Honest Moms Podcast

My mom is awesome. She taught me plenty of amazing life lessons like how to be confident, how to work hard, how to bake, what lifelong friendships look like, and so much more. But homegirl cut me short on a few things, or rather... I didn't learn a few things she was trying to teach me. Some of this list is pretty trivial but there are some big ideas behind them that I hope you can relate to and grow from in your own parenting.  FOR DETAILED SHOW NOTES CLICK HERE Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic I’m feeling all the feelings. And many of them are regarding this idea of productivity during quarantine. I’m sure you’ve seen the tweets, memes, and “encouragements”. Today I'm addressing them and discussing how we can be the ones to finally break the cycle of shame.  FOR DETAILED SHOW NOTES CLICK HERE Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

My good friend Kellie has been busting me up for too long to let you get to know me a bit better. Kellie has the insane ability to draw the authentic, deep stuff out of me so who better to ask me some questions! We discuss how I can get my house ready for company in 15 minutes or less (go deeper by listening to this episode), my upbringing, the hardships in my past , my 6th and 7th kid, forgiveness, my biggest trigger: injustice and SO MUCH MORE! I can't believe all Kellie was able to draw out in just one short interview. FOR DETAILED SHOW NOTES CLICK HERE Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

Don’t be scared, I promise I’m not that trendy. But the atmosphere we set in our homes IS important. What we intentionally set up as the vibe has major shockwaves through our families. In this episode I’m sharing all about how the “vibe” of our home has impacted us. FOR DETAILED SHOW NOTES CLICK HERE Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

I had the honor of interviewing Pastor Lee Brooks this week who has deeply impacted me personally. Her relationship with the Lord has always inspired and encouraged me. This episode defines prayer and intercession, encourages us on how to teach our kids to pray & the why. The biggest secret to guiding our kids Lee shares with us, is one that her Spiritual Mother shared with her years ago. Here's a hint... it's about our heart condition not our abilities. I hope you enjoy this episode packed with wisdom, practical tips, and encouragement. DON'T MISS LOADS OF BONUS CONTENT ON THE BLOG INCLUDING ALL MENTIONED RESOURCES! Connect with Pastor Lee on Instagram, on Facebook , or by email   Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

Pastor Heather Stow joins us to share her insight on how we can help our kids navigate being good friends. Heather defines good friends as kind & strong. Within this framework we dive into boundaries (both as parents and for our kids), discipline, and problem solving.  Some of my favorite take aways from this interview include Heather's practical tools to model good friendship by setting it as a priority as well as her transparency about her failures. She shares how she uses failure to illustrate what not to do with her kids and involves them in conversations about how it could have gone differently. Heather also drops a serious word for us about discipline vs punishment. It was definitely the mic drop moment of this interview (check it out at minute 29 if you only have a few minutes right now). Enjoy!    

I'm back friends! After taking a bit of time off the mic I thought it was only right that I come back and share about what has kept me from you for a month. Join me for 25 minutes as I explain the phrase "Perfection Paralysis", tell you what I'm reading, what I'm listening to, and what I'm learning.  Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Kayla Episode That Sounds Fun  Beth Moore She Reads Truth Grace & Intention You Are the Girl for the Job: Daring to Believe the God Who Calls You  Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

Suicide brings pain that is unbearable and often indescribable. Kayla bravely shares how she has found defiant joy through the grief of her husband's death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide please do not wait to reach out for help. Below find some resources that Kayla mentions in the episode. Call 1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours everyday Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a real human. No judgment—just straight-up listening.  Suicide Prevention Lifeline Kayla Stoecklein resides in southern California with her three young boys. Her life was flipped upside-down by the sudden loss of her husband, Andrew. In the wake of his death Kayla has bravely and vulnerably shared her deepest pain with the world. Her pain has become her purpose as she continues to encourage others who are struggling while pointing them to God along the way. When she has a day to herself you can find Kayla sitting by her favorite lifeguard tower at the beach, sipping an iced coffee, reading a good book, and searching for little glimpses of heaven on earth. CONNECT WITH KAYLA - https://www.godsgotthis.com/ or on her Instagram. Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

January is the month that everyone proclaims this will be the year, this will be the time they finally get organized once and for all. AND I'M 100% ????????HERE ????????FOR???????? IT! ????????I want to see you succeed at organization! And I want to help! Head on over to the blog for loads of resources, a FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST, and some encouragement.  Connect with Rachel:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

Today’s episode is not typical. It is all about encouraging you that while the holidays may be messy that is OK. I want you to walk into these next few days with an expectancy and excitement that the birth of Christ deserves! Navigating difficult relationships, grief, and overwhelm can be so hard. I share with you today the things I have done to overcome these obstacles and create beautiful Christmases. It’s not about how good the food is, how cute our decorations are, it’s not about the presents, or how well appointed our home it. Our value is not wrapped up in that. Our value is not wrapped up in what people say about us. Our value and our identity is not wrapped up in how people react to us. It’s wrapped up in who God says we are. He says we are chosen, we are called, we are saved, and we are redeemed. Try to keep those things in the back of your mind and the forefront of your focus. Merry Christmas to you and your family! -Rachel Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

Friend of the podcast, Hilary Harris, is back sharing with us her family’s journey as special needs parents. Hilary & Rich are the parents of three beautiful girls, Millie (1), Haven, (3) and Jane (6) who lives with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a complex, rare, and severe childhood-onset epilepsy. Hilary graciously invites us into her world and offers sound, practical, and needed advice on how we can interact, love, and approach those with special needs. Click here for a great list of tips from Hilary!  Connect with Hilary on Instagram here. Be sure to follow her blog here as well: www.hilaryharris.org Connect with Rachel: hello@honestmomspodcast.com Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let’s Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram  Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

This week I had the honor of speaking with Amanda Auer, a mother of 4 who walked the difficult road of watching one of her daughters fight for her life. Amanda's unwavering faith inspired a movement. People around the world praying around the clock for the healing of her daughter.  Amanda shares with us how she mobilized the world, how she handles the valleys of life and how community impacted her family in one of the toughest seasons. Whether you are a Christ- follower or not Amanda's story will inspire hope and confirm your commitment to community.  But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,     I wait for God my Savior;     my God will hear me. - Micah 7:7 About Amanda:  Amanda Auer is a recovering event designer living in Orange County, California with her husband and 4 children. She spends her days at home peeling oranges and wiping yogurt off of the kitchen table. Her 3 eldest daughters homeschool part-time while she tends to her infant son in between math tests. She adores her musician husband of 16 years [and will talk your ear off about him if you allow], speaks frequently about the raw end of motherhood, and writes about her faith and life on instagram often. Her wheelhouses now include being a medical mama as well as engaging in kinship care, all of which she authentically documents online - attributing it all to God and giving Him glory for the way He has carried their family through.   Connect with Amanda here Connect with Rachel:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

'Tis the most wonderful time of the year... unless you are a mom dreading the influx of 9 million small, annoying toys entering your home. Am I right? Today's guest is all about that minimal life and she is sharing how we can create boundaries, allow people to bless us and still control the clutter in our homes.  In this episode we discuss: Minimalism vs. Intentional Living Gift Giving Strategies for getting what your family really needs Boundaries and protecting your peace Resources from this episode: Allie Casazza The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up Let's Connect! hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more. Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

Jess and Rachel get into all their feelings about the first 17 episodes of Honest Moms! They discuss favorite moments, how they have grown, and what's to come. Don't miss Jess' big announcement towards the end of the episode.  Connect with us:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

In this episode entrepreneur and new mama Jenn Stevens chats with us about how God gently led her away from what was familiar and right into where she is thriving today. After having her sweet baby Raelynn 29 weeks premature and a 83 day stay at the NICU she finds herself reaching for community and Gods undeniable strength and security. Jenn talks about trying to find the answer to WHY her baby came early, with no signs leading to an answer she explains how her faith showed her the way to peace . She refers to her re-claimed relationship with Jesus as a “beautiful climb” one that she can now depend on to get her through the tough times of parenthood. As a military wife she also talks about her husband being deployed for the first 6 months of their babies life, change and adapting. We hope you can find hope and relation as Jenn shares her heart and journey today.   In this episode Jenn talks about : Delivering her baby girl 29 weeks early and living in the NICU for 83 days  reaching out and pushing through to find community and faith in a difficult time  being a military wife  encouraging any mama who finds herself walking through this journey them self.        Resources from this episode: connect with Jenn on insta @simplymrsstevens  Learn more about getting healthy with Jenn with arbonne   Connect with us:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.      

Today we are digging into everyone's favorite topic... the Enneagram! Joining us is Enneagram enthusiast Hillary Harris. Hilary does an amazing job of explaining the difference between the Enneagram and other personality tools you may have used in the past. Defining the Enneagram as not a personality test but an educational dive into the motivations of your heart helps us move past simply seeing our behaviors and patterns and allows us to see our motivations.   Resources from this Episode: Annie Downs Podcast Series: EnneaSummer Beth McCord Overcoming Co-Dependency Levels of Development (click on your type for the 9 levels) TFH Champions Club   Hilary's Roadmap to start your Enneagram Journey Read The Road Back to You Read The Path Between Us Listen to Typology Podcast Listen to The Enneagram Journey Read The Wisdom of the Enneagram   Meet Hilary Harris Hilary is a pastor and communicator at The Fathers House in Vacaville, Ca. where her husband Rich is also a Worship Pastor. Their lives were changed when their first daughter Jane was born. Jane lives with epilepsy, blindness, immobility and special needs. It is Hilary’s desire to share their story through writing and speaking, to bring hope, healing and laughter to others who have faced disappointment and tragedy. Connect with us:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

This week Rachel reveals the four tools she uses to battle anxiety. Deep work is needed to tackle our mental state and these four tools have helped Rachel to do just that.  A consistent theme is the need for self-awareness and communication with God, her family and her friends. Only through being self aware can she begin the process of using these tools.  This week Rachel discusses:  The four tools she uses to battle anxiety The Word of God Honest Dialogue with her husband Music Guarding her heart and mind Resources mentioned this week: A Daily Grace Co. Study Bible Joyce Meyer Battlefield of the Mind She Reads Truth Connect with us:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram   

This week Jess takes a deep look at an experience that both caught her off guard and encouraged her. After years of hard work, commitment to self growth, and 4 months of putting her body to the test Jess looked in the mirror one day and didn't recognize the girl looking back at her... in the very best way.  As women we can skew to the negative, the imperfections, and oft times miss the deep growth we have done within ourselves. This look in the mirror reflected a more confident, more peaceful, and more put together woman that she even knew was there. Let today's episode encourage you to look deeper at the growth you have already accomplished and celebrate it! Connect with us:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

After facing her own health struggles and diagnoses of cervical cancer at just 25 years old Christina Pann dove into the world of holistic health. Her nearly 10 year journey has brought her to a place where she can share her wisdom on rebuilding her body. Christina is an avid researcher, passionate about health, and called to teach.  In this episode Christina explains stress hormones, their effect on our body, and how to combat them. The conversation becomes vulnerable when Christina shares recent bouts with panic and anxiety and what she is doing to combat them now that she is educated on how to handle stress.  Every mother, wife, and woman needs to hear Christina's advice on healthy ways handle the very real emotions we experience.  In this episode we discuss: Fight or flight mode The physical effects our emotions have on our bodies What the sympathetic system is: fight or flight branch of our nervous system. What the parasympathetic nervous system is: rest & digest branch of our nervous system. Cortisol & Adrenaline: our stress hormones Flourish Health Summit Symptoms of high stress hormones: anger, chronic anxiety, panic, storing weight in the abdomen, insomnia, chronic hunger, lightheaded, doom or gloom outlook, digestive issues.  Our gut being a part of our nervous system Become an observer vs participant in our emotions Deep Breathing techniques Focus on deep diaphragmatic breathing Practice 5 minutes, twice a day Anxiety & Anger in kids And for anyone who has not seen it, make sure to click here for Christina's favorite music video.  Connect with Christina:  https://www.christinapann.com/ @christinapann  Connect with us:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.

In this completely unscripted, unplanned, and emotionally raw episode Rachel pulls back the curtain on a difficult day in her life. She has a raw dialogue about her bad day, raw emotions and what she is doing to get out of the funk, heal and move on.  Rachel discusses: Being self aware and how that can lead to revelation about what is going on  Triggers. Understanding what triggers you to a reaction helps get to the root of what is going on and allows one to face it head on vs. letting it build and grow.  How offenses build and cause problems with people who don’t offend us The power of words spoken over you The importance of taking the time to process our feelings Forgiveness Resources mentioned in this episode: Havilah’s Cunnington Gayle Belanger Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Connect with us:  hello@honestmomspodcast.com Visit www.honestmomspodcast.com for bios, blogs, resources and more.  Subscribe to Honest Moms email list to get the latest info from us! (scroll down to where the page says Let's Connect) Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Rachel on Instagram    Music from this episode provided by Joseph McDade.