The Thriving Family

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today’s episode features a truly hope-filled message. Christin Rosa graduated with a bachelor of education degree from the University of Alberta and has taught everything from English at a university in China to kindergarten to employability skills training for immigrant women. In 2013 she gave birth to her son Thomas and stayed home with her kids until returning to work in 2024. It was her prenatal diagnosis in 2016 while pregnant with boy and girl twins that changed everything. It lit a fire in her to do something, anything, to shed light on the injustice of abortion. Today Christin is the author of Saving Nate: Choosing Life After a Devastating Prenatal Diagnosis, and is a prayer leader and devotional writer for a 24-7 prayer room for life in Canada. She loves to spend time in God’s presence meditating on his Word and to share his soul-reviving truth with others through her writing and Bible study leadership. Her website is ChristinRosa.com. Her book, Saving Nate, was published by Focus on the Family, and it was such an honour to sit down and hear more of Christin’s story.Today’s interview is facilitated by Len DenBraber, chief operating office at Focus on the Family Canada.This episode includes personal reflections on pregnancy loss and abortion. Listener discretion advised. This podcast is one family’s story and therefore cannot reflect the various experiences of all families. Many parents in similar situations have not experienced miraculous healing where there was a prenatal diagnosis, despite their prayers and trust in God. If a child did not survive before or after childbirth, or they were born with a disability, there is long-term challenge, pain, and grief. While we cannot understand why this happens, we do know God is near to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18) and comforts those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). If a woman has chosen abortion, there can also be immense pain, grief, and shame. God in his great mercy offers love, forgiveness, and hope (1 John 1:9).Episode notes:Saving Nate: Choosing Life after a Devastating Prenatal Diagnosishttps://shop.focusonthefamily.ca/Saving-NateFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.In today’s episode, we have the joy of introducing Arlene Pellicane. Arlene is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books including Parents Rising, Making Marriage Easier and Screen Kids. Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, FamilyLife Today, and Focus on the Family and is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene and her husband, James, have three children and live in San Diego. They have raised their kids without social media, video games, and smartphones and inspire others to scroll less and live more. To learn more, visit her website at ArlenePellicane.com. This was dynamic conversation about parenting, navigating screen time, and what it was like collaborating with Gary Chapman!Episode notes:Happy Home Podcasthttps://arlenepellicane.com/podcastsFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.For today’s episode, we’re talking about how to help boost your child’s academic potential. We recognize that every child learns differently, and many children require tailored support to thrive in the classroom. But regardless of where and how they learn, a child’s parents will always be their biggest academic supporter. Here are some ways to increase your child’s learning potential!Episode notes:The Potential of Children video serieshttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/potential-of-childrenFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2020 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.For today’s episode, you’ll hear from Matt Menzel. Matt is the lead pastor of Centre Church in downtown Vancouver. He and his wife, Melissa, are completely caught up in a vision for the renewal of Jesus’ church in their city. Matt’s greatest joy is to experience the presence of Jesus in daily life and to see Christ do the things that only he can do. Matt truly is making this happen, and you’ll understand how when you hear this beautiful and inspiring conversation.Episode notes:Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcasthttps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.For today’s episode, we have the joy of introducing Dede Nicholson, a team member at Focus on the Family Canada. Dede shares her journey of rediscovering the importance of the Sabbath and how she truly experienced God’s rest as a busy mother.Episode notes:Work-Life Balance digital booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/work-life-balance-free-pdfDrawing Closer to God Through Spiritual Disciplines video serieshttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/spiritual-disciplinesKerith Retreatshttps://kerithretreats.ca/Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2020 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today, you’re in for an inspiring conversation with Daniel Im. Daniel is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. He serves as the lead pastor of Beulah Alliance Church and is the author of several books, including his latest, The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World. He is currently undertaking a Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience. Daniel and his wife, Christina, lives in Edmonton, AB, and their three children.Episode notes:Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcasthttps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today’s episode features Mike and Kim Anderson. Mike and Kim jumped into blended family life back in 2001 after dating for a short time. They knew roadblocks would pop up along the journey, but they didn’t anticipate how challenging it would be. They began supporting blended family couples shortly after their wedding and have had the privilege of supporting hundreds of couples for more than two decades. Mike and Kim are trained by Ron Deal, one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the United States. Through their podcast, Blended Family Breakthrough, and their work as life coaches, they empower and equip blended families on both sides of the border.Today’s conversation is facilitated by Len DenBraber, chief operating officer at Focus on the Family Canada.Episode notes:Blended Family Breakthroughhttps://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.comBlended family resourceshttps://focusonthefamily.ca/blendedfamiliesParenting in a Blended Family video serieshttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/parenting-in-a-blended-familyHelping Blended Families Thrive digital booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/helping-blended-families-thriveFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today’s episode features Jenni Colwell. Jenni serves as the Director of Children and Family Ministries for the British Columbia and Yukon District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. She is passionate about nurturing the spiritual formation of children and equipping the pastors and leaders who serve them. Jenni and her husband, Mark, have been married for 31 years and are blessed with four adult children, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren.Episode notes:Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Today’s episode is all about building a stronger team, and in this case, that team is your marriage. If team-building activities work in uniting coworkers and near strangers, how much more will it do for you and your spouse?Episode notes:Helping Couples Thrive digital booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/helping-couples-thrive100+ great date ideashttps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/100-great-date-ideasFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2020 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome back to The Thriving Family, a podcast from Focus on the Family Canada. If you’re new to the show, this is the place where family, faith, and culture intersect. Our first season explored communication and conflict in relationships. For season two, we looked at how our Heavenly Father heals our scars. Now, for season three, we are talking about God’s full life for you. We sat down with ministry leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs and content creators from across Canada, and I’m so excited for you to hear these conversations.

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.For today’s episode, it’s our pleasure to introduce Jason Weening. Jason and his wife, Alli, have been married for 20 years and are blessed with 10 children. He speaks to dads and moms encouraging them to be intentional in their most important organization – their family! He is the author of two books: a fiction adventure book for kids, Danger in the Jungle, and a humorous non-fiction book, Yes, Dear...I’m Watching Them: Stories of Injury and Adventure from the Frontlines of Dadhood. He co-hosts the Helping Men Thrive podcast and supervises the care of hens, ducks, cows, and vegetables on their small hobby farm in southern Saskatchewan. Find him at HeyDads.ca.Episode notes:Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.HeyDads.caSupport the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.For today’s episode, we have the honour of introducing a powerful testimonial of healing scars that were left by dysfunctional family. The family we grew up in – our family of origin – has an undeniable impact on our lives. It can affect how we see ourselves, how we see the world, how we interact with others, and our expectations of marriage and parenting. Tina’s story is told with brutal honesty, and we are grateful for her courage in sharing with us. I hope you are encouraged by Tina’s testimony of finding healing and hope.Please note that this testimonial mentions abuse and is not suitable for children.Episode notes:Understanding Your Family of Origin digital booklethttps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/free-booklet-download-understanding-your-family-of-originFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2025 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.For today’s episode, we are talking about inevitable stress and necessary self-care following the birth of a first child, but not from the perspective you might expect. When it comes to self-care, new dads may struggle to find information that applies to them. Sadly, this make them feel unprepared and alone if they’re struggling. You’ll hear from several dads about their experiences and discover practical steps for self-care as a new father.Just a note: Referrals to websites not produced by Focus on the Family Canada do not necessarily constitute blanket endorsement of the sites' content.Episode notes:Content series for new parentshttps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/new-parentsFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2016 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.In today’s episode, we are looking at what it means to be in a relationship with a highly sensitive person. By first understanding the characteristics and needs of a highly sensitive person, you can then identify how that’s affecting your relationship – especially when it comes to navigating conflict – so you can create a safe, thriving marriage.Please note that reference to the individuals and organizations quoted does not constitute a blanket endorsement of either the individuals’ external work or their respective organizations. And all names have been changed to protect their privacy.Episode notes:Navigating Conflict in Marriage digital booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/navigating-conflict-in-marriageHelping Couples Thrive digital booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/helping-couples-thriveFocus Marriage Assessment Toolhttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/marriage-assessmentFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2018 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today it’s our great pleasure to introduce author and speaker Shirley Thiessen. Most people feel uncertain how to express empathy and love to those who are grieving. Shirley was one of those people. Then abruptly, grief ambushed Shirley’s family. Twelve days after her son’s wedding, Shirley was thrown into the unimaginable task of planning his funeral. The trauma of losing her child threatened to destroy her. Hope and resiliency gradually emerged with the caring support of courageous, compassionate friends. They listened, acknowledged her loss, prayed and patiently remained present.Inspired by these “Hope Heroes,” Shirley wrote the book, The Little Black Funeral Dress: Five Things I Wish I Had Known About Grief to pay it forward. Identifying the need for more grief education particularly in faith communities, Shirley became founder of Corner Bend Grief Ministries in 2019. Her passion is to inspire others to be Hope Heroes so that every grieving soul will experience God’s love and find courage to recycle their pain for his glory.  This conversation with Shirley Thiessen is facilitated by Len DenBraber, chief operating officer at Focus on the Family Canada.Episode notes:The Little Black Funeral Dress by Shirley Thiessenhttps://shop.focusonthefamily.ca/The-Little-Black-Funeral-DressWalking Through Grief PDF booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/griefFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2025 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.In today’s episode, we are diving into the realm of anxiety. For those who become overwhelmed by their anxious thoughts, it can be difficult to find a way out of that heightened state on our own. Thankfully, God provides us with helpful tools and resources – which we explore in this episode.Episode notes:Understanding Anxiety video serieshttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/understanding-anxietyUnderstanding and Navigating Anxiety PDF booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/anxietyFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2013 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today’s episode tackles a very sensitive and difficult subject: sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is on the rise in Canada. This episode will educate you about how traffickers operate and what to be aware of as a parent. Note that this episode mentions sexual assault and is not suitable for children. We recommend parents listen to this episode to discern if it’s right to let their teenagers hear. An important note before we begin: If you are concerned that your child could be the victim of sex trafficking or is being groomed for sex trafficking you must intervene, but you should do so carefully to ensure you don’t put your child’s safety at risk. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at 1.833.900.1010 and they can advise you on how best to proceed. Most importantly, any disclosure of sexual abuse made by a minor must also be reported to the police or a child welfare agency right away.Episode notes:Lynda Harlos’ book Walk a Mile: A Mother’s Journey into Her Daughter’s Secret Life has not been reviewed for endorsement by Focus on the Family Canada. The occasional use of strong language in Lynda’s book will concern some readers. You can also watch Lynda’s story on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEDT-NpTyW8Focus on the Family Canada series on protecting children from sexual abusehttps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuseFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2024 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today, you’re in for an inspiring conversation with Carissa Youssef, a leader with a servant’s heart who is passionate about God’s redemptive work. Born in Chicago, Carissa lived throughout the Midwest until her family settled in Seattle in 1993. After graduating from high school, Carissa moved to British Columbia to attend university where she earned her BA in Communications and later her MBA. Carissa spent nearly 15 years of dedicated work in the fight against extreme poverty, and she now serves as the executive director of One Day’s Wages, where she continues to advocate for the most vulnerable. Carissa and her husband, Bob, live in Abbotsford, BC, with their two daughters.This conversation with Carissa Youssef is facilitated by Kara Pippy, chief marketing officer at Focus on the Family Canada.Episode notes:Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2025 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.In today’s episode, we are tackling a deeply personal issue – emotional abuse in marriage. Words don’t leave physical marks, but they bruise the spirit. This episode is full of practical advice and insights from marriage experts to help work through this daunting topic. While we recognize that men are also victims of emotional abuse, we hear from women more often which is why that dynamic is described this episode. That being said, these principles apply whether it's the wife or husband who is the victim of emotional abuse.Please note that reference to the individuals and organizations quoted does not constitute a blanket endorsement of either the individuals’ external work or their respective organizations.Episode notes:Read a related article here: “Words that bruise: Are you emotionally abusive?”https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/words-that-bruise-are-you-emotionally-abusiveThe Emotionally Destructive Relationship by Leslie Vernickhttps://shop.focusonthefamily.ca/The-Emotionally-Destructive-RelationshipUnderstanding Abuse digital booklethttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/understanding-abuseUnpacking Biblical Separation and Divorce video serieshttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/unpacking-biblical-separation-and-divorceUnderstanding Abuse in Marriage video serieshttps://info.focusonthefamily.ca/understanding-abuse-in-marriageFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.© 2013 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.Today’s episode features Bryan and Bonnie Pue, founders of The Union Movement. As a young man, Bryan was into the party scene, depressed, angry and addicted to pornography. Meanwhile, Bonnie was the homeschooled church teen girl whose naivety was shattered when a trusted church leader confessed his sexual sin to his congregation. As they found restoration and freedom, their passion grew to help others find healing and to empower churches to do the same. They founded The Union Movement to help people find wholeness by presenting a gospel-centred, holistic approach to the topics of identity, sexuality, and relationships. They develop resources, speak at events, and support local churches and leaders who desire to cultivate healthy cultures. Bonnie and Bryan have been married since 2007, and are now mom and dad to six fantastic sons.This conversation with Bryan and Bonnie is facilitated by Len DenBraber, chief operating officer at Focus on the Family Canada.Episode notes:In God’s Image video serieshttps://www.focusonthefamily.ca/IngodsimageFree, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult.Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving© 2025 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.