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

Thank you for tuning into this special episode! A story: I am sharing something I have never documented publicly! It is my story of going from being a 40-year old, full-time homeschool mom (with a newborn!), to blogging, writing books, creating courses, and hosting a podcast! There are a few sentimental moments tucked in there, as well as some heartfelt encouragement for everyone listening. An announcement: I am also announcing that after SIX YEARS of podcasting (every week of the year!) I am planning a break from the podcast. I am looking forward to this much-needed sabbatical as I am headed to Australia this week (for Luke’s first “Challenger series” surf contest) and have a lot more kids’ sports-related travel this summer, as well as other family commitments I want to be present for. I hope you can take some time to revisit episodes from the past years in the meantime. An invitation: With the break from podcasting, I whole-heartedly invite you to join my weekly email list where I will be sharing a short-and-sweet summer email (calling it “summer shorts”!) with links to favorite articles and podcasts, a quick word of encouragement and other helpful links and fun surprises. JOIN THE EMAIL LIST AT: http://www.monicaswanson.com/subscribe Also, find links mentioned and a chance to comment in today’s show notes: http://www.monicaswanson.com/announcement General podcast page: http://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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The teenage years can be an emotional roller coaster in your kids’ lives. It can be hard to watch our teens face difficulties, insecurities, temptations, and crossroads when they must make big decisions. Unfortunately, there are limits to what we can do for our teens. But fortunately, there are never any limits to what we can PRAY – and what God can do! My friend, Brooke McGlothlin is back with us today to talk about praying for our teen boys. (Though I believe most of this conversation will apply to girls as well.) Brooke is sharing from her new book, “Praying for Teen Boys” which I had the honor of writing the Foreward for! 🥰 Brooke and I open up with some of our favorite #boymom stories, and then we have a very real chat about the teenage years – what has surprised us, and the role of prayer in our own motherhood journey. Brooke shares some of the topics in her new book, including 90 Scripture-based prayers to guide you in praying for your children! This is a special conversation since this podcast was originally “The Boy Mom Podcast” and I go back as a contributing writer for Brooke’s previous ministry, the “MOB (Mother of Boys) Society.” I love this topic and I hope it is a big encouragement to you as well! Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/prayingforteens 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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As we near summertime, we look forward to so many things! Perhaps less stress and more downtime…slowing down, and maybe sleeping in even! Yet, summer is also a great time to work on healthy family habits: Chores, *Character Training, and a daily quiet time with the Lord! I receive a lot of questions about kids and devotions…when did my kids start, what did that look like, and do I have devotionals that I recommend? Today, my oldest son, Josiah, joins me to talk about all of these things. Josiah shares what he remembers about starting off doing devotions as a boy, and he shares some Scriptures that motivate him to spend time with the Lord. We also discuss the role of a devotional to go along with the Bible and prayer each day. And then!...Josiah shares a special announcement about his brand new devotional for teens! It’s called “The Gospel in 30 Days” and he has been working on it over the last couple years. We love how it turned out and believe it is a great devotional for tweens or teens (and even young adults/parents!) Listen to hear more of Josiah’s heart for the new devotional, and head over to show notes to get links and read more! Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/kids-devotions 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! General podcast page: http://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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today I like to imagine I am gathered with all of you moms for a big group hug and some sincere encouragement. I wish you all a happy Mother’s Day (week) and I want you to know how valuable and precious you are as a mom! Today also marks the one-year birthday of my book, “Becoming Homeschoolers”. To celebrate all these things, I decided to read a short excerpt from the book…specifically the part about “How we started” homeschooling. For those of you who homeschool, I hope you are encouraged today. For those of you who don’t homeschool, I think you’ll still enjoy this story. Either way this should help you get to know me a little better. Also, I offer a prayer for ALL of the moms at the end of this episode! Find links to everything I mention, including my viral blog post + podcast: “Five ways to Avoid Mother’s Day Disappointment” in show notes at: http://monicawwanson.com/mothers-day-2025 Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/mothers-day-2025 Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health. I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order! General podcast page: http://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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the final week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, Leanne Benson flips the mic to interview ME to talk about my personal wellness journey. We gathered questions that many of you sent in via email and Instagram, and we’re covering a great range of topics! Leanne opens with a chat about my book, The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends, as Leanne calls it “the last diet book you’ll ever read!” J. Leanne asks how my approach to diet and nutrition has changed over the years, and what my workouts currently look like. I share how the “Thin Cycle” from my book can be applied to our mindset in all areas (including peri/menopause!) Then Leanne goes into rapid fire Q&A’s, asking my thoughts on everything from Infrared lights to collagen, my latest go-to meals, and much more. Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/womens-qanda Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health. I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order! General podcast page: http://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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the fourth week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, Jessica Smartt joins me to chat about women’s fitness; specifically, walking and running…for physical and mental health, in every season! Jessica and I have been online friends for years, but we met IRL (and went running together!) a couple years ago in North Carolina! Since then, we have enjoyed chatting, not just about family, homeschool, and writing, but also about all things fitness! Jessica is a few years younger than I am, so I love that we are in different seasons and approaching our fitness uniquely as we go. In this conversation we cover the benefits of walking vs. running. Jessica shares some of her experience using a blood sugar monitor for a season, and we also chat about weighted vests. (She convinced me I need one! J) I hope you feel like you’re out for a walk (or run! ) with us as you listen. Be sure to get links to mentioned articles and chime in on this conversation over in show notes: Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/walking-running Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health. I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order! General podcast page: http://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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the third week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, my friend and fellow-running enthusiast (as well as running podcaster!) Lindsey Hein joins me for a fun, girlfriend chat about the hot topic of fitness trackers. From the Garmin to Fitbits, Apple Watches, the Oura Ring, and the Whoop, there are a lot of options out there! And today, Lindsey and I are sharing from our own experience using, avoiding, and ultimately finding a happy balance with trackers! Fitness trackers give us a good look at our daily activity, sleep data, and more. They can help women track their cycle, heart rate, and stress levels! Lindsey and I agree that, depending on your health goals, personality, and season in life, fitness trackers can be super helpful. We also agree that they can add stress to our lives or feed obsessive tendencies. While we may not tell you what is right for you, I think this conversation offers some great food for thought! I love that Lindsey shares some of the creative ways she is getting movement into her days (twice a day!) and I take some time to share about my latest minor fitness tracker-obsession: heart rate variability! J I hope you feel like you’re hanging out with us for this convo, and we’d love to hear from you over in show notes. (I’ll also be linking to some of the mentioned articles as well as where you can compare various fitness trackers over there!) Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/fitness-trackers Speaking of obsessing…Are you looking to find peace with your weight and mindset without dieting? Hear my story and find the simple, step-by-step path thousands have followed to find freedom and their best weight in my tiny little book: The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends. (audio version here.) General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Christian Parenting Gift Guide for Moms, Dads, Grads, and 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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How has it taken me so long to get to a topic that I am SO passionate about? I am beyond excited to open up the conversation of kids’ health with my friend, Katie Kimball (of Kitchen Stewardship and Kids Cook Real Food.) Katie is an author, podcaster, and Ted Talk Speaker. She loves to encourage parents to introduce their kids to a wide variety of foods, teach kids about nutrition, and get kids in the kitchen to cook real food! In today’s conversation, Katie shares some eye-opening statistics about the state of health for average American kids, (spoiler alert: It’s not good) but she does not stop there. Katie offers practical advice for how we can turn the tide, fix some bad habits, and raise kids who value nutrition and know how to be a good guest at others’ homes, even if what they’re serving is “not their favorite.” 😉 Katie answers a bunch of questions sent in from my Instagram stories as well. Prepare for a really helpful and practical episode! Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/katie-kimball 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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey Friends! We’re still working our way into this new year (that’s ok, right?) and today I am sharing straight from my honest life about 8 things I’m currently working on to make 2025 the very best year possible. I’m keeping this super real and raw, and hoping you feel like we’re chatting over coffee (or in beach chairs, if you come to my neck of the woods!) The first four our indeed health related (it is New Years after all!) but I also touch on parenting topics (fresh chore charts anyone?) as well as marriage and work habits. I have a feeling everyone can find something in today’s chat to relate to! Find lots of links over in show notes: http://www.monicaswanson.com/8-things 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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy