Thank you for tuning into this special episode! 

A story: I am sharing something I have never documented publicly! It is my story of going from being a 40-year old, full-time homeschool mom (with a newborn!), to blogging, writing books, creating courses, and hosting a podcast! There are a few sentimental moments tucked in there, as well as some heartfelt encouragement for everyone listening.  

An announcement: I am also announcing that after SIX YEARS of podcasting (every week of the year!) I am planning a break from the podcast. I am looking forward to this much-needed sabbatical as I am headed to Australia this week (for Luke’s first “Challenger series” surf contest) and have a lot more kids’ sports-related travel this summer, as well as other family commitments I want to be present for. I hope you can take some time to revisit episodes from the past years in the meantime.  

An invitation: With the break from podcasting, I whole-heartedly invite you to join my weekly email list where I will be sharing a short-and-sweet summer email (calling it “summer shorts”!) with links to favorite articles and podcasts, a quick word of encouragement and other helpful links and fun surprises.  

JOIN THE EMAIL LIST AT: http://www.monicaswanson.com/subscribe 

Also, find links mentioned and a chance to comment in today’s show notes: http://www.monicaswanson.com/announcement 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The teenage years can be an emotional roller coaster in your kids’ lives. It can be hard to watch our teens face difficulties, insecurities, temptations, and crossroads when they must make big decisions. Unfortunately, there are limits to what we can do for our teens. But fortunately, there are never any limits to what we can PRAY – and what God can do! 

My friend, Brooke McGlothlin is back with us today to talk about praying for our teen boys. (Though I believe most of this conversation will apply to girls as well.) Brooke is sharing from her new book, “Praying for Teen Boys” which I had the honor of writing the Foreward for! 🥰

Brooke and I open up with some of our favorite #boymom stories, and then we have a very real chat about the teenage years – what has surprised us, and the role of prayer in our own motherhood journey. Brooke shares some of the topics in her new book, including 90 Scripture-based prayers to guide you in praying for your children! 

This is a special conversation since this podcast was originally “The Boy Mom Podcast” and I go back as a contributing writer for Brooke’s previous ministry, the “MOB (Mother of Boys) Society.” I love this topic and I hope it is a big encouragement to you as well!  

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/prayingforteens 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

As we near summertime, we look forward to so many things! Perhaps less stress and more downtime…slowing down, and maybe sleeping in even! Yet, summer is also a great time to work on healthy family habits: Chores, *Character Training, and a daily quiet time with the Lord! 

I receive a lot of questions about kids and devotions…when did my kids start, what did that look like, and do I have devotionals that I recommend? Today, my oldest son, Josiah, joins me to talk about all of these things. Josiah shares what he remembers about starting off doing devotions as a boy, and he shares some Scriptures that motivate him to spend time with the Lord. We also discuss the role of a devotional to go along with the Bible and prayer each day.   

And then!...Josiah shares a special announcement about his brand new devotional for teens! It’s called “The Gospel in 30 Days” and he has been working on it over the last couple years. We love how it turned out and believe it is a great devotional for tweens or teens (and even young adults/parents!) Listen to hear more of Josiah’s heart for the new devotional, and head over to show notes to get links and read more!  

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/kids-devotions 

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

As we near summertime, we look forward to so many things! Perhaps less stress and more downtime…slowing down, and maybe even sleeping in! Yet, summer is also a great time to work on healthy family habits: Chores, *Character Training, and a daily quiet time with the Lord! 

I receive a lot of questions about kids and devotions…when did my kids start, what did that look like, and do I have devotionals that I recommend? Today, my oldest son, Josiah, joins me to talk about all of these things. Josiah shares what he remembers about starting off doing devotions as a boy, and he shares some Scriptures that motivate him to spend time with the Lord. We also discuss the role of a devotional to go along with the Bible and prayer each day.   

And then!...Josiah shares a special announcement about his brand new devotional for teens! It’s called “The Gospel in 30 Days” and he has been working on it over the last couple years. We love how it turned out and believe it is a great devotional for tweens or teens (and even young adults/parents!) Listen to hear more of Josiah’s heart for the new devotional, and head over to show notes to get links and read more!  

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/kids-devotions 

*My Character Training Course doors will open in June with a summer sale! Leave your name on the wait list here!

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Today I like to imagine I am gathered with all of you moms for a big group hug and some sincere encouragement. I wish you all a happy Mother’s Day (week) and I want you to know how valuable and precious you are as a mom!  

Today also marks the one-year birthday of my book, “Becoming Homeschoolers”. To celebrate all these things, I decided to read a short excerpt from the book…specifically the part about “How we started” homeschooling. For those of you who homeschool, I hope you are encouraged today. For those of you who don’t homeschool, I think you’ll still enjoy this story. Either way this should help you get to know me a little better. Also, I offer a prayer for ALL of the moms at the end of this episode! 

Find links to everything I mention, including my viral blog post + podcast: “Five ways to Avoid Mother’s Day Disappointment” in show notes at: http://monicawwanson.com/mothers-day-2025

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/mothers-day-2025 

Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health. I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order!  

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Welcome to the final week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, Leanne Benson flips the mic to interview ME to talk about my personal wellness journey. We gathered questions that many of you sent in via email and Instagram, and we’re covering a great range of topics! 

Leanne opens with a chat about my book, The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends, as Leanne calls it “the last diet book you’ll ever read!” J. Leanne asks how my approach to diet and nutrition has changed over the years, and what my workouts currently look like. I share how the “Thin Cycle” from my book can be applied to our mindset in all areas (including peri/menopause!)  

Then Leanne goes into rapid fire Q&A’s, asking my thoughts on everything from Infrared lights to collagen, my latest go-to meals, and much more.  

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/womens-qanda 

Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health.  I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order!  

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Welcome to the fourth week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, Jessica Smartt joins me to chat about women’s fitness; specifically, walking and running…for physical and mental health, in every season!   

Jessica and I have been online friends for years, but we met IRL (and went running together!) a couple years ago in North Carolina! Since then, we have enjoyed chatting, not just about family, homeschool, and writing, but also about all things fitness! Jessica is a few years younger than I am, so I love that we are in different seasons and approaching our fitness uniquely as we go.  

In this conversation we cover the benefits of walking vs. running. Jessica shares some of her experience using a blood sugar monitor for a season, and we also chat about weighted vests. (She convinced me I need one! J) I hope you feel like you’re out for a walk (or run! ) with us as you listen. Be sure to get links to mentioned articles and chime in on this conversation over in show notes:  

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/walking-running 

Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health. I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order!  

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Welcome to the third week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, my friend and fellow-running enthusiast (as well as running podcaster!) Lindsey Hein joins me for a fun, girlfriend chat about the hot topic of fitness trackers. From the Garmin to Fitbits, Apple Watches, the Oura Ring, and the Whoop, there are a lot of options out there! And today, Lindsey and I are sharing from our own experience using, avoiding, and ultimately finding a happy balance with trackers! 

Fitness trackers give us a good look at our daily activity, sleep data, and more. They can help women track their cycle, heart rate, and stress levels! Lindsey and I agree that, depending on your health goals, personality, and season in life, fitness trackers can be super helpful. We also agree that they can add stress to our lives or feed obsessive tendencies. While we may not tell you what is right for you, I think this conversation offers some great food for thought!   

I love that Lindsey shares some of the creative ways she is getting movement into her days (twice a day!) and I take some time to share about my latest minor fitness tracker-obsession: heart rate variability! J I hope you feel like you’re hanging out with us for this convo, and we’d love to hear from you over in show notes. (I’ll also be linking to some of the mentioned articles as well as where you can compare various fitness trackers over there!)  

Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/fitness-trackers 

Speaking of obsessing…Are you looking to find peace with your weight and mindset without dieting? Hear my story and find the simple, step-by-step path thousands have followed to find freedom and their best weight in my tiny little book: The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends. (audio version here.)  

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Christian Parenting Gift Guide for Moms, Dads, Grads, and more

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

The supplement industry can be overwhelming and confusing. How do you know who or what to trust? If you eat healthy, is that enough? This is a topic on a lot of women's minds, especially as they age and want to take care of their muscle and hormone health!

Today’s guest, David Block, has an amazing personal story which led him to found Previnex, a top-of-the-industry supplement company that has the highest standards for their products. In today’s episode, David answers a bunch of my questions about supplements, from what we should know about creatine and protein, to gut health, and more. David offers some helpful advice for what to look for in a supplement, and more!

I asked David to share his personal story of faith and health, which I think will encourage you. I especially love that Previnex has a “get health give health” program where they donate an order of kids’ multi-vitamins to children in malnourished communities with every order purchased! 

I hope this conversation will help you navigate your own women's wellness journey!  Find show notes and links at: 

http://www.monicaswanson.com/david-previnex 

I am excited to be teaming up with Previnex as a sponsor for future podcast episodes, and you can use code: MONICA for 15% off your first order of Previnex 

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

There is more and more information coming out related to women’s health (aren’t you glad!?) but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are a lot of voices out there, and it’s hard to know who to trust. Today’s guest is here to help!  

Dr. Anna Cabeca, the “Girlfriend Doctor” is a triple-board certified Ob/gynecologist who has an amazing story of personal trauma leading to her own early-onset menopause…then a journey around the world where she found a more holistic way to approach (women’s) health and healing. Dr. Anna is passionate about educating women, young and old, in what they need to know to navigate hormonal changes in the best way possible.   

In this conversation we cover a lot! – Dr. Anna believes it is never too early to balance hormones (so girl-moms, tune in!) She talks about the role of fasting and a “keto-greens” diet in hormonal balance. She also has a lot to say about blood work, urine PH, and the best way to seek help for hormonal challenges! As she says, “menopause is mandatory, suffering is optional.” 

Dr. Anna offers a lot of information here so if you’re a note taker, get ready. I will have links to her website where you can find a lot more information in show notes! 

http://www.monicaswanson.com/girlfriend-doctor 

Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice qustions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org