Podcast appearances and mentions of linda hutchinson

IntroductionIn this episode Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss the theme of unmet expectations in life and how to process disappointment. They reflect on personal experiences, share insights from their family and work, and provide faith-based guidance on navigating life's challenges.Segment 1: Personal Reflections and Introduction to Unmet Expectations•Theme Introduction: The hosts emphasize that everyone encounters unmet expectations, whether in relationships, careers, or personal goals. They highlight that chasing happiness is often futile; instead, cultivating a spirit of joy and contentment is essential.Segment 2: The Reality of Disappointment•Merrill shares his struggles with launching a fitness product, the kettlebar, which has not yet succeeded despite positive feedback. This illustrates the frustration of unmet expectations after significant effort.•He also recounts his initial disappointment at not gaining admission to physical therapy school, framing it as a redirection that led to meaningful opportunities in education.Segment 3: Defining Disappointment•Understanding Disappointment: They explain that disappointment arises from the gap between hopes and reality, supporting this with biblical references (e.g., the story of Lazarus' death and Paul's struggles).•Faith and Perseverance: Merrill discusses the balance between persevering through challenges and recognizing when to surrender to God's will, mentioning the importance of laying burdens at God's feet.Segment 4: The Grieving Process•Grieving Unmet Expectations: The hosts outline the typical stages of grief in response to disappointment, which include denial, anger, and acceptance. They stress the importance of not getting stuck in complicated grief, which can hinder healing.•Biblical Support: They reference Romans 8:28, emphasizing that God can work through all circumstances for the good of those who love Him, even when individuals feel hopeless.Segment 5: Moving Beyond Disappointment•Expectation Reassessment: Merrill encourages listeners to evaluate whether their expectations align with God's plans and to remain open to new possibilities.•Encouraging Others: They discuss how sharing personal experiences of disappointment can help others, creating a cycle of empathy and support that strengthens community.Segment 6: Fostering Hope•Seeking Gratitude: The hosts recommend practicing gratitude as a means to combat feelings of hopelessness. They suggest keeping a gratitude journal to refocus on the positive aspects of life, no matter how small.•Redefining Expectations: They advise listeners to reassess their expectations, questioning whether they are motivated by personal desires or by a desire to honor God.Segment 7: Final Reflections and Prayer•Perspective on Life's Challenges: Merrill emphasizes that disappointment should not define one's life; individuals are more than their failures. •Encouragement through Faith: Linda shares her thoughts on the importance of maintaining joy and perspective, invoking the lyrics of a song that speaks of new mercies every morning.•Concluding Prayer: Find peace amidst disappointment and to trust in God's higher plans, encouraging them to seek guidance and find new paths forward.https://rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

In this episode of the Rock Solid Family Podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson explore parental doubt and the pressures modern parents face due to societal expectations, particularly with younger children. They aim to offer understanding, reassurance, and strategies for those often second-guessing their decisions.**The Nature of Doubt in Parenting**Parents experience emotional ups and downs, questioning their choices due to the pressure to be perfect fueled by social media. Merrill discusses how parenting styles differ between firstborn and later-born children, suggesting that firstborns often receive more cautious parenting, leading to increased confidence over time.**Influences on Parental Doubt**Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy, particularly among young mothers, while rising parental anxiety over health issues often results in overly cautious decisions. **Over-Correction and Extreme Parenting**The podcast examines "intensive parenting," where decisions feel high-stakes, leading to anxiety. Parents' fears about real threats can result in children being overly sheltered, hindering their resilience.**The Comparison Trap**Competitive parenting culture pressures parents to compare milestones, creating unhealthy environments where children feel pressure to excel. The Hutchinsons critique modern expectations around celebrations, arguing that elaborate parties can lead to stress.**Parenting Styles and Emotional Impact**Different styles, such as helicopter and snowplow parenting, can limit a child's independence. The hosts stress the importance of parents managing their emotional states to create secure environments for their children.**Strategies for Combating Doubt**1. Reflect and Pray: Seek wisdom and avoid second-guessing decisions.2. Take Emotions Captive: Calm yourself and avoid expressing anxieties to children.3. Avoid Self-Criticism: Give yourself grace and learn from mistakes.4. Reframe Negative Thoughts: Seek support instead of comparing yourself to others.5. Embrace Imperfection: Aim for "good enough" parenting.6. Allow Children to Experience Failure: Prioritize resilience through challenges.7. Seek Wisdom: Engage with experienced parents for insights.**The Role of Faith**Lean on biblical teachings to guide parenting decisions, emphasizing trust in God to reduce anxiety.https://rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Are You Too Busy - Ep 312Rock Solid Families • 00:31In this episode of the Rocksolid Families Podcast, host Linda Hutchinson and her husband Merrill discuss the critical role of recreation in maintaining healthy relationships, particularly within marriages. They emphasize the necessity of having fun, relaxing, and reprioritizing life amidst the busyness that often overwhelms individuals and families.The Eight Areas of LifeThe discussion originates from a previous episode where Merrill and Linda categorized life into eight essential areas. The significance of recreation quickly emerges as a focal point, highlighting how it rejuvenates and enriches relationships. Merrill asks couples when they last had fun together, suggesting that joy is essential for a healthy relationship.Importance of Fun and Enjoyment1.Seriousness in Relationships: 2.Recreation as a Metric: 3.Self-Care and Boundaries: Unplugging from Work1.High Expectations: 2.Work-life Balance: 3.Mental and Emotional Costs: Recognizing Limits and the Need for Rest1.Signs of Overwork: 2.Personal Reflection: 3.Cultural Pressures: The Role of Faith and Spirituality1.Value Beyond Productivity: 2.Scriptural Basis: 3.Mary and Martha Analogy: Practical Takeaways1.Implementing Boundaries: 2.Seasonality of Life: 3.Resting and Refueling: ConclusionIn closing, the hosts urge listeners to take practical steps to prioritize recreation and rest in their lives. They emphasize that while work is important, it should not overshadow personal relationships or spiritual commitments. Merrill and Linda express gratitude for their community and the ongoing support they receive, and they encourage everyone to strive for balance, honoring God in their pursuits.https://rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Girl Power Half Hour - Anxiety and Your Child - Ep 308Rock Solid Families • 0.0 views • 00:44Executive Summary of the Rock Solid Families Podcast EpisodeOverviewIn this episode of the Rock Solid Families Podcast titled “Girl Power Half Hour,” host Linda Hutchinson, alongside co-hosts Bridgitte Price and Jenna Helton, discusses the pressing topic of parenting children with anxiety. The conversation is rooted in a faith-based perspective, providing insights and actionable advice for parents navigating the challenges of raising anxious children.Key Points1.Understanding Anxiety in Children:•The hosts share personal anecdotes about their experiences with anxious children, emphasizing that anxiety is a natural response to various stressors such as transitions (new schools, family dynamics, etc.).•The discussion highlights how children's understanding of their emotions is still developing, particularly in young children whose brains are not fully formed.2.Parenting Strategies:•Avoiding Extremes: Parents are encouraged to avoid overreacting to their child's anxiety. This includes not allowing anxiety to dictate their child's actions, such as skipping school or canceling activities.•Healthy Relationships: The importance of modeling healthy relationships and community support is stressed. Parents should demonstrate how to manage anxiety positively and seek support from trusted individuals.3.Coping Techniques:•The hosts recommend practical coping strategies, such as prayer, affirmations, and mindfulness techniques like box breathing to help children manage anxiety.•Encouraging children to articulate their feelings and identifying their emotions beyond just anxiety can provide deeper insights into their struggles.4.The Role of Technology:•The impact of technology and social media on children's mental health is discussed, emphasizing that excessive screen time can exacerbate anxiety. Parents should be mindful of their child's technology use and promote healthy alternatives.5.Collaboration with Schools:•Parents are advised to partner with educators and school authorities to create a supportive environment for anxious children. This includes open communication with teachers to address specific concerns and finding solutions together.6.Resources for Parents:•The hosts recommend several resources, including the book The Anxious Generation, and various faith-based materials that can aid in understanding and addressing anxiety.ConclusionThe episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for parents dealing with anxious children. By fostering open communication, practicing healthy coping strategies, and collaborating with educational institutions, parents can better support their children in navigating anxiety. The importance of grounding these practices in faith and community support is emphasized as essential for building resilience in children.For more information and resources, go to https://rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Rock Solid Families EP 267: Mean Girls, Drama Queens, What's Up With All This Stuff?Linda Hutchinson and Meredith ScudderAre you tired of getting caught up in drama and conflict? Ready to break free from the toxic triangle that keeps you stuck? Then you need to listen to this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast. In this eye-opening conversation, hosts Linda Hutchinson and Meredith Scudder dive deep into the Drama Triangle and its ineffective way of handling conflict. But here's the twist: they also introduce the Empowerment Triangle, a powerful tool for resolving conflict and finding peace.Throughout the episode, Linda and Meredith share personal anecdotes and insights that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped in drama. They discuss the roles of the persecutor, victim, and rescuer, and how these roles perpetuate conflict. But they don't stop there. They offer a refreshing perspective on how to transform these roles into something positive.By becoming a challenger instead of a persecutor, you can build others up instead of tearing them down. By embracing your power as a creator, you can take control of your life and find solutions to problems. And by stepping into the role of a coach, you can empower others to find their own strength and make their own decisions.This episode is a game-changer for anyone seeking healthier relationships and a drama-free life. So don't miss out on the wisdom and practical advice shared by Linda and Meredith. Tune in now and discover how to escape the drama triangle and step into the empowerment triangle. Your relationships will thank you.Quotes:“We are speaking to every adult with an adult child who is in a bad place. And the adults need to be needed, are coming in to rescue and to enable some really bad behavior. because they don't want to see them suffer or struggle, right? And we do more harm than good, don't we, by continuing to come in and rescue, and we provide temporary relief, but no long-term gain.  (14:03 | Linda Hutchinson)“We learn from natural consequences, right? And the only way to do that is rather than rescue, be a coach and step back. Don't try to take over and you can still be supportive and help.” (20:50 | Meredith Scudder)“Just because you've had trauma doesn't mean you have to stay in drama.” (25:45 | Linda Hutchinson)“Being able to be aware of the drama triangle roles and how we are feeding into that is so important. And just like anything, until we can see where there needs to be change, we're not going to be able to make change. ” (29:14 Meredith Scudder) VideogramLinksInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

Are you tired of the same old family drama ruining your holiday season? Well, in this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson dive into the topic of navigating family dynamics during the holidays. They discuss the commercialization and disruption of Christmas, as well as the struggles and broken relationships that often arise. But fear not, because they provide practical advice and strategies to help you navigate these challenges and make the most of the holiday season.One key takeaway from this episode is the importance of setting a vision for your holiday season. By defining what you want the season to look like and focusing on the main things that truly matter, you can create a positive and meaningful experience for yourself and your loved ones. The hosts also emphasize the significance of prioritizing relationships, starting with your relationship with God, followed by your spouse and children. By keeping these relationships at the forefront, you can foster a sense of unity and love during the holidays.Additionally, the episode highlights the power of gratitude and giving back. Whether it's practicing gratitude for the blessings in your life or engaging in acts of kindness and generosity, these actions can bring joy and perspective to the holiday season. The hosts also encourage listeners to be respectful, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and show kindness even in challenging situations.So, if you're ready to reclaim the joy and peace of the holiday season, tune in to this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast. Discover how to navigate family drama, set a vision for your holiday season, prioritize relationships, and cultivate gratitude. Get ready to create lasting memories and make this holiday season truly special.Key Takeaways:Decide how you will handle difficult family members or challenging situations beforehand to avoid unnecessary drama.Keep the main thing, the main thing by prioritizing what is truly important, whether it's family, faith, or creating meaningful experiences.Understand the hierarchy of relationships and prioritize your spouse and immediate family, while still respecting and honoring extended family.Practice gratitude and thankfulness, even in difficult times, and use the holiday season as an opportunity to show your best side and be a witness for Christ.Quotes:set your vision on what you want this holiday to look like. What do you want the season to be about? What do you want your kids and your grandkids to see? Do you literally want them to see yelling across the table and door slamming and people not speaking to one another and just leaving a place early because you're mad? What is the vision you want? I love being with your family, especially because we do a lot of big holiday gatherings together. It's literally just about laughter and fun and making memories. We're not talking about things like politics and religion. We're just enjoying each other's company because we don't get to do it very often. And we have now a whole nother generation. Our grandkids are with each other and there's so many little ones. So what do we want to show them? What's the vision you're setting for your family gatherings? (15:20 | Linda Hutchinson)LinksInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show

How do we, as Christian parents, guide our children through the complex topics of marriage, sex, and homosexuality from a biblical perspective? This challenging question sets the stage for our latest podcast episode. Our hosts delve into the delicate task of educating children about these important subjects, emphasizing the necessity of age-appropriate, biblically grounded discussions. They highlight the Christian view of marriage as a union between a man and a woman and discuss sex as a sacred gift reserved for married couples.Amidst today's shifting cultural narratives, even within elementary education, the hosts stress the importance of parental vigilance regarding what children are taught. They address the challenge of stereotypes and reinforce the importance of treating every individual with compassion, love, and respect, in line with the Christian principle of loving the sinner while not condoning the sin. The episode also underscores the importance of open conversations with children about sensitive topics like homosexuality, balancing a biblical perspective with teachings of love and acceptance. The hosts discuss integrating Jesus' teachings into these conversations, demonstrating Christ's love in all relationships.On navigating when to start these conversations, the hosts emphasize the value of being open and approachable, ensuring parents are the go-to resource for their children on these topics. For parents facing the situation of a child expressing same-sex attraction, the focus is advised to be on understanding deeper issues and maintaining the relationship's holistic health, rather than fixating on this single aspect.The episode wraps up with a reminder for listeners that it's okay to seek help and support. The hosts encourage sharing the podcast with others who might benefit from this compassionate, biblical approach to discussing marriage, sex, and homosexuality with children, fostering a safe and understanding family environment.Key Takeaways:- Engage in open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations with children about marriage, sex, and homosexuality, ensuring these discussions are grounded in biblical teachings. - Instill a sense of compassion, love, and respect in their children towards others, regardless of differences, embodying the Christian principle of loving the sinner but not the sin. - Maintain an approachable and understanding demeanor as parents, creating a safe space for children to discuss sensitive topics and focusing on their overall well-being and deeper issues rather than just their sexual orientation.Quotes:-”The very first thing, and this starts super young, is that you teach them that that's what marriage is, between a man and a woman."  (02:00 | Linda Hutchinson)-"We believe God intends sexual intimacy to be occurring between one man and one woman who are married to each other, and we believe that God has commanded us to keep that marriage bed pure and has designed sexual intimacy to be exclusive for married couples.” (14:04 | Linda Hutchinson)- "Homosexuality and sexual immorality are just a few of the ways that people go against God's word and God's way. And so lying, cheating, drunkenness, gluttony, it all goes against God's good and perfect plan. And so that's all sin, and God judges them the same.” (17:01 | Linda Hutchinson)LinksInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

Have you ever felt like counseling is too female-oriented? Well, you're not alone.In the latest episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, Merrill and Linda Hutchinson delve into the vital role of communication in resolving relationship conflicts. Merrill brings up an interesting point about the counseling field often being skewed towards women, highlighting the importance of communication styles that effectively resonate with men. He emphasizes that men experience deep emotions and the need for understanding and connection in conversations is universal.Linda introduces the concept of a 'huddle' - a dedicated time for focused communication where one partner speaks and the other listens attentively, asks clarifying questions, and mirrors back to show understanding and empathy. This approach not only validates the speaker's feelings but also avoids defensive reactions. The goal is for both individuals to feel genuinely heard and understood.Staying on topic, avoiding distractions, and offering solutions or compromises are also discussed as key elements in resolving conflicts. Acknowledging mistakes and summarizing conversations are highlighted as essential for maintaining clarity. Trust-building and following through on commitments made during these discussions are emphasized as critical for the health of the relationship. They suggest concluding discussions with a shared prayer, inviting God into the process. Teaching these communication skills to children is also encouraged, highlighting the long-term benefits of effective communication in fostering healthy relationships.Key Takeaways:Men often feel uncomfortable in counseling settings that are female-oriented, so it's important to use language and approaches that resonate with them.Both men and women have emotions and need to feel understood and validated in order to connect and resolve conflicts.When addressing conflicts, it's important to create a safe and private space for open and vulnerable communication.Active listening, reflection, and empathy are crucial in understanding and validating each other's emotions and needs.Apologizing, offering compromises, and reassurances can help rebuild trust and strengthen the relationship.Quotes:“When we cover things in all pink in terms of how we approach men, men right away just go, this is weird. I don't get it. And so rather than trying to call for a comfort place or a comfort zone or whatever, I would be like, dude, it's time for a huddle. Hey, it's time for it's time to get the home base. It's time to you know, take a timeout You're like I gotta speak to men and men go. ‘Oh, yeah now I gotcha.'” (:46 | Merrill)“You know, you're not really arguing about the car or about Thanksgiving. You're really arguing about something deeper, something of need that's not being met.”  (9:56 | Linda)“The huddle means we have to have a means to pull people together and say, okay, wait, wait. Who's the enemy? Who's the opponent? Guys, we're on the same team.  (12:41 | Merrill) “If you're willing to go into a huddle, you have to go to a next level of understanding of where the potential downfalls could come. The huddle is all about forming a trust.” (40:10 | Merrill)LinksInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

Hosts - Merrill and Linda Hutchinson"Conflict in marriage is not about winning or losing, but about finding a resolution that honors both partners," says Merrill Hutchinson.In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson dive into the topic of conflict resolution within marriage. They explore the different points that can lead to impasses in a relationship and discuss the common subjects that often spark arguments, such as money, sex, responsibilities, and family issues. The hosts emphasize the importance of staying calm and respectful during conflicts, as well as focusing on the specific issue at hand rather than bringing up past grievances. They also touch on the essential elements of trust and the need for compromise in order to find resolution.Throughout the episode, Merrill and Linda provide practical tips and insights for handling conflicts constructively. They stress the significance of actively listening to one another's perspectives and understanding each other's points of view. The hosts also highlight the importance of trust, both in terms of trusting each other's motives and abilities, as well as having a positive track record in resolving conflicts. They encourage couples to prioritize their relationship by giving each other undivided attention and avoiding distractions, such as screens, during important discussions.Listeners of the Rock Solid Families podcast will find valuable guidance and tools for navigating conflicts within their marriages. The hosts' personal anecdotes and relatable examples add depth and authenticity to the discussion. By addressing the common subjects that often lead to impasses, Merrill and Linda provide listeners with practical strategies for resolving conflicts and strengthening their relationships. Whether it's learning to stay calm and respectful, focusing on the issue at hand, or building trust and compromising, this episode offers valuable insights for couples seeking to improve their conflict resolution skills.Key Takeaways:Stay calm and respectful during conflicts in your marriage. Emotions can run high, but it's important to remain calm and avoid name-calling or hurtful language.Focus on the issue at hand and avoid bringing up past grievances or unrelated topics. Keep the discussion centered on the specific conflict or impasse you are trying to resolve.Listen to your partner's point of view and try to understand their perspective. Avoid interrupting or formulating your response before they have finished speaking.Be willing to compromise and find a solution that works for both partners. It's important to prioritize the well-being of the marriage and the family as a whole, rather than seeking individual wins.Build trust in your relationship by demonstrating reliability, honesty, and consideration for your partner's needs and feelings. Trust is essential for effective conflict resolution and a healthy marriage.Quotes:"If a win is one of you getting your way at the expense of the other, that's actually not a win for the marriage." (20:44 | Merrill Hutchinson) Audiogram“You've gotta listen to understand, you've gotta sit in that so that they feel heard, and that's the very first essential that's gotta be there for trust.”  (24:03 | Linda Hutchinson)LinksInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

Rock Solid Families -  EP258 - Inviting God to School "Bringing God into our schools and homes is not about pushing an agenda, but about equipping our children with the tools to defend their faith and stand for what they believe. It's about instilling in them a strong identity and purpose in Christ, so that they can navigate the confusion and challenges of the world with confidence and hope." - Rock Solid FamiliesIn this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the importance of bringing God into schools and homes. They emphasize the need for parents to help their children understand their identity and purpose in Christ, regardless of whether they attend public, Christian, or homeschool. The hosts debunk the notion that God has been pushed out of schools, highlighting the opportunities for religious activities and expressions that exist within the education system. They also encourage parents to support their children in defending their faith and standing up for their beliefs, as well as to be proactive in bringing God into their communities and schools.The hosts provide practical tips for parents, such as being cooperative with schools, initiating and supporting religious activities, and teaching children to be bold witnesses of their faith. They also stress the importance of understanding one's own faith and why it is meaningful, rather than simply going through the motions. Additionally, they remind listeners of the power of voting and influencing legislation to support religious freedom in schools. The episode concludes with a call to action for parents to take an active role in bringing God into their homes, schools, and communities, and to support positive initiatives that promote faith and values.Key Takeaways:It is important to involve God in our homes and schools to help children understand their identity and purpose in Christ.Parents should provide tools for their children to defend their faith and stand for what they believe, regardless of whether they are in public schools, Christian schools, or homeschooling.Rather than blaming schools for pushing God out, parents should focus on bringing God into their own homes and teaching their children about faith.Parents should support their children's schools and be cooperative with the staff, volunteering and getting involved in positive activities.Voting and supporting legislators who align with Christian values can help influence the presence of God in schools and society.Quotes:"Regardless if they're in the public schools, a Christian school, homeschool, we've got to help our students and our children understand what it means to have that identity and purpose in Christ." (00:53 | Linda Hutchinson) "We are seeing a resurgence of faith and hope and trust in the Lord because this world has been getting very dark, and our students are so desperate for hope that they're seeking it, they're searching for it." (08:26 | Linda Hutchinson) "If you can get them around healthy, positive community, everybody wins. And that is just what we want for our students and our families." (37:13 | Linda Hutchinson)LinksInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

"Men are not less than, they are different. Understanding their needs and meeting them where they are is the key to bringing them back into the church and empowering them to lead their families." - Merrill HutchinsonIn this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss the importance of men's involvement in the church and the home. They highlight the concerning trend of fewer men attending church and being actively engaged in family life. Drawing from the book "Why Men Hate Going to Church" by David Morrow, they explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and the need to address it. The hosts emphasize the significance of meeting men's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in order to engage them in church and family life. They provide practical suggestions for creating a more inviting and inclusive environment for men, such as avoiding judgment, open communication, and prayer.Throughout the episode, Merrill and Linda stress the importance of understanding and meeting men's needs in order to encourage their involvement in the church and as leaders in the home. They discuss the hierarchy of needs, as outlined by Maslow, and how it applies to men's engagement in church and family life. The hosts also address the feminization of the church and the need for a more male-friendly environment. They encourage women to pray for wisdom in their approach and to avoid comparing their spouse to others. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to have open conversations about faith and church involvement with their partners, and to pray for guidance and unity in their spiritual journeys.Key Takeaways:Men are leaving the church at a greater rate, and it is important to understand why and address their needs.The hierarchy of needs (physical, emotional, and spiritual) plays a role in men's involvement in the church.Men may feel disconnected or undervalued in the church, and it is important to create an environment that meets their needs.Avoid nagging, guilting, or comparing men to others when it comes to church attendance.Quotes:"The research tells us that there is less men, and we've seen that, whether it be going to church, whether it be… Even our Thursday morning Bible study, at the middle school level, it's a two-to-one ratio when it comes to girls to boys." (00:00 | Linda)"And so this is no new conversation. Where are all the men in the church? Why have men sort of fallen off the table when it comes to a lot of healthy families and keeping marriages together?" (03:09 | Merrill)“A lot of times churches will connect with men to maybe work on projects. Maybe they're helping fix the roof, or maybe they're helping them cut the grass, or maybe them helping widows that are in need of winterization or something like that, where men feel like, I am putting my faith into action, and that's how I worship. And so, yeah, we've gotta help men meet those physical needs. That's why your Strong Dads has a workout component to it. You have Bible study, but half of it is getting up, getting sweaty, working out, and meeting those physical needs.” (16:10 | Linda) "Pray for yourself. Pray for wisdom to know how to handle this man of yours. Pray for an understanding of how a man works and stop trying to think that he should work more like you, okay? " (36:44 | Merrill) SM QuoteInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

God's truth has the power to shatter the lies we believe about ourselves and replace them with the value and worth He has bestowed upon us. In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson delve into the topic of the lies we believe about ourselves, others, and God. They share personal experiences of the lies they believed growing up and how those lies shaped their self-perception. While certain facts may be true, it is the value we attribute to those facts that can lead to harmful beliefs. They discuss the importance of recognizing and challenging these lies, replacing them with the truth found in God's Word. Merrill and Linda stress the significance of understanding where our value truly comes from. They address the lies we believe about God, such as viewing Him as distant or uncaring, and emphasize the truth of His love and involvement in our lives. Seek healing and replace these lies with the truth of God's Word, recognizing that our value lies in being His creation and living out His purpose for our lives.Key Takeaways:The lies we believe about ourselves and God can have a significant impact on our lives and relationships.It is important to recognize and challenge the lies we believe, replacing them with the truth of God's Word.Our value and worth do not come from external factors or achievements, but from our identity as children of God.Healing and growth require acknowledging our mistakes and taking responsibility for them, seeking forgiveness and making amends where necessary.Community and support are crucial in the process of healing and replacing lies with truth. Seeking help from others who are on a similar journey can provide encouragement and accountability.Quotes:"The thing that you may struggle with is not necessarily a lie. You may just be the B/C student. You may be a little more clumsy or taller than the average person, but it is us that attributes that characteristic to giving us value or not. And that is the lie." (08:16 | Merrill) Quote“If your children make a mistake, you've got to be really, really careful that you don't say you're a bad kid - because they hear that - and they internalize that as ‘There's something wrong with me,' versus ‘You made a bad decision.' And so it's funny how when you may say ‘You made a bad decision' and they'll come back at you with, you mean I'm a bad kid, or you think I'm a bad kid. And it's really important that we hear that lie and we correct that.” (9:08 | Linda) Audiogram"I am a valuable person. I am a good person because I am of God and I'm here to do God's purpose, not my own." (32:06 | Merrill)“The Bible says that he disciplines those he loves. And so sometimes he allows us to have consequences for our own bad actions and decisions. And so that's just the reality of how he loves us to show us what it looks like when we step away from his truths.” (32:48 | Linda)"Please share our shows. We desperately need your help getting these kind of messages out, especially when it comes to the lies we believe. And so share this with your kids. Talk about the lies maybe they believe, and reiterate the truths of God's Word so that they can have peace and joy and a long-lasting life with God the Father.” (00:34:58 | Linda)LinksInstagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Worksheets/Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Are You Believing Truth or Lies :// drive.google.com/file/d/1QGgjyGeDalAQjt0vBN8oe-Kszk62d3Lw/view?usp=sharingAcknowledging the Truth About Your Father - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lqXLOjU2MBEX5DQfsCvvtZ87IxolTVY5/view?usp=sharingSupport the show

Teaching our children about physical relationships is not about imposing rules, but about guiding them towards God's perfect design. It's about equipping them to make wise choices and protecting their hearts, minds, and bodies. Let's empower our children to understand their value and purpose, so they can navigate the challenges of this world with grace and integrity.In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Linda Hutchinson and Merrill discuss the challenges of talking to teenagers about sexual topics in today's culture. They begin by addressing the issue of censorship and cancel culture, sharing their own experiences of being deleted from social media platforms for discussing sexual content from a Christian perspective. Despite these challenges, they emphasize the importance of having open and honest conversations with teenagers about sex and relationships, while also aligning these discussions with biblical values.The hosts provide practical tips for parents on how to approach these conversations with their teenagers. They emphasize the importance of creating a safe and open environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing these topics. They encourage parents to invite opportunities for conversation, ask open-ended questions, and listen actively to their teenagers' thoughts and opinions. They also highlight the significance of teaching teenagers the value of waiting until marriage and the potential consequences of engaging in premarital sex. Ultimately, they stress the importance of guiding teenagers to make choices that align with God's word and lead to blessings in their lives.Throughout the episode, Linda and Merrill emphasize the need for parents to be proactive in addressing these topics with their teenagers. They acknowledge the challenges of navigating a culture that promotes permissiveness and distorted views of sex and relationships. However, they encourage parents to stay true to their values and provide their teenagers with a solid foundation rooted in biblical principles. By fostering open and honest conversations, parents can equip their teenagers to make informed and healthy choices regarding sex and relationships, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and God-honoring lifeKey topics:Invite opportunities for open and casual conversations about sex and relationships with your teenagers.Use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue and discover your teenager's thoughts and beliefs about sex and sexuality.Timing is important, so be ready to seize the moment when natural curiosity or relevant situations arise.Focus on building a strong relationship with your teenager, listening to their feelings and validating their experiences.Teach your teenagers the value of waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy and the benefits of following God's design for relationships.Quotes:"Invite opportunities, but then don't push, but gently invite them into the conversation." (11:38 | Linda) "We need to do more listening than talking and validating how our kids feel along the way." (18:49 | Linda)"We want to help teens understand that there is such a thing as second chance virginity and God's forgiveness when we mess up." (33:24 | Linda)“Not teaching God's way and allowing us to go the world's way makes for great TV movies, books, all kinds of smut on social media. So it makes for that stuff to be interesting. But the reality of it is it makes for heartache. It makes for breakup. It makes for emotional and psychological destruction.” (42:10 | Merrill) AudiogramLinks:Instagram: @RockSolidFamiliesWebsite: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

Christian parents, are you wondering how to have "the sex talk" with your school-age sons and daughters? Merrill and Linda delve deeply into this question, offering candid insights in the latest Rock Solid Families episode. They underscore the urgency of addressing this subject, especially as kids today encounter sexual content far earlier than past generations. The episode spotlights the need for accurate terminology and the emphasis on principles of modesty and self-respect. Beyond just discussions on physical intimacy, the duo highlights the profound importance of instilling an understanding of one's identity in Christ and the inherent value this brings.With the ever-growing influence of media and the internet, Linda and Merrill tackle the difficulties Christian parents encounter. They advocate for vigilant monitoring of what children consume online, co-watching television shows and observing your children when they are gaming as a way to protect your children from inappropriate content. These co-watching moments also create a space where open teaching dialogue can happen naturally. Crucially, the couple stresses the role of parents as role models, exemplifying respect across genders and assisting their children in discerning the eternal wisdom of God from the things they may see and hear in the world.In essence, this episode is a great resource for parents who are continuing the conversation of sexuality with their maturing children (be sure to check out Part 1 of this series, episode 250, if you have younger children or if you need to revisit foundational topics you may have missed). Key Takeaways:Adopt clear, age-appropriate language when discussing sex with older children.Reinforce lessons on self-worth, modesty, and mutual respect, grounded in their identity in God.Actively supervise media exposure and encourage open discussions about content.Serve as exemplary figures, displaying respect and guiding children in contrasting God's word from worldly views.Equip kids with a robust Christian foundation to confidently face contemporary challenges.Quotes:"We really have to approach it differently than our parents did. We have to not put our head in the sand and pretend like this is not happening because it is." (02:03 | Linda Hutchinson)"This is that time where your kids are going to get their first look, their first hear, of different things that are related to sex." (02:37 | Merrill Hutchinson)"It is near to impossible to keep your children from being exposed. And so you've got to get ahead of it and decide, OK, I want my children to learn the right thing at the right time and hear it from us instead of the kid down the street." (00:06:14 | Linda Hutchinson) Quote"And this is where at these elementary ages, where boys and girls are starting to recognize that there is a difference between boys and girls. And so this is where us as parents really want to start talking and teaching about modesty, about protecting your own private parts and about protecting and being aware of those with others. And so this is when we're actually having talks at these early elementary ages of, your private parts are yours and you're not to allow other people to touch them without your parents present and you're not to touch others." (16:11 | Merrill Hutchinson)"Finally, teaching your children to discern between what his word, God's word, teaches and what the world is teaching is super important." (36:47 | Linda Hutchinson)Instagram: @RockSolidFamiliesSupport the show

“As parents, you've got to know what your values are before you can set healthy boundaries,” says co-host Linda Hutchinson. The art of instilling and maintaining healthy boundaries with children can be challenging for parents. Merrill and Linda reflect on personal experiences, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of overindulgence and the importance of letting children experience the ramifications of their actions. As parents, it's essential to differentiate between occasional favors and habits that could hinder a child's growth into a self-sufficient individual.Merrill and Linda further discuss the pitfalls of a child-centered home, advocating instead for a balance where God and family values take precedence. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, parents can guide their children towards becoming responsible and well-adjusted adults.The hosts stress the importance of listening, adapting, and ensuring that your child's dreams and aspirations are genuinely their own. Too often, parents find themselves unconsciously pressuring their children into fulfilling dreams that aren't genuinely theirs. Merrill and Linda share the complexities they encountered in their personal journey with their children, reminding listeners that no one is perfect, and parenting is a continuous learning curve. The key takeaway? It's not about control but cultivating an environment of safety, security, and genuine understanding, rooted in solid values. Whether you're a new parent, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this episode offers invaluable insights to guide your family towards health and harmony.Quotes"The child centered home, in and of itself, sounds great on paper. It's extremely dangerous and it's where entitlement comes from." (33:51 | Merrill Hutchinson)"So please, set a boundary. You're the parent. So treat your child lovingly, but as a child." (34:35 | Linda Hutchinson)"The fact is, you're going to get pushback from your kiddos. And so, you're really going to have to evaluate like, again, am I living my life through them or is this healthy that I'm asking this boundary of them?" (37:00 | Linda Hutchinson)"We are always working the underlying value system, that at the end of the day, that's what your kid is going to walk out of your home with. And if it's a value system that only values them, then you certainly do not want to negotiate that benefit of them being more self-centered." (38:46 | Merrill Hutchinson)#HealthyBoundaries #ChildCenteredHome #ParentingWisdom #RaiseResponsibleKids #FamilyValues #Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith,LinksInstagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/Support the show

“God designed marriage to be a covenant modeled from the one that He made with us,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. Nowadays, 50% of all marriages end in divorce. This is a startling statistic. The good news is that when you consider only the marriages of couples who pray together, less than 1% of those marriages end in divorce. In the first 4 parts of their Summer of Love Series, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson introduced their Summer of Love Marriage Assessment for evaluating the quality of a marriage and walked through 3 of the four categories— communication, emotional connectedness and physical intimacy. Today, they discuss spiritual intimacy and share ten ways to build and strengthen spiritual intimacy within a marriage. Technically, you cannot have a marriage in the way that God intended without spiritual intimacy. There are immense benefits to deepening your relationship with your partner through a shared connection with God. One such benefit is that God acts as a third party in your relationship, providing mediation during times of conflict. By reflecting on your covenant with God and looking to his Word for guidance, it will be easier for you and your spouse to be on the same page when making decisions. God's love is unconditional. So when you mirror your marriage with God's covenant with humanity, it will be easier to love your spouse unconditionally and extend them grace when they make mistakes. When you strengthen your spiritual intimacy with your spouse, it solidifies why God is important to your family and weaves faith into the fabric of the futures you are creating for yourselves and your children. If you are not sure where to begin with developing your spiritual intimacy, start with having an open, honest conversation with your spouse about God. Find a church where you both feel comfortable and turn to the scriptures anytime you are questioning what decisions to make for your family. Start creating faith based traditions for your children and really showing them the importance of prioritizing a relationship with God. When you commit to growing your spiritual intimacy, you and your spouse will be able to experience the joy and connection with one another that God intended for all His children.Quotes“If the spiritual side is not in your marriage, then you're not as deep as you can go yet.” (9:33 | Merrill)“Oftentimes marriages as soon as it gets difficult, they throw the divorce word. But what would happen if you both humbled yourself and said, ‘What does God ask us to do here?'.” (11:51 | Merrill)“God designed marriage to be a covenant modeled from the one that He made with us.” (12:29 | Linda)“Belief or even faith is empty without deeds.” (18:43 | Merrill) “If we pray together on a daily basis… those marriages divorce at less than 1%.” (20:58 | Merrill)“Love your spouse the way God loves you.” (39:27 | Linda) LinksSummer of Love Assessment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MqDxgddfmr7rzbQRFV1jC0VaUdok3XnG/view?usp=sharingInstagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Families - Ep 246 - Summer of Love - Part 4 - Physical Intimacy “We're called to be unconditionally loving and respectful but when we're hurting each other, we start to throw conditions,” shares co-host Merrill Hutchinson. When it comes to building intimacy within a relationship, men and women often approach the idea from very different perspectives. Men tend to be more focused on sex as the main form of physical intimacy whereas women tend to combine physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy into one thing. In the first 3 parts of their Summer of Love Series, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson introduced their Summer of Love Marriage Assessment for evaluating the quality of a marriage and walked through 2 of the four categories, communication and emotional connectedness. Today, they discuss physical intimacy and provide insight into how both men and women view intimacy in a relationship.Even though men might think otherwise, it is not possible to separate physical intimacy from emotional and spiritual intimacy when considering the overall wellness of a marriage. Just as women may need foreplay before getting physically intimate with their spouse, men often require warming up before engaging in emotional or spiritual intimacy. It's important to remember that neither the husband nor the wife is right or wrong in their perspective of intimacy, they are just wired to think differently. To reconnect and grow your physical intimacy, you will need to take the time to understand one another while extending grace, unconditional love, and respect. There are several intimacy busters that can cause issues within a marriage such as withholding one form of intimacy in order to get another, constantly criticizing your spouse, or acting in a way that seems emotionally distant. Often, these issues come from the lack of understanding that stems from the inherent differences between the sexes. When you and your partner can approach intimacy from a place of unconditional love and respect and show grace and forgiveness, then you can walk hand in hand with Christ toward a Summer of Love. Quotes“Men have to be warmed up in emotional intimacy and in spiritual intimacy.” (15:01 | Merrill)“Please do not use one [type of intimacy] as a weapon to get the other or vice versa.” (16:03 | Linda)“If we're going to improve the physical intimacy, we can't just throw aside the emotional and spiritual intimacy, because that's how the female brain is more connected.” (17:50 | Merrill) “We're called to be unconditionally loving and respectful but when we're hurting each other, we start to throw conditions.” (20:03 | Merrill)LinksSummer of Love Assessment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MqDxgddfmr7rzbQRFV1jC0VaUdok3XnG/view?usp=sharingIntimacy Builders and Intimacy Busters -https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QGgjyGeDalAQjt0vBN8oe-Kszk62d3Lw/view?usp=sharingRock Solid Families: http://rocksolidfamilies.orgInstagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

“There's a lot of evil and hopelessness out in the world, but we don't have to experience that when we have each other and when we know Christ,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. Emotional wellness within a relationship is what keeps marriages healthy and strong year after year. In Parts 1 and 2 of their Summer of Love Series, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson shared their Marriage Assessment tool for evaluating the quality of a marriage, breaking it down into four categories, emotional connectedness, spiritual connectedness, physical intimacy, and communication skills. Today, Merrill and Linda discuss emotional connectedness and provide five specific ways to reignite the spark, so you can both begin to dream again for the future you are building together.Emotional wellness is all about how you and your partner feel about each other. Think about how you felt about your spouse back when you were still dating. Do you still feel that same level of excitement now? Do you still dream for your future with them in mind? If you and your partner have lost some of this emotional connection, don't worry. You can start to rekindle emotional wellness through intentional communication and empathy. Check in on your partner's emotional state, making note of how they are doing, and doing what you can to lighten their load. Remember that when you decided to marry, two became one. Try to view situations from your partner's perspective. Fuel one another's hearts and the hope for the future you will share together will begin to flourish again. Consider whether your actions are helping or hurting your partner's heart. You both decided to commit your lives to one another and that means that you cannot be selfish with your behavior. Complete the linked Marriage Assessment to see where you and your partner stand on emotional connectedness and start taking steps today to reignite dreaming with one another. Quotes“Sometimes we have very unrealistic expectations and we really set our partner up for failure when we put them on a pedestal, when we expect them to complete us, and to give us something that really God is the one that's intended to give us, not our partner.” (8:26-8:45 | Linda)“Let's go about pursuing those dreams and seeking out that connection with your partner the right healthy way.” (10:27-10:33 | Linda)“Are you helping or hurting your partner's heart?” (18:07-18:09 | Linda)“When you committed your life to one another, you committed to share the load together.” (23:37-23:42 | Linda)“The key is empathy.” (24:14-24:15 | Merrill)“There's a lot of evil and hopelessness out in the world, but we don't have to experience that when we have each other and when we know Christ.” (25:55-26:02 | Linda)LinksSummer of Love Assessment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZPpGt0BsmNwkaBsUSwoUBTsYtf4K4dDFqJJI1uDxoOs/edit?usp=sharingYouTube: https://youtu.be/ubpZ1AggkiU Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/13113598-rock-solid-families-podcast-summer-of-love-series-part-3-emotional-wellness-episode-245.mp3?download=trueWebsite | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Families - Ep 244 -  Summer of Love Series - Part 2 - Communication“We're not saying you're not going to have conflict. It's how you resolve the conflict and the tools that you have in your toolbox,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. Healthy communication strategies are pivotal for maintaining and building intimacy within a marriage. In Part 1 of their Summer of Love Series, co-hosts Merrill and Linda introduced their Marriage Assessment, a tool for couples to determine their strengths and weaknesses within their partnership. This assessment breaks marriage quality down into four categories, emotional connectedness, spiritual connectedness, physical intimacy, and communication skills. Today, Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss communication skills through sharing their ten key rules of engagement for communicating with a significant other. These ten rules of engagement are game changers when it comes to building intimacy and communicating effectively. By taking the time now to recognize and resolve breakdowns in communication, you can prevent larger marital issues from popping up down the road. Effective communication starts with intentionality. Make time each day for a heart check with your partner, prioritizing checking in on how one another is feeling over any and all distractions. When speaking with your spouse, give them your full undivided attention and resist the urge to interrupt the conversation. Research shows that it can take around eight minutes to progress past surface level talk, so it is critical that you allow enough time for these daily check-ins. When you do have a conflict, set a time limit for resolving it instead of allowing it to linger and grow. By using ‘I statements', you can take ownership of your feelings and be assertive without putting your partner on the defensive. Most importantly, make time to pray with your partner. Couples who pray together statistically have a much lower likelihood of divorce.Following these ten rules of engagement will help you build more intimacy so that you and your partner can enjoy a Summer of Love. Be sure to complete the linked Marriage Assessment to get a clear picture of the quality of your marriage and use it as a guideline for which areas to invest more work into. Quotes“Men are slow to warm up to talking about how they are feeling about things.” (12:47-12:52 | Merrill)“Research says it takes about seven to eight minutes before you get past surface talk.” (14:05-14:10 | Linda)“Trust the process and show that you are invested in it.” (15:31-15:36 | Merrill)“Pray together with your spouse on a regular basis.” (31:47-31:50 | Linda) LinksSummer of Love Assessment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZPpGt0BsmNwkaBsUSwoUBTsYtf4K4dDFqJJI1uDxoOs/edit?usp=sharingYoutube: https://youtu.be/MHdbrBwDSVU. Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/13113572Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Families - Ep 242 -  Summer of Love Series - Part 1Summer of Love Assessment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MqDxgddfmr7rzbQRFV1jC0VaUdok3XnG/view?usp=sharing“You take your car in for regular oil changes, you go to the doctor for your regular checkups and go to the dentist for your regular cleanings. Why are we not being as intentional or really focused on our marriage and keeping it fresh?”, asks co-host Linda Hutchinson. Continuing to grow love and intimacy within your relationship takes work. Both you and your spouse must be on the same page about wanting to put in the time and energy required for building a healthy marriage. Today, Merrill and Linda share their Summer of Love Marriage Assessment and walk through each of the steps for scoring the quality of your marriage. When you know where your relationship is lacking, you can begin to actively work on fixing the problems and build a healthier marriage going forward. The assessment breaks the quality of a marriage down into four categories, dreaming or emotional connectedness, spiritual connectedness, physical intimacy, and communication skills. Depending on where you and your partner each score yourselves for each question, you may find that you both have very different perspectives on the current health of your marriage. This is natural and gives you a great starting point for beginning to repair your relationship.A healthy marriage requires dedication to continuing to grow your love and intimacy each day. Complete the Summer of Love Marriage Assessment with your spouse to see where your marriage is thriving and where it may need some additional work. Quotes“You take your car in for regular oil changes, you go to the doctor for your regular checkups and go to the dentist for your regular cleanings. Why are we not being as intentional or really focused on our marriage and keeping it fresh?” (7:06-7:21 | Linda)“Even on a simple level, we have to have a commonness in how we have the faith to move on each day.” (11:38-11:44 | Merrill)“It's not about having conflict. It's about how well you repair it.” (18:26-18:30 | Linda)“If you don't take the time to understand each other and listen to one another, then you're not going to have that trust level and you're not going to have that intimacy that we're looking for.” (24:52-25:02 | Linda)“How do we get healthier so we can have a summer of love?” (34:00-34:03 | Linda) LinksYouTube: https://youtu.be/EW4gSIwi7zU Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/13074279-rock-solid-families-podcast-summer-of-love-series-part-1-episode-242.mp3?download=trueInstagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Families - Ep 241 - Father's Day 2023“We would do very well for the next generation to start celebrating the women and men for how God designed them to be,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Research shows that 31% of children in the US are being raised without their biological father in their home. This is an alarming statistic, as fatherlessness has been shown to have direct correlations to hardships such as drug use, homelessness, and crime. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson approach Father's Day with a discussion about celebrating the important role of fathers and the value of protecting and obeying the Biblical family structure that God created for His people.It is not enough to just have gratitude for the blessings that have been passed down from generation to generation. As a parent, you are responsible for not only passing down those blessings to your own children but also teaching them that those blessings came from God. Fathers, especially, must teach their sons to protect the concept of the traditional family structure and the roles that men and women were designed for by the Lord. Just dropping your kids off at Sunday school is not enough to ensure your children have a strong foundation in faith. You have to demonstrate God's word by living it and show your children what a healthy, Godly family looks like. When you model what it actually means to live by God's Word, your children will be better able to recreate that for their own families in the future.God wants His children to all reach the blessings of the Promised Land of milk and honey. It is up to you as parents to help your children live by God's design, so that they too can receive the blessings of the Lord. Quotes“31% of the kids in our country are being raised without their biological father in the house.” (5:35-5:42 | Merrill)“Stop bashing the men. We need our men as much as we need our women, neither is better. Both are essential to a healthy culture.” (23:17-23:25 | Linda)“Once you start teaching your sons what it is to be of God in terms of how they behave and act; then you teach them, especially us dads to our sons, how to protect that whole concept.” (25:30-25:48 | Merrill)“Mom and dads, we have got to practice obedience to God's design.” (28:07-28:10 | Linda)“We would do very well for the next generation to start celebrating the women for how God designed them to be, the femininity of the women, the caring, the strength of the women, and celebrating men for how God designed them to be.” (30:21-30:36 | Merrill)“Do not apologize for having a mom and a dad, for being called a woman and a man. Please, let us as followers of Christ, celebrate and fight for the protection of the way God designed us to live our lives.” (31:56-32:12 | Linda) LinksYouTube: https://youtu.be/oY5ssOrDDS8 Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12977842-rock-solid-families-podcast-fathers-day-2023-episode-241.mp3?download=trueInstagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Families - Ep 240 - Preparing Your Kids for Battle“As Christ followers, it's important that we band together and equip our kids for the culture war that we are in today,” shares co-host Linda Hutchinson. When you were growing up, you may never have needed to defend your faith because Christianity was more accepted. Nowadays, kids are growing up in a very different world where Christianity is no longer the dominant culture. Most alarmingly, those who stick by God's Word are now often viewed as evil, judgmental, and old-fashioned. Studies show that 70% of college aged children in the United States will walk away from their faith, and although many will return when they have their own families, around 30 to 35% will remain lost. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss how to equip your children for the spiritual battles they will face throughout their lives, so that they know how to defend their faith and stand strong on the foundation of God's Word.It is no longer enough to rely on Church and Sunday School alone when training your children to have faith in God's Word. There is an active battle for your children's hearts and minds and it is important for parents to prepare themselves for questions and possibly even backlash about their spiritual beliefs. In the book Mama Bear Apologetics, there are ten steps outlined for parents to follow when laying a strong foundation of faith for their children. It is up to you as the parent to set a healthy example of what having a personal relationship with Christ looks like. Teach your children to seek the truth in God's word and to think critically when their faith is challenged. When you properly equip your kids to defend their faith, you give them the tools to live Godly lives and share the good news of God's love with the world.Quotes“At least 70% of students who go off to college or are college age will walk away from their faith as a Christian.” (6:03-6:11 | Linda)“As Christ followers, it's important that we band together and equip our kids for the culture war that we are in today.” (11:54-12:00 | Linda)“You're losing 30 to 35% of your total church population with every generation.” (14:05-14:11 | Linda)“Earlier and earlier our children are being confronted with very sweet sounding teachings which are lies and a very appealing worldview.” (25:34-25:43 | Linda)“The only way we can reverse some of these statistics is to recognize the lies for ourselves, and then help our kids recognize them.” (26:16-26:23 | Linda)“What we know is that when we go against God's way, God's nature, things don't work well.” (35:02-35:09 | Merrill)LinksYouTube: https://youtu.be/BkYLOoJl0oc. Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12945917-rock-solid-families-podcast-preparing-your-kids-for-battle-episode-240.mp3?download=truehttp://rocksolidfamilies.orgInstagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Families - Ep 239 - The 5 Essentials of Trust Merrill and Linda Hutchinson“If you are a person who can't trust people, you live a life of paranoia. If you are a person who can't be trusted, you live a life of frustration and anger,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Trust is the foundation for all healthy relationships. Without it, you are unable to form relationships with others and will end up isolated. On the other hand, if you give your trust too freely, you open yourself up to getting hurt. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss building trust based on the 5 essentials outlined in Dr. Henry Cloud's book, Trust. They share examples from their own life experiences along with a look into what the Bible has to say about trust and establishing healthy boundaries.Trust is the most difficult part of a relationship to rebuild after it has been broken. The five essential elements for determining whether to trust somebody are understanding, motive or intentions, ability, character, and reputation or track record. In addition to these essential elements, Merrill suggests that time is also a critical component of building trust, especially in regard to track record and making up for past mistakes. When you choose to trust someone, you are taking a very real risk with your heart. In order to protect yourself from unnecessary risk, you can use the five elements as a sort of litmus test for whether to open up to that person or not. The Bible says to trust in God and His Word above all else. When you establish boundaries around who is worthy of your trust, you set yourself up for forming healthier relationships. The next time you are in a position where you are deciding whether to trust someone or are trying to build trust within a relationship, consider these five essential elements before making yourself vulnerable. Quotes“Trust is the fastest thing to fall apart and the hardest thing to rebuild back in relationships.” (1:51-1:58 | Merrill)“I don't want anyone out there listening to be boundaryless and unprotected, because that's when we really are hurt.” (9:21-9:28 | Linda)“The Bible says, ‘The heart is deceitful, above all things', so if we just trust in our own heart, not God and His Word, then we set ourselves up for failure.” (11:02-11:10 | Linda)“We need to trust people whose motives align with God and His Word.” (17:22-17:25 | Linda)“The best predictor of the future is the past. When we trust someone, we place ourselves in a vulnerable position, so we need to do due diligence of looking at their record.” (27:06-27:16 | Linda)“If you are a person who can't trust people, you live a life of paranoia. If you are a person who can't be trusted, you live a life of frustration and anger.” (33:42-33:53 | Merrill)YouTube -https://youtu.be/gZvSZGq_TLs Podcast -https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12878013 Webpage - https://rocksolidfamilies.orgInstagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Families -  Ep 238 -  Identity in Christ Alone - Welcoming Meredith Scudder to the RSF TeamMeredith Scudder - Assistant Director and Coach at Rock “What I'm seeing a lot of the youth struggle with is identity. And they're not going to know their identity until they know Christ,” explains Meredith Scudder, the new Assistant Director and faith-based coach at Rock Solid Families. Meredith chose to get a Masters in Social Work after seeing firsthand the challenges facing elementary school students in special education. When God led her to take a position in the wilderness of Wisconsin, she expected to arrive to find her dream job. What she found instead was a new path and a transformed heart. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson welcome Meredith to the Rock Solid Families family and talk about her career journey, her experiences working with healing trauma in adolescents, and the importance of centering healing on the foundation of a strong relationship with God.It is difficult for teachers and counselors in non-faith based programs because they are restricted from incorporating their faith into their work. For Meredith, even when all other aspects of her job in Wisconsin made it seem like a ‘dream job', it always felt like a major piece was missing from the puzzle. She saw many children struggling with issues of identity that were translating into problems behaviorally, emotionally, and academically. Without being able to help these students find their identity in Christ, Meredith was at a loss for how to truly get to the root of their trauma. Instead, she was seeing the traditional method for healing trauma be to offer symptom management rather than actually seeking and addressing the root cause. Faith-based counseling offers a level of healing that non-faith based modalities are unable to achieve because they are leaving a major piece of the puzzle out of the equation. Trauma is subjective and looks different for everyone, so it is critical to seek out the root cause rather than only focusing on treating the symptoms. Forming a strong relationship with God and seeking your identity in Christ will help you to heal the root of trauma.Quotes“It felt like we were just kind of managing the symptoms. And there seemed to be a deeper rooted problem that wasn't being addressed.” (8:34-8:44 | Meredith)“Trauma looks a lot of different ways, and it's subjective.” (10:42-10:47 | Meredith)“I thought He was taking me there for my dream job, and to advance my career. And turns out, He was taking me there for my own wilderness experience, to renew my mind, and transform my heart.” (12:15-12:31 | Meredith)“What I'm seeing a lot of the youth struggle with is identity. And they're not going to know their identity until they know Christ.” (19:16-19:28 | Meredith) “We see teachers and counselors all the time that talk about how restricted they feel by not being able to bring the way of God or Christ into their daily work.” (21:26-21:40 | Merrill)“There's licensed therapy out there that is, I believe, doing more harm than good with some of our girls and really reaffirming some of these lies that the enemy has planted in their mind.” (29:52-30:04 | Linda) LinksYouTube: https://youtu.be/9WFpyeq4yLMPodcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12836874-rock-solid-familieSupport the show

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Leaving The Nest on Rock Solid Families PodcastMerrill and Linda Hutchinson of Rock Solid Families podcast discuss the six keys to successfully launching a child into adulthood.Rock Solid Families Podcasthttps://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radioMerrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, they discuss the six keys to helping your child launch successfully and the five success markers to watch for in your relationship with your adult child.“Don't surprise them. Don't threaten them. Please help them understand, we're not trying to punish you. We're trying to prepare you,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. As graduation looms closer and closer, a lot of parents are thinking about the next steps for their teen and young adult children. More and more adult children are sitting at their parents' home with no job or motivation, because of unclear expectations and poor planning. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the emancipation parenting stage and how to prepare children for leaving the nest. Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartYoutubeIn this podcast, the host covers:How the parents' own insecurities can lead to failure to launchEmancipation as the fourth stage of parentingTransitioning from mentor to friendWhat the six keys to a successful launch areHow to apologize and take responsibility for your role in an unsuccessful launchThe importance of establishing expectations and boundaries early onHow to guide your children so they anchor themselves to Jesus ChristThe 5 success markers to look for in your relationship with your adult childCaption: Merrill and Linda Hutchinson, co-hosts of Rock Solid Families PodcastLink: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/aboutPodcast Quotes:“Some of the concerns you have about your kids launching out and leaving your home are baked into some insecurities that you have.” (7:44-7:52 | Merrill)“What are you doing when your kid graduates? What are you doing to get your kid to graduate?” (12:21-12:26 | Merrill)“Don't surprise them. Don't threaten them. Please help them understand, we're not trying to punish you. We're trying to prepare you.” (14:44-14:50 | Linda) “It takes a Support the show

Rock Solid Families - Ep 233 - Rock Solid Families - The Heaviness of GriefMerrill and Linda Hutchinson“Everyone grieves differently, and there's no one right way to grieve. We're just here to give you permission to grieve, whether that be in anger, depression, denial, or acceptance. It's not meaning you didn't love that person, it means that you have decided to keep moving on in life,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. When you are dealing with a tragedy like a death or loss, there are several stages of grief that you may experience. People often talk about these stages as if they are linear, but in reality, you may bounce back and forth between them as you process your emotions. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson talk about the heaviness of grief and seven things to consider doing when helping others through the grieving process.When a tragedy occurs, people often go directly to denial, not wanting to believe that something so upsetting has taken place. They may become angry and direct that anger inwardly, outwardly, or even toward God Himself, especially in the case of an untimely death. As healing progresses and people allow themselves to feel the sadness of loss, they will naturally progress toward depression and finally, acceptance. Sometimes people can become trapped in their grief. And at that point, they may need to seek professional help. If you are helping someone through their grief, do not try to hurry them through it. Allow them the time to process at their own speed and provide a safe space where they can share their feelings.Everyone will experience grief at some point throughout their lives. However, not everyone will process their grief the exact same way. Some ways you can help guide others through their grief is to acknowledge their loss, provide practical help such as babysitting or cooking a meal, offer to pray for them, and share scriptures where appropriate.Quotes“When you finally start to experience the reality of a loss, we're not denying it, we're not bargaining out of it. Depression is actually a good sign that you are coming out of it.” (9:59-10:12 | Linda)“There's so many of our clients that believe that if I accept it, then that means I wanted it to happen.” (11:12-11:18 | Linda)“People have to solve their own problems. They have to walk through their own stuff. And so giving advice that is unsolicited, really most of the time is hurtful.” (15:05-15:15 | Merrill)“Don't assume that somebody should progress at a certain rate.” (16:49-16:53 | Merrill) “Talk less, listen more.” (20:18-20:20 | Merrill)“Everyone grieves differently, and there's no one right way to grieve. And so we're just here to give you permission to grieve, whether that be in anger, that be depression, whether that be denial, acceptance. It's not meaning you didn't love that person, it means that you have decided to keep moving on in life.” (30:39-31:01 | Linda)LinksInstagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Insecure Parenting on Rock Solid Families PodcastCaption: Rock Solid Familieshttps://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radioMerrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, they talk about the epidemic of ‘woke' parenting and the challenges that come from parents allowing their own fears and insecurities to influence how they raise their children.“We don't have any idea what the future is going to hold, and we don't know whether we're going to protect our kids from all things. But we know that God gives a way and provides,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Everyone has insecurities and fears stemming from their own life experiences and how they were raised. It's when these insecurities spill over into how you choose to parent that it can become a real issue for not only your kids, but society as a whole. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson talk about what it means to be insecure parents and provide 5 insecurity busters to help you set your family up for success.Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill Hutchinson with Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartYoutubeIn this podcast, the host covers:What insecure parenting is and where these insecurities stem fromHow natural human survival instincts are affected by the amount of information available todayWhat the epidemic of ‘wokeness' is and how it is impacting parentingWhat are the 5 insecurity busters that can help parents create a secure, safe environment for their children to growCaption: Merrill and Linda HutchinsonLink: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/aboutPodcast Quotes:“This ‘wokeness' is now epidemic and all it has done is create nothing but insecurities.” (16:32-16:42 | Merrill)“The more we attempt to protect our kids, the more we handicap them.” (17:25-17:30 | Linda)“We don't have any idea what the future is going to hold, and we don't know whether we're going to protect our kids from all things. But we know that God gives a way and provides.” (20:16-20:26 | Merrill)“We can't provide a storm free life for our children, but we can help them storm proof it.” (24:52-24:56 | Linda)“If you're going to put your faith and trust in something, put it in something like God. Don't put it in yourself, because we're fallen human people with weaknesses and limitations. God has none of that. And so that's why we believe He's the rock to build our lives on.” (35:17-35:31 | Linda)“Obviously we want to warn our children and protect them, but we don't want to bubble wrap them and kind of build them up into these fears where they're so afraid to go live life.” (39:05-39:15 | Linda)“Reasonable risk and adventures are healthy and they are necessary for your child to grow to their fullest potential.” (39:19-39:28 | Merrill)About the Podcast Co-Hosts:To learn more about Merrill and Linda, visit their website (Rock Solid Families).Support the show

Becky Brown on Discovering Your Attachment Style, with Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Rock Solid Radio PodcastBecky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries, was interviewed by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson of Rock Solid Radio podcast on attachment styles.Caption: Rock Solid Radiohttps://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radioBecky has been a Professional Clinical Counselor for 25 years. She has worked as a CoHost of the national radio show, New Life Live for the past 3 years. She has been involved with New Life Ministries in Donor Relations and Development for over 12 years. Becky has her Masters in Mental Health Counseling.She is a wife and mother of three grown children and grandmother of three grandchildren. She has a special knack for bringing expert counseling support with a well rounded Christian foundation to her listeners and clients. In this episode, she explains the concept of attachment styles, shares how a person's attachment style impacts all of their relationships, and explains the steps to begin healing and learning to create secure attachments. “The one pivotal question that attachment theory starts with is, ‘what are your first memories of being comforted?',” shares Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries. Becky has been a professional clinical counselor for 25 years, offering Christian counseling and life coaching. She helps people to learn about their attachment styles and work towards creating secure attachment in order to heal their relationships. Today, Becky joins co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson to talk about attachment styles, mental health, healing relationships, and the transformative power of faith.Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson with Becky Brown on your preferred podcast channel.In this podcast, the host covers:Why Becky chose to become a Christian counselorWhat attachment theory is and why it impacts every relationship a person hasHow to discover your attachment styleWhy the 12 step path can be helpful to life recovery, even for non addictsWhy it is important to expand your emotional vocabularyHow Every Man's Battle, a workshop and book, can help men develop healthier attachment stylesCaption: Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life MinistriesLink: https://newlife.com/Podcast Quotes:“There is this complicated thing called life where it does make a difference with intact families. It does make a difference when we are teaching the kids how to see other people as people and humans and love them with the love of Christ.” (10:00-10:15 |  Becky)“When people understand their attachment style, it impacts every relationship they have.” (12:45-12:52 | Becky) “The one pivotal question that attachment theory starts with is, ‘what are your first memories of being comforted?'.” (13:39-13:47 | Becky)“What we don't realize many times is that we are the ones that may be disrupting what's actually happening in the connection.” (21:47-21:55 | Becky)“You don't have to have a Bible study to start with. You just need to be seen and heard.” (46:30-46:34 | Becky)Support the show

“There's a lot of couples out there who have left their relationship unprotected,” shares co-host Linda Hutchinson. Whether you are married yet or not, there are likely ways that you have left yourself open to temptations within your relationship. Today, co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson talk about how to protect your relationship from a train wreck by creating a marriage protection plan with your significant other.There are so many things that can cause a relationship to fall off the tracks. Although it is not possible to predict every temptation that may come your way, it is possible to put up guardrails so that when temptation does happen, you can still be protected. Merrill and Linda have helped many couples face similar challenges in their relationships. And through their work have come up with a list of six essential rules for a successful marriage protection plan. These rules include things like not keeping secrets from your spouse, never traveling or dining alone with someone of the opposite sex, implementing digital safeguards, and checking your work life balance. No matter what stage of your relationship you are in, it is never too late to put up some guardrails. Even if trust has already been broken, having a protection plan can help you to salvage the relationship and get back on track. Tune in to Rock Solid Radio to learn the six rules Merrill and Linda live by for the protection of their marriage. Quotes“There's a lot of couples out there who have left their relationship unprotected.” (1:14-1:19 | Linda)“If trust has been broken this is a great way to rebuild trust and intimacy with you and your significant other.” (4:18-4:24 | Linda)“Sit down as a couple and evaluate your time and the balance between work and home.” (15:11-15:16 | Linda)“For us as Christians, we believe and we have to learn and understand even though it's not comfortable or easy, that God is our number one relationship.” (16:53-17:02 | Merrill)“The idea here is being very careful to show your spouse that they are a priority above the children.” (17:58-18:05 | Merrill)“We cannot know every temptation, but we can certainly start to protect and be thinking about the plans in case temptation comes about.” (24:18-24:26 | Merrill) “Our general rule on phones and these things is, you can look at my phone or my tablet or computer anytime you want.” (30:29-30:37 | Merrill)LinksInstagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Support the show

Rock Solid Radio - Who's The Boss in Your Home?Hosts - Merrill and Linda Hutchinson“We parent out of a sense of fear, or guilt, or obligation. And that's not how God has called us to parent and lead our family,” explains Linda Hutchinson. Throughout their 70 combined years of life coaching, ministry, and counseling, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson have seen a major shift in the parents' authority over their homes. This dysfunction bleeds out from the family and creates discord in society on a whole. Today, Merrill and Linda talk about authoritative parenting and how to re-establish yourself as the boss in your home. Authoritative parenting is different from authoritarian parenting in that it is not based on yelling or reacting emotionally. In order to establish and maintain authority, parents need to both be on the same page regarding the value system of their home. If parents are not on the same page, reflecting on God's Word can be helpful for choosing which way to go on any given issue. Once those values are established, consistency is key. When you waver on your values, your children will lose respect for your authority. Using a balance of rewards and punishments is crucial for maintaining the expectations of your household. If you're always rewarding your children and never doling out any negative consequences for their actions, those rewards are going to quickly become ineffective.When you need help with parenting or you feel pressured to loosen your values due to cultural pressures, look to the scriptures. God's Word has been very clear on how he wants us to parent as leaders of our families. Tune in to Rock Solid Radio for 10 tips for re-establishing authoritative parenting in your household. Quotes“The family is the building blocks of our culture in our society.” (6:22-6:6:27 | Merrill)“Your eight year old, even though they can work the computer better than you, does not have the maturity to understand the dangers of social media and why TikTok isn't healthy for them. You are the parent. We need you to step up and to lead your family well.” (16:21-16:38 | Linda)“We parent out of a sense of fear, or guilt, or obligation. And that's not how God has called us to parent and lead our family.” (18:02-18:10 | Linda)“Never negotiate with your child until you can see that their value system is aligned with yours.” (30:07-30:17 | Linda) “Authority being established and maintained is far more important than the thing that you're arguing about.” (31:19-31:24 | Merrill)“Our discord in our world today, so much of it comes out of the discord and disunity that's coming in from the family, and we've got to change that.” (35:00-35:08 | Linda) LinksInstagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ Podcast show notes provided by HiveCast.fmSupport the show

Kyle and Hutch do the unthinkable. They invite their wives into the studio and allow the hard questions to be answered. Linda Hutchinson and Jenny Crofford take the time to answer and help us men learn how to be better husbands and fathers. They share what they need as well as what the family needs from us men. This conversation was fun to record, but the lessons to be learned are huge! We have a great opportunity to become better each day. The one thing we should try to become better at is being a better husband and father. The questions to answer: Are you coachable? Do you want to make this world a better place? Are you willing to start with your own family? We ask our kids to be coachable. We, as men, also need to be coachable and learn from the people we serve on a daily basis. Who better to ask than our wives. Listen in to this show and begin to implement some of the practices discussed, and we are confident your family will benefit. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=R4Q39E32XTBEC)

Linda Hutchinson takes time during this episode to talk with her husband, Merrill, about what it is to be a Strong Dad. More now than ever, our country needs the strength of good dads. Much of what ails our nation comes back to the family and more specifically whether we have good leadership in the family. During this show, Merrill and Linda discuss the absolute importance of having both mom and dad working together in the home. Both bring their God-Given strengths and both are needed. When one is missing it creates instability and uncertainty in the family. For this Father's Day and for every day, let your fathers know how much you need them. Let them know how much you appreciate them. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Three stories told in different places: reminisce with Linda Hutchinson & her love of Belfast; laugh with Bob Salisbury as a simple question of nationality becomes a barbed insult; weep with Corinne Logan as she goes to a wake for a young girl. Paul is your host. Tenx9 is a monthly storytelling event where nine people have up to ten minutes to tell a true story from their own life on a particular theme. It began in Belfast in 2011, started by Pádraig Ó Tuama & Paul Doran, and as well as filling the main venue in the Black Box, it has spread to Scotland, England, USA, Canada, Netherlands & Australia. While it draws on the tradition of oral storytelling, we also encourage the shy, the nervous & the reticent - some people are confident speakers other use notes or the full text. We work with people via email or workshops to edit and improve their stories, to help them find their voice.

Three stories told in different places: reminisce with Linda Hutchinson & her love of Belfast; laugh with Bob Salisbury as a simple question of nationality becomes a barbed insult; weep with Corinne Logan as she goes to a wake for a young girl. Paul is your host. Tenx9 is a monthly storytelling event where nine people have up to ten minutes to tell a true story from their own life on a particular theme. It began in Belfast in 2011, started by Pádraig Ó Tuama & Paul Doran, and as well as filling the main venue in the Black Box, it has spread to Scotland, England, USA, Canada, Netherlands & Australia. While it draws on the tradition of oral storytelling, we also encourage the shy, the nervous & the reticent - some people are confident speakers other use notes or the full text. We work with people via email or workshops to edit and improve their stories, to help them find their voice.

What does mealtime look like in your house? Are your activities and work getting in the way of your family sitting down at the same time for a healthy meal. Listen to Merrill and Linda Hutchinson as they take on the subject of mealtime and why it's important for the health of your family. Not just the physical health, but the emotional and spiritual health as well. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

My guest this week is Phyllis Logan who played the role of Mrs. Hughes on Downton Abbey, then followed that up by staring as Maggie Smart on-The Good Karma Hospital and now Girlfriends where she plays Linda Hutchinson.The outstanding drama has taken Britain by storm on ITV  and it will make its debut Monday on Acorn TV. Girlfriends is about three women of a certain age juggling the challenges of modern life when a tragedy exposes secrets that put their friendship to the test. As always Phyllis is a delight and she gives us great insight into her new series and why she wanted the role.Any comments? Follow me on Twitter@JWMediaDC , Tumblr @jwmediadc and check out my FaceBook page. Also be sure to go to our friends at Boom Media for all of your streaming media needs.