The Shift: Overcoming Self-Sabotage, Imposter Syndrome, and Critical Inner Monologues :: Mary Marantz [Ep 520]
Do you often feel like something is holding you back? You can’t quite get to where you want to go professionally, relationally, or in personal habits and goals? Today Mary Marantz is here to tell us about the mental shifts that change everything. Mary’s story is riveting from growing up in a single-wide trailer in the mountains full of dirt and memories to Yale law school, she has stories to t...
52m Apr 28, 2025
52m
When Friendships Get Messy: Healing, Humor & Finding Your Chicken-Fried Women :: Melissa Radke [Ep 519]
Get ready to laugh! Today Melissa Radke joins me for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation. Her new book Chicken-Fried Women (https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Fried-Women-Friendship-Kinship-Made/dp/1546008241/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LDRDGMYWVSBU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ITl29TWCO4fLvBD8HzTELeA2992lF2v7_j_Z9imO07HiYzF3sr7UvH-h2dbjrt2iUFf4uz__ijesPFMuKC4El5iVn6s0R0tHP5klRWKVt7c.oNx3pLdVs2nkyjtdqSZwMukUngbO92oIUV...
39m Apr 21, 2025
39m
Mean Girls, Mom Roles & Modern Friendship: Coaching Kids Through Conflict :: Dr. Kelly Jameson [Ep 518]
Today Dr. Kelly Jameson joins me to help us understand the many dynamics of teen friendships. Although this episode mainly applies to girl moms there is advice for the boy mom in this episode as well! Kelly is a trained systems therapist who practices narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Through her many years of listening to families and teens, she has learned how to navigate th...
50m Apr 14, 2025
50m
Walking Through Grief: Coping, Comforting Kids, and Embodied Emotions :: Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague [Ep 517]
Grief is a journey that no one wants to walk, yet so many of us will experience deep loss in our lifetime. In this episode, Colleen and Erin have an open and honest conversation about Erin’s journey through unimaginable loss—losing her husband in a plane crash, navigating her children’s grief, the heartbreak of her mother’s suicide, and later, the devastating loss of her son in a car accident. ...
50m Apr 07, 2025
50m
From Believer to Disciple: Following Jesus in Everyday Life :: Courtney Garrett [Ep 516]
Do you often desire to disciple your neighbors, friends, or acquaintances but don’t know how? Today Courtney Garrett joins me to talk about her amazing tools to help Christians invite people into going deeper with Jesus. She is an accidental homeschool mom with years of ministry experience who saw a need for discipleship tools. Often people have grown up in church and pieced Bible stories toge...
49m Mar 31, 2025
49m
Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515]
Do you have a child with autism or neurodivergent tendencies? Do you have a friend with a child that needs support but you're not sure how to show up? Today Carrie, Kate, and Adrian are here to share their deeply personal stories about their kids and how autism has shaped their families. The amazing thing is each of their experiences is so different- and each of them has approached this diagno...
45m Mar 24, 2025
45m
The Truth About Baby Sleep: Breaking Myths, Balancing Attachment and Restful Nights :: Eve Squires [Ep 514]
Is it possible to have a well-rested baby without sacrificing attachment? Are you an exhausted mom who struggles with the nighttime routine? Today Eve Squires, a sleep consultant with over fifteen years of experience, shares her journey and approach to improving infant sleep without resorting to harsh methods. Sleep is one of the most debated parenting topics, and in the past, I have avoided t...
47m Mar 17, 2025
47m
From Chaos to Calm: Practical Tools to Manage Anger and Overwhelm in Motherhood :: Elizabeth Andreyevskiy [Ep 513]
Do you feel like you’re reacting instead of responding, constantly putting out fires, and struggling to manage your emotions—especially anger? Today Elizabeth Andreyevskiy joins me to share her journey from explosive to calm in motherhood. Maybe you’ve tried counseling, read the books, and learned the tools, but implementing them in real life still feels impossible. This podcast is packed with...
48m Mar 10, 2025
48m
Modeling Faith: Family Spiritual Habits that Stick :: Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene [Ep 512]
Do you want to lead your home well spiritually but are not sure how? Do you need more creative and fun ideas on how to point your kids to Jesus? Today, Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene join me to talk about spiritual rhythms with our kids. They share plenty of ideas on creating a space for spiritual growth that doesn't need to be a checklist-driven, box-checking exercise. Their new book dis...
46m Mar 03, 2025
46m
Perimenopause Guide: Managing Symptoms, Emotional Changes, and Weight Gain During Hormonal Shifts :: Dr. Kamilia Smith [Ep 511]
Have you ever been to your doctor or OBGYN and felt that your symptoms were dismissed? Do you know how to identify the main issues of perimenopause and menopause? In this follow up episode with Dr. Kamilia Smith, we continue our deep dive into perimenopause, exploring how it impacts women's emotions, physical changes, and overall well-being. She clearly breaks down some of the hormonal fluctua...
51m Feb 24, 2025
51m
Flipping the Switch to Hope: from worst-case to unimaginable good :: Heather MacFadyen [Ep 510]
I don’t often do a solo podcast but God has been working on my heart when it comes to parenting teens and expectations and I felt prompted to sit down and share what I am learning with you all. So often as parents, we live in a worst-case scenario mindset, when it feels like the dreams and expectations for a child's future are not aligning with the present. We obsess over baby monitors, teen f...
27m Feb 17, 2025
27m
Helping Kids Connect with Their Grandparents :: Isabel Tom [Ep 509]
Do you feel that it is hard to connect with your aging parents? Are your kids and grandparents not communicating well through the generational gap? In this episode, Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles (https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0) shares insights into her background, her work with the elderly, and her experience gro...
41m Feb 10, 2025
41m
Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508]
Have you struggled to break free from generational trauma or sin? Do you find it challenging to help your kids navigate tough situations at school and in sports? Today, author Melanie Shankle joins us to share insights from her new book, Here Be Dragons (https://amzn.to/4hJxzSn) . Her story is one of both deep trauma and undeniable evidence of God’s provision—placing the right people in her li...
44m Feb 03, 2025
44m
Discovering the Gift of You When You Feel Lost in Motherhood :: Chrystal Evans Hurst [Ep 507]
Do you often feel like you give everything to your family but don’t know what you enjoy? Have you lost your spark for life that you felt in your youth? Today, Chrystal Evans Hurst is here to share her journey and story from a single mom to a life filled with the passions and purposes that God has placed inside of her.  So often as women we feel the pull of family, career, and household duties ...
47m Jan 27, 2025
47m
How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation :: Ian Cron [Ep 506]
Did you know that 12-step programs are for anyone? Do you feel like your life has spiritual direction or are you just floating through surviving? Today I am excited to have Ian Cron who is an author, speaker, trained psychotherapist, songwriter, and Episcopal priest here. Ian shares his own journey into addiction and sobriety and how that process prompted him to write his newest book The Fix (...
51m Jan 20, 2025
51m
Hosting Tips to be the Hangout House :: Logan Wolfram [Ep 505]
Do you feel like it takes too much time and energy to host? Does having people in your home stress you out or seem out of reach? Today Logan Wolfram joins me- she is an author and speaker that knows how to host well. We met long-long ago at a blogger’s conference before the podcasting world was even a thing. I have been drawn to her knack for pulling people into her home and sat down to glean ...
51m Jan 13, 2025
51m
When You Need Personal Revival :: Cleere Cherry Reaves [Ep 504]
As we enter a new year do you feel stuck or like last year did not go like you intended it to? Are you dealing with disappointments and finding it difficult to see God in your situation? Today Cleere Cherry Reaves, author and podcaster, joins me to talk about how God’s word is the most powerful tool in shifting our focus and seeing the Lord in our everyday circumstances. In her new book Revive...
53m Jan 06, 2025
53m
Unpacking Moms' Mental Load :: Dr. Morgan Cutlip [Ep 503]
Do you feel like your mind is full of tasks making it hard to focus and be present with your family? Do you struggle to articulate what you need, feel, or want from your spouse? Today, Dr. Morgan Cutlip is here to help us navigate the topic of mental load specifically as moms. Morgan is a psychologist and highly sought after relationship expert. Her book Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself ...
42m Dec 23, 2024
42m
Processing Grief, Infertility, and Loss in Community :: Julie Fowler [Ep 502]
Have you or a friend ever walked through a season of infertility and grief? Do you often wonder what to say when a friend is walking through loss of any kind? Today my friend Julie Fowler is here to talk about her heartbreaking (but hopeful) story of motherhood and how God used her story to help people navigate loss. Julie has faced miscarriage, adoptions that fell through at the last minute, ...
46m Dec 16, 2024
46m
Moms and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever :: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins [Ep 501]
Today my conversation with Dallas and Amanda Jenkins is a powerful reminder that the Christmas story still needs to be told thousands of years later. Dallas is the acclaimed director, writer, and producer of The Chosen, and now the heartfelt movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The movie is based on a book read for years in the Jenkins’ house (and many households worldwide). Twenty years ago...
42m Dec 09, 2024
42m
Finding God Faithful in All Stages of Motherhood :: Leslie Johnson [Ep 500]
I can’t believe it but today we are celebrating 500 episodes of Don’t Mom Alone! I am bringing back my very first guest and mentor Leslie to “recap” the last eleven years. Leslie had been encouraging me from before I started this podcast and her fingerprints are all over my motherhood. We get an update on her life and she shares how to navigate the empty nest phase. Leslie reminds us of Psalms...
39m Dec 02, 2024
39m
Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499]
Today we continue last week's episode in Part 2 with my friend Charissa Lopez. If you missed part one you can listen here to catch up Click Here for Part 1 (https://heathermacfadyen.com/2024/11/18/building-healthy-relationships-by-exploring-adult-attachment-patterns-part-1-charissa-lopez-ep-498/) . Charissa Lopez is a Licensed Professional Counselor i (http://valecounseling.com/) n Dallas spec...
45m Nov 25, 2024
45m
Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498]
Do you ever wonder why you respond the way you do to your kids? Do you feel like there are things to process from childhood but don’t have the words to explain those feelings? Today Charissa Lopez, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas joins me. She specializes in play therapy, EMDR, emotionally focused family therapy, and trauma-informed care. She is full of wisdom and the science to ex...
36m Nov 18, 2024
36m
Confidence in Parenting Decisions :: Laura Wifler [Ep 497]
Do you struggle with discontentment and comparison in motherhood and beyond? Do you constantly second guess the best way to raise your kids in regards to food, education, health, and even naptime? Today, Laura Wifler, from Risen Motherhood is here to talk about her new book written with her sister-in-law Emily Jensen. We start by breaking down the framework they introduce in the Gospel Mom (ht...
51m Nov 11, 2024
51m
Boys vs. Girls--the early years (2 part series) :: Courtney DeFeo and Heather [Ep 496]
Ever wonder how your mom friends with all boys or all girls handle parenting? Do you often wonder how in the world a “boy mom” or a “girl mom” views the opposite? Today my good friend Courtney DeFeo is here to have an in-depth conversation about her experiences as a “girl mom” and asks me tons of great questions about what life with four boys is like (spoiler alert- active and crazy). Courtney...
47m Nov 04, 2024
47m
Do Not Grow Weary :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 495]
Do you often feel like what is the point of engaging politically or voting? Are you worried about the direction our nation is headed and what is next? Today Sharon McMahon is here to teach us about how our government functions and encourages us that individuals make a difference. She began as a government, history, and law teacher and then took her passion for educating to Instagram. Her platf...
36m Oct 28, 2024
36m
Seek Him First :: Lillian Richey [Ep 494]
Do you ever struggle to keep Christ at the center of Christmas? Do you feel many Christmas traditions take a ton of time and energy or are just busy work but don’t point to Jesus? Today Lillian Richey, my personal friend, is here to share her new project called Finding Jesus (https://seekhimfirst.com/) which helps families make Christmas meaningful and simple. Last year the Lord dropped into h...
45m Oct 21, 2024
45m
Help for the Unspoken Challenges of Parenting Teens :: Amy Betters-Midtvedt [Ep 493]
Do you feel like your teens have hidden struggles that you can’t talk to anyone about? How do you honor your kids while still finding safe people to process parenting with? How do you advise your kids on their friendships and relationships? Today, Amy Betters-Midtvedt is here to help us navigate the deep waters of parenting teens. Amy is a teacher with a master’s degree in leadership and is cu...
52m Oct 14, 2024
52m
Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 492]
As a mom do you feel there is not enough time in the day? Are you constantly overwhelmed with your to-do list and mental load? Are you snapping at your kids because they cannot keep up with the pace? Today Kendra Adachi; the Lazy Genius, author, podcaster, and most of all mom, is here to help us focus on the most important tasks. Kendra and I are opposites, she has read all the time management...
53m Oct 07, 2024
53m
How to Align with Your Spouse in Parenting :: Dr. Kim Kimberling [Ep 491]
Do you feel like a team with your spouse in parenting or do you often turn on each other? Do you have different ideas about what is right for your kids? Have the teen years brought more conflict than unity? Today Dr. Kim Kimberling, professional counselor and founder of Awesome Marriage, is here to share his years of wisdom on how to keep the marriage strong while parenting. Dr. Kim has been m...
44m Sep 30, 2024
44m
Cultivating Intimacy with God in Motherhood :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 490]
Does the word holiness feel stuffy and old-fashioned? Do you feel you have a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord? Does your Christian life look more like a performance than a practice? Today Jeannie Cunnion joins me to discuss her new book Closer to God. She is a best-selling author, bible teacher, and speaker who shares how the Holy Spirit can transform our family and motherhood....
47m Sep 23, 2024
47m
Sidetracked with Emily P. Freeman (part 1) :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 489]
How do you know when it is the right time to leave a season? Do you know how to sit in silence with people? Would you consider yourself a good listener? Today Emily P. Freeman joins us to discuss her new book, How to Walk Into a Room. She is a New York Times bestselling author of six books with a masters degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University. She has a true passi...
27m Sep 16, 2024
27m
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