What does Jesus-centered parenting look like? :: Dr. David and Amanda Erickson [Ep 488]
What would it look like to have Jesus-centered peaceful parenting? Is your parenting style just a list of do’s and don’t or getting to the heart of your child? After correction do you feel more or less connected with your kids? Today, Dr. David and Amanda Erickson, join me to discuss their new book The Flourishing Family. They founded Flourishing Homes and Families to equip and empower Christi...
44m Sep 09, 2024
44m
Sidetracked Surprise :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 487]
Today Cynthia and I are talking about all things college drop off and how Cynthia missed saying goodbye to her daughter and I share how dropping Quade off in Tennessee went. We talk about back-to-school haircuts and terrible yearbook photos and rehash how we both ended up at the same event but had very different experiences. We end the episode with a cliffhanger story about Bucees and a HUGE ex...
30m Sep 06, 2024
30m
“What is Typical When Learning to Talk?” :: Stephanie Cohen [Ep 486]
Do you worry about whether your child is on track with verbal milestones? Does the stress of what is typical in eating, talking, and verbal cues feel confusing? Do you know speech pathologists can help with food intake or nutrient deficiency? Today I am embracing my past life as a speech-language pathologist as I chat with Stephanie Cohen. Stephanie is a mother, speech-language pathologist, au...
53m Sep 02, 2024
53m
The Reluctant Disciple :: Robin Pou [Ep 485]
Today my friend, Robin Pou, joins us to talk about his powerful testimony of a near-death experience in Africa while on a mission trip and share about his new book, a parable, that was 14 years in the making. Robin is an executive coach, author, and founder of a leadership development firm. He is in the business of training Christians to lead in the marketplace or wherever God has placed them. ...
48m Aug 26, 2024
48m
Sidetracked with Jess Connolly :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 484]
Are you tired physically, spiritually, or emotionally as a mom trying to do it all? Does the thought of resting make you stressed because you can’t see how? Do you know what kind of rest fills your soul? Today Jess Connolly joins us to talk about her new book and all the research behind the how, where, and why of rest. Jess’s life is full with being an author, Bible teacher, podcaster, and coa...
59m Aug 19, 2024
59m
“How Can I Help My Kid Make Friends?” :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 483] Summer of Mentorship week 6
Do you try to coach or control your kids in friendships? Whether sending them off to Kindergarten or College there are so many opportunities along the way to help them be good friends and pick good friends. Today we are revisiting an amazing conversation with Sissy Goff and David Thomas discussing how to help our kids foster friendships.  As licensed counselors, working at DayStar Counseling C...
56m Aug 12, 2024
56m
“How Do I Regulate My Own Emotions?” :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 482] Summer of Mentorship
As parents, we are keenly aware of the peaks and valleys of our kids’ emotions. Anger, sadness, excitement, and all the other feelings can make us feel like our child is on a roller coaster we’re just trying to slow down. It’s true that we all feel highs and lows throughout our day, but we rarely talk about what it feel like when we’re “in the zone” and feeling calm and ready to go. My guest t...
42m Aug 05, 2024
42m
Sidetracked by the Olympics, Mammograms, and Family Gambling :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 481]
Out of the gate today we are into all the TMI topics like how to wear your gown at the Doctor’s office, mammograms, and what stage of menopause we are in. (Did you know there are five?) Cynthia’s family keeps it real as usual by washing their healthy vitamins full of fruits and veggies down with Diet Dr. Pepper. Next up we discuss the Olympics, from what our favorite sports are to handball and...
56m Aug 02, 2024
56m
“What Does My Child Need?” :: Amy and Dr. Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 480] Summer of Mentorship Week 4
Do you feel like all the parenting books and formulas do not apply to your child? Is there embarrassment over public behavior that causes conflict? Are you longing for a deep connection with your kids that lasts into adulthood? Today we revisit my conversation with Amy and Jeffrey Olrick. Jeffrey is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and families and uses his know...
52m Jul 29, 2024
52m
How to Stay Calm with Strong Willed Kids? :: Kirk Martin [Ep 479] Summer of Mentorship Week Three
I love Kirk’s realistic approach to parenting. He understands what your home dynamics are like. And gives practical tips. After listening to today’s episode you will have at least three different “tricks” to apply. Most of all, I’m thankful for the new perspective he has given me. Kirk helped me recognize how emotionally invested I was in my boys’ behavior and freed me from the need to regulate...
30m Jul 22, 2024
30m
Sidetracked with Makayla Noble :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 478]
On September 20, 2021, Makayla Noble, a world-champion cheerleader, suffered an injury that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. Both Cynthia and I were part of her extended community and were getting updates on her healing journey and how to pray for her.  Today we have the honor of interviewing her to see how God has used her life to glorify Him even when things don’t go as planned. From...
47m Jul 15, 2024
47m
"Help When Adult Friendships End?" :: Shundria Riddick [Ep 477] Summer of Mentorship Week Two
A few years ago on an Instagram survey I learned that 68% of y’all have experienced broken friendships. I knew we needed an episode to help. Licensed professional counselor Shundria Riddick is here to walk us through some healthy ways to work toward reconciliation and how to know when to walk away from a hurtful friendship. We talk about setting healthy boundaries, having clarifying conversati...
38m Jul 08, 2024
38m
Sidetracked by Naming Body Parts, Steaks for Lunch, and Summer Dilemmas (when you’re not in Italy) :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 476]
**earbud alert–if you listen with little ones around may want to pop in the ole earbuds or be prepared to have lots of conversations ;) ** We kick off today looking like we are going to two separate events, with one dressed up and one in athleisure. Are you team shorts or team dresses for summer? We give some summer updates including how to feed ALL of the teens that are home and my 1980’s dri...
43m Jul 05, 2024
43m
"How do I connect better with my kids?" [Ep 475] :: Summer of Mentorship Week 1
Welcome to week one of the Summer of Mentorship! This summer we are answering your questions with guests from past episodes. We are starting off with an episode from April of 2020 (ep 280) with Rachel Macy Stafford, the founder of Hands Free Mama. Rachel’s Hands Free Mama mentality is all about finding balance in a media-saturated, perfection-obsessed world. And it’s about seizing the little m...
36m Jul 01, 2024
36m
Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474]
Do you notice our culture (especially online) is full of people who all think their opinion is correct and want to argue? Do you wish you had the tools to help your child think for themselves and have deep conversations? Julie Bogart; author, podcaster, and creator of Brave Writers; is here to help us teach our kids how to have critical thinking skills and how to use those tools as parents. In...
49m Jun 24, 2024
49m
Sidetracked with Beth McCord :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 473]
Today’s podcast kicks off with a real-life example of how the enneagram can improve relationships and facilitate healthy conflict resolution. Heather sent our guest, Beth McCord, a less than friendly email recently and Beth responded with grace and understanding because she knows how to navigate our personalities, what a gift. Our guest Beth is a well-known speaker, author, teacher, enneagram ...
58m Jun 17, 2024
58m
Don’t Dad Alone :: Dustin Nickerson [Ep 472]
Father’s Day is quickly approaching and Dustin Nickerson- Comedian, author, and podcaster- is here to share all things funny and serious about parenting. On his podcast with his wife Melissa, they laugh at and also talk about the tough parts of parenting. I ask him about what it is like to try and balance family, travel for work, and attempt to have meaningful connections in friendships. The mo...
49m Jun 10, 2024
49m
Sidetracked by American Idol, Father’s Day, and Eyebrows :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 471]
Today’s sidetracked starts off with Cynthia airing her grievances. We talk about eyebrows and all of the products we use to get them to grow. Then move on to an update about our Patreons which we find out are the Wal-Mart and Target of that platform. I guess once you start posting content people remember they are paying for it. We also talk about our local celebrity from American Idol, Jack Blo...
43m Jun 07, 2024
43m
Creating a Family Tech Plan :: Andrea Davis [Ep 470]
Do you feel like since 2020 your family tech rules have gone out the window? How do you handle tech guidelines if both parents are not on the same page? Do you find it difficult to manage different ages and stages when it comes to screens? Andrea Davis, a mom of five with a degree in secondary education, is here to share a ton of wisdom and guidance on tech and screens for summer and beyond. W...
1hr 1m Jun 03, 2024
1hr 1m
Finding Freedom from Habitual Sin :: Kirby Kelly [Ep 469]
Have you ever struggled with a repetitive sin that you can’t seem to break on your own? Do you swing from feelings of shame to justifying sin as no big deal? Do you understand the enemy’s tactics and how he preys on our weaknesses? Today Kirby Kelly- speaker, author, scholar, and Christian content creator- joins me to share her powerful and very vulnerable story. Kirby dealt with habitual sin ...
57m May 27, 2024
57m
Sidetracked with Toni Collier :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 468]
Today kicks off our new sidetracked series with a surprise guest! Toni Collier- author, speaker, podcaster, and single mom- joins us to cover all the topics. Toni is the author of Broken Crayons Still Color and encourages people that even in the hard and dark parts of life God is waiting to use us. In our brokenness, we can see God in the land of the living. She reminds us that regardless of ev...
43m May 20, 2024
43m
Hope and Help for Taboo Topics in Postpartum Care :: Krystle Howald [Ep 467]
Did you know that once you are postpartum you are always postpartum? Do you have issues from pregnancy, birth, or c-sections that have followed you and don’t know where to turn? Do you know that only 4% of parents are getting the movement that they need? Today Krystle Howald, a women’s health physical therapist and co-founder of Expecting and Empowered, is here to break down some of the pains ...
57m May 13, 2024
57m
Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466]
Rebecca St. James, a popular Australian American contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and actress, is here to talk about the amazing new movie Unsung Hero, which chronicles her family's journey to rebuild their lives from the ground up. She shares personal stories from her childhood and how their mom’s faith stands up against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to the...
39m May 06, 2024
39m
Sidetracked by 1980’s Mother’s Day, LTK, and Bad Book Reviews :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 465]
As usual, this sidetracked has so much packed into it, especially as we head into Mother’s Day and the end-of-school-year May(hem). We recap my son Quade’s final high school musical performance as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Once again the tears are flowing as I process having a senior and all of the final milestones that come along with it. Cynthia tries to describe what her best Mother’...
49m May 03, 2024
49m
Stewarding Sacred and Spiritual Disciplines at Home :: Jennifer Pepito [Ep 464]
Do you feel like you are just existing with your family instead of being intentional? Are you finding it hard to consistently spend time with the Lord as a busy mom? Do you wonder how to train your kids in Godly principles and practices that last a lifetime? Today Jennifer Pepito- author, podcaster, and homeschool curriculum writer- joins me to talk about her new book Habits for a Sacred Home....
50m Apr 29, 2024
50m
When You're Busy and Stressed by Mom Life Expectations :: Joanna Weaver [Ep 463]
Do you often feel like you are dropping all the spinning plates? That you can’t keep up or believe the lie that you are the worst mom and wife? Do you wonder why you are not further along, why does everyone else seem to have it together? Today Joanna Weaver- author, speaker, and podcaster- joins me to discuss her new book Embracing Trust. We also spent time talking about her classic Having a M...
46m Apr 22, 2024
46m
House Rules and Learning to Love your Home :: Myquillyn Smith [Ep 462]
Do you feel like you just need more money to create a home you love? Do you want an inviting home that feels peaceful and open to your friends and family? Are you confused about your decorating style and end up buying random decor that does not work? Myquillyn Smith, author and founder of the Nesting Place, joins me to help with all of the House Rules that can be so overwhelming. She gives me ...
52m Apr 15, 2024
52m
When You’re Disappointed in Mom Life Limitations :: Sara Hagerty [Ep 461]
Do you feel as if you are always measuring yourself as a mom? Do you feel like the pressure to keep up with moms around you is overwhelming? Do you feel snappy or resentful at your kids and husband? Today, author Sara Hagerty joins me to talk about her new book, The Gift Of Limitations. She is a wife and mom of seven with four adopted kids. Sara shares how we often find ourselves daydreaming a...
49m Apr 08, 2024
49m
Sidetracked by Instagram Arguments, Chicos, and End-of-School Year Emotions :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 460]
Right off the bat Cynthia and I get sidetracked by my grumpy mood. A mood I blamed on an instagram battle but probably more about my grief of having a senior who is actually going to college! There’s some rehashing of the Bachelor, Heather’s advice for renting with Turo and discussion whether audiobooks count as reading. We also get sidetracked talking about all of the end-of-school year emoti...
44m Apr 05, 2024
44m
From Ruin to Redemption :: Nadia Louise [Ep 459]
Earbud and Trigger warning We live on the other side of the Resurrection! If you find yourself in the middle of brokenness and ruin, we pray this episode reminds you that your heavenly Father God is in the redemption business. Today Nadia Louise joins me to share her powerful testimony. Her story is woven with so many layers of trauma and pain from a narcissistic, abusive father to the death o...
54m Apr 01, 2024
54m
Emotional Maturity, Teamwork, and 25 years of Marriage :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 458]
Bruce joins me today to discuss 25 years of marriage and answer listener questions like-  What did you learn in year 25 that you wish you knew in year 1? How do you make time for intimacy? How to handle times when your significant other is having a struggle with faith? And, What are you looking forward to when your kids are grown and flown? I discuss how I’ve grown in emotional maturity while ...
41m Mar 25, 2024
41m
Three Faith Pillars for Parenting Teens :: Melissa Kruger [Ep 457]
Do you feel like you are on the hamster wheel of expectations this culture throws at your teen? Do you feel the pressure and pull of having them in every sport, activity, and tutor to excel? Is church becoming a point of struggle every Sunday? Melissa Kruger joins me to talk about all things teen and how to raise them in this culture that is pointing to everything but Jesus.  Melissa is an aut...
50m Mar 18, 2024
50m
Changing the Atmosphere of Your Home with Positive Parenting :: Ralphie Jacobs [Ep 456]
Is your home a place of peace or one of anger and frustration? Do you feel exhausted from the arguing and bickering between kids? Does the bedtime struggle make most evenings end in overwhelm? Ralphie Jacobs is here to help us understand the science and tactics behind Positive Parenting. She started her career in early childhood education and soon realized through her own parenting struggles t...
39m Mar 11, 2024
39m
Secure Borders and the Compassionate Christian :: Bri Stensrud [Ep 455]
Do you feel the pull between protecting your family and kids while having compassion on the orphan and the widow who are crossing our borders? Do you feel confused about immigration laws and sustainable immigration practices? Today Bri Stensrud, author, human dignity advocate, and the Director at Women of Welcome shares her heart on immigration. She began her career as a pro-life advocate and ...
56m Mar 04, 2024
56m
Sidetracked by Throat Gurgles, Unlikely Friendships and Trash Can Valentines :: special guest Rachel Green [Ep 454]
Today’s show starts with a small hiccup and then really gets going with our guest and listener Rachel Green (but not that one ;)).  We discussed what we had for breakfast and it was everything from a frittata, to coconut milk yogurt with all the toppings, to a Diet Dr. Pepper with saltines. Can you guess who ate what? Rachel admits to being sidetracked by ruminating over her busy calendar, and...
47m Mar 01, 2024
47m
Hope for the Hopeless Marriage :: Kathy Bush [Ep 453]
If you need a reminder that God can redeem and restore a broken marriage, this week’s guest, Kathy Bush shares her powerful restoration testimony. Kathy and Tim have been married for 42 years, many of those years filled with hurt, pain and infidelity. Their story centers around a primary marriage challenge —bringing two stories,  backgrounds, and expectations together. It took Kathy and Tim hi...
55m Feb 26, 2024
55m
The What, Why and Work-through of Panic Attacks :: Kasey Van Norman [Ep 452]
Did you know panic attacks can happen even when everything around you looks “perfect”? They can sneak up seemingly out of nowhere and be frightening. But a panic attack is a warning light to slow down and see what is happening in our bodies and emotions.  Panic is a behavioral and physical response to anxiety locked in our bodies. So many of us can feel alone and isolated even when surrounded ...
55m Feb 19, 2024
55m
Helping Socially Anxious Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 451]
Boys today are struggling more than ever with social anxiety. They feel hesitant, anxious, and struggle to take healthy risks. How do we know when to push them into uncomfortable places? Many boys are even struggling with life milestones like getting their driver's license, asking a girl to the school dance, or applying to college. OCD and ADHD are on the rise and we want to understand when to...
52m Feb 12, 2024
52m
Feeding Your Kids Without Mom Guilt :: Kacie Barnes [Ep 450]
Kids plus nutrition often equals a storm of thoughts and emotions. What should I serve my child? How do I get them to eat it? Is what I heard on the internet true? We don’t come to these questions with blank slates either. Words spoken to us or ideas we’ve internalized can make this area of life rife with trouble. But my guest this week is mom and registered dietician Kacie Barnes and she is h...
52m Feb 05, 2024
52m
Life is Messy, God is Good :: Sidetracked with Cynthia and Heather [Ep 449]
Where do you turn when life gets messy? Cynthia said it best, “98% of life is the messy part.” But that sentence doesn’t have to end there, with us shaking our fists at the sky. Instead, get Sidetracked with Cynthia and me as we dive right into life’s messy parts, clinging to the brilliant hope that God is still good to us, and for us. Pre-order Cynthia’s new book, Life is Messy, God is Good ...
43m Feb 02, 2024
43m
She’s Not Your Enemy :: Jenn Schultz [Ep 448]
How do you measure yourself? How do you decide if you’re succeeding or failing in life? One ruler we often reach for is comparison. Sometimes comparisons are helpful tools we can use to evaluate our processes or methods. But we’ve all seen comparisons go wrong. Who hasn’t thought, “I’m not like her. I must be less than”? Comparison isolates. It causes us to withdraw from our community or to p...
46m Jan 22, 2024
46m
Is This Normal? A Women’s Health Conversation :: Dr. Kamilia Smith [Ep 447]
Have you ever asked yourself, “Is what’s going on with my body normal?” So often as women, we are quiet about what’s going on with our bodies.  Our concerns have been dismissed before. We’re worried about what will have to change in our lives to fix this nagging symptom. The doctor is busy.  We have to leave this appointment soon to make it on time to the next thing on our lists. So we just de...
46m Jan 15, 2024
46m
Gathering a Mentor Circle :: Ben Bevis [Ep 446]
What would you do to make sure your child’s faith life is growing strong? Is this something you’re taking on yourself or getting help with? Join us this week as Ben Bevis, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through faith, shares insights on gathering Mentor Circles around our young people. As the founder of Encircled, Ben is dedicated to helping to launch the Next Generation with sust...
48m Jan 08, 2024
48m
Out with the Old Cherry Bomb Exhaust and In with the New :: Sidetracked by the New Year feat. Laurel Denise [Ep 445]
Happy New Year! We’re starting the year off right with mile-long to-do lists and a complex highlighting system so we don’t forget to wash the dog in the midst of crocheting that giant bow. JK! But we are thinking about what went well in 2023 and what we’re focusing in on 2024. Whether you make resolutions or not, evaluating how things are going is helpful and the flip of the calendar is a nat...
51m Jan 05, 2024
51m
Organize Your Mental Load :: Laurel Denise [Ep 444]
How are you handling your mental load? Are you a well-packed Sherpa able to take on any terrain or Sisyphus rolling the ball up the hill only to watch it roll back down? This is the time of year when it feels natural to look back and look forward. We can evaluate what worked and what didn’t, but more importantly we can listen to what space the Lord is asking us to occupy. Maybe things need to ...
57m Dec 11, 2023
57m
Nobody’s Mother :: Dr. Sandra Glahn [Ep 443]
Have you heard the Bible verse “Women will be saved through childbearing”? (It’s part of 1 Timothy 2:15) What do you think that verse means? What do you think it means for the woman facing infertility, or singleness? My guest this week, Dr. Sandra Glahn, wants to dispel some iffy interpretations of this verse many of us grew up hearing. Dr. Glahn is Professor of Media Arts and Worship at Dalla...
53m Dec 04, 2023
53m
Sidetracked with the Holidays :: Pie-arrhea, Dutch Cabbage Patch Dolls and Advent Fails :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 442]
Ready or not, the holidays are upon us! What are your favorite holiday traditions? What are the ones you could leave behind? Get sidetracked with Cynthia and me as we discuss everything from trees (real, fake, and Jesse) to gift giving philosophies (more or less presents than Jesus?) to elves and shepherds and the awful name your pie might get if it doesn’t come out just right. There’s even he...
48m Dec 01, 2023
48m
How to Get Real and Savor More (Replay) :: Shauna Niequist [Ep 441]
How are you doing? Honestly. What is the pace of your day? What do you long for and feel you are missing out on? What activities have you crammed in your life out of a “should” mentality? When do you focus on your spiritual life? Today we are getting honest about our lives. And discussing ways to deepen relationships, simplify schedules, and connect spiritually. This week’s podcast guest is th...
40m Nov 27, 2023
40m
Demystifying Financial Aid :: Kristi Steele [Ep 440]
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “college tuition”? Does your heart rate speed up? Sending a child to college is the culmination of a lot of effort. It’s emotional and there are a lot of logistics to manage. In this hands-on, information-packed conversation Kristi and I cover the basics of applying for financial aid for college. We talk through deadlines and how-to’s to help relie...
58m Nov 20, 2023
58m
Bedtime Rituals to End Worry Spirals :: Emily Ley [Ep 439]
What are two words to describe your mind when your head hits the pillow most nights? The quiet space before sleep can be our most vulnerable moments. Whether it’s to-do’s or dredging up memories from the past, our thoughts can feel overwhelming. If we let our mind spiral we’re sacrificing the rest God intends us to enjoy. But my guest this week, Emily Ley has some bedtime rituals that can help...
47m Nov 13, 2023
47m