The Monica Swanson Podcast

Do you love youth sports, or dread them? Are you an enthusiastic fan, or would you rather avoid every gym, field, and court possible? Do you get excited to see your kids growing in strength and character through sports, or do you see competition bringing out their dark side? Let’s face it – If your kids play sports, they will likely be a big part of your life! There is a lot we can talk about on this topic!

After I shared a series of Instagram Stories asking for your experience and feedback about youth sports, I decided this topic was worthy of a full podcast episode. I thought it would be fun to bring a real-life friend on with me, so I invited my friend Carla, whose sons are in very different sports from mine! In this very real conversation, we talk about the good and difficult parts of youth sports...with an emphasis on the good! Carla is an enthusiastic football, soccer, and track mom, and I think you’ll find her passion contagious! Grab a coffee (or put on your sneakers!) and join Carla and I for this fun chat all about youth sports!

PS Do you enjoy this mom-to-mom chat? Let me know! I’d love to plan more episodes like this!

www.monicaswanson.com/episode-149

Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Hunter Beless, host of the Journeywomen Podcast, Mom to four (#4 is coming later this year!) and author of the new kids’ book, Read it, See it, Say it, Sing it! Joins us with the most encouraging message. Hunter’s love of God’s Word is absolutely contagious, and her heart to pass it down to our kids is so beautiful.

In today’s conversation, Hunter talks about why we need to read, memorize, and talk about God’s Word in our own lives as parents. She offers some tips for reading the Bible with your kids, and where to start if you're new! I think you’ll love Hunter’s heart and this conversation!

Don’t miss the mention of the Biggest Story Bible Storybook 10-book GIVEAWAY next week! Giveaway will be done through the podcast email list, so be sure to subscribe at: www.monicaswanson.com/subscribe!

www.monicaswanson.com/episode-160

Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

In light of so many difficult and controversial news stories in 2020, I think you'll find this episode incredibly encouraging. Nick Eicher and Brian Basham join me to talk about helping our tweens and teens navigate the news today. We cover news literacy, critical thinking, and Biblical discernment -- and how the brand new World Watch 10-minute Daily News Program can help! Whether you homeschool or not, the World Watch daily video segments will teach your kids (and the whole family) about world news and current events, as well as stories about science, technology, culture, art, the economy, and more.

The news can be an educational tool, and a great springboard for conversations. However, most of the news we find on television is biased and confusing. World Watch's 10 minute videos are a great alternative -- written by Christian journalists, each show is informative, engaging and thought-provoking. I'm super excited about what they're doing. At the end of this episode I share 5 tips for talking to your teens about the news, wherever you get your news! I love this positive and encouraging approach to what can otherwise be a challenging topic...especially in today's world!

Thank you, World Watch, for sponsoring this episode and sharing your wisdom. Find out more about World Watch at: www.worldwatch.news. Listen to the episode and get links to everything we talk about in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

today's episode: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-68

*Also be sure to comment over in show notes so that you'll be entered to win the August bundle of Surface Sunscreen products!

This is the second part of my new monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” from my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing some snippets from Chapter 3 -- Training Grounds: Boundaries, freedoms and discipline. This chapter has been a reader favorite and a most-requested topic for radio and podcast interviews.

I love this topic so much and I hope it offers you some helpful perspective on: setting limits and saying no, giving kids a chance to stretch their wings, (and maybe skin their knees!) and disciplining kids with love and grace.

www.monicaswanson.com/episode-146

Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

I am so excited to be bringing back the most-downloaded episode of 2021 this week! I loved this chat with Duck Dynasty star, Korie Robertson, who has raised a number of amazing kids (her daughter, Sadie Robertson, is one of my top-recommendations for role models for young women!) I have admired Korie and her entire family for years, so this interview with a special honor!

Korie shares stories about ways she focused on character in her kids when they were growing up, and she also answers questions sent in by podcast listeners. This is a fun way to get to know Korie, and to be inspired to raise your own kids to be strong and kind!

*On this topic of kids and character, be sure you are signed up for this weekend’s Perfectly Imperfect Parenting event (all-online!) where I’ll be speaking on 3 practical ways to raise kids of character! Get tickets at boymom.perfectlyimperfect.org. Event is on April 8th but you can watch allll the amazing speakers until the end of 2022!!

www.monicaswanson.com/episode-152

Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast