Mommin' Together

How to Create a Strong Family Culture That Aligns With What Matters Most

Host Michelle Barnett welcomes neighbor and friend Sarah, a mom of four, to discuss intentionally creating a strong family culture. Sarah explains how she and her husband used Patrick Lencioni’s framework (The Advantage and Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family) to clarify a family “why” and core values that guide decisions about time, money, and commitments. She shares their family motto and values, weekly Sunday family meetings to recite values and connect, and practical ways faith is modeled through lived example and storytelling. They discuss setting expectations without authoritarianism using connection, respect, and collaborative agreements (influenced by Positive Discipline), teaching kids money stewardship through allowances, budgeting, and shared gift costs, and adapting standards for different personalities and developmental stages (including concepts from The Soul of Discipline). Sarah suggests first steps for chaotic homes: simplify space and schedule (Simplicity Parenting), increase connection, use one-on-one meetings, and “decide what you’re going to do” to create clear, calm boundaries.

Connect with Sarah

Sarah spends most of her time being a mom to 4 kids, working alongside her husband in their dental practice, teaching music, and doing body matrix style consulting. She loves planning events and celebrations with friends, baking, decorating, thrifting, pure barre, and long walks. 

Instagram: @degraffenriedsarah 

Resources:

3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family by Patrick Lencioni https://amzn.to/3WljEwa

The Advantage by Patric Lencioni https://amzn.to/3WljEwa

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne https://amzn.to/47sjSUP

Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson https://amzn.to/4sij6mS

Positive Discipline A to Z https://amzn.to/4k6ydh0

Connect with Michelle:

Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

Michelle Barnett Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

What Every Christian Mom Can Learn from Catholic Family Rhythms: Sacraments, Rosary, Advent  Lent & Daily Discipleship with Megan Wells

In this motherhood podcast episode, host Michelle interviews Catholic mom Megan Wells about Catholic traditions and how they shape marriage and family life. Megan shares her cradle-Catholic upbringing, her husband Avery’s non-denominational background, his conversion in June 2019, and how shared faith supports their marriage while he’s away for training and they raise four young kids. They discuss sacraments (especially the Eucharist), confession, meal and bedtime prayers, and simple “Holy Spirit come” breath prayers. Megan explains practical home discipleship habits like praying when ambulances pass, using Catholic art and crucifixes at home, hosting a monthly rosary brunch, and what the rosary is and how it’s prayed. They also cover Advent and Lent rhythms with kid-friendly traditions, how to avoid “checkbox” religion, encouragement for moms to prioritize daughterhood before God, spiritual direction, hospitality/meal trains, and recommended resources like Catholic Answers, The Heart of Perfection, and Be Healed.

Connect with Megan:

Megan Wells is a born and raised Catholic that pursued the entrepreneurship route during college instead of the 9-5. She's a US Marine wife to her husband Avery, a stay at home mama to 4, a professional photographer at Megan Aaron Photography, co-host of the podcast What In The Dang Heck, social seller, and home birth advocate.

Website: https://www.itiswellsfamily.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/megs__wells/

Podcast: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/75C78LVdfjTwwP7YxcopUl

Resources: 

Hallow - Catholic Prayer App

Catholic Answers Website

Be Healed: A guide to encountering the powerful love of Jesus in your life by Bob Schuchts

The Heart of Perfection: How the Saints Taught Me to Trade My Dream of Perfect for God's by Colleen Campbell

Connect with Michelle:

Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

Michelle Barnett Instagram:  @Michelle_Barnett_ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

What Every Christian Mom Can Learn From an Empty Nester

Building Lifelong Relationships with Your Kids: Empty-Nest Wisdom with Jill Wagner

The Mommin’ Together podcast introduces a new series and a conversation with Jill Wagner, a mom of four in the empty-nest stage, about parenting with the long view so adult kids still want closeness. Jill shares her family story (married at 17; three biological children and adopting Hakeem at 13) and where her adult children are now, many living nearby with growing families. She emphasizes enjoying the years, not sweating small stuff, being fun but holding high standards, and building trust through everyday “little moments.” Key practices include responding rather than reacting, making what matters to kids matter to you, apologizing and repairing, choosing words carefully, creating a welcoming home, and fostering open conversations about taboo topics. Jill notes giving kids grace and respect, learning to step back with adult children, and she wishes she’d done more family worship time. Her core advice: kids don’t need a perfect mom—just a real one.

00:00 Series Kickoff

00:34 Why Adult Bonds Matter

01:02 Meet Jill Wagner

01:44 Jill’s Motherhood Story

02:43 Kids Today and Grandkids

03:59 Keeping Them Close

05:48 Empty Nest Perspective

07:52 How Kids Remember You

11:55 Traits That Build Trust

16:20 Respond Don’t React

21:34 Hard Talks and Careful Words

23:27 Letting Safe Rebellion Happen

24:19 Egg Therapy Emotions

25:29 Calm Down Spaces

27:05 Open Talks Boundaries

29:17 Kids Feedback Parenting

33:45 Dad Loss Family Values

35:20 Home They Return To

41:11 Grace Backseat Parenting

43:22 Resources Final Takeaways

About Jill: 

Jill Wagner is a wife of 25 years to Brian and a mom of 3 boys, 1 daughter, and 1 daughter in law aging from 20-26 years old. Jill claims to be a professional dabbler as she got her teaching degree, real estate license, babysat kids, tried network marketing companies, owned traditional businesses and flipped houses before she landed upon her passion with the Juice Plus Company and made it to the top level in 2016. 

In 2020 during the pandemic she decided to put herself out on social media sharing her family life along with the vulnerability of the struggles of teen pregnancy, marriage, addiction, infidelity, weight, and empty nesting. She has grown a following of over 2 million on her platforms and strives to help women find their voice as they choose to live in a place of courage instead of shame. 

Connect with Jill

TikTok: @authenticallyjill 

IG: @authenticallyjill 

FB: @JillSechrestWagner 

Connect with Michelle

IG: @mommin_together

IG: @Michelle_Barnett_

FB: Join the Mommin’ Together Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14DaYZ5jchR/

How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Mom Guilt | with Adrianne Miller

Host Michelle Barnett welcomes listeners to the Mommin’ Together podcast and interviews mom and speaker Adrianne Miller about setting healthy boundaries. Adrianne shares her background, including counseling and ministry with new moms, and defines boundaries as a “fence with a gate,” not an impenetrable wall. They discuss how unmet, often “sneaky,” expectations drive frustration and how guilt, obligation, and fear (“FOG”) can lead moms to overcommit and be walked over. Adrianne offers practical tools: reflecting on “me, we, they” (self, spouse, others), asking clarifying questions to surface expectations, and using “drive-through speak” to repeat back what was heard during conflict. They address navigating grandparents and generational differences with grace, communicating the “why,” and discerning when repeated hurt may require stronger limits or space. Adrianne’s mom advice is to be consistent, avoid survival decisions, and parent with the long-term goal of raising future adults.

About Adrianne: 

Adrianne Miller is a wife and mom of 3 boys residing in Tyler, Texas. She shares her experience and knowledge on boundaries from walking her own journey and receiving biblical counseling to help her work through boundaries as a mom. 

Connect with Michelle:

Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

Michelle Barnett Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

Talking to Your Kids About Sex and Gender Without Fear | A Christian Parent's Guide

Host Michelle Barnett welcomes Amber Garrett Carroll, vice president of the Nashville nonprofit Equip and author of Ready to Talk: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Gender and Sexuality, to discuss how Christian parents can talk with kids about sex, sexuality, and gender without fear while staying rooted in historic Christian sexual ethics. Amber explains why parents are primary disciplers, outlines a biblical framework of intimacy within lifelong family through marriage or vocational singleness, and distinguishes temptation, sin, and brokenness, urging sexual stewardship and avoiding shame. They address identity language, assumptions about marriage and attraction, and practical guidance for starting early with age-appropriate conversations, including screen safety and pornography preparation. Amber offers counsel for responding to children disclosing same-sex attraction or gender incongruence, navigating pronouns with discernment, preserving relationships, and prioritizing the gospel, and shares a mom hack: use short car rides for hard conversations.

00:00 Welcome to Mommin Together

00:31 Why This Topic Matters

02:10 Meet Amber and Her Mission

04:42 Pain to Purpose Story

06:53 Parents as Disciplers

09:15 Gods Design for Intimacy

15:30 Temptation Sin and Brokenness

22:15 Identity and Language Nuance

30:39 Fearless Conversations at Home

32:22 Do It Scared

33:08 Many Talks Not One

34:48 Start Young Foundations

35:46 Screen Safety Basics

37:09 Porn Talks By Eight

38:49 Puberty Curiosity Guidance

40:37 Homes Without Shame

41:10 Drop Hidden Assumptions

44:46 Praying Without Idolatry

47:24 Talking LGBT With Grace

49:27 Beyond Language Debates

52:18 Pronouns As Hospitality

53:52 Trans Culture Context

56:34 No Blanket Answer

58:34 Mirroring Example Story

01:01:26 Discernment By Relationship

01:03:04 Jesus And The Outcast

01:03:41 Truth Versus Lying

01:04:18 Pronoun Compromises

01:06:33 Parenting LGBT Disclosures

01:09:06 Dos and Dont's List

01:13:19 Language and New Terms

01:15:40 Avoid Forced Choices

01:18:04 Guidance for Trans Kids

01:23:13 Adult Trans Child Repair

01:30:05 Resources and Book Info

01:33:09 Car Ride Mom Hack

01:35:53 Final Encouragement

Connect with Amber: 

Amber Garrett Carroll is the Vice President of Impact and Parent Resources at Equip, where she helps Christian parents and churches disciple kids according to God’s wisdom for sex, sexuality, and gender. She is the creator of Equip’s comprehensive Parent Course, an eight-hour video curriculum featuring more than 50 age-specific conversation scripts to help families navigate today’s cultural questions with biblical clarity.

A former middle and high school teacher, Amber has spent nearly a decade researching, writing, and teaching on sexual stewardship, gender, pornography, and Christian formation. She regularly speaks for churches and national ministries on equipping parents for proactive discipleship, and she is the author of Ready to Talk: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Gender & Sexuality.

Amber lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her two children.

Social media:

@AmberGarrettCarroll on Instagram

Amber Garrett Carroll on Facebook

Website:

ambergarrettcarroll.com

Book: 

Available at ambergarrettcarroll.com/shop

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX5GRPQ1

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBTYCRRS

Freebies:

Parents can check out https://ambergarrettcarroll.com/parent-prep-pack-downloads/ for free resources, including a book discount code, bonus conversation starters, and a free video teaching.

Connect with Michelle:

Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together

Michelle Barnett Instagram

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

Stewarding Your Body Well: Fitness for Busy Moms in Their 30s and 40s (with Personal Trainer Meg Gibson)

Host Michelle Barnett welcomes listeners to the Mommin’ Together podcast, shares the mission of creating a space for moms to feel seen, and announces a two-month break with no new episodes in June or July, returning in August; listeners can stay connected via Instagram @mommin_together with posts and episode replays.

In this episode, Michelle talks with personal trainer and mom of three Meg Gibson about realistic fitness for busy moms in their 30s and 40s, emphasizing consistency over perfection, short effective workouts, and avoiding an all-or-nothing mindset. Meg shares her journey from insecurity and an eating disorder to integrating faith with fitness, and they discuss misconceptions like needing punishment to see results, prioritizing strength training for bone density, listening to postpartum and aging bodies, benefits beyond appearance (mood, patience, sleep, hormones), creatine basics, when to hire a trainer, and starting with small sustainable habit changes.

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:42 Summer Break Update

01:25 Fitness Episode Preview

02:00 Meet Meg Gibson

03:15 Meg Fitness Journey

05:36 Faith Meets Fitness

08:25 From Punishment to Freedom

11:15 Balance Not Obsession

15:42 No Time to Work Out

18:46 Best 20 Minute Focus

22:49 Cardio Trends and Spin

26:33 Fitness Myths in 30s 40s

28:51 Longevity and Mobility

30:30 Blue Zones and Community

30:55 Daily Walking Longevity

31:37 Fitness Shifts In 30s

34:44 Creatine For Women

36:28 Creatine Hydration Tips

38:51 Workout Benefits Beyond Looks

40:52 Making Workouts Mom Friendly

42:34 When To Hire Trainer

45:30 First Training Session

47:36 Training As Safe Haven

50:43 Simple Steps This Week

52:37 Habit Stacking Ideas

53:42 Connect And Mom Hack

56:27 Episode Wrap And Break

Connect with Meg:

Meg Gibson is a fitness coach, creative, and mom of three who’s passionate about helping women feel strong, capable, and confident in their bodies. With 9 years of experience in personal and group training, she combines practical fitness, nutrition, and encouragement to help women pursue sustainable wellness in every season of life. She is a NASM-certified personal trainer, Revelation Wellness instructor, GGS Women’s Coaching Specialist, and certified PN1 nutrition coach.

Meg spent much of her 20s in full-time missions with her family, traveling throughout the U.S. and overseas before planting roots in Tyler, TX. When she’s not coaching or creating marketing content for the gym she works at, you’ll likely find her outside in the sunshine, near the water, making art, or hunting for the perfect thrifted find. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart for 14 years and considers motherhood one of her greatest joys.

IG @meggibsonfit

Resources: 

Revelation Wellness Podcasts  https://www.revelationwellness.org/podcast/

Atomic Habits Book https://www.instagram.com/meggibsonfit

Offer- For listeners local to Tyler, TX: one free week of classes at Rise RX Fitness - redeem in person

Connect with Michelle & Stay Plugged in with Mommin’ Together this Summer:

Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together

Michelle Barnett Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

The Mom’s Guide to Color Analysis - How Knowing Your Colors Can Save Time, Money & Decision Fatigue

Lexi explains what a House of Color consultation is and how in-person draping identifies undertones (blue- vs yellow-based) and whether colors should be bright/clear or soft/blended, placing clients into one of four seasons with four sub-seasons each and a fan for shopping. She walks through a two-hour appointment: arriving fresh-faced with natural hair covered if needed, determining season, doing a 90-second season-specific makeup routine, and rating “wow” colors. The conversation covers why color analysis has resurged as a way to reduce overwhelm, save money, and increase confidence, including tips for wearing black, using accessories, and trying brown mascara (for spring, summer, and autumn). Lexi distinguishes color from style analysis (body architecture and clothing personality), shares transformation stories, discusses hair color guidance, franchise flexibility for moms, typical pricing, capsule wardrobes, online shopping/returns, and ends with motherhood advice about grace and self-care.

00:00 Meet Lexi and Color Analysis

00:48 How House of Color Works

02:17 Drapes Explained

03:44 Why Color Analysis Returned

06:56 Inside a Consultation

11:02 Seasons and Sub Seasons

13:29 Making Mom Life Easier

18:34 Mascara Color Surprise

21:56 Wear What You Love

22:49 Colors Versus Style

24:44 Style Archetypes Explained

26:45 Online Shopping Tips

28:58 Client Transformations

31:37 Hair Color By Season

33:54 Franchise Flexibility

37:26 Pricing And Long Term Value

39:21 Capsule Wardrobe Strategy

40:36 Shopping With Intention

42:29 Connect And Book

43:15 Mom Hack And Closing

Connect with Lexi: 

Lexi Sherrod is the owner of House of Colour Tyler and a Certified Personal Color and Style Consultant with House of Colour. She has helped over 300 women simplify their wardrobes, feel confident in what they wear, and truly see their God-given beauty.

As a wife and mom to three young boys, five and under, Lexi understands how easy it is in this season of life to put yourself last or feel overwhelmed getting dressed each day. Through color and style analysis, she helps women take the guesswork out of their closets so they can feel put together with less effort. At the heart of everything she does is her mission: to empower women to walk confidently and joyfully in their unique and perfect design through the power of color and style.

• Social Media

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/houseofcolour_tyler/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/houseofcolourtyler
  
  

• Where to book:

• https://www.houseofcolour.com/stylists/lexi-sherrod-tyler-texas

• Mention the Mommin Together podcast for a free lipstick in your season when booking!

Connect with Michelle:

Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

Michelle Barnett Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

Why So Many Moms Feel Lonely (And How to Find Real Mom Friends) with Gather Moms Leaders Kate & Rebecca [Ep 47]

Michelle Barnett welcomes listeners to the Mommin' Together podcast and introduces a conversation with Kate Henderson and Rebecca Bradford, founders of Gather Moms, about why many moms feel lonely even with full schedules and how to build life-giving community. Kate shares her experience as a young mom who found friendship through church, mentoring, and neighborhood groups, and explains how Gather Moms began to help isolated moms, citing that 90% of moms report severe loneliness at some point and noting the launch of over 400 groups since 2017. Rebecca and Kate describe community as God-designed, emphasize friendships changing by season, and encourage filling gaps with trust, extending grace, and resisting comparison fueled by social media. They discuss courage in initiating friendships, navigating boundaries and differing parenting choices, using prayer and vulnerability, and practical ways to support moms, and they explain Gather Moms’ “middle lane” model, resources, and how to connect.

00:00 Welcome to Mommin Together

00:28 Why Moms Feel Lonely

00:52 Meet Gather Moms Founders

01:51 Kate Story Finding Community

03:55 Gather Moms Origin and Growth

07:07 Courage to Make Friends

09:25 Fill the Gap With Trust

10:01 What Real Community Means

15:21 Why Loneliness Persists

17:41 First Steps to Find Friends

23:04 Friendships Take Time

24:50 Why Mom Friendships Get Complicated

29:14 Handling Hurt Feelings

33:48 Managing Expectations and Seasons

35:09 Grace for Moms of Littles

36:08 Jealousy and Comparison

37:40 Social Media and Gratitude

39:47 Sanctification Over Time

41:22 Showing Up for Moms

43:37 Practical Help Ideas

46:22 Vulnerability Builds Community

50:03 What Makes Gather Moms

52:54 Community in Crisis

57:11 Why Moms Need Moms

01:01:59 Mom Hacks and Home Reset

01:07:26 Final Encouragement and Outro

Connect with Kate, Rebecca & Gather Moms

Kate and Rebecca lead Gather Moms, a vibrant community helping moms connect, find encouragement, and grow in faith through an approachable model of small groups, workbooks, and RightNow Media videos. Together, they co-lead the Gather Moms Podcast, have written several Bible studies for moms, and regularly teach women with their encouraging blend of authentic storytelling and biblical truth. With Gather Moms, lonely and overwhelmed moms are finding community and churches are empowered to launch simple, relational moms groups that transform families and communities.

Website: gathermoms.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gathermoms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gathermoms

Gather Moms Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gather-moms/id1525911637

Gather Mom Workbooks & Studies: 

Mom’s Let’s Talk https://amzn.to/4d7Kkqq

Mom Struggles https://amzn.to/4uNIcKo

Family Values https://amzn.to/48ZCYTf

Homegrown: A Mom’s Guide to Planting Faith in the Lives of Her Children https://amzn.to/4eJopH9

More Than Enough: A 4 Week Journal for Moms https://amzn.to/4d5KDBZ

Kate and Rebecca invite you to join them for summer in the Psalms on social media! 

Connect with Michelle:

• Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠
• Michelle Barnett Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠
• Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠
• Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979
• Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

What My 8-Year-Old Thinks Makes a Good Mom | A Sweet Mother’s Day Episode

For a special Mother’s Day episode, Mommin' Together Host Michelle Barnett interviews her eight-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, for a kid’s perspective on motherhood and growing up. Brooklyn describes what she thinks a podcast is, shares her grade and favorite activities, and explains what makes a good mom, what she’d change as “mom,” and what Michelle could do better, such as sending letters when they’re away and being supportive when someone is hurt. They discuss family routines like life group, movie nights, prayer time, and dinner together, Brooklyn’s contributions, challenges like self-control, and what she enjoys about being a big sister. They also talk about favorite memories, a dream mom-daughter date, and what Jesus might say, before Michelle closes with thanks and a request to rate, review, and share.

00:00 Welcome to Mommin Together

00:31 Meet Brooklyn

02:09 What Makes a Good Mom

02:37 If Brooklyn Ran the House

04:19 How Mom Can Improve

05:53 Proud of Mom

06:44 Family Routines We Love

07:24 Helping the Family

08:04 Hardest Part of Being a Kid

09:28 Best Part of Being a Kid

09:47 Big Sister Life

10:57 Things Mom Always Says

12:20 What We Are Good At

13:10 Favorite Memories

14:25 Dream Mom Daughter Date

15:35 Best Mom in the World

15:47 Best Part of Being a Mom

16:30 What Jesus Would Say

17:21 Mother's Day Thanks and Wrap Up

Connect with Michelle:

• Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠
• Michelle Barnett Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠
• Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠
• Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979
• Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230

The Support Every First-Time Mom Needs: Practical Help for Overwhelmed New Moms 

Host Michelle Barnett welcomes listeners to the Mommin’ Together podcast and interviews Starla Lawrence about Square One, a ministry for first-time moms. Starla shares her background as a longtime Air Force family member, mom of four, and grandmother of nine, and explains how discovering Square One in a Nordstrom bathroom in Dallas led her to bring the program to Tyler through prayer, volunteers, and church support, launching it in September 2014. She describes Square One’s six-week, low-key gatherings with weekly speakers and practical topics for new moms, including postpartum depression and anxiety, marriage changes, feeding support, pediatric guidance, and setting boundaries with family expectations. Starla emphasizes the power of community, the theme verse Proverbs 14:1, and encourages moms to care for themselves and their marriages while finding or creating supportive spaces for new mothers.

00:00 Welcome to Mommin Together

01:14 Meet Starla Lawrence

01:39 Starla Family Background

03:47 Nordstrom Bathroom Moment

05:45 What Square One Is

06:55 Bringing Square One to Tyler

09:20 Stories of Real Impact

13:52 Topics and Practical Tools

19:25 Sleep Deprivation and Anxiety

22:14 What Every New Mom Needs

23:41 How to Join in Tyler

25:27 Starting It Anywhere

28:07 Best Mom Hack Advice

31:14 Wrap Up and Encouragement

Connect with Starla

Starla has a passion to encourage women in marriage and motherhood. She founded Tyler’s Square 1 program in 2014 to support and encourage first-time moms and their newborns. Square 1 at Grace Community Church recently held their 24th session and has “birthed” multiple other groups in east Texas. She has also served as a mentor for MOPs programs and other moms groups. She’s been married to her husband Scott for 48 years and they share 4 daughters, 3 sons in law, and 9 (perfect) grandchildren. They have resided in Tyler for 27 years now. She believes it is much scarier to live in one place this long than to move every two years. Since they aren’t moving anymore, Starla and Scott enjoy traveling. Her hobbies include knitting, rug hooking, and sharing a delicious hot latte with friends.

Starla’s Email:  [email protected]

Upcoming Square 1 Tyler Info: A six-week session offered in February and September each year. Next session begins Tuesday September 8 (9:30-11:30) at Grace Community Church on Old Jacksonville Highway. Online registration opens in early June (gcc.org/square1) and is open to all first -time moms in our greater Tyler community. Cost for the session is $10 total.

Connect with Watermark Church to learn more about starting a Square 1 in your town: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/square-one

Resources: 

Praying The Scriptures Over Your Children by Jodie Berndt

Connect with Michelle:

• Mommin’ Together Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/
• Michelle Barnett Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠
• Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠
• Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979
• Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hn6cFLziITGVFuSXiI4ty?si=6c7abc0f099f4230