The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

Episodes

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  The Ladder of Love: Growing Closer to Jesus with Stasi Eldredge 19.10.2026 35m

  Many of us long for a deeper, more experiential life with Jesus. Might God be inviting us higher up and closer still?  In today's episode, Stasi Eldredge, author of The Ladder of Love: A Pathway to Emotional Healing and Spiritual Intimacy with Jesus, joins Arlene to talk about emotional healing and spiritual intimacy with Jesus. Stasi shares how she came to faith at 21 after a turbulent childhood, and what helped her through the early years of motherhood, including prayer, a Christian counselor, and friendship. She explains the ladder of love, which moves from clay and sheep to child, friend, and bride, and why she took a sabbatical instead of quitting her work. She also covers daily quiet time at home, playing with your spouse, and becoming the supporting cast in your adult children's lives. Join us for an encouraging and inspiring conversation centered on God's character and our relationship with Him.    03:39  Stasi's story: a broken family and coming to Jesus at 21 09:06  First step in healing: invite Jesus into your pain 11:33  Why Stasi sought out a Christian counselor 14:02  Surviving the hidden years of young motherhood 15:56  What the ladder of love is and why it's a ladder 22:10  Rest, don't quit: Stasi's sabbatical 29:21  Play with your spouse: ping pong and cribbage 31:11  Becoming the supporting cast in your adult children's lives   Find out more about Stasi Eldredge and her book, The Ladder of Love: A Pathway to Emotional Healing and Spiritual Intimacy with Jesus at WildatHeart.org   Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com    More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Grace is Not Permissiveness: Raising Spiritually Strong Kids with Dr. Charles Fay 12.10.2026 34m

  Bringing up spiritually strong kids in today's world can seem like a daunting challenge.  Dr. Charles Fay, a psychologist and president of the Love and Logic Institute, joins Arlene to discuss his book Raising Spiritually Strong Kids. He explains Ephesians 2:8-10, the difference between grace and permissiveness, and how rescuing kids from every problem interrupts the trust cycle. He describes the Love and Logic approach of setting limits with few words and letting empathy and consequences teach, along with a five-step process for helping older kids with problems. He also covers parenting without shame, staying connected with kids, and what to do when spouses disagree about discipline.   1:15 – A toddler meltdown in a restaurant and a neighbor’s advice: “be loving and strong” 5:18 – Ephesians 2:8-10: saved by grace, saved to do good works 10:12 – A candy lesson: letting kids make affordable mistakes 18:18 – The “parenting prosperity gospel” and why doing everything right doesn’t guarantee results 20:00 – The trust cycle, why rescuing kids stunts it, and the five steps for helping with big problems 25:01 – Love and Logic in a nutshell: set limits with few words, let empathy and consequences teach 26:50 – How modern psychology has encouraged idolizing children 29:12 – Parenting without shame and building connection at home 32:25 – When spouses disagree on discipline Learn more about Love and Logic, and Dr. Charles Fay's book, Raising Spiritually Strong Kids Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com    More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Helping Kids Through Grief with Sissy Goff 05.10.2026 26m

  Because kids experience and express grief differently than adults, we can feel unprepared to handle our kids' emotions. We hardly know how to grieve ourselves, so how can we help our kids through the death of a loved one or divorce?  Arlene talks with counselor and New York Times Bestselling Author, Sissy Goff about her new book, Helping Kids Through Grief: A Parent's Guide for Making Sense of Death, Processing Loss, and Finding Hope. As a therapist with over 30 years of experience, Sissy has seen firsthand the impact of grief on kids and families, and she's here to offer guidance and hope. Sissy discusses the importance of understanding the grieving process, how to validate a child's emotions, and the value of creating memories to honor loved ones who have passed away. We'll also explore the differences in how boys and girls grieve, and how to support kids through various types of loss, from the death of a loved one to the end of a sports season. 03:00 – Why Sissy wrote the book and the sixth stage of grief: meaning 06:10 – Anger and "all feelings are okay, but not all behaviors" 07:12 – What to say to a grieving child: "It won't always feel like this" 10:32 – Kids grieve in doses 11:57 – Answering "When is Papa coming back?" 13:18 – How boys and girls grieve differently 14:44 – Divorce and secondary losses 20:21 – Keeping memories alive with memory boxes 23:00 – When the parent is grieving too: accepting help from community   Get Sissy Goff's book, Helping Kids Through Grief, and learn more at RaisingBoysandGirls.com  Push back against too much screen time and read Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Can't Turn Off Video Games: Dr. Richard Freed on Persuasive Design 28.09.2026 35m

  For many kids (especially boys), life revolves around video games. "Wake me when it's the weekend" is the attitude of many kids who aren't interested in school, responsibility, or family bonding when there are video games to be played.  Child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Richard Freed joins Arlene to explain why video games are so sticky. He breaks down persuasive design, the science tech companies use to keep kids on screens. You'll understand BJ Fogg's behavior formula and how games like Fortnite are built by psychologists and AI to exploit boys' instincts for hunting, fighting, and status. Dr. Freed discusses why boys are falling behind academically and socially, and why family and school connection matter more than peer or online community.  You won't be left helpless against the gaming console. We'll share practical steps to delay the addicting power of smartphones, social media, and video games. Dr. Richard Freed is the author of several books including Better Than Real Life: How Silicon Valley's Secret Science of Persuasive Design is Stealing Childhood.   02:15 – Why girls started self-harming at age 10-11 in the early 2000s 03:56 – Video games as "sophisticated psychological conditioning chambers" 06:12 – BJ Fogg's persuasive design formula: B = MAT (motivation, ability, triggers) 10:19 – Fortnite's lead designer and the "Skinner box" behind the game 13:25 – When limiting a teen's screen time becomes dangerous 20:11 – Debunking the myth that video games build real-world skills 30:06 – The three things kids need most: family, school, physical activity 36:04 – Where to find Dr. Freed and his book, Better Than Real Life Connect with Dr. Richard Freed and grab a copy of Better than Real Life at RichardFreed.com   Push back against persuasive design and read Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Why Nature Teaches What AI Slop Can't with Eryn Lynum 21.09.2026 34m

  If exposed regularly to AI, how will kids tell the difference between the real world and what is artificial?A tech reset is needed - moving from a screen-based childhood to a play-based childhood. Going into nature instead of sitting on a couch.  Author Eryn Lynum knows a lot about the benefits of being in God's creation. She's the host of the Nat Theo podcast, but even her family needed to reestablish limits. She read Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset, during a three-week road trip. Lynum describes the family meeting that followed, how her four kids responded, and how nature became the replacement for screen time rather than just a restriction. We'll talk about AI, rest, and Eryn's experience with Addison's disease. Eryn has two new books to help your children embrace the wild outdoors and God's creation: a children's book Where Wonder Leads and the family devotional Made to Marvel.   02:36 – Why the Lynum family needed a tech reset 05:11 – How her four kids reacted to new tech limits 08:16 – Replacing tech with nature instead of just restricting it 10:29 – Nature vs. AI: teaching kids what's real 13:45 – How to start engaging with nature as a family (even in a condo) 20:21 – What "wonder" means in Where Wonder Leads 23:15 – Living with Addison's disease and why rest matters 29:40 – Made to Marvel: the new 52-week family devotional Find out more about Eryn Lynum's ministry and her new books, Where Wonder Leads and the family devotional Made to Marvel, at https://nattheo.com/ Get Arlene's new book The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families for FREE while supplies last from Summit Ministries.  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  My Parents Didn't Let Me Have a Smartphone - and I'm Glad with Noelle Pellicane 14.09.2026 33m

  Arlene's children were not allowed to have social media, play video games, or have personal phones or tablets until their senior year of high school. What did the kids think about this??? Noelle (the middle child of three) is here to represent the kids! Was she left out of friend groups at school because she wasn't on social media? Did she struggle with anxiety as a result? Noelle addresses common concerns parents raise, including whether kids need phones to stay connected with friends, whether delaying phone access affects academic performance, and whether it leaves children unprepared once they leave home. She describes how her parents explained their reasoning rather than simply withholding technology, and how that shaped the boundaries she set for herself once she did get a phone. Noelle also discusses her current use of AI as an engineering student at Oral Roberts University, and how her faith shapes how she spends her time. Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families is available for FREE while supplies last. Request your copy at TechResetBook.com and begin your do-over with screen time.  02:19 — Noelle introduces herself: senior year at Oral Roberts University, mechanical engineering 03:15 — What she actually did as a kid without video games, tablets, or cable 05:21 — Addressing the myth that kids need phones to stay connected with friends 09:05 — The "time pit" and what she avoided seeing online — comparison, body image, bad news 12:33 — Phone use in the classroom and its effect on attention span 16:04 — Why she didn't "go crazy" once she finally got a phone senior year 18:11 — Her deliberate process for delaying social media after getting a phone 22:47 — How going without a phone gave her more freedom, not less 29:19 — Balancing being a "tech optimist" and AI enthusiast with caution about addictive technology   More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families (free while supplies last!)  Check out Noelle's art on Instagram  SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's other BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Reclaiming Childhood: The Great Tech Reset 07.09.2026 35m

  Technology promises to make life better, boost productivity, connect us, and help us learn. But what does it do to childhood?  Where is the evidence that a screen-based childhood is best for kids?  We all know that sitting still, staring at screens, watching who-knows-what is not good for healthy child development. And it's time for parents to rebel against this tsunami of technology.  Arlene shares the story behind her new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families published with Summit Ministries (release date September 29). The most unusual thing about the book? For a limited time, it's free!  Just request your copy at techresetbook.com Arlene will walk you through statistics on rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screen use, then explain how her family avoided phones, social media, and video games through most of her kids' childhood. She addresses three common parenting fears — that kids need social media to make friends, that limiting tech will make kids hate their parents, and that it's too late to change course — and offers practical steps towards healthier tech use. Plus, she addresses the spiritual ramifications of too much tech.  What if our kids feared God more than they feared losing followers?   00:01 – A heart-to-heart about phones and tablets in the home 00:59 – Announcing The Great Tech Reset, a free print book, order at techresetbook.com 02:02 – The statistics: rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screens 03:53 – How the book came about: stepping back from the Parents Rising Conference to write with Summit Ministries 08:49 – Lie #1: Kids need social media to make friends 12:41 – Lie #2: Limiting tech will make your kids hate you 18:59 – Lie #3: It's too late to change course 24:42 – A pop quiz for listeners: do you reach for your phone to relax? 27:15 – Closing scripture from Luke 12 and prayer for families   Order Arlene Pellicane's new book, The Great Tech Reset, now! TechResetBook.com More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Trying to Be Happy is Making Kids Miserable with Dr. Jonathan Eckert 31.08.2026 30m

  The pressure to be endlessly happy is leaving the next generation more anxious and isolated than ever.  In his new book, The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation, Dr. Jonathan Eckert calls for a culture shift that we can begin at home. How do we embrace adversity and see the value of challenges, instead of becoming parents who make everything too easy?  Dr. Eckert explains the biblical connection between joy and struggle, and why removing adversity — "snowplow parenting" — prevents kids from developing resilience. Arlene and Jon work through real-life scenarios, including a child facing bullying and a teen caught using AI to cheat on a school assignment. The conversation closes with practical steps for helping kids rediscover purpose and joy through community and faith. Dr. Jonathan Eckert is a former middle school teacher and basketball coach who worked in the Bush and Obama Department of Education. He has a PhD from Vanderbilt, and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Baylor Center for School Leadership.    02:35  Why the pursuit of happiness backfires 03:29  How phones and comparison fuel kids' unhappiness 04:57  Snowplow parents vs. building "muscles around the backbone" 09:15  Roleplay: what to say when a kid is bullied at school 14:40  Roleplay: when a teen gets caught using AI to cheat 21:18  My teacher story: destructive vs. productive struggle 28:17  The "man in the arena" quote and the ABCs of joy   Connect with Dr. Jonathan Eckert at jonathaneckert.org or on Linkedin. Grab a copy of Dr. Eckert's book The Happiness Crisis.  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Getting On the Same Page with Grandma and Grandpa with Lori Wildenberg 24.08.2026 35m

  Do your parents offer too much parenting advice? Too little? Lori Wildenberg, author of Grandparents Make Grand Partners, joins Arlene to talk about grandparent and adult-child relationships. They cover how to invite an under-involved grandparent to do more, and how to address a grandparent who offers too much unsolicited advice. Lori shares how she and her husband stay close to their adult daughter despite differing views, and how families can keep connected across distance. You'll also get to hear ideas for handling screen-time disagreements and passing down family faith stories. 02:58 — Why today's grandparents differ from earlier generations 05:10 — How to reach an uninvolved grandparent 10:30 — Story: asking a grandparent to "tone it down" 13:08 — Why unsolicited advice feels like criticism 16:08 — Loving an adult child through disagreement 24:03 — Staying connected with grandkids who live far away 26:49 — Navigating different screen-time philosophies 31:53 — The power of grandparents and passing down faith stories Connect with Lori Wildenberg on her website  Grab Lori Wildenberg's book, Grandparents Make Grand Partners Follow Lori on Instagram  Follow Lori on Facebook    More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Why Did God Make Us Sleep? A Theology of Rest with Brett McCracken 17.08.2026 30m

  Sleep can sometimes feel unproductive, but believe it or not, sleep is valuable in more ways than we realize!  Sure there are many physical benefits, but there are also important spiritual benefits.  Brett McCracken, author of The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls, joins Arlene to explore why God designed humans to need sleep at all. They discuss sleep as a gift of grace that can't be earned, the vulnerability of nighttime and what it teaches about dependence on God, and practical tips for helping both adults and children sleep better. The conversation also turns to how screens have replaced older nighttime dangers, and how sleep itself pushes back against an AI-driven culture that prizes constant productivity. Brett shares personal reflections as a father of four on choosing rest over an ever-growing to-do list.   03:53 — The central question: why did God design humans to need sleep? 05:52 — Sleep as an ungratefully-received gift of grace 06:38 — Nighttime vulnerability and learning to trust God's protection 10:03 — Practical sleep tips for adults and kids 15:27 — Phones and screens as the new "danger of the night" 18:23 — John Piper's quote on sleep as a corrective to pride 26:21 — AI, human limitation, and what sleep reveals about being human   Get a copy of Brett McCracken's book, The Wisdom of Sleep, on Amazon and everywhere books are sold.  Connect with Brett at https://www.brettmccracken.com/   More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Yes, Your Kids Will Turn Out Okay with Pam Farrel 10.08.2026 37m

  Do you ever wonder, Will my kids turn out okay? Am I messing them up?  Get ready to be encouraged and empowered by today's conversation with mom, nana, and bestselling author of 60+ books Pam Farrel. You're going to learn how to be a proactive, unworried, confident parent as we head into a new school year. Pam explains the Learner-Leader framework she and her husband Bill developed to raise their three sons, including gift-giving traditions, age-specific contracts, and decision-making exercises. Pam shares two memorable stories from her own family: Brock's prayer on the 50-yard line after a huge football loss, and Zach's turnaround after he punched through a wall at age eight. The conversation covers how to start being proactive with a teenager, the role of prayer in parenting, and more.  03:00 – Proactive vs. passive parenting: the key difference 04:34 – The Learner-Leader Day tradition 08:14 – Where "Learner, Leader, Lover of God" came from: Pam's prayer over newborn Brock 13:02 – One step for parents who haven't been proactive with a teen 16:51 – The movie night story: letting Zach make (and own) the call 28:00 – The 50-yard line: Brock's prayer after a 48-0 loss 31:16 – Zach's rock-bottom moment and the "treasure map" turnaround   Connect and find out more about Pam Farrel at love-wise.com Find the parenting resources mentioned on the podcast here: https://www.love-wise.com/parenting/ Get Pam & Bill Farrel's book, The 10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Make here.  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Ruth Chou Simons: Live the Gospel in Your Mundane Moments 03.08.2026 30m

  Sometimes God's presence and glory seems separated from everyday life, but what if daily grace can be experienced in the mundane?   In this episode, Arlene talks with beloved author and artist Ruth Chou Simons about her new book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. Ruth shares how raising six boys reshaped her expectations of motherhood, and how she turns ordinary tasks — cooking, closets, evening routines — into moments of discipleship. They discuss scripture memory that adapts to different seasons of life, stewarding a home without chasing perfection, and the practice of looking your children in the eye instead of calling out instructions across the room. The conversation offers practical ways to notice God's presence in daily, unremarkable moments.   01:43 – Raising six boys and letting go of the story she expected 04:12 – Turning kitchen prep time into discipleship moments  07:11 – Teaching multiple kids at once without needing to be perfect 09:58 – Scripture memory that fits your actual season, not a perfect system 12:32 – Stewarding your home as a haven, not a showcase 16:37 – Simplifying your closet and choosing a signature accessory 20:41 – Why looking your kids in the eye changes everything Connect with Ruth Chou Simons on her website Shop Ruth Chou Simons' art and more at GraceLaced  Follow Ruth Chou Simons on Instagram  Learn more about Ruth's new book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life    More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Why Every Kid Needs a Godly Hero with Joshua Cooley 27.07.2026 33m

  What heroes do your kids look up to?  Boys and girls need better examples than secular YouTube celebrities and pop music stars. They need real heroes that will inspire courage, truth, charity, and perseverance.  The popularity of the Odyssey shows us how we long for moral heroes. The ultimate place to find heroes is in the Bible.  How can we help Biblical heroes come alive for boys and girls?  New York Times bestselling author Joshua Cooley joins Arlene to unpack his Heroes of the Bible devotionals. You'll hear why figures like Gideon prove that God works through weakness rather than natural strength, and get practical ideas for building a family Bible-reading rhythm, managing kids' phone use, and helping young athletes root their identity in Christ instead of their sport. Joshua serves at the editor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes magazine. If your kid has ever faced disappointment on a team, Josh also offers a Bible-based way to talk them through it. He also shares the story behind the football memoir he co-authored with Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles. 03:56 – Why boys need heroes right now 05:36 – Gideon: hiding in a ditch and becoming a "mighty man of valor" 07:27 – Inside the Heroes of the Bible devotional format 14:06 – Building a family Bible-reading rhythm that actually sticks 20:00 – What worries Josh about kids and phone use today 21:58 – Sports, identity, and glorifying God through athletics 27:27 – Helping a kid handle not making the team   Find out more about Joshua Cooley and his books on his website. More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Praying in Pain: What to Do When God Doesn't Heal You Yet with Glenna Marshall 20.07.2026 32m

  Why does God allow us to suffer?  Glenna Marshall spent six years chasing a diagnosis and sixteen years living with a painful autoimmune disease before writing Praying in Pain. In this conversation, she explores this question and walks us through what God has taught her through it all. Glenna talks through the four-part pattern of the biblical lament psalms — cry out, remember, resolve — and how they became her lifeline during sleepless nights of suffering. Glenna opens up about the pride that kept her silent from her church, the tension chronic illness can create in a marriage, and what she's learned about complaining honestly to God instead of everyone else. Listen in for a hard-won perspective on healing, hope, and raising children who've watched a parent suffer well.   02:04 – Glenna describes the onset of her mystery illness at age 29 09:30 – The four-part pattern of lament psalms: cry out, remember, resolve 13:37 – "You don't have to stop complaining — you just have to complain differently" 16:12 – The story of snapping at a friend who complained about a sore back 20:16 – Hiding her flare-up from her church during a leaf-raking outreach 22:36 – The three ways Glenna believes God heals 27:03 – Navigating marriage when one spouse is in chronic pain and the other isn't 31:59 – Glenna's closing word to anyone suffering in isolation   Check out Glenna Marshall's blog: https://www.glennamarshall.com/ More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  The Inspired Homeschool: Rethinking the Way Your Child Learns with Jennifer Pepito 13.07.2026 32m

  What if the secret to raising a confident, faith-filled learner has been sitting in history books all along?  Jennifer Pepito, host of Restoration Home and author of The Inspired Homeschool, joins Arlene to explore how homeschooled figures from history — including Leonardo da Vinci, C.S. Lewis, and Laura Ingalls Wilder — offer a roadmap for joyful, confident learning today. Jennifer shares the warning signs of a homeschool that's lost its spark, why she chose to homeschool her seven children, and practical tools like notebooking that help kids make learning their own. This conversation will help you raise curious kids who are able to think on their own.  This episode isn't just for homeschoolers - it's for any parent who wants to help their children love learning.    02:12 – Warning signs your homeschool needs "fresh fire" 04:18 – Jennifer's home motto: "Earth's crammed with heaven" 11:23 – Encouragement for moms who feel ill-equipped to homeschool 17:15 – Why notebooking is such a powerful learning tool 19:56 – What C.S. Lewis's homeschool/tutoring years can teach us 23:51 – Avoiding the "screen time trap" and the truth about reading timelines 27:41 – Practical advice on screen time: productive vs. consumptive use 31:06 – Laura Ingalls Wilder and the idea that "Ma embraced her work"   Learn more about Jennifer Pepito's book, The Inspired Homeschool. Get access to other homeschooling resources at https://thepeacefulpress.com/   More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  When Technology Doesn’t Hurt Your Child with Jess Wolstenholm 06.07.2026 32m

  It seems like technology is always bad, especially when it comes to impacting the hearts of kids. But is there a way to use technology to strengthen your family values?  Jess Wolstenholm, VP of Education and Research at Minno, joins Arlene to talk about how parents can use media intentionally during the most formative years of a child's faith. They dig into the "4 to 14 window," why young children need predictable rhythms, and how to have real conversations with teens about what they're watching. Jess also walks through how to evaluate media choices for different ages and why small, consistent habits add up more than parents often realize. 1:32 — What Minno is and how it differs from YouTube Kids and Netflix 4:28 — Why preschoolers and older kids need to be taught differently 5:13 — The 4 to 14 window: how a child's worldview is formed 7:08 — Why predictable rhythms matter so much in early faith formation 9:45 — How to have faith conversations with teens without it feeling like a quiz 12:49 — Why parents should narrate their own screen use in front of their kids 16:53 — Start small: why 10 consistent minutes beats occasional big efforts 23:02 — What to look for (and avoid) when evaluating media for your kids Minno is the #1 media source for Christian content for kids. Start your free trial and learn more at gominno.com More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Hope, Chronic Illness, and Trusting God with Your Kids with Sarah Walton 29.06.2026 32m

  When faced with parenting crises, special-needs challenges, fear, and exhaustion, how do you keep moving forward? Today's guest Sarah Walton is an author, wife, and mom of four whose family has faced chronic illness, a son with severe behavioral episodes, and years of uncertainty without answers. In this conversation, Sarah talks about what it looked like to survive the hardest seasons of motherhood and how her faith carried her through. She shares how she learned to grieve her expectations, hold hope and acceptance together, and find small joys when everything felt dark. She also offers practical words for how to support a friend who is suffering — and what not to say. Her new book is "Jesus Will Meet You There."  03:14 — Sarah shares what happened when her oldest son spiked a severe fever at 7 weeks old and what followed in the years after 06:11 — The family's Lyme disease diagnosis and how it connected the dots across years of unexplained health struggles 08:19 — How Sarah stayed spiritually afloat — opening her Bible daily, journaling, and talking to God about how awful things felt 10:37 — What to say to the parent who is disappointed and asking why they got a hard child 17:44 — Holding hope and acceptance at the same time: the balance of praying for a miracle while being at peace if it doesn't come 21:05 — How Sarah talks to her kids about suffering and why she lets them see her struggle with hard questions too 26:15 — Why God doesn't always give us the "why" — and why that's actually a gift to our faith 30:02 — Listen, learn, lean in: what to do (and not do) when a friend is going through something hard   Grab a copy of Sarah Walton's book at JesusWillMeetYouThere.com Sarah Walton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahpwalton/?hl=en Substack: https://substack.com/@sarahpwalton   More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Selfless Kids in a Self-Centered World: Dave Stone on Raising Kids Who Care 22.06.2026 33m

  Life isn't all about us. But have you tried teaching that to your kids?! Pastor, author, and super dad Dave Stone will help you raise kids who are humble, generous, and others-focused. He's raised three kids and can walk alongside us, guiding us through stages of parenting, from discipline to friendship. He encourages parents in the hard seasons and reminds us that our family investment is never wasted. You won't want to miss the personal stories (you might need a tissue) and the sage wisdom of this pastor to pastors. Dave is the host of the Pastor to Pastor podcast and author of How to Raise Selfless Kids in a Self-Centered World. Whether you are in formal ministry or not, Dave is a role model worth following. He believes the most practical way to spread the gospel is through moms and dads who model a genuine faith for their children. On today's episode, we'll talk about:  02:21  Why humility is such an attractive quality 05:18  The "two questions" practice: how Dave trained his kids to ask guests questions before every meal 06:27  The Bible study story: Dave leaves mid-lesson to apologize to his son Sam 11:26  Advice for pastors' families on navigating the fishbowl and helping kids find joy in ministry 15:46  Sam pledges his entire allowance to a church building campaign 19:18  God sends Sam a check for exactly $200 — the story of a 10-year-old learning you can't out-give God 20:47  Dave speaks directly to parents in the hard seasons: each stage has its fulfillment, and it is worth it 29:51  The blindfold reveal: how Sam surprised his parents by buying a house six doors down   Listen to Dave Stone's podcast: Pastor to Pastor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastortopastorpodcast/?hl=en More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  How Your Marriage Can Go the Distance with Larry McCall 15.06.2026 31m

  Larry McCall has been married to his high school sweetheart for more than 50 years and pastored the same church for over 40. He knows firsthand what it takes to enjoy a marriage that lasts. He's also seen the bad things that happen to marriages in the middle and later years. In his book A Seasoned Marriage, he walks couples through the seasons that can quietly undo a marriage: empty nests, adult kids moving back home, aging parents, and the slow drift from spouse to roommate. He and Arlene talk about why putting Christ at the center of marriage matters more than ever as the years go on, and how couples can become closer friends instead of growing apart. If your kids are young, this episode is still for you — what you build now is what you'll have later.  1:28 — Why the gospel has to be at the center of marriage, not just the beginning of it 3:28 — The "happiness trap" — what couples reveal when they pursue divorce 6:39 — When your spouse's faith is weak and you're carrying the marriage alone 8:25 — The story of a woman whose non-Christian husband came to faith after decades of prayer 10:31 — The low point in Larry and Gladine's marriage, and what turned it around 16:02 — Navigating adult kids moving back home without it wedging the marriage 23:38 — The difference between a Christian grandparent and an intentional Christian grandparent   Grab a copy of Larry McCall's book: A Seasoned Marriage Learn more about Walking with Jesus Ministries: http://www.wljministries.org/ More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Less Control, More Connection: Parenting Adult Children Well with Dr. Kathy Koch 08.06.2026 34m

  Guest favorite Dr. Kathy Koch joins Arlene to explain the changes that happen when your kids grow up. Dr. Kathy's book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children walks parents through the hard work of releasing control, grieving unmet expectations, and learning to communicate in ways that actually keep the door open. They cover topics like helicoptering through the teen years, using "I statements" instead of "you statements," staying connected with kids who've walked away from faith, and how to pray through the grief of it all. If your kids are still young, don't skip this episode. It's great to prepare you for the future by preventing common problems in the first place. In this episode, you'll learn: 3:06  Parent as a noun vs. parent as a verb — what changes when kids grow up 4:31  The long-term effects of helicoptering through the teen years 6:20  How to recognize when you're idolizing your kids 9:47  The "Isaac on the altar" release practice — surrendering your adult child to God 13:06  Staying connected with a child who has walked away from faith 15:37  "I statements" vs. "you statements" and why it matters 26:16  The monthly curiosity coffee — how to ask questions that open doors instead of closing them Find out more about Dr. Kathy Koch's ministry and get her book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children at https://celebratekids.com/ Connect with Dr. Kathy on Instagram and Facebook. More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.