Best Raising Relative Children Podcasts (2025)

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DA388 | Self-Aware, Other-Aware, God-Aware: Relational Wisdom That Changes Everything at Home (Ken Sande) 26:38

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4h ago26:38

26:38

Ken Sande joins us for PART 2 to share game-changing tools every dad needs: ✅ The SOG Plan: Self-aware, Other-aware, God-aware conflict resolution ✅ The SERVE Acrostic: How to love your wife like Christ loves the church ✅ Why bringing the gospel beats lecturing every time SUMMARY Every dad faces conflict at home, but most of us handle it all wrong.…

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Building Rhythms of Self-Care Into Our Parenting with Nicole Barlow 53:21

1d ago53:21

53:21

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. How do you define self-care? Are you establishing a routine of self-care that supports you to meet your kid's needs? Nicole Barlow joins the podcast to discuss how we think about self-care, why it's crucial, and how to create rhythms of self-care in our homes. She is a certified wel…

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Black Parents Adopting a White Child - Weekend Wisdom 6:13

5d ago6:13

6:13

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: Today's question is about black parents adopting a white child. This was a question we received from a survey we sent out to issues that our audience wished that we would address. Resources: Raising a Child Through a Transracial Adoption Transracial Adoption Twist: Black P…

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DA387 | The Ripple Effect of Fatherhood, Saying "I'm Sorry," and Going Upstream in Conflict (Ken Sande PART 1) 29:59

7d ago29:59

29:59

✅ The Seven A's of confession (and why "I'm sorry" isn't enough for deep healing) ✅ How to break the cycle of emotionally stunted men in your family line ✅ The 6-second technique that can save your marriage and your relationships with your kids ✅ Why going "upstream" is better than constantly putting out fires FULL SHOW NOTES > SUMMARY: What if the…

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How People of Faith Can Support Vulnerable Kids and Families 56:57

8d ago56:57

56:57

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. How can we get people of faith more involved in helping vulnerable kids and families and supporting foster and kinship families? Join our discussion with Jason Johnson and Shmuly Yanklowitz. Pastor Johnson is with The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) and is both a foster and ad…

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How Do I Handle Shocking Information My Child Shares With Me? - Weekend Wisdom 8:01

12d ago8:01

8:01

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: I want to know how I can help my child/foster, or adoptee with issues that arise out of the blue. There are things that happen that you’re not aware of, and it just shocks you and throws you off. As an adult, it’s hard to know how to handle some of these things because you…

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DA386 | High-Def Parenting: Breaking Free from Digital Distractions (Darren Whitehead) 47:13

14d ago47:13

47:13

✅ Why smartphones make us feel god-like (and why that's dangerous) ✅ The 4 research-backed rules for kids and technology ✅ How a church-wide digital fast transformed an entire community ✅ What a therapy dog named Bruce taught him about presence SUMMARY: Parenting teenagers in a digital world feels impossible—especially when you're struggling with y…

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Understanding Adoption: Voices From All Sides 47:17

15d ago47:17

47:17

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Join us to discuss how adoption looks and feels from all sides of the adoption triad. Our guests will be the authors Sara Easterly, Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, and Lori Holden of their book, Adoption Unfiltered. In this episode, we discuss: Adoptee Perspective: 23 adoptees contribu…

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How to Talk with Young Kids about Adoption - Weekend Wisdom 10:22

19d ago10:22

10:22

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: My wife and I adopted a newborn baby almost 3 years ago and we could not be happier. Now that he is getting a little older, he is talking and starting to understand things. My question is how can we best normalize his adoption with him? I know it is better for kids to grow…

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DA385 | Raising Kids Who Live Generously, Creating Miracle Moments, and the 1% Challenge (Todd Harper) 58:34

21d ago58:34

58:34

✅ Why most dads get generosity completely wrong (and how to flip the script) ✅ Fun tactics to teach young kids the joy of giving (the $20 tip story will blow your mind!) ✅ The simple 4-pillar framework that works at any income level ✅ How money lies to our families about security, control, and happiness SUMMARY Money whispers lies to our kids every…

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The Adoption Home Study: Should You Be Nervous? 54:56

22d ago54:56

54:56

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Many prospective adoptive families feel anxious about the home study. Our guest, Sheila Kowit, is an adoption social worker with Adoptions From the Heart. She prepares home studies for both domestic infant and international adoptions. She explains what the process is like, what you …

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Birthparents and Agency Lied About Drug Use - Weekend Wisdom 9:52

26d ago9:52

9:52

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: My husband and I had a swift match and placement in December. When we were presented with the case, all that was reported for drug use was smoking 12 cigarettes a day. After about a month of trying to get medical records from the hospital for my pediatrician, I discovered …

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DA384 | Turning Down the Noise, Turning Up the Presence: A Dad's Guide to Analog Living (Jay Kim) 44:40

28d ago44:40

44:40

✅ The 5-movement Examen prayer that's transforming bedtimes (free PDF included!) ✅ Why this dad says NO social media until 18 (and the research backing him up) ✅ Simple breath prayers that turn everyday moments into encounters with God ✅ The daily catechism question that reminds his kids of their true identity FULL SHOW NOTES: In a world where scre…

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Raising a Biracial Child 53:29

29d ago53:29

53:29

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are you raising a mixed-race child? Join our conversation with Nicole Doyley, a biracial woman raising biracial kids, and the author of What About the Children: 5 Values for Multiracial Families. Terminology: what is preferred-biracial, mixed race, multi-racial, mixed? Biracial incl…

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Attachment Dance - Weekend Wisdom 10:11

1M ago10:11

10:11

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: For three months now, we’ve been fostering our 17-year-old son, with the intention of adopting. My question is regarding attachment. How can you tell if the child is setting up boundaries or testing you to see how hard you’ll pursue/run after them? Resources: Creating and …

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DA383 | From Fatherless to Faithful: Healing Pain, Breaking Cycles, and Pursuing Your Children's Hearts (Leo Clark) 52:17

1M ago52:17

52:17

✅ How healing from father wounds creates ripple effects that impact generations ✅ The power of showing up consistently (Leo hasn't missed a single one of his son's games!) ✅ Why prayer cards with specific prayers for each child have created lasting impact ✅ How to break generational cycles even when you didn't have a model FULL SHOW NOTES: SUMMARY …

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How to Engage Kinship Caregivers 46:16

1M ago46:16

46:16

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are you a professional working with kinship caregivers? You need to listen to this interview with Dr. Tyreasa Washington, is a nationally and internationally recognized scholar specializing in kinship care families (e.g., grandparents raising grandchildren). She is a Distinguished S…

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Dealing with a Long Wait When Adopting - Weekend Wisdom 9:43

1M ago9:43

9:43

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: How can prospective parents manage their thoughts and emotions while waiting to be matched with a child (especially in cases where the waiting period is a long one)? Resources: Suggested Books for Adoption Coping Mechanisms for the Waiting (Article) Creating a Family Onlin…

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DA382 | Kids Takeover: Dessert Disasters, Sibling Squabbles, and Finding Joy in The Big Mess (Justin Whitmel Earley) 26:52

1M ago26:52

26:52

My Daughters took over the podcast this week! Interviewing Justin Whitmel Early about his new KIDS BOOK - "The Big Mess" ➡️ Why finding God in family life means embracing the mess, not avoiding it ➡️ How to create intentional spaces where your older kids will actually talk to you ➡️ The simple prayer that can transform frustrating parenting moments…

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Evaluating Risk Factors in Foster Care Adoption 51:50

1M ago51:50

51:50

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are you considering adopting from foster care or becoming a foster parent? Join us to discuss this topic with Dr. Lindsay Terrell, a pediatrician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center, as well as the Clinical Director of their Fost…

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What the Heck is Happening with the Adoption Tax Credit? - Weekend Wisdom 4:13

2M ago4:13

4:13

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: On the 2025 Adoption Tax Credit Episode, it was mentioned that they thought this would possibly be the year it becomes refundable. Does that only apply to finalizations in 2025, or will it make previous adoptions (if within the 5-year tax credit range) refundable too? For …

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DA381 | Embracing Imperfect Fatherhood, Staying Morally Grounded, and Creating Moments That Last (Bob Merritt PART2) 32:01

2M ago32:01

32:01

SUMMARY Fatherhood isn't about perfection—it's about presence, moral consistency, and showing up when it matters most. In this heart-stirring episode from the vault, Bob Merritt shares powerful stories about those precious moments that define a father's legacy. From confronting hard truths with his college-aged son to the tear-filled goodbye when h…

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What's It Like When Your Parents Decide to Foster 54:00

2M ago54:00

54:00

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are you considering fostering but are concerned about how it impacts the kids already living in your home? Join us for a conversation with Michelle Snyder, a foster, adoptive, and bio mom, and her son, Ben, to hear their stories of fostering and how it impacted their family. They ar…

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De-escalation in the Heat of the Moment - Weekend Wisdom 12:15

2M ago12:15

12:15

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: How do I respond in the moment when my child is melting down, including physical or verbal aggression? Resources: Practical Tips to Help Your Kids Manage Stress The Ideal Response: How to Maintain Connection When Correcting Your Child How to Maintain Connection When Your C…

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DA380 | Building a Home Your Kids Want to Be In: Bob Merritt on Church, Humility, and Confronting Blind Spots (PART 1) 30:09

2M ago30:09

30:09

FROM THE VAULT: Initially released in August of 2021 🏠 "Home was not just a place I lived, but the place I most wanted to be." ✅ The blind spots that almost derailed his family (and how he overcame them) ✅ Why church attendance matters more than you think ✅ How to create a home your kids actually want to be in ✅ The power of courageous humility in …

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Embryo Donation / Embryo Adoption 58:27

2M ago58:27

58:27

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Have you thought about adopting a baby, but long for the experience of being pregnant, or want to control the intrauterine environment? Join us for this fascinating discussion about embryo donation/adoption with Dr. Craig Sweet with Embryo Donation International, Mark Mellinger with…

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Will I Get to Choose the Name of My Adopted Baby? - Weekend Wisdom 5:14

2M ago5:14

5:14

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: Is it important to keep a young child or baby’s birth-given name? How often, if ever, do expectant mothers let adopting parents name the baby in private adoptions? Resources: Understanding the Birth Parent's Experience Open Adoption Creating a Family Online Facebook Suppor…

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DA379 | Building Your Dad Tribe, Ditching the Guilt, and Raising Good People (David Mills) 34:43

2M ago34:43

34:43

David Mills believes the mess and chaos of life make the best stories. In this episode, he shares how to infuse more fun and adventure into your parenting journey. You’ll hear real talk about dad guilt, finding your tribe, and why doing life with other men makes all the difference. TAKEAWAYS An adventure mindset shifts how you view your circumstanc…

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Raising Kids for a Lifelong Parent/Child Bond 57:36

2M ago57:36

57:36

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Do you want to raise kids who you will like and want to hang out with as adults? Listen to this interview with Dr. Ginsburg, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and professor of pediatrics at U Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine. He is the author of Lighthouse Pare…

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Who Should We Tell About a Match With an Expectant Mom? - Weekend Wisdom 7:25

2M ago7:25

7:25

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: My husband and I started the adoption process a few months ago and we just matched with an expectant mom. We are obviously excited, but we also know that a lot can happen or change between now and her due date. My question is two fold. (1) Although a lot of people in our l…

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DA378 | Shepherding Your Family Through Grief, Launching Disciples, and Finding Light in the Darkness (Brian Doyle) 35:56

2M ago35:56

35:56

In this episode, Brian Doyle shares what it was like to parent through the unimaginable. After losing his wife to cancer at age 54, Brian had to navigate his own grief while guiding his teenage and young adult kids through theirs. His story will challenge you to keep your eyes on the future, disciple your kids with purpose, and take initiative to i…

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Parenting Kids with Prenatal Exposure 57:10

2M ago57:10

57:10

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Do you suspect (or know) that your child was exposed to alcohol or drugs during pregnancy? We discuss tips for how to best work with these children with Dr. Robin Gurwitch, a professor at Duke University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Center for Child and…

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Is It Harder for Singles to Adopt? - Weekend Wisdom 4:32

3M ago4:32

4:32

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: Hello, I am a single parent by choice and a hopeful adoptive parent. I've been working with an agency and waiting to be matched for a domestic infant adoption since this summer, and I haven't had much luck. I'm starting to wonder if expectant parents think single parents a…

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DA377 | Switching On Joy, Building Emotional Resilience, and Breaking Free From Enemy Mode (Chris Coursey) 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

Joy isn’t just about feeling good. It's your secret weapon for raising resilient kids and showing up as a healthy, loving dad. In this episode, Chris Coursey unpacks the brain science behind joy and shares practical strategies you can use to stay calm and connected, whether it’s your own emotions flaring or your child’s. Key takeaways: Joy is built…

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Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Opioids and Opioid-Use Treatment Medications 46:32

3M ago46:32

46:32

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are you considering adopting or fostering a child who was exposed prenatally to opioids or opioid-use treatment medication, such as Buprenorphine, methadone, and Suboxone? Are you a grandparent or aunt raising a child who was exposed? Join our discussion with Dr. Jennifer McAllister…

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Both My Parents Were Transracially Adopted - Weekend Wisdom 5:57

3M ago5:57

5:57

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: Can you talk about how being transracially adopted effects how adoptee’s children were raised? Both of my parents were transracially adopted and I don’t feel like there’s anyone else who can share this unique experience and I just want to understand better. Resources: Gene…

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DA376 | Raising Boys Who Respect Girls, Removing Shame from the Sex Talk, and Thriving in Marriage (Dave Willis) 40:31

3M ago40:31

40:31

There is never a dull moment as a parent, especially in a world dominated by screens and technology. In this episode, Dave Willis shares how he’s tackling tough conversations with his sons about sex, boundaries, and the dangers of pornography. Plus, he explains how the words you speak as a dad can become your child’s inner voice—for better or for w…

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Taming Sibling Squabbles 55:19

3M ago55:19

55:19

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Do your kids fight? Does it drive you crazy. Join us to learn some helpful tips for handling sibling rivalry and fighting. Our guest is Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist and author of several books, including Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids and Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: …

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Trauma and the Teen Years 11:30

3M ago11:30

11:30

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: I wish I had known what to expect when a child with trauma hit the teen years. Maybe a book suggestion of what to expect or resources on what may show up and how to handle it. Puberty and the teen years have hit our family HARD. I also notice other families with adopted ch…

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DA375 | Experiential Christianity, Lingering with Jesus, and The War for Your Attention (John Eldredge) 46:42

3M ago46:42

46:42

When you set aside your programmed pragmatism and rediscover wonder, life with Jesus takes on a whole new depth. In this episode, John Eldredge shares how technology and the internet constantly fight for your attention and how you can push back by embracing ordinary, mystical moments to connect with God. You’ll also hear why prayer, lingering, and …

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Partnering With Relatives for Kinship Care 52:55

3M ago52:55

52:55

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Why is kinship care important, and what are some of the challenges? Our guests are Gregory Jones, a granddad raising five grandkids from birth to now ranging in age from 9 to 12; Ana Beltran, an attorney, and director of the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: A National Techni…

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What Do I Call My Child's Birth Mother? - Weekend Wisdom 6:34

3M ago6:34

6:34

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: My husband and I are in the process of growing our family through adoption. It would be a domestic infant adoption, and we are hoping to cultivate a long-term relationship with the future baby’s birth family. I noticed that whenever I feel hesitation when thinking about op…

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DA374 | Guarding Your Daughter’s Door, The Chrysalis Analogy, and Thinking Blessings Instead of Curses (Jay Heck & Rob Porter: Part 2) 39:19

3M ago39:19

39:19

Your daughter’s transformation into a young woman is designed by God. But as a dad, stepping back to protect her can be tough when all you want is to reconnect like you did when she was younger. In this episode, Jay Heck, Rob Porter, and Jeff Zaugg unpack the powerful "Chrysalis Analogy" and reveal how God uses this transition to draw you closer to…

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When Birth Parents Struggle with Addiction, Mental Health, or Intellectual Disabilities 51:35

3M ago51:35

51:35

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are your child's birth parents struggling with addiction, mental illness, or intellectual disability? If so, join us for this discussion with Teresa Bradley, a psychotherapist with over 17 years of experience in addiction counseling and mental health. She is a Master Addiction Couns…

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When Do I Tell My Child They Have Birth Siblings? - Weekend Wisdom 5:23

3M ago5:23

5:23

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. I have been listening to your podcast and supporting your mission for several years. We adopted our daughter at birth through an open adoption. We began caring for her on day two; she is now 9 years old. She knows she is adopted and has seen photos of her biological parents. Her par…

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DA373 | Partnering with God to Raise Your Kids, Slowing Down, and Finding Rest in the Tension (Jay Heck & Rob Porter: Part 1) 54:11

4M ago54:11

54:11

Jeff Zaugg and Rob Porter sit down with Jay Heck for a powerful, three-way conversation on fatherhood. In Part 1, they dive into the tension between being a provider and still embracing curiosity, adventure, and childlike wonder. They also unpack the unique triune relationship between a father, God, and his child. Key Takeaway Are you approaching l…

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Adopting Siblings: Issues to Consider 50:24

4M ago50:24

50:24

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are you considering adopting a sibling group? Join us for this interview with Deborah Bass Artis, MSW and Senior Program Director of Foster Care to Permanency with Children’s Home Society of NC. In this episode, we discuss: Why is it important to keep siblings together when placed f…

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My Child Tells Others We Aren't Meeting Her Basic Needs - Weekend Wisdom 7:33

4M ago7:33

7:33

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Question: I have a daughter who has dealt with trauma from consistent experiences of neglect and abandonment. While our home is loving and supportive, she continues to exhibit a victim mentality and has a hard time taking responsibility for her actions. She's a sweet girl, but she m…

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DA372 | Seeing God’s Bigger Picture, Championing Your Child’s Purpose, and Fighting for Peace (Mike Wehde: Part 2) 32:04

4M ago32:04

32:04

In the second part of this conversation, Mike wraps up his top five fatherhood plays. You’ll learn how to discover what lights your kids up and why your biggest impact can come from investing in others. Mike will inspire and equip you with actionable wisdom to raise resilient, purpose-driven kids. Key Takeaway Your best fruit will grow on someone e…

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Help, I Don't Think I Can Continue With This Adoption! 44:32

4M ago44:32

44:32

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. Are you really struggling with your adoption and feeling you've made a huge mistake? Listen to this interview with Lindsay Lanham, MSW. She works at Holt International and is the author of the online article “Predictors of Adoption Disruption and Dissolution: A Literature Review.” I…