Unlikely Housewives | Christian Motherhood, Marriage, Parenting, Jesus Followers, Women’s Health, Children’s Mental Health, Freedom, Authentic, Conservative, Traditional Values, Community, & Education

Chapters (00:00) - Breaking Free From Legalism and Shame (05:21) - Genetic Hearing Loss and Faith (11:07) - Unplanned Pregnancy and God's Guidance (15:41) - Finding Purpose After Unexpected Pregnancy (26:00) - Unexpected Love Story and Relocation (37:15) - Journey to Freedom and Redemption (44:32) - Sharing Gratitude and Book Promotion Podcast Summary

What if the path to freedom begins with breaking free from the chains of legalism and shame? In our latest episode, we have the privilege of featuring Desiree, a remarkable woman whose life's narrative is nothing short of inspiring. She opens up about her early life shaped by a restrictive church environment and...

Chapters (00:01) - Navigating Faith and Family as Christians (12:38) - Supporting LGBTQ Children in Faith (28:56) - Navigating Church and Family Acceptance (37:45) - Spiritual Growth Beyond Church Walls (43:04) - Parenting and Supporting LGBTQ Children (52:46) - Finding Joy and Redemption in Faith Podcast Summary

What happens when faith and family intersect with the complex journey of having an LGBTQ child? Join us as we welcome Kim, a dedicated advocate for Christian parents, who shares her personal story and the heartfelt motivation behind her creation, Pride and Promises. Kim's experience of her son coming out as gay within a church community unprepared to...

Chapters

(01:17) Jen's Story 

(12:46) Unexpected Pregnancy at 19 

(19:40) Lessons on Empathy and Judgement

(29:11) Overcoming Shame and Silence

(37:09) Ministry of Love and Support

(43:59) Embracing Freedom Through Vulnerability

(49:41) Finding Worth and Redemption Through God

As a teenager, Jen Thompson made a choice that would shadow her for years, but her journey through faith and redemption has been nothing short of transformative. In this episode, Jen opens her heart about her teenage abortion and how the love of Jesus has been a constant source of healing. We dig in...

Chapters (00:00) - Unlikely Housewives Embrace Absolute Surrender (05:21) - Power of Absolute Surrender in Faith

(09:51) - Exploring Religion With Parents

(14:23) - Journey Through Faith and Marriage

(19:46) - Staying All in Through Hard Times

What happens when absolute surrender becomes the cornerstone of your faith journey? Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we welcome Cathy Garland, co-author of "Revelationship: Transformative Intimacy with Christ," who shares her incredible story of faith, resilience, and transformation. Growing up as a pastor's child, Cathy faced the complexities...

Chapters

(00:00) - Raising a Transgender Child

(08:15) - Navigating Faith and Family Challenges

(19:50) - Cultivating a Deeper Relationship With Jesus

(27:39) - Reviving the Power of the Church

(31:44) - Counting the Cost for Eternity

(38:20) - Restoring Hope Through Community

(47:06) - Embracing Joy and Faith

What happens when your faith is put to the ultimate test? Listen in to this inspiring journey of Debra Mcninch, a devoted mother whose world was irrevocably changed when her eldest child came out as transgender. Despite her deep Christian roots...

Chapters

(02:32) Breaking the Silence 

(06:57) Turning Hardships Into Ministries 

Podcast Summary

Ever found yourself silently screaming for someone to understand your struggles, only to be met with judgment or unsolicited advice? You Are Not Alone. We are back with a new series, welcoming you into a space where those whispered fears and unspoken challenges are finally given a voice. This trailer episode sets the stage for a transformative journey, with a focus on tackling the cultural myths that keep us shackled in shame and isolation. With humor and authenticity as our guide, we...

Chapters

(00:04) - Empowering Housewives Through Hormone Therapy

(12:11) - The Evolution of Hormone Therapy

(20:42) - Women's Health

(31:22) - Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

(36:51) - Advocating for Women's Health Options

Dr. Kathy Gaumer, MD, FACOG, Medical Director and Shelby Campbell APRN, FNP-C, a dedicated family nurse practitioner, bring their expertise to our discussion on the life-changing potential of hormone therapy. Our conversation offers a fresh perspective on menopause management, dismantling the myths and outdated fears that have long surrounded hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We explore Tracy's courageous journey from...

Chapters

(00:04) - Rest and Encouragement for Moms

(09:38) - Rest and Healing for Anxious Moms

(22:51) - Journey Out of Anxiety Forest

(36:36) - Embracing God's Presence in Motherhood

Join us as we welcome Becky Thompson, USA Today bestselling author and founder of the Midnight Mom devotional online community, to our latest episode. With Mother's Day on the horizon, we focus on the often-overlooked need for genuine rest among mothers. Becky shares her personal journey of life in Oklahoma with her husband and three children, her prolific writing career, and her growing...

Chapters

(00:04) - Parenting Teens With Practical Strategies

(11:23) - Effective Communication With Teenagers

(16:36) - Improving Parent-Child Relationships Through Communication

(31:24) - Parenting Through Understanding and Connection

Unlock the secrets to becoming the go-to person your teenager trusts and confides in with insights from Jeanine Mouchawar, an experienced parenting coach. We promise you’ll gain practical strategies to handle the challenging teenage years, reduce conflicts, and cultivate a calm, nurturing atmosphere where your children can thrive. Drawing from her own experiences of raising three children through the tumultuous teen years, including those wi...

Chapters

(00:04) - Birth Order Stereotypes

(11:40) - Sibling Stereotypes and Personalities

(18:32) - Childhood Camp Memories and Parental Influence

(28:25) - Family Dynamics and Parenting Perspectives

Growing up as an only child, Tori often wondered what it would be like to have siblings, yet grew fond of her independence. Meanwhile, Tracy, a mother of four, navigates the bustling world of sibling dynamics firsthand. This episode invites you into our personal stories as we explore the stereotypes tied to birth order and their impact on personalities and family roles. Whether you're the responsible...

Chapters

(00:10) - Return to Jesus

(14:45) - Letting Go and Embracing Change

(20:00) - Navigating Teen Years and Isolation

(29:40) - Navigating Teen Years and Motherhood

(44:57) - Finding Rhythm in Parenting Chaos

(56:50) - Navigating Teenage Isolation in Parenthood

Picture this: you're frazzled from juggling life as a parent when you suddenly realize you're out and about... in your bedroom slippers. We've all been there, right? Join us as we sit down with the delightful Jen Thompson, the mom behind the popular blog Truly Yours, Jen, who shares her...

Chapters

(00:19) - Exploring Concepts of Freedom and Faith

(16:05) - Understanding Freedom in Christ

(23:26) - Finding Freedom in Faith and Healing

(34:23) - Discovering True Freedom in Christ

Join us as we embark on a lively and unscripted exploration of freedom, both culturally and personally. With a humorous nod to the American flag sweater one of us happened to wear, we kick off the conversation by pondering the various dimensions of freedom. From the political and constitutional angles to the spiritual liberation found in our faith journeys, we invite you to...

Chapters

(01:57) Exploring Love Languages 

(12:00) Exploring Love Languages Through Online Test 

(14:58) Love Language and Relationship Fulfillment 

(28:42) Gift of Answered Prayer 

(31:05) Understanding Love Languages for Better Relationships 

(37:47) Unconditional, Meaningful Love in Relationships 

Remember the first time you realized your spouse just didn't get you? That aha moment when you discovered love languages could have been the game-changer for your relationship. In our latest episode, we share the laughter and lessons we've learned from trying to involve our husbands in this journey of understanding and communication. Initia...

We are thrilled to welcome back our special guest, Ken Valentine, a retired Secret Service agent and author of his 2nd book. Ken shares fascinating insights from his distinguished career on the presidential protective division, serving Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. We highlight Ken's new book, “Staying Sharp,” which celebrates themes of faith, family, and service.

We reintroduce you to “Cheating Death” which was Ken’s first book about transforming his personal letters which blends life advice from a Christian perspective with stories from his 24-year career in the Secret Service. His most recent book, "Staying Sharp," is structu...

Chapters

(00:04) - Uncovering our Spiritual Gifts

(11:36) - Identifying Spiritual Gifts Through Conversation

(36:11) - Discovering Spiritual Gifts Through Everyday Interactions

(42:42) - Guidance in Spiritual Gifts

(47:30) - Deepening Faith Through Challenging Conversations

(01:01:48) - Navigating Spiritual Gifts and Callings

Join us as we explore the often overlooked yet essential topic of spiritual gifts among believers. In our conversation, we share personal stories of discovering our own spiritual gifts, initially through church activities such as marriage retreats and Bible studies. We discuss the importance of approaching these gifts with...

Chapters

(00:02) - Snow Day Chaos and Survival

(14:44) - Family Vacation Planning Philosophies

(22:25) - A Mother's Political Sightseeing Vacation

(35:17) - Vacation Planning and Self-Awareness

Join us friends, as we share the crazy world of snow days and family vacations in this hilariously relatable episode. Picture this: it's a frosty winter morning, snowflakes are piling up, schools are closed, and parents are frantically trying to keep their sanity intact. We explore the chaotic beauty of snow days, where routines are thrown out the window, and creativity is put to the ultimate...

Chapters

(00:21) - Phones and Social Media Impact

(11:18) - Evolution of Communication Technology

(18:20) - Generational Differences in Phone Usage

(27:52) - Parenting in the Digital Age

(37:38) - Navigating Parenting Challenges With Grace

(41:22) - Screen Time and Phone Impact

What if the very devices meant to connect us are the ones driving us apart? Join us as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of phones and social media, guided by insights from the popular book "The Anxious Generation" by John Haidt.  (https://a.co/d/9P1UuX8) Reminisce with u...

Are we crazy or just normal pet parents? Join us for a laughter-filled episode as we recount the delightful and sometimes absurd adventures of pet ownership. From dressing our dogs in sweaters to giving our cats their own narrators, we share the quirky stories that make life with pets an unforgettable experience. Whether it's growing up on a farm or welcoming pets into our marriages, we explore how our pasts shaped our enduring love for furry companions.

Real and hilarious, yet our conversations take an emotional turn as we discuss the trials and triumphs of caring for...

Chapters

(00:13) - Navigating Friendship Dynamics

(16:30) - Social Media Impact on Relationships

(28:33) - Navigating Private Family Challenges

Can friendships survive the digital age, or are we losing genuine connection in favor of likes and comments? Join us for a heartwarming and humorous conversation of how meaningful connections shape personal growth. We share similar yet differing perspectives with the scripture of "iron sharpening iron," examining how diverse personalities approach relationships, and we uncover the unique ways everyone seeks validation and support. Learn how love languages color our interactions and why finding the right...

Chapters

(00:00) - DC Adventure and Inauguration Recap

(16:35) - Navigating Trump Rally Chaos

(25:21) - More DC Adventures and Conference Recap

(38:29) - Nonprofit Collaboration Challenges and Transition

(43:28) - Faith, Obedience, and Adventure

Join us for an exciting episode as Tori shares the thrilling adventures and unique experiences from a spontaneous trip to Washington, DC. Tori takes us through her solo journey, originally centered around attending the Life or Death conference hosted by the White Rose organization. Coinciding with the presidential inauguration, she shares her unexpected success in securing a...

Chapters 

(03:21) Snoring Woes and Pet Noises 

(14:30) Modern Distractions and Exhaustion

(21:49) Rest and Intentionality in Daily Life

What happens when life's little interruptions, like a sick child or a surprise snow day, throw off your podcasting groove? Tune in as we share a candid, light-hearted chat about these chaotic moments and more. Amidst the snores of pets and partners, we find humor in the unpredictability of daily life, discovering joy in the disarray. Our conversation then takes a thoughtful turn as we ponder the concept of rest, inspired by a sermon from Pa...

  Chapters

(00:03) - Snow Day Adventures With Kids

(09:16) - Winter Weather Chaos and Preparation

(20:53) - Winter Storm Commiseration and Plans

Podcast Summary

Who knew a snow day could be so full of chaos and comedy? Picture this: a Jeep helplessly stuck in a snowy Kansas City blizzard while kids turn a snow-covered backyard into a playground and our pets snore by the fireplace. Our past snowy escapades in Dallas, Baltimore, and Chicago fuel our laughter as we reminisce about our own childhood snow days contrasted with today’s tech-loving kids yearning for soc...

Chapters

(00:04) - Journey to Finding Peace

(04:46) - Embracing Grace Through Life's Challenges

(19:59) - Navigating Marriage Through Communication

Join us on an enlightening journey as we explore the profound differences between contentment and peace, and how they show up in our lives. We share personal reflections on how peace, despite life's inevitable challenges, can bring about a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. Tracy opens up about her past year, marked by family trials and health issues, yet discovers an unprecedented peace through a closer relationship with God. We hope this would...

Chapters

(00:12) - The Joy of Traveling Alone

(09:01) - Challenges and Experiences of Solo Travel

(20:01) - The Power of Solitude

Take the trip…Alone!  Have you ever traveled by yourself or even considered it?  We are here to encourage you to jump out of your comfort zone and go explore whatever, wherever you want, at your own pace! Embark on a journey of self-discovery and adventure as we unravel the surprising joys and challenges of solo travel. Ever wondered what makes traveling alone so transformative, or why some people never experience it? We p...

Chapters

(00:04) - New Year Reflections and Merch Launch

(09:10) - Setting Realistic Intentions for the Year

(17:28) Scheduling Quality Time for Kids (31 Seconds)

(20:26) - Family Dynamics and Eventful Pet Stories

(25:54) - Family Values and Organization Tips

(35:45) - Living With Intention and Confidence

Ever wondered how to juggle family chaos while setting realistic intentions for the new year? Join us for a cozy chat as we explore the rollercoaster of everyday life, from sipping our reheated coffee in our high-waisted yoga pants to celebrating personal milestones with a...

Chapter Timestamps (00:04) Introducing The Healing Mama  (14:32) Effective Parenting Strategies and Tools (23:41) Navigating the Challenges of Parenthood (27:55) Parenting Philosophy and Discipline Methods (35:12) Lessons in Parenting and Faith Podcast Summary

Having once envisioned a future in exercise science and healthcare, Danni Bonsingore found herself unexpectedly stepping into the world of motherhood and podcasting—a journey she never anticipated but one that led to profound personal growth. Danni is the host of the Healing Mama Podcast and her story is a powerful reminder that life's twists often lead us to discover our true calling.  Through her heartfelt journey, you'll learn how embracing chan...

Chapters

(04:08) The Bible Recap and disconnecting from Social Media 

(12:55) Using Bible App for Audio Devotionals

(15:54) Join us for a Bible Study Accountability Group

(16:49) Prioritizing Time and Commitment

(20:43) Social Media Addiction and Bible Study

(25:38) Faith Growth Through Challenges

(28:00) Trusting God and Finding Peace

(33:25) Starting a Bible Plan Anytime

In this inspiring episode, Tracy shares her personal experience of reading through the Bible in a year with the support of The Bible Recap and other resources. Discover how this fresh approach to scripture t...

Ever wondered how a podcast makes it to 100 episodes, overcoming the notorious "pod fade"? In our centennial celebration, we share our rollercoaster journey of laughter, tears, and relentless determination that kept us going. Discover how listener feedback shaped our evolution into exploring more authentic topics and why we chose to keep some parts of our lives private. Raise a glass with us as we hint at some bubbly to toast the incredible ride and amazing guests who've perfectly aligned with our mission and audience interests.

Join us as we open up about the challenges and triumphs of...

Chapters

(00:15) - Understanding Anxiety in Children

(06:29) - Recognizing Anxiety in Children

(14:04) - Navigating Childhood Anxiety and Parental Guilt

(21:20) - Parental Self-Care and Child Therapy

(28:33) - Supporting Childhood Anxiety Through Therapy

(39:23) - Parenting, Emotions, and Therapies

Join us in an engaging conversation with Bryce Hamilton, a licensed specialist clinical social worker and child and family therapist, as we explore the intricacies of anxiety in children. Bryce shares her journey of co-creating the "Accidental Experts" podcast with her best friend, a pediatrician, aiming to provide...

(00:00) - Boys' Fight Club Support Group

(11:19) - Teen Boys Support Group Format

(16:53) - Building Trust Through Boys' Support Group

(25:45) - Youth Support Group Discussion Format

(29:58) - Youth Support Group Expansion Plans

(37:13) - Father-Son Spiritual Connection and Growth

(47:10) - Social Media and Teen Mental Health

Join us as we explore the powerful and transformative concept of the Fight Club, a peer support group created for young men to navigate the spiritual and social challenges they face in today's world. This unique i...

Join us as we welcome Ken Valentine, a retired Secret Service agent, who shares his remarkable journey and insights from his book, "Cheating Death." Ken offers a glimpse into his extraordinary life, having protected Presidents of the United States and high-profile dignitaries while maintaining a steadfast dedication to his faith and family. Through his heartfelt stories, listeners will discover the serendipitous events that led to his connection with us and learn about the impactful letters he wrote to his children during his extensive travels, emphasizing the importance of faith and legacy.

(01:58) Cheating Death Book Recommendation 

Join us as we welcome Elizabeth Urbanowicz, an inspiring advocate for instilling a biblical worldview in children. Elizabeth shares her remarkable journey from teaching in a Christian school to founding Foundation Worldview, an organization dedicated to equipping children with critical thinking skills grounded in Christian teachings. Through her experience, Elizabeth noticed a gap between children's knowledge of Bible stories and their real-world application. Her solution? An after-school class designed to help young students critically evaluate ideas through a biblical lens, sparking curiosity and engagement that even caught the attention of parents eager for guidance on nurturing similar discussions at...

Remember the days when political talk was taboo at the dinner table? Now, we're changing the game by engaging our kids in these crucial discussions, fostering civic-mindedness from an early age. Join us as we discuss with the whirlwind of emotions following Donald Trump's recent electoral victory. Whether you're celebrating or grieving, we focus on the enduring power of faith and the comfort it brings, reminding ourselves that God, the Alpha and Omega, has a hand in all things. In this episode, we explore how spirituality can be a guiding light through personal and political turmoils, urging you to...

Our friend, Kori, has navigated through her own journey of co-parenting post-divorce, and she is willing to share the emotional challenges and unexpected hurdles that arise in this new territory. In our latest episode, Kori, who is also a renowned parent consultant and podcaster, shares her personal experiences and invaluable insights into co-parenting dynamics. Together, we confront the stereotype of contentious breakups and highlight the profound impact of empathy, patience, and understanding in fostering a healthier environment for both parents and children.

Throughout our conversation, we explore with Kori the delicate balance of setting boundaries while maintaining...

Join us as we welcome Danny Zeck, a respected community member and public servant from Leavenworth, Kansas who shares his wealth of experience on the local and state level school boards. Together, we explore Danny's background, his journey with the Leavenworth Unified School District, and his current role on the Kansas State Board of Education. Listen in as we navigate the wavering of trust within our local school systems, particularly focusing on changes in curriculum oversight and the rise of social-emotional learning since 2012. We also reflect on the shift in parental trust in education around 2020, as eyes were opened...

How does one untangle the web of narcissistic traits and break free from their often unseen grip? Join us as Barbara Beck, an experienced therapist and counselor, sheds light on the complexities of narcissism. Barbara, drawing from her personal encounters with narcissism in her own life, provides invaluable insights into recognizing these behaviors without prematurely labeling individuals. Her journey offers a unique lens on the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating such challenging dynamics.

The psychological and physical toll of living with a narcissistic partner can be overwhelming, yet escaping this toxic cycle is possible. We...

As the co-hosts of Unlikely Housewives, we decided to wade into some uncharted waters that we find ourselves navigating through today. Opening in prayer, we set the stage for a candid discussion about the weight of our roles as citizens and believers in a world that often feels unsettling. Our dear friend Suzanne joins us to reflect on how recent years, particularly the recent pandemic, have shifted our perspectives. We acknowledge the importance of being vigilant and responsive to the spiritual unease we sometimes feel, encouraging our listeners to question how their hearts align with the Lord amidst the...

Join us on an inspiring journey with Joe Evermore, a passionate climbing enthusiast and father of an adventurous family. In our conversation, Joe shares the meaningful middle names of his children—Sam Adventure, Sylvan Lightyear, and Joey Danger—revealing the profound stories and faith behind each choice. We also learn about the family's decision to change their last name from Baker to Evermore, and the heart-wrenching yet deeply moving story of their daughter Ember Moonlight, whose brief life taught them about love and resilience in the face of adversity.

Listen in as we discuss the unique approach Joe...

Motherhood, Friendships & Breaking Free from Social Media

Welcome back to season four of the Unlikely Housewives! We're thrilled to celebrate this milestone with both our returning listeners and newcomers. Join us as we embrace the chaos and humor of motherhood. In this episode, we discuss the ongoing transformation that comes with family life, accepting that we are not who we used to be, and that's perfectly okay. We share our experiences adjusting to the new school year, managing multiple children's activities, and the decisions we both made to leave the social media world behind us.

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Season three has drawn to a close: we've all grown a little wiser, laughed a bit harder, and found new strength in our faith. This season was a heartfelt journey, touching the hearts of moms and marriages with stories of hope and humor. This season featured conversations with guests like Libby Davis on the dangers of fentanyl, Jodi Maddox on the intricacies of parent coaching, and the wisdom-laden duo, Jill and Mark Savage on nurturing marriages. Each episode is a testament to the fact that, no matter the struggle, none of us are navigating this journey alone.

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