Inspiring Boys to “Run Toward the Roar” with Levi Lusko

Levi Lusko, Pastor, best-selling author, husband, and Dad -- joins us to chat about his heart for tackling real issues kids face with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity.  Pastor Levi’s newly released children’s devotional, Roar Like a Lion, helps parents open up conversations and bring Biblical truth into relevant topics including peer pressure and bullying, faith, fears, friendships, and finding the courage to try new things.

 

Levi and I about his family’s healing process after one of his young daughter’s went to heaven, and how in God’s mysterious way that opened the door for he and his wife to have their first son. He shares about how much he loves to bring the Bible to life for his kids and how that led to writing his first kids’ devotional.  At the end I got to ask Pastor Levi a few Dad/Pastor questions, and I loved how he responded.  Find links and show notes at…


God has Good Plans for You, with Megan Fate Marshman

When life is difficult, it can be hard to believe that God is for you – that He is truly working all things together for your good. If you have ever wrestled with these thoughts, then this interview with Megan Fate Marshmann -- gifted Bible teacher, storyteller, and writer is just for you.  I recorded this interview in early 2021 to talk about the message in her incredible book, Meant for Good, but days before the interview was scheduled to release, Megan’s husband Randy had a sudden heart attack and departed for heaven. The message from Megan’s book suddenly became even more timely and profound.

 

I held on to the interview for many months but am so grateful for Megan’s blessing to share it now.  Her words moved me deeply and I think you’ll find this interview significant as well -- whether you’re currently in a good season, or a hard one.  We all need reminders that God is trustworthy, and that His plans for us are always good.  Regardless of our circumstances.  Perhaps you know someone who needs to hear this message now (please pass it along!)  Find all of the links in show notes…


Simplifying Family Life with 3 Key Routines

Anyone who can juggle being a family dentist, a reservist in the Navy, and an intentional, involved #boymom and wife without losing their mind has some wisdom for the rest of us! Toni-Ann Mayembe understand the challenges of busy working moms and has a mission to help moms eliminate the overwhelm and enjoy motherhood while being authentic with themselves and others.

In this interview, Toni-Ann walks us through the three routines she believes can make a big difference in your family life.  She also offers a link to get a free download to help make that happen.  This is such a fun and practical conversation – I hope you enjoy!


Raising Jesus Followers, with Rachel-Ruth-Lotz-Wright

Billy Graham was one of (if not the) most impactful evangelists of all time, and now we get to hear from his daughter and granddaughter as they share stories from their family legacy.  Billy’s granddaughter, Rachel-Ruth joins us today to share some of those stories and the heart behind the book, Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons For Igniting Faith in the Next Generation. (co-written with her mom, Anne Graham Lotz.)

Parents today are raising what has been called the “least religious generation.” What can Christian families do to make sure their faith is not only lived out in their homes but received by the next generation?  That is what this book is all about.  Rachel-Ruth has such a sweet, gentle spirit, but she is also bold in her convictions. Her love for Jesus and passion for sharing the Truth is contagious.  I think you’ll be inspired as you listen!


The 4-Hour School Day, with Durenda Wilson

We want our kids to have the best education, but less-than-ideal school environments as well as more recent inconsistencies in schools due to the pandemic have left parents uncertain about traditional schooling. Durenda Wilson, Mom to eight kids with over 25 years of homeschooling experience, joins us today to offer a refreshing approach to all things family and education.  Durenda has so much wise counsel for parents looking for fresh ideas to ensure their children have a quality education suited to their natural talents and abilities.

 

In today’s interview we talk about some of the myths related to homeschooling, and how we can help our kids become more independent in their school work. We talk about which topics you can wait until high school to take seriously, and how to incorporate your child’s natural interests into their curriculum.  Whether or not you homeschool your kids, I think you will feel inspired and encouraged listening to this conversation!  Spread the word to your friends and check out show notes to listen and grab all the links!


The Hard Good, with Lisa Whittle

Life is full of hard things, we all know that. But how we choose to see those hard things – our perspective on all that life gives us -- can make a radical difference in how we come through our trials.  When bestselling author and Bible teacher Lisa Whittle lost her beloved father in 2017, she found herself on a journey to learn the hard good.  Years later Lisa combines the lessons she learned with counsel from Scripture to create a roadmap that will help readers navigate their own hard good.

 

In this episode Lisa shares about her relationship with her dad, and then we touch on a number of the “hard good” circumstances that she covers in her book: From accepting things you wish were different, to seeing someone else get what you want, to showing up when you want to shut down. I think Lisa’s honesty and Biblical counsel will help you navigate a hard season, or store up wisdom for one ahead.


Helping Teens Navigate Social Media with Integrity

There is no doubt, parenting in the age of social media can be tricky. Whether or not your kids are currently using social media, it is never too early to start thinking about how you might coach your kids in their use of it.  In today’s episode I am sharing a blog post I wrote about a shift my oldest son made in his approach to social media that was a game changer!  I am also sharing clips of an interview with that son about his journey with social media from age 13 to 22.


How to Declutter Like a Mother, with Allie Casazza

Allie Casazza is on a mission to eradicate the "hot mess mom" stereotype by empowering other women. Today she joins me to talk about her proven, family-oriented approach to minimalism.  Allie shares the very real and raw story of how her journey began, and why she believes we can all find more peace by simplifying our stuff.

 

Whether you’re a working mom, overwhelmed by kids and responsibilities or already on your minimalism game, I think you’ll be inspired (and empowered) by this conversation.  Allie is hilarious, relatable, and full of practical ideas.


Q and A with my College Boys!

I hope you enjoy this chat with Josiah (22) and Jonah (20) who are with me to answer questions listeners have sent in.  In this interview we cover their relationship as siblings (“Did you always like each other?” “Did you ever fight?”) as well as how/when they made their faith their own.  They talk about how they feel about homeschooling now, in light of how it prepared them for college.  Finally, they talk a bit about their relationship with their mom. (aww) I love all that they share, and they even have some advice for the kids listening!

*At the beginning of this episode I take a few minutes to address questions listeners have sent in for my husband, a hospital physician, related to Covid and the vaccine. Since I know there are many more questions, I am hoping to do a Q and A episode with Dr. Dave on the podcast in a couple weeks! (stay tuned.)