Right There With You: Recent Episodes
Jenn Buell
Moms know we need to be ready to handle whatever life throws at us and our kids. Whether you are a single mom or a married mom, I'm right there with you. We'll talk about real life and finding resilient faith for the hard stuff and spunky joy for all the stuff. You can do this, mama, because God's right there with you too.
Today's special guest is the delightful Kathi Lipp as we talk about her new book, Ready for Anything. I can't think of a more timely topic in the midst of a pandemic. Let's talk practical ways moms can realistically prepare for any emergency. Listen in.
Last week's episode shared some of the story of author Anna LaBaron's escape from a polygamist cult. Her book, The Polygamist's Daughter, shares more. Today, we talk about how a friend was instrumental in leading her to hope and healing and how that applies to anyone needing to recover from trauma.
Today's extended episode features a fascinating conversation with author Anna LaBaron. Her book, The Polygamist's Daughter, is the tale of healing and hope from trauma, abuse, and neglect, growing up in a polygamist cult.
Sometimes the things we learn early in our mom-journey get lost in our memories. Like thinking we will get so much accomplished with all this time at home. Let's talk about just how much grace we need to weather these uncertain times. Listen in.
The song "The World Turned Upside Down" from Hamilton keeps coming to mind this week. We are living in uncertain times, moms, but we can trust in how faithful God is. And, perhaps, he's made you the mom you are for such a time as this.
This week's podcast is coming out early this week because life is crazy right now. We are living in unprecedented times and our kids are looking to us to lead without fear. Listen in.
Nobody warns us that this amazing job of motherhood can consume us so completely. While the title of mom is one of the best I've ever had, I am still so much more. So are you. Let's talk about that today. Listen in.
When life is hard, when it stinks, quitting sometimes sounds amazing. Running away from home and pretending we don't need to adult is a frequent daydream of mine. But quitting isn't an option so what now? Let's talk about how to keep going.
This month I've shared a lot of encouragement to make space for delightful things that bring rest, refreshing, and renewal to your life. Does that idea sound impossible? I get that. Let's talk about that tension today.
Moms, lets be honest. We stink at taking breaks. We feel every one needs to include doing something productive or we have to have finished all the work before we earn rest. That's just crazy. Let's talk about why.
For over a month, we've been stalked by all things romance. Chocolates, flowers, over-sized stuffed animals, and more slap us in the face upon entering any store. But all the focus on romance can leave some of us feeling alone. Let's talk about connecting with our good friends this week.
Happy New Year - sort of late. I took January off so let's dive right back in talking about all the pressure we put on ourselves to change at the start of the year. I'll be there are a ton of things you got right last year and saying no to beating yourself up about the mistakes is a great start.
As we enter a brand new year, let's take a moment to pray-cess the possibilities that a blank calendar brings.
This shortened Christmas episode talks about letting go of the "perfect Christmas" expectations and finding ways to treasure the moments of magic in the chaos. Kind of like what Mary did.
Self care is a hot button issue. We hear everything from encouragement to indulge to the backlash of how selfish it is. But what if finding a healthy dose of self care is necessary to make sure you can be who God created you to be? Listen in.
The pressure to handle all the things is hard for moms. For single moms it more than doubles. But living in a constant state of exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed is not okay. Let's talk about that.
The internet can be a great thing for ideas this time of year. But it can also make us feel a whole mess 'o guilt for not doing what we "should," however other people define that. This year, you are hereby given permission to give the way you want to. Listen in.
This shortened episode in honor of Thanksgiving will help you brainstorm conversation starters around the Thanksgiving table. Feel free to listen as you head to far away places.
Over the river and through the woods is no longer as simple as the song makes it sound. And road trips with kids can lead to all kinds of crazy stories they might need therapy for later on in life. So let's talk about arriving at our holiday destinations and still liking each other.
Today I'm continuing to talk about taking the stress right out of the most wonderful time of the year. Let's plan ahead as much as we can so Nice Mommy lives at our house instead of Grumpy Mommy, shall we?
This week my special guest is Jennifer Bryant, host of the popular Practical Family podcast and we are talking holidays. As moms we can want to get everything right this time of year but that comes with a lot of stress and can steal our holiday magic. So what if we just said NO to being overwhelmed this year? Listen in.
Today let's recap the great conversations I've had with mighty moms this month. I'll talk about the key take-aways from each mom that help YOU be the mightiest mom you can be. Listen in.
My guest today is author Jen Babakhan. We talk about the sacrifices we moms make with career and parenting and her new book "Detoured." Listen in.
Today my guest is Kathleen Kerr, Acquisitions Editor for Harvest House Publishers. We talk about why getting women's stories published matters and the importance of good books. Listen in.
Today I have an extended episode for you with a lot of fun and a chance to win a copy of Kathi Lipp's new book, The Christmas Project Planner. We talk about creating a less-stress, clutter free Christmas and all the joy that will bring you, mom. Listen in.
Today I am kicking off my Mighty Mom series talking to amazing women of faith, beginning with singer and songwriter Kerrie Roberts. We talk about using your talents to live out faith so your children see it. Join me for this fun conversation.
God has called us to be salt and light in the world. Part of that is speaking up about injustice and inequality. But how do we teach our children to do that well? Let's talk about that in today's episode.
Don't be scared off by today's title, mama. I promise we are not going to be cheering for a particular political party or hot-topic issue. Rather, let's talk openly about how to discuss difficult topics while letting love and grace lead us. I think the world--especially online--could use more of that.
As moms we can spend all our time running, working, and simply doing until we are exhausted and overwhelmed. In today's episode, let's talk about overwhelmed mom syndrome (yes, it's a thing and I didn't make it up) and how to stop living feeling depleted.
Fall is in the air and many churches are prepping to start small groups, life groups, or whatever they call them. Does your church have space for single moms in your groups? Does it have a group specifically to help meet the needs of those moms? Listen in to find out how to include single moms and why this needs to be a priority.
Taking a deep breath and leaping in faith can feel scary. Remembering to breathe on the way down is important. In this week's episode, let's talk about bravely trusting God, making sure your leap of faith is one He's asking you take, and remembering his faithfulness. You can do this mama.
Parenting teens gets a bad rap but these not-quite-kids-anymore that live in our homes still hold a dear place in our hearts. Though sometimes we barely recognize the, I have learned a few tricks to navigating the choppy waters of middle school and high school parenting. You can do this, mama, and let's talk about a few ways to do it well.
Last episode was about finding yourself on at the crossroads of something new in your life. But as you move into whatever comes next, you need to make sure you do it as yourself. Whatever makes you unique, God created that on purpose. Let's talk about what that matters.
It's ironic that motherhood is a job you slowly work yourself out of. As our kids grow and move into new seasons of their lives, it can fill us with a panicked feeling of "what next?" But new seasons can be amazing new opportunities. Let's talk about finding ourselves at crossroads and asking tough questions.
July has come and almost gone and it's already time to start thinking about school? How did that happen? As school supplies and lists invade our favorite stores, I've got a list just for you, mama. There are some things YOU need to hit back to school strong. Listen in.
You have made it halfway through summer and you are still standing! That is worth celebrating. But I also am a mom and know you might have reached an exhausted point in the season. Though I am kidding about locking them up, I do know that when we reach this point we can feel like we are not doing a great job as moms. Today I've got lots of ways you are totally winning.
We are halfway through summer. Are your kids starting to hit the "he's looking at me" stage yet? When they are little, this type of thing annoys us. When they hit the moody tweens and teens, well that is just surely on a whole 'nother level. Today let's talk about handling the mood swings that hit our older kids and how to win as a mom even when you annoy them.
Summer is in full swing. We are doing great at making sure our kids are cared for and have fun activities, but what about mom? We need to have fun too. In this excerpt from a conversation with Bethany Howard of Permission Granted, we talk about why that's important and some ways to make summer fun for you.
Summer is in full swing and there's a juggling act between our kids having too much time on their hands and being too busy. There are many reasons that can push us to overschedule them and us. In today's extended episode, Jennifer Bryant of the Practical Family podcast shares with me four questions to help us avoid the overscheduling trap.
In summertime it can be so easy to let the kids get lost in screen time. But eventually we pay for it in poor behavior, poor health, and mom guilt. Let's talk about how to set limits and what to offer instead. In this episode I don't recommend pretending we're in 1880 but do encourage finding ways to curb the addiction to the screen that's plaguing our kids. Listen in.
The idea of working from home, especially during the summer, can be a great way to reduce childcare costs and have some flexibility. But it has unique challenges too. In this extended episode, I chat with entrepreneur and experienced work-at-home mom, Angela Bouma. Together we share some tips and tricks.
Though the idea of letting your kid paint their walls might make you shudder a little, this episode is about more than paint. It's about letting your child make their space in your family home their own. Whether it's paint or moving furniture, let's talk about why letting them decorate in ways both big and small is a good idea.
Road trips are a part of summer with families. But surviving them takes smart planning and some practical prep. Let's talk about that today.
Who needs a fancy beach resort? Ok, maybe the better question is how to have a fun family vacation when the beach resort is not an option? Yeah, that we can do. In today's episode I'm got some great suggestions for making a staycation your whole family will enjoy and remember for years to come.
Summer is coming and fond (or not so fond) reminders might be popping up that you should be taking a family vacation. So let's talk about why it's important and how to do it without breaking the bank. No matter how many times they complain that their sibling is touching them from the back seat, trust me, they'll cherish these memories years from now.
They're coming. No, not an alien army--our adult children returning from college to live with us, eat our food, stay in our homes, and make us wonder who this person is! A fact of life is our kids grow and change and stretch during those first few years of college away from us. And that can make for a clash when they return. So let's talk about what to expect, how to prepare, and remember to love them--no matter how much they've changed.
April showers may bring May flowers, but there are a lot of ways May can work out your tear ducts. Milestones, graduations, Mother's Day, and more can all be fraught with reasons to cry both good and sad tears. So let's talk about spotting the potential places where your heart is tender and making a plan to handle them.
Summer is coming. Brace yourselves because school will be out and you'll have up to three months to schedule and keep them occupied. Does that sound overwhelming to you 'cause it does to me. But no worries. You got this! And today let's talk about your plan of attack and strategies to getting out of summer still sane.
As we finish Autism Awareness month and the series on special needs parenting, let's talk about friendship. Often when we don't understand what someone is going through, it's easier to just withdraw. But special needs moms need friends to weather the ups and downs of this unexpected parenting journey. Let's talk about how to do that.
I'm continuing my series this month on special needs parenting and today we're talking about how to help your church include your child. Special needs families rate "dealing with the public" as the second most stressful thing about having a child with a disability. That includes, unfortunately, going to church. Let's talk about how to fix that.
For Autism Awareness Month, we are continuing the series on special needs parenting. Today we are going to talk about trusting your gut when something feels off about your child's development. And trusting God when that feels scary.
As Autism Awareness Month kicks off, let's talk about special needs parenting--not just autism. The unique children in our lives that require more--whether because of a physical or mental disability or a developmental delay--still are our children that we love. So today let's talk about doing our homework to be their best advocates.
Let's wrap up our parenting series this month with a chat about the least fun part of being a mom--discipline. This part of parenting takes intention, thoughtfulness, and a lot of energy some days. When you feel overwhelmed, letting something slide can be the easier and tempting choice. So let's talk about the importance of loving discipline and what God's words says about it.
Today I continue my March parenting series talking about making sure your little bird is ready to leave the nest when it's time. You may have little ones, but this job starts long before their senior year of high school. And really, working ourselves out of a job is kind of the job of motherhood. So let's talk about some practical ways to prep your kid for the real world.
You don't need a theology degree to share your faith with your kids but sometimes it can feel overwhelming. As single moms it falls to us to show our kids who Jesus is and why he's important. But we can over-complicate how that should be done. I know I have. Today let's talk about the simple ways to share our faith with our kids.
Sometimes we can be baffled by how different our kids are than us, can't we? OR how similar but then something you think should work doesn't. As I begin this single mom parenting series for March, let's talk about how to show love to unique kids uniquely. Sometimes showing love to our kids requires a little bit of homework.
Winding up February's love series today is a spotlight on making sure you are mentally and emotionally ready to head out into the dating scene. No one wants to be the crazy chick that guy tells his friends he escaped. And no one wants to get into an unhealthy relationship. So let's talk about getting yourself healthy.
In a month filled with talk of romantic love, let's talk about rediscovering or reinventing a YOU that you can love. If becoming a single mom was not on your radar, it can cause a midlife crisis. Today let's talk about ways you can reinvent yourself or rediscover parts of who God created you to be that got set aside for a season.
It's Valentine's Day. Yeah, I'm sure you've noticed. It is EVERYWHERE. But if you face down this holiday as a single mom, there can be all kinds of complex reactions to that--from relief to sorrow, grief to loneliness to contentment. Let's talk about all of those today honestly.
That question really is a toss-up isn't it? The dating world has changed a LOT since I was last in it and trying to find Mr. Right #2 can feel like a daunting idea. Today's episode includes some fun as we talk about the vulnerability and courage it takes to try returning to dating.
We have made it through the first month of the new year. But did your resolutions make it all this way with you? Let's talk about some reasons why new year resolutions are good, why we drop them, and what we should do about that.
Though a day at the spa sounds blissful, for most of us that's just not happening on a regular basis. But what if we reminded ourselves that self care goes way beyond a mani/pedi or massage? Let's talk about practical self care and why we need to make it a priority.
Adding something new to your already busy schedule can take a little bit of brave. You may not be hiding from an InstaPot like I was but there might be something you are avoiding that would be fulfilling, energizing, or make your life easier. Let's talk about why we hide from those things and how to choose brave instead.
Adding something new to your already busy schedule can take a little bit of brave. You may not be hiding from an InstaPot like I was but there might be something you are avoiding that would be fulfilling, energizing, or make your life easier. Let's talk about why we hide from those things and how to choose brave instead.
A new year can feel like a beautiful blank canvas or like a terrifyingly empty space. Prayerfully choosing a word, a scripture verse, or a goal to focus on can bring a bright light into the new year with us. Let's talk about the difference between these and resolutions and how to choose a focus in a new year.
As we head into a new year, it can be easy to focus on things you messed up on last year. Instead of beating yourself up, let's talk about giving ourselves grace and hitting a reset button on the things we want to do differently for ourselves and our families in the new year.
Christmas is gone and so is another year. We are on the edge of 2019. If a new year stretching before you as a single mom feels uncertain, I'm right there with you. Let's talk about some ways to face the new year with optimism and put safeguards in place to keep the blues at bay.
Merry Christmas single mom. If this year it somehow doesn't feel wonderful, maybe it's time to laugh a little bit and reflect a little bit. In this week's episode, let's find some things to be thankful for as a single mom at Christmas and remember the wonder of the first Christmas.
Facing down Christmas as a single mom can feel daunting. When the shadows of what once was are lingering, sometimes considering new traditions with our new family dynamic is the way to go. Let's talk about how to navigate this with grace in today's episode.
The most wonderful time of the year fills up so very fast. How to we keep it wonderful and magical while still staying sane? As makers of the magic and keepers of the calendar, we have a lot of sway in protecting family time. Let's talk about some ways to do that.
Ok, mamas. We're gotten through Thanksgiving and perhaps even survived Black Friday. But it is on--the biggest shopping season of the year. It you are a mom with limited resources, this can be more stressful than merry. Let's talk honestly about that tension and some ways to make it work for our kids.
Fear, shame, guilt, desperation - these can all taint our decision making ability and make us do dumb stuff. Recently I made such a decision that I'll share with you on today's episode. Perhaps what I learned can spare you from becoming a beacon for what not to do.
As much as we'd like our return to the dating world to resemble a Hallmark movie, mamas, it's crazy out there. The stress of solo parenting can be compounded by loneliness. To make sure we protect ourselves and our kids from decisions made in moments of weakness, we need a plan. Let's talk about that.
Ok, mamas. It's here. The holiday season is off and running. We all know what's in store for us. So how do we keep it the most wonderful time of the year? How do I make sure our kids enjoy this season and we do too? Let's talk about a plan of attack. I've got some self care, survival tips, and strategy ideas to get you to January without losing your stuff.
Single moms juggle so very much. We take care of our kids and the necessities of life, but what about the hopes and dreams we used to have. Is it OK to chase your dreams? I believe you can with God's wisdom and help. Today let's talk about what that might look like.
So many what if's can cause fear to grow into anxiety and worse. God wants to offer us peace, not fear. Joy, not heaviness. When we struggle with the big, dark fear-filled things that seek to rob us of joy and peace, we need to focus on God's word. Today let's talk about a few of those reminders.
As a single mom it can be easy to overshare with my kids or lean on them too much. I get it. But protecting their childhood is part of my job, I believe. Today let's talk about why that is important and a few ways to safeguard this precious time in their lives as best we can.
Worry is a nasty thing, isn't it? And nobody worries with quite the expertise of a mother. When our kids have the audacity to grow up and leave, worry can whisper pretty loudly. What if...? Today let's look at some Bible verses we can engage to counter the worry and pray with intention for our grown (or not-so-grown) kids.
When it all gets to be too much--the kids, the house, the bills, the jobs, the bickering of said kids, the vehicle, the AAAAAAHHH--it can be easy to feel like it is never going to stop. But God has some promises specifically for facing down and finishing hard things. Single mama, join me today for some "I get it" moments and some truths from God straight to your overwhelmed heart.
Anxiety isn't something a Christian woman is supposed to struggle with. That doesn't mean that they don't. Today I share some of my personal story and give some tips on dealing with sudden anxiety and encouragement to seek help without shame. God sends answers to our prayers in a lots of different ways.
Being a single mom requires strength. Sometimes it's strength you've always had and sometimes you surprise yourself. So how do you respond when that necessary confidence makes guys intimated? Well we have some fun today talking about just that.
Single mama, if this is not how you imagined your mothering journey would look, I'm right there with you. Sometimes life sucker-punches us and we have to roll with the changes and figure out a way to make it work. Today's episode is specifically for the mom that didn't plan to be single and is facing the varying stages that come with her new reality.
Moms are naturally fixers. We find a way to make it work, make do, and make the world keep going for our kids. But when you encounter something you can't fix, the feeling of helplessness is terrible, awful, and no-good. Today let's talk about how to handle it when fixing it for your child is outside your ability.
Life is busy and as single moms, we can sometimes be just done by the time dinner rolls around. But did you know there are benefits beyond good nutrition that come from making family dinner a priority? Join me as we dive into what those are and some ways to make the dinner table a place for family connection.
Back to school everything is in the air. As we dive into a new school year, maybe it's time to tweak the morning and evening routines we have to make our worlds run more smoothly. Today I give some ways to include the kids and have more peace before sending them and us off to take on the day.
Whether it's your first year sending a kid off to college or second like me or further along, there can be all kinds of bittersweet emotions involved in this new stage of motherhood. They aren't little anymore but they do still need you. Today let's talk about that and some ways to stay connected with your no-so-little-one.
The new year is here for many of us or about to arrive. No, not the January one but the new school year. As a single mom, you need your child's teacher on your team and starting off on the right food can set the tone for an entire year. Today let's talk about some ways to show your support for teachers while still being an advocate for your child.
There are so many conflicting ideas circulating on the internet about what IS a good idea to eat. When you struggle with your weight, walking into the kitchen can become a fight. Today let's talk about making peace and some small choices while choosing where to set our focus.
Juggling kids and work, household responsibilities and school, a limited budget and so much more can make self care feel at best, elusive, and at worst, selfish, to any mama. But the guilt is amplified for single moms when time is one of your most valuable commodities. Today we talk about why self care is vital do succeeding as a single mom.
We all have our little escape tricks--those things we waste time doing when we really should be tackling something else. There's a difference between down time that's healthy and unhealthy avoidance tactics. Today let's talk about the healthier ways to face overwhelming tasks than hiding from them.
Summer can be a fantastic time for fun and relaxation. But for the single mom it can also be a time of guilt when all the Pinterest-worthy things you imagine you'll do slam up against the reality of what you can do. Today's podcast is about finding grace in that reality and finishing the summer with your kiddos strong.
Sometimes the picture-perfect way you envisioned life and motherhood can pop up unexpectedly like the Ghost of Christmas Past. The struggle to create and enjoy the new normal in your life as a single mom can be challenging. Today we talk about that and some strategies for saying goodbye to the white picket fence.
As single moms there can be challenges, frustrations, and bizarre problems our married friends don't struggle with. When we can share what we are experiencing with another single mom and hear the powerful assurance that it's not just us, we find strength and connection. Today let's talk about connecting with other single moms.
We are never meant to do life alone. We are designed for community. But in this every isolating, overly-busy world we can begin to feel like making time for more than just our family and job is a luxury we don't have time for. Join today's podcast to hear the essential reasons you need to make time for a mom tribe, the kinds of moms that are vital, and how to nurture those relationships.
We are not designed to live life in isolation. We are created as communal beings who function best living life in community. But what happens when you find yourself a single mom and church feels hard? When it feels like it would just be simpler to go it alone? This episode talks about why we need the church and the church, single moms, needs us. We are so much better together.
The kids, the house, the budget, the job, the meal planning, the future planning--ACK! Do you ever feel like you just cannot decide one more thing? When you are a single mom, all the decisions fall to you. And because of that, quitting or not deciding is not an option. Join me for some "me too" moments of the struggle to decide and some tips and tricks to help you keep on top of all the important stuff.
If re-entering the dating world was not something that you ever thought would happen, I'm right there with you. It's awkward and sometimes scary. In this episode, I've got some things to keep in mind to stay smart and safe as a Christian single mom. And you I've got a freebie to help you stay focused.
One of the weirdest things about being single in my 40s is the idea of dating. In this episode I share some of the awkward and hilarious things I've encountered that maybe you can relate to. And we'll talk about why I'm optimistic about trying to find love when it's not as easy as when I was young.
Summer is coming! Anyone else have mixed feelings about that? Yay that we can have a more relaxed routine but now we have to plan stuff to do. In today's podcast, I give some simple ideas of fun family activities to do with your kids this summer. And you can download a free page to brainstorm with your kiddos. Seize the summer, single mom!
Welcome to Right There With You, a podcast of encouragement, hope, and connection for the Christian single mom. I'm Jenn Buell, a widowed mama to four amazing kids. In this podcast you'll find real life, real faith, and real stories from another Christian single mama.