Best Steph Thurling Podcasts (2025)

1
Listening to truth in a world full of lies with Brendt Blanks 30:24

Play Pause

2d ago30:24

30:24

In this week’s episode Brendt Blanks shares how so many of us, especially moms, wrestle with thoughts that aren’t true. And if we’re not careful, those thoughts become beliefs. Brendt helps us learn how to pause, notice, and replace those lies with God’s truth, and her insight is incredibly freeing. Here are a few things we talk about: • How to rec…

1
Raising emotionally healthy kids with Debra Fileta 30:09

9d ago30:09

30:09

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to help your kids navigate their big feelings, or if you’re still figuring out your own emotional landscape, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Debra Fileta, and she’s bringing a fresh perspective from her brand-new children’s book, Any Day Emotions. We talk about raising emotionally healthy families, what i…

1
When we can’t fix our kids’ hurt with Vanessa Siso 31:36

16d ago31:36

31:36

This episode is for every parent who has ever felt helpless watching their child go through something hard. You know that ache, that deep desire to step in and fix it all? Today’s guest is Vanessa Siso, a registered psychologist and author, and she brings such a gentle, wise, and hope-filled perspective. She reminds us that while we can’t always pr…

1
How to embrace adventure as a family with Dan and Sam Matthews 38:00

23d ago38:00

38:00

Welcome back to the Christian Parenting Podcast! I hope you’re ready for a really fun, really doable conversation that might just spark your next memory-making moment. This week, I’m chatting with Dan and Sam Matthews. They are parents, content creators, and big believers in family adventures. You might know them from their videos online, but today…

1
BONUS: Praying for your kids this school year 13:32

24d ago13:32

13:32

Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast! Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the f…

1
Helping our kids find their identity in Christ with Emma Mae McDaniel 34:09

1M ago34:09

34:09

This week’s episode is one that speaks straight to the heart especially for those of us raising kids in a digital world. I’m joined by joy-filled Emma Mae McDaniel, a speaker and writer who shares her powerful story of navigating cyberbullying and learning to root her identity in Christ rather than the words of others. Her story is raw, redemptive,…

1
Making room for what matters with Kari Kampakis 32:08

1M ago32:08

32:08

In a world that constantly pushes us to hustle harder and do more, this week’s conversation is a breath of fresh air. I sat down with the wise and grace-filled Kari Kampakis, and she reminded us of something so important: sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is make peace with accomplishing less in a day. As parents, it's easy to feel like w…

1
Building a strong, grace-filled family with Jessica Smartt 30:54

1M ago30:54

30:54

Hey Friends, What does it really mean to build a strong family? Not a perfect one, but one grounded in love, grace, and connection? That’s exactly what we’re digging into this week on the podcast. I’m joined by the wonderful Jessica Smartt, and this conversation is the cozy encouragement every parent needs right now. From navigating sibling squabbl…

1
Raising Justice-Minded Kids with Elisa Johnston 35:40

2M ago35:40

35:40

Have you ever wondered how to talk to your kids about justice in a way that’s rooted in Scripture and lived out with compassion? This week’s conversation is one that will both equip and encourage you. I’m joined by Elisa Johnston and we’re talking all about raising kids who care deeply about others and live out their faith in practical ways. This e…

1
The power of wonder and outdoor living with Ginny Yurich 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

Have you ever felt like your kids are too bored… or maybe like you’re the only one swimming upstream when it comes to slowing down family life? This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Ginny Yurich, homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Thousand Hours Outside movement and she brings the most encouraging reminder that …

1
Faith over fame in youth sports with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith 36:33

2M ago36:33

36:33

If you’re navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, value…

1
You’re not underqualified, you’re just underestimated with Mary Marantz 34:46

2M ago34:46

34:46

Have you ever felt like you were faking it in life or parenting? Like God may have something more for you, but you're unsure if you’re ready or even worthy? You are so not alone. This week I’m joined by Mary Marantz, and wow, what a conversation. Mary shares her journey from deep-rooted self-doubt to walking confidently in God’s calling. Her words …

1
When faith feels fragile, a conversation on deconstruction with Nicholas McDonald 36:02

3M ago36:02

36:02

Have you or your kids ever wrestled with hard questions about faith? If so, you're not alone and you’re definitely in the right place today. This week, I’m talking with Nicholas McDonald about his personal journey through disillusionment, deconstruction, and ultimately a deep renewal of his hope in Jesus. His honesty, wisdom, and compassion are suc…

1
Letting go, leaning in, and raising brave kids with Katie Davis Majors 27:11

3M ago27:11

27:11

What do we do when God’s calling for our child’s life looks nothing like we expected? This week’s episode is such a gift. I’m joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting…

1
When the school plan changes - our online school story with Brittaney Devane 33:04

3M ago33:04

33:04

We’ve reached the final week of our school choice series, and I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, I’m chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasn’t the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of pur…

1
Faithfully navigating public school with Ashley Grutzmacher 40:31

3M ago40:31

40:31

We’re continuing our school choice series, and today’s episode is such a thoughtful one. I’m joined by Ashley Grutzmacher—a public school teacher, mom, and passionate advocate for loving your neighbor and showing up well in your community. Ashley offers such a grounded and honest look into the public school experience, and I think this conversation…

1
Is Homeschooling for Us? 39:16

4M ago39:16

39:16

We’re continuing our special series on school choices today, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with Leigh Nguyen, a mom who never planned to homeschool but followed God’s nudge and hasn’t looked back. Her story is honest, inspiring, and full of practical insight for anyone wondering if homeschooling could actually work for their family.…

1
Is private Christian school right for your family with Katelyn Freitas? 38:20

4M ago38:20

38:20

We’re continuing our special series all about school options, and today we’re diving into private Christian education. This is a conversation that I think will really help if you’re trying to figure out what role faith can (and should) play in your child’s school life. I'm joined by Katelyn Freitas, the middle school principal at my kids’ school, a…

1
Choosing a school - our story & why it’s okay to pivot with Trevor Thurling 28:13

4M ago28:13

28:13

We’re kicking off a brand-new series all about school choices because let’s be honest, it’s something many of us didn’t realize would be such a big parenting decision. Over the next five weeks we will be covering the pros and cons of multiple different school options: public school, private school, homeschool, and online school. In this first episo…

1
A Story, An Announcement, and an Invitation ❤️ 23:25

4M ago23:25

23:25

Thank you for tuning into this special episode! A story: I am sharing something I have never documented publicly! It is my story of going from being a 40-year old, full-time homeschool mom (with a newborn!), to blogging, writing books, creating courses, and hosting a podcast! There are a few sentimental moments tucked in there, as well as some hear…

1
Choosing joy and peace in parenting with Tauren Wells 32:26

4M ago32:26

32:26

This week we’re diving into something every family longs for...Joy. I’m joined by Tauren Wells, and we’re talking about how to create a home filled with lasting joy, not just fleeting happiness. We unpack what it looks like to live out the beatitudes, how our identity shapes our parenting, and why emotional health matters so much in our homes. Here…

1
Praying for Teen Boys, with Brooke McGlothlin 38:31

4M ago38:31

38:31

The teenage years can be an emotional roller coaster in your kids’ lives. It can be hard to watch our teens face difficulties, insecurities, temptations, and crossroads when they must make big decisions. Unfortunately, there are limits to what we can do for our teens. But fortunately, there are never any limits to what we can PRAY – and what God ca…

1
Breaking free from the screen time trap with Clare Morell 42:27

5M ago42:27

42:27

Today’s conversation is so timely and practical. I’m joined by Clare Morell, author of the upcoming book The Tech Exit, and we’re talking all about how digital technology is shaping our kids—and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by screen time, smartphone battles, or social media pressure, this episode will leave you feeling …

1
Helping Kids Develop a Devotional Routine, with my son, Josiah 40:31

5M ago40:31

40:31

As we near summertime, we look forward to so many things! Perhaps less stress and more downtime…slowing down, and maybe sleeping in even! Yet, summer is also a great time to work on healthy family habits: Chores, *Character Training, and a daily quiet time with the Lord! I receive a lot of questions about kids and devotions…when did my kids start, …

1
Faith, apologetics, and the supernatural with Lee Strobel 34:11

5M ago34:11

34:11

Hello Friends, This week’s episode is incredibly special to me. I’m joined by Lee Strobel, whose book The Case for Christ played a huge role in reigniting my faith back in college. Getting to sit down with him felt like a full-circle moment—and I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation. Lee shares his personal journey from atheism to belief, a…

1
My greatest joy in Motherhood (double celebration day!) 16:16

5M ago16:16

16:16

Today I like to imagine I am gathered with all of you moms for a big group hug and some sincere encouragement. I wish you all a happy Mother’s Day (week) and I want you to know how valuable and precious you are as a mom! Today also marks the one-year birthday of my book, “Becoming Homeschoolers”. To celebrate all these things, I decided to read a s…

1
Building emotionally resilient kids with Sissy Goff and David Thomas 31:03

5M ago31:03

31:03

I’m so excited about this week’s episode because I’m joined by two of my favorite guests Sissy Goff and David Thomas from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast! They’re sharing incredible insights from their counseling practice and offering encouragement for every parent navigating the emotional ups and downs of raising kids today. Here are four key t…

1
My wellness journey (diet, exercise, hormones and more)– a Q & A with Monica 38:44

5M ago38:44

38:44

Welcome to the final week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, Leanne Benson flips the mic to interview ME to talk about my personal wellness journey. We gathered questions that many of you sent in via email and Instagram, and we’re covering a great range of topics! Leanne opens with a chat about my book, The Secret of Your Natu…

1
Rethinking kids’ spiritual growth and role in the church with Pastor Brian Suter 31:27

5M ago31:27

31:27

This week’s episode is special because I’m sitting down with my friend and pastor, Brian Suter. Brian and his wife Courtney, planted Branch Church here in Minnesota about four years ago, and my family has been part of it since the beginning. We’re talking all about how our church approaches kids’ ministry, and it’s a little different than what you …

1
Running vs. Walking…A Girlfriend chat with Jessica Smartt 31:50

5M ago31:50

31:50

Welcome to the fourth week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, Jessica Smartt joins me to chat about women’s fitness; specifically, walking and running…for physical and mental health, in every season! Jessica and I have been online friends for years, but we met IRL (and went running together!) a couple years ago in North Caroli…

1
Answering kids' hard questions - faith, science, and suffering with Justin Brierley 40:03

5M ago40:03

40:03

Today’s episode is such a fascinating and encouraging conversation. I’m joined by Justin Brierley, journalist, author, and Christian apologist—and we’re diving into how we as parents can guide our kids through some of life’s biggest questions about faith, doubt, and belief. Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation: Helping kids ask honest qu…

1
Fitness Trackers: Pros and Cons for Women’s Health, with Lindsey Hein 34:34

6M ago34:34

34:34

Welcome to the third week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, my friend and fellow-running enthusiast (as well as running podcaster!) Lindsey Hein joins me for a fun, girlfriend chat about the hot topic of fitness trackers. From the Garmin to Fitbits, Apple Watches, the Oura Ring, and the Whoop, there are a lot of options out t…

1
God’s faithfulness in the midst of grief with Lori Apon 28:08

6M ago28:08

28:08

Today’s episode is powerful, tender, and full of hope. I’m joined by Lori Apon, a widow, a single mom of eight, and now a grandmother to twenty! Lori shares her deeply personal story of walking through grief and the chaos of early widowhood, and how God’s promises sustained her through it all. Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation: Even i…

1
What You should Know about Supplements for Muscle and Hormone Health, with David Block 46:04

6M ago46:04

46:04

The supplement industry can be overwhelming and confusing. How do you know who or what to trust? If you eat healthy, is that enough? This is a topic on a lot of women's minds, especially as they age and want to take care of their muscle and hormone health! Today’s guest, David Block, has an amazing personal story which led him to found Previnex, a …

1
Helping your kids understand their identity in Christ with Kyle Worley 34:14

6M ago34:14

34:14

Today I’m joined by Kyle Worley, and we’re breaking down what it actually means to have union with Christ and anchor our children’s identity in God in the middle of a world full of noise, confusion, and competing worldviews. Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation: Understanding our connection to God through Jesus gives kids a steady anchor…

1
Balancing Hormones in every season, with “the Girlfriend Doctor”, Anna Cabeca 51:24

6M ago51:24

51:24

There is more and more information coming out related to women’s health (aren’t you glad!?) but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are a lot of voices out there, and it’s hard to know who to trust. Today’s guest is here to help! Dr. Anna Cabeca, the “Girlfriend Doctor” is a triple-board certified Ob/gynecologist who has an amazing story of persona…

1
The Power of Prayer in Every Season with Willa Kane and Sally Breedlove 38:57

6M ago38:57

38:57

Hello Friends, Today’s episode was such a gift. I’m joined by Willa Kane and Sally Breedlove. Their journey—from personal tragedy to launching a global prayer movement—left me deeply inspired, and I know it will move you too. Here are four key takeaways from this episode: Whether parenting littles or guiding grown children, prayer and scripture rem…

1
From toddlers to teenagers: Practical ways to cultivate gratitude in your kids, with Steph Thurling 39:28

6M ago39:28

39:28

Somehow the word "entitlement" has grown to represent children in America today. It's not entirely new -- Kids are selfish by nature, yet the culture we are raising them in reinforces a spirit of entitlement. Yet, we are not without hope! And you are not alone! Join Steph Thurling - Executive Director at Christian Parenting, and host of the Christi…

1
Preparing for the College Years with Dr. Greg Jones 37:59

6M ago37:59

37:59

Hey there! This week’s conversation is one that got me thinking ahead—way ahead. While my oldest is still in middle school, college feels like it’s going to be here before I know it. That’s why I’m so grateful to have *Dr. Greg Jones*, president of Belmont University, on the podcast today to talk about helping our kids prepare for life beyond high …

1
The power of self-discipline, with Luke Swanson (bring the kids!) 34:44

7M ago34:44

34:44

Listener-favorite guest, (my son) Luke Swanson joins us for a fun and inspiring conversation about the character quality of self-discipline. Invite your kids to join you as Luke shares some of the ways he grew up to learn (and eventually appreciate!) self-discipline, and how he has grown to cultivate discipline in his own life. Luke and I highlight…

1
Time management that works for moms with Kendra Adachi 36:28

7M ago36:28

36:28

Time management can feel overwhelming—especially for moms! That’s why I’m so excited to have Kendra Adachi, also known as The Lazy Genius, on the podcast today. We’re talking about her latest book, The Plan, and how we can approach time management with grace, flexibility, and a mindset that actually works for moms. Here are four key takeaways from …

1
Why, How, and When to Talk to Your Kids about P*rn, with Greta Eskridge 38:51

7M ago38:51

38:51

When my friend, Greta Eskridge, told me she was working on a book called, “It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids about P*rn”, I told her I’d be her biggest fan. I’ve been waiting for someone I trust to cover this topic, and wow – Greta did an outstanding job! Today on the podcast Greta gives us a sneak peek into her story, and offers practical advice from…

1
Building resilience and faith through summer camp with Danny Loeffelholz 38:15

7M ago38:15

38:15

Today’s episode is such a fun one! I’m talking with Danny Loeffelholz all about summer camp and how it helps build resilience, independence, and faith in our kids. We dive into the challenges of letting our kids take risks and the incredible growth that can come from stepping out of their comfort zones. Here are four key takeaways from this episode…

1
An Imperfect Path to Faith and Family, with Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family 37:39

7M ago37:39

37:39

One of my greatest privileges as an author has been to get to visit Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs (twice!) for a radio and podcast interview. Touring the facility, learning more about all of the amazing family-building ministries at work, and being interviewed by Jim Daly only deepened my respect for Focus on the Family! I was sent home f…

1
Raising kids to build strong friendships with Grace Valentine 30:23

7M ago30:23

30:23

Friendship plays such a huge role in both our lives and the lives of our kids, and today’s episode is all about fostering healthy, meaningful relationships. I’m joined by Grace Valentine, for a super fun and insightful conversation on navigating friendships with faith and intention. Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation: Community doesn’t…

1
The Attitude Adjustment We All Need, with marriage mentor, Rhonda Stoppe 57:08

7M ago57:08

57:08

I often encourage women to find a mentor to encourage, challenge, and inspire you in your womanhood journey. Today’s guest, Rhonda Stoppe, is someone I consider a virtual mentor, and I am SO excited to share her with you all. (Again! She’s been on the podcast twice before. ) This is a fun episode because Rhonda actually invited ME on to her podcast…

1
Celebrating differences & intentional family time with Trillia Newbell 30:02

7M ago30:02

30:02

This week, I’m joined by Trillia Newbell for a meaningful conversation on the importance of community, celebrating differences, and how intentional family time can shape our kids' understanding of love, faith, and culture. Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode: Intentional time spent around the table fosters communication, connection, and love…

1
Let’s Talk about Kids and Dating, with JP Pokluda 41:49

7M ago41:49

41:49

*I am re-sharing this episode with JP Pokluda as it was a favorite on the podcast and it is a perfect fit for my Feb. 2025 series on all things Love and Marriage! Hope you enjoy! Dating has never been simple (who remembers?!) but today it is more complicated than ever. The world offers all kinds of mixed messages to young adults and teenagers and o…

1
Navigating grief with kids and supporting others with Annie F. Downs 34:58

8M ago34:58

34:58

This week’s conversation is a deeply meaningful one. I’m sitting down with Annie Downs to talk about grief, faith, and supporting others during hard times. Annie and her sister wrote a children’s book, Where Did TJ Go?, after her sister lost her son, TJ. This book is an incredible resource for families navigating loss with young kids, and our conve…

1
Four Decisions to Make Marriage Easier, with Arlene Pellicane 44:52

8M ago44:52

44:52

As we continue in this February series of all things “Love and Marriage” on the podcast, I am thrilled to share one of my favorite people with you. Arlene Pellicane is funny and smart, and her most recent book, “Making Marriage Easier” is a must-read! Many people today are pessimistic about marriage. Some of the data about divorce rates can be down…