When motherhood feels more like a thousand little deaths to self than the glossy highlight reel on Instagram, is it really worth it?

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Abby Halberstadt, better known as M is for Mama, to talk about her new book, You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls. Abby is a mom of 10, a fitness instructor, and a deeply theologically grounded voice speaking into the chaos of modern motherhood. Together we tackle comparison, cultural backlash, “honest motherhood,” and what it really means to live as a faithful, joyful mom in a world that often treats children like a burden instead of a blessing.

We talk about:

Why our “marks” (stretch marks, scars, sleepless nights, and hidden sacrifices) can be beautiful testimonies of love, not flaws to hide

How to push back against a culture that normalizes complaining, victimhood, and joking about hating motherhood

The difference between rejoicing in all things and enjoying all things

How our words, attitudes, and even facial expressions shape the spiritual atmosphere of our homes

Comparison, social media, and what to do when people accuse you of being “fake,” “toxic positive,” or “doing it for the ’gram”

Training our kids with a long view of legacy parenting—seeing everyday faithfulness as an investment in generations we may never meet

Why obedience to Christ in the hidden, thankless moments is always worth it, even when our feelings lag behind our theology

Abby also shares personal stories of suffering, health struggles, miscarriages, and how God’s kindness and sovereignty sustained her through it all. If you’re a mom who’s tired, discouraged, or tempted to believe the lie that you’re “not enough,” this conversation is for you.

???? Resources mentioned:

Abby’s book: You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls

Abby online: @m.is.for.mama on Instagram and the M is for Mama podcast

If this episode encourages you, consider sharing it with a tired mom friend who needs to be reminded that her quiet, daily faithfulness really does matter—and yes, it’s worth it.

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This video is sponsored by:

RANGE LEATHER

American-Made Craftsmanship from Wyoming

Go to www.rangeleather.com for more information

Use my code: ALISA

BRAVE BOOKS

Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good. 

Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information

Use my code: CHILDERS

SUMMIT

Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview.

Go to www.summit.org for more information

Use my code: ALISA26

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To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

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This video is sponsored by:

A'DEL NATURAL COSMETICS

Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. 

Experience the difference in quality and purity. 

Go to www.adelnaturalcosmetics.com for more information. 

Use my code: ALISA 

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE

Taste the Coffee that is Saving Lives.

Save up to 25% with promo code 'ALISA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/

Use my code: ALISA

GOOD RANCHERS

American Meat Delivered

Go to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information.

Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj 

Use my code: ALISA

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To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

In this episode of the Alisa Childers Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and OG apologist, Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason, for what I hope will be the episode you send to a brand-new Christian who’s asking, “Where do I even start?”

In the wake of so many people coming to Christ, especially following Charlie Kirk’s death, Greg and I talk about how to help new believers understand the big story of the Bible: who God is, who we are, what’s gone wrong with the world, and how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make sense of all of it. Drawing from his book The Story of Reality, Greg walks us through the narrative arc of the Christian worldview using five simple words: God, man, Jesus, cross, resurrection.

We also talk about:

Why Christianity isn’t “your truth vs. my truth,” but a picture of reality

Why God’s justice and love are not in tension but perfectly meet at the cross

Heaven, hell, judgment, and why what you do with Jesus really does matter forever

Practical encouragement for new Christians: how to start reading your Bible, why you need a solid local church, and how to think about prayer when it feels hard

If you’re new to the faith, or you love someone who is, this episode is for you.

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This video is sponsored by:

BRAVE BOOKS

Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.  

Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information

Use my code: CHILDERS

SUMMIT

Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview.

Go to www.summit.org for more information

Use my code: ALISA26

FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW

Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think

Biblically in a deceptive world. 

Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! 

Use my code: ALISA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

In this episode of the Alisa Childers Podcast, Alisa tackles the swirling controversy surrounding Candace Owens’ claims about the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the alleged cover-up by TPUSA and others. Rather than chasing every rumor, Alisa walks through how Christians can biblically and rationally discern claims like these—especially when they implicate real people, by name, with no publicly available evidence.

Drawing from Scripture (2 Corinthians 10, Ephesians 6, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Thessalonians 2), she explores why truth is not relative, why discernment is central to spiritual warfare, and how conspiracy thinking can slide into slander, character assassination, and even cult-like dynamics. Alisa also examines some of Candace’s rhetoric and tactics—insinuation, speculation, appeals to secret knowledge, and ad hominem attacks—and contrasts this with a truly Christian approach to seeking truth, guarding our hearts, and being transformed into the image of Christ.

This episode is especially aimed at Christian women who find themselves glued to every new “bombshell” update. Alisa offers a sober call to repentance from gossip and titillation, and an invitation back to Scripture, prayer, family, and a life ordered around Jesus, who is the Truth.

Link to Israel trip: https://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl26060126n58473#eotours

Link to full episode of J. Warner Wallace and Frank Turek: https://youtu.be/--ks1iEl1Ws?si=X4Bsm3kfN67frEKs

Link to full episode with Allie Stuckey: https://youtu.be/Q01g03147eY?si=PmuS1gKmw7dkmHLR

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This video is sponsored by:

FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW

Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think

Biblically in a deceptive world. 

Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! 

Use my code: ALISA

A'DEL NATURAL COSMETICS

Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. 

Experience the difference in quality and purity. 

Go to www.adelnaturalcosmetics.com for more information. 

Use my code: ALISA 

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE

Taste the Coffee that is Saving Lives.

Save up to 25% with promo code 'ALISA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/

Use my code: ALISA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

Gender isn’t something we “become,” it’s a good gift from God. In this episode, Alisa talks with Dr. Jeff Meyer (Summit Ministries) and Dr. Kathy Cook (Celebrate Kids) about helping kids understand male and female as part of God’s design, without reducing them to stereotypes. We tackle what today’s teens are really asking (“Is God good?”), how social media fuels confusion, practical ways parents and grandparents can talk with kids at every age, and why saying “no” to social transition can be a life-giving act of love. Jeff and Kathy share conversation starters, red-flag behaviors to watch for, and a hopeful vision of how men and women harmonize for the good of the family and the world.

In this episode:

Gender as design vs. stereotype

Social media, rapid-onset confusion, and wise boundaries

Age-appropriate scripts for tough questions

When boys want dresses & girls want buzz cuts—how to respond

Genesis 1–2, identity, and human flourishing

Building homes where God’s voice is the loudest

Resources & links:

Get the book Raising Gender-Confident Kids free: genderconfidentkids.com

Updates: Alisa shares sabbatical plans, Unshaken Faith Christmas livestream, studio move, and a preview of upcoming episodes on critical thinking and cultural discernment.

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This video is sponsored by:

RANGE LEATHER

American-Made Craftsmanship from Wyoming

Go to www.rangeleather.com for more information

Use my code: ALISA

SUMMIT

Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview.

Go to www.summit.org for more information

Use my code: ALISA26

BRAVE BOOKS

Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good. 

Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information

Use my code: CHILDERS

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

What does Scripture really say about being male and female, and how did the “Nashville Statement” become a line in the sand? Today I’m joined by Dr. Denny Burk (Boyce College/SBTS; President of CBMW; author of What Is the Meaning of Sex?) for a clear and candid conversation on complementarianism, feminism, the church’s drift on sex and gender, and why Scripture is our standard. We trace how reactions to the Nashville Statement helped catalyze Side B/Revoice, talk through what the Bible means by manhood and womanhood (and why that’s good news), and offer hope to parents with deconstructed kids.

In this episode

Complementarianism vs. egalitarianism...why it matters for the home and the church

The Nashville Statement: what it is, why it exploded, and what came next

“Side B,” identity labels, and building your identity on Christ rather than fallen desires

How progressive readings reinterpret Scripture—and how to respond

The beauty of sexual difference and the goodness of God’s design

Real encouragement and testimonies for parents of prodigals/deconstructed kids

Resources & links:

The Nashville Statement (CBMW) – cbmw.org

Denny’s writing – dennyburk.com

Dallas area friends: our final Unshaken Conference is Nov 8 at Stonebriar Church—register at unshakenconference.com or get tickets at the door. Hope to see you there!------------------------------------------------------------------

This video is sponsored by:

SUMMIT

Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview.

Go to www.summit.org for more information

Use my code: ALISA26

GOOD RANCHERS

American Meat Delivered

Go to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information.

Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj 

Use my code: ALISA

FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW

Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think

Biblically in a deceptive world. 

Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! 

Use my code: ALISA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

Today I’m joined by philosopher and veteran apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis to tackle the biggest misconceptions about Christian apologetics—what it is (and isn’t), why it matters for evangelism and discipleship, and how to respond when critics dismiss apologetics as mere talking points. We unpack methods (classical/evidential vs. presuppositional), the role of evidence and story, why humility and love are non-negotiable, and how everyday Christians can give reasons for the hope within them with both gentleness and respect.

Along the way, I share updates: a new Unshaken Faith episode where Natasha and I review Jen Hatmaker’s Awake, the release of my Another Gospel?—Student Edition (with new discussion questions and side notes), and details on our final Unshaken Conference of the year in the Dallas area on November 8.

------------------------------------------------------------------

This video is sponsored by:

BRAVE BOOKS

Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.  

Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information

Use my code: CHILDERS

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE

Taste the Coffee that is Saving Lives.

Go to www.sevenweekscoffee.com for more information.

Use my code: ALISA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

In today's conversation, Alisa Childers is joined by Anna Kitko—a researcher and clinical expert on spiritual abuse—to unpack the historical, biblical, and psychological roots of deliverance ministry. Together they explore how many of today’s practices trace back not to Scripture, but to ancient pagan rituals, and how that can lead to deep spiritual and emotional harm for sincere Christians seeking help.

Drawing from her research into ancient Akkadian medicine, Second Temple Judaism, and modern charismatic movements, Anna explains that Jesus’ exorcisms were unique precisely because only Yahweh Himself could command evil spirits.

Alisa and Anna also discuss:

The four ancient categories of “demons” and what they reveal about how we understand possession

Why much of deliverance ministry functions like spiritualized mental-health care—without accountability or clinical ethics

The concept of iatrogenic harm (when “healing” practices actually wound people)

How Bethlehem’s “SOZO” prayer model parallels ancient pagan rituals and can lead to spiritual abuse

What true, biblical deliverance and spiritual warfare look like—prayer, truth, and faithfulness under Christ’s authority alone

This episode is a sober but deeply encouraging reminder: Christians are delivered when they trust in Christ and are delivered from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God.

------------------------------------------------------------------

This video is sponsored by:

RANGE LEATHER

American-Made Craftsmanship from Wyoming

Go to www.rangeleather.com for more information

Use my code: ALISA

A'DEL NATURAL COSMETICS

Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. 

Experience the difference in quality and purity. 

Go to www.adelnaturalcosmetics.com for more information. 

Use my code: ALISA 

FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW

Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think

Biblically in a deceptive world. 

Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! 

Use my code: ALISA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

When journalist and author Megan Basham released her book Shepherds for Sale, the evidence she uncovered should have sparked healthy reform and accountability within evangelical institutions. Instead, she watched the entire “Big Evangelical” infrastructure mobilize—using back-room tactics, social pressure, and selective outrage—to discredit her and convince pastors not to read her work.

In this deeply revealing conversation, Alisa Childers and Megan expose the six manipulative tactics that often appear when someone dares to speak truth that challenges powerful networks within the church:

    1.    Prediscreditation – discrediting before you speak.

    2.    Moralizing dismissal ("Not our thing, Dear!")

    3.    Shunning and platform pressure.

    4.    Seizing on minor errors to discredit the whole.

    5.    Emotional outrage and tone policing.

    6.    Misusing Matthew 18 to silence public critique.

Megan also shares a personal update on her battle with stage 3 colon cancer, how God sustained her through the storm, and why she continues to stand firm for truth despite enormous backlash.

Whether you’ve faced rejection for speaking biblical truth in your own church or just want to understand how the “discreditation machine” operates, this episode will equip you to stand firm with courage and biblical clarity.

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This video is sponsored by:

BRAVE BOOKS

Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.  

Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information

Use my code: CHILDERS

GOOD RANCHERS

American Meat Delivered

Go to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information.

Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj 

Use my code: ALISA

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE

Taste the Coffee that is Saving Lives.

Go to www.sevenweekscoffee.com for more information.

Use my code: ALISA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

Is deeper political engagement faithfulness—or a fast track to compromise? In this candid conversation, Alisa and Jesse Westwood (Faith Reframed) wrestle with Christian political involvement in the wake of recent events, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the stealthy influence of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).

From Jesse’s Anabaptist “two-kingdom” convictions to Alisa’s case for principled engagement, you’ll hear vigorous disagreement—and real agreement—on essentials: the sufficiency of Scripture, the danger of dominionism (NAR’s “Seven Mountain Mandate”), and why bad theology hurts people. They also distinguish classic postmillennialism from dominionist projects, talk early-church witness, co-belligerence, and why placing political victory over biblical doctrine is a dead end.

------------------------------------------------------------------

This video is sponsored by:

FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW

Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think

Biblically in a deceptive world.  

Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! 

Use my code: ALISA

GOOD RANCHERS

American Meat Delivered

Go to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information.

Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj 

Use my code: ALISA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music

There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders

To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/

To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/

To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/

For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com

To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:

https://kit.co/alisachilders

Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.