The Connected Mom

This episode is one that you want to listen to more than once! Join Becky and enneagram expert, Beth McCord as they talk about the enneagram, true transformation and clarity to motherhood. Pre-order Beth's newest book: The Enneagram for Moms: See the True Colors of Yourself and Your Children as God IntendsBeth McCord, founder of Your Enneagram Coach is an Enneagram speaker, coach and teacher for over 20 years. Her podcast has over 3.3 million downloads.In her newest book, Beth showshow motherhood is divinely intended to be a transformative journey where momsnot only help paint a portrait of their family, but also cultivate resilience,self-awareness, and deep connections with God, their spouse, and theirchildren.The Enneagram for Moms provides mothers with invaluable insights through the Enneagram, helping them better understand themselves and their children while fostering resilience.

Is choosing a family film hard to find? Join Becky & Chevonne today as they discuss the film industry, the impact of faith-based storytelling and the mission behind American Cinema International.To connect with Cheyenne - https://americancinemainspires.comLinkedin - @chevonne-o-shaughnessyChevonne O'Shaugnessy is the co-founder and president of American Cinema International. She began her career as the President of International sales for PM Entertainment. Her 10 years in the position resulted in the production and sales of over 176 feature films and two successful television series. PM produced and distributed original prime time product for numerous international TV clients and domestic cable networks, with the distinction of being one of the first suppliers of HBO World Premier Movies. PM remains one of few companies amid the competitive world of independent filmmaking that consistently generates high quality Action Adventure feature films. She has also served as the executive producer of numerous films and TV mini-series including the Jack Hunter trilogy, El Dorado, Born to Race, and many more.

When is the last time God called you to do something that felt terrifying? When God nudges us into the unknown, it can be thrilling and exciting but also overwhelming and risky. Join Becky and Rachel Scott as they discuss motherhood, blended families and taking a leap of faith. As they discuss taking a risk, be encouraged and empowered to taking that leap of faith to what God has called you to do. Rachel's Book: Taking the 5 Leaps: Experiencing God's Faithfulness as You Respond to His CallRachel is a wife and a mother. She is an Ohio native and a graduate of Kansas State University and the University of Mary where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Masters in Business Administration (MBA).As a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, she has been featured nationally and internationally on television, podcast, radio, devotionals, and blogs.Rachel is the Founder of the I Can’t Come Down movement, an organization dedicated to helping women walk in their purpose and assignment with focus. She is a former Huffington post contributor and current YouVersion and Moody Radio Cleveland Partner.

Do you think motherhood is challenging? You're NOT ALONE. Join Becky & Carol as they discuss life lessons about motherhood. This captivating interview will have you laughing and crying as Carol & Becky courageously discuss how they navigated the highs and lows of life as they raise their children.Preorder Carol new release: Life Lessons for Moms, Stories of Love, Laughter & Wisdom For a Mother's HeartCarol Kent is a best-selling author, international speaker, and the executive director of the Speak Up Conference, a ministry committed to helping Christians develop their speaking and writing skills. She and her husband, Gene, have founded the nonprofit organization Speak Up for Hope, which benefits inmates and their families. She is the author of over twenty-five books, including the bestselling When I Lay My Isaac Down, Becoming a Woman of Influence (NavPress), and He Walks with Me (Christian Art Gifts).

How do we trust God when everything looks so wrong? How do we hold onto hope when our world is falling apart? Join Becky and Julie as they discuss how to have resilient hope when life unravels. Julie Sunne book: Sometimes I Forget Julie Sunne writes about finding real hope amid life’s real struggles. Her own struggles include enduring multiple miscarriages and caregiving for her adult daughter who has significant intellectual disabilities. Julie’s writing has been featured in print devotionals by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Guideposts, Celebrate Life magazine, Encouragement for Today (the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ email devotional), several online sites, and on her blog at juliesunne.com. Julie and her husband, David, are parents to three grown sons and a daughter and reside with their daughter in rural northeast Iowa.

Have you ever wanted to create a beautiful, livable home, but you feel stuck? Join today’s conversation with guest Myquillyn Smith and how she makes decorating simple.  From the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Cozy Minimalist Home comes this charming collection of one hundred memorable, universal decorating truths that apply to every house, style, and budget. Learn how to make better decorating decisions with ease. House Rules is packed full of simple, encouraging truths and quick takeaways for you to implement into your home immediately. MyQuillyn Smith’s book: House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget. For the past ten years, Myquillyn Smith, also known as “The Nester,” has been encouraging women to embrace their homes—imperfections and all. Her lived-in, loved-on home has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal and Cottages & Bungalows. Myquillyn is the author of The Nesting Place and Cozy Minimalist Home and was chosen by Christianity Today as one of the top twenty creatives in 2016. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three boys.Website: www.thenester.com Instagram: @thenester

Join Becky as she has a real conversation with Helen Smallbone about the upcoming release of “Unsung Hero” movie. Helen discusses how their family navigated through her husband’s successful music company collapses and moving the family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. Official Site: https://unsunghero.movie/ Order UnSung Hero Social Media: Instagram: @UnsungHeroMovieFacebook: @UnsungHeroMovieTwitter: @UnsungHeroMovieHashtag: #UnsungHeroMovie HELEN SMALLBONE grew up in Australia as the daughter of a Methodist minister and the youngest of four children. Even though she grew up in church, her faith became real in her mid-teens when she committed her life to Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade in Sydney.Trained as an Occupational Therapist, Helen’s greatest desire was to serve God and become a wife and mother. At age 20, she married the love of her life, David Smallbone, and over the next 14 years, they added seven children to their family.In 1991, after experiencing a financial crisis in Australia, the Smallbone family relocated to the Nashville, TN, area, where David began a career in music management for Christian artists. This new adventure required every family member to place their trust in God and live by faith.Helen’s love for God and family has only grown stronger as she and David have supported their children’s creative career paths. Their daughter, Rebecca St. James, and two of their sons, for KING & COUNTRY stars Luke and Joel Smallbone, have collectively earned five Grammys. When not busy with her children and grandchildren, Helen is dedicated to sharing her passion and love for God with those around her. She is the co-founder of MUMlife, (www.MUMlife.org), a ministry of “mothers uplifting mothers,” and co-host of the MUMlife Community Podcast. David and Helen Smallbone live just outside of Nashville with a small menagerie of animals.

Join Becky as she has a real conversation with Jennifer Slattery about releasing your children well.   Jennifer’s  newest released book: Recapturing Her Heart: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Sage Creek Book 2) Jennifer Slattery is a writer, speaker, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She writes and blogs for Crosswalk and is a multi-published author. She speaks to women's groups, at conferences, retreats, and to Bible study groups across the nation and encourages women to discover and live out who they are in Christ. When not writing or reading, you'll likely find her sharing coffee with friends or laughing with her hilariously fun husband. 

With humor, vulnerability, and stories from her own limited life as a mom of five—two who struggle with severe autism—pastor and podcaster Jessica Hurlbut ignites hope in hearts of overwhelmed moms to believe that forces outside you can’t stop the God within you. Revealing 12 limits that hinder mothers—like exhaustion, distractions, and disillusionment—Jessica shows how to overcome them. Join Becky as she speaks with Jessica today about autism, foster care, adoptions and how there is hope for parents of kids on the spectrum.   Get Jessica’s book: “Unlimited Motherhood” Jessica and her husband Greg founded All 4 One Adoption Awareness, an organization focused on highlighting the 110,000 children in foster care who are freed to be adopted and need a forever home. She was also a contestant on Season 8 of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, featured in Runner’s World Magazine and had the privilege of presenting a TEDx Talk in 2020 entitled, “How to Win at the Race Called Life.” To find out more: https://www.jessicahurlbut.com/

"What do you and your spouse have in common?""We got married on the same day."Many women can identify with that sentiment. They want their marriages to be happy and honoring to God, but they wonder how when their mate baffles and even irritates them so. Some may even wonder if they made a terrible mistake. Today we talk with Poppy Smith, author of, "Why Can't He Be More Like Me?: 9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband." Using Scripture, humor, and colorful illustrations from her own struggles, Poppy Smith offers hope in this upbeat, personal, practical, and biblically grounded interview. Listen in and Get Poppy's book: Why Can't He Be More Like Me?: 9 Secrets to Understanding Your HusbandAbout Poppy:I’m originally from England and was raised in a loving but non-believing family. My parents loved to travel and because my father was in the Royal Air Force, we lived in many parts of Britain and in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Kenya. When I was 17, friends shared the Gospel with me, and I immediately responded to the love of God. To my amazement, God started making me aware of His reality within a few days. Bit by bit, God changed me from being angry and bitter, to accepting that He was at work, even though I didn’t understand His ways at that time.You will find me warm, accepting, understanding, and honest.  I know that various issues can trip you up such as: anger, fear, bitterness, despair, and temptation. As I’ve shared with you, I’ve experienced these things and written books about them. BUT: this isn’t where God wants you or me to stay. My role as a coach is to help you find the practical wisdom, help, and hope God provides so you become a strong and growing follower of Jesus. Learn more about Poppy: https://poppysmith.com

Adoption brings unique challenges. Love and bonding don’t always come naturally. There can be emotional distress, frustration, and disappointment. Today we talk with Laurel Shaler, author of “Loving Adopted Children Well”. Her stories about adoption, show empathy for adoptive parents and encouragement to not give up in the process. Shaler provides an honest and invaluable resource of wisdom, joy, and healing. Apply the lessons from Loving Adopted Children Well, and you will see love grow and flourish in your home. Get Dr. Laurel’s book: “Loving Adopted Children Well” DR. LAUREL SHALER is a national certified counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, and licensed social worker. She is a professor at Liberty University in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies. Dr. Shaler is the author of Relational Reset: Unlearning the Habits That Hold You Back and Reclaiming Sanity: Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress, and Overwhelming Life Events

Have you ever felt rejected? It's just the worst! Rejection can reveal our insecurities and robs us of joy...every time. Today we talk with Patty LaRaoche, author of "A Little Lift: Finding Joy Beyond Rejection." Her stories as the wife of a MLB player and her honesty as a believer are so refreshing. Listen in and make progress on returning to joy after rejection. Get Patty's book: A Little Lift: Finding Joy Beyond RejectionAbout Patty:Patty is a wife, a mother of three, a stepmother of two, a grandmother of nine and a great-grandmother of three. She has been married to Dave, a former professional baseball player/coach for 50 years and because of his career, has lived in over 40 cities, ranging from California to New York. Anecdotes from those years are included in her book about rejection. Patty recently presented a Tedx Talk on the Rewards of Rejection. She published her first book, "A Little Faith Lift...Finding Joy Beyond Rejection," a humorous, Christian book--with a serious message--which addresses people who spend their lives trying to measure up. She believes that laughter covers a multitude of humiliating experiences. She should know.

Our guest has faced so many obstacles...but her stories of overcoming show the power of relying on God's strength. Becky and Sarah talk with Lori Vober, a stroke survivor (at age twenty-nine). She is a walking miracle and we guarantee that her journey of faith and perseverance will encourage you.  Find Lori's Book:Choices: When You Are Faced with a Challenge, What Choice Will You Make?Life rarely turns out exactly as you pictured it, and we all face challenges along the way. God always has a plan. But He leaves it up to you whether you follow His plan or not. Life is about choices.I have chosen to depend on God's faithfulness through all our challenges.Everyone has doubts about their own abilities, but God has a plan for each of us. So believe in Him, and don't give up.Sometimes your attitude, drive, and enthusiasm can take you further than your talents or abilities. Attitude can make all the difference.Find your happiness in whom God says you are. Don't let someone else define your happiness.Connect with Lori:Website

We all know that there are extroverts and introverts. But how do we help our children who are more introverted? How do we help them feel affirmed in their design? Today we talk with Holley Gerth. Holley is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of many books. She is a counselor and life coach, with a masters of science degree in mental health. Holley is the host of More Thank Small Talk podcast and is the co-owner of The Potentialist Agency. She is also a mother and grandmother and we’re excited to talk with her today about helping our kids who are introverted by design.Learn more about Holley.Order Holley's Book: The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be YouIn this transformative book, Holley Gerth dives into the brain science behind introversion to help you understand the psychological, relational, and spiritual aspects of being an introvert. She explores how introverts can make meaningful connections, experience quiet confidence, cultivate soul-filling solitude, exercise unexpected influence, and much more.If you're an introvert, or if you love, lead, or share life with an introvert, you need this empowering, insightful book!

It seems so many need hope right now. That’s what we’re talking about today with Becky's good friend, Michelle Cox. She's authored a book "Hope That Endures" which is Michelle's gift to God...offering hope to everyone who reads it. The stories are special because they're true, relatable, and show God's faithfulness. By the end of this podcast, you'll feel like you have a new friend...and new encouragement.Connect with Michelle on FacebookGet Michelle's Book: Hope That EnduresIn the powerful Hope That Endures Blue Faux Leather Devotional, Michelle Cox shares lessons and truths she has learned about God's faithfulness. These insights come from both her friends' difficulties and her own tragic experiences. She needed God's hope to bear numerous challenges: her father's suicide, a car wreck, her son's life-threatening illness, financial difficulties, and the loss of part of her hearing and eyesight. Michelle sometimes felt overwhelmed, barely able to take another breath. Yet, even as her world was shattered and rocked, she discovered that the Rock of Ages — Jesus — was all she needed. 

Boy...parenting can sure be "inconvenient" right? As a busy mom, you know that everything shifts when you become a parent. But let this conversation encourage you to embrace--and activate--the opportunities that come along with parenting your children. This conversation will help you think about the unique traits that God gave your kiddos. Our dear guest, Melissa Hannigan, shares the heart behind her book "Inconvenient Parenting: Activate Your Child's God-Given Traits." You're sure to glean some gems from her honesty and practical encouragement.CONNECT WITH MELISSABUY MELISSA'S BOOKInconvenient Parenting: Activate Your Child's God-Given Traits Hope and help for shaping Christ-honoring future generations.Families are like little churches. They are meant to be places of discipleship, worship, and rest—places where we can fine tune the gifts God’s given us so we can bless the world. They can be full of surprises and joy. But family life can also be heartbreaking and downright discouraging. Trained counselor and mother Melissa Hannigan knows how hard it is to cast and keep a vision of rich family life. How do we cultivate a family culture that’s vibrant and encouraging—a refuge amidst life’s storms?Melissa is passionate about helping families build healthy, strong, God-honoring homes. In Inconvenient Parenting, she shares twelve qualities that are the key ingredients to that desired end:Wisdom — Wonder — Vitality — Sensitivity — Flexibility ­­—Curiosity —Creativity — Imagination — Inventiveness — Playfulness — Humor — JoyMelissa shows us why, though inconvenient at times, it’s necessary to encourage and infuse these traits in our children and reveals how we can unknowingly discourage these qualities. Each chapter concludes with practical activities, book recommendations, and discussion questions to help parents immediately apply the principles discussed.

It's a topic that is hard to talk through...but even harder to walk through. But our guest shares her story so that others can cling to hope. On this episode, Becky and Sarah talk with Candy McVicar, the co-author of the book 'Holding On to Love After You've Lost a Baby.' Candy shares her personal story of losing her babies and how she started the Missing Grace Foundation to support families who have experienced similar losses. She discusses the importance of validation and support for grieving parents and offers advice on dealing with faith struggles. The conversation also touches on maintaining connection in marriage and ministering to other children in the family.Get Candy's Book: Holding On To Love After You've Lost a Baby by Gary Chapman & Candy McVicarMissing Grace Ministry LinkCandy McVicar's Website

Have you ever thought about how your personality impacts how you pray? So interesting! In this episode, Becky and Sarah discuss the topic of prayer with guest Janet McHenry. They explore the concept of praying personalities and how each person is wired differently when it comes to prayer. This is a NO judgement zone and meant to encourage you! Listen in and think about how your personality impacts how/where/when you pray.Connect with our guest, Janet McHenryOrder Janet's book Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer StyleTake the Praying Personalities QUIZ

Such a sweet episode! Daughter-Mom team, Calyn and Blythe Daniel, join us to talk about friendships...specifically with tween girls. Tween relationships can be a little sticky--yikes--so listen in! Together they wrote a book "Let's Be Friends: A Tween Devotional on Finding and Keeping Friendships." We enjoy conversation around being brave to make new friends, standing up for ourselves in friendships, knowing one's worth, reaching out to new people, and being a light in friendships. They also discuss the qualities of good friends and the lessons learned from writing the book. Order their devotional book here: Let's Be Friends: A Tween Devotional on Finding and Keeping FriendshipsChapters00:00Introduction01:14The Impact of Loneliness on Kids02:38Introducing the Guest and the Book03:25Challenges for Tween Girls in Friendships07:08Standing Up for Who You Are in Friendships09:05Importance of Knowing Your Worth in Friendships11:23Challenges in Friendships and Identity13:44Reaching Out to New People16:28Involvement in Activities and Making Friends18:46Sharing Faith and Being a Light in Friendships20:27Qualities of Good Friends22:10Loyalty in Friendships24:46Advice for Shy and Introverted Girls27:31Supporting Daughters in Friendships29:00Lessons Learned from Writing the Book31:42Closing Prayer

Need some fresh ideas on how to best pray for your child? Listen in! Becky and Sarah talk with Sharon Jaynes about "Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe"--a book Sharon wrote that is a 30-day guide to "powerful and effective Scripture-based prayers." Sharon shares insights on praying for different areas of a child's life, starting with the mind and going down to the feet. She also encourages moms to pray for other children and reminds them that God is always at work, even when it seems like evil is winning. The episode concludes with a prayer for encouragement and a reminder to trust in God's love and provision.Get Sharon's book.Learn more about Sharon.Chapters00:00Introduction and Welcome00:26The Importance of Prayer for Moms01:18Introduction of Guest and Book03:20The Power of Praying for Your Child07:31The Pattern of Prayer10:49Praying for the Mind and Neck13:42The Importance of Letting Go of Control15:28The Landmarks of the Lord's Prayer19:28Releasing Control to God22:16The Power of Prayer in Interception and Provision25:28Encouragement for Moms in Prayer28:16The Role of Struggle in Prayer31:24Praying for Other Children32:02Closing Prayer33:12Conclusion and Invitation