#223: Marriage is Funny with The Peppers
Do you love to storm out when you’re fighting with your spouse? Maybe get a good door slam in and draw things out a bit? Conflict happens. Especially with those partners we love so much and that’s exactly what we’re talking about today with The Peppers. Gerard Brown (https://www.instagram.com/meetthepeppers/) and Jessie Artigue (https://www.instagram.com/styleandpepper/) launched the now popula...
56m Feb 03, 2020
56m
#222: January Problem Solved
We solved it all this week. How do you plan for a day out and about without breaking the bank to feed your crew on the way home? Solved. What to do when your friends are shaming you for living paycheck to paycheck? Solved! Is meal planning non-existent in your home and you think it’s breaking the bank? SOLVED! Listeners not only wrote with their problems, they told us what makes them feel like ...
45m Jan 27, 2020
45m
#221: Mom to Mom - Working Moms
Are you a workin’ lady? Maybe you’ll be returning to work in the near future. Maybe you don’t work outside of the home but some friends that you love do. This week I wanted to share a conversation that I had with the women over on the Mom to Mom Podcast. We talk about tips for working moms and also I share a very raw description of what it looks like in the Thomas house now that I’m back to wor...
44m Jan 20, 2020
44m
#220: Struggling Sisters: Save Well
Are you a saver or a spender? Do you have a joint bank account or are they separate? Oh, and do you still tuck in the front of your shirt or is that over now? This week we are talking finances and saving well. Emily brought some really simple saving tips and Katie sends out a siren call for large thongs. We establish that money can be difficult and Em stumbled upon some helpful sermons to ponde...
42m Jan 13, 2020
42m
#219: Try Softer with Aundi Kolber
What should you do when you feel yourself losing your cool? How do you know if you’ve experienced trauma? My guest this week is as wise as the day is long and gives us practical tips to help us stay in the moment, honor the pace of our healing, and work our patience like a muscle. We are talking: trauma, shame and the price we pay living in a society that values overachieving. If you don’t alre...
56m Jan 06, 2020
56m
#218: Finding Holy in the Suburbs with Ashley Hales
WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what it’s like for Ashley as an only child now raising four kids how learning to play with her kids and appreciating the moment has become a spiritual discipline what helped Ashley embrace her life as a mom letting go of expectations and embracing the things that are important to you the emphasis Ashley places on getting to know her kids and how she does that letting your ov...
54m Dec 30, 2019
54m
#217: December Problem Solved
We are right back at it solving your problems this week! We discuss homeschooling vs. public school, ethical dilemmas at the goodwill checkout stand and kids that easily get bent out of shape (that’s right, we’re talking about all of them!). Keep writing in with your problems (and yo, we’ll solve ‘em) at hello@momstrugglingwell.com (mailto:hello@momstrugglingwell.com) . WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how ...
40m Dec 23, 2019
40m
#216: It's Complicated with Sarah Mae
I met Jesus. And meeting Him changed everything. Sarah Mae is a nationally known speaker, the host of The Complicated Heart Podcast (https://sarahmae.podbean.com/) , and co-author of the bestselling book, Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe (https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Hope-Mom-Needs-Breathe/dp/1400204666/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Desperate%3A%20Hope%20for%20the%20Mom%20Who%20Needs%...
1hr 8m Dec 16, 2019
1hr 8m
#215: Struggling Sisters: Finish Well
What does it mean to finish well? This week I break it down real simple-like and give you 4 steps to help you reflect on 2019. But don’t worry! It’s not scary and at the end of this exercise, there will be plenty of encouragement. That’s just my style! There is even a printable so dive in with us in this last month of the year as we discuss finishing well. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what’s new and not...
48m Dec 09, 2019
48m
#214: Untold Stories Don't Heal with Mary DeMuth
How can I talk to my kids about sexual abuse? How do I know if what I encountered is abuse? Is my church a safe place for my kids? All of these are important questions and we talk about the hard stuff today with my guest Mary DeMuth. Her best advice for us? Speak up, and persevere anyway. If you met Mary DeMuth today, her joy might confuse you. Who she has become in light of tragedy is a testim...
48m Dec 02, 2019
48m
#213: November Problem Solved
WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: encouragement if you’re grieving this holiday season letting your kids have all the toys (even if they clutter your house) dealing with dirty floors what to do with all the kids at parties so you don’t get stuck babysitting helping kids with sensory needs during loud family get-togethers how to enjoy hosting holidays with divorced parents throwing a post-Christmas birthday p...
48m Nov 25, 2019
48m
#212: Prospering in the Unplanned with Sheridan Voysey
Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker, and broadcaster on faith and spirituality. His other books include Resurrection Year: Turning Broken Dreams into New Beginnings (https://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Year-Turning-Broken-Beginnings/dp/0849964806) , Resilient (https://www.amazon.com/Resilient-Your-Invitation-Jesus-Shaped-Life/dp/1627073566/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) , and th...
57m Nov 18, 2019
57m
#211: Struggling Sisters: Celebrate Well
It just seems like when we are celebrating we should actually be having FUN! This week, we talk about how to celebrate WELL. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Celebrating the holidays using the WELL framework - Wait, Expect, Listen, Lean In 7 steps to help you enjoy holiday parties Rules for throwing a crappy house party (and why you should try it) Your Chrismas strugg stories including everything from trash...
1hr 11m Nov 11, 2019
1hr 11m
#210: Going Grumble-Free with Tricia Goyer
Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, doting grandma, and wife to John. A USA Today bestselling author, Tricia has published seventy books and is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Finalist. She is also on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com (https://www.thebettermom.com/) and other homeschooling and Christian sites. Tricia is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministr...
55m Nov 04, 2019
55m
#209: October Problem Solved
This month we tackle business problems! We talk about budgeting, saving for college, and loans. Rebecky was also on the cusp of a citizens arrest AND a drug intervention in the parking lot she was recording in. We caught up on Jonah’s Bigfoot hunt and Em apologized for bringing a ghost child on the podcast last week. Look for us on Instagram this coming month as we ask for questions you need to...
39m Oct 28, 2019
39m
#208: Exit Letter to a Cult (Part 2) with Sarabeth Kapusta
This is part 2 of a great conversation with Sarabeth Kapusta. Even though she has experienced countless reasons to distrust, and even flee Christianity, God has given her a deep love for His Church, His Word, and making known to as many as possible that God is not an abuser. She is an attorney and a generally free-spirited person. She is also a violinist, runner, writer, wannabe chef, and farm ...
57m Oct 21, 2019
57m
#207: October Struggling Sisters
This month was brought to you by the letter: M. We had all kinds of things to tell you! We had a mosquito moment, a mobster moment and a moronic moment. We also talked about new music we like, an update on Em’s mattress saga and more on mental health. We touched base on where we’re at with the Magnolia marathon and some memorable massages we had recently. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Mosquito Minute: Ka...
39m Oct 14, 2019
39m
#206: Exit Letter to a Cult (Part 1) with Sarabeth Kapusta
You know that nagging feeling you get when something feels off? That feeling turned into a storm inside this girl and it changed the course of her life forever. Meet Sarabeth Kapusta. Even though she has experienced countless reasons to distrust, and even flee Christianity, God has given her a deep love for His Church, His Word, and making known to as many as possible that God is not an abuser....
56m Oct 07, 2019
56m
#205: September Problem Solved
WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Gavin’s successful sleep training the full-circle story of Rebecky’s new dog, Mojo what to do when your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking pro tips on how to entertain your toddler when breastfeeding a baby how Emily’s counselor finally convinced her that she’s overcommitting solving your sex problems… very awkwardly solving all of Rebecky’s husband’s problems from empty wate...
45m Sep 30, 2019
45m
#204: Hostess with the Mostess with Meg Duerksen
Have you ever felt called to do something for your community? Whether it’s cultivating a craft weekend with strangers or caring for tiny sweet foster babies, Meg Duerksen is the hostess with the mostess. Meg is a girl who turned “you know what would be a good idea” into an adult Barbie dream house and boy are we glad she did! She is the creator of Camp Create at the Whatever Craft House in Newt...
48m Sep 23, 2019
48m
#203: Getting Loud with Rebekah Lyons
How do you know if you have depression or anxiety? At what point do you seek help? Rebekah came on this week to share her story and we talk a lot about fear, lies, mental health and faith. When your identity is tied to your accomplishments it’s easy to start to feel like you’re drowning. So, what has to change? What does God say about rest, food, connection, creativity? Rebekah shares with us a...
42m Sep 16, 2019
42m
#202: September Struggling Sisters
This month it was decided that we need to have a catch up session BUT that we would keep it purposeful. Here’s what we covered: Important dates in September (there are a surprising amount of things to celebrate), glitter cuticles and back to school. Em talks openly about “breaking her brain” while trying to switch medications and we deep dive mascara. You know, the ushe. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Kat...
39m Sep 10, 2019
39m
#201: On Outsiders and Idols with Rachel Jones
Do you ever feel like an outsider no matter where you are? Do you need motivation to be courageous and talk to the people that could be "your people”? Rachel lives and writes in Djibouti, a small country in the Horn of Africa. Her family has learned (is still learning) how to struggle well while living as cultural and spiritual outsiders in this Muslim country. She has published a book about ra...
49m Sep 02, 2019
49m
#200: The 200th Episode
This week for our 200th episode celebration Rebecky and Katie combined forces to surprise Emily with sweet sentiments, cutting sarcasm and a little bit of encouragement. It was so fun to celebrate and take some time to reflect on the past 4 years. Thank you all for being here and I’m so glad you get to celebrate with us! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: facts involving the number 200 (because Emily knows th...
37m Aug 26, 2019
37m
#199: Get Planty with Dusty Hegge
Have you ever made the connection between the growth of a plant and the growth in your faith? Have you ever encountered a communicative plant? If you’re a plant lover, buckle in! If you aren’t YET, you're going to learn about totipotent nodes. I mean, that's just going to happen. But you're also going to hear a beautiful story about rising up through the soil in a broken home, battling depressi...
54m Aug 19, 2019
54m
#198: Struggling Sisters - Treat Yo Self!
Have you ever heard of a vampire facial? Ever considered a fanny pack for fashionable bike riding emergencies? This month we talk about the importance of treating yourself, or, as Tom and Donna from Parks and Rec say, “Treat Yo Self!”. This doesn’t have to be fancy or extravagant. We all need a little something fun to celebrate our fantastical selves every now and again. Listen to hear some of ...
35m Aug 12, 2019
35m
#197: The God Dare with Kate Battistelli
What is a God Dare? Will it be scary? How can I be sure that it’s actually God speaking to me? I can’t WAIT for you to get to know Kate. She speaks to us today about letting Jesus pick your future and what that looks like. She’s down to earth and blows her own cover on some pretty personal things along her journey. Kate wrote her book, The God Dare (https://amzn.to/2MFvgEu) , for anyone who fee...
45m Aug 05, 2019
45m
196: July Problem Solved
WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Rebecky’s decision to stop homeschooling her kids (and she doesn’t care if you like it or not) Emily’s marathon training and what inspired her to try something she didn’t even think was possible saving up for our son’s weddings - is that a thing now? how FaceApp is making us all fear turkey necks and wrinkles with its age filter date night ideas for staying in or going out w...
34m Jul 29, 2019
34m
#195: The Brain Body Connection with Alisa Keeton
I don’t want to abuse food. I workout, but nothing changes. I try hard and then I fail hard. You are not alone, sweet girl! Alisa came on the show to talk to all of us about the lies we are telling ourselves when it comes to wellness. She is packed full of knowledge and hits us with some incredible science that links our brains and our bodies. You can’t help but feel motivated when you hear fro...
50m Jul 22, 2019
50m
#194: Struggling Sisters: Marathon Mom
Really? My pants are tight again? I need a plan and some wellness motivation, stat! The Struggling Sisters just had this conversation in real life and it got us thinking about a wellness plan. We will share what it is and why it’s working for us. Em also shares that she has always wanted to run a marathon and how she plans to train for her first one ever! Katie pours out her heart as Yuliya in ...
26m Jul 15, 2019
26m
#193: Watch for God with Vivian Mabuni
“Would you just help me trust you, Lord? I want to want to give it all up to you.” If you’ve prayed these prayers, you’re not alone. We know that the center of God's will is the best place to be, but surrender is easier said than done. A host of hurdles, from busyness and bitterness to complacency and control, can prevent us from moving where He directs. In her latest book, Vivian Mabuni provid...
46m Jul 08, 2019
46m
#192: Song of a Wounded Heart with Lora Jones
Are you losing hope? Working through trauma? Man. Lora shared with us her journey of finding the other side of a horrible situation, and I’m so thankful for her wisdom and perspective. Lora talks to us about why it’s OK to question God and shares the story that lead her to a crossroads in her faith. Lora Jones graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Accounting and from Midwester...
41m Jul 01, 2019
41m
#191: June Problem Solved: Enneagram
If someone asked you “Do you know your number?”, would you know what they mean? They’re talking about the enneagram, of course! If you like personality tests, you’ll love this episode! Rebecky brought on the first ever Problem Solved guest, Lauren, who is an enneagram coach. She typed Rebecky live on the pod and helped us understand other enneagram numbers in the process. Rebecky can’t decide h...
44m Jun 24, 2019
44m
#190: It's Go Time with Ali Christian
Do you think if you were diagnosed with cancer that you’d think things like “This is a blessing” or “I was chosen for this mission!“? I know that I would NOT be that insightful. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Ali Christian, a wife, mom and business owner born and raised in upstate New York. She was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer, uprooted her family from NY and moved to CA to ...
45m Jun 17, 2019
45m
#189: Summer Summary with the Struggling Sisters
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the beginning of summer? Do you have any major plans? We shared a little bit of both + some of our favorite summer things and, as always, what is killing us softly. For Katie, the ticks are killing her and her family softly and the Penderwick series is giving the Thomas crew life. In this episode, you’ll understand why Em’s boss is constantly considering firing he...
37m Jun 10, 2019
37m
#188: Undercover Counseling with Tara Bremer
Tara Bremer is the founder of House Peace (http://www.housepeace.net/) and has been bringing peace into homes for over fifteen years. She holds a BA in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master's in Counseling from Moravian Theological Seminary. She brings this knowledge of the human condition, behavioral psychologies, and habit formations to every home she visits, all with a judgment-free...
48m Jun 03, 2019
48m
#187: May Problem Solved: A Menagerie of Problems
Do you think you’re hard to work with? Do you think you come on too strong? We talk through a few of these things and share some friendship and workplace insecurities. We also talk about the loveliness of Emilio Gavin and Rebecky’s pause from her million-dollar corporation + her new stay-at-home status. Rebecky shares more about her workout routine and why it’s working for her right now. It’s g...
43m May 27, 2019
43m
#186: Just Em: Lean In
How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back again with part three of a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the second L of WELL. L is for LEAN IN. TOPICS: what happens when you stop cursing your situation and get curious about it instead two things to ask yourself - What if I did something different here? What is ...
16m May 20, 2019
16m
#185: Mental Health with the Struggling Sisters
What are the signs YOU show when you need a mental health break? Do you think you could benefit from counseling but need some real-life details about it? We get deep about our own experiences with counseling and mental health issues but we also share some fun facts about some pretty outrageous arrests lately. Balance, right? From Justin Bieber to the Judds, we cover quite a lot in this episode....
45m May 13, 2019
45m
#184: Finding Family with Hallie Graves
There is so much to know about foster care. Hallie has a ton of knowledge and such a beautiful perspective on parenting. You guys are going to LOVE her. Hallie Graves is a 30-something from the great Austin, Texas. Not a fan of the linear life, Hallie’s a speaker and writer, a lawyer with a boutique law firm, a foster care activist, and a #singlefostermom with infant and toddlers, and is overly...
52m May 06, 2019
52m
#183: Just Em: Look Again
How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back again with part three of a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the first L of WELL. L is for LOOK AGAIN. TOPICS: remembering that there are two sides to every situation two different perspectives for struggling moms embracing the hard times as a chance to grow how Emily ...
27m Apr 30, 2019
27m
#182: April Problem Solved: Technology Edition
Do you have ten million pictures on your phone and need a plan? When is a good time to let your children have access to the cyberspace? How can you stay the heck off your phone? There is lot’s of talk about technology boundaries with kids and Emily’s favorite subject comes up: appropriateness! Rebecky and Emily both realize they are placing non-technology items out to be shared and discovered b...
48m Apr 22, 2019
48m
#181: Just Em: Expect
How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back again with part two of a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the E portion of WELL. E is for Expect. Topics: Emily clears up why she decided to go back to work full-time how expectations have got a bad rap, but expecting God to do things is the same as faith knowing that...
28m Apr 15, 2019
28m
#180: All of the Spring Things with the Struggling Sisters
Do your kids tell you they want a new Mom? Us too. Do you like peeps? Your mouth must be broken. There are new flavors out so try them and report back. We don’t think we have it in us. This week the Struggling Sisters talk spring. Find out what we found in our planters and what we’re planting next. Some spring blooms have brought up past trauma for Em and there is a little update on the new job...
41m Apr 08, 2019
41m
#179: The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman
How can you live your life more fully YOU? Do you need permission to take a hot minute to check in with yourself? This week we meet Emily, a grad student and a mom in a busy season of life who has practical advice on how we can connect with ourselves and our Father. We talk about creativity and all of the different shapes it can come in. Did you know you can be creative and connect with God wit...
37m Apr 01, 2019
37m
#178: March Problem Solved: Birthday Edition
We answer all of the tough birthday questions this month, like: What do you do when you forget a birthday? What’s the deal with gift bags? Do you do the party drop-off move with your kids? Rebecky has had a celebration breakthrough this year! She shared with us why it’s so important to celebrate yourself and how to not be weird about it. Em shares her go-to gift for girlfriends. Also, Rebecky g...
44m Mar 25, 2019
44m
#177: Just Em: Wait
How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back with a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the W portion of WELL. W is for Wait. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how can we tell when we’re struggling well how our society has eliminated waiting, to our own detriment reminding yourself that waiting is an option heartbreak in the mid...
18m Mar 18, 2019
18m
#176: Struggling Sisters: Community, St. Patrick's Day & Beyond
Do you need a laugh break? Have you always wanted to know the truth about St. Patrick’s Day? This week we give you a quick rundown of St. Patrick’s day history (as we understand it) and we explore some Irish phrases and accents that we enjoy. The original plan was to focus on community, so Emily shared her normal community “fake news”. A quick round of Are You into That? helped us determine we ...
31m Mar 11, 2019
31m
#175: Flawed is the New Fabulous with Dr. Barbara
Would you like to be released from the pressure to be perfect? Meet Dr. Barbara! Her job is to help people love the life they have and I’m so excited to share her with you! Dr. Barbara Lowe is a licensed psychologist who founded and owns her own practice in Durham, NC. She is also a Board Certified Life Coach, Somatic Experiencing practitioner, Speaker, Author, and Lay Minister. She is a wife, ...
44m Mar 04, 2019
44m
#174: February Problem Solved
WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how we’re struggling not very well at the moment where to start when you’re overwhelmed with clutter how to enjoy your sanctuary, even when the kids keep destroying it identifying your non-negotiable clean spots the two types of people - clean, but cluttered and tidy, but dirty the frustration of unfinished projects which Girl Scout cookie is the best Girl Scout cookie tip f...
31m Feb 25, 2019
31m