There's no denying that combatting the counter-biblical narratives of culture and their influence on our children can be daunting at best, scary at worst. How do we maintain a voice in our kids' lives as they grow? What do we say when we're stumped and honestly don't know the biblical answer to their questions? Author, mom, and discipleship specialist, Sarah Cowen Johnson, goes there with us on this week's episode.

Whether or not we'd fess to it, we all have expectations for the holidays. We have traditions, or a way we think things should go. But what happens when they don't? This week Rylie Karges, Hayley Powell, and Amanda Carroll share their stories of when Christmas fell apart. Together we can learn to see God in those times when He shows His favor in unexpected ways.

Recast from 2020... As our gift to you this Christmas, we have put together a little something for you to enjoy and listen to with your family. We hope it helps you understand, just a little bit more, the significance of the Savior being born on the floor of a stinky barn. We pray that it draws you closer to the Reason of the Season and to each other as we head headlong into the most wonderful time of the year... wrapping up (pun intended) a tumultuous 2020. God bless you and from our family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Every once in awhile an experience comes around that rocks your world and shifts your perspective. A recent trip the Dominican Republic with OneChild did that for me. Coming home to kids who sometimes struggle with gratitude was a challenge, so pull up a chair as I share with them about my recent trip and offer you a chance to join with us in changing lives by becoming a Child Champion! Learn more at OneChild.org/summer

This week we wrap up our three-part series on adoption with Brittany Whatley's story of choosing and persevering. Her journey started smoothly and appeared to be anointed. Shortly after bringing her daughter home, everything started to fall apart. Join us as Brittany shares hope and freedom from shame. 

Sarah Hoesch joins us for the second installment of our mini series on adoption. Sarah had never really considered adoption as the solution for building the large family she'd always dreamed of, until repeated loss stole hope and joy from her and her husband. Once they walked through the door of adoption they felt called to do it twice. Join us this week to hear how God healed their hearts, and filled their home, by introducing them to the children that were always meant to be theirs. 

To ring in National Adoption Month we are bringing you a three-part series highlighting very different adoption journeys. This week recording artist Austin French shares how he and new bride, barely more than kids themselves, were startled by God's call to adopt. Austin shares his heart for adoption while offering so much wisdom around the hope God offers all of us through Christ. 

With October being Infant Loss Awareness Month, and November being Adoption Awareness Month, it felt only right that the story to be told on the cusp of the two was Michelle's. Michelle adopted her son, James, and had 12 wonderful weeks with him before he was claimed by SIDS. In the aftermath of his passing she lost herself and struggled to redefine her story. She now uses her experiences and education to assist others in the midst of difficult transitions. Learn more about her work on Facebook: @michelle.vandehey

Too often we hear from people speaking about troubles they've faced in the past tense. It's easy to feel isolated and like we're on the wrong side of the finish line. "I can't wait to be able to talk about this- when it's all done." Summer shares some of the storms she has been weathering lately, and invites a few friends along to share their insights, expertise, experiences, and hope. Featuring: Dr. Melissa Mork, Drew Ghelfi, Megan Brown, and Lydia Laird, along with Lydia's song, "I'll Be Ok." Things get real, and real encouraging, on this week's episode.

The belief that youth is a time of unadulterated innocence and hopefulness is fondly held, but sorely misplaced. The recent suicide of 10-year old Kodie Dutcher reminds us that children are not immune to social pressures or mental illness. In this week's episode Dr. Melissa Mork seeks to equip us with the knowledge and tools we need to not only recognize the problem, but intervene before the problem grows. You will leave assured that there is help, and there is hope. 

Andy had a good thing going. He was pre-med at a prestigious school, he was playing college football, and doing well at all of it. But the day came when he came face-to-face with the hidden opponents he was up against all along: anxiety and depression. As an athlete, Andy had to work to find help. The support wasn’t readily available. Having found his way to a healthier place, Andy now helps lead The Hidden Opponent- an organization that seeks to help student athletes around the country get the mental health support they need. Join us this week for insight into how you can help prepare your children to stand up to their own hidden opponent. 

As a species, humans love stories. We cling to the ones that make us feel something, and we use them to help explain our world and circumstances. But what happens when the stories we have inherited are bad? Are there things you believe about yourself or others that don’t line up with God’s Word? How do these narratives affect our parenting? Singer-songwriter Matt Maher joins me this week to discuss what it looks like to confront and overcome the lies we believe. 

There are few topics more difficult to talk about openly in the Church than addiction. There is a belief that Christians don’t suffer, shouldn’t struggle, and are not burdened by such things. Jack Larkin shares his journey of finding Christ through his addiction, and offers hope for others on the journey, and some practical tips on how parents can be a safe place for their children as they face temptation themselves. 

If you have listened to No Seriously for any amount of time, you're likely familiar with our recurring guest Dr. Melissa Mork. She's brilliant, hilarious, and loves Jesus. Well, Dr. Mork has a podcast and we are taking this week to introduce you to it. "Mental Health with Dr. Melissa Mork" seeks to destigmatize mental health and to offer the hope of Christ in the midst of it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Today it’s not just celebrities who are living life in public, at risk of unwelcome advice or unwarranted criticism. Social media invites comparison and conflict, as much as it invites connection and community. So how do we live and parent boldly for Jesus in this sphere? Matthew West has seen the good and bad of social media play out in his life and career and joins us once again to pull back the curtain and share honestly out of his own experience and wisdom.  

  In this day and age we are both more and less connected than ever. There are so many potential distractions vying for dominance in our lives and showing up for our kids in the moment is getting harder and harder. On this week’s episode Chris Cleveland, of Stars Go Dim, shares his experience with missing out, striving for presence, and the fruit he has seen from his efforts. 

There are seasons in life where I look around and notice that those I love are struggling more than usual with feelings of shame and guilt over their identity as parents. There are seasons when I feel that way as well. This is one of those messages that I keep going back to so I can be reminded that the first step toward being an example of Christ's grace to others is to learn to show grace to ourselves. There is no guest on this episode. I am excited to share my heart with you and my own journey of messy brokenness.

In this episode we took the show on the road. While working in Orlando, FL recently, I invited the band MercyMe to an impromptu recording session in my hotel room. With barely enough room for everyone to fit, we laughed and shared freely about what it's like to parent kids that are grown, and how we can manage the fear that comes with worrying that we didn't do enough.

The world is grieving today. We have been grieving since we first heard about the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School yesterday. Dr. Mork returns to the podcast to sit with us in the pain and help us process. We do not seek to offer platitudes or to tie things up with a bow. We seek to offer you tools you can employ in talking with your children and sitting with your own hurt, as we all ask, "No seriously, how do I do this?"

Whether it’s your role as parent, spouse, employee, pastor, or soldier, any time we cling to something outward as our identity, we will struggle. Tony was a soldier who had found purpose in his work, and crisis when he returned home. He then found his identity in his ministry, and that too caused chaos. Join us as Tony shares all that he has gleaned from his journey of missteps and makeups, of successes and failures, on his way to finding his true identity and thus saving his marriage.

Connecting with our kids in meaningful ways is our ultimate mission as parents. But if men are from mars, where are our kids from? As a parent myself I can affirm that kids are downright mysteries at times. Dr. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages has worked hard over his career to help demystify life’s more important relationships, including those we have with our children. In today’s episode he give us insights and ideas that will help us all connect with our children in ways that will fill their love tanks to overflowing.

Every year my kids run for the same book at Easter time: “The Donkey That No One Could Ride,” by Anthony DeStefano. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you and resonates long after Easter is past. This week we wanted to bring you something special- so gather your kids, as I gather mine0 and settle in for an Easter story.

On this special bonus episode, we want to introduce you to a beautiful audio drama put out by our friends at Northwestern Media called "In Fulfillment," just in time for Easter. Sit back and marvel at the faithfulness of God as we enter into Holy Week. Find "In Fulfillment" wherever you get your podcasts.

It was the unthinkable, and it was happening. Rachel's newborn son has suffered a severe injury as a result of mysterious abuse and Rachel found herself being accused of the act. Her family was taken from her for 40 days and 40 nights while she battled in court to prove her innocence. If you want to learn more about Rachel's story you can find her book, "Fractured Hope" on Amazon, and hear about it on today's episode.

Marriage, children, career, church commitments, friendship, self-care, hobbies, community involvement- the juggle is real, and few understand that better than Kati Whitledge. As the founder of a robust beauty empire, Kati understood hustle. When she welcomed a child into that world, however, the hustle had to be modified and she didn't always balance things well. Kati's honesty and transparency invite you to let your guard down and understand that this is a journey we are all on, and that the ability we have to learn from each other is a gift.

Kids are dreamers. But how do we, as parents, encourage those dreams and help them find fulfillment? Cade Thompson is not a parent. But he is chasing his dreams and he shares how his parents empowered him to do so. Take notes folks. Cade is basically who we all want our kids to grow up to be. Join us as he drops some serious wisdom and truth.

However you arrived there, chances are you didn't go into things planning to be a single mom. Let alone to be a single mom to a child whose worldview you can't fully share. Roland Warren has used his experience growing up in this context to inform his life's work. He serves as CEO of CareNet and served as the head the Fatherhood Initiative for over a decade. He has written a book specifically to aid single moms on their journey, and he offers his wisdom in this week's episode.

Try as we might, we can't out run trouble. Scripture promises that we will have tribulation, but that we can have hope in the face of whatever strives to bring us down. Misty Philip gets it. Through massive career upheaval, family health crises, and closed doors on her calling, she has had to bring her desperation to the Lord time and time again. But her story and how she reacted is guaranteed to inspire you.

We all have them, and they can be corrosive to our souls: expectations. Far too often they grow beyond our control and breed disappointment and bitterness. Hope Darst joins me as we get real with our own journeys, failures and fears, as we address our own tendencies to get lost in expectation.

When is the last time you let yourself freely play? No agenda, no to-do list, just joyful recreation. There is something in us that whispers that play is for children; that playfulness is a sign of immaturity. Dr. Melissa Mork joins us to debunk that lie and to remind us that play is not only valid but valuable for people of ALL ages. While your play style might look different from those around you, finding time to let loose is vital. Join us to find the permission you’ve been longing for, to be free and embrace fun.

In honor of Christmas, we are giving you a little gift. This episode is one for the whole family. Gather around as we share three stories, perfect for getting you into the Christmas spirit. We encourage you to discuss the themes, relive your favorite moments, and welcome Jesus into your family's celebration. From our family to yours, have a very merry Christmas.

No matter how often we told ourselves we were never going to be controlling parents, the tendency rises up in all of us. We want the best for our kids and the stakes are especially high when it comes to faith. So what do we do? Patrick Mayberry is a recording artist, worship leader, and dad of four. He shares his perspective on influencing kids to pursue their best life on this week's episode.

This week we wrap up our three-part series on adoption with Brittany Whatley's story of choosing and persevering. Her journey started smoothly and appeared to be anointed. Shortly after bringing her daughter home, everything started to fall apart. Join us as Brittany shares hope and freedom from shame.

We had so much fun with this episode last year that we bringing it back as a special bonus Thanksgiving treat for you. I mean, it's no pumpkin pie but it's up there... right?

Sarah Hoesch joins us for the second installment of our mini series on adoption. Sarah had never really considered adoption as the solution for building the large family she'd always dreamed of, until repeated loss stole hope and joy from her and her husband. Once they walked through the door of adoption they felt called to do it twice. Join us this week to hear how God healed their hearts, and filled their home, by introducing them to the children that were always meant to be theirs.

To ring in National Adoption Month we are bringing you a three-part series highlighting very different adoption journeys. This week recording artist Austin French shares how he and new bride, barely more than kids themselves, were startled by God's call to adopt. Austin shares his heart for adoption while offering so much wisdom around the hope God offers all of us through Christ.

This week we revisit an episode we aired in January. While there is talk of New Year's resolutions, if you can look past that you'll find a message that is truly timeless. Kim Dolan Leto shares of her own journey- from obsessing over the number on the scale for purely selfish reasons, to surrendering her fitness to God, she inspires and advises with hard-earned wisdom. Whether you are hearing this for the first time, or revisiting it, it is worth the listen.

While the challenges we and our children face are myriad, for some the challenges will follow them throughout life. How do you react when you receive a diagnosis of neuro divergence for your child? How do you move forward when you feel overwhelmed? Where do you turn for help? Melissa had no experience when the diagnosis first came. And when it came for the second time, with a different child, the diagnosis was even scarier. But she took the knowledge she'd gained through the challenges she'd faced and she used them to help guide others. Find encouragement and friendship on this week's episode.

When Laura Story was a little girl she would never could have imagined how life would have turned out for her. Certainly, having her husband suffer a brain injury and debilitating disability so shortly after marriage would have made her vision board. Every time she thought she had gotten a handle on what her life and what the next chapter would be, things pivoted and she learned to hang on and enjoy the ride. If you've ever felt caught off guard by your circumstances, I invite you jump in on this week's conversation.

Have you ever felt alone as a parent? Overwhelmed, concerned, confused, guilty, sad? Yeah. Me too. Joy too. We are all a little lost sometimes and without opening up about those struggles we may never learn that others feel the same way. That's what Joy found when she was floundering early on in her journey as a new mom. She wasn't bonding like she thought she was supposed to, she had so many questions, and cried so dang much. It was only when she talked about it that she realized just how normal she really was. You're going to love Joy. She is open, honest, and hysterical. And she is just as messy as the rest of us. Find hope and find a friend in this week's episode.

Rebecca joins us for an update on her life and offer hope for those who are finding themselves in a winter or a waiting room. How can we be faithful and hopeful when we aren't seeing our prayers answered as we would want them to be?

This is a recast of an episode originally aired in October of 2020. As we prepare to catch up with Rebecca St. James on our next episode, enjoy a reminder of what God has brought her to and through. Find hope in hope deferred.

There are few losses more profoundly personal than the loss of a child. Jordan Feliz and his wife suffered a traumatic miscarriage and he has made it his mission to normalize the experience so others can understand that they are not alone in their pain. Join us in the glamp tent and feel free to let your guard down and we share some tears and hope.

Hanging out at the glamp tent, Jason Gray divulges some of his parenting failures so don't have to make the same ones. The reality is, we all probably already have, but sharing the wisdom gleaned on the journey is one of the best parts of being in community. Settle in as we work our way through this special mini series, and join us for the third and final installment next time.

Straight from Summer's glamp tent at Lifest, we once again get to visit with Dave Frey from Sidewalk Prophets to catch up on what COVID, a growing child, and rediscovering life on the road has meant for his family. Kick back and relax, picture sunny skies and cold drinks, as we dive in for the first of a three-part mini series. Join us next time to hear from another amazing artist in the glamp tent.

Mike Donehey has been on a whirlwind ride over the last 18 months. Tenth Avenue North disbanded leaving him with a solo project, COVID kept him home from their farewell tour, and that time at home was lived in close confines with 4 pubescent daughters. Through all of that Mike saw God's grace and put even more intentionality into relating to his daughters as an empathetic and safe father. Not a man to shy away from doing necessary soul work, Mike shares with us lessons he has learned, sometimes the hard way, in parenting and marriage.

When is the last time you let yourself freely play? No agenda, no to-do list, just joyful recreation. There is something in us that whispers that play is for children; that playfulness is a sign of immaturity. Dr. Melissa Mork joins us to debunk that lie and to remind us that play is not only valid but valuable for people of ALL ages. While your play style might look different from those around you, finding time to let loose is vital. Join us to find the permission you’ve been longing for, to be free and embrace fun.

Have you ever marveled at your well-laid plans and breathed in the deeply felt self-satisfaction they resulted in? Welp, this week I had a very different plan for what this episode was going to be about. Incidentally, every plan I made, every attempt I underwent, fell apart. In the end I felt like God intended for me to share a very different story: mine. This Easter will mark a dozen years as a believer for me. It is my prayer that this episode is an encouragement for the prodigals and their loved ones. It's a reminder to embrace and share the story God gave you and to never.stop.praying.

Abbie Parker felt beyond lost before the call came with an opportunity for her to join with the Christian band, I Am They. She was recovering from a failed marriage, wondering where she had missed God’s direction, and if her dreams needed to be forfeited. She couldn’t see a way out. On this week’s episode she shares how she coped, forged ahead, and found her way back to thriving in Christ. She pulls back the curtain on some of the resources that made the biggest difference on her journey and invites you into the freedom and fullness she found.

Pat wears a ton of hats: artist, worship leader, husband, father, etc etc. Like you, he’s busy and every single aspect of his life has been overhauled by COVID - from worship, to recording, to virtual schooling. In this episode Pat gives a glimpse at his family’s “new normal,” while offering some life-giving wisdom about the importance and virtues of showing ourselves grace. Also, if you’re like me, you are totally gonna wanna be friends with his dad after this one.

Connecting with our kids in meaningful ways is our ultimate mission as parents. But if men are from mars, where are our kids from? As a parent myself I can affirm that kids are downright mysteries at times. Dr. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages has worked hard over his career to help demystify life’s more important relationships, including those we have with our children. In today’s episode he give us insights and ideas that will help us all connect with our children in ways that will fill their love tanks to overflowing.

You huff, you puff, you aaaaalmost make it to February with your fitness resolutions. It’s a tale as old as time. Kim Dolan Leto seems to have cracked it. She made a point to get healthy and FINALLY did. She was an ESPN Fitness America Champion, cover girl on countless fitness magazine covers, author, podcaster, wife, mother, believer… But it took a serious "coming to Jesus" moment for her to fully surrender to HIS way of doing things. She educates, inspires, and encourages on this week’s episode. To learn more about her visit: www.kimdolanleto.com

If there's one thing Julie's kids understand, it's that mama loves to move. A pediatric physical therapist, group fitness instructor, and founder of Babies First Fitness, Julie understands the supreme importance of raising kids to be active and physically engaged. Whether you're just starting out as a parent, or worry that you haven't always set a good example for your older children, Julie offers practical advice on establishing healthy and active habits in your home.

As a professor, therapist, stand-up comedian, and mom, Melissa Mork has intentionally implemented humor in every aspect of her life. Beyond being fun-loving, she understands the therapeutic value that humor offers us, and seeks to help us implement it as a primary tool in our parenting efforts. And don't worry if you don't think you're funny, turns out you don't have to be!

This is a different kind of episode, where YOU are brought into the conversation to share your stories, your tips, your tricks, as we explore how to make the most of this holiday in raising thankful kids. Listeners help guide the conversation as we think deeper about the meaning of thankfulness, its importance, and discuss practical ways to demonstrate it for our children this Thanksgiving.

Marriage, children, career, church commitments, friendship, self-care, hobbies, community involvement- the juggle is real, and few understand that better than Kati Whitledge. As the founder of a robust beauty empire, Kati understood hustle. When she welcomed a child into that world, however, the hustle had to be modified and she didn't always balance things well. Kati's honesty and transparency invite you to let your guard down and understand that this is a journey we are all on, and that the ability we have to learn from each other is a gift.

Raising three children is never easy. Raising three children alone, two of which are teenagers, as a woman of color in this turbulent time, raises the stakes even higher. However, Tahesha's unshakeable faith and sheer determination have enabled her to not only see success in parenting, but in launching Woman of Worth, whose mission is to empower women to see their worth and value in Christ. Join us to be inspired and reminded that you are not alone and never without hope.

Ever since she can remember, Rebecca dreamed of having a big family. God's timing didn't quite line up to her expectations, though, and there were points where she wondered if she had misread Him. Meeting her husband in her mid-thirties and experiencing several miscarriages taught her to cling to God and has shaped the woman she is today: mother of two, with a third on the way. Join us as Rebecca shares about what she has learned on this journey and offers encouragement to anyone who fears their story may not turn out how they'd pictured it.

The belief that youth is a time of unadulterated innocence and hopefulness is fondly held, but sorely misplaced. The recent suicide of 10-year old Kodie Dutcher reminds us that children are not immune to social pressures or mental illness. In this week's episode Dr. Melissa Mork seeks to equip us with the knowledge and tools we need to not only recognize the problem, but intervene before the problem grows. You will leave assured that there is help, and there is hope.

The Sidewalk Prophets front man recently welcomed his first son into the world and the journey is familiar: plenty of wonder, sweet moments, and sleepless nights. But bringing a baby home during a global pandemic has had its own challenges, and the journey to get here wasn't always easy. Dave Frey shares his experiences, expectations, and desires for the future in an episode that will warm your heart.

Many of us received news recently that our kids were not going to be waltzing out of our homes and back into the classroom like we'd expected this fall, and that may not have been welcome news. One more stressor in a stressful season. Jamie Erickson is a seasoned homeschooler (five kids, 14 years and counting) who began her education career in a traditional classroom. She has written the book, "Homeschool Bravely" and manages the blog, "The Unlikely Homeschool." She joins us this week to share hope, help, and encouragement for anyone overwhelmed by this unexpected twist in their child's education. Whether you are trying to survive until the kids can go back, or are looking to make the switch the homeschooling permanent, there is wisdom to be gleaned here.

Colton Dixon and his wife Annie are first time parents-to-be, and they're expecting twins! While they share their expectations, hopes, and fears, you are invited to take a trip back down memory lane to when you were first getting started on this journey; back when you could shamelessly proclaim, "No seriously, how do I do this?"

COVID-19 has turned the world on its head, and it's not done yet. The disruption is just one more thing that unites us. As is the fact that, as parents, we feel the pressure of maintaining our sanity when the kids.never.leave. Matthew West gets it. Earlier this year he released the hilarious song, "Quarantine Life," which proves that he's in the trenches with us. We are going to chat about this new normal, as Matthew offers you encouragement and insight that is sure to reinvigorate you on this crazy journey.