Struggle Well School

Struggle Well School

By Emily ThomasHealth & FitnessMental HealthReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-Improvement
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Struggle Well School episodes

  • Patreon: Sassy Vintage Stress
    What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!  

    WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:

    • MSW Boutique coming soon!
    • Vinny Thomas on IG for laughs
    • The Whole Cook on IG for quick easy recipes
    • Em & Kate’s experience with Whole30
    • The story of Em’s husband “Pie”
    • Rebecca’s fridge is overflowing with breast milk
    • Depression and a serious conversation about suicide and PMDD 
    • Rebecky is mad about ads and is taking her Au Pair to Carolina 
    • Kate is loving hemp hearts + Em is working on her patio in a healthy way
    • Yuliya announced the Strugg of the week
      • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

      CONNECT WITH REBECCA:
      website | instagram | patreon

      CONNECT WITH KATE:
      instagram | website | patreon

      CONNECT WITH EMILY:
      website | instagram | facebook | patreon

      SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

      LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
      Patreon | Amazon
      *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
      5 min
    • #271: Grieving Well
      There are no magical phrases that smooth the rough edges of grief so how can you help a friend grieve well? If you’ve lost someone you love, this one will make you feel seen. If you happen to be in a season of grief yourself,  grab some tissues and settle in. Rebecca asks us about our recent experience and we give you our very raw version. Listen for perspective shifts on how to grieve well and keep your eyes open to see the sweetness God provides in the darkest times.

      WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:
      • Leave a review in March and you will be entered to win a Stash it or Trash it item to try with us!
      • The new Better Life Bags embossed leather 
      • Jennifer, Sarah and Katherine’s are topping the Patreon Strugg charts
      • The importance of understanding that all grief counts
      • The different roles we play in the grieving process
      • Kate is working on creating a corner of the internet where those grieving can place messages that they would send to their loved ones. Stay tuned!
      • How to take advantage of moments with those you know you will lose
      • Grieving complicated relationships 
      • How to plan for the eventual grief
      • How to help a friend grieve well + things to avoid
      • The number one tip to help someone you know grieve well
      • The importance of exploring your strengths and weaknesses in grief
      • How to love your family well when it comes to diving up sentimental belongings  
      • How to share your story of grief while being thoughtful of others grieving with you
      • Hope in the Dark: Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not by Craig Groeschel
      • Ways God was sweet to us in our grief
      • Peloton app and hashtag #strugglingwell
      • Killing us softly: Rebecca’s passwords, Em’s career choice, Kate’s volunteering
      • Giving us life: Rebecca is loving her body + exercise, Em loves the show Psych,  Kate is feeling empowerment in grief
        • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

        CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
        website | instagram | patreon

        CONNECT WITH KATE:
        instagram | website | patreon

        CONNECT WITH EMILY:
        website | instagram | facebook | patreon

        EPISODE SPONSORS:
        Ana Luisa: Treat yourself and your loved ones with a unique gift. Use this link and get 10% off
        Barber Mom: Use this link and promo code MSW for $10 off a Lifetime Membership
        KiwiCo: Get 30% off your first month with promo code MSW
        Chime: Use this link to apply now and join the millions on Chime

        SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

        LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
        Patreon | Amazon
        *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
        1 hr 8 min
      • Patreon: Stay Out of Hot Water or You Might Get a Fever, Chicken!
        What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!

        WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:
        • Are you into listening to pods and books on 1.5 speed?
        • Are you into a long shower pre-game?
        • Em is adding rain to her prayer list + rainwater catchers look like this
        • Are you into the #freebritney movement? NYTimes Documentary
        • Kate has baby-fever because of listening to Maisy every week
        • Rebecky’s upcoming science experiment with measuring cups
        • Emily has to end her ninja shoe tiek kick
        • Rebecky shares an amazing Olive Garden chicken recipe
        • Barber Mom classes have improved Kate’s hair cutting skills (use code MSW for $10 off)
        • Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin 
          *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

          CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
          website | instagram | patreon

          CONNECT WITH KATE:
          instagram | website | patreon

          CONNECT WITH EMILY:
          website | instagram | facebook | patreon

          SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

          LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
          Patreon | Amazon
          *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
          2 min
        • #270: Problem Solved: Marriage
          We talked about doing the grownup this week, guys. You asked for it and we finally delivered with a Problem Solved: Marriage. Was this uncomfortable? Sure was! Do we KNOW that it will serve you well to hear from other moms struggling well on the topic? One hundred percent! Here are some of the things we were asked.

          “I’ve been married forever and I don’t like my spouse anymore, what should I do?” Rebecky has an amazing perspective shift to share on this. 

          “How do I handle the wildly different parenting style of my partner?” Emily nailed this one.

          “How can I make the grownup more enjoyable? Kate took this one (thank goodness) and it’s quite clever.

          WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:

          • Rebecky did her first ever intro to the show!
          • This episode marks the birth of the “boop”
          • How to find a middle ground on how often to do the “grownup”
          • The pressure of your release after the 6 week postpartum appointment
          • What does marriage look like after baby?
          • Things to make the grownup more enjoyable: lube and heated blankets
          • How to serve a spouse well who has high expectations
          • If you are the spouse with high expectations, how to temper them
          • Writing contracts as a family
          • What if I don’t like my spouse anymore? + Rebecky’s perspective shift on this.
          • Date night ideas: Virtual concerts
          • Do teenagers = no sex?
          • How do I handle wildly different parenting styles with my spouse?
          • How do you decide on division of labor?
          • Rebecky is anti-breakfast smells
          • Dogs and red onions don’t mix
          • Em’s new office is visually upsetting
          • Sharon says so
          • Show and movie suggestions: Selena, Firefly Lane, Badla
            • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

            CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
            website | instagram | patreon

            CONNECT WITH KATE:
            instagram | website | patreon

            CONNECT WITH EMILY:
            website | instagram | facebook | patreon

            EPISODE SPONSORS:
            Ana Luisa: Treat yourself and your loved ones with a unique gift. Use this link and get 10% off.
            Prose: Visit prose.com/MSW for 15% off your first order today.
            Stamps.com: Use code MSW for a 4 week trial + free postage + digital scale.
            PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/MSW for two free weeks of meal planning.

            SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

            LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
            Patreon | Amazon
            *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
            1 hr 1 min
          • Patreon: Fran is Brokten
            What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!

            WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:

            • Honest reviews of Stitch Fix boxes 
            • Stash it or Trash it: “Shitake” Mushroom Candy Canes  + Nature Valley Coconut Butter Biscuit
            • Em & Kate on day 12 of a Whole 30
            • Beware of apple in-app purchases via touch ID 
            • Kate wants her husbands seabag to be a no-see bag
            • Em’s roomba named Fran is in trouble with Priscilla Macabee 
            • Rebecca’s roomba Rosie may be renamed to Herb
            • Kate is loving her free 10 minute workouts 
            • Ways we help our kids that struggle with anger 
            • Fran’s virtual wall boundaries 
              • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

              CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
              website | instagram | patreon

              CONNECT WITH KATE:
              instagram | website | patreon

              CONNECT WITH EMILY
              website | instagram | facebook | patreon

              SHARE THE STRUGGLE!

              If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

              LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
              Patreon | Amazon

              *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
              4 min
            • #269: Wrestling with God
              How can I trust that the bible is true? What do you do when you’re doubting your faith? What does it look like when your kids come to you with hard questions regarding religion?

              These are actual questions that came up in an especially candid episode released today. We didn’t know exactly where this conversation would take us and you may very well find parts of it that you disagree with. The great thing is, we are loved by a Father that welcomes the wrestling.

              The messiness is dialed up to about an 11 on this one! We are just three moms struggling (mostly) well through this hard and honest conversation. We invite you to listen through to the end and pray through the parts that you find uncomfortable, keeping in mind that we are clearly not pursuing perfection over here.

              WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:
              • Huge thank you to the Strugg community for helping us grieve WELL
              • Our three minute faith journeys 
              • Kate’s full episode on feeling behind as a Christian
              • When your spouse does not share faith with you
              • What to do when your faith is rocked by hard questions
              • Homosexuality in our lives and in the Bible
              • What quiet time looks like in our real lives
              • Seamless bible study
              • Cultivate What Matters journals 
              • New Morning Mercies devotional
              • Streams in the Desert devotional 
              • Paul’s Leather Company
              • Em’s simple tip for modeling Bible reading for your children
              • Mildliners highlighters
              • The painful sound of YouTubers
              • Cabaret mascara and primer
              • Peter Thomas Roth moisturizer for your declot
              • The overwhelming feelings that come with a new job
              • Kate’s bad cholesterol and an upcoming visit to a magician 
              • Rebecky’s suggestion to shop around for car insurance companies
              • Tieks
              • Understanding the Gorilla Glue mishap
                • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

                CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
                website | instagram | patreon

                CONNECT WITH KATIE:
                instagram | website | patreon

                CONNECT WITH EMILY:
                website | instagram | facebook | patreon

                EPISODE SPONSORS:
                Birchbox Inc: Use code “MSW” for 50% off your first box when you subscribe for 3 months
                NuCalm: Click for 30-day subscription + their money back guarantee
                PlushCare: Click to start your free 30-day trial
                KiwiCo: Use promo code MSW for 30% off your first month + FREE shipping

                SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

                LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
                Patreon | Amazon

                *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
                1 hr 2 min
              • Patreon: We are all Underwear Inspectors
                What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!

                WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:
                • Would you rather be covered in fur or covered in scales?
                • Sweet chili garlic hummus
                • Rebecky is looking into ear-igation for hearing loss
                • Exploring: Does old age cause eyelashes to straighten?
                • Emily and Rebecky have both broken their cars
                • Rebecky is loving the Queens Gambit because it’s clean and interesting 
                • Kate and Em share tricks to drink more water
                • Em is getting a new luxurious bathtub & her kids are over it
                  • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

                  CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
                  website | instagram | patreon

                  CONNECT WITH KATIE:
                  instagram | website | patreon

                  CONNECT WITH EMILY:
                  website | instagram | facebook | patreon

                  SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

                  LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
                  Patreon | Amazon
                  *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
                  4 min
                • #268: Problem Solved: Cleaning
                  Would you like to have an approach to cleaning that and will keep your mind calm, give your kids freedom to play AND teach them responsibility? Well, I am so excited for you to listen to this episode then! 

                  The three of us have such different ways that we manage cleaning the house. I am in the ABC (always be cleaning) camp which is downright exhausting. Rebecca has genius tips about zoning your home that could not be more simple and Kate has a tip that will put a stop to the constantly-giving-direction-to-family-members fatigue. P.S. We FINALLY nailed down meta in this one!

                  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:
                  • Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommmy
                  • How to manage the division of labor
                  • Using kid’s reward-time space for their to-do item storage
                  • Using timers for progress bursts
                  • Laundry episodes from the Lazy Genius 1 & 2
                  • Follows: @gocleanco & @house.peace
                  • Our favorites: Mrs. Meyers, Barkeepers & Thieves
                  • No shade to Goldie Hawn, just to her photographer
                  • Who What Wear crop pants
                  • Lume deodorant commercial
                    • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

                    CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
                    website | instagram | patreon

                    CONNECT WITH KATIE:
                    instagram | website | patreon

                    CONNECT WITH EMILY:
                    website | instagram | facebook | patreon

                    EPISODE SPONSORS:
                    Stamps.com: Use code MSW for a 4 week trial + free postage + digital scale
                    Birchbox: Use promo code MSW for 50% off your first box when you subscribe for 3+ months
                    Trust & Will: Use this link and get 10% off + free shipping of your legal documents
                    Ana Luisa: Use this link and get 15% off. Order by 2/10 for guaranteed standard shipping before v-day.

                    SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

                    LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
                    Patreon | Amazon
                    *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
                    1 hr 6 min
                  • Patreon: Spam Dump Shot
                    What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!

                    WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:
                    • Are you into that: spam sandwiches, double islands, among us!
                    • That wonderful toddler phase: dumping
                    • Katie’s power ranger beauty routine
                    • Em’s COVID vaccine experience 
                    • Zillow browsing: Fun or painful?
                    • Em is exploring Campral and continuing her alcohol experiment 
                      • *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

                      CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
                      website | instagram | patreon

                      CONNECT WITH KATIE:
                      instagram | website | patreon

                      CONNECT WITH EMILY:
                      website | instagram | facebook | patreon

                      SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

                      LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
                      Patreon | Amazon
                      *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
                      6 min
                    • #267: Five Bebes is Just Perfect
                      What do you wish you knew before heading to the hospital to have a baby? What invaluable nuggets did you learn when you had your little nugget? Since our sweet Rebecky had her fifth baby Smith this week it was the perfect time to talk about how to Struggle WELL with bebes. We shared our personal stories with adoption and childbirth and our amazing Strugg community came with crucial advice for what NOT to do after baby comes!

                      WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:
                      • The joy of dermoplast and the practicality of depends
                      • Our adoption, breastfeeding and childbirth stories
                      • The upcoming birth of Rebecky’s fifth baby Smith
                      • Baby names for adopted children
                      • Childbirth during the pandemic 
                      • Gifts to bring for nurses: Black pens and office supplies 
                      •  Abdominal binders for after a cesarean section
                      • White noise in headphones to help moms multi-task
                      • Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
                      • Rebecky’s review of her Cinemood
                      • Emily’s promotion to Nurse Manager
                      • Seamless bible study by Angie Smith
                      • Growth Book from Growth Roots Co.
                        *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

                        CONNECT WITH REBECKY:
                        website | instagram | patreon

                        CONNECT WITH KATIE:
                        instagram | website | patreon

                        CONNECT WITH EMILY:
                        website | instagram | facebook | patreon

                        EPISODE SPONSORS:
                        PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/MSW for two free weeks of meal planning
                        Sakara: Visit Sakara.com/MSW or use code MSW to get 20% off your first order
                        NuCalm: Visit MSWNuCalm.com for 50% off your 30 day subsciption

                        SHARE THE STRUGGLE!If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

                        LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
                        Patreon | Amazon
                        *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
                        1 hr 16 min

                      About Struggle Well School

                      From the publisher's feed

                      The podcast that helps you love your actual life so you don’t need to run away from home. Join your friend Emily each week to practice thought work guaranteed to yield perspective shifts which will move you from struggling to struggling WELL.