• 47 minutes 56 seconds
    Brunch with Babs Costello : Hospitality, Heritage & Helping Moms Thrive [Ep 571]

    In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Babs Costello—beloved home cook, mom of four, grandmother, and viral content creator who proves it’s never too late to start something new. After launching her social media presence at 71, Babs has become a source of comfort, wisdom, and joy for millions.

    We talk about the beautiful chaos of raising a family while running a business, how she built a supportive community of moms, and why the dinner table can be the most powerful place for connection. Babs shares practical tips on meal planning, keeping kids engaged during dinner, and how preparing ahead can make hosting feel effortless.

    She also opens up about her children’s book, Did Your Mother Ever Tell You…?, a project made even more special with the help of her grandchildren. This episode is a reminder that when life feels overwhelming—“when it rains, it pours”—those storms can still bring growth, beauty, and deeper connection.

    Whether you’re a busy mom, a grandmother, or someone wondering if you’ve missed your chance to start something meaningful, Babs’ story will leave you inspired to begin right where you are.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • Simple meal planning strategies for families
    • How to keep kids engaged at the dinner table (and why it matters)
    • Turning everyday moments into meaningful family traditions
    • Overcoming fear and embracing new beginnings at any age

    • Lessons from her grandmother on faith, hospitality, and joy

    Connect with Babs Costello: Links Mentioned: Related Episodes:

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    4 May 2026, 5:15 am
  • 55 minutes 5 seconds
    Talking to Kids About Body Awareness, Puberty & Sex :: Megan Michelson & Mary Flo Ridley *top 10 episode* [Ep 570]

    Talking to kids about sex can feel overwhelming—but avoiding the conversation doesn’t make it easier. In this replay episode, Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley break down how to approach these important topics in a way that feels natural, age-appropriate, and shame-free.

    Instead of relying on a single, awkward “talk,” they encourage parents to build an ongoing dialogue that evolves as kids grow. From early childhood curiosity to teenage years and deeper conversations about puberty and masturbation, this episode offers practical tools to help you stay calm, confident, and connected.

    We cover how to introduce basic biology (like seeds, eggs, and conception), how to respond when your child isn’t interested in the conversation, and why tone matters more than perfection. You’ll also learn how to navigate common parenting moments—like little ones exploring their bodies—without shame, while still setting healthy boundaries.

    As kids get older, the conversation shifts. Megan and Mary Flo share how to approach puberty, why “shoulder-to-shoulder” conversations can be more effective than face-to-face talks, and how to handle more complex topics like masturbation in a way that balances honesty, guidance, and emotional awareness.

    If you’ve ever felt unsure about when to start, what to say, or how to say it—this episode will give you a clear, grounded approach.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • Why “the talk” doesn’t work—and what to do instead
    • How to start conversations about bodies and sex at a young age
    • Age-appropriate language for explaining reproduction and biology
    • What to do when your child avoids or shuts down the conversation

    • Why tone and delivery matter more than saying everything perfectly

    Connect with Birds & Bees: Links Mentioned: Related Episodes:


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    27 April 2026, 5:05 am
  • 43 minutes 14 seconds
    Live Your Life, Take Notes, Tell Strangers: Tim Hawkins on Comedy and Parenting [Ep 569]

    Today on the podcast, I’m joined by comedian Tim Hawkins, who has been making people laugh for over three decades. With years of life, family, and stage experience behind him, Tim brings humor and perspective to everything from parenting to personal growth.

    We dive into his family life, including the story of how he met his wife, and reflect on the journey of raising kids, including the rewarding moment of watching them grow into adults. Tim shares his thoughts on parenting, emphasizing that there’s no perfect formula. While many feel pressure to follow methods and systems, he and his wife chose not to get bogged down in outcomes, trusting that God is big enough to guide the process.

    We also get into the realities of raising kids, like what to do when they’re constantly wrestling. For Tim, one of the biggest factors in raising kids well is simple but powerful: proximity. Being present matters.

    Tim opens up about his own creative journey, including a season where he hit a wall, struggled to write, and had to step back and reset. He shares how his comedy process has evolved over the years and how life itself fuels his material.

    His approach to comedy is simple and honest: live your life, take notes, and tell strangers. The more you can relate to people, the more successful your message becomes. Whether it’s disappointment, joy, or frustration, the best material comes from real passion and lived experience. Join us today for a great (and hilarious) conversation. 

    Connect with Tim Hawkins: 

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    20 April 2026, 5:10 am
  • 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:


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    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: 

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    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: 


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    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:

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    23 March 2026, 5:10 am
  • 53 minutes 41 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:

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    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: 

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    9 March 2026, 5:10 am
  • 56 minutes 27 seconds
    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:

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    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:

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    23 February 2026, 6:10 am
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