Elevating Motherhood

Why Does My Kid Always Want Me to Push Them on the Swing?Understanding Vestibular and Proprioceptive InputHave you ever wondered why your child begs for 'one more push' on the swing, spins until they're dizzy, hangs upside down from furniture, jumps off things that make you nervous, or crashes into the couch cushions over and over again? What if all of those behaviors are actually your child's body asking for something it needs? Today we're talking about two sensory systems that most parents have never heard of, but once you understand them, you'll see playgrounds, nature play, and your child's behavior in a completely different way. Kids are Designed to Seek MovementMost parents know about the five senses: sight, taste, touch, smell, hearing…but there are other sensory systems at work.Vestibular InputThe vestibular system lives in the inner ear and helps us understand: balance, movement, direction, and spatial orientationChildren seek vestibular input when they: swing, spin, roll, hang upside down, jump, and climbProprioceptive InputThis is our body's awareness of where we are in space.Children seek proprioceptive input through: pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, wrestling, jumping, and heavy work (think "maximum effort")Many behaviors we label as "wild" are actually healthy sensory-seeking behaviors.The Playground Used to Be More ChallengingMany modern playgrounds prioritize safety and liability reduction.While safety matters, many playgrounds have lost: height, risk assessment opportunities, spinning equipment, climbing challenges, uneven surfaces, and natural obstaclesChildren often end up with: one slide, one climbing structure, rubber flooring, & limited opportunities for sensory-rich movement. The result? Kids leave the playground still seeking the input they need. Nature Is One of the Best Sensory GymsNature provides what many modern playgrounds can't.In nature children naturally: climb logs, balance on rocks, walk uneven terrain, pull branches, climbing hills, crawling under obstaclesEvery step provides vestibular and proprioceptive feedback. Unlike a manufactured playground, nature is constantly changing and requires the body and brain to adapt. Nature is one of the richest sensory experiences available to children. These Inputs Support More Than Physical DevelopmentVestibular and proprioceptive input don't just help kids burn energy. They support: attention, emotional regulation, body awareness, coordination, confidence, motor planning, and learning readiness.Many parents notice that after active outdoor play, children are calmer, more focused, and better able to sit and learn. We Can Create More Opportunities Without Expensive EquipmentParents don't need a giant backyard playground. Simple ways to provide vestibular input: swings, hammocks, rolling down hills, spinning games, wheelbarrow walks, obstacle courses, & hanging upside downSimple ways to provide proprioceptive input: carrying groceries, moving firewood, gardening, digging, pushing a loaded wagon, shoveling, helping move furniture, animal chores, & climbing treesMany homesteading activities naturally provide excellent sensory input. Challenge Yourself: "How can I give my child more movement instead of more entertainment?"More at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Watch what movement theirchild naturally seeks.Children were designed tomove. Long before organized sports, screen time, and rubberized playgrounds,children spent their days climbing, carrying, balancing, digging, running, andexploring. When we understand vestibular and proprioceptive input, we stopseeing those behaviors as problems to manage and start seeing them as clues towhat our children's growing bodies need most.

Today's conversation is one I'm pulling from the archives. I recorded this interview with Alyssa Bethke quite a while ago, and as I was looking through past episodes, it felt especially worth bringing back. At the time, I had not yet read her book, When Doing It All Is Undoing You. But after revisiting this conversation, I've added it back to my summer readinglist because the message feels just as timely today as it did then.If you've ever felt the pressure to keep all the plates spinning, to do more, be more, achieve more, or somehow hold everything together, I think you'll appreciate Alyssa'sperspective. We talk about motherhood, identity, striving, rest, and the freedom that comes when we stop measuring our worth by our productivity.Whether you're folding laundry, driving kids to activities, working in the garden, or taking a quiet walk, I hope this conversation encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that your value was never found in how much you accomplish.I hope you enjoy this conversation with Alyssa Bethke.Alyssa's Bio: Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comIG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

Some conversations feel tender before they even begin...and divorce is one of them. Today, I’m joined by Alisha Roth, author of Courageous Divorce, to talk openly about a topic that touches more lives than we often acknowledge.Whether you’re personally facing divorce, have walked through it in the past, or want to be a steady, supportive presence for someone you care about, this episode is meantto give language, perspective, and a starting point for those conversations.Buy Alisha’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4d6clhL   Alisha’s Links: Website: www.alisharoth.comInstagram: @littlewomenfarmhouse Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

Motherhood has a way of stretching you in ways you never planned for—and sometimes, it asks more of you than you ever thought you could give.Today’s conversation is with Amy Suzanne Upchurch, founder and CEO of Pink Stork, a women-owned company supporting moms in every season of their journey. But beyond her work, Amy is a wife and a mother of six whose story includes infertility, severe morning sickness, a life-threatening health scare, military deployments, and now raising her youngest son, Maximilian, who has Down syndrome.This conversation is about resilience—but not in the polished, inspirational way you might expect. It’s about what it actually looks like to walk through hard seasons of motherhood and choose to keep showing up with strength, perspective, andpurpose.I recorded this interview many months ago, but God’s timingwith this one is great. This is the time I truly want to introduce you to Amy Suzanne and her company Pink Stork. She was just in conversations with a major retailer (you can go to her IG @amy.suzanne_ to find out who) who asked her to take the bible verse they have on the side of their package if they wanted to be on their shelves. Amy said no. And I’m so proud of her for that. Here she is...Amy Suzanne UpchurchFind Pink Stork Products Here: https://amzn.to/41WHOgi  Amy’s Links:Website: https://pinkstork.com Instagram: @amy.suzanne_ & @pinkstork Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram:@loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

At one of my appointments, my OB told me placenta encapsulation wasn't "scientifically proven." Not long after that, I saw her share something on her social media page that felt very...dismissive. And I remember thinking, there has to be more to this conversation. Because I know thoughtful, intentional moms who are considering placenta encapsulation. And there are women who have already made this choice and don't feel silly or naive about it. So today we're opening up a conversation that feels more honest, a little more nuanced...and a lot more respectful. My guest today is Samantha Davis, the CEO of NuHeath Placenta, Inc. NuHealth Placenta, Inc. is a trusted leader in the postpartum wellness space, specializing in safe, professional placenta encapsulation services for new mothers across the U.S. With over 8 years of hands-on experience and more than 30,000 families supported, their mission is to provide education, care, and empowerment during one of life’s most transformative seasons: the fourth trimester.NuHealth's CEO, Samantha Davis, a mother and encapsulation specialist herself, grew NuHealth Placenta out of a deepunderstanding of how under-resourced and overwhelming the postpartum period can be. After experiencing the benefits of placenta encapsulation firsthand, Samantha made it her mission to modernize the process while honoring itstraditional roots.Today, NuHealth serves families both locally through direct pickup services in Southern California & Chicago as well asnationwide with our safe, easy-to-use shipping kits; making holistic postpartum recovery accessible no matter where you birth. Every placenta is processed with industry-leading sanitation standards using CDC-recommended guidelines to ensure the highest safety for both mom and baby.NuHealth is passionate about education, community care, and helping moms feel supported, informed, and empowered after birth. Check them out at: https://www.nuhealthplacenta.com/about-us/Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

If you’re trying to build a family culture where eating out feels peaceful, connected, and screen-free—but aren’t sure how to get there—this episode is for you. We’re a family of foodies…plus we travel a lot. Based on those two things alone, we end up eating out often. Almost every single time we eat out with our now 12, 10, 9, and 4 year old, we get complimented on the behavior of our children. I’m notsaying that to brag. I’m saying it because it signaled something for me…according to many servers at these restaurants all across the country, our children are not the norm. They don’t often see kids off screens at the table or kids that order for themselves or kids that make eye contact. And that’s a shame. Those 3 things should be the bare minimum expectations that we have for children in restaurants in America. Bare minimum. Even our 4-year-old does these things.  Examples: *Airport in Denver. He couldn’t get over it. * The biscuit shop in Nashville. “How do you do it?” Have a realistic goal based on their age* The goal is not perfection. A successful dinner out is not a flawless dinner. Food is going to fly. Chairs are going to fall over. Silverware is going to be dropped. Drinks will spill (again and again and again). They are going to want to not be sitting the whole time. It is not going to be peaceful from day one. * And the one time it is peaceful? It does NOT mean you have arrived. This is years of training. (i.e. writing letters correctly)* Our attitude: You are not entitled to a peaceful meal out or even the opportunity to engage in an uninterrupted conversation with your spouse or friend or family member. You are training up your children well. They are part of the dinner and part of the equation.  Start when they are young* Take your babies and toddlers out to eat * This is not a date night, this is a family dinner and you are in a season where you have to teach your kids about restaurant manners and this lesson will take years of training and patience. * Kids mirror your behavior. If you are anxious, they will be anxious. If you keep getting up, they will keep getting up. * Give grace. Offer napkins and a sympathetic smile to other families. We can create a supportive culture. How to keep them “occupied”* Don’t make “entertainment” the goal. Your child does not need to be entertained. By all means, bring a restaurant activity bag with simple things like stickers and a notepad, but only bring it out as a secondary need. If the wheels start falling off, that’s when the bag comes out. * Tic tac toe is your new favorite game. So is would you rather. And I spy. * Keep them engaged. Here is a menu. We need to look at the menu first. We need to decide what we want to have to drink. Sportscast the meal for them. * Don’t drink alcohol while you’re out with your children and teaching them. Your wheels start to fall off. Lessons get blurred and unclear. Kids mirror us and it creates confusion.  Set up clear expectations...READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES AT: www.elevatingmotherhood.com This is actually all REALLY FUN.Dining out is FUN, not a pressure cooker experience. This isn’t a rigid activity with a set menu and harsh participants. Compassion as a first response “Is it good to be me with you right now?”  I think the thing that people are noticing is that we are having a pleasant, present time together. We’ve got a groove that doesn’t include screens and our kids are participating in the meal. They’re not in the way or bystanders.  Be patientBe presentBe logicalHold the spaceHold realistic expectationsSet your family up for successRemember the long gameBe a unified front in this experience. It’s about helping our kids feel confident in everyday situations. And remember…our kids mirrorus. So when we’re confident, they are confident.   Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

If you don’t tell your children who they are… the world will.Every day, our kids are absorbing messages about their worth, their identity, their value. And if we’re not intentional, those voices can get louder than the truth.Today on Elevating Motherhood, I’m joined by HosannaWong — international speaker, spoken word artist widely known for piece “I Have A New Name,” and bestselling author of How (Not) to Save the World , Uncomplicate It, and You Are More Than You’ve Been Told.We’re talking about her very first children’s book, What God Says About You, and how to teach our kids that their identity is rooted firmly in Christ.In this conversation, Hosanna shares why no one gets to define your child except the One who made them — and how we can equip our kids to know, deep in their bones, that they are loved and chosen.If you’ve ever wondered how to speak identity over your children in a way that sticks…If you want your kids to grow up grounded, secure, and confident in who God says they are…This episode is for you.Buy Hosanna’s Children’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4r79ol9 Buy Uncomplicate It Here: https://amzn.to/3P7oXM2  Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors  Hosanna’s Links: Website: https://www.hosannawong.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hosanna.wong TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hosannawongofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialhosannawong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCZaE0vSMGzVRjcBrDWLlA

Get Chris’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4skTgxs What if the most counter-cultural decision you make as a parent… has nothing to do with screen time or schooling and everything to do with alcohol?Today’s conversation is honest. It’s tender. And it’s needed.I’m joined by Chris Janssen to talk about her USA Today bestselling book, Grace Yourself...and about something many families quietly navigate but rarely discuss: hidden or silent struggles with alcohol.Chris shares her own story of recognizing alcohol’s hold on her life, attending her first support meeting, and coming to two powerful realizations — it wasn’t her fault, and she wasn’t alone.We talk about sobriety after relapse, the courage to create a dry house, recovering from perfectionism, and what it really means to show up for the sober life you want — not from a place of shame, but from grace.If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship with alcohol is serving you…If you have an alcohol issue in your home or extended family…If you’re parenting in a culture where drinking is normalized…Or if you simply want to live more freely and intentionally…This episode is for you. Chris’s Bio: Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is the author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want and a leading results coach in performance and mindset. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. In addition to her academic achievements, Chris trained with and worked on Tony Robbins’ team of results coaches at the #1 personal development and peak performance strategy company in the world.As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counseling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage and rewrite narratives. Through her successful and sustainable Living All In methods, clients learn to attach meaning to life events and circumstances beyond their control.A California native, Chris and her husband, Scott have been married for nearly 30 years. Together, they raised threechildren, now thriving young adults. Chris and Scott live in Los Angeles and love to ski, golf, be with their horses and adventure outside. Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors  Chris’s Links:Website: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen

When was the last time you received a handwritten letter?Not a text. Not an email. Not a quick DM.An actual letter. Written by hand. Just for you.There is something almost rebellious about that kind of connection now — slow, intentional, non-intrusive… and requiring just enough effort to mean something.Today on Elevating Motherhood, I’m joined by Amy Daughters — keynote speaker, sports journalist, satirist, and the award-winning author of Dear Dana: That Time I Went Crazy and Wrote All 580 of My Facebook Friends a Handwritten Letter and You Cannot Mess This Up: A True Story That Never Happened.Amy once wrote 580 handwritten letters to her Facebook friends. Yes — 580. And what she discovered in the process will make you rethink the power of pen and paper.In this conversation, we talk about the lost art of letter writing, what happens inside us when we take the time to write byhand, and why meaningful, sacrificial connection between two human beings is more powerful than we realize.If you’ve ever felt disconnected in a hyper-connected world…If you’ve ever wanted to reach out but didn’t know how…Or if you’ve forgotten just how impactful a simple letter can be ...this episode will stay with you. Amy’s Bio: Amy Weinland Daughters is a keynote speaker, letter writer, satirist, sports journalist, and the award-winning author of two books: Dear Dana: That time I went crazy and wrote all 580 of my Facebook friends a handwritten letter and You Cannot Mess This Up: A true story that never happened. She is absolutely convinced that when human beings connect individually in a meaningful way that nothing can separatethem.  Elevating Motherhood Links: Website:www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram:@loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors   Amy’s Links:Website: www.amydaughters.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyweinlanddaughtersauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokinhotamys/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-w-daughters-16352a227/

Bestselling author Jennifer Dukes Lee joins me to talk about her new book How to Love Your Morning and how to create a faith-filled morning routine that actually works for real-life moms. If you long to wake up with hope, purpose, and rhythms rooted in God’s mercies, this conversation will change the way you start your day.Have you ever noticed how your entire day can beshaped before your feet even hit the floor?Mornings can feel rushed, chaotic, and chore heavy— especially in a full season of motherhood. But what if the first moments of your day could actually become your anchor instead of your stress point?Today on Elevating Motherhood, I’m joined for a second time by bestselling author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “morning evangelist,” Jennifer Dukes Lee. Jennifer is the author ofseveral incredible books, including Growing Slow and It's AllUnder Control. Jennifer lives on a fifth-generation family farm in Iowa where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, two beautiful humans, and an enduring faith.We’re talking about her brand-new book, How to Love Your Morning— and I’ll just tell you right now, it has completelychanged the way I start my day. It is officially my favorite read of 2026 so far.In this conversation, we explore how to build a life you love one morning at a time — how to wake up with hope instead ofheaviness, how to discover your unique “morning archetype,” and how to create simple, personalized rhythms that actually fit your real life. This book is not a one size fits all type of book. Jennifer studied every single morning mentioned in Scripture — over 200 mentions—and what she found might surpriseyou.If you’ve ever longed to believe that God’s mercies really are new every morning — but you’re not quite sure how to live that out — this episode is for you. Jennifer’s Bio: Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including How to Love Your Morning, Growing Slow, and It’s All Under Control. She’s a fan of queso, bright lipstick, and singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. She lives on a fifth-generation family farm, where she and her husband have made a life of growing crops, pigs, two beautiful humans, and an enduring faith. Buy Jennifer’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4cRjyCJ Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge@elevatingmotherhood Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors  Jennifer’s Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferDukesLee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdukeslee/

If you’ve ever wanted to read the Bible more consistently but struggled to stay focused — or if you have a child who getsfrustrated, distracted, or overwhelmed by reading — today’s episode is especially for you.In our last conversation, we talked about dyslexia for the first time on the show. And one of the questions that came up again and again was, What does support actually look like in everyday life? Not just in schoolwork — but in faith, too.Today, we’re continuing that conversation in an interview with Laura Bartlett, Associate Publisher for ZondervanBibles, about a Bible designed specifically for readers withdyslexia and ADHD: the Clear Focus Bible.This Bible uses Bionic Reading typography — a research-based layout that highlights parts of words to help the brain recognize them more easily, guiding the eyes across the page and improving focus and comprehension. For many readers, this removes the constant friction that makes reading feelexhausting or discouraging.The Clear Focus Bible is being released throughZondervan, and it represents something really important to me: the idea that struggling to read doesn’t mean someone is less spiritual, less disciplined, or less capable of connecting with God’s Word.This isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about accessibility. It’s about removing unnecessary barriers so more people — kids and adults alike — can engage with Scripture with confidence instead of frustration.This episode is part of an ongoing commitment on this podcast to talk honestly about learning differences, faith, and motherhood — and while this conversation started with dyslexia, it certainly won’t end there.Buy the Clear Focus Bible for Kids Here: https://amzn.to/3ZGgPEsBuy the Clear Focus Bible for Adults Here:https://amzn.to/40apTlcElevating Motherhood Links:Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodSponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

Dyslexia touches so many families. And so many of us quietly wonder if our own child might have dyslexia. My kid wrote a letter backwards…now what?For the first time on the Elevating Motherhood Podcast, we’re having a dedicated conversation about dyslexia — and while this is our first episode on the topic, it definitely won’t be the last. This is a conversation many moms are already having in their heads, often without clear answers or support.I’m joined today by Jen Parra, who brings clarity, experience, and a calm, grounded approach to a topic that can feel overwhelming. We talk about what dyslexia actually is,how it can show up in kids, and what moms can do next — without panic, labels for the sake of labels, or unnecessary fear.This episode is for moms who are noticing patterns, asking questions, or simply wanting to understand their child moreclearly. My hope is that this conversation offers reassurance, practical insight, and a reminder that struggling doesn’t mean failing — and understanding changes everything.Jen’s Bio: Jen Parra founded the Multisensory Reading Center in 2015 and has over 20 years of experience working with children who have learning disabilities including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and SLD. Her passion is using science-based interventions to unlock literacy for all students. Jen has anM.Ed. from Midwestern State University with an emphasis in dyslexia and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida. Jen is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) through the Academic Language TherapyAssociation and a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS) with the International Dyslexia Association.Dyslexia is a neurobiological difference in the way the brain attempts to read and spell our written language. Through the use of research-backed learning practices, we can build the literacy capacity of struggling readers and writers so they canreach their academic goals.Elevating Motherhood Links:Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsorsJen's Links: Website: www.dyslexiasite.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/msrcenterLinkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/jenparra/Instagram: @multisensoryreadingcenter37

Homeschooling is rewarding — but it can also feelmessy, overwhelming, and full of pressure. Choosing curricula, scheduling lessons, balancing priorities — it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in decisions. It’s common for homeschool parents to question whether they are doing enough or even if they are doing it right. Today, I’m talking with Carrie De Francisco, author, podcaster, homeschool coach, and “retired” home educator. Carrie knows firsthand how chaotic homeschooling can feel, and she’s written A Home Education Handbook: NineQuestions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning to help parents cut through the clutter and focus on what truly matters.Carrie helps parents simplify homeschooling onestep at a time, without losing the joy or the faith-centered foundation that matters most. She’s the voice behind the Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Help podcastand the author of multiple homeschooling guides, including Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee) and Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education.In this conversation, we dig into her approach toasking the right questions, embracing balance, and creating a homeschool that actually works for your family — not someone else’s. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about next steps, this episode is packed withpractical insights and encouragement to get you moving forward confidently. Get Carrie’s Book Here: ⁠https://amzn.to/4c9TFO7Join me for my next homeschool planning retreat! www.elevatinghomeschool.com Homeschool Moms...imagine getting away for a fewdays at a 9,000 sq ft lodge on Lake Coeur d’Alene in beautiful North Idaho where you can walk along the lake, hike nearby trails, or relax in the lodge’s private hot tub. That’s exactly what I’m offering at the Elevating Homeschool SpringRetreat this May 15-17th, 2026. I’m hosting a small group ofhomeschool mamas at Lutherhaven Lodge where you’ll enjoy a 2 night vacation, 5 meals you don’t have to cook, threehomeschool planning workshops, fireside chats, a game night, and two live worship music sessions. The Elevating Homeschool Spring Retreat is for moms who are ready to step back, breathe, and plan their upcoming homeschool with confidence, surrounded by other moms who truly understand the journey.Spots are limited, so grab your homeschool besties,reserve a room together, and head to www.elevatinghomeschool.com to sign up!

SIGN UP FOR THE RETREAT HEREIn this episode, I’m sharing the heart behind the Elevating Homeschool Spring 2026 Retreat I’m hosting — why it exists, who it’s for, and what makes it different from other events.This retreat was created for homeschool moms who are doing the work, loving their kids, and showing up daily — but who need space to pause, reflect, and plan with intention. Not to hustle harder. Not to overhaul everything. Just to think clearly again.We talk about why planning matters, the power of stepping away from everyday noise, and how thoughtful connection with other moms can be just as impactful as the workshops themselves.If you’ve been craving clarity, confidence, and a reset as you head into your next homeschool season, this episode is for you.Why this homeschool retreat existsWho the retreat is for (and who it’s not)What makes this retreat different from typical homeschool eventsThe heart behind the homeschool planning workshopsWhy getting away from daily life changes everythingThe role of meaningful community and conversationWhat I hope moms feel when they leaveYou’re committed to homeschooling but feeling scattered or stretchedYou want thoughtful planning, not pressure or comparisonYou need space to reflect, pray, and think without interruptionYou’re craving clarity, connection, and renewed confidenceMy hope is that moms leave this retreat feeling lighter, steadier, and more confident — with a clear sense of direction and excitement for the season ahead.If this episode resonates and you’ve been feeling that nudge to step away and plan with intention, I’d love to invite you to join us.Retreat Info: www.elevatinghomeschool.com

Today’s conversation is a special one.I’m joined by Amy Hughes, author of Words Like Honey,a book that gently reminds us of the power our words carry, especially in our closest relationships. Amy writes with honesty and tenderness about how our speech shapes the atmosphere of our homes, the hearts of our children, and eventhe way we see ourselves. (And she does it in such a way that she doesn’t make moms feel like jerks when our words aren’t like honey).This isn’t a conversation about saying everything perfectly or getting it right all the time. It’s about becoming more aware, more intentional, and more compassionate with the words we choose, especially on the hard days.In this episode, Amy and I talk about motherhood, faith, grace, and what it looks like to let our words be a source of life rather than pressure. If you’ve ever wished you could rewind amoment and speak differently, or if you’re longing for a softer, more peaceful tone in your home, this conversation is for you.Amy’s Bio: Amy Hughes is a mother of nine, a writer, a speaker, and a parenting coach living on the central coast of California. A featured writer for Wild + Free, Amy is a sought-after keynote and conference speaker and has been published in Scary Mommy, (in)Courage, Simplify Magazine, The Fallow House, The Natural Family, Rhythm of the Home, Christian Unschooling, and more. She reads too many books and drinks too much coffee, plus she thinks she’s incredibly funny. I’m so grateful to share Amy and her work with you today. Get Amy’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4rSlZsUElevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Last week, we began a conversation about marriage—not the highlight-reel version, but the honest, complicated, sometimes fragile reality that so many couples live inside of. And today, we’re continuing that conversation in a deeper way.Tim and Kathy Bush join me to share their story —a marriage that began on shaky ground and nearly ended in complete destruction. Their relationship was marked by infidelity, trauma, addiction, and secrets that stayed hidden for years. And yet, this is not a story that ends in heartbreak. It’s a story of what can happen when the truth is brought into the light, when pretending stops, and when hope arrives in a way no amount of effort could manufacture.Their book, Sex on the First Date, is raw, courageous, and deeply redemptive — and this conversation reflects that same honesty. Whether your marriage feels like it’s barely holding together, quietly drifting, or strong but still growing… orwhether you’re not married at all, there is wisdom here for every relationship and a reminder that no story is too broken to be transformed. Buy the book here: https://amzn.to/3Zh0HZJThe Bush Bios: Tim and Kathy Bush are the authors of Sex on the First Date: A Story of a Broken Beginning to a Radically Transformed Marriage. They have been married since 1982 and are the proud parents of three children, three in-law children, eight grandchildren and one dog. They are speakers as well as FamilyLife affiliate staff, who share their story at marriage conferences and retreats across the country. They founded War Room Ministries (warroomministries.com), which has served to strengthen men, marriages, families and churches and to develop Christian character through redemption, relationships and resilience. Tim and Kathy have received countless responses of gratitude for openly discussing the shame that comes from searching for happiness in all the wrong places.Tim is retired from thirty-five years in the automobile business and is an entrepreneur in real estate and business development, having owned businesses since just out of high school. Kathy has been a homemaker and esthetician who studied at Euro Institute of Skin Care and is retired from running her own spa and skin care business. They both enjoydrinking coffee, walking and traveling. They love spending time with their kids and grandkids, praying and reading God’s Word and worshiping God and going to churchtogether. They also stay very busy serving together at marriage events, and partnering with other couples who have a passion for marriages. And you might be interested to know they also recently moved to North Idaho.Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Please visit our sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

Today’s episode might surprise you — especially if you’ve ever thought, “If my husband would just change, our marriage would be easier…” (You're not alone in this thought...)I’m sitting down with Ann Wilson, speaker, author, and co-host of FamilyLife Today, to talk about her latest book How toSpeak Life to Your Husband —a book born out of real-life frustration, honest mistakes, and a total shift in how she used her words at home. Ann doesn’t sugar-coat anything. She shows us how encouragement, respect, and truth-filled communication can actually reshape our marriages — not by pretending, but by learning how powerful our voices really are. If you’ve ever felt stuck, misunderstood, or just tired ofrepeating the same arguments… this conversation is going to give you hope, tools, and a whole new perspective. Ann’s Bio: Ann Wilson has served with her husband for more than twenty-five years, co-founding Kensington Community Church, speaking at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember®, and hosting their own marriage conferences across the country. They live in the Detroit area, and have three grownsons, CJ, Austin, and Cody; three daughters-in-law; and seven grandchildren.Ann’s Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveannwilson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveAnnWilson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveAnnWilson Her Book: https://amzn.to/49fPXAM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridgePlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

Every year December sneaks up on moms — the traditions, the sugar, the sickness, the parties, the pressure. This episode is all about what I’m doing differently next Christmas to create a calmer, healthier, more intentional holiday season for our family. From planning ahead and simplifying gifts to supporting our kids’ immune systems and downsizing expectations, I’m sharing practical changes that reduce stress, protect our peace, and let us actually enjoy Christmasagain. If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to do the holidays,” this conversation is for you. Things I’mdoing different next Christmas/December: 1. I’m going to create a bin in the garage that I store gifts in 2. I’m going to buy gifts throughout the year3. Order Christmas jammies in September/October4. Start probiotics for the kids in August* Immune probiotic chewable from Dr. Elisa Song of Healthy Kids Happy Kids * Link to probiotics: https://healthykidshappykids.com  (Dr. Song Probiotics) 5. Start Vitamin D in September* Favorite Vitamin D: https://amzn.to/3YTMVvV (MaryRuth’s)6. I’m going to plan for the holidays at the beginning of October and order what I need to order and place celebrations on the calendar. This includes:* My son’s birthday party (find the balance with holidays + December birthdays!)* St Lucia Day* Martinmas (lantern walk)* Christmas Eve Eve party (do we want to host for an 11th year?)* I’m not going to host homeschool group at my house in December…we’ll plan outdoor outings & adventures instead8. Use bleach wipes when I hear about norovirus (I’m semi crunchy, okay?) * Favorite non-crunchy wipes: https://amzn.to/3YV0bjX(Clorox Free & Clear)9. Have grape juice, activated charcoal, and grapefruit seed extract on hand for stomach stuff* Favorite grape juice: https://amzn.to/4sql5VF (Organic Grape Juice)* Favorite activated charcoal: https://amzn.to/4q8CdxM(Activated Charcoal)* Favorite GSE: https://amzn.to/4plY2IO (Grapefruit Seed Extract)10. Have pineapple juice & gelatin on hand for coughs* Favorite pineapple juice: https://amzn.to/49mqrsk (Pineapple Ginger)* Favorite gelatin: https://amzn.to/3LdfqSg (Gelatin Powder)11.  Limit sugar to outings and parties only (instead of giving in to all the sugar temptations & offerings of December)—make sugar a sometimes habit instead of a daily habit12.  Open windows as a daily habit—make this a daily habit instead of a sometimes oneTo summarize, we’re going to continue to downsize Christmas & aim for less stress and better health. I feel like there is an undercurrent in American motherhood culture that is leaning that direction…and I’m going to ride that undercurrent!Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

This episode is a true meeting of the minds. Kiri Jorgensen and I both bring years of passion and experience in children’sliterature to the table—and this conversation might just change the way you see your family’s bookshelf.The world of children’s publishing has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. What once felt simple and safe is now layered with hidden social agendas and stories thatoften work against the virtues we’re trying to nurture in our kids.If you’ve ever been told that “as long as they’re reading, it’s fine,” this episode will gently challenge that idea. Not every book deserves a place in your child’s hands, and discernment matters more than ever.We’re diving deep into how to spot truly good books, why quality matters more than quantity, and what you can do to raise thoughtful, well-read kids in today’s publishing climate.Parents—you do not want to miss this one. Kiri’s Bio: Kiri Jorgensen is the Publisher andSenior Editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, and most importantly wife and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans almost three decades with perspective from many angles—writer, editor, organization leader, and writing instructor forboth kids and adults. She also taught school for 16 years where she specialized in gifted and rural education. She loves all books middle grade, but in her heart, she is a teacher. Chicken Scratch Books lets her combine all her passions. Besides the world of teaching and story, Kiri loves gardening, sewing quilts, being in nature, and bragging about her four amazing kids. She lives with her husband and a plethora of animals in rural Montana, where she cooks her meals on a wood-burning cookstove and is grateful every day for being right where she is.In this episode, Kiri & I talk about: * Chicken Scratch Books: middle grade fiction without hidden social agendas* Traditional American values* Why Kiri started Chicken Scratch Books * The drastic shift in children’s publishing world—and why we should be concerned as parents* Quality, clean literature for kids* How motherhood changed my perspective * Writers are required to bring liberal agendainto their * The political agenda in children’s literature* Kids don’t naturally connect over demographics* Relatable motives are what connects kids to a character* How my degrees in children’s literature are for my kids more than anything else* Podcast Docu-series: Sold A Story* Books are competing with short attention spans* Parents are so desperate for their kids to readanything that they’ll hand them anything regardless * Don’t choose books based on what is most popular* Character development in books affects our children’s budding character* Children are vulnerable and impressionable—the children’spublishing world takes advantage of this* Practical things parents can do to seek out decent children’s literature* “Books and media can be really powerful tools toteach and reinforce the virtues that you want instilled in your kids”* Have a kid who doesn’t want to read? Doread-alouds!* Every parent has power“Embrace who you are, where you are, and lookfor ways to be grateful for each of the experiences that you’re having alongthe way because they do culminate into what you become.” -Kiri Jorgensen* AND MORE!  Chicken Scratch Books Links: https://chickenscratchbooks.com@chickenscratchbooks on IG and FB@CSBooks4 on X Elevating Motherhood Links: www.elevatingmotherhood.comwww.instagram.com/loribethauldridge Please Visit Today’s Sponsors:www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

Guest: Brianna Reiser, Vice President of Experience at ToothpillowOverview: In this episode, we explore the incredible impact of Toothpillow, a comprehensive airway health program for kids, with Brianna Reiser—an experienced dental professional whose personal journey led her to this work. We dive into the “why” behind Toothpillow, how it works, and my personal experience using it with my daughter.In This Episode:Meet Brianna Reiser14+ years in dentistryLost her mother to sleep apnea, which led to her passion for airway healthNow VP of Experience at Toothpillow, working to make airway care accessibleWhy Airway Dentistry MattersUnderdeveloped jaws: a growing epidemicRoot causes of crooked teeth (not just cosmetic!)Cultural factors: diet, breastfeeding challenges, and lack of support for oral developmentThe danger of “band-aid” approaches (like wisdom teeth removal without cause investigation)What Toothpillow Is & How It WorksA two-year, app-supported airway health programIncludes myofunctional exercises, nasal hygiene, and tongue tie assessmentsGuides kids through face muscle training and jaw developmentThree current competitors: Healthy Start Habit Corrector, MyoBrace, and Vivos GuidesToothpillow is a full program—not just a single deviceWhat Makes It DifferentEvery child is assigned a dentist and a virtual dental assistant through the appPersonalized coaching and ongoing support available to parentsNot every child is a fit (about 30% are not recommended to proceed)Compliance is supported through encouragement and trackingCommon Signs of Airway Struggles in Kids:Mouth breathingNight wakingBedwettingNightmares or terrorsADHD-like symptomsWhy Moms Love ItAffordable: No brick-and-mortar costs passed on to parentsEasy-to-use app experienceHolistic and rooted in connection—not just clinicalMy Personal Review:My daughter has been using Toothpillow for over 4 monthsNoticed improvements: better sleep, no more night terrors, fewer dark circlesFace shape is changing; jaw is visibly wider“When I wear my Toothpillow, my tongue just knows where to go.”Toothpillow for the Future:Plans to expand to adults and babiesKeeping long-term health and root causes at the center of careSPECIAL OFFER: Use code LORIBETH for $200 off + a free video assessment ($50 value)Referenced:Episode 175 – Intro to Airway DentistryToothpillow Website: ⁠Toothpillow.com⁠Elevating Motherhood: ⁠elevatingmotherhood.com⁠Instagram: @loribethauldridge

What if your child’s mouth breathing, restless sleep, or even focus issues weren’t behavioral—but biological?In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with a pediatric airway dentist to explore the critical (and often overlooked) role of airway health in childhood development. We talk about how things like tongue ties, narrow palates, and poor oral posture can impact sleep, behavior, and even long-term health—and why early intervention matters.If you’ve ever been told “they’ll grow out of it,” or felt dismissed when raising concerns about your child’s breathing or sleep, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we cover:* The difference between traditional and airway-focused dentistry* How mouth breathing can lead to misdiagnoses like ADHD or anxiety* Signs parents can look for at home* What treatment and support can look like* Why airway health is a foundational part of whole-child wellnessThis episode is full of insight, practical takeaways, and encouragement for parents who want to better understand what’s going on beneath the surface of their child’s symptoms. Dr. Hilary’s Bio: Dr. Hilary Fritsch is a leading airway and biological dentist, one of the very few in the country with deep expertise in proper jaw development and airway health. She is also Montana’s premier Toothpillow provider, offering cutting-edge, nonsurgical techniques to optimizeairway growth and function.Practicing dentistry since 2006, Dr. Fritsch has been featured on The Today Show (NBC), New York Magazine, Business Insider, Pop Sugar, Fatherly, and Romper. Her passion for wellness is deeply personal—shaped by her own struggles with childhood sleep apnea and a debilitating autoimmunedisease that once impaired her ability to see and even walk unassisted. These experiences fuel her commitment to helping patients and their families optimize their health through airway-focused dentistry.Dr. Fritsch is the founder of Western Sleep Solutions andSaddle Peak Dental, both rooted in the philosophy that oral health is intricately connected to whole-body health. She specializes in nonsurgical airway development and the treatment of sleep apnea, breathing disorders, andorthodontic issues that impact long-term wellness.Determined to bring the best possible care to her patients,Dr. Fritsch has trained under one of the most elite airway dentists in the world and continuously pursues advanced education in airway-aware orthodontics, occlusion, and oral microbiome health. She is an active member of theInternational Academy of Sleep and other leading organizations dedicated to uncovering the root causes of airway dysfunction.Dr. Fritsch is passionate about educating and empowering her patients—both young and old—to take ownership of their health, breathing, and longevity. Quick Note Before We Begin:If you get curious during this episode about the palateexpander device we mention, head to toothpillow.com and use the code LORIBETH to receive a free video consultation with a trained airway dentist—a $50 value—plus $200 off the cost of treatment.That’s toothpillow.com, code LORIBETHDr. Hilary’s Links: Website: Saddlepdeakdental.comInstagram: @hilaryfritschdmd Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

The Kind of Decluttering That Actually Lastswith Julia UbbengaJulia Ubbenga is a minimalist. I’m not.But I read her new book Declutter Your Heart and Your Home from cover to cover—and I was both challenged and changed.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to live with less—less clutter, less noise, less pressure—and how that can create more space for peace, purpose, and presence. We dive into the emotional side of decluttering, why stuff isn’t the real problem, and how simplifying your outer world can lead to deep inner clarity.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos in your home or your calendar... this conversation will speak to you.In this episode: ​Why emotional clutter keeps us stuck​How to start simplifying when minimalism feels extreme​The surprising link between physical space and spiritual freedom​What Julia let go of—and what she gained​And why this kind of decluttering actually lastsWhether you're a seasoned minimalist or just starting to rethink what “enough” looks like, this episode will encourage you to move toward a simpler, more intentional way of living.Julia's Links: Instagram: @richinwhatmattersWebsite: www.richinwhatmatters.com Lori Beth's Links: Instagram: @loribethauldridgeWebsite: www.elevatingmotherhood.comCheck out my favorite planner: www.sparrowhomeschool.comCODE: LORIBETH for 10% off

Mary Ruth Organics collaborated with the brand Liquid Death in a temporary collaboration for their nighttime formula. They released the "ad" on social media that included chainsawing clowns (murder) and dark imagery and messaging that really rocked the online space. The collaboration seemed to make zero sense for those of us who have been users of Mary Ruth's high quality vitamins and products for years. There was outrage--including from me. I left an unbecoming comment on MRO's IG post, I cancelled my subscription to their products, I shared it with friends and followers. And once I had done all of those things, I should have felt some sort of peace, right? Wasn't that the "right" thing to do? Wasn't this me aligning my actions and values? It sure didn't feel like it...I couldn't get rid of this nagging feeling that perhaps Mary Ruth Organics wasn't familiar with just how dark Liquid Death's advertising tactics can get (ever heard of their "soul contract?") So I decided to message the MRO's IG page and ask if they knew about it and get curious about how this collaboration came to be. You know who answered? Mary Ruth herself. THE Mary Ruth of Mary Ruth Organics. She messaged me back and asked if we could talk. I said yes. She called me, we chatted, and at the end of the conversations I can confidently say hearts and minds were changed--especially mine. This episode is about the unfolding and understanding that took place after that conversation. It also explains why--despite the online outrage over a collaboration (that has ended, by the way)--I'm going to continue to buy and use Mary Ruth Organics products. Disclaimer: at the the time of this recording, I am not an affiliate for or have any sort of business relationship with Mary Ruth Organics. This is simply my opinion & personal story about a "hot topic" among the mom community.

This episode is my audio version of my contribution to the 2025 For the Love of Homeschooling Homesteading & Skillful Living Mega Bundle – available now through April 25, 2025 Get your mega bundle here: https://www.fortheloveofhomeschooling.com/?ref=loribethWhat makes me a passionate home cook?Lori Beth Auldridge is a homeschooling mom of 4 & passionate home cook. She learned from the best (Grandma Huck) while growing up in Appalachia & from private celebrity chefs when she worked as a personal assistant. She is the creator & host of the Elevating Motherhood Podcast. Follow her on IG: @loribethauldridgeWhat if cooking didn’t feel overwhelming? What if you could follow a recipe—or even create your own—without second-guessing yourself? I’m here to help.In this episode, you’ll find my 8 best tips for home cooks to help you build trust in your own cooking instincts. You’ll learn how to elevate flavors, experiment with spices, and make meals that actually taste good—not just edible. We’ll also cover how to study recipes, memorize key dishes, and practice your favorites so they feel effortless.Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s make it simple—and enjoyable. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get started!Tip 1: Cook from Semi-Scratch. Tip 2: Elevate Your Flavor Profiles.Tip 3: Pinch Your SaltTip 4: Bold Flavors, Better CookingTip 5: Study Recipes and Make Them Your OwnTip 6: Perfect a Favorite DishTip 7: Try New MealsTip 8: Memorize a Recipe(More details available in print form in the mega bundle)Lori Beth’s Famous Easy 3-sy Sausage GravyIf you can remember the number 3, you can memorize this recipe!1lb ground sage breakfast sausage3 tbs grass-fed butter1/3 cup white flour3 cups raw milksalt & pepper to tasteBrown the sausage in a pan on the stove. Once browned, add 3 tbs of butter. Let the butter melt, stir the sausage to coat. Add the flour. Stir again, coating the sausage. Allow the butter & flour to cook together for a few moments, forming a roux. Once a roux is achieved, add the milk. Stir continually on low to medium heat until thickened. You’ll know it’s ready when you scrape the pan and the gravy doesn’t come back together right away, but slowly moves back together because of its thickness. Add salt & pepper to taste (aiming to season heavily), tasting for flavor before serving. Serve over biscuits of your choosing.Note: I’ve added my personal preferences for a knock-your-socks-off gravy, but you are welcome to use your own (real) butter, whole milk, & preferred flavor of sausage.

Today’s Sponsor: Homesteading & Skillful LivingMega Bundle 2025 Evgeniia’s Bio: Evgeniia Arasim is a homeschooling mama and holistic health coach dedicated to helping fellow homeschooling moms overcome burnout through movement, nourishing food, andmindset work. Originally from Russia, she grew up in a competitive school and sports environment but chose a different path for her own child—one filled with wild adventures, child-led learning, and a slow, intentional lifestyle.Now living in Toronto with her husband and son, Evgeniia embraces a multilingual homeschooling journey, incorporating English, Polish, and Russian into their daily learning, making education both enriching and fun.After becoming a mother, she shifted her focus from traditional fitness to holistic health,recognizing that true well-being goes beyond just movement. With a deep understanding of metabolism, movement, and sustainable wellness, she now empowers homeschooling moms to nourish their bodies, regain their energy, and thrive in both motherhood and homeschooling.In this episode, Evgeniia & I talk about: * Her Russian background* Her work with homeschool moms on their health journeys* What is cortisol is and why it matters* Cortisol is all the rage online right now* Cortisol is a hormone* Life-long learning mindset* Not aiming for perfection but for learning* High cortisol* Low cortisol* Cortisol testing* What we can do today to feel better* Cortisol is supposed to peak in the morning (between 6-8am)* Using our cortisol energy to live our life (not scroll social media)* Doing what helps you survive* Everyone stresses out about something different* Glycogen & the liver* Insulin resistance* Hemoglobin A1C averages* Do we need snacks? * Sugars going up and down* Making small changes* Cortisol and metabolism* Cortisol and weight management* Accepting your body shape/form * Acknowledging our natural body frame* It’s never going to be “just cortisol”* Blood sugar disregulation and imbalances* Craving certain things* Energy crashes* Muscles not growing despite working out* Symptoms of high cortisol* Symptoms of low cortisol* H pylori * Best tips for balancing cortisol* Managing weight for how our body needs to be* Breathing exercises* Prioritizes protein* Protein before coffee* Get outside and get morning sunlight* Cold plunging* Challenging yourself* Book Evgeniia mentions: Wim Hof: Iceman* Underestimating the importance of sleep* Evgeniia’s coaching offerings Evgeniia’s Links: Free Cortisol Guide: (April 2025 only) https://www.atnourishedmotherhood.com/page/650812Instagram: @at.nourished.motherhoodWebsite: www.atnourishedmotherhood.com  Elevating Motherhood Links: Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comLeave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts! This helps other moms find this resource...thank you for listening! I appreciate you!

*Must Read* Book Alert! + *Must Listen* Episode!Patience, purpose, perfectionism, stagnation, doubts, worries, fear…there aren’t many stones we leave unturned in this episode of Elevating Motherhood! Britt Maher and Cassandra Speer co-authored a book called Ready As You Are: Discovering a Life of Aundance When You Feel Inadequate, Uncertain, & Disqualified...Britt is here today to share about the book and their incredible mission to encourage women (especially moms!)  Britt’s Bio: Brittany Maher (Britt) is the founder and president of Her True Worth, a large and growing online community designed to liberate an entire generation of faith-filled women with the freedom found in discovering their true worth in Christ. She and her husband Ryan invest most of their time in equipping and empowering God's people for digital evangelism across the globe. Brittany is planted in Michigan with her husband, Ryan, and their daughter, Ariana.Link to the book Britt’s Links:IG: @brittmaher @hertrueworth @cassandralspeer Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comIG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

For the Love of Homeschooling Virtual Conference: Click here to join!Episode 169 Show NotesSpring is almost here—it's March 1st, and the air is starting to feel different! Before we fully dive into the new season, let’s take a moment to reflect on this winter (yes, we’re still in it) and all the growth and learning we've experienced this winter. I’ll lead you through the questions and give you a few of my answers, but also press pause and apply each question to your own life.   1.     What were your goals for winter? Did you meet any of them?2.     Celebrate what went well and all you did accomplish (including holidays)3.     Were your goals realistic? Were they too much or not challenging enough? 4.     Did you rest? Enough or too much? 5.     What is something you really enjoyed this winter? 6.     Did you create magical moments worth recreating? Any new traditions? 7.     Did you read? Any good book suggestions worth passing along to others? 8.     Were you cozy? Content?9.     How was your mood? Do you think the weather affected you?10.  Is there anything you would do different next year?   Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comAmazon Book Lists: Click here for book listsInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

For the Love of Homeschooling Virtual Conference Link - click here. This episode is pure encouragement & hope! Mamas…tune into this episode and be inspired by Sally’s generous spirit and find out about her newest book Well Lived.  Sally’s Bio: Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live for Christ. Her podcast, At Home With Sally, has over 28 million downloads. She has been married to her husband Clay for more than forty years and they have raised four adult children. Today, Sally lives between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England. In this episode, Sally & I talk about…·      Her latest book Well Lived·      Surrounding ourselves with beauty in dark times·      Rhythms·      Taking time away from work and then come back, it gives you clarity & focus·      Finding delight even in the hard times·      Not being a victim·      Whatever you practice, you become·      Guarding our children·      Choices inside our hearts·      Keep going forward·      Mount up over the darknessSally’s Links: Website: www.sallyclarkson.comIG: @sally.clarkson Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comIG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Sponsor Highlight: The 2025 For the Love of Homeschooling Virtual Conference--Join Now!A romance author on a "serious" podcast for moms? ABSOLUTELY. Melissa's message is just what we need right now...more light, more hope, more joy, more whimsy. You are going to enjoy this chat SO MUCH!Melissa’s Bio: Melissa Ferguson is the bestselling author of titles including Meet Me in the Margins, How to Plot a Payback, On the Way to Christmas, and The Perfect Rom-Com.She lives in Tennessee with her husband and children in their growing farmhouse lifestyle and writes heartwarming romantic comedies that have been featured in such places as The Hollywood Reporter, Travel + Leisure, Woman’s World, and BuzzFeed. Join along her journey with over 900,000 other followers at @ourfriendlyfarmhouse. In this interview, Melissa & I talk about: * Melissa’s new book: The Perfect Rom Com* How I went from reading The Invisible War (about spiritual warfare) to reading a rom com* Love and laughter…why is it considered less than other things we need* Cheerfulness and whimsy in motherhood & everyday life* The bleak motherhood messaging in American culture right now* An invitation into lightness* Humility in motherhood* Living hopeful and loving* Finding the balance between strong messaging & lightness* Encouragement for moms* Strength in lightness* Being bold in our life (and everyday!) decisions* And SO MUCH MORE!More info over at: www.elevatingmotherhood.comMelissa’s Links: Website: www.melissafurguson.comInstagram: @ourfriendlyfarmhouseFind Melissa's Books Here 

You Can Create a Flexible Schedule That Supports Connection in Every Season  Today's conversation is for all moms (not just homeschoolers!) It's packed full of ideas for creating rhythms, traditions, and memories no matter season (or the weather!) It's a conversation about connection & intentional mothering that you're going to love. Lyndsey’s Bio: Lyndsey Mimnagh is a homeschool mom of four and the founder of Treehouse Schoolhouse. Before motherhood, Lyndsey had a career in children's ministry and special needs education. Her home education centers around living books and ideas, hands-on learning, nature exploration, and biblical discipleship. She shares experiences and home education inspiration through her Instagram and blog, as well as creates curriculum and resources for families around the world. Her most popular curriculum titles are An Expectant Easter, A Connected Christmas, and Treehouse Nature Study.   CODE: ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD15 for 15% off Treehouse Schoolhouse www.treehouseschoolhouse.com Lyndsey’s Links:  Instagram: @treehouse_schoolhouseFacebook: /treehouse.schoolhouseYouTube: /TreehouseSchoolhousePinterest: /TSMotherhoodHomeschool   Elevating Motherhood Links: Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

We’ve known and seen how consumerism, materialism, and sugar have taken over Christmas. We see it, know it, and understand it…and we’re still influenced and affected by it, even when we “know better.” I know many parents who are wanting to step out of the holiday spending swirl and get their kids less stuff this stuff this year. But many (myself included at times) are conflicted because we don’t want to let our kids down by giving them less than previous years. And yet the need for change and simplification can’t be ignored. So how do we make peace with downsizing Christmas this year? We’ve got to get to a place where we feel confident and calm about our decision to simplify Christmas and get/give less stuff.  Listen to the full episode for tips, suggestions, and idea for how to confidently downsize Christmas gracefully with grace. Merry Christmas! I appreciate you! www.elevatingmotherhood.com IG: @loribethauldridge Love this episode? Give it a 5 star review! Reviews help others find the show...and their confidence!

Burnout, frustration, exhaustion…as moms, these feelings rear their ugly heads more often than we’d like. We’re human. We only have so much capacity. We get touched out, noised out, and just need a break. Whether these emotions creep up daily or just occasionally isn’t as important as how we handle them when they do arise. Jenny Hedrick, host of The Super Simple Homeschool Podcast, is here today to share her tips and thoughts on how to find rest in the lifelong ministry that is motherhood. While Jenny’s podcast is about homeschool, my podcast is about motherhood in general. This conversation is for all moms, not just homeschoolers. So if you’re looking for strategies, ideas, and biblically sound solutions to finding rest as a mom, this episode is for you.  Jenny’s Bio: Jenny Hedrick   is a homeschool mom who works as a mental health therapist and relationship intelligence coach. She is a licensed clinical social worker and certified Core Strengths facilitator. Jenny also has a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Jenny lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and their 3 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 axolotls, chickens and honeybees. Jenny is a professional speaker and trainer with experience in virtual webinars, retreats and full-day trainings. She started the Super Simple Homeschool podcast and website in 2024 to help inspire moms to homeschool simply and purposefully. In this episode Jenny & I talk about:  ·      Jenny’s podcast: The Super Simple Homeschool Podcast  ·      How she has homeschooled for 8 years ·      She’s a mental health therapist ·      Dealing with mental health in practical and biblical ways ·      How loud the internet is right now ·      The spiritual side of healing and trauma is often ignored ·      How mental health practices can be humanistic in our culture, especially motherhood ·      The self focus of motherhood  ·      The definition of “self care”  ·      The sacrificial nature of motherhood ·      Can Jesus relate to mothers? Jenny shows us the connection ·      How did Jesus take care of himself? He spent time alone in prayer ·      Jesus had a three year ministry that changed the course of history ·      Moms have a life long ministry ·      Jesus is sufficient for our needs ·      How we view rest ·      Take every thought captive ·      Busyness & hurry in motherhood ·      The story of Mary & Martha ·      Distractions of the enemy ·      Praying for discernment as mothers ·      Productivity as an idol ·      You don’t have to keep working so hard to earn your place with Jesus ·      Receive instead of do & produce ·      Eryn Lynum’s new book coming this Spring ·      The habit of sabbath ·      The pressure to fill our down times with productivity ·      Learning to just sit ·      Allowing everyone in the family space to rest ·      Life is about togetherness and community ·      How sabbath spilled over into her relationships ·      Is there resentment in my heart as a mom?  ·      Learning how to be self-reflective as a mom ·      When psychology reflects scripture ·      Where to find a good Christian therapist

Winter is upon us...and so are so many common childhood sicknesses. In this episode, I'll help you: 1. Teach your child how to swallow pills (starting at age 3!) 2. Teach them how to barf (without drama) 3. Share my top 3 basics I always have on hand before sickness strikes (spoiler alert: they are NAC, activated charcoal, & hot tea) Listen, like, subscribe, & leave a 5 star review if this episode is helpful to you! www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Ever heard of PDA? Pathological Demand Avoidance? It's a nervous system disability that falls on the autism spectrum. It's often confused with ODD. In this episode, Casey and I talk about: * What PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is * PDA awareness & caregiver strategies * Traumatic birth and PDA * Symptoms & Sign of PDA * How a diagnosis of PDA happens * The fact that PDA isn’t new, our awareness is deepening * The anxiety driven need for control * Trauma healing and nervous system regulation * And SO MUCH MORE! Casey’s Bio: Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D. is a social scientist, parent coach and educator, and the CEO and founder of At Peace Parents, LLC. Casey brings 15 years of work experience and expertise in social science methodology to help parents and therapists understand how to connect with and accommodate PDA Autistic children. She is currently working on empirical research with the University of Michigan Medical School on Pathological Demand Avoidance in children and teens. She helps parents radically accept the constraints of raising a child with a nervous system disability so they can find peace on their parenting journey. More Podcasts: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Homeschool Support: www.elevatinghomeschool.com

Be Honest: How was your Mother's Day? In this episode, I talk about: * The importance of reflecting on what went well (and what didn’t) during this year’s Mother’s Day * How my Mother’s Day this year ACTUALLY went * Setting up everyone for success on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day * Checking in with my husband before Father’s Day about what he wants and needs that weekend (and in his everyday life) * Making Mother’s Day and Father’s Day a whole weekend celebration instead of just a day * Taking time on Saturday to be by yourself before Mother’s Day * Giving him time alone on Saturday before celebrating together on Father’s Day * Meeting needs before celebrating and using frustrations as growing points instead of just frustration points   Join me at this year’s FOCUS Retreat! To find out more and register, go to: www.thefocusretreat.com

Mother’s Day brings with it a roller coaster of emotions…and there are some complex reasons for that. Heaven forbid we feel disappointed on Mother’s Day because we feel like we can’t express that and feel guilty for even feeling that way or explode from trying to keep those “negative” emotions inside for too long. Add in things like loss, longing, grief, infertility, work, the craziness of the calendar in May…and it’s no wonder many moms get overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time on Mother’s Day. Chris took the kids out for the morning and I wanted to process this Mother’s Day with you while I have a minute to reflect. This is a heavy one for me since it’s my first one without either of my grandmas. Mother’s Day expectations are on our minds as the big day approaches…most of us are in charge of balancing the family calendar and most celebration details and this holiday is one that supposedly is for us, not by us and, and, well, that’s hard. I have a few thoughts, ideas, and stories to share with you in this episode. Here are a few highlights: * Grace upon grace upon grace *Your emotions are valid *10/10 recommend time alone the day BEFORE Mother’s Day *Feeling disappointed on Mother’s Day is more common than you think *Clear communication about what I want on actual Mother’s Day as a way to avoid disappointment or hurt feelings will go a long way! More episodes and info available at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

A rare appearance from my husband Chris who courageously shows up today in a raw, candid conversation with me about marriage, expectations, and who needs to do more. It’s really hard to talk about marriage in a public forum because it can be easily be misinterpreted as “advice” …and we want to reassure you that today’s episode is not intended to be marriage advice, it’s not about anyone in particular, it’s us seeing a common thread all around us (even online and in shows!) and pulling that thread to see where it leads us. Our hope is that this episode is a conversation starter for you and your spouse—a perspective that leads to deeper growth and conversation. We hope it’s an example of how two people in a marriage can view things differently and not have those differences be a hinderance or cause hurt to the other. These are incomplete thoughts—observations rather than conclusions. Will you see yourself in this episode? Will you see your marriage in this episode? Will your husband? We don’t know. Marriages have similarities and differences across the board. We’ll be curious to hear your thoughts at the end. Thanks for listening and for your gentleness and respect as we pull at this new thread in a public and unscripted way. In this episode Chris and I talk about: · Martyrdom · Husbands not doing enough · Financial trials in our current culture · Our current economy · Tensions in marriage · Man dogging culture · Allowing time for transitions · Looking for creative ways to bring in more money · Answering the call to do more · Having patience with transitions · Ideals · Starting over · How it’s hard to find the motivation to do more for less · Skewed expectations of what we are bringing to the table · Are women growing & changing at a faster rate than men? · Dads not being on board with homeschool and why · Jealousy in our roles · Living a scheduled life when your family doesn’t · Moms researching parenting · Fair expectations · Happiness and rest for both spouses · Respecting each other’s perspectives · Man hating culture is trickling into marriage culture · Actions speak louder than words · Men feel emotions like stress and jealousy too · What do you believe about your husband? · What do you believe about your marriage? · What is the undercurrent in your marriage? Christian Business Women! This is for you: www.thefocusretreat.com

This is a high energy conversation. For some reason it’s highly political at the moment to talk about boys, men, gender, and masculinity. And here we are as moms, right smack dab the middle of the over-politicized nonsense, trying to have meaningful marriages with our husbands and raise our sons well in a world that bashes boys and men. We need to talk about the tension—both the undercurrent in our culture and the outright hatred toward men. We need to stand up for our sons and raise them up at the same time. In this interview you’ll hear me tell the story about how when I found out I was pregnant at 40, I knew I was going to have a son. I knew I was going to be called to speak out about the war on men happening in our current culture. My guest today is Durenda Wilson…she is a friend of mine but also a brilliant writer and podcaster. I look to her a lot for homeschool and parenting advice. She speaks out on this subject with so much grace and encouragement. Her perspective really takes the charge off our current cultural messaging and puts tools and encouragement back in the hands and hearts of moms so we can show up well in our marriages and in our motherhood. You’ll leave this conversation feeling equipped as a boy mom and have a better understanding of what true masculinity is. Durenda Bio: Durenda Wilson has been married to Darryl for 34 years. He wanted two children and she wanted ten. They compromised at eight. Durenda has over 30 years of homeschool experience. She also has 11 grandchildren (7 are boys) who are also being homeschooled. During her years of experience in home education, she has seen first hand how kids learn naturally and effectively when they are given time and space along with encouragement to trust their own learning processes. She wants to take this hard-earned wisdom and mentor moms—she believes an encouraged mom is always a better mom. Durenda began The Durenda Wilson Podcast for this purpose back in July 2017 which grew quickly and gained recognition with both families and leaders in the homeschool community. Durenda has over 500 episodes to choose from and boasts over 3 million downloads! FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Durenda's Links: Buy Her Book: https://a.co/d/3lEu5J4 Website: www.durendawilson.com Instagram: @durendaleewilson   Today’s Sponsor: The Focus Retreat www.thefocusretreat.com

Well, it's been another week of the internet going crazy. But so many friends and followers sent me two of the same posts this week and I felt called to share my thoughts on them because to me they are incredibly related: 1. Hannah of Ballerina Farms is competing in the Mrs. World Pageant and the internet has decided she is dangerous and setting a bad example (oooooookay…) 2. The teacher calling for parents to take phones away from kids and stop letting phones raise their children because 4th graders are bullying, body shaming, and twerking on the playground.   What Do I Think the REAL Issues Are? We have some thinking to do as parents. We can do better as moms (& no, that's not shaming) The need for more self-awareness Parenting our own children The real danger: peer-oriented culture Mom shaming Toxic postpartum messaging Bullying (by grown-ups and kids) Who are the bullies? Cattiness & Meanness The over-sexualization of everything Ease and convenience over depth and meaning Healthy boundaries with internet use Parents need to ask themselves Allowing sensationalism to trump the real lessons As moms, we need to strive to do better by our kids The call to strive   “Am I smiling and laughing at strangers entertaining me on my phone more than I’m looking at my kids and smiling and laughing because they are bringing me joy in my every day?” -Lori Beth Auldridge   No ad spots today because I wanted to get right to the message. But check out all our sponsors at www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Hebrews 10:1 “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Happy 2024, Mamas! We're grateful for 2023 and ready to move forward with confidence into 2024! 💜 In this episode I talk about: * The continued need to pray for Maui * Our move to the mainland * Our family’s 2023 trials and wins * Travel recap: we went to 19 states in 2023! * Seeking comfort and ease…and then shifting away from that goal * Trusting God’s timing * Working on humility * The spiritual ease that has come from moving to a Christian community * Word of the year: Endurance * How the word “endurance” has changed me on every level in just a few days * Abandoning American hustle culture * Self-control * Fruits of the Spirit * Following the path that God sets out for us * “planning” and “goal setting” vs. acts of obedience * The gift of aging and maturity and experience * How fantastic it feels to grow up * Following the shift in our path * Understanding that God has a path laid out for us * Count it all joy…even the hardships * Going into 2024 with enthusiasm * Ending 2023 with gratitude * Endurance for a very specific purpose * Following God’s path for me * The ability to handle hardships * Praying for you and your family in the new year! Visit: www.elevatingmotherhood.com & sign up for my newsletter Join my support community: Elevating Homeschool Community

I love today’s passionate and honest conversation with my in person friend Nikki Phillippi. We’re both freedom loving homeschooling who spend a LOT of time thinking about education standards, education philosophy, and education reform. We’re both life-long learners who like to dive deep into many topics that affect us as mothers and topics that affect our children’s education…and then we discuss them over long voice memos to each other. It’s pretty fun. I 10/10 recommend finding another mom friend to voice memo with. Today you get to be part of our in-depth back and forths as we talk about education reform, protecting our freedom to homeschool, misinformation about homeschool, and our own personal education journeys.   Nikki’s Bio: Nikki Phillippi is a very popular YouTube personality, author, recipe creator, and podcaster. She is a wife, mother, and second-generation homeschooler. Nikki is passionate, authentic, and honest in ways that inspire me--truly. If you already know Nikki, you’ll love hearing her show up in classic Nikki fashion as she shares about her education journey and why homeschool is her hill to die on. If this is your first introduction to Nikki, hold on tight! She is a ball of energy! I’ll be sure to link to her YouTube channel in the show notes as well as my recent episode with her on her YouTube channel where we go even deeper into homeschool freedoms and education reform.   In This Episode, Nikki & I Talk About: · Growing Up: Nikki’s homeschool journey as a child · Bullying in school · Homeschool advocacy · Being advanced and being behind in school at the same time · Feeling held back in subjects in school · Feeling “stupid” in school · Physical and mental abuse in school · John Taylor Gatto's Book Dumbing Us Down · Kids are convinced they are stupid · Learning to love learning · Tailoring education to individuals...& so much more! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Please Visit Today’s Sponsor: The Elevating Homeschool Community

I’ve wanted to tackle so many topics over the years but have avoided hitting record because I felt like my thoughts were incomplete. Pettiness has been a topic swirling in my mind for the past few weeks because of two conversations I overheard on Halloween. And, well, here are my incomplete thoughts on the topic. Here are also the bible verses I looked up to help me find peace with these two stories: What Does the Bible Say About Being Petty Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Romans 15:5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Romans 12:3 by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. What Does the Bible Say About Pride Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. What are your thoughts? What do you want to add to these incomplete thoughts on pettiness? Email me: [email protected] More at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Elevating Homeschool Community: here

Ruth Chou Simons is an artist in so many senses of the word. Her latest book Pilgrim: 25 Ways God’s Character Leads Us Onward is stunning and inspiring. It’s a beautiful exploration of God’s character and faithfulness and is bursting with Ruth’s signature watercolor art. It’s a gift for the eyes and the heart. Years ago I had a friend say to me, “I think Jesus was a great person and someone worth striving to be like. I don’t like all the religion and church stuff, and I wouldn’t call myself a Christian, but I do think that Jesus was real and someone worth striving to be like.” Pilgrim is the book I wish I had to give her in that moment. Understanding the character of God in a biblical context where we can start to break down who He is and what His works show us is important. Understanding His character helps us understand His strength—it gives us not only something to lean in to, but an example of compassionate character to strive toward. We’re on a journey, a path that we travel every day and I can tell you that walking a path set out for me by Jesus is a lot easier than trying to create my own. As mothers, we need strength for our daily journey. It’s available to us. Sometimes we need reminders that nothing separates us from God’s love. Pilgrim is a beautiful reminder of that. Pretty enough to leave out on the table as our daily reminder that God’s provision and grace is available to us. Ruth is wonderful. If you already know who Ruth Chou Simons is, you’re going to love this interview. If you’re hearing about her for the first time here, know that I am so honored to be the one to introduce you to her and her work. Ruth’s Bio: Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people's hearts. Through social media, her online shop at GraceLaced.com, and the GraceLaced Collective community, Simons shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. FULL SHOW NOTES: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS: Nourished Motherhood: www.atnourishedmotherhood.com Elevating Homeschool Community: www.patreon.com/ElevatingHomeschoolCommunity

I’ve never really understood why podcasters do seasons...until I hit a point in my life where my personal seasons started to demand the I shift my professional seasons. So I took a break from podcasting to focus on my family's needs, travel, work on new projects, etc. So what was I up to? Listen and find out! In this episode I talk about: * Finding home when you can’t go back to where you were “born and raised” * Creating home in a new place * We moved…again! New house, same state * Acts of obedience * Needing to be present * Spiritual warfare * The predator load at our new house * New farm additions! * The transition from farm to suburbs to farm * Our 3 week long RV trip * My personal health journey * And more…!  

God’s timing is so good. If you follow me on IG, you’ve probably heard me talk about how I feel like my current life lessons all center around humility and God’s timing over mine. Well, the timing of this episode’s release is just perfect. I needed this episode when I recorded it and I needed it again this week with our family moving (again! We’re still in Idaho, but moving is pretty all consuming no matter the distance!) I have been feeling overwhelmed in this unexpected season of chaos. Bonnie’s books have truly been gifts to me at different moments in my life. Today we’re talking about her newest book Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm (but I also recommend her other book Sweet Like Jasmine). You’ll probably hear the surprise in my voice at how Bonnie and I just jumped right into the deep end with this conversation. Bonnie’s willingness to be vulnerable and connect with people honestly and openly is part of what makes her such a special guest. If you are in a season of chaos (which I feel like is probably most moms with kids at home), this episode is for you. If you’re a mother who is getting things done but you often feel like you’re surviving alone, this episode is for you.   Bonnie’s Bio: Bonnie Gray is the author of Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm, Whispers of Rest, Finding Spiritual Whitespace and Sweet Like Jasmine. An inspirational speaker and podcast host of Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast, Bonnie touches thousands of lives using storytelling, soul care, and prayer. Bonnie’s global following of readers come to her for inspiring Christian content in her authentic, unique voice. Her writing has been published and syndicated across a broad online audience. Bonnie lives in California with her husband and two sons. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

“We need sandpaper in our lives.” – Shallon Payne Today I’m excited to introduce you to my friend Shallon from The Appalachian Homestead. Shallon and I talk often over IG and text about all kinds of things. It’s so nice because the two of us share a bit of an automatic understanding of each other and the way we see life because we were both raised in the Appalachian Mountains. I was raised farther North in the foothills and she’s in the heart of Appalachia, but there are things we just “get” about each other and life. I know that our upbringing allows us to see the world differently. We’re a proud people with big ideas. People from Appalachia have a strong sense of family. And yet here I am living far, far away from my family and have for a long, long time. Shallon and I intended to talk about how the internet is ruining motherhood and how it’s gonna be alright because everything comes out in the wash. But we ended up talking about way more than that! This is a different kind of episode…it’s like y’all are gonna walk into the middle of a conversation with Shallon and I. And in that sense it’s waaaaaaay different than my other episodes. I’m glad it turned out this way because I want you to see that it’s possible and important to talk about big ideas about motherhood with other moms. You can be similar in some ways and totally different in others, you can agree, disagree, and still love, respect, and glean from the wisdom of other moms. None of us are exactly the same, even if we’re from a similar area or have a similar background. But all of us need community, “Big C Community”—especially us moms—so we can sort out this world that gets a little cattywompus at times. Shallon’s Bio: Family wisdom is the generational wealth of The Appalachian Homestead. Shallon and her husband Mark share this with their followers via their website and social media platforms. I hope you will join them on their platforms as they share life, the old ways, and the wisdom of the ages. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Happy Mother's Day, Mama! This is a super special episode…not just because it’s in honor of Mother’s Day, but because there will be 4 mamas speaking life over you today!  3 of my dear friends in life and business—Jennifer Ford Berry, Amy Debrucque, and Becky Kopitzke are joining me for this conversation. These lovely mamas are all members of the mastermind I’ve had the honor of being a part of for a while now, they are also authors, speakers, podcasters, coaches, wives, and mothers. We talk often about how these multiple roles take a lot of our time and energy and brainstorm together on a weekly basis about how we can thrive in various seasons of motherhood and live a more integrated life where family and business exist to support one another.   And that’s what today’s conversation is about. Thriving in each season of motherhood. Integrating our different roles in different seasons. And what it looks like to work on our own personal growth along the way. This is a beautiful conversation filled with vulnerability and stories as we share about our own personal struggles, times of worry, moments of judgement, and times we grappled for control…as well as how we got to the other side of those tough moments. This episode is packed with truths and encouragement!   I’m excited for you to get to know Jennifer, Becky, and Amy more…these women are also my co-hosts for The Focus Retreat happening this September in beautiful Kentucky. This episode is a great opportunity to get to know them more so you can connect with who will be speaking into your life and business this fall at the retreat. We have unique perspectives and convictions, but always manage to find common ground as women who have hearts for Jesus and encouraging other moms through our businesses and ministries.     I adore these women and know you will, too. Check out the show notes for links to their websites and IG profiles as well as links to The Focus Retreat. www.thefocusretreat.com   Stay tuned at the end, too, for a special message from Becky about The Focus Retreat and our bonus Early Bird Mother’s Day specials!   FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Today is a very special interview. I had the honor of interviewing Sally Clarkson, someone whose work I’ve leaned into often. Sally is such a loving resource for my homeschool, mothering, and spiritual growth. In this episode we’re talking about her new book Teatime Discipleship: Sharing Faith One Cup at a Time. I read it from cover to cover and wow—what a gift. Sally shares from the heart about how simple everyday practices like teatime can be a catalyst for connection, friendship, hospitality, ministry, and encouragement. It’s a foundational tool for women to center their hearts and draw nearer to God and one another. And wow, do mothers need more of that right now—we need the opportunity to be impacted by an encouraging host and the opportunity to be such a host. The world tells us we’re too busy for such things…Sally reminds us that we’re not and that there is everlasting greatness in the small moments with those we love.   Sally’s Bio: Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live for Christ. She’s sold more than a million books and her podcast, At Home with Sally, has received more than 20 million downloads. Sally has been married to her husband Clay for more than forty years. They have raised four adult children. Today, Sally splits her time between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM My Favorite Quotes from Sally’s New Book:   Page 21: “Come here and feast and rest a while. Good food, conversation, and friendship are awaiting you. I have prepared a place for us. You are special and I love spending time with you.”   Page 42: “A host provides for the comfort and security of all who cross her doorstep.”   Page 71: “If wisdom, truth, and love have been built up as resources in our hearts, then when we encounter people, they will draw wisdom, truth, and love from the ways we speak to them and interact with them. People draw from what we have invested in our souls over the years.”   Page 85: “The truth of Scripture is food for your mind—spiritual nourishment for growing in maturity, faith, and wisdom.”   Page 85: “Yet I have found that I often have to be the one who invites, who welcomes, who initiates the very fellowship I need and long for. When women seek out and cultivate fellowship, a community thrives.”   Page 111: “A wise woman takes care of her soul.”   Page 138: “Leaving a legacy of faith requires a lifetime of living steadfastly through each season and its demands.”   Page 139: “What might you do today to help your focus shift from the situation immediately surrounding you to the eternal unseen glory that is being worked out through those situations?” Today’s episode is sponsored by Homeschool Explained, an online course I created to help parents find their confidence as they begin their homeschool journey. Homeschool Explained is also for families who are already homeschooling but feel they could use more resources and a confidence boost to keep going...now with an updated PDF and monthly ongoing encouragement! In Homeschool Explained I show you what modern homeschool days actually look like—all while covering major topics like curriculum, homeschool styles, subjects to teach, cost, state laws, socialization and so much more. This course takes the guess work out of where and how to begin and leaves you with solid support and resources from day one. I would be honored to help you to start your homeschool journey with confidence! Find out more at www.homeschoolexplained.com

Do you ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? That your calendar is full and overwhelming? That busy is your new normal and you wish it weren’t? When my schedule gets too full, I know that something needs to change and that usually it means I need to sit down and have a come to Jesus meeting about my priorities. I need prayer, I need perspective, and I need practical steps. Our guest today is going to speak with us about all of those needs. Overextending ourselves…most of us want to change…   Most modern moms feel overextended and like they want change. Crystal is just the encourager we need to work through those feelings and make actual change. You are going to leave this episode renewed—I was…three times over! Once after reading her book, again after this conversation, and once more when I was editing this episode. At the end of the show I share 4 ways that Crystal’s book changed my life. Get ready for some tips, encouragement, and fresh perspective about how to best budget our time as moms.   Crystal’s Bio: Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, and a New York Times bestselling author. Her desire is to help women across the globe live with more joy, purpose, and intention in their everyday lives. She lives with her husband and six kids in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, where she is actively involved in her local church. Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, going on adventures with her family (locally, domestically, and internationally), finding great deals at the grocery store, having heartfelt conversations, and trying to read too many books at one time! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Today’s Sponsor: THE FOCUS RETREAT www.thefocusretreat.com   The mastermind I’m in with Jennifer Ford Berry, Becky Kopitske, and Amy Debrucque has an exciting announcement! We are hosting our first ever in-person retreat this fall at Shaker Village outside of Lexington, KY.  It’s called The Focus Retreat and we could not be more thrilled to share this opportunity with you! Join us this September for an opportunity to gather with other business minded mamas who long for the opportunity to carve out time to focus on what matters most to them in their businesses and lives—community, strategy, family, organization, and confidence.  We’re taking a whole woman approach to our coaching in this retreat by integrating business, personal, and spiritual growth—I love that this will all happen in-person with other woman who value genuine community over networking. They’ll be keynote workshops, break out sessions, social gatherings, a mastermind panel to help you learn how to form your own, (and the in-person opportunity to introduce you to other women who are also interested in joining a mastermind) PLUS an optional VIP experience at Amy’s lake house with live music, delicious food, and sisterhood. Come hang out with me, Jennifer, Becky, and Amy in-person this September at The Focus Retreat in beautiful Kentucky! Go to www.thefocusretreat.com for more information and to reserve your spot for this boutique retreat. Tickets are limited. Head to www.thefocusretreat.com to reserve yours!

There are so many times in my life I’ve wondered if I’m a people pleaser. I’ve wondered if I was taught to be, if everyone in our society is to some degree. I’ve questioned if some of my decisions are centered around people pleasing, and if it’s something I need to work on it my life. Am I modeling it for my kids? Expecting it from them unintentionally? I’m sure you’re here because you’ve wondered similar things.   My friend Lynn Carter is here to help us unpack our people pleasing habits and provide us with some much needed perspective to refocus our time, attention, values, and schedules and shake our people pleasing tendencies. She’s sweet, funny, kind, and encouraging. She tackles this conversation without making it a “heavy” and for that I’m so grateful.   Lynn’s Bio: Lynn Carter is the creator and host of The Good News Mama Podcast, she is a wife, boy mom, her sons’ coach (which she talks about in the show), and my dear friend. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT ⁠WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM⁠ Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: ⁠www.elevatingmotherhood.com⁠ Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood                                                                                                   Today’s Sponsor: THE FOCUS RETREAT ⁠www.thefocusretreat.com⁠   The mastermind I’m in with Jennifer Ford Berry, Becky Kopitske, and Amy Debrucque has an exciting announcement! We are hosting our first ever in-person retreat this fall at Shaker Village outside of Lexington, KY.  It’s called The Focus Retreat and we could not be more thrilled to share this opportunity with you! Join us this September for an opportunity to gather with other business minded mamas who long for the opportunity to carve out time to focus on what matters most to them in their businesses and lives—community, strategy, family, organization, and confidence.  We’re taking a whole woman approach to our coaching in this retreat by integrating business, personal, and spiritual growth—I love that this will all happen in-person with other woman who value genuine community over networking.   They’ll be keynote workshops, break out sessions, social gatherings, a mastermind panel to help you learn how to form your own, (and the in-person opportunity to introduce you to other women who are also interested in joining a mastermind) PLUS an optional VIP experience at Amy’s lake house with live music, delicious food, and sisterhood. Come hang out with me, Jennifer, Becky, and Amy in-person this September at The Focus Retreat in beautiful Kentucky! Go to ⁠www.thefocusretreat.com⁠ for more information and to reserve your spot for this boutique retreat. Tickets are limited. Head to ⁠www.thefocusretreat.com⁠ to reserve yours!