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In this heartfelt episode, René sits down with Ricky Brown — a young father navigating life, love, and loss while raising his daughter, Leilani.

What began as a simple desire to share his voice unfolds into an honest and tender conversation about fatherhood, responsibility, and the deep love he carries for his little girl.

Ricky opens up about what he wants most for Leilani — happiness, security, and the unwavering knowledge that she is loved. He also shares the powerful truth he will one day pass on to her about her mother — that she fought to stay, and that her love never left.

While every step of his journey is still unfolding, one thing is clear: Leilani has her father’s heart.

In this conversation, you’ll hear a young man willing to listen, to grow, and to seek more — from pursuing faith and community to considering the importance of guidance and support along the way.

This episode is a reminder that parenting doesn’t come with perfection — but it does come with intention, love, and the opportunity to grow into the role.

Because sometimes, the journey of becoming the parent your child needs… happens in real time.

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Season 2 of They Come With Instructions kicks off with a lively and heartfelt conversation between René Anderson and her oldest son, Duke.

Known for his energy, humor, and honesty, Duke joins the podcast for a conversation full of laughter, reflection, and meaningful dialogue about family relationships and personal growth.

Together they explore sensitive but important topics—including father-son dynamics, expectations within families, and the courage it takes to have difficult conversations with the people we love most.

This episode reminds us that while hard conversations may feel uncomfortable, the healing, understanding, and love that follow are often worth the effort.

René reflects on the blessing of watching her son grow into a thoughtful young man, while Duke shares his perspective on life, identity, and becoming the man he is meant to be.

Season 2 begins with laughter, wisdom, and a powerful reminder that healthy family relationships are built through patience, honesty, and grace.

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In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and colleague Tonya Franklin—a woman whose strength has carried her through one of the most unexpected seasons of her life. When tragedy struck her family earlier this year, Tanya found herself navigating grief, new responsibility, and a role she never imagined stepping into.

In this heartfelt conversation, Tanya shares how she’s supporting little Leilani, managing her own emotions, and learning to balance honesty, compassion, and resilience day by day. Her story is tender, raw, and full of the quiet strength that so many women carry without applause.

Join us for a powerful close to Season 1 as we talk about love, loss, unexpected assignments, and the grace to keep going even when life takes a turn you never planned for.

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Contact: [email protected] 

YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ

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In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, I sit down with Carl Sims—a devoted family man, minister of the gospel, and living testimony of God’s relentless faithfulness. Carl was born into a Muslim family, placed into foster care at an early age, and later adopted into a Christian home. It was there that his understanding of God began… and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ would unfold, through a journey marked by searching, understanding, and surrender.

Carl opens his heart about the struggles many never see—the quiet battles with identity, the lingering question of why he couldn’t have a “normal” childhood with both biological parents, and the deep longing for acceptance. He speaks candidly about the areas where the enemy still attempts to torment his mind, and the daily decision to yield those areas to God.

Yet woven through every chapter of Carl’s life is a single, undeniable truth: God was there all along.
Guiding.
Covering.
Calling him into purpose.

Carl’s story is dynamic, inspiring, and full of hope—a reminder that no matter your beginnings, God can rewrite your entire story and change your name. His life invites every listener to consider: What might happen if you give the God of the Bible a try?

Tune in to this unforgettable conversation and be encouraged, strengthened, and reminded of the redemptive power of God’s love.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs hope today.

They Come With Instructions (Book) - https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com

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In this inspiring episode of They Come With Instructions, I had the delightful opportunity to sit down with the remarkable Mother Mabel Bryant, a woman whose life is a beautiful testament to faith, perseverance, and the unending journey of motherhood.

Mo. Bryant shares how she once believed marriage and motherhood might never be part of her story — until, at age 40, God surprised her with both. She became a wife and stepmother to four children, including three teenage girls, and embraced the challenge with grace and structure. Through prayer, and a home centered in love and accountability, she cultivated an atmosphere where everyone contributed — and where the dinner table became a place for connection and Bible study.

Her story doesn’t end there. Long before marriage, Mo. Bryant had already begun the process of adoption as a single career woman — a glimpse into the depth of her heart and calling to nurture. Now a great-grandmother, Mo. Bryant continues to “parent” with wisdom and strength, reminding us that the call to nurture never ends. 

There's so much more to her journey - her faith in God’s timing, her resilience, her deep love for her late husband, and her devotion to studying and teaching God's Word will leave you inspired and uplifted.

 If you’ve ever questioned whether your season has passed or wondered how to lead a blended family with grace, this episode will fill you with hope and renewed purpose.

🎧 Listen, learn, and be encouraged by the wisdom of a seasoned mother. 

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Contact: [email protected] 

YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ

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In this powerful episode of They Come With Instructions, René Anderson sits down with Jasmine Gates, who courageously shares her journey of faith, identity, and redemption. Raised in the church, Jasmine found herself struggling with same-sex attraction and later living a lesbian lifestyle—until God drew her heart back to Him.

Through her transparent testimony, Jasmine opens up about her internal battles, her return to the foundation of her upbringing, and the power of God’s love to restore even the most broken places.

This episode reminds parents that when you’ve trained your children in a God-fearing home, you can trust that the seeds you planted will take root in God’s timing. You’ll also be encouraged to create safe spaces where your children can speak up if they’ve been hurt or violated, and to stand firm in faith, prayer, and fasting—knowing there is no sin too deep that the blood of Jesus cannot cover, and no life too far gone that He cannot redeem.

💬 Key Themes:

• The redeeming power of God’s love and grace
• Hope for parents whose children have drifted from their faith
• Healing from sexual trauma and the importance of safe spaces
• Spiritual weapons for victorious living: fasting, prayer, and perseverance

Thank you for listening. Let's connect...

Contact: [email protected] 

YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ

Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you)

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 In this episode of They Come With Instructions, I reconnect with Antoinette Bingham, who I first met years ago when she was my son’s school bus driver. What began as a protective mom moment turned into a lesson in truth and trust after I discovered my son hadn’t been fully honest about the situation that got him suspended.

From those early memories, our conversation shifts to one of the most difficult topics we’ve faced as mothers—watching our grown sons battle mental illness. Neither of our children were born with these challenges, but in young adulthood, we saw the impact of marijuana use and the effects of THC on their mental health. With honesty and grace, Antoinette shares the years she has spent navigating this painful journey, while I open up in a way I never have before about my own son.

This dialogue is just the beginning of a much-needed conversation that can’t be covered in one sitting but it brought comfort to share with someone who truly understands. In sharing our stories, we found strength, understanding, and hope. We close the episode with a prayer for every parent walking this burdensome road, believing that even in the heaviest places, God provides comfort and grace. 

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Contact: [email protected] 

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In this episode of They Come With Instructions, I sit down with one of my dearest childhood friends and lifelong confidants, Schinaeh Turner. Together, we share laughter and memories, but the heart of our conversation is centered on one powerful word—Reflection.

As a young mother, Schinaeh made decisions she firmly stood by at the time, only to later recognize the lasting impact those choices had on her four sons. Having walked the journey of single motherhood for many years, and now over two decades of marriage to a husband who also had four children, she opens up about the joys and challenges of blending two large families into one.

Her wisdom, honesty, and grace shine through as she shares what she’s learned along the way—offering valuable insight for anyone willing to listen. This episode invites us all to pause, reflect, and consider the ripple effects of our own life choices.

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Contact: [email protected] 

YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ

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In Part 2 of my conversation with Paula Adams, we go deeper into her story—sharing personal reflections on family, motherhood, and the powerful influence of her own mother. Paula opens up about the tension of feeling both grateful for and resentful of her mom’s role in helping raise her daughters, and how that shaped their family dynamic.

Beyond family, Paula also shares professional wisdom drawn from her 34+ years as a highly successful executive in the public sector. She reveals valuable lessons learned along the way, the things she might do differently today, and why she remains passionate about helping others succeed.

This episode is filled with laughter, honesty, and inspiration. Paula’s transparency about balancing motherhood, career, and personal growth will leave you both encouraged and challenged.

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Contact: [email protected] 

YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ

Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you)

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In this heartfelt episode of They Come With Instructions, I sit down with one of my favorite people and longtime mentor, Paula Adams—a successful career woman who not only inspired me to pursue my professional goals, but actively helped me achieve them.

Paula shares openly about her journey to becoming a single mother of two daughters, the courage it took to go against her parents’ advice, and the strength she found in asking for help when she needed it most. She discusses how therapy, Christian counseling, and other resources became key tools in overcoming depression and finding her path to healing and success.

As a mom of four boys, I was fascinated to hear Paula’s insights on the unique joys and challenges of raising girls. Her wisdom, resilience, and authenticity will deeply resonate with single parents and anyone navigating life’s unexpected turns.

This is just Part 1 of our conversation—an episode that will inspire, uplift, and keep you eager for more.

Thank you for listening. Let's connect...

Contact: [email protected] 

YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ

Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you)

Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson

TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder