FeelFreetoLaugh Jordan Watts Ep137

In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and investigative journalist Lee Strobel to explore some of the most profound questions of faith: Are miracles real? What evidence supports the Christmas story? What are angels like?  Lee was famously an atheist, and when his wife came to faith in Christ, he set out to prove her wrong. In the end, he discovered that the evidence for Jesus was too substantial to ignore and he became a Christian. Since then, he has helped countless people wrestle with life’s biggest questions: Is God real? How do we navigate a spiritually mismatched marriage? How can we help our kids understand the evidence that Jesus came, died, and rose again?  Now, he has a new movie coming out called The Case for Miracles, bringing the supernatural to life in a powerful and compelling way. In this interview, we explore: Documented cases of divine healing Spiritual Mismatch in marriage and how to have hope  The evidence surrounding Christmas and the incarnation Do angels exist? Do we have guardian angels? What Scripture and research reveal How God is using miracles and dreams around the world to draw people to Him  Connect with Lee Strobel:  Instagram: Lee Strobel (@lee_strobel) Facebook: Lee Strobel Website: Lee Strobel Links Mentioned:   The Case for Miracles Movie Spiritual Mismatch: By Lee Strobel The Seeing the Supernatural: By Lee Strobel The Case for Christ: By Lee Strobel The Case for Miracles: By Lee Strobel Related Episodes: Moms and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever :: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins [Ep 501] “What is My Responsibility in My Child’s Salvation?” :: Vela Tomba [Ep 431] Seek Him First :: Lillian Richey [Ep 494] Featured Sponsors:  BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer! For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at BUBS Naturals by using code DMA at checkout. Just head to BubsNaturals.com and use code DMA and you’re all set.  Branch Basics: Get yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all - the gift of clean with Branch Basics! For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and Free Shipping on their premium starter pack when you use code DMA at BranchBasics.com/DMA.

1 Joulu 47min

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Jess Connolly—author, podcaster, and speaker—invites us into a season of her life marked by heartbreak and uncertainty.  Jess opens up about the winter of 2023, when her husband experienced panic attacks, heart issues, and a mental health crisis. At the same time, her family was facing major loss as her stepfather passed away after heart surgery, while also preparing for a book release. Followed by one of her children walking through a dark trial. Jess brings so much truth and gentle encouragement to anyone walking through a season that desperately needs hope, not the shallow Christian clichés we often hear, but a deep and steady hope that God is with us in the valley. Here’s some of what we cover: The myth of the “prosperity gospel of parenting” and why 1+2 does not always equal 3 The pressure to assign purpose to a painful season  Rethinking Psalm 23 and understanding the rod and the staff  Learning to lament: why anger expressed to God is actually intimacy An exclusive sneak peak at her next book!  Connect with Jess Connolly:  Instagram: Jess Connolly | Author + Bible Teacher (@jessaconnolly) Facebook: Jess Connolly Website: Jess Connolly Links Mentioned:   What Comes Next: By Jess Connolly Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: By Lysa TerKeurst Related Episodes: Sidetracked with Jess Connolly :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 484] Your Body is GOOD :: Jess Connolly [Ep 329] Worth Repeating // Jess Connolly Featured Sponsors: Sex Ed Reclaimed: Sex Ed Reclaimed offers a full curriculum with lifetime access so with that mind, visit sexedreclaimed.com to get your family's video curriculum today. Branch Basics: Get yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all - the gift of clean with Branch Basics! For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and Free Shipping on their premium starter pack when you use code DMA at BranchBasics.com/DMA . Jones Road Beauty: This holiday season, simplify your routine with makeup that’s clean, strategic, and multifunctional. From November 18th - December 1st, Jones Road is doing their first ever Black Friday Sale! Go to JonesRoadBeauty.com to get up to 20% off sitewide.

24 Marras 52min

As a young mom, I felt the tension of wanting to have it all together: the boys in matching outfits, the house spotless, and dinner on the table. But no matter how hard I tried, it always felt just out of reach.  Today, Ashleigh Surratt joins me to talk about what it means to be a Type C mom — a blend of Type A and Type B — and how this mix shapes the way we experience motherhood. She is a mom and faith-filled encourager who speaks honestly about motherhood, identity, and finding God’s grace in the messiest seasons of life. Her perspective helps moms release perfectionism and embrace the freedom found in authenticity. We talk about:  How to stop comparing yourself and embrace what truly matters to you How “ideal mom” expectations can become an idol Why authenticity and vulnerability invite connection rather than shame Create simple “catch-all” systems to manage chaos in your home When you feel drained, pause and invite God into the overwhelm Connect with Ashleigh Surratt:  Instagram: Ashleigh Surratt (@ashleigh.surratt) Facebook: Ashleigh Surratt Links Mentioned:   The Lazy Genius The Ashleigh Surratt Show - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Podcast with her husband Related Episodes: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 492] The Lazy Genius Kitchen :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 365] Choose What Matters to YOU :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 293] Featured Sponsors:  Honeylove: Treat yourself or someone special to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth this holiday season. Save 20% off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA. Use our exclusive link to get 20% off Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get fifty percent off your first month then 20 percent off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.

17 Marras 52min

When life doesn’t go as planned, it can be hard to see where God is working. In this powerful conversation, Sandra Peoples, author, special needs mom, and ministry leader,  opens up about her journey from growing up with a sister with Down syndrome to parenting a son with autism. Sandra shares how her family’s story revealed a gap in the church for families impacted by disability, and how God called her to help fill it. From starting a special needs ministry to creating sensory rooms and buddy systems, Sandra offers practical and spiritual wisdom for pastors, volunteers, and parents alike. Here is some of what we cover:  Disability families are often unreached — the church has an incredible opportunity to serve and love them. Support for the whole family — offer counseling, respite nights, and peer connection for parents and siblings. The church should be a whole picture of the body of Christ including those with disabilities who often enter into worship in the most beautiful ways.  What questions to ask your friends who are hesitant to come to church with their special needs child.  Hope for the mom that feels unseen or hopeless. Psalm 126:5- Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! Connect with Sandra Peoples Website: Sandra Peoples: Equipping Churches and Encouraging Families Instagram: Sandra Peoples (@sandrapeoples) Facebook: Sandra Peoples Links Mentioned:   Accessible Church: By Sandra Peoples Held: Learning to Live in God's Grip: By Sandra Peoples Unexpected Blessings: By Sandra Peoples 99 Balloons Related Episodes: Adopting Special Needs :: Alice and Candace [Ep 213] Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515] Parenting Neurodivergent Children–Summer Edition :: Carrie Cassell [Ep 413] Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.  StoryWorth Memoirs: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years–Storyworth Memoirs! Right now, save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to storyworth.com/dma !

10 Marras 53min

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt joins us to talk about parenting, faith, and finding courage, especially in the spotlight. Katherine opens up about her new children’s book, Kat and Brandy, an inspiring story about overcoming fear, bravery, and the bond between animals and humans. She shares how growing up in a politically influential family shaped her values, why protecting her kids’ privacy matters deeply to her, and how faith and humor help her stay grounded in motherhood. From her childhood journals to her love of animals Katherine reveals the experiences that built her courage, and how she hopes to pass those lessons on. Here is some of what we cover: Balancing Fame and Family: How Katherine and Chris Pratt navigate parenting in the public eye while prioritizing a grounded, private childhood for their kids. Why boredom, journaling, and quiet moments sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling and creativity. Motherhood with Humor and Grace: Katherine’s honest reflections on mom life, finding laughter in chaos, and building a community that uplifts and supports. Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms: find humor in things, get outside, and give yourself grace. Connect with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt:  Website: Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Instagram: Katherine Schwarzenegger (@katherineschwarzenegger) Facebook: Katherine Schwarzenegger Links Mentioned:   Kat and Brandy: By Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Jingle All the Way Christmas Movie Black Beauty: By Anna Sewell BDA Baby® Podcast Related Episodes: Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466] Raising Rock Stars on a Firm Foundation :: Helen Smallbone [Ep 166] From Blockbusters to Blanket Forts: Patricia Heaton on Parenting, Faith, and Comedy [Ep 521] Featured Sponsors:  Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Bubs Natural: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code [DMA] at Bubsnaturals.com PolicyGenius: Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. Because being financially protected? That’s the ultimate self-care.

3 Marras 40min

What does it really mean to parent with grace? Does choosing grace-based or gentle parenting mean we throw out discipline or become permissive? In today’s episode, Cody Kimmel and I, explore the deep spiritual truths behind parenting the way God parents us, full of grace, full of truth, and full of delight. Parenting is not about perfection. It’s about partnering with God in the work He’s doing in our kids' lives. When we align ourselves with His heart—gracious, truthful, joyful—we parent from a place of rest, not reaction. Here is some of what we cover: How to respond to a talking-back teen with both love and limits How our own sanctification plays a role in how we approach our kids and discipline  The role of trust and play in your relationship with your kids Grace doesn't mean permissiveness, it means parenting the way God parents us How modern parenting gets it wrong by saying parenting is death to joy and freedom but there is incredible beauty and delight in motherhood  Connect with Cody Kimmel:  Website: Home - Gracebased Facebook: Gracebased Instagram: Gracebased (@gracebasedfamilies) Links Mentioned:   Grace-Based Parenting: By Tim Kimmel Blueprint Pathway - Gracebased Gracebased Home Journal - Gracebased Podcasts lightcatchers - Gracebased Related Episodes: Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs :: Karis Murray [Ep 237] Grace-Based Discipline :: Karis Kimmel Murray [Ep 150] “What Does My Child Need?” :: Amy and Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 480] Featured Sponsors:  Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to: littlespoon.com/DMA and enter our code DMA at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon order.  Voetberg Music Academy: This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you’re subscribed. Get 20% off the proprietary Voetberg Method Experience. Lightcatchers Podcast: Lightcatchers, a new podcast of original stories for children. Created by an organization with over 40 years of helping moms and dads experience God’s vision for parenting, Lightcatchers is loved by children and parents alike. It’s perfect for parents looking for stories that explore topics like emotional intelligence, mental health, and hope. Listen now to Lightcatchers wherever you get your podcasts. And learn more at bealightcatcher.com

27 Loka 50min

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kathleen from The Pour Over, a news outlet known for delivering the world’s biggest headlines with clarity and Christian perspective. We unpack the emotional weight of our 24/7 news cycle, especially in a world where social media pulls on your emotions and algorithms scream, “Why aren’t you talking about this?”.  Moms are expected to stay informed, care deeply, and somehow shield their kids from the fear and confusion that often comes with breaking news. Here are some of the topics we cover:  How to talk to your kids about heavy headlines without additional fear Discernment in the age of social media and video “evidence” Monitoring your time consuming the news — and its effect on your mood Staying informed while still showing the fruits of the Spirit Connect with Kathleen Wadkins:  Website: Your politically neutral, Christian news source. - The Pour Over Instagram:  The Pour Over | News & Perspective (@thepourovernews) Links Mentioned:   Decaf - The Pour Over Subscribe for FREE to The Pour Over The Pour Over - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Related Episodes: Factual News, Flexible Thinking and Family Moral Imperatives :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 332] Do Not Grow Weary :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 495] Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474] Featured Sponsors:  Branch Basics: Ready to kick off your back-to-school reset? Shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Start fresh this season, with products that are safe, simple, and actually work. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/[DMA]. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove.

20 Loka 44min

In this episode I chat with the lovely Erica Gwynn, author, podcaster, and mom about her new book That’s Just Not True. She shares how easily we start believing lies about our worth, purpose, and identity. From the pressure to “have it all together” to the quiet voice that whispers “you’re missing out” or “you’re not enough,” the conversation dives deep into how these thoughts take root — and how God’s truth brings freedom. Through honest stories and truth, Erica reminds us that you are not enough — but Jesus is enough. God hasn’t asked us to do everything; He’s gifted us to play our part in the body of Christ. Here is some of what we cover: Turning ordinary (or in between) moments into “breath prayers”  Recognizing lies like: I’m missing out, I missed my shot, and I can manifest my dream life We talk about how mom’s can make their kids their whole life and identity How to shift worldly affirmations to Godly affirmations How social media has become a place of “curated messy” and fake authenticity Connect with Erica Gwynn:  Website:  Popular Philadelphia Lifestyle Blog | Coming Up Roses Facebook: Coming Up Roses Instagram:  Erica Ligenza Gwynn // PHILLY (@ericaligenza) Links Mentioned:   That's Just Not True: By Erica Ligenza Gwynn You Are Special; by Max Lucado Must Be Nice Hat from Sidetracked Podcast Thrive Podcast | Coming up Roses Related Episodes: If You’re Tired of Feeling Like You Don’t Measure Up… :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538] The Shift: Overcoming Self-Sabotage, Imposter Syndrome, and Critical Inner Monologues :: Mary Marantz [Ep 520] Unpacking Moms’ Mental Load :: Dr. Morgan Cutlip [Ep 503] Featured Sponsors:  Green Chef–Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics–Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Voetburg Music Academy–The Voetberg Family loves playing music together, and they want to help you bring the gift of music into your home in an affordable, efficient, and family-centered way. This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you’re subscribed. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

13 Loka 49min