The Hero's Journey of Motherhood: Embracing Imperfection with Rhonda Stoppe and Mandy Arioto

Join us for an incredibly honest and refreshing conversation with parenting expert Rhonda Stoppe and MomCo's Mandy Arioto as they tackle one of motherhood's biggest myths: the need to be perfect.

In this vulnerable discussion, both moms share raw, real stories from their own parenting journeys—from postpartum meltdowns on freeways to forgotten baked beans that became family legends. You'll discover why 93% of moms feel pressure to be perfect, and more importantly, why our kids don't actually need perfect mothers.

What You'll Learn:

• Why authenticity beats perfection in motherhood every time
• How to model healthy apologies and humility for your children
• The transformative power of viewing motherhood as a "hero's journey"
• How God uses the everyday chaos of parenting to shape us into better people
• Why your worst parenting moments might become your family's favorite stories

This episode will leave you feeling encouraged, understood, and ready to embrace the beautiful mess of real motherhood. Perfect for any mom who's ever felt like she's failing—spoiler alert: you're not.

Duration: 39 Minutes / Suitable for: Parents, especially mothers

As the host of Bloodline & Backbone and The Mandy Show, Mandy offers powerful insights and candid conversations that resonate with today’s moms, helping them navigate their unique journeys.

Under Mandy’s leadership, MomCo (formerly MOPS) expanded its reach to over 10 million people annually, making a profound impact on moms globally. Mandy is known for her deep empathy and practical solutions that empower women to grow in their roles as mothers and in their personal and spiritual lives.

When she’s not speaking on stages across the globe or writing books that challenge the status quo, you’ll find Mandy, her husband Joe, and their three kids scaling mountains and seeking

wild adventures in Denver, Colorado. Learn more about Mandy at www.mandyarioto.co.

WATCH this LIVE Stream interview on Rhonda's YouTube Channel: 

Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman

ABOUT THE MOM CO

MomCo is a non-profit organization that encourages and equips moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus and in partnership with the local church. MomCo — then, simply known as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)—was founded in 1973 when seven women in Colorado invited moms to meet regularly to grow together as women, parents, and leaders, with the ultimate goal of reaching women with the hope of Jesus. Today, the small gathering they called MOPS now extends to

101+ countries, 25 languages, 72,000+ meetings a year and influences over a million moms annually.

For more information about Bloodline & Backbone and available Mother’s Day resources, visit themom.co. Follow The MomCo on

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

How Divorce Effects Children & What You Can Do to Help 

Welcome to "Old Ladies Know Stuff," where wisdom meets real-life challenges. I’m your host, Rhonda Stoppe, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s close to many hearts: how divorce affects children and what you can do to help. There’s a common belief that kids will be happier if parents are happy—even if that means splitting up—but decades of research, and years of personal experience as a pastor’s wife and youth minister, show us the real impact divorce can have on young lives.

In this episode, we’ll unpack both the short-term and long-term effects of divorce on children, exploring feelings of insecurity, rejection, resentment, and even financial stress. We’ll talk about practical steps parents can take to support their kids, ways mentors and community can make a difference, and the spiritual implications that often go overlooked. Whether you’re already divorced, considering it, or searching for hope and healing for your family, this is a safe space to find encouragement, resources, and honest conversation—no shame, no judgment. Just heartfelt advice from someone who’s walked alongside countless families on this journey.

Let’s come together to learn, support one another, and discover how, even amid brokenness, there’s hope for joy, restoration, and a brighter future for our children.

This is a popular article Rhonda wrote for Crosswalk.com  

Be encouraged as she reads the article with insights you may not have considered  

Read the article here: https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/divorce-and-remarriage/what-are-the-negative-effects-of-divorce-on-children.html

The Powerful Effect Divorce Has Upon Children by Rhonda Stoppe 

Keywords: divorce effects on children, emotional impact of divorce, long term effects of divorce, short term effects of divorce, child insecurity after divorce, feelings of rejection in children, blended families, fatherlessness, children’s mental health, poverty after divorce, behavioral problems in children, parental conflict, ministry to divorced families, Christian perspective on divorce, remarriage effects on children, child resentment, coping with divorce, child responsibility for divorce, healing after divorce, spiritual implications of divorce, family structure impact, academic well-being of children, church support for divorced families, role models for children, financial difficulties after divorce, youth ministry and divorce, motherless children, counseling for divorce, support for custodial parents, grief and loss in children, hope after divorce

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

In this incredibly uplifting and informative conversation, UnTriggered author Amber Lia shares encouragement for every mom longing for freedom from anger and the self-condemnation that often accompanies it. This sixty-day devotional touches on heart issues like releasing comparison with other moms, becoming a results-free mom, resisting comparison of children, gaining confidence in listening to the Holy Spirit, embracing the gift of motherhood, and more. Packed with spiritual encouragement, UnTriggered also includes easy "put it into practice" steps.

Quote: 

There is so much opportunity for hope to move forward. I mean, my kids, they I don't think they remember those early days at all when I was so triggered. You know, they don't remember who that mom even is. And I know that for some of us, our kids are older, but but first we have to allow God to forgive us. He is so gracious. He says in Psalm one zero three, he talks about how he remembers that we are but dust.

And he looks he looks at us with compassion as a loving father, that our sins are as far as the east is from the west, he says. And so receiving that grace from the Lord and then being so full of that that it overflows for ourselves. The enemy's gonna want you to replay all of that. And that's when we just have to take those thoughts captive and say, nope. I'm clean. I'm forgiven. And all I can do now is the next right thing with my kids. I can make progress with them.

I can bring healing, and I can pray through that and trust the Lord. But don't give up on it. It's never too late. There's never too much damage. There's nothing beyond God's healing hand. So do not despair.Find Untriggered Book and all of 

Find Untriggered and all of Amber Lia's resources mentioned in this episode at:

AmberLia.com

DON'T MISS THIS SPECIAL SALE PRICE: $1.99 EBOOK:

 MOMS RAISING SONS TO BE MEN 

Order and Please share this link with your friends.

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

Young Women_What I Wish I Knew Then_a message with Rhonda Stoppe. 

Due to laryngitis I had to cancel my interview scheduled to air today. But I think this timely message will be a great substitute as I share from my heart all the insights to help young women step into adulthood with their eyes fixed on Jesus. 

Quote: "May His Word stir in your heart a passion to become all that He has planned for you to be from before the foundations of this world!"

Rhonda taught this message at an intimate outdoor young women's tea party for her home church's young adult ladies. 

Note: You'll hear a rooster crowing in the distance (repeatedly). But I feel like the rooster's crow only adds to the quaintness and intimacy of this event. 

Books Mentioned: Real Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe (Harvest House Publishers). 

Please listen and SHARE with the young women in your life.

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

Kate Battistelli is the mother of the popular Christian Music Artist:

 Francesca Battistelli. In this episode, Kate and I had fun sharing our experiences as moms of Christian Music Artists. While unpacking ways moms can prepare for the day when their kids will launch into the world. 

Many of you have children who will soon graduate from high school and head out to college or on their own. Kate's insights will give you courage and inspiration to face this new season of life, the "Second Act" as Kate calls it.

And you will also learn how you can help your parents transition gently into their new roll as empty nesters. Give us a listen and comment or share with friends.

We'd love to hear from you!

 the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible, and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child’s Life. She's a contributing writer to the (In)courage Bible for Women and The Spirt-Led Woman's Bible, and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Joyful Life magazine, The Better Mom, Mici magazine, and more. She is one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. In addition, she is an honoree with She Leads Tennessee.

As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare”, moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She lives in Franklin, TN, near her daughter Francesca and seven grandchildren. Kate serves women by encouraging them to step out of their safe space and into His irresistible future.

Books Mentioned: 

The After Party of the Empty Nest by Kate Battistelli

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

How Far is Too Far? Dating Insights to Share with Your Daughter. Girls just wanna have fun, but how far is too far? Momma, it’s time to prepare yourself to have this talk with your daughter. And the timing to have this conversation is more urgent than you might think  

“Choose Wisely” is a message taught by Rhonda Stoppe at a Choose Wisely Conference @ Big Valley Grace Church in Modesto California Single’s Conference.

Please consider sharing this episode with your teen daughter or single young adult friends. 

Choosing wisely a godly spouse is the single most important decision your child can make- outside of their surrender to Christ. Mom, it’s your job to have these conversations with your daughter.

Momma- Don’t forsake this calling because you’re uncomfortable talking about s*x and purity with your kids. The world is more than happy to influence your daughters with their view. So ask God for courage and equip yourself to have this all important talk with your daughter. 

Purity. True Love Waits  

Book Mentioned

Real Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

To Know God is to Know HOPE. In this message, Rhonda Stoppe unpacks practical insights to help you grow in your knowledge of God and HOPE in Christ. Using the acrostic from the word HOPE:

Hope in His Steadfast Love

Open His Word

Prioritize Time with Him

Enjoy Him Forever

Please share this message with a friend who needs HOPE. Or an unbelieving friend who needs Christ. Rhonda clearly lays out the plan of salvation in this talk.

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

How to Lose the Mental Script You Have in Your Head. Rhonda Stoppe shares insights from a popular article she wrote for Crosswalk.com 

Rhonda Says, "You know that mantra that plays on repeat in the back of your brain. The one that might have been implanted from childhood? "You're not smart. They'll abandon you. You're fat. You'll never amount to anything." Yea. That one. Even when we grow up and know the Truth, it takes concerted effort to retrain your brain away from stinkin' thinkin' about who you are, and what is your worth." 

In this episode of Old Ladies Know Stuff, Rhonda Stoppe shares insights to help you break free from regretful thoughts that might be holding you back in order to embrace the grace filled life God has for you.

Please Subscribe and invite your friends to follow the show:

Subscribe & Share

Watch this episode on Rhonda's YouTube Channel: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman - Playlist Old Ladies Know Stuff Podcast.

Article Mentioned:

How to Lose the Script Your Parents Gave You by Rhonda Stoppe for Crosswalk.com (June 28, 2023)

FREE RESOURCES:

Text: NOREGRETS to 55444 to receive Rhonda's FREEeBook: 

Grandparenting Without Regrets

Or find a link to download the ebook on Rhonda's homepage.

Free Chapter from Rhonda's Best Selling Book: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men:

Even if You're Scared - Facing the Culture War with Wisdom and Strength

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

This is a special episode where Rhonda Stoppe @ Old Ladies Knows Stuff and Monica Swanson @ The Monica Swanson Podcast join forces to create a power packed one hour episode to air on both of their shows! How Cool is that?

Article: 7 Attitudes that Will Sabotage Your Marriage by Monica Swanson

Monicas's Bio:

BIO: 
Monica Swanson is a popular blogger (monicaswanson.com),host of the Monica Swanson Podcast (formerly the Boy Mom 
podcast), and author ofBoy Mom, Raising Amazing and her newest book, Becoming Homeschoolers.  
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Monica graduated from Pepperdine University and earned her teaching credential from Linfield College. Monica has a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and has spent much of her life as a personal coach and trainer. She and her doctor-husband, Dave, have one college graduate son, one son in college, another son surfing professionally and taking college classes online, and a 14-year-old son – all of whom were homeschooled by Monica. The Swanson family enjoys growing tropical fruit at their family home in the country on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. 

Monica's Books:

Boy Mom

Raising Amazing

Becoming Homeschoolers

Monica's Resources & Courses

Women's Wellness

The Marriage Builder Bundle

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”

Rhonda Stoppe reads excerpts from her book: The Marriage Mentor Becoming the Couple You Long to Be. Grab the ebook for only $1.99 (Promo Price ends soon).

You can watch the LIVE Video Recording of this episode on the Old Ladies Know Stuff Play List found on Rhonda's YouTube Channel: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman

Thank you for joining us. Please SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
Sign up for Rhonda's Monthly Newsletter @ NoRegretsWoman.com
CONNECT with Rhonda @RhondaStoppe
Facebook Page: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
NoRegretsWoman.com

"This podcast is for the purpose of mentoring only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained biblical counselor for help with your specific situation.”