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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be.
Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
All Episodes:
When faith hits you fresh with Cynthia Yanof →
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Hey friends,
You know those conversations that feel like sunshine and strong coffee at the same time? Thats what todays episode is. Im sitting down with the one and only Cynthia Yanof, OG host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and someone who knows how to bring laughter, truth, and grace into every room she walks into.
Were talking about her brand new book, Howd I Miss That? and its all about those holy aha moments, when something you've heard a million times in Scripture suddenly lands differently and stirs your heart in a new way. If you've been craving encouragement thats both lighthearted and deeply rooted, this episode is for you.
Heres what we unpack:
- Why love is the Christian brand and how we often forget that
- How mustard seed moments can shape your legacy as a parent
- What it means to live your faith in ordinary, everyday ways
- How to create a personal Mount Rushmore to guide your parenting and faith
Its hopeful. Its hilarious. And it will make you want to lean in just a little closer to Jesus today.
Cynthia is a speaker, author, and podcast host passionate about encouraging parents to pursue Jesus in the middle of the mess. Shes the original host of Pardon the Mess and now serves as a frequent voice in the Christian Parenting community. Her latest book, Howd I Miss That?, is all about rediscovering the simple but powerful truths of our faith that we often overlook. Cynthia lives in Texas with her husband and kids and brings wisdom wrapped in wit wherever she goes.
Lets keep choosing the small things, because theyre often the big things in disguise.
With love,
Steph
(00:00) Welcome Back and Introduction
(03:11) Navigating Parenting and Faith
(05:45) How'd I Miss That? Moments in Faith
(09:00) The Importance of Love in Our Lives
(12:11) Parenting Perspectives: Lessons Learned
(14:51) The Mustard Seed Mistake
(18:03) Building a Personal Mount Rushmore
(21:01) The Impact of Small Acts of Love
(24:00) Conclusion and Resources
Connect with Cynthia
https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/
Feeding the Mouth that Bites You podcast
Resources Mentioned
Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Navigating mental health with faith and community with Erin Kerry →
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Hey friends,
You know those conversations you know are important, but they still feel a little intimidating to start? Thats exactly what were diving into today. In this episode, Im joined by Erin Kerry whos bravely sharing her story and helping us hold space for the hard things, especially when it comes to mental health in our homes.
As parents, were often navigating silent battles, whether its our own struggles or the ones our kids are facing. And while it might feel easier to push through or avoid the topic altogether, what if we could learn to meet it with grace, faith, and even some practical tools?
Here are a few takeaways from todays conversation:
- The importance of naming emotions and removing the shame from mental health conversations
- How nutrition and nervous system regulation play a vital role in healing and well-being
- Why spiritual and emotional health can walk hand-in-hand
- Encouragement for when youre in the thick of it faith, community, and rest are not optional luxuries, theyre lifelines
Im praying this episode feels like a warm cup of tea and a deep exhale. Youre not alone, friend.
Erin is a writer, speaker, and serves as an Integrative Health Coach at Living Well Counseling and Wellness Center in Tyler, Texas. Diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder as a young adult, Erin has spent years learning how to live with resilience, faith, and grace.
Heres to sparking healing and honest conversations in your family and beyond.
With Love,
Steph
(06:01) The Role of Faith in Healing
(11:55) Living Beyond Labels in Mental Health
(17:51) Navigating Anxiety and Its Protective Nature
(20:46) Nervous System Regulation and Co-Regulation
(22:54) Understanding Anxiety and Its Physical Roots
(25:51) Navigating Conversations on Mental Health
(30:01) The Intersection of Nutrition and Mental Health
(34:51) Practical Tools for Holistic Mental Health
Connect with Erin
Resources Mentioned
Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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How to navigate culture with a Biblical worldview with Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella →
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Hey friends,
If youve ever looked at the world and thought, This is too much, I dont even know where to start, you are not alone. Culture is moving at warp speed, and as Christian parents, it can feel impossible to keep up, let alone know how to guide our kids through it all with clarity, calm, and conviction.
In todays episode, Im joined by my Denison Ministries teammates and friends, Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella. These two are not only culture watchers and podcast hosts, but theyre also dads in the thick of raising littles, so they get it. Together, we talk about how to engage culture without being consumed by it, and how to stay grounded when the headlines wont stop coming.
Heres what we cover:
- How to decide whats actually worth paying attention to (and what you can ignore)
- How to enjoy entertainment and trends without letting them become idols
- Why biblical grounding matters more than having all the right answers
- How to have conversations with your kids that dont feel like lectures
This one is practical, honest, and encouraging, especially if youve been feeling overwhelmed, out of your depth, or tempted to just check out entirely.
Connor Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing and Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries. Together, they host The Culture Brief podcast, where they break down whats happening in the world and how to think about it through a biblical lens. Both are young dads navigating the same parenting pressures and culture shifts that many of us face daily. Their goal? Help Christians stay rooted in truth while walking wisely in a noisy world.
Lets keep showing up with curiosity, courage, and grace. You dont have to know everything, just stay rooted.
With love,
Steph
(00:00) Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds
(04:54) Navigating Culture as Parents
(11:15) Engaging with Cultural Moments
(14:49) Discussing Cultural Events with Kids
(19:08) Fostering Healthy Conversations about Culture
(19:48) Navigating Theological Questions with Children
(22:14) The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting
(26:06) Equipping Ourselves for Cultural Conversations
(28:24) Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents
(32:42) Trusting God's Plan in Parenting
Resources Mentioned
Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
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A Christmas reflection for parents →
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Hey Friends!
Ive never done a solo episode before, but Christmas felt like the right time to try. In the middle of a season that can feel loud, full, emotional, and a little overwhelming, this episode is an invitation to take just ten minutes to pause and breathe and remember the gift that never fades.
Whether your home feels busy and chaotic or quiet and tender this year, remember Emmanuel, God with us.
Through Scripture, simple family traditions, and honest encouragement, this episode is for weary parents who want to love their kids well and keep Jesus at the center without feeling pressure to get everything just right.
With love,
Steph Thurling
Prefer video? Find more episodes on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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Q&A with Ella DeFeo and Landry Smith →
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What a thrill to interview my oldest daughter and one of her very best friends. Ella and Landry have been friends since 3rd grade and its so special to hear from two young women that are keeping their faith a priority in college. I ask them about their favorites from tennis shoes to rom-coms and then we get into some more serious topics.
My favorite moment is when I ask each of them, What is God teaching you right now? I was blown away by their answers and also felt so thankful that they are both engaged in their college church communities. Ask your kiddos that question this Christmas break and let them share about their faith. I am always astounded when I learn how much depth and wisdom is in these teens. They are wiser than you know.
You also dont want to miss my opening story about an elf on the shelf adventure gone wrong. I am still feeling a little rattled from it.
Enjoy!
Courtney
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
07:05 High School Experiences and Advice
10:02 Navigating Junior Year Challenges
14:54 Senior Year Reflections and Relationships
18:26 Maintaining Faith in High School
23:35 Parental Guidance and Support
25:37 Navigating High School Dynamics
26:56 Understanding Teen Communication
28:04 The High School Experience: Challenges and Growth
30:51 Transitioning to College Life
33:35 Building Friendships in College
37:48 Spiritual Growth and Lessons Learned
43:18 Legacy of Love: Lessons from Grandmothers
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Ellas new sneakers - Back 70
Yahtzee Game
Nertz Game
Quiplash (on Apple TV)
New Morning Mercies devotional
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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