HomeWord with Jim Burns
Helping families succeed is what this podcast is all about. Jim Burns interviews some of the world’s leading experts on Strong Marriages - Confident Parenting – Empowered Kids – Healthy Leaders. Each episode brings practical insights, vulnerability, authentic communication and fun! Jim is the President of HomeWord and speaks to thousands of people a year. He has 3 million resources in print in over 20 languages. Jim sees his calling to come alongside parents and marriages and give them hope, healing and practical resources.
Episode 124-Lori Wildenberg: The Messy Journey with Your Adult Children
Has your teen or young adult ever come to you with something you never expected to hear: “I don’t believe in God,” “I’m gay,” or “I’m pregnant”? How do you respond with both grace and truth while navigating the grief of a child making choices you never imagined?
Lori Wildenberg, licensed parent and family educator, speaker, podcast host, and author, joins Dr. Jim Burns to discuss loving a prodigal child. Drawing from her own ongoing journey with her daughter, Lori shares how parents can grieve unmet expectations, find support in the Church, and pursue...
Episode 123-Tony Souder: Leaving a Legacy of Love Between the Generations
What if helping a young person feel connected to the Church begins with someone faithfully praying for them? In this episode, Jim Burns welcomes author, speaker, and Pray for Me Campaign founder Tony Souder to explore how prayer can bring generations together and help young people feel known, supported, and deeply rooted in their church family. They discuss why these relationships matter, how prayer deepens our relationship with God, and how He uses even the hardest seasons to shape us into the image of Christ.
Resources:
Pray For Me Campaign<...Episode 122-Devoted with Jim Burns
How do you stay rooted in faith when life gives you reasons to worry? In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns explores Colossians 4:2 and its invitation to deepen our prayer lives, pay attention to God’s work, and cultivate gratitude—even in difficult seasons. Drawing from his own journey with cancer and an inspiring conversation with Joni Eareckson Tada, Jim reflects on what it means to trust God when circumstances don’t change. He encourages us to slow down, listen for God’s direction, and recognize that thankfulness can coexist with pain. If you’re facing uncertainty or longing...
Episode 121-Cynthia Yanof: Ordinary Moments are Often the Doorways into God’s Biggest Plans for Our Lives
Is God at work in the moments that make you laugh, test your patience, or leave you waiting? In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns welcomes Christian author, speaker, and podcast host Cynthia Yanof for a conversation filled with funny stories and glimpses of God’s faithfulness. Cynthia shares why we need community, what it takes to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation, and how parents can learn to let the small stuff go. She compares marriage to a brisket: when it stalls, you don’t throw it away—you give it more attention. Whether you’re...
Episode 120-Ted Lowe and Peter Larson: Ways to Refresh Your Marriage
What does it take to keep a marriage strong, connected—and actually fun—as the years go by?
Joining Dr. Jim Burns are marriage experts Ted Lowe and Dr. Peter Larson for an honest and practical conversation about building a marriage that lasts. They explore the growing trend of “gray divorce,” why some couples struggle after decades together, and the intentional choices that can help husbands and wives stay connected through every season of life.
Ted and Peter also share practical ways couples can bring more laughter, friendship, and fun back into their relationship. Whether you’ve b...
Episode 119-Alice Benton: Dealing with Anxiety in Your Life and Your Loved Ones
Is anxiety affecting you or someone you love? Did you know anxiety has increased by approximately 30% since the COVID-19 pandemic?
Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Alice Benton shares practical ways to recognize anxiety, challenge the worst-case scenarios it creates, and support loved ones with gentle curiosity rather than quick answers. She explores the neurological difference between spoken and unspoken emotions, why excessive screen time and unhealthy forms of self-medication can intensify anxiety, and how being genuinely heard can help bring relief.
You’ll also discover how Scripture can counter anxious th...
Episode 118-Steve White: Reasons to Get Up Tomorrow Morning: Overcoming the Despair of Another Day
What do you do when you’re exhausted by the thought of waking up and doing it all again? Jim Burns sits down with Steven White—writer, former pastor, nonprofit executive and Christian school superintendent—to explore loneliness, the importance of community, and how trauma can affect the body even when we aren’t consciously aware of it. Steven shares about a season when he lost hope and wondered if God cared about him, and how slowing down and reconnecting with where we are can create space for healing. They also discuss the “mercy of routine”—the simple rhythms that c...
Episode 117-Doing Life with Your Adult Children with Jim Burns
Once your kids have officially “flown the nest”, or even if they are still living at home as young adults, your relationship with them has to change - especially if you want to keep a relationship with them! Listen in on today’s “Just Jim” episode where he breaks down his book, Doing Life with your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out, for some truly sage advice on transitioning your former day-to-day parenting role to one of mentoring and friendship with your adult children.
SNE...
Episode 116-Reconnecting with your Estranged Adult Children with Tina Gilbertson
Did you know that 27% of adults are estranged from at least one family member? In this heartfelt episode, Jim Burns sits down with therapist and author Tina Gilbertson to unpack the many layers of parent–adult child estrangement. They explore the different forms this can take—whether emotional distance, total silence, or an on-again, off-again connection. Tina shares practical do’s and don’ts for reaching out, how to apologize authentically, and why being both direct and loving—with clear boundaries—is essential. The conversation touches on codependency, enmeshment, and how the need for personal space can sometimes be mistaken...
Episode 115-The Five Sex Needs of Men and Women with Dr. Gary and Barbie Rosberg
Husbands, are you aware that your wife has unique sexual needs? Wives, do you recognize that your husband does too? And married couples—are you even talking about it? According to today’s guests, Dr. Gary and Barbie Rosberg, many couples don’t. But open communication and understanding each other’s needs are essential for a satisfying sex life and a thriving marriage. Join Jim as he explores the distinct sexual needs of men and women, drawn from the Rosbergs’ book, The Five Sex Needs of Men and Women. This candid and insightful discussion goes beyon...
Episode 114: The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace with guest Lucille Williams
Raising a strong-willed child can seem like a daily fight that leaves everyone exhausted on the battlefield. How do you parent these feisty little individuals with love while maintaining your sanity? On today’s episode, Jim speaks with author, speaker, and fellow parent of strong-willed kids, Lucille Williams. Tune in as they discuss how your marriage, your discipline choices, and your approach to this parenting journey can result in powerhouse kids who grow up to be incredible adults.
HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/
HomeWord Youtube: https://yo...
Episode 113-Randy Phillips: Helping Your Kids Make Good Choices
How do you raise a child who knows how to say no when the whole world is saying yes? Jim Burns sits down with Randy Phillips, pastor, author, and founding member of the Dove Award-winning group Phillips, Craig, and Dean, to talk about his children's book Guppy and the Silvery Hook and the heart behind it. From the power of storytelling to practical strategies for setting boundaries and choosing the right friends, this conversation gives parents and grandparents the tools to raise kids who are equipped to make wise choices.
Resources:
● Guppy and the Si...
Episode 112-Doug Fields: A Good Marriage is a C.A.K.E. Walk?
Great marriages don't happen by accident; they're built through intentional habits practiced daily. Jim Burns and Doug Fields return to share the C.A.K.E. framework: Curiosity, Ask Questions, Keep Digging, and Express Empathy, a practical roadmap for couples who want to move beyond assumptions and surface-level communication to genuine connection. If you want a marriage that keeps growing instead of drifting, this conversation gives you the tools to make that happen.
Resources:
● A Better Us by Doug and Cathy Fields
● Download Youth Ministry
● Refreshing Your Marriage Conference
● HomeW...
Episode 111-Getting Ready for Marriage with Doug Fields
Most couples spend months planning the perfect wedding, but how much time are they actually spending preparing for the marriage itself? In this episode, Jim Burns and Doug Fields, co-authors of Getting Ready for Marriage, discuss what truly builds a lasting relationship; from creating a shared vision for your future, to navigating finances, technology, and the busyness that quietly crowds out connection. If you're engaged, newly married, or simply want to build a stronger foundation with your spouse, this conversation is a practical and encouraging place to start.
Resources:
● Getting Ready for Marriage by Jim...
Episode 110-Kristen Jenson: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids
In a world where pornography is only a click away, protecting our children requires intentional conversations before exposure happens. Joining Dr. Jim Burns on this episode is Kristen Jenson, best-selling author and founder of Defend Young Minds, as she shares the personal journey that led her to advocate for protecting children from pornography. Kristen reveals the alarming impact pornography can have on young minds, including how it shapes unhealthy beliefs about sex, relationships, and self-worth. Together, she and Jim discuss why early conversations with children matter and offer practical guidance for parents navigating this difficult topic. This...
Episode 109-Hope in the Darkness with Robbie Frawley and Dave Durbin
Sometimes God's greatest work begins in our deepest pain. In this episode, Jim Burns sits down with Robbie Frawley, CEO of UCB Ireland and radio broadcaster, and Dave Durbin, U.S. Ambassador for UCB Ireland and leader of the annual Christian Heritage Tour. Robbie shares his journey through profound loss, including the death of his mother at a young age and later the heartbreaking loss of two children, revealing the questions, doubts, and anger he wrestled with along the way. Together, they discuss how God meets us in our pain, why it's okay to bring our hardest questions...
Episode 108-Combating Passivity in Fatherhood with Brad Flurry
What does it take to be a dad who leads with integrity, humility, and purpose? In this episode of HomeWord, Jim Burns sits down with Brad Flurry—retired Marine and Executive Pastor at Kingsland Baptist Church—to share how God redeemed his own story of growing up with an abusive and absent father and shaped his passion for helping dads lead their families well. Brad offers practical wisdom on loving your spouse first, blessing your children the way God blesses us, and becoming a “yes” dad who leads with intention rather than passivity. Together, they exp...
Episode 107-Tim Timmons: Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief and Gratitude
Maybe the greatest lessons are learned in life's hardest seasons. Tim Timmons is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, worship leader, author, and founder of 10,000 MINUTES whose music and ministry have been shaped by living with incurable cancer for more than two decades. In this conversation with Jim Burns, Tim shares how embracing each day as a gift from God has transformed the way he approaches faith, suffering, and purpose. Together, they explore surrender, contentment, the importance of Christian community, and why following Jesus happens in the 10,000 minutes of everyday life—not just on Sunday mornings.
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Episode 106-Steve Otey: Transforming How Families Think About Smartphones
When is the right time to give your child a smartphone—and what are the risks of giving one too soon? In this episode, Dr. Burns sits down with Steve Otey to discuss smartphone readiness, family technology boundaries, and why many experts encourage parents to delay smartphones as long as possible. They also examine the growing concerns over social media's addictive features and the lawsuits surrounding their impact on children's mental and emotional health. Most importantly, they explore how parents can use technology decisions as opportunities to shape their children's hearts and strengthen family relationships.
Resources:...
Episode 105-Building a Strong Spiritual Intimacy in Your Marriage with Brad and Heidi Mitchell
What happens when a marriage is rebuilt from deep betrayal—and prayer becomes the turning point that changes everything? In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns welcomes Brad and Heidi Mitchell, founders of Build Your Marriage, for a conversation on restoring broken relationships and building Christ-centered marriages. They share their story of healing after deep brokenness and betrayal, and how God rebuilt trust and connection in their relationship. The conversation highlights the power of spiritual intimacy through praying together and inviting God into the center of marriage. They also speak to couples in spiritually mismatched ma...
Episode 104-Finding the Love You Didn't Receive: Your Journey from Broken to Blessed with John Trent and Kari Trent Stageberg
On this week’s episode of HomeWord, Jim Burns welcomes special guests John Trent and his daughter, Kari Trent Stageberg, to discuss their powerful new book, Your Journey from Broken to Blessed. Together, they share personal stories of pain, struggle, and redemption, offering a heartfelt reminder that no family is perfect and no season of brokenness is beyond God’s healing touch. Through honest conversation and biblical encouragement, John and Kari reveal how Christ can bring restoration, hope, and blessing even through life’s deepest challenges. This inspiring episode will encourage listeners to trust God’s...
Episode 103-When Your Adult Child Strays with Paige Clingenpeel
As children grow into adults, parenting can bring unexpected heartache, distance, and difficult questions. Joining Dr. Jim Burns is licensed teen therapist, wife, and mom of four, Paige Clingenpeel, for a conversation about Jim’s new book, When Your Adult Child Strays: Trading Heartache for Hope. Together, they discuss why many young adults are walking away from their faith, how parents can set healthy boundaries while continuing to build connection, and practical ways to mend strained relationships. If your adult child has strayed, this episode is a reminder that the story isn’t over—and th...
Episode 102-Trading Heartache for Hope: When Your Adult Child Strays…Just Jim
“What do you do when the child you raised chooses a completely different path?”
Join Jim Burns as he discusses his new book, When Your Adult Child Strays. When adult children walk away from the values, faith, and commitments they were raised with, parents can be left feeling confused, heartbroken, and unsure of what to do next. In this episode, Jim offers compassionate guidance for parents navigating differences around faith, church, politics, sexuality, addiction, and more—helping them respond with wisdom, healthy boundaries, and lasting hope.
Listen...
Episode 101-Building a Financial Life with Purpose with John Coleman
Money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the mindset behind how we earn, spend, and give. In this episode, Dr. Burns sits down with John Coleman—investor, author, and speaker—to unpack how our beliefs about money shape our marriages, our kids, and our future. They explore the difference between good and bad debt, how to raise financially wise children, and why chasing wealth without purpose can quietly tear families apart. John shares practical wisdom on investing, generosity, and what a truly biblical view of retirement looks like. You don’t want to miss this episode!
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Episode 100-The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half with Dr. Kerry Burnight
No matter your age, this episode offers practical insight for thriving in the second half of life. Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Kerry Burnight, a leading gerontologist and expert dedicated to improving how we experience aging. Together, they unpack why a joy-filled mindset—not circumstances—is the key to aging well, and how joy can exist even when life is hard. Kerry shares “The Core Four” for longevity—Grow, Connect, Adapt, Give. If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to grow or change, this conversation will challenge that lie and remind you that what you have to of...
Episode 99-Blended and Blessed: Building Unity and Healing Through the Beatitudes with Inés Franklin
Your biggest mistakes don’t disqualify you—they often become the very place where God shows His mercy. In this episode, Inés Franklin joins Dr. Jim Burns. She shares her powerful story of brokenness, hard choices, and the moment God revealed His redemptive nature in a way that changed everything. She opens up about facing her past with honesty, navigating the challenges of blending families, and discovering that true healing comes when truth and mercy meet. Together, they unpack what mercy really looks like—and why it’s not about perfection, but a lifelong journey toward wholeness with God...
Episode 98-Dr. Mark Mayfield: Lessons on Mental and Emotional Health
*This episode contains adult themes that are not suitable for children.
What if the most powerful way to help your child through mental health struggles isn’t fixing them—but learning how to truly see, hear, and walk with them toward healing? Joining Jim Burns today is Mark Mayfield—licensed professional counselor, author, and professor—for a timely and honest conversation on parenting and mental health. He shares how parents can support children who are struggling, highlighting the critical difference between reacting and responding. Together, they dive into addiction—from social media to deeper dependenci...
Episode 97-Help! I’m Ruining My Kids with Abbey Wedgeworth
Why are so many parents today overwhelmed, overstimulated, and quietly carrying shame? Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Abbey Wedgeworth—wife, mom, Bible teacher, and author—for a powerful conversation on breaking free from parental shame and returning to the truth of the Gospel. Abbey shares how shame pulls us away from God, while conviction gently invites us back—and why comparison is stealing joy from so many families. Together, they offer practical, faith-centered steps to parent with intention, humility, and hope. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough, this episode will remind you where true...
Episode 96-The Burning Heart Adventure with Becky Tirabassi
*Today’s episode contains adult themes that are not suitable for children.
What if one divine encounter could completely change the direction of your life? Today, Becky Tirabassi joins Dr. Jim Burns for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about redemption, identity, and the life-changing power of a relationship with God. From a past marked by addiction, sexual impurity, brokenness, and searching, Becky shares how a simple moment—through an unexpected messenger—led her to true freedom, forgiveness, and lasting transformation. She opens up about the daily rhythms that sustained her sobriety and shaped her calling, and ho...
Episode 95-The Marriage Game Plan with George and Tondra Gregory
Do you have a game plan for your marriage? Jim Burns welcomes George and Tondra Gregory—marriage coaches and chaplains for the LA Chargers—who are passionate about helping couples build strong, Christ-centered relationships through practical tools and faith-based wisdom. In this episode, they unpack what it looks like to create a marriage game plan, why being proactive matters, and how returning to the basics can transform your relationship. You’ll learn how to embrace differences, build lasting trust, and develop a growth mindset that helps you navigate challenges together. No matter where you are in your journey, it’s n...
Episode 94-Faith, Doubt and God’s Mysterious Timing with Laurie Short
Have you ever wondered what God is doing in your life—especially when you can’t feel His presence? In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Laurie Short who shares her personal journey through singleness, disappointment, and learning to trust God’s timing even when the path didn’t look the way she expected. She reflects on how God often opens doors we weren’t looking for and how those unexpected paths can lead exactly where we need to go. Together, they talk about discovering God in the middle of life’s mess and what it practically...
Episode 93-Helping Grandparents Have a Great Impact on Their Grandchildren with Larry Fowler
Distance, family tension, and spiritual differences can make grandparenting hard—but they don’t have to stop your impact. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Larry Fowler, founder of the Legacy Coalition, to discuss the powerful role grandparents can play in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. Drawing from his book Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers, Larry shares the three major challenges many grandparents face—geographic, relational, and spiritual—and how to navigate them with wisdom and grace. Together they explore the biblical call to intentionally disciple the next generation and why grandparents are a vi...
Episode 92-What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God with Tanita Maddox
What if Gen Z needs to hear one truth more than anything else: You are loved for who you are, not what you do. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Tanita Tualla Maddox of Young Life to explore what Gen Z is really asking about God—and what the research is revealing about their faith. From digital connection and mental health to shifting definitions of acceptance, they unpack the seven biggest spiritual questions shaping this generation. Tanita challenges the Church to consider whether we’re truly forming young people, not just welcoming them, while Jim...
Episode 91-The Love Language That Matters Most with Dr. Gary Chapman
Are you feeling disconnected in your marriage? In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Gary Chapman, bestselling author of The Five Love Languages, to unpack why people who genuinely care for each other still feel emotionally distant. Dr. Chapman explains the concept of the emotional “love tank” and how unmet needs—not lack of effort—often drive frustration in families. They talk about the power of intentional listening, asking meaningful questions, and learning how each person uniquely receives love. He walks through the five love languages and why assuming others feel loved th...
Episode 90-"I Choose Love" with Chip Ingram
What does it actually mean to live a life of humility in a culture that constantly points us back to ourselves? Dr. Jim Burns is joined by author and teaching pastor Chip Ingram for a thoughtful conversation on how Scripture defines greatness through service rather than status. Chip explains why love is more than a feeling—it’s a deliberate choice to give, serve, and sacrifice, even when it’s costly. He shares practical ways to shift from inward-focused living to daily acts that cultivate humility and care for others. This episode invites listeners to see people through the sa...
Episode 89-How to Love (and Like) Your Spouse for Life with Arlene Pellicane
Marriage isn’t meant to be frictionless—but it is meant to be transformative. Arlene Pellicane joins Dr. Jim Burns to unpack the growing pains of marriage, why the hard seasons can actually make it good, and how relying on the Holy Spirit softens hearts when conflict hits. They explore why communication breakdowns derail most marriages and how shifting from a “serve me” mindset to Christ-like service changes everything. In a culture that treats marriage as disposable, this conversation reframes it as a profound blessing—and a refining gift worth fighting for.
Resou...
Episode 88-Faith, Work, Tech and Family with Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor—co-founder of Faith, Work & Tech and director of Unify—joins the conversation to unpack how AI is reshaping families, education, and vocation. With a background in engineering from Stanford, a master’s in theology, and nearly two decades of pastoral ministry, Paul offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on technology that’s now “as ubiquitous as electricity.” He challenges families to think carefully about their children using AI and shares practical wisdom for letting technology help without letting it replace formation. Paul also introduces the idea of “vocational disintegration,” where faith and work live in separate compartments—and why that divid...
Episode 87-Good News for Parents with Adam Griffin
Your kids don’t need a perfect parent—just a parent who knows how to follow a perfect God. Dr. Jim Burns is joined by pastor, author, and podcast host Adam Griffin for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the real pressures parents face today. Adam gently dismantles the myth of perfect parenting, reminding us that guilt, shame, and anxiety are not the fruit of walking with God. Instead, our children need to see imperfect parents who model repentance, grace, and trust in a perfect God. This episode offers biblical counsel for releasing performance-driven parenting and embracing joy—even i...
Episode 86-One Choice Away from Change with Justin and Trisha Davis
What happens when a marriage looks successful on the outside—but is quietly unraveling behind the scenes? Justin and Trisha Davis, authors, speakers, and founders of Refine Us Ministries, join Dr. Jim Burns to share the raw story of how their marriage nearly ended after ten years—and how God brought real restoration. They open up about pouring everything into ministry while neglecting each other, the devastating impact of an affair, and the courageous choices that led to healing. This conversation dives deep into breaking destructive cycles and the power of confession. With honesty, humility, and hope, Justin and...
Episode 85-Surrendered Sexuality with Juli Slattery
*Listener discretion is advised: This episode contains discussions of adult themes.
If parents are silent about sex and sexuality, their children will be discipled by the culture. On this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Juli Slattery joins Dr. Jim Burns to talk about how parents can intentionally disciple their kids in biblical sexuality rather than simply providing sex education. Dr. Slattery—wife, mom, clinical psychologist, author, and speaker—explains why Scripture is not silent on sexuality and why parents shouldn’t be either. She unpacks the difference between education and discipleship, introd...
