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

• An Imperfect Path to Faith and Family, with Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family

  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  Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/SWANSON* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/factorpodcastPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• The Attitude Adjustment We All Need, with marriage mentor, Rhonda Stoppe

  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  Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/SWANSON* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/factorpodcastPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Let’s Talk about Kids and Dating, with JP Pokluda

  *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-pokludaGeneral podcast page: www.monicaswanson.com/podcastThe 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 Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/SWANSON* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/factorpodcastPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Four Decisions to Make Marriage Easier, with Arlene Pellicane

  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 Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/SWANSON* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/factorpodcastPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Lessons on Love, Dating, and the Rewards of Waiting, with Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink

  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 Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/SWANSON* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/factorpodcastPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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