The Monica Swanson Podcast

This is part 3 of my summer mini-series on parenting and youth sports. Be sure to tune into the last two episodes if you have missed them! In today’s episode, my son Luke (20,) joins me talk about his experience pursuing a professional surf career. For context he explains a bit about how competitive surfing works, where he is now in the process, and his ultimate goals. He talks about how he got started surfing competitively, some of his early inspiration, and the twists and turns of youth surfing. Luke talks honestly about some of the ways our parenting shaped his competitive experience (good and bad,) and how his faith has impacted his perspective.  

At the end Luke and I chat a bit about the competitive mindset and some sports psychology principles he has learned more recently. I think this part can apply to most athletes and well beyond the world of sports. 

This is a long one – but I think your kids might enjoy and I hope it encourages you in some way too! PS Luke is currently looking at starting his own podcast, so stay tuned and look for where you might follow him over in show notes… 

www.monicaswanson.com/luke-swanson 

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

Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath 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 

Welcome to part II of our summer series on parenting and youth sports. Be sure to catch last week’s (packed!) episode if you missed it! Today my husband Dave is with us to consider 3 important FAITH PRINCIPLES that impact our kids’ athletic endeavors.  

Background: Dave played soccer through the collegiate and professional level, and we are both super competitive people. We have navigated parenting our four sons through all kinds of recreational sports, and now our son, Luke, is a professional surfer, and our youngest son, Levi, is passionate about competitive golf.

In today's episode Dave and I are passing on principles that we have learned and are constantly working on in our own family. From the purpose of sports, to helping kids remain grounded in their identity (apart from sports), to keeping our family's priorities straight, I think this is all practical and relevant to all kinds of sports and other activities.

Whether your kids are highly competitive or just do sports for fun, I think we cover a lot of important ground in this conversation! 

Find show notes and links to everything mentioned at: www.monicaswanson.com/dave-swanson

All podcast episodes can be found at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for math or science homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath to learn more! Note: 25 % off SUMMER SALE through the end of July!  

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 

Note: This is the first of a 3-part summer series on Youth Sports. (I'm so excited about this!) I hope you’ll spread the word and comment over in show notes to keep the conversation going.  

According to recent research, 70% of kids drop out of organized athletics by the age of 13. Today’s guest, John O’Sullivan, suggests that this is because youth sports have become adult-centered, ultra-competitive, and crazy-expensive. I don’t think he’s wrong. 

Since my husband and I have shared conversations about youth sports on social media this year, I’ve heard from a lot of families who wanted more on this topic. I recently read O’Sullivan’s book, Changing the Game, and knew that his voice would be a helpful addition to this conversation!

John played collegiate and professional soccer and has spent decades coaching and speaking to coaches and parents about the youth sports culture and how we might reverse some dangerous trends. He has a popular Ted Talk on the topic as well (link to that in show notes!) In today’s episode we talk about early specialization, when to give kids the “nudge” to be more committed to their sport, and how to help all of our kids grow up to love sports and lead an active lifestyle! I think this is a great conversation that will offer you some food for thought as you consider your kids’ athletic endeavors. 

Find show notes, links to John’s books (including his new one coming out later this year!) and his Ted Talk at: www.monicaswanson.com/john-osullivan 

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 AP level! 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 

"We’ve all heard the mind-boggling statistics about technology and social media use. The numbers don’t lie; our obsession with smartphones and social media is slowly eroding the very essence of our homes and families. We see it. We feel it. We know it.

So what do we do about it? "... - Erin Loechner, today's guest.

Erin Loechner walked away from over a million online followers to choose a different way of life for her family. Since then, she has done a lot of research and discovered the possibility of borrowing from the playbook of the tech industry to engage your family in meaningful ways. Erin suggests that we, as parents, can actually be “more engaging than the algorithm”! Sound hard to believe? You’ve got to listen to this conversation!  

Find notes from our conversation at: www.monicaswanson.com/erin-loechner 

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 AP level! 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 

When Joey Odom missed his son’s first soccer goal because he was looking at his phone, he had a realization: his phone was getting in the way of his best intentions as a Dad and a husband. Since then, he has been on a journey to change his relationship with his phone so that he can change the most important relationships in his life. 

I heard about Joey from our mutual friend (and a favorite podcast guest,) Justin Whitmel Earley who recommended I share Joey’s message with my listeners. I am so glad I did! In this interview Joey is sharing data, insights, and encouragement for ways we can all move forward as parents who want to navigate these waters well. I think you’ll enjoy this conversation and leave it feeling empowered to take some steps to a happier, healthier family life ahead. Find notes from our conversation over on my website at: 

www.monicaswanson.com/joey-odom 

All show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

 My TECH-SMART KIDS MINI-COURSE is NOW open for new students. (Only $25 and PACKED with helpful guidelines, lists of best tech-filters, articles, and other resources, and so much more!) Find out more, HERE!

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 AP level! 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 

Whether you’re a natural at home decorating or, (like me) feel a little lost on the topic, Myquillyn Smith (aka “the nester”) is the friend you need. When I got my copy of “House Rules” with 100 simple, memorable tips for decorating any space, I knew this would be a fun topic for the podcast this summer! 

I think you’ll enjoy Myquillyn’s laid back (but clearly educated) approach to making your space minimal, yet cozy. We cover a lot in this chat! From the “trinity” of rugs, drapes, and lighting, to what to do with the sofa you hate. Myquillyn tells us what it means to “quiet (or “hush”) the house, encourages us to “pick the one that scares you”, and differentiates between “trendy” or “trending.” And so much more… 

I think you’ll get a lot out of this conversation, whether you have a space you’d like to improve, or if you’re tucking ideas away for a renovation or new home one day! Find show notes and links to Myquillyn’s beautiful new book at: www.monicaswanson.com/myquillyn-smith or go to the general podcast page:  

http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for math or science homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath 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 

Happy Father’s Day week everyone! Today my friend Andrew Pudewa, is with us to offer some lessons and encouragement for all of the dads out there! (Ladies, you'll enjoy this too!)

Andrew is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), father of seven, and grandpa to a whole bunch of kids! Andrew travels and speaks around the world, addressing issues related to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor. He's so much fun to listen to!

And today, Andrew shares what he considers the “3 best things” he did as a dad. I love this conversation and I think men and women alike will find inspiration and encouragement in it! 

NOTE!! -- My Character Training Course is currently OPEN *only until Monday, June 17th! (find out more about the course at: www.monicaswanson.com/character-course)  

Find show notes for today’s episode at: www.monicaswanson.com/andrew-pudewa 

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

The IEW WEBSITE here. 

Looking for math or science homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath 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 

A child’s character reflects their convictions, establishes their reputation, and ultimately determines their destiny. In the world today it may seem like a big job to raise kids with biblical character, but today’s conversation should offer a lot of HOPE! 

Kathy Koch, child development specialist, author, and sought-after speaker, is here to help us understand how to guide children to develop biblical character.  We talk about the connection between character and obedience, the essential foundational beliefs for good character, and strategies for teaching and improving character in our kids.  

I love this conversation so much, and the timing couldn’t be better because next week, (Monday, June 10th!) I will be opening the doors to my Character Training Course! (find out more about the course at: www.monicaswanson.com/character-course)  

Find show notes for today’s episode at: www.monicaswanson.com/kathy-koch 

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

Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath 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 

Women are mostly all tired, aren’t we? For women today, fatigue has become the norm, and busyness is often worn as a badge of honor.   

Jess Connolly has lived in that bone-weary place, even to the point of developing chronic panic-attacks, battling anxiety and an autoimmune disease. But with wise practices and a new way of living, Jess discovered the path to a realistic rest that is available to every Christ follower. 

Jess is sharing practical wisdom to guide women into a lifestyle of sustainable rest. In today’s conversation Jess and I talk about the different sources of fatigue, the lies that prevent women from practicing rest, and the difference between being “busy” and having a “full life.” I loved what Jess had to say about (my pet peeve) “busy shaming” and how we each need to discover our unique sources of rest. 

I think this is a relatable topic for all women and I pray you finish this episode feeling refreshed and hopeful! 

Show notes with links to anything we talked about: http://www.monicaswanson.com/jess-connolly  

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

Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath 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 

For Christian families in the thick of it, the thought of world missions can seem unrealistic and overwhelming. Many of us feel like we are in survival mode, just taking care of our families and trying to protect our kids from the crazy world. (and that’s all so important!) Yet, in light of the fact that 1/3 of our world has not yet heard the Gospel, Jesus’ words in the Great Commission are still relevant: We are to make disciples of all nations. What do busy families do with that? 

Ann Dunagan is with us today to share her story of being a missionary family with seven children! But even more, Ann shares a lot of practical ways we can ALL be “mission-minded” right in the midst of our real lives at home. I think this is such an important conversation, whether mission work has been on your mind, or not (yet)!  

Hopefully Ann’s words (and most certainly her enthusiasm) will inspire you to consider how you might raise kids who love God’s Word and His people, and who are ready to say YES to His call, whatever that might look like! 

Show notes with links to anything we talked about: www.monicaswanson.com/ann-dunagan  

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

Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath 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