Feeling overwhelmed by motherhood? Wondering how to prioritize your faith when you're barely keeping up with everyday life? 

If you've ever ended the day feeling guilty because you didn't have time to read your Bible, pray, or spend quiet time with God, you're not alone. 

In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with author, speaker, and Equipping Godly Women founder Brittany Ann to talk honestly about the challenges young Christian moms face. Together, they explore how to grow closer to God without adding more pressure to an already full life. 

Brittany shares her own journey of balancing marriage, motherhood, ministry, and faith, along with practical encouragement for finding God's peace—even in the middle of exhaustion and chaos. 

In This Episode You'll Learn: 

• Why so many Christian moms struggle with guilt over their spiritual lives 

• How to prioritize your relationship with God when life feels overwhelming 

• Practical ways to spend meaningful time with God—even if you only have a few minutes 

• The difference between striving for perfection and pursuing faithfulness 

• How to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace God's grace 

• Encouragement for moms who feel spiritually dry or discouraged 

• Simple habits that can help you stay connected to God during busy seasons 

Whether you're raising toddlers, homeschooling, juggling work and family, or simply trying to catch your breath, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for this season of life. 

Meet Our Guest 

Brittany Ann is an author, speaker, podcast host, and the founder of Equipping Godly Women, a ministry dedicated to encouraging Christian women with practical, biblical wisdom for everyday life. Since launching the ministry in 2014, Brittany has reached millions of women through articles, Bible studies, books, and online resources. She and her husband are raising four children together. 

Resources Mentioned 

• Fall in Love with God's Word by Brittany Ann https://a.co/d/000kPB4D 

• https://equippinggodlywomen.com/ 

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Summary:

Boys and men are struggling—but this isn't a reason to lose hope. In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff unpack what's happening in today's culture, why so many boys and young men are falling behind, and the simple, powerful ways each of us can make a difference. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, mentor, teacher, or friend, you'll come away with practical encouragement and renewed hope for the boys and men you love. 

Resources and Links: 

Nancy Pearcy “The Toxic War on Masculinity” 

https://a.co/d/05CJjqrE 

Hannah Rosin, The End of Men essay in The Atlantic 

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/07/the-end-of-men/308135/ 

“If We Were Ants” short film 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX23DMyzvHE 

Pew Research -Public Views on Men and Masculinity 

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/10/17/public-views-on-men-and-masculinity/ 

APA Guidelines on practice with boys and men 

https://www.apa.org/about/policy/boys-men-practice-guidelines.pdf 

Data tables: 

Reading scores of 4th, 8th and 12th grade students – see Figure 5, 6, 7 

https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cnb/reading-performance 

College enrollment of men v women 

https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/pdf/2024/cpb_508c.pdf 

https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_303.10.asp 

Bureau of Labor Statistics about men and women in the workforce: 

https://www.bls.gov/charts/employment-situation/civilian-labor-force-participation-rate.htm 

Mortality data: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db456.htm 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX23DMyzvHE 

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Summary: 

In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with author, counselor, and father-daughter relationship expert Michelle Watson Canfield to explore one of the most challenging seasons of parenting: connecting with adolescent daughters. 

Many dads feel uncertain about how to respond when their daughters become more emotional, pull away, or seem resistant to their efforts. Michelle shares a powerful insight she has observed through years of counseling: many men would rather do nothing than risk doing it wrong—but when it comes to fathering daughters, stepping back often creates more distance. 

Together, Shaunti, Jeff, and Michelle unpack why dads often feel sidelined during the teenage years, how mothers can become caught in the middle, and practical ways fathers can stay engaged even when conversations feel awkward or difficult. 

You’ll learn: 

• Why many dads instinctively pull back—and why that can be harmful 

• How to stay calm and grounded when emotions run high 

• Practical ways to pursue your daughter with intention and consistency 

• Why your presence matters more than your perfection 

• How to build trust and connection during the adolescent years 

If you've ever felt unsure how to connect with your daughter—or worried that you're getting it wrong—this conversation will equip and encourage you to keep showing up. 

Because your daughter doesn't need a perfect dad. She needs an engaged one. 

Links and Resources: 

Website: drmichellewatson.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmichellewatson 

Instagram: michellejwatson and thedadwhispererpodcast 

Twitter: @mwatsonphd 

LinkedIn: Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield 

The Dad Whisperer Podcast: Apple Podcasts + Spotify 

YouTube: @thedadwhisperer 

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SUMMARY: What happens when a marriage starts drifting apart — and one or both spouses wonder if it’s even possible to reconnect? 

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, and sit down with author, speaker, and podcast host to talk about the quiet disconnection many couples experience and the practical ways healing can begin — even when things feel broken.  

Drawing from Lindsey’s personal story and her new book Don’t Burn Down the House, this episode explores: 

• Why many marriages slowly drift into “roommate mode”  

• What often causes emotional disconnection beneath the surface  

• How resentment and hopelessness quietly build  

• Why change can begin even if only one spouse is willing  

• The small shifts that can create major transformation  

• How to prioritize your marriage without losing yourself  

• What rebuilding trust and connection really looks like  

If you’ve ever felt discouraged, lonely, unseen, or unsure whether your marriage can recover, this conversation offers practical wisdom and genuine hope. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES: Book: Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection: Maestas, Lindsey: 9780310369479: Amazon.com: Books 

Website: HOME - Sparrows + Lily 

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Summary: In this powerful episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with author, speaker, and ministry leader Willow Weston to explore what it means to truly heal from hurt instead of hiding from it. Together, they unpack how unresolved pain can surface in anxiety, broken relationships, unforgiveness, and emotional exhaustion—and why healing begins when we stop running from our wounds and bring them honestly before God.  

Willow shares her personal story, the heart behind her ministry Collide, and insights from her new book about embracing pain as part of the pathway to restoration and deeper connection. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone carrying hidden hurt, walking through disappointment, or longing to experience emotional and spiritual healing. 

You’ll hear: 

• Why unprocessed pain often “comes out sideways”  
• How honesty and vulnerability open the door to healing  
• The role faith and community play in restoration  
• Encouragement for those feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted  
• Hope for healing not only for ourselves, but also for the people we love  

If you’ve ever wondered whether real healing is possible, this episode is a reminder that God meets us in our pain—and that hope and restoration are closer than we think. 

Links and Resources: 

Book: Collide 

Website: https://wecollide.net/staff/willow-weston/ 

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SUMMARY:  

In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others. 

Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection. 

If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES: 

Book: People Skills: Your Relationships Are Only as Strong as Your Skills 

Website: Debra Fileta | Best Selling Author, Speaker, Psychotherapist, and Podcaster! 

The Kindness Challenge 

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Summary: 

In Part 2 of this important conversation on the modern dating recession, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn continue unpacking new research from the Institute for Family Studies on why so many marriage-minded singles are struggling to date—and what can actually help. With 70% of surveyed singles saying they want meaningful relationships but aren’t dating, the challenge is real—but not hopeless. 

Shaunti and Jeff revisit the key barriers discussed in Part 1 and dive into additional reasons dating feels harder today, from fear and discouragement to unclear expectations and social disconnection. Most importantly, they offer practical, research-based encouragement for singles who desire marriage, as well as parents and loved ones who want to support them. 

If you or someone you care about feels stuck in today’s dating landscape, this episode offers fresh insight, empathy, and a hopeful path forward toward genuine connection. 

Resources:

Report on “The Dating Recession”. https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/state-of-our-unions-2026-the-dating-recession  

IFS article about young men. See point 2 for “Most unmarried young men want to marry”  

https://ifstudies.org/blog/young-men-are-not-checked-out-their-hopes-are-being-frustrated  

For Women Only link. 

For Men Only link 

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Summary: In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn unpack the growing “dating recession” impacting today’s young adults. Why are so many singles ages 22 to 35 dating less or not at all? They explore the emotional, social, and cultural factors behind the trend, from fear and discouragement to a lack of confidence and connection. With practical insights and real hope, Shaunti and Jeff discuss the relationship skills that matter most, why community support is essential, and how singles can navigate today’s dating landscape with greater clarity and confidence. 

Resources: 

Report on “The Dating Recession”. https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/state-of-our-unions-2026-the-dating-recession

IFS article about young men. See point 2 for “Most unmarried young men want to marry”

https://ifstudies.org/blog/young-men-are-not-checked-out-their-hopes-are-being-frustrated

For Women Only 

For Men Only link

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Summary: In this episode, Shaunti Feldhahn sits down with author Laurie Davies to unpack the powerful concept behind the book Emotional Hoarding: Letting Go of the Stuff That Keeps You Stuck. Together, they explore how holding onto hard emotions costs us. Emotional 'hoarding’ limits how we love, it keeps us stuck in regret, grudges, and shame—and, most importantly, it creates a disconnect between us and the freedom God wants us to walk in. 

Together, Shaunti and Laurie distinguish between emotional “baggage” and the deeper patterns of emotional hoarding, highlighting signs that you might be hoarding hard emotions, and why honest self-examination is essential to breaking free. 

The conversation dives into emotions such as worry, worthlessness, regret, anger, and bitterness—focusing on how scripture offers a clear path to freedom. With worry, for example, Shaunti and Laurie discuss how renewing our thinking, grounded in principles from Philippians 4:8, can close the worry loop and restore peace. 

As Shaunti observed in her foreword to the book: “You will never think about your inner emotional life the same way again.” 

Tune in to this episode for a hope-filled path for stepping into greater emotional and relational freedom. 

Links: lauriedavies.com Emotional Hoarding on Amazon

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Summary: 

Parents naturally want to protect their kids from disappointment and failure—but sometimes our help can actually get in the way of their growth. In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff talk about the growing trend of “snowplow parenting,” where parents try to clear every obstacle out of their child’s path. Through stories, research insights, and practical wisdom, they explore how well-meaning parents can unintentionally prevent their kids from learning resilience and responsibility. You’ll hear why allowing natural consequences can actually be a gift—and how to support your kids without removing every challenge in front of them. 

For Parents Only

https://shaunti.com/2024/05/how-to-stop-being-a-snowplow-parent-part-1/

https://shaunti.com/2024/05/how-to-stop-being-a-snowplow-parent-part-2/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/style/snowplow-parenting-scandal.html

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