Podcasts about Mama

Mama, You can not focus on two things at the same time so choose to focus on the good, and you'll begin to feel good. Change your FOCUS because: Your FOCUS determines your feelings!"May you see the goodness of God in the land of the living". Psalm 27:13

Okay, Mama, this one is tender, faith-filled, and downright empowering. Rachel (mom of two under two in Michigan) brings us into her living room for an unmedicated home birth that was calm, supported, and so her. From a late-pregnancy breech scare to a Spinning Babies breakthrough, from Olive Garden eggplant parm to a labor playlist featuring Maverick City's “Use To This,” this story sparkles with surrender, community, and a baby girl who absolutely heard her mama's voice in the womb.Well Cover: 05:40 — Breech at 37 Weeks: Plus a quick framework for handling a late-pregnancy curveball (educate, pray/meditate, assemble team, talk to baby).15:30 — How She Turned Baby Head-Down: A Spinning Babies session,  chiropractic care, belly banding, and talking to her baby. 24:45 — Home Birth Setup That Saved Chaos: Pre-staged tub/hoses, dim lights, hot/warm towels and a husband who went on an ice run. 34:55 — Coping Like Intervals (Active Labor) Treat contractions as 60-second sprints, why low moo-ing works, and when to get in/out of tub.47:20 — When the Water Would Not Break, To A Healthy Baby In Three Pushes: What a bulging bag of waters feels like, getting consent, why AROM sped things up, then three-push delivery and golden hour at home.Before you go, I want to remind you that Rachel didn't just “luck out” with a calm, empowering home birth. She trained for it. She learned how to advocate when her first birth wasn't aligned, she knew how to talk with her midwives about breech, and she had practical tools ready for every stage of labor. That kind of confidence doesn't just happen… It's built.That's why I'm always shouting from the rooftops: a birth course changes everything.Birth is one of the most physically intense, emotionally charged, and spiritually transformative events of your life. If you'd prep for a marathon, why wouldn't you prep for birth?When you join the My Essential Birth Course, you're literally stacking your tool belt so that when the curveballs come (breech, stalled labor, induction talk, strong emotions, partner nerves), you've already practiced your lines, your moves, your mindset. That's what makes space for the magic: singing your labor song in the tub, laughing between contractions, eating yogurt in your own bed with a brand-new baby on your chest. Learn more and join today >> https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedGet the "Rise & Birth Pack" now through October 7th when you purchase the My Essential Birth Course!The Rise & Birth Pack comes with the full step-by-step training that's helped thousands of mamas prepare for birth PLUS Downloadable Affirmation Audio Track & Affirmation Cards helping you rewire your thoughts and prepare for a calm, confident birth experience. Get the "Rise & Birth Pack" now through October 7th when you purchase the My Essential Birth Course!The Rise & Birth Pack comes with the full step-by-step training that's helped thousands of mamas prepare for birth PLUS Downloadable Affirmation Audio Track & Affirmation Cards helping you rewire your thoughts and prepare for a calm, confident birth experience. GET IN TOUCH!

Hey loves, this episode is so close to my heart. I'm sharing something deeply personal and raw — the messy, magical, behind-the-scenes story of how I launched Chai Tonics, my new Ayurvedic wellness tea brand. This isn't just about tea — it's about reclaiming ritual, honoring ancestral wisdom, and finding home within ourselves, one cup at a time.I spill the truth behind building a CPG brand while mothering two babies, moving cross-country, writing a book, and healing from burnout. If you've ever had a dream on your heart that felt too messy, too late, or too scary to pursue, this is your permission slip. Welcome to the real, unfiltered journey of how ritual saved me… and how it can save you too.Mama, your nervous system deserves a pause. The Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit was made to help you reset with blends that support focus, calm, and energy without the coffee crash. Create your sacred moment at https://chaitonics.com with code BRAVE for 15% off.What you'll get out of this episode… What sparked the launch of Chai TonicsThe Ayurvedic ingredients in chai that changed my mood, focus, and hormonesWhy ritual is more important than ever for women juggling everythingHow nostalgia, grief, and heritage became the foundation of this wellness brandBehind-the-scenes truth of launching a CPG product (it's not all pretty labels!)What to do when you want to give up on your dream — and how I kept goingHow to claim your ritual and reset your nervous system with one cupThis Episode is Powered by Health NagStruggle to stay hydrated? Health Nag's Juicy Watermelon Electrolytes give you six essential electrolytes + Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Vitamin C—all without sugar or fillers. It's hydration that actually works. Try it today at https://neetabhushan.com/healthnag with code BRAVETABLE for 10% off.Sponsored by Zoime Longevity ClinicLongevity isn't just about more years—it's about better ones. At Zoime Longevity Clinic, you'll get a personalized health plan rooted in the seven pillars of thriving life—gut health, hormones, nervous system, mindset, and more. Start your journey at https://neetabhushan.com/zoime and get 10% off your consultation with code BRAVETABLE.Want more?☕ Love chai + self-care? Grab my free 12-month ritual guide → neetabhushan.com/chaitonics

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Tuesday, September 16th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Your New Boss" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Steve Fishing With His Grandson | Random Questions | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Is That Your Husband?" | Strawberry Letter - "He Tells His Mama Everything" Parts 1-2 | Sports Talk With Junior | Social Media Advice | Mars Living Simulation | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter, heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Tuesday, September 16th, 2025. Subject: "He Tells His Mama Everything"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, on occasions that are getting rarer and rarer, Instagram can be a place of great discoveries, and Becky Barnicoat was one of those for me. A cartoonist published by The New Yorker, Grazia, The New Statesman, The Guardian, BuzzFeed, New York Magazine, Private Eye and Netflix, she had recently published her deeply funny and touching graphic memoir “Cry When the Baby Cries”. For years, her observations of daily life and motherhood made me burst out laughing (often when I needed it the most). So join me as I finally get to laugh together with Becky! Hear her inspiring story about becoming a succesful cartoonist after years of hearing she wasn't good enough, and was dreaming of a job that didn't exist. And learn wise lessons from her and her mom Catherina about motherhood being a source the fulfilment, about creating a warm home through routine and light, about teaching our duaghters through our stories, and breaking generational cycles. To learn more about Becky, her work, and her new book, visit her website here, or her Instagram profile here.  Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.  To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net Connect with Ana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/anatajder/ https://www.facebook.com/ana.tajder    

349. From Misaligned to Aligned: The Simple Weekly Reset Every Family Needs | Routines, Schedules, Time Management, Time Blocking, Self Care, Planner, Plan, Moms, Families, Fall, Home OrganizationEver feel like your family is just a little off? The kids are bickering, your spouse feels distant, and you're drowning in to-dos that never seem to end. That's a sign of misalignment—and Mama, you're not alone.In this kickoff episode of our Family Meetings Series, we're diving into the secret habit that helps moms shift from chaos to calm, from scattered to centered: Weekly Family and Couple's Councils.You'll learn:✨ What misalignment looks like in mom-life (and why it drains your energy).✨ What alignment feels like—and the freedom and peace it brings.✨ How simple, intentional weekly councils with your spouse and family can reconnect you, reset your rhythm, and bring everyone back onto the same page.✨ The first small step you can take today to move toward alignment in your home.Friend, this is the reset you've been craving—and it starts with one intentional weekly habit.

Mama, dive into today's podcast and discover the goodness of God with us today! "And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you." Matthew 6:30 (NLT) 

Feeling the heaviness of the world?  You're not alone. Between the news, social media, and the daily weight of motherhood, it's no wonder so many of us feel drained and overwhelmed. This episode is about small, doable ways to protect your peace, even when the world around you feels overwhelmingly heavy.  Reserve your spot for The Peaceful Mom Project   Contact - > info@rachelking.org Podcast - > Mama's Tired Connect -＞ Join my free Facebook community Simple Systems for Tired Mamas Instagram -＞@rachelmeigsking Resources - > 5 Time Saving Tips for Meal Prep, Simple Time Management for Moms, Journal Page: Releasing the Mental Load, Downloadable Routine Tracker: Morning Reset for Tired Moms, 5 Time Saving Tips for Meal Prep     Next Steps: Step 1: Reserve your spot for The Peaceful Mom Project Step 2: Join a supportive community of moms looking for simple systems to reclaim time for a peaceful home at the free Facebook group Simple Systems for Tired Mamas Step 3: Sign up for the weekly Mama's Tired Newsletter  Step 4: Ready for more personalized support? Book a call with Rachel

More piping hot tea

We're kicking off Season 3 with the wisdom and warmth of The Scholarship Mama herself, Laverne Mickens. This episode is not just a conversation, it's a masterclass inturning hustle, heart, and strategy into real college money.Laverne is the proud mom of five, and together her children have earned over $3 million in scholarships. But her story is much bigger than the money. It's about building confidence, advocating boldly, and helping families—especially Blackand Brown families—understand how to access the opportunities they deserve.I this episode, we get into:    •    How Laverne became a trusted national voice on scholarships    •    Her personal playbook for winning big with essays, local awards, and free resources    •    Why mindset, self-advocacy, and family engagement matter    •    The myths that stop students from applying and how to fix that    •    How to start even if you feel behindWith the cost of college higher than ever and admissions more chaotic than ever, we need voices like Laverne's. Parents are stressed, teens are confused, anddeadlines are coming fast. This episode reminds us that strategy and hope can—and must—coexist.

Do you ever find yourself in such a state of hurry that anxiety is coursing through your body and nothing but accomplishing that task matters? Maybe it's because your schedule feels too full or you's scared you won't get the outcome you are hoping for. However you find yourself here when we slip into striving it steals the peace that God promises us and even blocks us from intimacy with God. Today we talk about what is underneath our striving, which is a lack of trust in God. We will unpack 3 ways to build our trust with God and discuss why this is essential for our florishing.  love, Brittany    Ready to become a peaceful wife and Mama? Sign Up for the Pain to Peace Academy HERE. Come say hi and join the Morning Mama Facebook Group! I would love to hear your story and know your name.    ALL THE LINKS FOR ALL THE THINGS! Morning Mama Website Pain to Peace Academy Morning Mama Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Find a Restoration Therapist Come say hi by emailing hello@morningmamapodcast.com

What if the messiest parts of your life were actually the most magnetic?Today, I'm joined by the phenomenal Amber Rae—author of Choose Wonder Over Worry, The Answers Are Within You, and now her soul-baring debut memoir Loveable. In this deeply emotional and raw conversation, Amber opens up about her journey through heartbreak, identity loss, performing for love, and finally finding herself again through truth and self-compassion.This is a conversation about truth-telling, nervous system healing, and embracing our most loveable selves. Whether you're reinventing yourself, recovering from burnout, or ready to be more honest in your relationships—this one's for you.What you'll get out of this episode… The moment Amber knew her old life wasn't working anymoreThe hidden cost of chasing success at all costsHow to heal in community vs. healing in isolationThe power of somatic work for emotional releaseWhat it actually means to be seen in your truthHow to give yourself permission to fall apart, and rise againThis Episode is Powered by Health NagStruggle to stay hydrated? Health Nag's Juicy Watermelon Electrolytes give you six essential electrolytes + Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Vitamin C—all without sugar or fillers. It's hydration that actually works. Try it today at https://neetabhushan.com/healthnag with code BRAVETABLE for 10% off.Sponsored by Zoime Longevity ClinicLongevity isn't just about more years—it's about better ones. At Zoime Longevity Clinic, you'll get a personalized health plan rooted in the seven pillars of thriving life—gut health, hormones, nervous system, mindset, and more. Start your journey at https://neetabhushan.com/zoime and get 10% off your consultation with code BRAVETABLE.Connect with AmberWEB / https://www.amberrae.com IG / https://www.instagram.com/heyamberraeBOOK / https://www.amberrae.com/loveable Want more?Mama, your nervous system deserves a pause. The Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit was made to help you reset with blends that support focus, calm, and energy—without the coffee crash. Create your sacred moment at https://chaitonics.com with code BRAVE for 15% off.☕ Love chai + self-care? Grab my free 12-month ritual guide → neetabhushan.com/chaitonics

Motherkind Moment is your place for calm, connection, and a shift in perspective before the week ahead.  This week's Moment is with Jess Vanderwier, Registered Psychotherapist, Mum of two and founder of Our Mama Village. In this clip, we explore the importance of giving ourselves permission to slow down when it comes to healing and re-parenting work. So often, parents feel pressure to “do it all” at once, reflecting on childhood wounds, repairing with our kids, and practising self-regulation—while also juggling the daily demands of parenthood. Using the powerful metaphor of “life jacket approaches,” we talk about how, in seasons of survival (like the early days with little ones), sometimes what we really need is simply to stay afloat. Only once we're floating, no longer consumed by the waves, do we have the capacity to dive deeper into the bigger healing and re-parenting work.  This conversation is a gentle reminder: you don't have to do everything at once. It's okay to just keep yourself afloat until you're ready for more. To listen to the full episode with Jess, listen here. Click Here to order your copy of 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations' Motherkind is sponsored by Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women's supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply Sign up to GoHenry, the money app and debit card that grows your kids' money smarts from age 6 -18. Sign up today at gohenry.com/motherkind and you'll get a free £5 pocket money to help your kids grow their money smart Continue the Conversation: Join our community over on Instagram for inspiration, tips, and sometimes a bit of humour to get us through our day - @zoeblaskey Join our mailing list to receive news, updates and new episode releases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey Mama,  Do you ever bring a prayer request to the feet of Jesus, and then turn around and stress about whether or not it will happen, how it will happen, or when it will happen? As mothers, it is our second nature to plan and coordinate our lives and the lives of our families, so it's no wonder we often struggle with relinquishing control. I have good news, Mama. Jesus, the one who paid the price for it all, can handle whatever it is you ask of Him. He doesn't ask you to figure it out, He asks you to be faithful and trust in Him. So, if you want to have true peace as a busy mom, then stop trying to answer your own prayers and do these 3 things instead. For His Glory, Christen   I would love to hear from you!  >>Leave a Review >>Connect with me:   Sign Up for Manage In The Moment Coaching Call: https://bit.ly/ManageStressInTheMoment   Email me : naturalwellnessforbusymoms@gmail.com  Sign Up to Become an Insider: https://bit.ly/naturalwellnessinsider  Join Our FREE Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1789472588229094  >>Find Related Products Here: https://bit.ly/m/Natural-Wellness-for-Busy-Moms  >> These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. >>I make a small commission when using the links above to purchase items.

This summer, we said hello to the Mama's Den village as a party of 3 and we are running this episode back for everyone new to the Den AND because in exactly 7 weeks, Melanie, Ashley, and Codie will be LIVE in Atlanta at City Winery. Get to know where we've been, who we are, and how we are rolling with the changes 2025 has brought us.Now more than ever, these mamas are juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth - still doing their best to choose joy and lean on community. If you're out here doing the best with what you've got, this is your reminder: joy is still available to you.Want to see The Mama's Den live in Atlanta on November 3rd? Get your tickets here: https://citywinery.com/atlanta/events/the-mamas-den-podcast-live-6vpkv0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mama, Do you want a different life for your kids than the one you had? Jesus will help you to create a beautiful home life for your children as you lean into His amazing love for you! Join Deb for today's encouraging devotional all about the incredible love of Jesus!"...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 17b-19

From working in the beauty industry with her own salon for years to now helping and transforming women's lives in Pittsburgh, Jackie Capatolla is one of the most inspiring women ever! She truly cares for women in business, especially hairstylists and salon owners. Her classes will wrap you with so much love and nurturing, you'll sign up for all her programs! WANT MORE JACKIE?Website: https://jacquelineshouseofbeauty.com/Instagram: @jackiecapatollaWANT MORE KRYSTINE?For 1:1 Coaching, Freebies & More, TAP HERE: ⁠bit.ly/3S5R2lo⁠LOVE THIS EPISODE?Leave Your Ratings, Reviews & Comments on the Podcast! Your feedback allows for more nourishing content and for more on-point education for beauty & barber pros.

Wir sind zurück aus dem Sommerurlaub und lassen unsere Ferien gemeinsam mit euch Revue passieren. Jakob hat seine Tochter nach einer Wunschliste gefragt – und ist dadurch zwischen Looping-Achterbahnen und Kaninchengehegen gelandet. Max dagegen hat mit seiner Frau und den Kindern einen Campingtrip der Extraklasse erlebt. Aber wie schafft man es eigentlich, diese Urlaubsmagie in den Alltag hinüberzuretten, wenn man gar nicht wieder zu Hause ankommen möchte? Außerdem fragen wir uns: Wieso fühlt sich verlieben immer unterschiedlich an? Wer ist zufriedener – Menschen mit oder ohne Kindern? Und warum hätte Jakob fast mit seiner Handaxt Jagd auf Spiderman machen müssen? Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/beste_vaterfreuden Du möchtest Werbung in diesem Podcast schalten? Dann erfahre hier mehr über die Werbemöglichkeiten bei Seven.One Audio: https://www.seven.one/portfolio/sevenone-audio

Kako izgleda put od beogradske sale do svetskog trona? U 335. epizodi Pojačala, Ivan razgovara sa Sonjom Vasić o njenom životu, karijeri i vrednostima koje su je oblikovale. Ova epizoda predstavlja Sonju ne samo kao jednu od najuspešnijih srpskih košarkašica, već i kao izuzetno autentičnu i samosvesnu ličnost. Kroz opušten i iskren dijalog, Sonja govori o svom odrastanju u Beogradu, odnosu sa porodicom, prvim sportskim koracima, ulozi oca kao trenera i podršci sestre, kao i o izazovima s kojima se suočavala na putu od školske sale do vrha evropske i svetske košarke. Posebno je naglašena njena unutrašnja borba sa povredama, periodi sumnje i preispitivanja, ali i proces sazrevanja koji ju je, uprkos teškim trenucima, doveo do vrhunskih rezultata. Razgovor ide daleko izvan sportskih dostignuća i medalja, već otvara i teme porodičnog balansa, majčinstva, lične discipline, odnosa prema neuspesima i ponovnom građenju identiteta nakon završetka karijere. Epizoda nosi duh topline, iskrenosti i sirovih uvida u to šta znači biti lider, sportista i čovek, a slušaocima daje priliku da razumeju Sonju i kroz prizmu njene svakodnevnice, vrednosti i izbora koje je donosila daleko od reflektora i terena. O čemu smo pričali: - Najava razgovora - Početak razgovora - Sport i porodica - Kad porastem biću - Odlazak u inostranstvo - Prva sportska povreda - Život i rad u Rusiji - Promena uloga tokom godina - Klub vs reprezentacija - Nikad slobodnog vremena - Izvor motivacije - Iskustvo u ženskom NBA-u - Olimpijske igre - Olimpijada tokom kovida - Zaključak razgovora Podržite nas na BuyMeACoffee: https://bit.ly/3uSBmoa Pročitajte transkript ove epizode: https://bit.ly/3VfNZbP Posetite naš sajt i prijavite se na našu mailing listu: http://bit.ly/2LUKSBG Prijavite se na naš YouTube kanal: http://bit.ly/2Rgnu7o Pratite Pojačalo na društvenim mrežama: Facebook: http://bit.ly/2FfwqCR Twitter: http://bit.ly/2CVZoGr Instagram: http://bit.ly/2RzGHjN

Du möchtest deinem Kind gerne erklären, was ADHS ist? Weil es vielleicht ein Kind mit ADHS in der Klasse oder der Kita hat? Oder weil dein Kind selbst ADHS hat? Dann ist diese Folge für euch. Ich erkläre kindgerecht (ideal für Kinder zwischen 5-8 Jahren) was ADHS ist.Vielleicht hörst du als Mama oder Papa mit, vielleicht sitzt dein Kind alleine mit den Kopfhörern da. Oder du hörst dir die Folge an, um zu wissen, wie du ADHS kindgerecht erklären kannst. Ganz egal – diese Folge ist eine herzliche Einladung, ADHS zu verstehen. Ohne Angst. Ohne Vorurteile. Mit ganz viel Wärme, Ehrlichkeit und kindgerechten Bildern.Du erfährst:✔ Was bedeutet, ADHS zu haben – kindgerecht erklärt✔ Warum ADHS keine Krankheit ist✔ Wie das Gehirn von Kindern mit ADHS tickt – und warum sie oft so wild, laut, verträumt oder chaotisch sind✔ Wie wir gut miteinander umgehen können – auch wenn jemand „anders“ ist✔ Und: Warum jedes Kind genau richtig ist, so wie es istOb dein eigenes Kind ADHS hat oder ein besonderes Kind kennt – hier bekommst du einen verständnisvollen, echten Blick auf das Thema.

Hablamos con Sol de la Quadra-Salcedo sobre I Congreso Internacional 'Gracias, Miguel' que homenajea a su padre Miguel de la Quadra-Salcedo. Pau Hidalgo está recorriendo 20.000 Km para recolectar 20.000 € para la investigación del cáncer de mama. Y acabamos con la nueva sección ‘Uno de los nuestros' con Nacho Ares que acaba de inaugurar la exposición inmersiva de Cleopatra. El programa se lo dedicamos a Dani Ku, ‘Vivir en Bicicleta' que ha fallecido este mes de septiembre

Do you ever find yourself in such a state of hurry that anxiety is coursing through your body and nothing but accomplishing that task matters? Maybe it's because your schedule feels too full or you's scared you won't get the outcome you are hoping for. However you find yourself here when we slip into striving it steals the peace that God promises us and even blocks us from intimacy with God. Today we talk about how to recognize when you slip into striving and how to let got it and rest in God's outcomes instead. He has more for you, friend! love, Brittany    Ready to become a peaceful wife and Mama? Sign Up for the Pain to Peace Academy HERE. Come say hi and join the Morning Mama Facebook Group! I would love to hear your story and know your name.    ALL THE LINKS FOR ALL THE THINGS! Morning Mama Website Pain to Peace Academy Morning Mama Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Find a Restoration Therapist Come say hi by emailing hello@morningmamapodcast.com

Ever notice how your home shifts with your mood? I sure have—and it was a wake-up call. In this episode, we'll talk about why moms set the atmosphere of their homes, how our emotions, rhythms, and spiritual walk ripple through our families, and how even the smallest self-care moments can shift everything. Mama, you have more influence than you realize—let's learn how to use it with grace. If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

348. Hot Mess to Harmony: The Weekly Foundations Every Mom Needs to Prevent Burnout and Build a Thriving Home | Routines, Schedules, Time Management, Time Blocking, Home Organization, Planning, Plan, Planner, Self CareGet organized & help your family thrive this Fall by signing up for the Summit! Register for the BACK TO SCHOOL SUMMIT now! Check it out here >>> [⁠JOIN US!⁠]Are you stuck in survival mode, drowning in laundry, running on fumes, and wondering why your home feels more like a tornado zone than a place of peace? Mama, you're not broken— these are just signals to minds that it's time to realign & recalibrate.In this episode of the High Five Motherhood Podcast, we're discussing weekly foundations: the non-negotiable routines that take you from hot mess to harmony. These foundations are the “big rocks” that give you breathing room, help you prevent burnout, and build a thriving home filled with peace and purpose.You'll learn:✨ The warning signs of mom burnout and what they're really telling you✨ Why survival mode is not your permanent address✨ How the “big rocks” analogy can completely change how you view your time✨ The weekly foundations every mom needs to realign with what matters most by using core values as your guide.Press play and let's trade the chaos for calm, together, let's do this!Keep on thriving Mama!XO, KimResources & Links:Register for the BACK TO SCHOOL SUMMIT now! [JOIN US!]Grab your FREE Weekly Planning Checklist - get started on your personal weekly foundations today! [Click Here]Follow me on Instagram: [@kim_high_five_motherhood]Share this episode with a mom friend who needs a little hope today

In this heartfelt episode we sit down with Sis. Tracie Feld—pastor's wife, mama, and encourager of women. Sis. Feld shares her backstory and powerful testimony, opening up about the faithfulness of God through life's seasons. She ends the conversation by praying a special prayer over mamas, offering strength, peace, and hope for the journey

This is a Self-Care Snippet from Worthy Mother Podcast. As mothers, we need to prioritize our own care. Within this few-minute long episode, you will hear how our past guests prioritize their own self-care and some tips on how you can do the same. Tune in to the full episode Co-Parenting, Identity, and Dating After Divorce with Jess Evans.Like what you hear? Make sure you are subscribed to Worthy Mother Podcast wherever you like to listen. For more motherhood content and support, connect with me on Instagram @honestlyemilyrose. Follow the podcast on Instagram @worthymotherpodcast.You are worthy, Mama.Send us a text

After being forced to leave her native Argentina at a young age, Aixa was thrust into life in upstate New York. Ultimately, she came around to her new surroundings and found a way to embrace her multicultural identity. Aixa shares her struggles as a young Argentinian girl in the USA, how the duality of her youth shaped her life, her zest for life and adventure, and we delve into the ways moving creates a sense of independence as well as isolation. Find Aixa's Books here:https://www.aixaperezprado.com/Instagram: @aixasdoodlesandbooksFind more Nada: Website:⁠ https://mamaknowsnada.com/⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mama.knows.nada/Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mamaknowsnada/⁠Music: "Vacaciones" by Mike LeiteKindly note that opinions and statements made by guests on the Mama Knows Nada Podcast do not necessarily reflect the values and opinions held by Mama Knows Nada. Guests are sharing their unique perspectives and experiences. Always consult with a professional to understand your personal circumstances and logistics. Mama Knows Nada can not be held accountable for changes in legislation and political infrastructure. These policies are subject to frequent changes and vary by country and municipality. We strive to update our content in tandem with laws and amendments.

Nichts hört Bastian lieber als Mamas Geschichten. Denn alles, was Mama ihm erzählt, ist wirklich passiert. Früher, als Mama selbst noch ein Kind war und zu einer richtigen Bande gehörte. Zusammen mit Molle, Kalle und Plombe hat Krümel, wie Bastians Mama genannt wurde, jede Menge Unsinn gemacht. Das ist so aufregend! Alle 5 Folgen der OHRENBÄR-Hörgeschichte: Mamas Bande von Gisela Walitzek. Es liest: Uta Hallant. ▶ Mehr Hörgeschichten empfohlen ab 4: https://www.ohrenbaer.de/podcast/empfohlen-ab-4.html ▶ Mehr Infos unter https://www.ohrenbaer.de & ohrenbaer@rbb-online.de

“Five kids? Three under four? How did you even survive that stage?”As a mum who's been there, I can tell you — it wasn't easy. But what carried me through were a handful of habits I built early on, and they still ground me in motherhood today, Alhamdulillah.In today's episode, I'm sharing the 5 habits that transformed my days as a young mum:Nourishing my body instead of punishing itPrioritizing daily movement in simple, realistic waysWaking up before my kids to pour from a full cupTaking mini self-care breaks throughout the dayAnd intentionally connecting with each child in small but meaningful moments.Mama, you don't need perfection or long routines to feel calmer and more present. With small, consistent choices, you can create peaceful rhythms in your home — even in the busiest seasons of motherhood.If this episode resonates and you're ready to embody these habits with consistency, I'd love to support you inside Holistic Tarbiyah Academy — my 4-month mentorship program to help you realign, regulate, and parent with ihsan.https://www.toddlertarbiyah.com/holistictarbiyahacademy Let's walk this journey of motherhood with peace, purpose, and presence.

Ben is starting to think bean soup could be yummy actually! Go to http://zocdoc.com/MAMA to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Watch the video version of the episode here: https://youtu.be/VqR_BT4rZNI Follow my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benoftheweek Business Inquiries: benoftheweek@night.co Originally produced by Studio71. But now it's produced by meee :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Friends~  Do you have a child with ADHD?  Are you open to do something entirely different than the norm?   Today, Dr. Candace Holmes talks about Neurofeedback and it's impact on kids with Autism, ADHD, TBI, concussions, and other neurological issue.  Anxiety decreases and the brain gets re-ordered, so it is functioning better.   But just what is Neurofeedback? And how does it work?   Dr. Candace Holmes shares a fascinating book that enhances your understanding of mental health challenges, offering both hope and inspiration, while equipping you with practical strategies to navigate life's obstacles with newfound vigor and resilience. Grab your copy today on Amazon! Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Dr. Candace Holmes is a Transformative Wellness author, speaker, certified Neurofeedback Therapy Practitioner, and chiropractor with almost three decades of experience in chiropractic care and close to a decade specializing in neurofeedback therapy. Her journey into neurofeedback therapy began with her eldest daughter's remarkable transformation from struggling with ADHD to excelling in college, consistently earning positions on the President's List and the Dean's List. Inspired by this success, Dr. Holmes integrated neurofeedback therapy into her chiropractic practice. Her mission extends beyond clinical practice to raise global awareness about the transformative potential of neurofeedback therapy for mental health challenges.   CONTACT THE GUEST:    IG: https://Instagram.com/braincoreofduluth Website:  https://braincoreofduluth.com Link to book a discovery call with Dr. Holmes: https://bookwithdrh.com Here is her book:  Transform Your Brain with Neurofeedback: Restore Your Focus, Reduce Anxious Thoughts, and Revitalize Depressed Moods   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 EPISODE 227 Child Not Doing As Told? Change Their Response With Concept Words   NEXT STEPS: Send Dinalynn a thought or question!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin ** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 164 Trust Your Intuition, Mama! Kindergarten Teacher, Ashley Holmes, Shares What She Learned Raising Twins 209 What Is The Difference Between SPEECH and LANGUAGE? 211 Receptive or Expressive Language - What's The Difference? 215 Suzanne Culberg: Downplayed and Dismissed? Seeking Help For Your Child 219 Kerre Burley: Bedtime Resistance A Problem? SleepTalk Helps With Cooperation

Mama, motherhood can be so tiresome, can't it? But somehow, someway, God gives us as mothers exactly what we need to keep pushing through! Join Vivian today in this brand NEW podcast and remember that we can cling to God's promises at the start of each week!“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” -Isaiah 40:31 NIV

On today's show we visit the studio of an artist who paints with knives and she's creating pieces for the Valkyries. Then, a publisher celebrating 10 years of translating books by authors overseas, and a woman who expresses her experience as a mom by drawing comics.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to spotlight Uplifted 300-hour graduate Jennica Joyce—a successful prenatal yoga teacher, mother of four, and expert in integrating the chakra system into parenting. Jennica shares her journey through yoga training, the importance of setting boundaries and rhythms in family life, and creative ways to teach children about chakras through play, music, and movement. Stay tuned for the mind-blowing discussion at the end, where Jennica reveals how writing and word choice reflect our energetic state through the chakras. We'll explore:

Join Sandra as she speaks with her dear friend Mel Braun, a medical Reiki master and empath. Hear the beautiful, evidential story loss and how her aunt sent a promised sign from the afterlife, learn practical tools for "energy hygiene" to protect yourself from negative energy, and discover how to trust your intuition and heal through the grieving process. Find out more about Mel Braun, her Reiki trainings, and her beautiful book, Magic Mama, on her website: * Website: https://melbraun.com * Instagram: @themelbraun *The book "Magic Mama" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pzFOoT Thanks for listening! ***Connect with Sandra Champlain: * Website (Free book by joining the 'Insiders Club, Free empowering Sunday Gatherings with medium demonstration, Mediumship Classes & more): http://wedontdie.com *Patreon (Early access, PDF of over 750 episodes & more): Visit https://www.patreon.com/wedontdieradio  *Don't miss Sandra's #1 "Best of all things afterlife related" Podcast 'Shades of the Afterlife' at https://bit.ly/ShadesoftheAfterlife  

Hey loves — today's episode is so close to my heart. I'm pulling back the curtain and taking you inside a labor of love that's been years in the making… the official launch of Chai Tonics, my first-ever wellness product made for busy mamas, high-achievers, and women like you and me who crave more calm, focus, and grounded rituals in our lives.But this isn't just about a product. I'm also walking you through the truth about what's actually in many of the so-called “natural” wellness blends out there (and how I found out the hard way), what happens when your nervous system gets hijacked — by your partner, your kids, your team, or the chaos around you — and how to reclaim your peace through simple, powerful rituals.This is a raw and honest share about the journey of creating something from scratch… and why I believe this tonic can be a sacred daily moment of nourishment and clarity for so many of us.Mama, your nervous system deserves a pause. The Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit was made to help you reset with blends that support focus, calm, and energy—without the coffee crash. Create your sacred moment at https://chaitonics.com with code BRAVE for 15% off.What you'll get out of this episode… The surprising ways your nervous system gets hijacked (and how to get it back)What “borrowed energy” is… and why it's draining you more than you thinkThe hidden hormone disruptors in so-called “clean” productsWhy I fired four formulators before finding the right oneThe Ayurvedic ingredients that changed my brain, focus, and energyA behind-the-scenes look at building Chai Tonics from the ground upHow to build micro-rituals that anchor you when life feels overwhelmingThis Episode is Powered by Health NagStruggle to stay hydrated? Health Nag's Juicy Watermelon Electrolytes give you six essential electrolytes + Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Vitamin C—all without sugar or fillers. It's hydration that actually works. Try it today at https://neetabhushan.com/healthnag with code BRAVETABLE for 10% off.Sponsored by Zoime Longevity ClinicLongevity isn't just about more years—it's about better ones. At Zoime Longevity Clinic, you'll get a personalized health plan rooted in the seven pillars of thriving life—gut health, hormones, nervous system, mindset, and more. Start your journey at https://neetabhushan.com/zoime and get 10% off your consultation with code BRAVETABLE.Want more?☕ Love chai + self-care? Grab my free 12-month ritual guide → neetabhushan.com/chaitonics

Mama, God gives us important instruction on how to raise our sweet children.  Tune in today and learn to follow His Word and teach your children about the amazing love of God!  “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:17-18Want to join us for this study? Grab your copy of The Wise Woman Abides HERE!

Mama mach die Augen auf➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/Vegains YouTube DE: https://www.youtube.com/VegainsDE German Rap: https://www.youtube.com/@VegainsrapInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegainstrength Instagram DE: https://www.instagram.com/vegains/My DE Amazon: https://amazon.de/shop/vegainsde Listen to my podcast: https://anchor.fm/ferdibeckGerman podcast: https://anchor.fm/ferdibeckdeWebsite: https://www.vegansavage.com

347. The Mom Glow Method: 4 Pillars to Radiant Self-Care for Busy Moms | Routines, Schedules, Time Management, Time Blocking, Home Organization, Planning, Plan, Planner, Self Care, Alone Time, Me Time, Self Care for MomsShow Notes – Episode 347: The Mom Glow Method: 4 Pillars to Radiant Self-Care for Busy MomsFeeling burned out, depleted, or like there's never enough time for yourself? You're not alone, mama. In this episode, I'm introducing you to the Mom Glow Method, built around The Luminous Life Framework: 4 Pillars of Glow. Together, we'll walk through the pillars—Life-Giving, Lighten, Luster, and Lux—and I'll show you how to weave them into your daily, weekly, monthly, and social self-care rhythms. These aren't just fluffy extras; they're the foundation for feeling energized, joyful, and pampered, even in the chaos of back-to-school season.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why moms often feel like racehorses with no finish line in sight (and how to stop running on empty).The 4 Pillars of Glow and how each one restores your energy and joy.Practical examples of how to bring these self-care rhythms into real mom-life.How to create space for yourself without guilt—even in busy seasons.By the end of this episode, you'll have simple, practical tools to help you shine again—because a glowing mom lights up her whole home.Happy listening & keep on thriving Mama, XO, KimResources & Links:>>> Join the Back to School Summit → [Check it out here!]>>> Download your FREE Weekly Planning Checklist → [Get Yours Today!]

Mama, Jesus loves you more than you could ever know and He will never, ever leave you! Join Deb for today's encouraging devotional where, we learn that when we give Jesus our pain, He gives us Himself."What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?  And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off." Matthew 18:12-13Want to join us for this study? Grab your copy of The Wise Woman Abides HERE!

Ever snapped at your kids and instantly felt the guilt rush in? You love them so much — but the constant noise, mess, and demands can wear you down until patience feels impossible.   But here's the truth: you're not a bad mom. You're just overloaded. In this episode, I'm sharing why snapping happens and practical ways to shift into actually enjoying your kids again.  Contact - > info@rachelking.org Podcast - > Mama's Tired Connect -＞ Join my free Facebook community Simple Systems for Tired Mamas Instagram -＞@rachelmeigsking Resources - > 5 Time Saving Tips for Meal Prep, Simple Time Management for Moms, Journal Page: Releasing the Mental Load, Downloadable Routine Tracker: Morning Reset for Tired Moms, 5 Time Saving Tips for Meal Prep   Reserve your spot for The Peaceful Mom Project   Next Steps: Step 1: Reserve your spot for The Peaceful Mom Project Step 2: Join a supportive community of moms looking for simple systems to reclaim time for a peaceful home at the free Facebook group Simple Systems for Tired Mamas Step 3: Sign up for the weekly Mama's Tired Newsletter  Step 4: Ready for more personalized support? Book a call with Rachel

Straight from the ACPA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, we sit down with Suzanne “Suzie” Santomieri, cleft coordinator at the NC Cleft & Craniofacial Center and proud cleft mama. Suzie opens up about her emotional journey from special education teacher to advocate after her own daughter's diagnosis. Now she walks hand in hand with families through every twist and turn of the cleft journey. In this heartfelt conversation Suzie shares the strategies she's learned along the way and why attending the annual ACPA meeting is vital for both professionals and families to find community, stay informed, and never feel alone. Links and Resources: Patreon Subscription Tiers for Exclusive Content Our Forever Smiles Merch Store NC Cleft Mom FB Group Our Forever Smiles FB Group ______________________________________________________________________________ Today's sponsor is sienna dawn media Integrated Marketing Agency  sienna dawn media is more than just a marketing agency—they are your partners in progress. Their mission is simple — to alleviate marketing bandwidth, allowing creative business owners to focus on what they set out to do: create. sienna dawn media empowers creatives to thrive without the burden of managing their own social media and marketing campaigns. So, if you're ready to set sail toward new horizons, let sienna dawn media chart the course and steer your business toward success. Visit siennadawnmedia.com.

Hey, Mama, in today's episode, we are chatting with author Sandra Byrd! We are discussing the pressure on mamas in society and Christian circles to be perfect to be accepted. But the truth is we will never be perfect in this life—and we don't have to be. Join Sandra Byrd and Natalie as they discuss what's behind Sandra's newest devotional, More Than Enough: 90 Devotions for Loving Yourself as God Loves You. Sandra's new book explores the importance of loving yourself the way God does, while dismantling toxic perfectionism through heartfelt stories and Scripture that teach you that you don't have to keep striving. Listen along as you discover the importance of loving yourself the way God does, freeing yourself from unrealistic standards, unhealthy self-talk, and unattainable perfectionism. God's grace and unconditional love already call you more than enough. Sandra, author of over fifty books, has earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, multiple Library Journal starred reviews and Best Book selections, the Historical Novel Society's Editor's Choice award, two Christy Award nominations, a BookPage Top Pick for Romance, and a spot on Booklist's Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year. Her devotionals, including The One Year Home and Garden Devotions, The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional, and the bestselling tween devotional One Year Between You and God, are highly acclaimed, with the latter two named must-reads by Called Magazine. As an editor and writing coach, Sandra mentors writers at all stages via sandrabyrdbookcoach.com. A foodie, Sandra cooks inspired by her books' themes, collects vintage glass and serve ware, and enjoys walks with her husband and Sunday Suppers with her family.Please like, subscribe, rate, review, and share so we can help other mamas who are feeling stuck in their anger and burnout find joy in their motherhood journey!Sandra's Links:Website: sandrabyrd.comSandra's Devotional: More Than EnoughFacebook: @AuthorSandraByrdSponsor:Make Wellness - Biactive Precision Peptides Questions, thoughts, feedback? Send me a text!Questions, thoughts, feedback? Send me a text!Connect with Natalie: Natalie's Website: nataliehixson.comInstagram: instagram.com/angrymamacoachPinterest: pinterest.com/nataliehixsonYouTube: @angrymamacoachAcknowledgements: Producer and editor: Skye Hixson Music: Simon Reid www.simonreidmusic.com

This week on The Brave Table, we celebrate the radiant life and legacy of Rachel Luna—author, speaker, coach, and true warrior of light—who recently passed away. Rachel lived unapologetically bold, bringing her raw truth, unshakable faith, and contagious energy to every room she entered.In this conversation, recorded before her passing, Rachel opens up about courage, clarity, and living as your truest self, even when life throws the hardest battles your way. This episode is both a tribute and an invitation: to embody the joy, resilience, and fierce authenticity that Rachel stood for.

Special Patreon Release: Wisdom from a Homeschooling Dad with Steve Lambert   Luke 6:40 (NI) "The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher."   *Transcription Below*   Questions and Topics We Discuss: What are some wonderful aspects of your lifestyle that are not available to families who are not home educating their children? What are some common questions you get about homeschool and what truth do you have to replace the myths? How long will prep take for the homeschooling parent and what does a typical schedule look like?   Steve Lambert has worn many hats in his 73 years: Pastor, author, speaker, stock broker and more. Together, he and his wife Jane Claire Lambert created and publish "Five in a Row" homeschool curriculum which has been a reader's choice favorite for nearly 30 years. They began homeschooling their children in 1981 and their seven grandchildren were homeschooled as well.   Five in a Row Website   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Chick-fil-A East Peoria and Savvy Sauce Charities   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”   Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”   Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”   Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*     Music: (0:00 – 0:08)   Laura Dugger: (0:09 - 1:37) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   I want to say a huge thank you to today's sponsors for this episode, Chick-fil-A East Peoria, and Savvy Sauce Charities.   Are you interested in a free college education for you or someone you know?   Stay tuned for details coming later in this episode from today's sponsor, Chick-fil-A, East Peoria.   You can also visit their website today at Chick-fil-A.com/EastPeoria.   I'm excited to introduce you to my fascinating guest, Steve Lambert.   Steve has a unique perspective, as he has worn various hats, such as pastor, author, speaker, stockbroker, and more.   But today, we're going to hear various stories of how God has been faithful in calling he and his wife, Jane, to homeschool, and also publish homeschool curriculum called Five in a Row.   Regardless of our family schooling choice, these stories will build up our faith and remind us who we get to turn to in all things.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Steve.   Steve Lambert: (1:37 - 1:39) Good morning. It's great to be with you, Laura.   Laura Dugger: (1:40 - 1:53) Well, you are a part of a multi-generational homeschooling family.   So, will you begin our time by taking us back to that initial decision that you and your wife made to home educate your children?   Steve Lambert: (1:54 - 3:31) Sure, I'd love to. We made that decision back in 1981. I'm sure probably you and many of your listeners were not even born in 1981. But my wife came to me and she said, "So, hypothetically, what would you think if…” and my response was something like, "That cannot possibly be legal."   Because at that point, we knew no one who homeschooled. We never met a homeschooler.   I don't, you know, it was just completely foreign to my understanding. But I began to pray about it.   And as I did, I felt like the Lord said, "You're accountable for how you raise your children."   And I thought, well, if I'm accountable, then I ought to have some idea of how they're being raised.   Because, frankly, in a classroom, 95% of their lives are spent there in the classroom.   And they get home on the activity bus at 5:15 and eat dinner and go up and do their homework.   And that's the end of the day. And so, I thought, alright, maybe that's a good plan.   Now, parenthetically, let me add that it wasn't until a couple of years later, I felt like the Lord spoke to me and said, "And your children are accountable for how they turn out," which was profoundly important to me at the time.   Because we've all known great families who produce train wrecks for kids.   And we've known some train wreck parents who produce great kids. But we're accountable for how we raise our kids.   And I thought, if I'm going to have to sit for the final exam before the Lord of Heaven, I'd like to at least have some input in some part and at least know how they were raised. So, that was beginning in 1981.   Laura Dugger: (3:32 - 3:43) That is incredible, because you had no idea.   I'm even getting goosebumps just thinking now of where your family is at from that decision.   And could you catch us up to speed? How many children do you have?   Steve Lambert: (3:44 - 4:25) We had two daughters. We kind of left that in the Lord's hand. And that's what we ended up with. And my wife would have loved to have more, but we ended up with two daughters.   And between them, they have six daughters and one grandson. So, we have seven grandkids.   Several of them are through homeschooling now, college or career. The youngest at this point is six.   So, they're third-generation homeschoolers, which I think speaks to the validity of the homeschooling option for many people. You know it's worked successfully when your children want to homeschool their children rather than running as far away from homeschooling as they could possibly get.   Laura Dugger: (4:27 - 4:38) Well, and even going back then to 1981, you were questioning at that point, is this even legal?   So, catch us up. At that time, were there any legalities that you were up against?   Steve Lambert: (4:40 - 8:42) Then, like now, it really does depend on the state where you reside.   And Missouri has always been fairly homeschool-friendly. That said, within about a year after we began, our oldest daughter had been in public school in K-1 and had been in a private Christian school for one semester of second grade before we began the decision to homeschool.   And someone, presumably a family member I suspect, turned us into Family Services for Educational Neglect Child Abuse.   So, we had that dreaded knock at the door, and DFS came and had to inspect the children, make sure that they weren't bruised or harmed in any way, and then begin kind of the prosecutorial process against us.   But eventually they realized they really didn't have much say, so they turned the case over to the superintendent of schools.   And we happened to live in the same district where Jane and I had become high school sweethearts.   So, we hired an attorney, and we went and had a meeting with the superintendent of schools.   I often tell the story and describe him as being an older gentleman.   Now, in reality, compared to me today at age 73, he was probably only 60. He was a young fellow of about 60. But when you're 30, that seems pretty old.   And he had a couple of PhDs in education and administration, and he said, "You know, I strongly disagree with the choice you've made," but unfortunately, we had had our daughter tested using standardized testing just prior to that, and he compared her test scores after a year of homeschooling with her test scores when she had been in his public school classrooms, and she had improved significantly in every subject area.   So, he said, "I'm not going to cause you any problems, but I still think you're making a serious mistake." And the footnote to that story was lived out less than a year later when my phone rang, and it was the superintendent of schools.   And he said, "Mr. Lambert, can I speak with you frankly?" And I thought, oh boy, here we go. He said, "I don't know if you're aware of this, but we're having some problems in public education."   And I said, "No, not, I can't believe that. Really, doctor?"   And he goes, "No, we really are. Test scores are declining. Parents are unhappy. Faculties are unhappy. Administrations are unhappy. Students are unhappy. And I put together a blue-ribbon panel of educational experts for six weeks this summer to discuss how can we reface and reimagine education in our district. And you seem to have a very unique perspective on education, Mr. Lambert. Would you consider being a part of that panel?"   And I said, "I would."   And so, I went to the first meeting. They all introduced themselves and they all had lots and lots and lots of letters after their name.   One was the director of curriculum development, another the director of elementary testing, another the director of high school counseling.   And finally, I introduced myself and said, "Hi, I'm Stephen Lambert. I'm a homeschool dad." And every head in the room turned to look at me sitting in the back because up until that point, as far as I know, none of those men and women had ever seen a homeschooler and lived to tell about it.   So, they began the journey. The first night of the discussion and the person in charge of the summer series said, "You know, we can all make a long list of things that are wrong with public education, but let's not start there. Let's start on a positive note as we explore this difficult topic. Number one, responsibility for educating children rests with the state."   And I raised my hand and I said, "That's not right."   And he said, "What do you mean that's not right?"   And I said, "No, the responsibility for raising and educating children rests with their parents and only insofar as they choose to delegate some or all of their authority to you, does the state have anything to say about it?"   And he said, "Let's take a brief recess." So, it's probably just as well that I didn't tell him that God told me that because that would have made his head explode completely.   But anyway, that was 40 years ago. So, lots of water under the bridge since then in public education, I'm sorry to say has not gotten better, but instead it's gotten worse.   Laura Dugger: (8:44 - 9:07) Well, and I think within that, you've even brought up some questions that people have about homeschooling families when you first were talking about the standardized tests.   So, do you get these questions? A lot of times, do your children have any friends?   Did they grow up socialized or how did they compare to their peers?   Those types of things that there may be an underlying myth.   Steve Lambert: (9:09 - 11:20) Oh, for sure. Those are the common questions. I was so ignorant of homeschooling in 1981 that I didn't even notice. I didn't even know the word socialization.   I was too ignorant to even know that, but I did know friendship.   And in fact, I prayed and I asked the Lord, I said, "How are my kids going to have friends if they're homeschooled?"   And as you and some of your listeners may understand, I felt like the Lord spoke to me, not audibly, but in a sense that I clearly understood his heart.   And he said, "Do you want friends for your children?"   And I said, "Yes, Lord, of course I do more than anything."   And he said, "And so friends come from being in the midst of people." And I went, yes.   And then I paused and I could sense him kind of waiting on me. And I said, "Don't they?"   And I felt like the Lord said, "No, if you want friends for your children, ask me. I'm the author of friendship."   And he reminded me of David and Jonathan, for example.   He said, in my imagination, at least he said, "This very night, I can hear the prayers of tens of thousands of people around the earth who are surrounded by people, but who are contemplating suicide this very night because they're so lonely. Friends don't come from being in large groups. Friends come from heaven, ask me."   And so, that became a prayer. And neither of our children, none of our grandchildren have ever lacked for friends, lots of friends, close and intimate friends through sports, through music, through their church connections.   And it really has turned out to be true that friendship, whether you're an adult, a child, or a teen, if you're lacking friends in your life right now, getting involved in more and more people and more and more busyness isn't necessarily the answer.   Just stop and ask the Lord, "Lord, I'm lonely. I need some friends in my life. Would you bring me some?"   And our daughter's first close friend, after I prayed that prayer was a number of months later.   It was a little girl who had immigrated all the way from South Africa.   Her father had immigrated to the United States after becoming a believer to attend a Bible college and then came to Kansas City to attend a seminary.   And his daughter became my daughter's best friend, but she came from halfway around the globe.   And since then, there've been so many that we couldn't count them all.   Laura Dugger: (11:22 - 11:49) Wow. Steve, that is such a powerful and encouraging parenting tip, really just in every phase that we know where to turn and that God is the one who actually has the power to make these prayers answered.   So, thank you for sharing that. What would you say are some wonderful aspects of your lifestyle that were not available to families who were not home educating their children?   Steve Lambert: (11:50 - 14:20) You get to see your kids come to life, to discover who they are and why they were made and to watch them learn to read and to watch them explore and discover God's amazing creation in the world around them.   You can travel with your kids. If you're homeschooling, you can take them wherever you go and you can have school in the car or school in the park or school at the lake.   My kids, instead of reading about some of the national parks and reading about some of the great museums in America, we went and we saw them firsthand and in the process we got to see them begin to blossom and figure out who they were and why they were created.   We're seeing with all that's happening today, a struggle that really so much boils down to children and teenagers and young adults having absolutely no idea who they are and they're questioning everything from their gender to their faith, to philosophy, to finances, to all those kinds of ecological issues.   They really have no idea who they are and it's because in the classroom, nobody ever teaches them.   You know, it says in Luke 6:40, "that a student is not greater than his teacher, but when he is fully trained, a student will be like his teacher."   Discipleship is really about teaching and if you're not disciplining your children, somebody is.   And in a public-school classroom, the wisdom of Dr. Luke suggests that your children will grow up to be just like their teachers and that's exactly what we're seeing in today's culture.   So, if you want to have some input, if you want to see your children blossom, I mean, there's nothing more exciting than seeing your children learn to read for the first time and it's not that difficult.   I mean, I often tell parents if you were trapped on a desert island, just you and your child, could you teach them to read?   Well, sure you could. You take a stick and you make the letter A in the sand and you'd say, this is an A and then this is a B and this is the number two and this is the number three.   There's nothing more rewarding at the end of life. And I can say this at age 73, I can say this without any reservation.   The single most important thing you can do is to trust your life to Jesus.   The second most important thing you can do is find somebody who's like-minded and marry them and make that marriage work through thick and through thin.   And the third most important thing you'll ever do is raising your children and watching them become the men and women God created and take their place in a dying culture.   Laura Dugger: (14:22 - 14:42) And you have years of wisdom journeying through being a homeschooling dad.   And so, again, I would love to hear more about your journey. So, if we go back to 1981, I'm assuming that all of the curriculum was not available that we have available today.   And so, how did you and your wife practically live this out?   Steve Lambert: (14:44 - 22:14) Well, you're right, Laura. There wasn't any of the curriculum, which in many respects was a blessing.   To be honest, there's so much material out there today. It's a little overwhelming.   If you go to some of the larger homeschool conventions, you can find as many as seven or 800 vendors there, each telling why their particular curriculum is the one that you ought to choose.   But back then there were no choices. And in fact, we contacted a couple of Christian curriculum publishers and asked to buy their materials.   And they said, "No, we can't sell you because that would upset our Christian school customers because they had the exclusive right to this material."   And so, we began with a old set of world books and a stack of children's reading books.   And I think we did go to the yard sale, and we found an American history book that was published, I think in 1943. And so, it was somewhat incomplete because it didn't explain who won World War II.   It just kind of ended in the middle of the war, but we began that journey.   And what we discovered was that God consistently brought us the tools, the resources, and the people that our children needed.   I would come home on certain days and I'd find Jane kind of crying in her bedroom and the girls crying in their bedroom.   And because they were, we were trying to replicate school at home. And that's completely the wrong direction.   Well, it turns out we didn't want school at home. We wanted homeschooling, which is an entirely different proposition.   And so, on that journey, Jane began to pray. And she said, "Lord, this is not what I had in mind for our children. I did not imagine that we would be fighting and arguing over. You will do your homework. I won't. You can't make me. Yes, I can. How can I teach my children?"   And he said, "Why don't you read to them?" And she said, "Well, I do read to them, but how can I teach them?"   And he said, "Why don't you read to them?" She said, "No, no, I understand. I love to read to them, but how do I teach them?"   And he said, "Why don't you read to them?" And so, after the third time, they began focusing more on reading aloud.   And that just naturally led to the entire world around us. It doesn't really matter what you're reading.   God gave educators and parents a secret weapon, and it's called curiosity.   And so, if you can engage that curiosity and you read them a story, it doesn't matter what three bears, and suddenly they want to know more about bears.   And how does this hibernation thing work and where do they live? And do we have any near our home?   And can you find bears? And what's the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear? And how long do they live? And what do they eat?   And suddenly you become the guide rather than the opposing force.   Suddenly you begin to sit on the same side of the desk with your students and you go on a learning journey together, because particularly in those early years up to middle school, really the only lessons, the lesson that you really need to teach children is to fall in love with learning.   If they learn that you're home free, because they will self-direct and self-educate right on through high school, graduate school, they'll be lifelong learners.   But if you reduce education to nothing more than carrots and sticks and dangling promises and threats, they will quickly learn that learning is not fun.   And we just need to get through this as quickly as we can so that we can get on with life and the things that are truly important.   And if you doubt that, I often tell parents who are contemplating homeschooling, if you doubt that, just look in the mirror, go back and just think about, for example, your fifth grade social studies exam.   Tell me who the Norman Conqueror was. When did the Norman Conquest take place? How did that change European history?   And you'll say, wow, I remember. I've heard of the Norman Conqueror, the Norman Conquest, but honestly, I don't remember it yet.   Why not? Because honestly, I just learned it long enough to take the test. And then I forgot. And your kids are just like you. Many attribute Einstein with the saying that doing the same thing the same way and expecting some sort of a different result is insane.   So, it stands to reason if you teach your kids the same way you were taught to memorize names and dates and highlight pages and books for Friday's quiz, they'll end up with the same results.   They won't particularly be interested in learning. They won't remember 99% of all the things that you checked off your checklist that you covered with the children, but they don't remember any of it.   So, through reading, that opened the door for the girls to begin to ask questions.   And suddenly, like I said, instead of being in that tug of war, where as a parent or a teacher, you're trying to force children to memorize and regurgitate long enough to take a test, you suddenly become a resource person and you take them to the library and you take them to the natural history museum and you take them to the art gallery and you take them on nature hikes in the woods.   And one question always begets ten more. I remember that when my oldest daughter, her firstborn was about two or three and she was getting ready for bed and in the bathtub and she said, "Mama, can I ask you a question?"   And my daughter said, "No." She said, "Please, mama, just one question."   She said, "No, honey, you've already had your 472 questions for today. Mama's exhausted. Finish your bath. Let's go to bed. You can ask a question tomorrow."   She said, "Please, mama, please. Just one more question." She said, "All right, one more question. And then it's bedtime."   She goes, "Okay. So, like, how does electricity work, mom?"   So, that curiosity that God gave those children is the spark that makes homeschooling, not only a joy, but makes it infinitely doable.   Whether you dropped out of high school or whether you have a doctorate in education, if you can keep that curiosity alive, your kids are going to be great.   And let me add one other thought. We live in a world, the dean of a medical school, school of medicine at a university told me not too long ago, he said, "Do you realize that the body of knowledge of the human body doubles every year?"   We learned more in 2022 about the human body than we had learned in all of history through 2021. And he said, we get the best and the brightest, the top one tenth of 1% who come here to medical school.   And there's no way they can possibly keep up with the amount of new knowledge that's being developed.   And if you ask someone who has a doctorate in any subject, the most tempting question to ask is, so you must know pretty much everything there is to know about that.   And if they're even remotely honest, the first thing they'll say to you is, "Oh no, no, no, no. The farther we explore, the deeper we get, the more we realize we haven't even scratched the surface. There's so much we don't understand. The more we learn, the more we realize how much we yet have to learn."   And so, that's an infinite loop of getting children to begin to manage their own education. We've said for years, you know, he got the best education money could buy, or they gave him the best education.   You can't give a child an education. They're education resistant.   The child has to learn to want to know, to be hungry and thirsty to know more about the world that God created around them and how it works.   And homeschooling is a wonderful vehicle to make a lifetime learning out of your son or your daughter.   Laura Dugger: (22:15 - 28:23) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Did you know you can go to college tuition free just by being a team member at Chick-fil-A East Peoria?   Yes, you heard that right. Free college education. 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Now, back to the show.   The more I learn about homeschooling, the more encouragement I've heard from homeschooling parents, they will talk about there is always a learning gap no matter how you were educated.   And so, I love how you're addressing that with lifelong curiosity that we will continue learning our whole life.   But you also mentioned this word, if parents are considering homeschooling, you said it's so doable.   And when you're talking about Jane hearing from the Lord, read to your children, I find that so encouraging.   That's my favorite activity to do with our girls. That was the impetus for your family launching Five in a Row.   Is that right?   Steve Lambert: (28:24 - 32:17) That is right. Over a period of time, Jane certainly did math mechanics in a math workbook, and she used some specific structured approach to phonics to teach reading.   But other than that, it was largely an open palette in which reading helped direct the course of education.   And that became something that many of her homeschool friends as the years went by found enviable.   They said, "You know, how does that work?" And she said, "Well, you just read aloud to your children, and then there's opportunities in an illustrated book to talk about the illustrations, the perspective, vanishing point, type of colors, the difference between watercolor and gouache, complementary colors on the color wheel, history, where did our story take place, what's it like, where is it on the map, what do people eat there?"   And they said, “Yeah, we don't get that.” So, she began to just really as kind of a love gift for a few girlfriends, began to write some lesson plans to go with some popular children's books.   And one thing led to another, and that was in 1994. So, this is our 29th year in publication, and I think Five in a Row has won pretty much every award that's out there, from Reader's Awards, Magazine Awards.   It's more than 100,000 families, 600,000 children have used Five in a Row in the last 29 years, and virtually no advertising.   It's almost exclusively by word of mouth, from a veteran homeschool mom pulling aside a young mom who just spent $1,300 on a massive stack of curriculum and is completely overwhelmed just three weeks into September, to say, you know what, we tried that, and we tried this, and we tried this other program, and we spent a lot of money.   And then an older mom told me about Five in a Row , let me show you how it works.   And suddenly that changes everything for so many of these young moms.   Most of the problems that new homeschoolers are facing simply are not issues at all. And the crazy part is that there are some things they ought to be worrying about, but they don't know enough yet to worry about the correct areas.   But both the obvious and the more subtle areas, God has answers.   If he's invited you to go on the homeschool journey, he has something amazing in mind for your family.   There are very few born homeschoolers, very few 15- or 16-year-old adolescent young women tell their school counselor, "You know what, I'd like to spend my life living in a two-income world on a single income and stay locked up with little people all day long without any peer support and have my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law think I'm crazy."   That's not on most young women's radars, but it begins, for most families, the same way it began for our family.   Hypothetically, honey, what would you think if, as the finger of God, the same God that said, let the waters be parted, the one that said, Lazarus, come forth, the one that said, let there be light, says, "Why don't you homeschool your kids?"   And so, you become what we often call accidental homeschoolers.   It suddenly occurs to you something that you swore you would never, ever do.   But the good news is the one who invited you is faithful. Love is a powerful motivator.   We all have stuff, and God has tried to make us deal with our stuff for years, and we've been resistant in many cases.   So, he invites us to the covenant of marriage so that we'll have a living witness to remind us of our stuff.   Honey, why do you always wait to the last minute? Honey, why do you get so upset?   And if we're still stubborn, then he invites us to have children so that we have several living witnesses.   But if we remain stiff-necked, finally he invites us to homeschool with children. And this way we have a house full of living witnesses all day long that say, "Mama, how come this and why do you do that?"   And suddenly we begin to grow in ways we never thought possible through the medium of homeschooling. It strengthens marriages.   It grows us up in Christ. It causes us to deal with our stuff.   It's amazing what it does for our children.   Laura Dugger: (32:18 - 32:44) It does seem like progressive sanctification, how the Lord has built that in within the family.   And I just appreciate how you've gone before us. And so, if someone's feeling nudged in this direction, can you paint a picture, even using Five in a Row curriculum, what kind of prep would that require for the homeschooling parent?   And what kind of schedule would their day look like?   Steve Lambert: (32:46 - 39:39) Homeschooling is essentially tutorial education, and that's always been the realm of kings and the super wealthy who hired an individual tutor for their children.   Because of homeschooling, our children can have a tutor. And tutorial education is so inherently efficient that even if you're terrible at it, your kids are going to do pretty darn well. So, when we start out, we're tempted to emulate the classroom. So, we think, well, my daughter's six.   She was going to go into first grade, so we need to start at 7:45 in the morning and we need to go until 3:45 in the afternoon with 20 minutes for lunch.   Nothing could be further from the truth. You can work with a kindergarten or first grader; 90 minutes a day is probably overkill.   So, it's something that anybody can do in their schedule, at least in those early years. And it works best when it works for you and for your children.   If your kiddo is a late-morning sleeper, trust me, they're not going to be at their best at 7:45. Don't let them sleep until 9:30. That's okay. You'll realize, for example, when you have teenagers, that they don't come to life until sometime after 11:00 p.m.   That's when they want to come into your bedroom and ask you important life questions when you're struggling to try to get to sleep.   So, first of all, you work with your children's schedule to some degree.   You work with the schedule that works for you. And you work where it works for you. If you're sick or if you're dealing with morning sickness and pregnancy, homeschool's going to happen in the bed today, kids.   Come on, gather around. We're going to read a story.   If it's a nice day, homeschooling is going to happen at the park today.   We're going to go on a nature hike. We're going to look at trees and wildlife and streams and rocks and waters.   And we're going to learn to take our paints with us.   And we're going to learn to paint the sky the way the illustrator did in our story this week that we're reading in Five in a Row.   When Jane began, she actually would take the girls to a cemetery nearby where everything was beautifully mowed and there were beautiful trees and lakes.   So, Five in a Row is built around the concept of reading a classic children's book, which Jane has selected thoughtfully and curated.   And you read it for five days in a row.   And so, on the first day, you're going to read the story aloud.   And the children just want to know how did the story ended, what happened?   A very surface, cursory reading of the story, really thinking only about the plot.   But, you know, as you go back and watch a movie the second or the third time or read a book sometimes or play the second or third time, you discover there's a whole lot more beneath the surface.   So, the first day they look at, on Mondays they do social studies.   So, they look at the setting of the story. Where did it take place?   How did people live in the 17th century? How did people live today in Japan or Australia?   How did people live along the Ohio River in the 1800s? What sort of foods did they eat? What was their language like? Let's find it on a map.   Let's learn more about it and maybe plan to cook a meal from that region or that period of history later in the week for the family.   And you can make that as complex as you want.   You can have the children make shopping lists and invitations and invite Grandma and Grandpa and help cook the meal and learn liquid and dry measure and cups and quarts and all of that and put a towel over their arm and serve the meal to Grandma and Grandpa and tell them about what they learned about Spain or Italy or France or Canada this week.   So, now you've read the story and you've learned something about what's going on in the story.   So, Tuesday, we go back and we read it a second time.   This time we look at language arts, so new vocabulary words that came up in our story this week, new creative writing techniques that maybe there was a cliffhanger that made us want to turn the page and read and see what was next or maybe the author was really great at asking questions or writing dialogue or opening sentences that create curiosity.   And so, we learned some of those techniques, and we can try them ourselves.   And even a four- or five-year-old can dictate while Mom writes down their story, and they can illustrate it later and share it with Dad.   And then on Wednesday, we look at the art. So, what did the artist teach us? What medium did they use?   Was this charcoal? Was it pen and ink? Was it watercolor or gouache? Was it oils or pastels?   How did they draw the water? Look, they drew reflections on the water. It's not just blue paper, is it?   You can see the same colors in the water that were on the shore on the opposite side.   You know what, kids? Let's get out your colored pencils or your crayons or your pastels.   Let's try drawing water more realistically the way the illustrator taught us in our story today.   And maybe learn something about famous artists who had similar styles of Degas or Renoir or Van Gogh or whoever.   Thursday, we do applied mathematics, which is not the same as math.   You're going to be doing math for 15 to 30 minutes every day in a sequential approach.   But this is about learning, you know, the difference between a square and a rectangle.   Well, they have four sides, but what's the difference? They're not all equal on the rectangle, are they?   We're going to learn, like I said, how many pints in a quart, how many quarts in a gallon.   And then on Fridays, we do science lessons. So, there's lots of opportunities in every children's book to learn more about why does the sky look blue?   Why is the grass green? Why do some things float when you put them in the water and some things sink?   And all of a sudden, you're at the kitchen sink with a stopper in it.   You fill it with water, and you've gotten a penny and a cork and a birthday candle and whatever is in the kitchen junk drawer.   And suddenly, the kids are learning about buoyancy, and they're testing things, and they're predicting their answers, learning more about the world of science and creation.   So, typical day, long story short, for a beginning homeschooler with a kindergarten-aged child, probably going to be 15, 20 minutes maybe for phonics, 15 to 20 minutes for math, which at that level is simply learning the digits and haven't even thought about adding yet.   And then another 30 open-ended minutes, 30 minutes to 90 minutes for exploring Five in a Row or whatever it is that you're reading that day.   And for some days, that might turn into two hours.   In fact, there are some days where it turns into all the way to bedtime and continues over the next two days.   If you're learning about the solar system, and suddenly that catches their attention, and they want to go to the planetarium nearby, and they want to borrow their uncle's telescope, they eat, sleep, and drink astronomy for the next two or three days.   And frankly, that's not an interruption in the curriculum. That's the answer to a prayer.   God, please help my children grow curious. Help them nurture their love of learning. Cause them to want to learn.   And sooner or later, we're going to learn about astronomy anyway, but all too often, it's while the kids are fascinated by a bug that just crawled in the room.   And so, the smart mom puts astronomy on the shelf for the moment and learns about insects. Or vice versa.   You're trying to learn about insects, and they're staring out the window looking at moons still visible in the western sky that hasn't set yet.   So, helping children learn in the proper season is another key to making it all work. It's so flexible, and it's so simple.   Laura Dugger: (39:41 - 40:33) Guess what? We are no longer an audio-only podcast.   We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos.   We're on YouTube, and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com.   Well, that flexibility sounds so freeing and attractive, and as you explain it, it just sounds like such a lovely educational experience.   And yet, I know a lot of homeschooling parents fear is that when their children graduate from the home, they wonder if they've done enough and how they'll perform out in, quote, the real world.   So, what was your experience as you and Jane launched your first child to college?   Steve Lambert: (40:35 - 46:24) Well, we actually sent our first one to college a week after she was 16. And to be honest, I wouldn't recommend that again for a variety of reasons.   She had a four-point-something or other GPA in college beginning at just barely 16. But being academically ready and being emotionally ready are two different things.   And so, probably, if for no other reason, we missed out on two more years of just exploring and learning together in home education.   But when she went, she was the top of her class pretty much in every subject.   Almost every study done of homeschool students by private industry and government suggests that students, on average, score about 20% higher if they were home-educated in every subject except math, where they're about the same, than their public school peers.   And it's now been more than 20 years since Harvard set out, and they kind of were one of the earliest ones to create full-time recruiters for homeschool students because universities and the marketplace are looking today for homeschoolers.   They realize that these kids are the leaders today. I saw a study of a small private university, I think in the Carolinas, if I recall, and they only had 3,000 students on campus, of which 90 were homeschooled, so 3% of the student body.   But of the 12 elected student leadership positions, student advisor to the dean, senior class president, whatever, 11 of the 12 were homeschool students.   So, even their peers recognized that these were the leaders in their community.   And we now live in a world where nobody seems to want to work. Everywhere you go, there's help-wanted signs.   And we've seen so many stories from friends and customers whose children were homeschooled who said it's a tremendous opportunity right now in the marketplace if you just show up and you're just semi-dedicated to actually doing the job.   I interviewed a guy, well, he actually came up to ask me questions after I spoke, in Chicago, as a matter of fact.   And he was the head of human resources for a large Fortune 50 company, and he said he had, I don't know, a quarter of a million employees.   And so, I asked him, I said, so this is in May, you're out recruiting, I assume.   And he says, “Yeah, I've got six recruiting teams crisscrossing American college campuses trying to recruit new employees.”   And I said, “So you're obviously looking for the highest-grade point average or highest graduating class position and competing for those students.”   He said, “No, not at all.” And I said, no? I said, “So IQ or SAT score?”   He goes, “No, none of that.” I said, “Why?” He said, “Let me tell you something.”   He said, “The average new hire costs us $70,000 to train. And this has been 15 years ago.   So, it's probably 170,000 a day. And no matter what your discipline, whether you're in sales, marketing, quality control, engineering, whatever, we're gonna spend the first year teaching you how we do it here, not how you learned it in college.   If we aren't successful in our recruiting, our company will go bankrupt. This is our largest single expense is personnel.”   And we have learned over the years that graduating class position or grade point average or SAT score IQ is totally irrelevant when it comes to determining who'll be successful in the company and who won't.   And I was a little taken aback and I said, “Well, if it's not any of those things, then you just throw darts at resumes?”   He goes, “No, no, no.” He said, “We can accurately identify these students in the most cases.” I said, “So what do you look for?” And he said, “Well, you're gonna laugh.” I said, “Maybe.” He said, “First and foremost, by far and away, the ability to get along and work well with others.”   He said, “If you can't, you're gonna get cross ways of your boss or another employee and either quit or get fired in the first six months.   The second is to be able to complete a job, see it through to completion and meet the deadline.   And number three, if you're really, really golden, the ability to work within the constraints of a budget.   Those are the things that are successful, whether you work for our company or whether you're an entrepreneur or whether you're a homemaker, whatever you do in life.”   So, with that in mind, I've spoken all over the country and encourage parents. These are things that we need to be working on. There are things that are not being worked on in the classroom.   So, look for opportunities to hand more of the education off to your students, let them plan what do I wanna study for the next two days, the next two weeks, the next two months?   Where am I gonna get the resources to discover that by the time they're in high school?   I'm gonna give you a budget to work with. There's $200, you can buy some resources, tools that you think would be useful in the process.   Where do we need to be in project management to start the process?   Where should we be by the end of week two? Where should we be by the end of the month?   These are the skills that employers are looking for and so many parents have told us that their kids have just rocketed in the marketplace.   My final question to this guy was, so are you finding bright young men and women who can do the job?   He goes, there's never been brighter, more thoroughly educated young men and women who can do the job.   He said, the problem is I can't find any who will do the job.   I can't find people who will do even four hours work for eight hours pay.   They wanna go to Starbucks, they wanna be on their cell phone, they wanna be on Facebook, they wanna be talking to their friends, taking care of their online banking, paying bills.   And so, character comes first. And if we teach our children their purpose and their place in this world, if we help them find and discover their giftedness and their aptitudes and invite them along those pathways and we increasingly turn more and more of that education over to them in the high school years where they begin to take responsibility for their own education, we're going to end up with not just capable but outstanding young men and women who can quickly take their place in our culture and rise to the very top because frankly, there's very little competition.   Laura Dugger: (46:26 - 46:36) Wow. Well, Steve, is there anything else that we haven't yet covered?   Any scriptures or stories to share that you wanna make sure we don't miss?   Steve Lambert: (46:37 - 50:16) The thing we want people to take away from all of that is not that the only way to raise your kids is to homeschool or that God doesn't approve of anything else.   The point is, listen to God and do what he said, but don't put your fingers in your ears because he often calls us to things that we really maybe didn't wanna hear and obedience is better than sacrifice.   One of my favorite stories, when our oldest daughter started to college, she went through placement counseling that summer and the placement counselor said, "You know, I don't think I've..." That was in 1991. He said, "I don't think I've ever had a student who was homeschooled."   So, that's pretty interesting. And she said, "Okay, great." And there were 30,000 students at this college and she was not only at that point, as far as we know, the only or first homeschooler, but she was also the youngest, having just turned 16 that in the middle of August.   And so, when she began, one of the prereq classes that every incoming freshman had to take was public speaking.   And she realized much to her horror that her public speaking teacher was the guy who had helped with her placement counseling earlier in the summer.   And she really didn't want anybody to know she'd been homeschooled, but she said there were returning GIs from Operation Desert Storm.   There were empty nest moms coming back to finish the degree. There were pre-med students. There were student athletes.   There were just every kind of student in that class because everybody had to take public speaking.   And he said, the very first day, the teacher said, "I'd like for everybody to give a six-minute speech on Monday. That's the best way to do this is just to jump in on whether or not you think we ought to be involved in nation building. Except for you, Ms. Lambert, and I'd like for you to give six-minute speech on what it was like to be homeschooled."   And she slunk down below her desk and tried to disappear into the floor.   And she said, "Dad, what am I gonna do?" I said, "Well, just get up and tell them."   So, she did. And she said, you know, as far as I can tell over the course of that semester, she said every single person in that class, whether they were 18 or 58, found me somewhere on the campus in the quadrangle at the library, the cafeteria, in the parking lot, and said in one way or another, their own words, "You're so lucky your parents cared enough about you to be involved in your education. I'm jealous. I'm envious. I wish my parents had been."   She said, but the one that killed me was a girl who was 18, had just graduated from a prestigious high school the previous May.   And she began to tell her story. And she said, "When I began high school four years ago, my goal was to become valedictorian of my graduating class. I've never been at a sleepover. I've never been to a, you know, skating party or, you know, movies. All I've done is study for four years. And she said, I was in AP classes all the way through and my GPA was like 4.7887. And there was this guy and his was 4.78779. And he and I competed every year in every class. And it came down to the final test and the final class and the final semester. And I beat him by two points."   And so, last May, she said, my dream came true.   And I stood on the football field and I gave the commencement address, the valedictorian address to 4,000 of my peers, their parents, civic leaders, laity, community leaders of faith. And both of my parents were too busy to attend.   She said, "I wish my parents cared and had been as involved in my education as yours were. You're very lucky."   And she said, "Dad, it just killed me to hear her story."   And I said, "I don't have any answers, honey, but our joy was raising you girls and seeing you become the people that God intended you to become."   Laura Dugger: (50:18 - 50:43) Wow, Steve, that is so powerful.   And what an incredible charge to leave each of us with to go and do likewise.   And as we wind down our time together, you are already familiar that we are called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge.   And so, as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Steve Lambert: (50:45 - 51:59) Read aloud, read often, read to your spouse, read to your kids.   Jane and I continue, we've been together now 57 years, and we still read aloud to one another every single day.   I read aloud to my kids still on occasion, my grandkids still, my daughters are in their 40s.   My grandkids, but that was the joy. And that's the thing that when all else fails, when your relationship is struggling, when your homeschool day is falling flat on its face, get a great book and snuggle together with your kids and read out loud.    It's in that process that their imaginations are birthed, their angst is quieted, and disagreements between spouses can suddenly be pushed aside because suddenly you're facing sorrow and you have a sword in your hand or you're coming down the Mississippi River on a riverboat or whatever it is that you, it unlocks doors that sometimes we didn't even know were locked.   So, that's the Savvy Sauce that's worked for us. Read aloud, read often, and don't let a day go by that you don't read to your children, even when your kids are 18. And if you have little ones, read to the little ones and I guarantee you the high schoolers will come around and listen to every day.   Laura Dugger: (52:00 - 52:23) I love that so much. That is wonderful.   And I have very much appreciated your insights and wisdom that you shared with us today.   So, thank you for the legacy that you and Jane have been building for years.   Thank you for being a faithful and intentional father and husband.   And thank you so much, Steve, for being my guest.   Steve Lambert: (52:24 - 52:29) Laura, it's been my pleasure. I've appreciated the opportunity. Thank you for what you do.   God bless you.   Laura Dugger: (52:29 - 55:45) Thank you. One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you.   But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves.   This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own.   So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a Savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.   This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.   We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us.   Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    So, would you pray with me now?   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place.   I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life?   We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.   If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him.   You get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason.   We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started?   First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible.   The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible.   I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John.   Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ.   I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ.   We also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged.   Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with.   You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Today the Church celebrates the birth of Our Lady and it has me reflecting on my own beginnings as a Catholic life coach and podcaster. When I first sat down to record, I was nervous, uncertain, and honestly a little scared.  Who would want to listen to me?! But like Mary, I knew God was inviting me to say “yes,” even when I didn't understand what He was going to do with it. Just three years and over 40,000 downloads later, and with so many new listeners recently finding the podcast, today I'm going back to the beginning.  I want to share my story: how God walked with me through grief, marriage, motherhood, and homeschooling, and how He transformed my heart by teaching me to keep saying yes.  It's vulnerable, raw, and full of gratitude for the ways He has helped me write my story so far. If you've ever wondered how to trust Him with your own story, I'd love to share mine with you. Please grab your earbuds and join me for: MVP Becoming a Happy, Holy Mama Learn more about my work as a Catholic life coach for homeschooling mamas HERE!

“Oh, you look so serious!” I said to my ten-week-old granddaughter Leilani. She was studying my face with a knitted brow as I talked to her. “I’d be serious too,” I continued, “looking at this world. But you know what? Mama loves you, Daddy loves you, and Baba and Papa (our nicknames as grandparents) love you too. But best of all, Jesus loves you! And that means everything!” Then it happened. Like a cloud letting the sun through, the furrow left her brow and her little face lit up with a smile that melted my heart. Like most grandparents, I’d like to believe she understood me, though that may be a stretch. But perhaps she caught some of the joy behind my words. The simple, innocent joy that shone on her face brought to mind Jesus’ words that we must “receive the kingdom of God like a little child” (Mark 10:15). Jesus said those words as “people were bringing little children” to Him so He might “place his hands on them” and bless them (vv. 13, 16). But “the disciples rebuked them,” thinking Jesus too busy or important. That troubled Him (vv. 14-15). Children are naturally humble and dependent. To receive God’s kindness to us in Christ, we too must turn from pride and admit our need for Him in everything. As we do, He exchanges this world’s hopelessness with the promise of life with God forever. And that should make us smile.

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