*I am re-sharing this episode with JP Pokluda as it was a favorite on the podcast and it is a perfect fit for my Feb. 2025 series on all things Love and Marriage! Hope you enjoy!

Dating has never been simple (who remembers?!) but today it is more complicated than ever. The world offers all kinds of mixed messages to young adults and teenagers and our Christian culture isn’t giving a lot of alternatives. In such crazy times our kids need a voice of reason and a lot of Biblical wisdom to help them navigate.

Pastor Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the voice we all need and one that young people actually like to listen to. In today’s conversation JP and I are drawing from his book, “Outdated” which has become my own sons' favorite book on the topic of dating and relationships. JP offers wisdom, humor, and a ton of common sense on the topic of dating. He is tuned into our current culture yet remains biblically grounded. I think you’ll find this conversation inspiring and refreshing.

This conversation will be helpful for all of us parents as we coach and encourage our kids through relationships and prepare them for a lasting marriage one day. Find show notes and links at:

www.monicaswanson.com/jp-pokluda

General podcast page: 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 continue in this February series of all things “Love and Marriage” on the podcast, I am thrilled to share one of my favorite people with you. Arlene Pellicane is funny and smart, and her most recent book, “Making Marriage Easier” is a must-read!

Many people today are pessimistic about marriage. Some of the data about divorce rates can be downright discouraging. However, research tells us that the happiest people on the planet are those in healthy marriages! In this episode Arlene walks us through four decisions that will help you clarify your values and create a clear path forward…ultimately making marriage easier!

I think you’ll love Arlene’s stories, and practical (funny!) approach to family life and marriage. Be sure to check show notes for all of the links, at: www.monicaswanson.com/marriage-easier.

ALSO: Don’t miss my brand new online “MARRIAGE BUILDER BUNDLE” which is half-price for the month of February only, using CODE: LOVE at checkout! Click HERE to link to the bundle!

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

We are kicking off a full month of “love and marriage” on the podcast with a beautiful, honest, and inspiring conversation with Rebecca St. James and her husband, Cubbie Fink. Rebecca and Cubbie just released a new book, “Lasting Ever: Faith, music, family, and being found by true love” and in today’s episode you will get a sneak peek into their story and their deep faith.

Last fall I loved watching the movie, “Unsung Hero”, which depicted the early years of Rebecca St. James’s family life and music career, so I was eager to have Rebecca on the podcast. It was a huge bonus to get to know her husband, Cubbie, as well!

In this interview we pick up where the movie leaves off, diving into Rebecca’s music career, her involvement in the True Love Waits campaign, and the loneliness of her years of then truly “waiting.” Cubbie shares his background, and the two of them speak to topics relevant to today’s generation of young adults. We talk about how the deconstruction movement has affected Gen Z’s perspective on the purity movement, and I loved this couple’s commitment to God’s never-changing standards and the rewards of doing life according to His Word.

This conversation will be especially impactful for those of you with older kids, and I hope you might pass it on to the young adults in your life!

Find show notes and links to all we mention at: http://monicaswanson.com/lasting-ever

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

Last year I finally discovered a name for the very real experience I've had, well, pretty much every year since I can remember. It hits when the holidays are over, and summer break seems like an eternity away...When life feels one part exhausting and one part super boring. It’s often rainy and cold, (at least where I grew up, and sometimes even in Hawaii!) the house tends to be a bit extra cluttered (spring cleaning hasn’t happened yet.) I typically want to quit homeschooling, New Years resolutions have gone by the wayside, and I can’t think of a thing to cook for dinner.

(Wait, you too!?)

Well, thanks to the internet, last year I learned that this is called the “February Slump.” It’s a legit thing and if this is new to you, I hope you feel at least a little better giving it a name.

Since we both just learned about this annual phenomenon last year, my friend Leanne and I thought it would be the right thing to discuss it on the podcast. (BTW, Leanne also works with me so this is a fun chance to get to know her!) In this conversation we acknowledge "the slump", share from our experience (we each have 4 kids, in two very different seasons,) and offer some practical advice on how to navigate well. (There is hope!) I hope you enjoy this fun and honest “girlfriend/Mom” chat.

Find links and notes to anything we mentioned over at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/february-slump

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

How has it taken me so long to get to a topic that I am SO passionate about? I am beyond excited to open up the conversation of kids’ health with my friend, Katie Kimball (of Kitchen Stewardship and Kids Cook Real Food.) Katie is an author, podcaster, and Ted Talk Speaker. She loves to encourage parents to introduce their kids to a wide variety of foods, teach kids about nutrition, and get kids in the kitchen to cook real food!

In today’s conversation, Katie shares some eye-opening statistics about the state of health for average American kids, (spoiler alert: It’s not good) but she does not stop there. Katie offers practical advice for how we can turn the tide, fix some bad habits, and raise kids who value nutrition and know how to be a good guest at others’ homes, even if what they’re serving is “not their favorite.” 😉 Katie answers a bunch of questions sent in from my Instagram stories as well. Prepare for a really helpful and practical episode! Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/katie-kimball

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

Hey Friends! We’re still working our way into this new year (that’s ok, right?) and today I am sharing straight from my honest life about 8 things I’m currently working on to make 2025 the very best year possible. I’m keeping this super real and raw, and hoping you feel like we’re chatting over coffee (or in beach chairs, if you come to my neck of the woods!)

The first four our indeed health related (it is New Years after all!) but I also touch on parenting topics (fresh chore charts anyone?) as well as marriage and work habits. I have a feeling everyone can find something in today’s chat to relate to!

Find lots of links over in show notes: http://www.monicaswanson.com/8-things

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

Monica Swanson, author of Boy Mom and Raising Amazing, and blogger at monicaswanson.com, shares encouragement and inspiration for raising amazing kids and building strong families. Monica shares practical advice and biblical wisdom through honest conversations, interviews with experts, and light-hearted humor. The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We are still chatting New Years around here, and this podcast episode is one I don’t want you to miss! My friend, Jeannie Cunnion, is with us to talk about how we can pursue God’s personal presence this year…and the good news is: It’s not about OUR performance, because He is already pursuing us!

Jeannie and I chat about her recent trip to Hawaii, her journey to being an author, and how God helped her overcome a works-based mindset to discover His amazing love and grace! Jeannie has such a humble and authentic heart, I think you will be encouraged by this conversation. Find show notes and links to all we mention at: http://monicaswanson.com/jeannie-cunnion

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