Parenting teens through the college process can stir up a mix of pride, fear, and anxiety that no one really prepares us for. Whether you’re deep in the application season or already adjusting to the empty nest, this stage of motherhood is full of moments that test our ability to let go.In this episode, I’m sharing what I wish I’d known before my boys went through the college process—the truths that helped me stop overthinking, ease my anxiety, and show up as the calm, confident mom I

What happens when you ditch the American Dream, move onto a boat with five kids, and homeschool while traveling the Caribbean? In this inspiring episode, former public school teacher Tanya shares her family's extraordinary journey of "boat schooling" for nearly a decade.From their catamaran "Take Two" in Florida's 10,000 Islands, Tanya opens up about:Why They Left Conventional Life BehindThe "meat grinder" feeling of the traditional education systemMoving from

In this episode, Ashley walks through the many ways grief after losing a baby can trigger anxiety, panic, and overwhelm in daily life. Centered on Chapter 10 of Cradled in Hope, she shares real examples of past, present, and future (anticipatory) triggers and how they impact grieving moms emotionally and physically. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical wisdom, Ashley offers practical tools for navigating triggers and renewing your mind through Christ.Ashley shared:The difference

In this powerful follow-up to Episode 123, Kim welcomes author and mom Ruth Walton back to share her deeply personal journey through the eight stages of grief and estrangement. With one unforgettable analogy—a glass filled with mud—Ruth paints a vivid picture of what emotional healing truly looks like when life feels messy and full. Together, she and Kim explore how letting go, writing laments, and trusting God’s timing can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and renewed hope. This episode will ...

This special bonus episode highlights the program from the Wave of Light 2025 event that Bridget’s Cradles hosted in Wichita, Kansas, on October 15, 2025, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. In this episode, we shared: The full program from the 2025 Wave of Light candlelight vigil at Beech Lake, including worship, messages of hope, and the reading of babies’ names in HeavenOpening remarks by emcee Scott Evans and an opening prayer by Pastor John Carney of Central Community ChurchA

Clinical psychologist and ACT expert Diana Hill returns to help us do what feels nearly impossible in a loud, burned-out world—focus our energy where it actually matters. We talk psychological flexibility, why curiosity beats quick answers, and how “positive energizers” can lift a whole family system. Diana explains neuroception and interoception in everyday terms, then makes it practical: hum to downshift your nervous system, rub your palms and rest them over your eyes, take a short walk outside,

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some more of the toughest, most heartfelt questions sent in by listeners. From managing frustration and anger as a parent, to navigating complex family dynamics like custody battles and divorce, Mark shares practical, compassionate advice. He also addresses concerns around screen time, gaming rules and the challenges grandparents face when supporting teens struggling with gender identity. Drawing on decades of experience working with families, Mark offers

Whether you’re the mother of a toddler or an angsty teenager, one thing we all have in common is the need for regular prayer. Hillary Ferrer and Julie Loos developed a habit of journaling prayers early on in their lives, which became the foundation for their prayer habit with their families. They share how raw, honest prayer is essential to navigating the ups and downs of the parenting journey. Receive a copy of Honest Prayers for Mama Bears and an audio download of "Building an Honest Prayer

Living with lifelong trauma does not have to be your norm. When you dare to overcome your darkest moments, great moments of strength comes out of it.Greg Linkowski joins me this week to share his journey in disrupting generational patterns in order to make sure his children would not have to do it for him. The lessons he shares in his book: Dare To Thrive brings the reader a wealth of information on how to find the strength to overcome whatever obstacles life throws at you. You can get Greg's

Living with lifelong trauma does not have to be your norm. When you dare to overcome your darkest moments, great moments of strength comes out of it.Greg Linkowski joins me this week to share his journey in disrupting generational patterns in order to make sure his children would not have to do it for him. The lessons he shares in his book: Dare To Thrive brings the reader a wealth of information on how to find the strength to overcome whatever obstacles life throws at you.You can get Greg's book in

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant comedian and actor - Joe Thomas. You can listen to Joe's new podcast 'Joe and James Fact Up' wherever you get your podcasts. Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and leave a rating and review you filthy street dogs... xx If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small business

I sat down with Mike Benz, former State Department official and founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online, to uncover how government agencies, intelligence contractors, and Big Tech built the surveillance, propaganda, and censorship machine now reshaping the internet. Mike explains how child protection measures have evolved into weapons against free speech and online privacy, how the CIA influences the tech industry, and why you should still work to protect your personal data—even with so much

Ever wonder how some moms seem to get it all done—without losing their minds?Here’s the secret: it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing things smarter. In today’s episode, I’m sharing five sneaky places I save time every single day—both in my home and my business—that allow me to stay focused, productive, and present. From keeping my kids’ wardrobes minimal to building repeatable workflows that run my business on autopilot, these simple systems help me make real progress without the constant

Hospitality isn’t a styled table—it’s how people feel in your presence. In this heart-tugging conversation, Abby Kuykendall reframes hospitality as the art of helping others feel known, loved, and seen—whether you meet in a tiny apartment, a messy kitchen, or a neighborhood park. She draws a bright line between entertaining (me-focused aesthetics) and hospitality (others-focused welcome), shares the spiritual roots behind “practice hospitality,” and gets real about rejection—why a few no’s shouldn’t

Shockingly, it seems horror movies are not only increasingly horrific these days, but even becoming more popular! Why? Let’s just say that perhaps anxiety is more friend than foe, and that’s pretty scary these days. Happy Halloween everyone, today we break down the most wanted halloween bucket candy-for parents, if millennials have gone too far with decorations, your spooky emails and more! Enjoy the show! Join us at the Dustin Nickerson Comedy Fans Facebook Group: :

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents can wisely talk about politics with their teens. They emphasize that while politics can be divisive, parents shouldn’t avoid the topic — teens need guidance to think critically and biblically rather than absorb culture’s extremes. Parents should model respectful dialogue, listen more than lecture and allow their teens to process differing views without fear of rejection. The goal isn’t to control their beliefs but to keep

Have you ever worried that you’re not meeting all of your child’s needs—academically, emotionally, spiritually, or even socially? Pretty much every day, right? You’re not alone. Most of us have asked ourselves if we are giving our kids everything they need at one time or another.In this episode, I’m sharing a replay from one of our Circle with Sarah live sessions where RAR Community Manager Kelsey Murphy and I dug into what education is really for, because if we know what it’s for, we’re

As a young woman, Camille Cates carried immense grief over the murder of her infant daughter and her abortion. For years, she spiraled into darkness, guilt, and shame. But God rescued her. Now, Camille shares her tragic story in light of God’s Word and His redemptive love for each of us. Receive a copy of Moving Forward After Abortion and an audio download of "Finding Healing After an Abortion" for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on