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How do you raise boys with strong character, genuine faith, confidence, and a healthy sense of identity?
In this episode, Monica shares lessons from raising four boys and opens up about the joys, challenges, and unexpected moments of parenting sons. Inspired by her book Boy Mom, she shares practical wisdom for parents who want to raise children who know who they are, respect authority, develop strong character, and build a lasting faith.
We explore parenting boys, raising sons, faith-based parenting, character development, identity, teenage years, prayer, social media, and meaningful conversations with children.
Monica explains why parents—not just friends—must be willing to lead, why setting high standards can strengthen a child's character, and how humor and authority can work together in a healthy parent-child relationship.
We also dive into the spiritual side of parenting: how to help children develop genuine faith, why parents must model their beliefs authentically, how prayer can become a natural part of family life, and what to do when teenagers begin to experience spiritual drift.

You'll also hear about the importance of:

• Creating intentional family rhythms
• Making dinner-table conversations meaningful
• Having deeper conversations during the teenage years
• Protecting children from unhealthy influences
• Helping children develop a strong sense of identity
• Including fathers in conversations about parenting and faith
• Modeling the faith and character we want our children to develop
• Making difficult parenting decisions when necessary
• Remembering that it's never too late to start over

Whether you're a boy mom, boy dad, parent of teenagers, Christian parent, or simply trying to become a more intentional parent, this conversation offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a reminder that the way we live may be one of the most powerful lessons our children ever receive.

Timestamps

00:00 — How Do You Raise Boys With Strong Character?
02:48 — Monica’s Journey to Writing Boy Mom
06:01 — The Boy Mom Manifesto: A Guide to Raising Sons
09:00 — How Do You Balance Humor, Authority, and Parenting?
11:56 — Helping Boys Discover Their God-Given Potential
14:58 — Why Is Identity So Important for Boys?
17:59 — What Can Parents Learn About Raising Daughters?
20:59 — How Can Parents Have More Meaningful Conversations With Kids?
23:18 — How Do You Build Genuine Faith in Your Children?
29:49 — Why Is Prayer So Important in Parenting?
32:48 — How Can Parents Recognize and Address Spiritual Drift in Teens?
37:12 — Why Fathers Matter in Raising Children With Faith and Character
40:37 — How Intentional Family Rhythms Shape Character and Faith

Resources

View the interview at MomQ Youtube channel 

Discover more of Monica Swanson Here!

Get Monica's Books: Boy Mom and Raising Amazing

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Feeling overwhelmed, invisible, or like you're not doing enough as a mom? You're not alone — and you're not imagining the battle.

In this episode, former magazine editor turned homeschooling mom of five, Shalene Roberts, joins Candace Nassar for an honest conversation about the weight of motherhood — the anxiety, the exhaustion, and the quiet feeling that no one sees the work you do. Shalene shares the story behind her viral blog post, "When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees," and how it struck a nerve with mothers everywhere.

Together, they dig into the deeper spiritual reality behind the struggle: that motherhood isn't just physically and emotionally demanding — it's a spiritual battleground, and the enemy targets moms to disrupt generational faith. You'll learn how to recognize the lies you're believing, replace them with God's truth, and lean into His grace instead of striving for perfection.
This episode will help you:
Reframe the mundane, thankless tasks of motherhood as sacred work
Identify the specific lies that fuel mom guilt and anxiety
Use scripture and prayer as daily weapons, not just occasional habits
Understand your identity as a daughter of the King — and how that changes everything
Find rest in God's grace instead of pressure to perform
Whether you're in the trenches of toddlerhood or watching your kids grow into their own faith, this conversation is a reminder: your calling is high, your work is holy, and you are not doing this alone.

Timestamps

00:00 – What Does Motherhood Really Look Like? A Personal Journey
04:55 – How Does God See You as a Mother?
10:00 – Finding the Sacred in Everyday Motherhood Tasks
14:53 – Why Is Motherhood So Hard? Facing the Challenges and Tensions
19:50 – What Are the Deeper Struggles Every Mom Faces?
28:54 – Experiencing God's Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood
34:06 – Who Am I? Understanding Your Identity as a Daughter of the King

Resources

Interested in leading a MomQ group? Learn more

Discover more of Shalene Roberts Here

"When Mothering is Hard and No one Sees" Book

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What do you do when motherhood, grief, and life's chaos leave you too overwhelmed to even form the words to pray? 

In this episode, author and speaker Rachel Wojo opens up about her personal journey through loss and motherhood, and how "desperate prayer" became her lifeline back to God. We talk about why prayer works better as a relationship than a checklist, how surrender is a daily (not a one-time) decision, and why waiting on God can actually deepen your faith instead of weakening it. Rachel shares practical, real-life tools — like three-word prayers and prayer journaling — for building a consistent prayer life even when you're running on empty. If you've ever struggled to pray during hard seasons, grief, or the overwhelm of motherhood, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

In this episode:
Why prayer is a relationship, not a religious routine
What "desperate prayer" is and why it matters most in our hardest moments
How to practice surrender when life feels out of control
Finding God in the waiting — and why it builds trust
Simple prayer journaling tips to track your spiritual growth
How three-word prayers can simplify prayer when you don't have the words
Discovering God's presence in the mundane, everyday moments of motherhood and grief

Timestamps

00:00 Rachel Wojo's Story: Faith, Grief & Hope
03:12 How Can Prayer Help Moms Through Grief?
06:01 What Is Desperate Prayer? Finding God in Difficult Seasons
09:03 Are You Struggling with Prayer Perfectionism?
12:00 Three-Word Prayers Every Christian Mom Needs
15:00 How Do You Wait on God When Answers Don't Come?
19:56 What Do You Do When God Says "No" to Your Prayer?
26:11 Encouragement for Moms Trusting God Through Hard Times

Resources

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Rachel Wojo Resources Here 

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Can love really heal trauma? In this deeply moving conversation, Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, shares how childhood trauma shaped her life's work of helping women survivors of abuse, addiction, exploitation, and human trafficking reclaim their freedom.
Becca opens up about the personal experiences that inspired her to create Thistle Farms—a global nonprofit providing safe housing, meaningful employment, trauma-informed care, and lifelong community for women rebuilding their lives after unimaginable hardship.
Together, we explore what healing truly looks like, why forgiveness is a lifelong practice, the critical role of economic empowerment in breaking cycles of abuse, and how simple acts of love can transform lives. Becca also reflects on motherhood, resilience, faith, and why community is one of the most powerful forces for lasting recovery.
Whether you're navigating your own healing journey, supporting someone you love, or simply looking for a story that restores hope, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and practical insight into the power of love and human connection.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How childhood trauma shaped Becca Stevens' life and mission
The inspiring story behind Thistle Farms
Why healing requires both emotional support and economic opportunity
How women survivors of abuse and human trafficking rebuild their lives
Why forgiveness is a daily practice—not a one-time decision
The importance of community, belonging, and unconditional love
Lessons on resilience, motherhood, purpose, and hope
If this conversation resonates with you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that healing is possible.

Chapters

00:00 – Who Is Becca Stevens? Meet the Founder of Thistle Farms
02:59 – How Did Motherhood Shape Becca Stevens' Mission?
06:06 – Healing from Trauma: Breaking Common Misconceptions
09:09 – Inside "Love Heals": What the Book Is Really About
11:57 – Real Stories of Transformation at Thistle Farms
15:07 – Why Community Is Essential to the Healing Process
18:04 – Can Forgiveness Be Practiced? A Daily Approach to Letting Go
20:47 – Why Economic Empowerment Matters for Recovery
24:00 – How Do You Overcome Mom Guilt and Comparison?
27:00 – The Power of Simple Acts of Love (And Why They Matter)
30:04 – What Role Does God Play in the Healing Journey?
33:00 – Final Thoughts and How You Can Take Action Today

Resources

Free: How Emotionally Healthy am I? Self-assessment Checklist

Interested in leading a MomQ gathering? Click here

Thistle Farms Website

Find TF Bug Repellent Here

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How do you raise children who love Jesus while juggling the demands of everyday motherhood? 

In this encouraging episode, Candace welcomes author Abbey Wedgeworth to share practical, biblical wisdom for Christian moms who want to parent with purpose.

Abbey introduces her simple Three to Five Method, a realistic approach to consistent Bible study for busy moms, showing how just a few minutes in God's Word can strengthen your faith and transform your parenting. She also shares practical ways to disciple your children through everyday conversations, use five intentional questions to develop wisdom and discernment, and guide siblings through conflict with empathy and grace.
You'll discover why heart-focused parenting matters more than behavior management, how to help your children build a Christ-centered identity, and practical tools for teaching healthy communication that will serve them for a lifetime. Abbey also offers encouragement for moms who feel overwhelmed, reminding us that the Holy Spirit equips us to stay present with our children and faithfully disciple them in the ordinary moments of life.
If you're looking for biblical parenting encouragement, practical discipleship strategies, and simple ways to grow in your own walk with God while raising your family, this episode will leave you inspired, equipped, and encouraged.

In this episode you'll learn:
A simple Bible study routine for busy moms
How to disciple your children in everyday moments
Practical ways to resolve sibling conflict with grace
Why parenting the heart matters more than changing behavior
How to raise wise, confident kids with a Christ-centered identity
Encouragement to rely on the Holy Spirit in your parenting journey

Chapters

00:00 Meet Abbey Wedgeworth
02:51 How Can Busy Moms Study the Bible?
05:34 Discipling Kids Every Day
07:44 5 Questions to Raise Wise Kids
10:08 Teaching Kids Healthy Communication
12:55 How Should Siblings Handle Conflict?
15:49 Raising Confident Problem Solvers
18:30 Parenting Their Heart, Not Behavior
21:15 Are You Present or Distracted?

Resources

Abbey Wedgeworth Website

Training Young Hearts Book Series

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Am I Emotionally Healthy? Free assessment Click Here

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What can the mothers of the Bible teach us about raising godly children and leaving a legacy of faith that lasts for generations?

In this inspiring episode, Candace sits down with author, speaker, and mentor Rhonda Stoppe to explore the powerful lessons we can learn from biblical mothers and how their stories still impact Christian moms today. Through personal stories of marriage struggles, postpartum challenges, and spiritual growth, Rhonda shares how God uses both our victories and our hardships to shape the next generation.
From Naomi's influence to the faithfulness of unnamed mothers throughout Scripture, this conversation reveals how ordinary women can have an extraordinary impact when they trust God and remain faithful in motherhood. You'll discover practical encouragement for raising children who love Jesus, building a Christ-centered home, and creating a spiritual legacy that extends to your children and grandchildren.
Whether you're a new mom navigating the early years, a seasoned mother seeking renewed purpose, or a woman longing to leave a lasting legacy of faith, this episode will inspire you to embrace God's calling for your life and family.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Lessons from biblical mothers that apply to Christian parenting today
• How to raise godly children in a culture that pulls them away from faith
• Why your struggles can strengthen your children's spiritual foundation
• The importance of mentorship, community, and passing faith to the next generation
• How to leave a lasting legacy of faith for your children and grandchildren
• Practical ways to build a Christ-centered marriage and home
If you've ever wondered whether your daily faithfulness matters, this episode is a powerful reminder that God can use your life to impact generations to come.

Chapters

00:00 Rhonda Stoppe: Living a No Regrets Life of Faith & Purpose
02:58 What Does a “No Regrets Life” Really Mean for Christian Moms?
05:53 Marriage, Faith & Staying Committed Through Every Season
09:03 How to Navigate Hard Seasons in Marriage Without Giving Up
11:55 Why Seeking Help in Marriage Is a Sign of Strength, Not Failure
14:56 Moms of the Bible: Timeless Lessons for Today’s Mothers
18:33 Naomi’s Story: Grief, Loss, and Unshakable Faith in God
21:09 Trials, Transformation & How God Redeems Painful Seasons
24:40 Lessons from Lot’s Wife: Obedience, Trust, and Looking Forward
30:30 The Unnamed Mothers of the Bible and Their Lasting Legacy

Resources

Am I Emotionally Healthy? Free Self Assessment Here!

Watch the Interview: MomQ Youtube Channel

Interested in Leading a MomQ group? more info here

No Regrets Woman Ministries

Rhonda Stoppe Book: Moms of the Bible, Fearless, Flawed and Faithful

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Have you ever found yourself lying awake at 2am, mind racing through every "what if" scenario imaginable? You're not alone — and this episode might be exactly what you needed to hear today.

Heidi Anderson was just 23 years old when a cancer diagnosis turned her world upside down. As a mom of four miracle children, she knows firsthand what it feels like when life spins completely out of your control — and she knows what it takes to come out the other side with faith still intact.
In this powerful conversation, Heidi gets honest about:
Why "what if" thinking is stealing your peace — and the one mindset shift that changes everything
How to talk to your kids about fear and anxiety in a way that builds trust instead of worry
The biblical truth that anchors you when circumstances feel impossible
Why sharing your struggles with other moms is one of the most faith-filled things you can do
How to trade anxious lies for truth — a practical tool you can use starting today
Whether you're navigating a health scare, a hard season in marriage, a parenting challenge, or just the daily mental load of motherhood — this episode will remind you that God's promises don't expire, your struggles are not wasted, and you were never meant to carry this alone.
This one is for every mom who is tired of being afraid.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Heidi: Mom, Cancer Survivor, and Woman of Faith
02:38 – Diagnosed at 23: How a Cancer Scare Changed Everything
06:19 – What Does Healing Really Look Like? Faith in the Middle of the Unknown
09:21 – Are You a "What If" Mom? Why Anxiety Feels So Hard to Escape
15:42 – What the Bible Says About Fear (And Why It Actually Works)
18:10 – Can You Really Trust God When Life Falls Apart?
22:31 – How Do You Talk to Your Kids About Worry Without Scaring Them?
24:54 – Practical Tools to Stop the Anxiety Spiral Before It Starts
26:39 – Trading Anxious Lies for Truth: A Practice Every Mom Needs
29:47 – You Were Never Meant to Carry This Alone

Resources

Free MomQ Resource! Here : Am I Emotionally Healthy? -Self assessment checklist 

Heidi Lee Anderson's Ministry Website

"PS It's Going To Be Good" Book

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Have you ever caught yourself reacting in marriage the same way your parents did — even when you promised yourself you never would?

In this powerful episode, Candace sits down with marriage authors and relationship speakers David Willis and Ashley Willis to talk about how childhood wounds, family patterns, and emotional baggage can quietly shape your marriage, communication, and parenting.

Together, they unpack how couples can stop repeating unhealthy relationship cycles, heal from the past, and build a healthier, Christ-centered marriage rooted in grace, connection, and intentionality. Dave and Ashley share practical Christian marriage advice for moms and couples navigating conflict, emotional distance, burnout, stress, and the pressures of family life.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication in marriage, breaking generational patterns, emotional healing, finding rest in Christ, and why investing in your marriage deeply impacts your children and home. They also discuss the importance of prayer, community support, gratitude, counseling, and creating margin in busy family life.

If you’re a mom wondering how to create a healthier marriage and family than the one you grew up with, this episode will encourage you with practical tools, biblical wisdom, and hope that change is possible.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How childhood trauma and family patterns affect marriage
Why couples often repeat unhealthy relationship habits from childhood
Practical ways to stop repeating your parents’ mistakes in marriage
How to improve communication and emotional connection in marriage
How prayer, gratitude, and faith can strengthen your relationship
Ways to prevent burnout and create healthier rhythms in family life
Why community support and counseling can help marriages thrive
Encouragement for moms seeking peace, healing, and a stronger marriage

Chapters

00:00 Why Marriage Ministry Matters
03:04 What Makes a Healthy Marriage?
05:59 Are You Repeating Your Parents’ Patterns?
08:50 Early Marriage Struggles Couples Face
12:01 Why Community Helps Marriages Thrive
14:48 Heart Change vs Behavior Change
18:00 Finding Rest in Christ
19:46 Creating Margin and Avoiding Burnout
22:45 How to Handle Marriage Conflict
29:36 How Marriage Impacts Your Children
33:34 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms

Resources

Dave and Ashley Website

The Naked Marriage Podcast

Do Marriage Better Book

MomQ Free Resource "Emotional Health Quiz" Download

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Have you ever felt let down by your church — and wondered how to protect your kids' faith in the process? 
In this powerful episode, Candace Nassar sits down with author, high school English teacher, and mom of four boys Courtney Reissig to talk about her new book Someone to Believe In and what the Gospel of John teaches us about finding real hope when people and institutions disappoint us.
Courtney gets honest about navigating church hurt, the weight of broken trust in ministry, and how she kept pointing her kids to Jesus — even when faith felt hard. Together, they unpack why confession matters, how God meets us in our most broken moments, and why our children are more resilient than we think. 
If you're a mom trying to raise kids with deep, lasting faith in a world full of disappointment, this episode is for you. You'll walk away encouraged to anchor your family's trust in God's Word — not in people — and reminded that Jesus is always, always faithful.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Courtney Reissig: Faith, Motherhood & Ministry
 02:11 Why Someone to Believe In Was Written for Hurting Christians
 05:49 Why the Gospel of John Feels So Personal in Hard Seasons
 09:52 How Do You Keep Trusting God When Faith Feels Hard?
 14:54 Healing from Church Hurt: What Do You Do After Betrayal?
 19:35 Where Is Jesus When Life Feels Unfair?
 20:12 Why Does God Allow Pain, Brokenness & Suffering?
 24:26 How to Raise Resilient Kids in a Broken World
 28:05 Helping Your Kids Keep Their Faith After Church Hurt
 32:18 Finding Hope in Jesus When Life Feels Heavy

Resources

Interested on Leading a MomQ Gathering? Learn more

MomQ 5-Minute Bible Habit Free Resource

Get Courtney's Book "Someone to Believe In" : Amazon, Christian Books, lifeway

Courtney Reissig resources

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Wondering if what you're doing in motherhood really matters?

Motherhood is beautiful—but it can also feel exhausting, lonely, and full of pressure. If you're a Christian mom juggling kids, faith, and everyday life, this episode will meet you right where you are.

In this powerful conversation, Candace sits down with Ashlee Kasten—homeschooling mom of five—to talk about the true purpose of motherhood and how to find peace in the middle of mom life. Together, they reframe motherhood as more than daily survival—it’s a God-given calling and mission field with eternal impact.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• A fresh perspective on why motherhood is one of the most powerful callings of your generation
• Simple, realistic ways to build prayer into your already-packed daily routine
• How to ditch the "perfect mom" myth and show up authentically for your kids
• Encouragement for the Christian mom who feels spiritually behind

Ashlee also shares Flourish: A 30-Day Reset for Moms—a practical, faith-based resource to help you grow spiritually, create a peaceful home, and move from burnout to purpose.

Perfect for moms who want to build a faith-filled home and grow deeper in their walk with God.

Chapters

0:00 – Why Motherhood Has a Greater Purpose Than You Think
03:10 Homeschool Mom Life: Balancing Kids, Faith, and Daily Responsibilities
05:59 What Is the Purpose of Motherhood? A Biblical Perspective for Moms
12:00 – Letting Go of the Perfect Mom Myth
14:58 – When Real Mom Life Gets Messy (And What to Do About It)
18:10 A Mom’s Faith Journey: How Your Walk with God Shapes Your Family?
21:04 – How to Build a Family Prayer Routine That Actually Sticks
23:45 Modern Motherhood Challenges 
30:01 – Flourish: The 30-Day Faith Reset Every Mom Needs

Resources

Ashlee Kasten: The Purpose of Motherhood Website

MomQ 5 Minutes Bible Habit for busy moms Free resource

Lead a MomQ group- Learn more on being a  Mentor 

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