#173: Working Through the Clutter with Dana White
I feel overwhelmed by housework. My brain can’t seem to process monotonous tasks like de-cluttering. There is a HUGE difference between how I want my house to look and how it looks right now. Dana K. White is an author, podcaster, speaker, and (much to her own surprise) a decluttering expert. In a desperate attempt to get her own home under control, Dana started blogging as "Nony" (short for an...
47m Feb 18, 2019
47m
#172: Struggling Sisters: Sanctuary
I don’t even have a place to BE in this house! What am I even going for design-wise? These are valid and we are here to help! Struggling Sisters are at it again talking about how to make your house into a sanctuary with our organization tips plus ideas on how to make your very own most-favorite spot. Em shares how hard it is to wake up in the mornings and how she likes to live by lamp light mos...
38m Feb 11, 2019
38m
#171: Reframing Home with Sarah Bragg
Sarah Bragg is a popular host and communicator. You can find her on iTunes hosting the podcasts Are My Kids On Track (http://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/listen/)  and Surviving Sarah (http://www.sarahbragg.com/survivingsarah/) . Her book titled Body. Beauty. Boys. The Truth About Girls and How We See Ourselves (https://amzn.to/2WvxSHy)  helps young women find their value in the One who made the...
57m Feb 04, 2019
57m
#170: January Problem Solved
Do you worry that you’re messing your kids up when it comes to body image? Maybe YOU feel a little messed up when it comes to body image. That’s where Rebecky and I come in. We are here to solve all of the body problems and let you know that we feel a little messed up too. These are the things we are sure of: nakedness can be used to repel children when you need a moment alone, “boring” meal pr...
47m Jan 28, 2019
47m
#169: A Body Image Deep Drive with Kara Osborne
Have you been caught up comparing yourself to others? Are you finding LITTLE imperfections in yourself and feeling inadequate in a BIG way? Shoot girl, you forgot your worth AGAIN! Body image is tri-cky and you are not alone in this struggle. Meet Kara. She is the mastermind behind Wellness Witness, a program that helps women on their journey towards better health: physically, emotionally, and ...
35m Jan 21, 2019
35m
#167: Struggling Sisters: Body
It’s body month (Have you downloaded the printable (https://strugglewellproject.com/body) yet?) and in this episode, Katie and I are talking all things kitchen including our kitchen irritations and habits as well as tips and tricks for getting our kids involved in the kitchen. We also share a few of our favorite recipes and stories from our childhood. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: music we like to listen...
47m Jan 14, 2019
47m
#167: Solving Dinnertime Drama with Polly Conner
It’s not called the “witching hour” for no reason. Dinnertime comes to the Thomas house daily and with it comes crying and drama (and sometimes my kids are upset too…). I got a lot out of this chat and I hope you do as well! Polly is a wife, mother, blogger, foodie, money-saver, animal-lover, and freezer cooking evangelist. She has a heart for equipping and encouraging young moms and women to t...
47m Jan 07, 2019
47m
#166: Translating Teenagers with Drew Hill
“It’s impossible to connect with my teenager!” “My child is only 9, we aren’t battling teen issues yet.” “My relationship with the Father doesn’t REALLY impact my relationship with my kids.” In the words of the great Dwight Schrute: FALSE! In this chat, Drew helps us understand how to approach hurdles with the teens we love. Drew Hill is the author of Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel...
53m Dec 24, 2018
53m
#165: December Problem Solved
Christmas is just a week away - are you feeling frazzled? Don’t worry, we are too. Fortunately, we’re here to solve your holiday problems from contentious in-laws to all those annoying toys your kids will get this year. We also weigh the pros and cons or real vs. artificial Christmas trees and tackle the age-old question - what do you do when your mom won’t let you stop delivering angel food ca...
51m Dec 17, 2018
51m
#164: Struggling Sisters: Family
Is your family weird/amazing/loud/embarrassing/picky? Or at least one of those things? Us too! The Struggling Sisters talk about strange (and accidentally true crime) family traditions that Em found on the interwebs and we divulge the traditions we have started with our own families. We also did an extensive quiz to find out which Disney family we are. These are the facts: Katie’s family yells,...
55m Dec 10, 2018
55m
#163: The Magic of Empathy with Kim Stuart
Do you frequent the parenting shame cycle? Could you use tips on how to genuinely engage with teenagers? How can you help your children choose quality friendships? Kimberly Stuart grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, where she learned to be snobbish about corn on the cob and good storytelling. She earned degrees at St. Olaf College and the University of Iowa, both fine institutions that did very little...
1hr 3m Dec 03, 2018
1hr 3m
November Problem Solved
Could you use practical tips on how to find your identity outside of motherhood? What can you do to not feel old or out of touch with your ideal style? Are there things you had to put down because of adulting but would like to rediscover? Identity can be a complex and vast concept, but we actually managed to come up with some great tips! What we chat about: Rebecky’s birth story and an update ...
59m Nov 26, 2018
59m
#161: Sex, Money and Your Marriage with Cherie Lowe
“Passionate Patience” and “Financial Foreplay” are coming up today, so buckle up! Have you ever considered how intertwined sex and money are in your marriage? This fascinating conversation Cherie Lowe outlines how to save money and improve your love life. This conversation is jam-packed with info you’re going to want to put in place! What we chat about: You’re bringing a covered dish to a part...
1hr Nov 19, 2018
1hr
#160: Feeling Too Far Behind to Catch Up with Katie Ordway
Do you ever feel inadequate because you don’t know enough? Do you tell yourself you’re too behind to ever catch up? In this episode with Katie, we discuss her recent decision to follow Jesus and the identity questions she still wrestles with. We do official internet “research” (via online quizzes) to drill down to our true identities as well. What we discovered is: the concept of identity is a ...
51m Nov 12, 2018
51m
New Podcast I Had To Tell You About: Imagined Life
Family time while driving can be a challenge. I wanted to share a family-friendly new podcast with you that will have everyone engaged.  Give it a listen and subscribe here!
5m Nov 07, 2018
5m
#159: Demystifying Counseling with Ann Taylor McNiece
Do you think you might need counseling, but don’t know where to start or even if it’s okay to get help? Ann has got answers. Ann Taylor McNiece is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a wife, a mom, a daughter, and a friend. Over the past few years, she has worked in the schools with kids of all ages, in private practice with individuals and couples, and in a community mental health agency...
51m Nov 05, 2018
51m
Just Em #16: Identity
Excited to kick off our first-ever Struggle Well Project Focus! Interestingly, as I studied the concept of identity, I got very involved in the study of icebergs…I know. It’s odd. Just stay with me here. I promise it is interesting. Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon
13m Nov 01, 2018
13m
#158: The Wondering Years with Knox McCoy
I enjoy pop culture AND Christianity. Did you know this can be a thing? Knox McCoy loves laughing and making people laugh. Really anything that’s laughter-adjacent, he’s into. He’s also super into the word “swashbuckling” and his dream is to one day use it in a bio. Knox began podcasting in 2011 as a way to talk more about popular culture, and to his extreme surprise, he’s still doing it every ...
55m Oct 29, 2018
55m
#157: Holding Tight to Permanent with Amanda Williams
Amanda Bible Williams likes words and books more than just about anything. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and English, nearly a master’s in religion, and a deep love for a farmhouse east of Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their four children. Chief Content Officer of She Reads Truth, Amanda spends her days happily rearranging sentences and explaining that ...
58m Oct 22, 2018
58m
October Problem Solved
Fall is here are we’re solving all of your Halloween headaches like picking a couples costume, appropriate trick or treat age limits and handing out candy. We also determine when it’s appropriate to start watching Hallmark Christmas movies and tackle the challenge of getting your kids to wear winter clothes. And our friendship is tested when Rebecky reveals she doesn't like pumpkin spice flavor...
40m Oct 18, 2018
40m
#156: Preaching to Yourself with Hayley Morgan
Hayley Morgan is a writer, speaker, and social entrepreneur who inspires women to know what is true about God and themselves. Her first book called Wild and Free, co-written with Jess Connolly, was published in May 2016 and quickly became a USA Today Bestseller. She currently runs the women's boutique Nellie Taft, named after an American First Lady and featuring all Made in the USA products. Yo...
53m Oct 15, 2018
53m
#155: Raising Readers with Sarah Clarkson
Sarah Clarkson is an author, a blogger, and a student of theology. She's the author of Read for the Heart, Caught Up in a Story, and Journeys of Faithfulness, as well as her latest titled, Book Girl (a Woman's Guide to the Reading Life). Through blogs, books, and her current research, she explores the theological significance of story, the intersection of theology and imagination, and the forma...
54m Oct 08, 2018
54m
#154: Surrender, Suffering and Community with Shannan Martin
Wouldn’t it be amazing if life didn’t include loss? Sometimes we love things so much the idea of letting them go feels like it might be the end of us. If you are walking through a season of surrender (voluntary or forced) or if this season has been one of suffering for you, you’re going to find comfort in Shannan’s story. If you long for a community but don’t know how to get it, you are in for ...
1hr 1m Oct 01, 2018
1hr 1m
September Problem Solved
Happy September! This month we’re solving everything from coping with your kids growing out of the baby phase to wishing your kids would grow up. Also binge eating, high school hazing, closet organization, and farting Birkenstocks. Trust us. We’re experts (basically). Links mentioned: Wellness Revelation Alisa Keeton Revelation Wellness Podcast House Peace Ways to support the show: Patreon Amaz...
49m Sep 29, 2018
49m
#152: Holding Space for Others with Chantel Runnels
Chantel Runnels is a wife to one and a mom to three. Her leadership path runs from the halls of hospitals, through offices of higher education and to the arenas of television networks and studios. She is currently a home educator, a consultant, and a doula. What we chat about: how and why Chantel lived on the road with her family of 5 challenging social and religious constructs what keeps he...
1hr Sep 17, 2018
1hr
#151: Redirected Dreams with Teresa Swanstrom Anderson
Teresa Swanstrom Anderson is living the life she thought she never wanted. With an art history degree and dreams of living in Europe as a curator, Teresa had big plans for herself. After a decision to lay her exciting plans at the feet of Christ, God began changing her heart little by little and began dating the man who eventually became her husband. Teresa’s life is a series of redirected drea...
51m Sep 10, 2018
51m
#150: Faith, Humor, and Personality with Jamie Golden
Jamie Golden has been co-hosting The Popcast with Knox McCoy since August 2013. It is a nationally ranked, weekly pop culture podcast that’s part deep dive, mostly shallow end. Jamie and Knox also launched their newest podcast, The Bible Binge, in February of 2018. Season 1 wrapped in the top 3% of all podcasts. She makes her home in Birmingham, Alabama where she advocates for foster and adopte...
1hr 1m Sep 03, 2018
1hr 1m
August Problem Solved
This month we're tackling all the problems from picking out the perfect stroller to extreme wedding party expenses. Plus, Emily explains why you need to have a Newfie Poo and we've got an exciting update on Rebecky's book deal! Links mentioned: Common Sense Media VidAngel Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts! If y...
50m Aug 30, 2018
50m
#149: Regarding Immigrants and Diversity with Kristel Acevedo
Krystel Acevedo is a wife, mom, writer, and speaker.  She is an introvert who loves people and encourages them to take bold steps in their lives for Christ's sake.  She is, admittedly, still working out what that means in her life as well. What we chat about: dispelling stereotypes about immigrants talking with your kids about difficult subjects psychology and Christianity Links mentioned: How ...
52m Aug 27, 2018
52m
#148: Planting & Celebrating with Jess Connolly
Jess Connolly is a woman who wants to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it. She is passionate about family, God's Word, and seeing women take their place in the Kingdom. She loves communicating, coffee, color, and the local church. She and her husband Nick live in Charleston, SC where they've planted Bright City Church. They have four wild and hilarious kids: Elias, Glorian...
1hr Aug 20, 2018
1hr
#147: Imperfect Courage with Jessica Honegger
Jessica Honegger is a pioneer. As founder and co-CEO of Noonday Collection, the world’s largest fair-trade jewelry company, she has created a new breed of social entrepreneurship that empowers women, connects cultures, and celebrates handmade beauty. Her path to award-winning business leader was anything but traditional: from serving as a midwife in Bolivia, to earning her Master’s degree in Ed...
52m Aug 13, 2018
52m
Ep. 146: Living Ready to Leave with Kelly Sites
Kelly Sites is a wife and mom to 19-year-old twins who she homeschooled all the way through high school. She has been a registered nurse for 20 years and has worked as an international disaster response nurse with Samaritan's Purse since 2010. She has deployed over 13 times to disasters around the world, including the Cholera outbreak in Haiti, tsunamis, earthquakes, and hurricanes.  She deploy...
54m Aug 06, 2018
54m
ENCORE: Viewing Inadequacies as Gifts with Anjuli Paschall
This girl is authentic. She is honest and not afraid to speak up about her struggles because she knows that's how others can know they are not alone. She's my kind of girl. You're going to love hearing her share her heart towards mothering in particular and life in general. I know I did! What We Chat About: the difference between willfulness, willlessness, and willingness how sometimes going to...
46m Jul 30, 2018
46m
ENCORE: Crazy Incredible Redemption of Horrific Things with Amber Newberry
Some of us are able to tell stories eloquently. Some of our stories have rough places that can seem too dark to overcome. My friend Amber's story is both; incredibly difficult AND beautifully told. She is a gifted storyteller with a story of forgiveness and grace that will knock your socks off. Or, since it's summer, maybe just knock your flip-flops across the room. What We Chat About: What it'...
59m Jul 23, 2018
59m
ENCORE: Protecting Our Kids from Our Baggage with Jim and Lynne Jackson
Jim and Lynne have worked in the trenches with parents of all kinds – single parents, adoptive parents, parents of teens, parents of kids with intense behavior challenges, parents in blended families, parents of wealth and parents in poverty, and any other kind of parent you can think of. In other words, they have a lot of experience!  You're going to get a lot out of this chat. Grab a pen and ...
56m Jul 16, 2018
56m
Encore: Lay Your Worry Down & Sing a Song Instead with Ellie Holcomb
Loss, disappointment, and fear of the unknown have marked Ellie's journey of wrestling through and coming to firmly believe in God’s faithfulness. Her new album Red Sea Road is clearly written as an act of obedience to sing in the middle of the heartbreak.  I loved the heart behind this album so much I wanted to share Ellie with you guys today! What we chat about: The benefits and most of worki...
42m Jul 09, 2018
42m
ENCORE: You Are Loved and Worth Loving with Brandi Lea
Brandi is a single mom who was just sure God wouldn't use her after she was divorced. She wanted to help people but kept being told her usefulness had ended. She believed it until she sold some cows on Facebook. You'll just have to listen to the rest to believe this amazing story! What We Chat About: How she ended up starting a nonprofit despite her best efforts NOT to How she healed from a bro...
57m Jul 02, 2018
57m
Problem Solved: Big News in June
In this life-changing episode we chat about vegetables, small-group struggles, and Rebecca's dirty fingernails.  There's also a moment where we thought she might be getting mugged but (spoiler alert) it was just a misunderstanding.   Then in the end we busted out with some news that we hadn't shared before which was fun and also nerve-wracking!  Hope you enjoy it!
41m Jun 28, 2018
41m
Just Em #15: Do You Want to be Healed?
This week we're reading John 5:1-9. Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Ask yourself if you truly want God to change you. Ask God why you're alone. Is this for just a season or are you not making an effort? Episode Sponsor: Fabletics: get two pairs of leggings for just $24 when you become a VIP member
14m Jun 28, 2018
14m
#145: Compared to Who with Heather Creekmore
Originally an East Coast native, Heather Creekmore is a church planter/pastor’s wife living in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. Through her ministry, Compared to Who?, Heather speaks and writes to encourage Christian women who struggle with body image and comparison. Heather’s passion is seeing women set free from all that holds them back from finding their true purpose in Christ. In her free time...
46m Jun 25, 2018
46m
Ep. 144: White Girls and Diversity with Nika Spaulding
Meet Nika Spaulding, a dynamic force with boundless energy. As the Director of Women’s Equipping and Curriculum at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Nika produces the curriculum for her Bible studies for women of all ages. She successfully balances her love of shepherding women with her love of theology. Her classes of more than 500 women are centered around God’s Word, which is sure to tra...
48m Jun 18, 2018
48m
Episode 14: Faith with Experience
This week we're reading John 4:46-54. Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Reading Everybody, Always by Bob Goff Taking God at His word, without asking for proof Examing what  you truly believe about God's capabilities and His heart attitude towards you Speaking out loud the things that you're believing God t...
13m Jun 14, 2018
13m
#143: Hey Dad with Kevin Madsen
Kevin Madsen and his wife Trisha are the team behind HeyDad, a new subscription box for Dads and kids. Kevin attended UCLA and has spent most of his career in the tech world. He is married to his best friend Trisha, and they have three wonderful psychotic children, Gideon (6), Julien (4), and Josie (almost 2). Kevin also hosts a podcast about Dad life (The HeyDad Podcast) with his two brothers ...
1hr 2m Jun 11, 2018
1hr 2m
#142: Holy Hustle with Crystal Stine
Crystal has a heart for encouraging women to live authentic lives, online and in real life and offers a unique perspective as a small-town writer who has learned from her internet community how to build real-life community. Her heart is to encourage, equip and inspire women of all ages to embrace a work hard, rest well lifestyle that honors God with their every day, small moment obedience. Her ...
38m Jun 04, 2018
38m
Just Em #13: Zoom Out
This week we're reading John 4:31-35. Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Being patient with our kids by explaining things to them twice, patiently and from an angle that they can understand Planting seeds in our children's lives is important, even if we're not the ones who reap the harvest The difference be...
15m May 31, 2018
15m
#141: Q&A with Jennie Allen
Jennie Allen is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze this generation to live what they believe. She is the author of Anything and the Bible studies Stuck and Chase, and is the founder and visionary of IF: Gathering. Jennie is married to her best friend, Zac, and they have been blessed with four children, the youngest of whom was adopted from Rwanda. What we chat abou...
47m May 28, 2018
47m
Problem Solved: Horse in a Cotton Field Edition
In this monthly chat we talk about sneezing, ultrasounds, the Olsen twins, and what to do when you've forgotten a new friend's name.  You will leave changed.
36m May 21, 2018
36m
#140: All About Enneagrams with Beth McCord
Beth McCord is the founder of  Your Enneagram Coach and has been an Enneagram speaker, coach, and teacher for over 15 years. She is passionate about coming alongside individuals and helping them re-write their story, allowing them to see that lasting change, meaningful relationships, and a life of deep purpose is possible.  Beth is currently offering MSW listeners $10 off either Discovering You...
51m May 21, 2018
51m
Just Em #12: Leaving Your Water Jar
This week we're reading John 4:16-30. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Getting honest with God about the state of our lives Assessing the heart of our worship Determining what we need to leave behind in order to lead others to Jesus Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum: get a two-week free trial by visiting ph...
11m May 17, 2018
11m
#139: Children and Mental Illness with Lynn Cowell
Lynn and her husband, Greg, have been married for over 30 years and are the parents of three young adults. They enjoy spending time together, especially when it combines the mountains, well-worn sweatshirts, and anything with chocolate and peanut butter. Lynn, her family, and the occasional backyard deer, live near Charlotte, North Carolina. What we chat about: how being empty-nesters has affec...
49m May 14, 2018
49m