This week’s conversation is tender, powerful, and one that so many carry quietly: the journey of waiting for a child. I’m joined by Alice Matagora and she shares her story of infertility with such grace and vulnerability, offering encouragement for anyone walking through a season of waiting or supporting someone who is.

Whether you’ve walked this road yourself, are in the middle of it, or love someone who is, this episode is an invitation to sit with hope and trust that God is near, even in the waiting.

Here are a few truths Alice helped shine a light on:

- God's timing is never wasted, even when it feels like everything is on pause

- It’s okay to feel unseen—God still sees and is working in your story

- Waiting seasons can deepen our faith and strengthen our identity in Christ

- How to support others walking through infertility with compassion and sensitivity

Alice is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a wife, mom, and a missionary with the Navigators. She serves as the leader development initiative program director and is passionate about raising up disciple-makers in everyday life. Alice’s personal journey through infertility has shaped her deep belief in God’s faithfulness, even in unseen seasons.

Wherever you are today, waiting, celebrating, or supporting someone on their journey, know that you’re not alone. God sees you.

00:00 The Joys and Challenges of Parenting

02:54 The Journey of Infertility

05:53 Faith and Waiting

09:01 The Impact of Infertility on Relationships

12:01 Navigating Joy and Grief

14:52 Supporting Friends Through Infertility

17:59 The Miracle of Life

21:12 Celebrating the Gift of Children

Connect with Alice

AliceMatagora.com

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Resources Mentioned

You Are My Miracle book

Christian Parenting resources

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Have you ever felt pulled between being deeply grateful and totally overwhelmed? You’re not alone, and today’s conversation will meet you right in that tension.

I’m joined by author and TV journalist Jillian Benfield, who shares her powerful story of navigating unexpected challenges and discovering a deeper, more honest relationship with God along the way. We talk about avoiding toxic positivity, embracing life’s hard and holy moments, and learning to live in the “and.”

Here are a few of my favorite takeaways:

• How the Psalms teach us to see life through the lens of order, disorder, and reorder
• What it means to raise emotionally aware kids using simple practices like “highs and lows”
• Why honesty with God is more powerful than forced positivity
• How to start practicing daily rhythms of gratitude and lament

Meet Jillian Benfield:

Jillian is a former TV journalist turned author and disability advocate. Her book, Overwhelmed & Grateful, invites readers to reframe unexpected seasons and find deeper purpose in the midst of pain. She writes and speaks with vulnerability, wisdom, and a deep heart for helping others see God’s goodness even when life doesn’t go as planned.

With Love,

Steph

(03:02) Navigating Parenting Challenges

(06:08) The Power of Vulnerability

(08:56) Understanding Overwhelm and Gratitude

(11:55) Practicing Honest Gratitude

(14:55) Order, Disorder, and Reorder

(18:02) Finding God in the Everyday

(21:03) Creating a Daily Rhythm of Gratitude

(24:03) Connecting with Jillian Benfield

Connect with Jillian

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Overwhelmed & Grateful book

Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids

What to Say and How to Say it to Your Teens

Christian Parenting resources

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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If your mornings feel more like survival mode than sacred space, this week’s episode is for you.

I’m joined by Tara Beth Leach, she's pastor, author, and mom, and we’re talking all about how to make mornings with God doable and deeply meaningful, even in the busiest seasons of parenting. Tara Beth shares how a personal valley led her to create a simple rhythm that invites God into the start of her day… and now she’s helping the rest of us do the same.

Whether you’re up before the sun or waking to chaos and cartoons, there’s something here for you.

Here’s a little of what we cover:

• A simple “G.R.E.A.T.” framework for mornings with God: Gratitude, Reflection, Exalt, Ask, and Trust
• Why five intentional minutes can shift the tone of your whole day
• How to create spiritual connection as a family (yes, even with toddlers!)
• Ideas for inviting your spouse or teens into the rhythm with you

Meet Tara Beth Leach:

Tara Beth is a pastor, preacher, and author with a deep passion for helping people walk closely with Jesus in their real, everyday lives. Her newest book, The GREAT Morning Revolution, invites readers into a grace-filled rhythm of connection with God, no perfect routine or Instagram-worthy quiet time required.

Because the way you begin the day can shape your family’s whole rhythm.

(01:58) Transitioning to Morning Time with God

(06:02) Becoming a Morning Person: A Personal Journey

(14:59) Practical Morning Prayer for Parents with Littles

(20:09) Creating a Morning Routine: The GREAT Framework

(21:00) Transforming Morning Routines with God

(32:55) The Impact of Morning Practices on Family Dynamics

Connect with Tara

Website

Instagram

Facebook

The GREAT Morning Revolution

Resources Mentioned

The GREAT Morning Revolution

Operation Christmas Child

Bishop's Block & Young Whit and the Shell Game 

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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Hey friends,

Have you ever packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and wondered where it might end up? Or what kind of impact something so small could really make?

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Izabella McMillon, who received one of those shoeboxes as a child growing up in Romania. Her story is deeply moving, a real glimpse into how God can use simple acts of generosity to open hearts and change lives.

We talk about how something as small as a toothbrush or a stuffed animal can become a doorway to the Gospel, and how serving together as a family can shape your kids' hearts for compassion and mission.

Here are a few things you’ll hear in this episode:

• The moment a shoebox revealed God's love to a young girl in Romania
• How small acts of service can create a ripple effect in a child’s life
• Why participating in Operation Christmas Child builds a global perspective in our kids
• Practical tips for turning shoebox packing into a fun, meaningful family tradition

Izabella grew up in Romania and now works with Samaritan’s Purse as a speaker and ambassador for Operation Christmas Child. After receiving a shoebox as a child, she now helps share the Gospel and invite others into the mission of reaching children around the world with hope and joy. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how God uses people, and shoeboxes, to write redemption stories.

Grateful for this conversation and praying it inspires you and your family to serve together in new ways.

With Love,

Steph

(00:00) Introduction to Operation Christmas Child

(02:50) Izabella's Childhood in Romania

(06:08) Discovering Faith in a Communist Regime

(09:11) The Impact of a Shoebox Gift

(11:50) The Journey of Faith and Prayer

(15:00) The Power of Prayer and God's Timing

(18:05) The Role of Discipleship in OCC

(20:59) Izabella's Path to Working with OCC

(24:03) Packing Shoeboxes as a Family

(27:08) How to Pack a Shoebox

(30:03) The Importance of Generosity and Service

(33:09) Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources Mentioned

Operation Christmas Child

Gift Suggestions

Year-round packing ideas

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
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This week’s episode is one you’re going to want to listen to with your kids! I’m talking with Jimmy Darts, yes, that Jimmy Darts from social media, whose videos of undercover kindness and radical generosity have touched millions. But what you might not know is the incredible faith journey behind it all.

Jimmy’s story is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest act of love can ripple into something much bigger. He shares how God nudged him out of his comfort zone and into a calling that’s all about seeing people, stepping in, and choosing kindness again and again.

Here are a few things we talk about in this episode:

• How God used an unexpected challenge to turn Jimmy’s life completely around
• The importance of obedience, even when it feels risky or countercultural
• Simple ways to model generosity and compassion in your everyday parenting
• Why kids don’t need a huge platform to make a huge difference

And for a fun bonus, my son Griffin joins us at the end with some great questions just for Jimmy! It’s such a sweet moment that I think your whole family will enjoy.

Jimmy is a social media creator, author, and speaker known for his viral videos highlighting undercover acts of kindness. With over 12 million followers across platforms, he’s on a mission to spark a movement of generosity around the world. His new book, Undercover Kindness, is a heartfelt and practical guide to living out compassion, one small step at a time.

I hope that today’s conversation encourages a life of kindness that starts at home and reaches far beyond.

(03:09) Jimmy's Journey to Faith and Kindness

(06:09) The Impact of Social Media on Kindness

(08:59) Growing Up with Generosity and Faith

(11:56) The Power of Kindness in a Divided World

(15:07) Practical Ways to Show Kindness

(17:59) Encouraging the Next Generation

(20:58) Griffin's Questions on Kindness

(24:04) Deepening Your Relationship with God

(27:02) Conclusion and Book Release

Connect with Jimmy

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

JimmyDarts.com

Resource Mentioned

Undercover Kindness

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting products

10 Questions series

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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This week’s conversation is such a refreshing encouragement for every stage of motherhood. I’m joined by author, speaker, and seasoned mom Vicki Courtney, and she brings so much wisdom and honesty about the changing roles we face as moms.

From the early years of raising little ones to navigating an empty nest, Vicki reminds us that while motherhood is deeply meaningful, it’s not our highest calling. Our identity must be rooted in Christ, not in what we do, how we parent, or what season we're in.

Here’s what we unpack in today’s episode:

• Why your value isn’t defined by your parenting performance

• The gift of self-care and how it fuels your ability to show up well

• The importance of investing in your marriage (yes, even in the chaos!)

• How to approach each season of motherhood with grace, not guilt

Whether you're in the thick of diaper changes or college drop-offs, this conversation is full of truth and hope for your soul.

Vicki is a national speaker and bestselling author whose books have ministered to women and teens for over two decades. She’s known for her relatable, truth-filled encouragement, and her latest book Motherhood Is Not Your Highest Callinghelps moms reframe their identity through a biblical lens. She and her husband live in Austin, Texas, and have three grown children and grandchildren.

As always, I’d love for you to leave a quick rating or review if this episode encourages you, it means so much and helps other parents find these life-giving conversations.

Connect with Courtney

vickicourtney.com

Instagram

Motherhood is not your highest calling by Vicki Courtney

Resources Mentioned

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting products

10 Questions series

(06:13) Redefining Identity: Beyond Motherhood

(12:00) Wake-Up Calls: Lessons from Parenting and Life

(17:51) Prioritizing Marriage in Parenting

(24:03) Overcoming Guilt: Embracing Grace

(29:59) Conclusion and Resources

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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This week’s episode of the Christian Parenting Podcast is such a life-giving conversation, one that will fill your heart and equip you with fresh encouragement for the days ahead. I got to sit down with Hosanna Wong, who is a powerhouse of wisdom and truth. She’s a spoken word artist, pastor, and author, and she joined me to talk about raising kids who know who they are and whose they are.

Hosanna shares her own story of growing up in a ministry family, the challenges she faced with identity and belonging, and the deep healing she found in God’s love. She also gives us a peek into her brand-new children’s book, What God Says About You, and let me tell you, it’s a gem.

Here’s a glimpse of what we cover in today’s episode:

• The importance of repeating truth until it takes root

• How to help your kids find their identity in Christ, not culture

• Why building a church community matters even if it looks unconventional

• Simple ways to navigate big topics like social media with grace and guidance

This is such a rich, encouraging conversation especially for those of us wanting to raise kids who walk in confidence, knowing they are deeply loved by God.

Meet Hosanna Wong:

Hosanna is an international speaker, spoken word artist, and best-selling author known for bringing the Word of God to life through creative teaching. She’s the author of How (Not) to Save the World, and her latest project, a children’s book called What God Says About You helps parents speak biblical identity into their kids’ lives. Her ministry is passionate about equipping people to live boldly in the love and truth of Jesus.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. And as always, if it blesses you, would you leave a quick review or share it with a friend? Your support helps more parents find these conversations and I’m so grateful for you.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:0) Journey Through Spoken Word Poetry

(05:54) Experiences with Church and Community

(09:01) The Impact of Parents on Faith

(12:02) Understanding Spoken Word Poetry

(15:11) The Power of Identity in Christ

(18:03) Engaging the Younger Generation

(21:00) Practical Tips for Parents

(24:03) The Names God Calls Us

(27:11) Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Hosanna

https://www.hosannawong.com/

YouTube

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

I Have a New Name video

I Have a New Name Coloring Book

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting resources

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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In this week’s episode Brendt Blanks shares how so many of us, especially moms, wrestle with thoughts that aren’t true. And if we’re not careful, those thoughts become beliefs. Brendt helps us learn how to pause, notice, and replace those lies with God’s truth, and her insight is incredibly freeing.

Here are a few things we talk about:

• How to recognize and disrupt negative thought cycles

• Why scripture and worship are powerful tools for mental renewal

• What it looks like to replace cultural lies with biblical truth

• The importance of grace when change feels hard or slow

This episode is full of practical steps and hopeful reminders and I hope it feels like a deep breath for your soul today.

Brendt spent 17 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist before stepping into her new role as an author and content creator. Her debut book, Listen Closer: Believing God's Truth Over the World's Lies, invites women to quiet the noise of the world and tune in to the voice of God. She’s passionate about helping others understand their worth, embrace truth, and live with freedom.

Listen in and don’t forget to check out the link to her book below! And if you’re enjoying these episodes, it means so much when you leave a review or share it with a friend.

(00:00) Introduction to Family and Change

(02:46) Navigating Parenting Transitions

(05:35) From Therapist to Content Creator

(08:38) Embracing Change and Fear

(11:28) Common Lies Women Believe

(14:14) Recognizing Negative Cycles

(17:07) The Power of Scripture and Music

(19:43) Practical Steps to Replace Lies

(22:46) Final Encouragement for Parents

Connect with Brendt

https://shegaveitago.com

Facebook

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Listen Closer audio book

Listen Closer book

Christian Parenting resources

Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to help your kids navigate their big feelings, or if you’re still figuring out your own emotional landscape, this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Debra Fileta, and she’s bringing a fresh perspective from her brand-new children’s book, Any Day Emotions. We talk about raising emotionally healthy families, what it looks like to model emotional regulation as a parent, and why emotional intelligence is just as important as spiritual formation in our homes.

Here are a few things you’ll take away from this conversation:

• Why our kids need names for their emotions and how language helps them grow
• What it means to do your own inner work as a parent so you can show up with calm and compassion
• How to model emotional resilience by being honest, but not heavy, with your kids
• Why helping kids manage emotions is not coddling, but preparing them for life and faith

If you want practical tools, biblical encouragement, and a gentle nudge to grow alongside your kids emotionally, this episode is packed with wisdom. And don’t forget to check out Debra’s new book Any Day Emotions, a beautiful resource for helping children learn to feel and heal.

Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author of multiple books, including Are You Really OK?, Reset, and Choosing Marriage. Her work focuses on emotional and spiritual wellness, helping individuals and families heal from the inside out. Any Day Emotions is her first children’s book, written to empower kids with the tools they need to understand and manage their emotions in healthy, faith-filled ways.

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Health in Families

05:49 The Importance of Early Conversations

12:00 Encouraging Healthy Emotional Expression

18:05 Navigating Parent-Child Emotional Dynamics

23:55 Resources for Parents on Emotional Health

Connect with Debra

https://debrafileta.com/

Podcast

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Any Day Emotions

Christian Parenting resources

Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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This episode is for every parent who has ever felt helpless watching their child go through something hard. You know that ache, that deep desire to step in and fix it all?

Today’s guest is Vanessa Siso, a registered psychologist and author, and she brings such a gentle, wise, and hope-filled perspective. She reminds us that while we can’t always protect our kids from hardship, we can walk with them through it in a way that strengthens their faith and resilience.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why it’s more powerful to be present than to offer quick fixes
• How simple role play helps kids process and respond to hard things biblically
• The difference between helping and rescuing, and how rescuing can hinder growth
• A practical tool: narrating your own coping strategies to model emotional resilience

If this conversation speaks to you, be sure to check out Vanessa’s children's book, Elizabeth’s Miracle, which helps kids process challenges through a faith-based lens.

About Vanessa Siso:

Vanessa is a registered psychologist, children’s book author, and mom who is passionate about helping families navigate mental health and spiritual growth with compassion and confidence. Her work blends clinical insight with biblical wisdom, giving parents the tools to walk with their children through life’s ups and downs with grace.

Thanks for being here, let’s keep walking this parenting path together.

(01:51) The Importance of Allowing Kids to Experience Hardships

(05:52) The Long-Term Effects of Shielding Kids from Pain

(09:52) Understanding Kids' Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

(14:08) The Power of Presence in Parenting

(18:15) Teaching Kids to Trust God Through Struggles

(21:56) Role-Playing as a Tool for Learning

(26:05) Vanessa's Book: A Resource for Parents

(30:02) Conclusion and Resources

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Connect with Vanessa

https://www.vanessasiso.com/

Instagram

Resources mentioned

Elisabeth’s Miracle

Make your own sock puppets and coloring pages

Christian Parenting resources

Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com


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