing messages about what motherhood should look like, a clear vision can help moms filter out the noise and focus on what is truly fruitful.

    If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by expectations or unsure how to prioritize your time as a mom, this conversation will help you rediscover peace, purpose, and intentionality in your parenting. Here is some of what we cover: 

    • The power of naming your top 5 values
    • How moms can filter out cultural pressure and expectations
    • Why clarity helps us determine what is fruitful versus wasteful
    • You can’t change people, but you can control the atmosphere
    Connect with Nadya Dickson: Links Mentioned: Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Written by Tim and Mark Shoemaker, a father and son duo who have spent years walking with guys through real questions, 72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be tackles the issues they’re facing, porn, dating, purpose, fear, and spiritual dryness, with clear, biblical direction.
    • Warby Parker: Warby Parker gives you quality & better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our listeners get 15% off + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/DMA. 
    • Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 60% off your first order!
    16 March 2026, 5:10 am
  • 54 minutes 38 seconds
    Motherhood Is an Assignment, Not Your Identity | Clarity Series (Part One) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 563]

    Many women today are running at full speed—balancing motherhood, work, leadership, and countless responsibilities—yet still feel like they are barely surviving. In this powerful conversation, purpose strategist Nadya Dickson shares how women can move from survival mode into clarity and confidence by rediscovering their God-given identity.

    One of the most powerful reminders from this episode: motherhood is an assignment, not your identity. When women understand who God says they are, everything else—leadership, family, work, and influence—begins to align.

    If you’ve ever wondered Who am I beyond my roles? or Where should my time and energy really go? This conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God, and rediscover your purpose. Here is some of what we cover: 

    • Starting with the prayer: “God, who do You say I am?”
    • Understanding your identity as a daughter of the King of Kings
    • Recognizing the unique personality and wiring God gave you
    • The parable of the four soils and why busyness is not the same as fruitfulness
    • The influences around us are constantly forming and shaping us.

    Connect with Nadya Dickson: Links Mentioned: Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.
    • Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code DMA. 
    • Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA . 
    9 March 2026, 5:10 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Finding Your Purpose and Authentic Self in Motherhood with the Enneagram :: Suzanne Stabile *top 10 episode* [Ep 562]

    In this episode, Suzanne Stabile, internationally recognized Enneagram expert and mom of four adult children, shares her personal story and how the Enneagram has shaped her approach to parenting. She explains that the Enneagram isn’t about changing who we are, but about understanding how we see the world and choosing how to act with intention. She reminds us that there’s no one right way to parent; motherhood requires recognizing differences, extending grace, and embracing our own authentic path.

    Suzanne dives into the practical applications of the Enneagram in family life, showing how it can transform relationships with your children, your spouse, and other moms. She explains the energy and tendencies of different Enneagram types—from aggressive and dominant types to dependent and withdrawing types—and how understanding these patterns can bring unity instead of conflict. Parenting is never easy, and mistakes are inevitable, but Suzanne emphasizes that grace covers our shortcomings. By using the Enneagram as a tool, we can parent with more awareness, respond with empathy, and honor our own authentic selves while guiding our children with love. Here is some of what we cover: 

    • Enneagram Types as Animals: Ones are Worker Bees, Twos are Kangaroos, Threes are Eagles, Fours are Butterflies, Fives are Owls, Sixes are Bunny Rabbits, Sevens are Monkeys, Eights are Lions, and Nines are Turtles.
    • Grace covers the places we fall short
    • Set appropriate priorities: You can’t do it all.
    • Be mindful in child-centered families: When the focus is entirely on the children, much can get overlooked, and it often reflects a broader cultural expectation.
    Connect with Suzanne Stabile: Links Mentioned: Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Green Chef: Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get fifty percent off your first month then 20 percent off for two months with free shipping. 
    • Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 60% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast.
    • Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your Spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 
    2 March 2026, 6:15 am
  • 47 minutes 47 seconds
    School Choice Series: Public School Options with Emily Fenlaw:: [Ep 561]

    In part three of my School Choice Series, I sit down with my friend Emily Fenlaw to talk about all things public school. With four children who have experienced everything from traditional public school to the talented and gifted program, an all-girls school, and an arts-focused school, Emily has navigated the many options and transitions that public education can offer.

    She also shares candidly about parenting children with ADHD — walking through 504 plans, medication decisions, and the ongoing process of learning how to support executive functioning at home. Through it all she learned to be a student of her child to discover the best path for them. 

    My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: 

    • The beauty of building relationships with families from all walks of life
    • How introverts and extroverts can uniquely flourish in public school environments
    • You can only make the best decision you can with the information you have

    • The challenges of public school and navigating relationships with other parents

    Connect with Emily Fenlaw: Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Inspire Bible for Kids: The latest Bible in the bestselling Inspire Bible line, packed with activities for boys and girls ages 7 to 12. With over 400 ready-to-color line-art illustrations, wide margins for creativity, devotional readings and trivia questions, journaling prompts, memory verse prompts, fun facts–and more–all to bring God’s Word to life for young hearts. Discover more at www.InspireBibleforKids.com
    • Barefaced: If you want to see results and find a skincare routine you’ll actually stick to, this is where I recommend starting. Head to barefaced.com and use code DMA for 15% off at checkout plus free shipping. Barefaced: less steps, better skin.
    • Cozy Earth: Discover how care in every detail transforms simple routines into moments of true comfort and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DMA for up to 20% off. 
    23 February 2026, 6:10 am
  • 45 minutes 50 seconds
    School Choice Series: Private to Public School with Misty Persefield:: [Ep 560]

    In part two of my School Choice Series, I sit down with Misty Persefield, a mom of three, to talk candidly about navigating school choice from the early years through high school. Misty shares her family’s journey through private and public schools, the fears she faced, and the peace that came from trusting God rather than comparing herself to others. This conversation offers reassurance for moms carrying the weight of making the “right” educational choices and highlights the importance of keeping fear out of the decision-making process.

    My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: 

    • Challenges of private school, including finances and high expectations
    • The importance of knowing yourself, your child, and your family culture
    • Pivoting from private to public school for high school
    • Starting kids early vs. late, especially for boys based on birthdays

    • Preparing kids for college by “taking off the bubble wrap” while they’re still at home

    Connect with Misty Persefield: 
    Related Episodes:


    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 70% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast.
    • Raising Daughters by September McCarthy: Most moms don’t need more advice—they need reassurance. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with your daughter thinking, I said that all wrong, this book is for you. We’re raising girls in a world that’s loud, confusing, and constantly redefining womanhood. And before we can guide our daughters, we have to remember who we are in Christ. Raising Daughters meets you right where you are and gives you one faithful next step at a time—because raising daughters is holy work. It takes grit, grace, and guidance, and you’ll find all three here. Grab a copy here. 
    • Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 
    16 February 2026, 6:15 am
  • 53 minutes 51 seconds
    School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559]

    In episode one of my School Choice Series, Kris Habashy shares her family’s journey from homeschooling to Christian private education. From navigating dyslexia to the challenges of transitioning middle schoolers, Kris offers a heartfelt, honest look at the joys, struggles, and unexpected growth that come with trusting God in your educational choices.

    My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: 

    • Why Kris initially chose to homeschool and how her personality and family dynamics played a role.
    • The challenges of transitioning kids from homeschooling to private school — especially in middle school.
    • The importance of nurturing your own growth as a mom while guiding your kids.
    • Families navigating dyslexia, learning differences, or anxiety around school transitions.
    Connect with Kris Habashy: Links Mentioned:  Related Episodes:

    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA].
    • Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA. Experience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove.
    • Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.
    9 February 2026, 6:10 am
  • 49 minutes 6 seconds
    Parenting a Spicy Child: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Keep the Connection :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 558]

    Parenting a spicy child can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting, especially when traditional parenting advice just doesn’t work. In this episode, Mary Van Geffen joins us to talk about what it really means to parent a strong-willed, spirited, intense child without losing yourself or crushing their spirit.

    So often, as moms, we unknowingly tie our identity and worth to how our children behave. When our kids are calm, compliant, or successful, we feel like we are doing a good job. When they are loud, explosive, or struggling, we internalize it as failure. Parenting a spicy child brings this tension to the surface and forces us to ask deeper questions about where our identity really comes from. This conversation invites moms to loosen their grip on performance-based parenting and remember that our value is not measured by our child’s behavior, but by who we are and whose we are. 

    Here is some of what we cover: 

    • How to stay connected to your child so you can guide them long-term
    • A practical calm down recipe for flare-ups and explosive moments
    • How to set boundaries without crushing your child’s spirit
    • Why you are not responsible for your child’s happiness
    • How to support the mild child in a family with a spicy sibling

    Connect with Mary Van Geffen: 


    Links Mentioned:  

    Related Episodes:


    Featured Sponsors: 

    • Barefaced: If you want to see results and find a skincare routine you’ll actually stick to, this is where I recommend starting. Head to barefaced.com and use code DMA for 15% off at checkout plus free shipping. That’s DMA for 15% off plus free shipping. Barefaced: less steps, better skin.
    • Green Chef: Right now go to Greenchef.com/alonegraza and use the code alonegraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef and FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. This 50% offer is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait. 
    • Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 70% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast.
    2 February 2026, 6:25 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App