The Taylor & Jen Podcast: Recent Episodes
Life 107.1
If you're in the parenting stage of launching a child into adulthood, you probably feel a lot of pressure. You want them to succeed and grow into a mature, responsible adult...but you know in order to do that, you have to give them space to grow and learn on their own. So how do you help them the right amount so they have the support they need without relying on you too much? Dr. Heidi shares some advice on finding that balance.
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, host of the Praying Through Scripture podcast...Help Me Understand: What could a prayer of adoration sound like?
Highlights from this week's show: Kid theories / Embarrassed by your pet / You did it once, and now you have to do it a million times
Chances are, there's something about your finances that you'd like to be different. Maybe you even have specific goals in mind for what you'd like to do with your money. Michele from Compass Financial Services shares some advice on setting - and achieving - financial goals.
Traffic. Slow wi-fi. The mess your child left behind...again. Life is filled with little annoyances...but what if they were more than just a frustrating bump in your day? Dr. Heidi says these relatively small issues can be an invitation to become more like Jesus.
Kristy asks Life 107.1 Artist Jamie MacDonald...Help Me Understand: How did God use your season of waiting to prepare you for what you're doing now?
Highlights from the week: Your sixth love language / Impressive shenanigans / Jesus had no hustle
Sometimes, it can feel like it's impossible to live in this world without heavy financial burdens, but Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some places in our lives that we do have control over that can ease some of the weight.
Are you a recovering people pleaser? Sometimes it can be hard to tell where simply being a helpful self-sacrificing person ends and where unhealthy people pleasing begins. Dr. Heidi shares how to recognize unhealthy patterns and break free from them.
It's something that's likely to be offered at most jobs you'll end up working, but it can also be confusing. Your 401k is a powerful tool in saving for retirement, and Michele has some simple steps to take when setting yours up.
It's mental health awareness month, so Kristy and Taylor asked Dr. Heidi to share the biggest myths and misunderstandings about mental health she encounters as a Christian psychologist.
Kristy asks Marriage Coaches Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg...Help Me Understand: Are arguments normal in a marriage? And how do we fight fair?
You finally stopped correcting them / Only at grandpa's house / How God meets us in our grief
If you are trying to make sense of your finances for the first time, it can be intimidating. There are so many things to get in order, so where do you start? Michele from Compass Financial Services shares some helpful advice.
In almost every relationship conflict, everyone shares a little bit of the blame. Someone may carry most of it, but there's a good chance everyone carries at least a little piece of the puzzle, and it's important to own that piece, no matter how small. But how do you know which piece is yours? Dr. Heidi shares some tips. (From the archives)
Kristy asks Nutritionist Kara Swanson...Help Me Understand: What are healthy fats? And how can we incorporate them in our diet?
When the kids are a little too honest / Your uncool injury / What does "the middle of nowhere" mean? (From the archives)
If you come to the end of the month with a little extra money, there are a few different things you could do with it. You could pay down debt, build up your emergency savings, or add to your child's college fund. But what's the best use of that money? Michele from Compass Financial Services shares her priorities. (From the archives)
It's easy to say that only Jesus can meet all of your needs, but it can be hard to live like it. Often, we're tempted to expect a spouse, a child, or a friend to meet a need that only Jesus can. Dr. Heidi shares how to recognize when this is happening and what to do instead. (From the archives)
Kristy asks Elizabeth Weyers, manager of the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market...Help Me Understand: What do you do with leftover products at the market?
Finding work isn't always easy, especially when you're younger and less experienced. Guy from Compass Financial shares some tips on how to stand out in the middle of a sea of applicants.
If you're a parent, graduation can bring up a whole host of emotions - joy, excitement, fear, even grief. Dr. Heidi shares some tips on how to navigate the emotions that come from this transition.
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, host of the Praying Through Scripture podcast...Help Me Understand: What's the ACTS Method of prayer?
Naming cats after your job / Small things that make your day / Kid stuff that needs a grownup version (From the archives)
As we move into the summer months, your family may be looking to go on a fun family trip, but when money is tight, how do you balance the fun with financial responsibility? Guy shares some tips.
Some conflicts need to find resolution and change from one or both people in the relationship. But sometimes, it's unrealistic to expect a conflict to ever be fully resolved, and that's okay. Dr. Heidi shares how some conflicts will keep coming around, and how you can use them to draw closer to the person you're in conflict with, rather than letting them be a source of frustration.
Kristy asks Meteorologist Jeriann Ritter...Help Me Understand: What's a typical day look like for a meteorologist?
Tax season has come and gone, and if you ended up either owing a lot or getting a lot back in a refund, chances are that means you need to change some of your tax withholding at your job. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains how to go through this process without tearing your hair out.
If you've experienced anxiety, one of your coping skills might be to imagine the worst-case scenario and remind yourself of how unlikely it is for something like that to happen. Unfortunately, though, sometimes the unlikely bad thing does happen. So how do we cope with our anxiety and hold onto our faith when we know that sometimes the worst case scenario comes true? Dr. Heidi shares some helpful encouragement.
Kids finding loopholes / Bloom where you're planted / The little things that throw your world off-balance (From the archives)
Kristy asks Marriage Coaches Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg...Help Me Understand: How can we nurture friendship in a marriage?
Being generous with our money is more than just an arbitrary command we get from the Bible. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains how tithing and generosity can be powerful tools to build your faith. (From the archives)
You may understand that your anxiety is holding you back, or that it's creating harm in your life...but that doesn't mean it's easy to let go of it - especially if you start thinking that holding onto anxiety over things is a way to prepare for an uncertain future. Dr. Heidi shares how this can create cyclical thinking that only whips up your anxiety even more - and how keeping yourself rooted in the present moment can help.
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, the host of the Praying Through Scripture Podcast... Help Me Understand: What should we do on those days when we don't feel like praying?
Tell us your age without using a number / Weirdly appropriate names / Learning to surrender
Whether it's to stay home with a new baby, to tend to a relative in poor health, or some other reason, at some point in your life, you may consider the possibility of putting your career on hold. Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some helpful tips on how to prepare your finances and your heart for a move like this.
You may have heard the saying before, and maybe you've even said it: "Choose joy!" It sounds nice...but is it even possible with so much ugliness in the world? Dr. Heidi shares practical ways you can choose joy, and how it can benefit your faith and your mental health.
Kristy asks Nutritionist Kara Swanson...Help Me Understand: What's the best way to have a treat?
There is no shortage of scary headlines about the stock market. Fluctuations happen constantly, and if you're not careful, you can find yourself in a constant state of anxiety over the economy. Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some thoughts on how to combat this anxiety.
It's important to take time to do things that will fill your emotional tank back up to keep from getting burned out. It's also important to build some margin into your schedule so you're not stressed out by how many things you have to do in a day. So what happens when your schedule is so full that you have to choose between self-care and margin? Dr. Heidi shares some tips.
Sleepwalking stories / When God works in green / That time autocorrect got it REALLY wrong
Before Winter Jam came to town, Kristy and Taylor chatted with Colton about being a girl dad to twins, what he loves about Winter Jam, and his friendly rivalry with Micah Tyler.
Inheritance can be a touchy subject. It may feel like an awkward conversation to initiate with your parents or grandparents, but without honest and respectful communication, trying to sort through "who gets what" can tear a family apart after the previous generation passes on. Guy shares how to handle those conversations respectfully and effectively.
Do you have any people in your life who just need a little more grace than others? They aren't outright toxic people that need to be cut out, but they have enough dysfunction that they can be difficult to be around. Dr. Heidi shares how to navigate those relationships in a way that's loving and honoring to God.
Kristy asks Shay Willis with LifeServe Blood Center...Help Me Understand: Why should someone be a blood donor?
Winter Jam is coming to Des Moines on March 21! To get ready for the concert, Kristy and Taylor chatted with Micah Tyler about what makes the concert special, what it's like sharing a bus with Colton Dixon, and how he's finding hope in the midst of a difficult season.
It's nearly impossible to go through life without taking on some sort of debt. The questions is - which kinds of debt are worth it, and which kinds should be avoided? Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some wisdom on how to decide.
When you're going through a crisis, some of the necessities of every day life can feel disorientingly mundane. It can feel weird to do laundry when your child is in the hospital. Mowing the lawn after losing a close friend may feel meaningless. Dr. Heidi shares how we can turn each of these mundane moments into holy moments and find meaning and purpose in the seemingly meaningless places of our most difficult seasons.
Kristy asks Marriage Coaches Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg... Help Me Understand: How can we get our marriage out of a rut?
You want to be good with your money. You want to make sure you're meeting your needs, saving for your future, and generally taking good care of the gifts God has given you. But it's also important to have fun once in a while. Michele from Compass Financial explains how financial responsibility and fun don't have to be mutually exclusive.
If you have a friend facing a big challenge or heartbreak, it can be hard to come up with the right thing to say or do to help. Dr. Heidi shares how cultivating an attitude of curiosity can give you a little more clarity.
Kristy asks Meteorologist Jeriann Ritter... Help Me Understand: What do the new weather terms mean?
Day of stories recap / So tired that... / Describe your shopping personality using a movie title
Maybe your only experience with inheritance is in movies: someone figures out a long-lost relative has left them a fortune in inheritance. While that won't happen for most of us, it's not uncommon for parents to leave behind an inheritance for their children. Guy from Compass Financial shares how both parents and children can navigate inheritance - financially, relationally, and spiritually.
When your friend is going through a hard time, you want to do what you can to help them feel better. But what happens when that friend hurts you, or does something that you might need to confront them about? You don't want to pile on, but you need to make sure the issue is resolved. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to make sense of these two conflicting values. (From the archives)
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, the host of the Praying Through Scripture Podcast... Help Me Understand: How do I pray through scripture?
Welcome to Iowa gifts / Things that give you childlike joy as a grownup / How did that get there?
There are some who will tell you that no amount of money is every enough. But Guy from Compass Financial says that, if you follow Jesus, it is possible to have enough money. He shares both practical and theological ways to know if the numbers in your various accounts are enough.
God doesn't always do things the way we want him to. Sometimes, it feels like a deep betrayal when God's will is different from yours, and you may find yourself feeling agry with Him. Dr. Heidi says God isn't afraid of your feelings - and you don't have to be either! She shares a healthy way to process through anger at God.
When the kids are a little too honest / Your uncool injury / What does "the middle of nowhere" mean?
It's one thing to be a generous person...but it's another to actually have the ability to donate money to causes you believe in. Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some tips on how you can still be generous, even when money is tight. (From the archives)
You may not claim to be a mind reader...but it's possible you try to act like you are. Dr. Heidi shares how easy it is to make completely off-base assumptions about the intentions and attitudes of others, and how to move forward with better communication and increased clarity. (From the archvies)
Kristy asks her kids...Help Me Understand: What does the phrase "ate and left no crumbs" mean?
How to say pecans / A baby named helicopter / How God really feels about you (From the archives)
Nobody plans to fall deep into credit card debt, but it can happen easily. If you find yourself in a spot that feels hard to escape, Michele from Compass Financial Services has a few practical tips on how to tackle that mountain of debt. (From the archives)
Every phase of parenting comes with its own joys and challenges...but some phases may feel more challenging - or joyful - than others. Dr. Heidi shares some helpful advice on how to stay present in the parenting phase you're in.
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, the host of the Praying Through Scripture Podcast... Help Me Understand: How can I make prayer a daily habit?
Naming cats after your job / Small things that make your day / Kid stuff that needs a grownup version
As Christians, we are called to be responsible with the resources God gives us - so it makes sense that it would be a godly practice to use your finances in the most effective way possible. But when does that desire to maximize the impact of our finances turn into unhealthy greed? Guy from Compass Financial Services shares the warning signs he's discovered in his own life.
If you deal with seasonal depression, Dr. Heidi says there are ways to give your body the extra dopamine it needs without resorting to unhealthy coping skills. She shares a few of the ways that God uniquely designed us to release dopamine in healthy, sustainable ways.
Kristy asks Marriage Coaches Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg...Help Me Understand: How do we foster spiritual intimacy in our marriage?
Kids finding loopholes / Bloom where you're planted / The little things that throw your world off-balance
The days are colder, shorter, and darker this time of year, which can lead to seasonal depression. Dr. Heidi offers some helpful tips on how to fight back.
Betrayed by your brain / The emergency that wasn't / A surprising antidote to comparison
Kristy asks Nutritionist Kara Swanson...Help Me Understand: How can we manage our energy levels with nutrition - especially when we're busy?
Just because you have investments, that doesn't mean you understand everything they're doing. Michele from Compass Financial shares some questions you can ask your financial advisor to help get a better handle on the best way to approach those investments.
Why is it that we can allow one person's opinion to shape our entire mood, especially when that one person isn't even the kind of person you should have speaking into our lives? Dr. Heidi shares some tips on how to identify the people who should have permission to speak into your life and how to block out the voices of people who shouldn't have permission. (From the archives)
Flirt fails / Pranking our new coworker / What changing diapers taught Taylor about God
They look a lot a like. Using them takes almost the exact same process. But there is a difference under the surface. Guy from Compass Financial breaks down the difference between debit cards and credit cards, and how to think about using each.
Sometimes, the most destructive voice in your life may be your own. Doctor Heidi shares why some lies we tell ourselves are easier to believe than others and how to combat those lies with the truth of Scripture. (From the archives)
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, the host of the Praying Through Scripture Podcast: If we're not sure how to pray - where do we even start?
Looking to start the year in a way that'll set you up for success in 2025? Michele from Compass Financial Services shares a few ideas for financial resolutions.
If you're looking to work on your mental health in 2025, Dr. Heidi is sharing her number one mental health tip going into a new year.
Kristy asks marriage coaches Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg: How can we have great communication in our marriage?
Kristy asks Shay Willis with LifeServe Blood Center: Why should someone be a blood donor?
When the pageant went off-script / Weird white elephant gifts / Saying "no" as an act of worship
When talking about finances, there always seems to be something to save for. Whether it's a house, a child's school, or retirement, there's always something to put your extra money toward. So that leads to an important question: are you ever done saving? Guy from Compass Financial Services has an answer that may surprise you.
Grief is hard, and the holiday season has a way of magnifying it. Whether you're mourning the loss of a loved one, a job, or a family situation that's been particularly hard - the bright lights and happy carols can make the dark corners of our story feel even darker. Dr. Heidi shares some tips with Kristy and Taylor on how to cope with grief in the holidays.
Kristy asks her son, Zack, who's on the Autism Spectrum: What's it like viewing the world as someone on the Autism Spectrum?
You probably know that you should invest. But what even does that mean, where do you start, and how can you think about it so that you're as effective possible? Guy shares a simple overview on what investing is, what it isn't, and what it's for. (From the archives)
Nostalgia is a powerful force during the Christmas season, and part of that is because of the warm memories we have of the holiday. But over time, the magic of Christmas can fade as life gets complicated, as grief enters our lives, and as the stressors of adulthood compete with the childlike wonder we used to feel. Dr. Heidi shares that, while we may never be able to recapture the one-dimensional joy of Christmas, there are things we can do to make the season feel special.
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, host of the Praying Through Scripture podcast: Is it ok to ask God for things? Or should we only pray for God's kingdom to come?
Making holiday birthdays special / Moving at God's speed / It may be weird, but it wouldn't be Christmas without it
The end of the year is coming fast, and that means several deadlines as it relates to your finances. Michele from Compass Financial shares some tips on things to think about and things to do as the year comes to a close.
It's easy to put too much pressure on yourself to make the holiday season extra special for you and your loved ones. But when that pressure turns into unrealistic expectations, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on managing your expectations for the holidays while still enjoying them.
Kristy asks Nutritionist Kara Swanson... Help Me Understand: How can I help my kids develop healthy eating habits?
Granting a free furnace / When a child made you feel old / The thing you didn't expect to be thankful for
It's important to ask questions about how to invest properly, how to manage a credit score, and what insurance policies will give you the best return for your investment - but it's also important to ask a big, foundational question about fianances. Guy from Compass Financial services shares some thoughts as a Christian on what the purpose of money is, and how our attitude toward it can honor God.
Even the sweetest, best-behaved children will need correction from time to time, so it's important to learn how to offer correction well. Dr. Heidi offers some tips on how to communicate that what a child did was wrong without suggesting that their behavior has made them less valuable or impacted your love for them.
Kristy asks marriage coaches, Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg... Help Me Understand: In the busy seasons of life, what are some realistic ways to make time for your marriage?
With A Drummer Boy Christmas LIVE hitting theaters soon, Luke from for KING & COUNTRY chatted with Kristy and Taylor about the making of the movie, why he never gets tired of Christmas music, and the parenting opportunities that come up while decorating the tree.
There may come a time in your life when it's your turn to care for your parents, rather than the other way around. This phase of life can put a strain on your budget, but Guy from Compass Financial says there are ways to provide the support your parents need while still protecting your personal finances.
Discontent can sneak up on you in a variety of ways - whether it's endlessly scrolling Pinterest for "inspiration," keeping so focused on the next big experience that you miss what's in front of you, or just plain comparison. Dr. Heidi shares an interaction she had with a friend that gave her an idea for how we can practice contentment in a way that keeps some of those thoughts at bay.
Kristy asks her teen sons, Zack and Austin... Help me understand: What do the terms "Let him cook" and "Cooked" mean?
Just because the election is behind us and the political ads have stopped, it doesn't mean we won't still be seeing headlines about the economy and what different candidates and policies will mean for your bank account. So how can we respond to what's happening around us without letting the noise and big emotions distract us from what actually matters? Michele from Compass Financial has some advice.
If you've lived in one place for a while, you may know of certain landmarks by what they used to be. And that's fine until you have to explain where something is to someone who doesn't know where "the old Younkers building" is. Dr. Heidi says sometimes we can do this in relationships, where we keep treating loved ones like the people they were when they're younger. She shares some tips on how to make space for our friends and family to grow and change so the relationship can continue to flourish.
Kristy asks Meteorologist Jeriann Ritter... Help me understand: Why do is the forecast wrong sometimes?
It's an exciting season in a teenager's life when they get that first job to start earning their own money. But as your teen enters this new chapter in life, you may be wanting to make sure they learn how to be responsible with their newfound wealth. Guy shares some quick tips on how to teach your teenagers to use their money wisely.
Does it seem like everywhere you go, battle lines have been drawn pretty starkly? There are forces everywhere trying to pull people apart, but Jesus calls us to live in unity. So how do we handle conflict with people who are different from us in a way that reflects Jesus? Dr. Heidi has some advice.
Kristy asks Nutritionist Kara Swanson... Help me understand: Why do I need protein? And how much do I need?
The thing you thought was a sign that someone was rich / Accidental sockpiles / Unnecessary pet purchases
Shame is a powerful emotion - and it can be a very destructive one, too. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains how financial shame keeps us stuck, and what to do to break out of it.
Kristy asks Life 107.1 artist Jordan St. Cyr... Help me understand: How does God use waiting in our lives.
It's good to have money set aside for things like emergency, college for children, and retirement...but sometimes life can get expensive and there's really no money left over at the end of the month. Michele from Compass Financaial Services shares some tips on how to save for the future when there's barely enough for the present.
Chances are, at some point in your life, you've found yourself putting off an errand or some other important task. It may not even be that difficult or time-consuming, but for whatever reason, it's something you keep on finding excuses to avoid. Dr. Heidi shares the one weird question that just might help you break through.
If you come to the end of the month with a little extra money, there are a few different things you could do with it. You could pay down debt, build up your emergency savings, or add to your child's college fund. But what's the best use of that money? Michele from Compass Financial Services shares her priorities.
In almost every relationship conflict, everyone shares a little bit of the blame. Someone may carry most of it, but there's a good chance everyone carries at least a little piece of the puzzle, and it's important to own that piece, no matter how small. But how do you know which piece is yours? Dr. Heidi shares some tips.
Kristy asks Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg... Help Me Understand, how can asking "Do you need sympathy or a solution?" help a relationship?
Being generous with our money is more than just an arbitrary command we get from the Bible. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains how tithing and generosity can be powerful tools to build your faith.
It's easy to say that only Jesus can meet all of your needs, but it can be hard to live like it. Often, we're tempted to expect a spouse, a child, or a friend to meet a need that only Jesus can. Dr. Heidi shares how to recognize when this is happening and what to do instead.
The prayer of a child / Another Caitlin Clark accolade / That time you misunderstood the assignment
Kristy asks Nutritionist Kara Swanson... Help Me Understand, how much water do I actually need each day?
It's one thing to be a generous person...but it's another to actually have the ability to donate money to causes you believe in. Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some tips on how you can still be generous, even when money is tight.
Before their concert in Des Moines, for KING & COUNTRY vocalist Luke Smallbone caught up with Kristy and Taylor to talk about the band's creative new concert setup, memories of his mother, and whether or not Kristy is a little too excited for fall.
When your friend is going through a hard time, you want to do what you can to help them feel better. But what happens when that friend hurts you, or does something that you might need to confront them about? You don't want to pile on, but you need to make sure the issue is resolved. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to make sense of these two conflicting values.
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, host of the Praying Through Scripture podcast, to help her understand how to pray when we don't know what to say?
It may still be too early for Christmas decorations, but it's not too early to start preparing for the impact the holidays will have on our finances. Michele from Compass Financial Services shares some practical tips on how to make it through the holiday season without overspending.
If you've ever felt like you're underqualified for your job or that it's only a matter of time before people find out you don't actually belong where you are...you're not alone. Impostor syndrome affects nearly all of us in some way or another, but how do we shift our thinking to a more accurate opinion of ourselves? Dr. Heidi shares some tips.
Kristy asks WHO Channel 13 Meteorologist Jeriann Ritter to help her understand what the most difficult season is to forecast - and which one is the most fun.
There are many paths into your professional appeal, and for some, that path goes straight from high school graduation to the workforce. Guy shares some helpful tips for anyone entering the workforce at 18.
You may not claim to be a mind reader...but it's possible you try to act like you are. Dr. Heidi shares how easy it is to make completely off-base assumptions about the intentions and attitudes of others, and how to move forward with better communication and increased clarity.
Life 107.1 artist Jordan St. Cyr is busy with new music, touring and being a husband and father of 4. Kristy asks Jordan to help her understand how he balances musician life and home life.
Nobody plans to fall deep into credit card debt, but it can happen easily. If you find yourself in a spot that feels hard to escape, Michele from Compass Financial Services has a few practical tips on how to tackle that mountain of debt.
Why is it that we can allow one person's opinion to shape our entire mood, especially when that one person isn't even the kind of person you should have speaking into our lives? Dr. Heidi shares some tips on how to identify the people who should have permission to speak into your life and how to block out the voices of people who shouldn't have permission.
Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? Kristy asks Nutritionist Kara Swanson to help her understand - how important is breakfast really?
You probably know that you should invest. But what even does that mean, where do you start, and how can you think about it so that you're as effective possible? Guy shares a simple overview on what investing is, what it isn't, and what it's for.
Sometimes, the most destructive voice in your life may be your own. Doctor Heidi shares why some lies we tell ourselves are easier to believe than others and how to combat those lies with the truth of Scripture.
Arguments are inevitable, but there are ways to fight fair. Kristy asks Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg if it's ok to go to bed before a conflict is resolved. And if it is - what's the right way to go about it?
It's a simple reality, but often hard to truly acknowledge: Life is short and unpredictable. Guy Lehman shares how you can think about your money and how to care for your loved ones with this simple truth in mind.
Life is filled with change. If you have kids, the school calendar leads to changes in schedule every few months. If you work, the demands of your job and the people in your workplace will likely change over time. Making those transitions can be tough, but Dr. Heidi has some helpful advice on how best to navigate changes like these.
Kristy asks Christina Hannan, the host of the Praying Through Scripture podcast, why God wants us to pray - when He already knows what we're going to say!
Rhett Walker (Man on the Middle Cross, Gospel Song) joins Kristy and Taylor to talk about authenticiy, meeting Alistair Begg, and what God can do in a time of waiting.
When you start your very first job, saving for retirement may be the last thing on your mind, but Michele from Compass Financial Services says there's no such thing as starting too early. She shares helpful tips on how to think about retirement and how best to take advantage of your benefits package.
Last week, Dr. Heidi shared why it's unhelpful to try to calm your child's anxiety about the school year by just saying "It's going to be okay." This week, she shares proactive steps you can take to help with the stress of an upcoming school year.
Looking for some nearby vacation ideas? Brooke Bouma helps Kristy with some great ideas of where you can take your family in these last few weeks of summer vacation!
Life 107.1 artist Hope Darst (Peace Be Still, If The Lord Builds the House) moved to Nashville when she was 19 years old in pursuit of a career in music, but God made it clear his plan for her life was different from hers. She shared her story with Kristy and Taylor, along with the things she learned along the way.
If you decide your teenager needs a car of their own, that decision comes with lots of questions. Guy helps Kristy and Taylor think through things like how much you should spend, who should pay for it, and how best to fund it.
With back to school season upon us, you may have some children in your house anxious about how the next school year is going to go. While you may be tempted to calm their fears by telling them everything is going to be okay, this may not be the best approach. Dr. Heidi shares why this is, and what you can do instead.
Jeriann Ritter from WHO13 Des Moines helps Kristy understand what meteorologists mean when they give a percentage chance of precipitation...and why those percentages can even be controversial!
You may know Ryan Ellis from his songs Heart of the Father and Gonna Be Alright. Gonna Be Alright is a song with very personal significance to Ryan, as he wrote it after his son Asa was born with a rare medical condition. Through the year and a half that Asa lived, God taught Ryan a lot about His presence and what miracles can look like. He shares some of these lessons with Kristy and Taylor, while also sharing his knowledge of Tik Tok dance moves and his number one secret for parenting young children.
College is a big enough adjustment as it is with enough adjustments on its own. Falling into financial pitfalls and bad habits shoudln't be part of the experience as well. Michele from Compass Financial Services shares some helpful financial tips for new college students.
"I wish I could just learn whatever it is that God is trying to teach me so this can be over!" Have you ever heard yourself say that when you were going through a difficult season in life? Dr. Heidi shares how this kind of thinking misses the point of the Gospel, and how shifting your perspective can make your hard times better.
It's not a decision you make very often, but it's one that can have a big impact on your finances. Guy shares some advice with Taylor on how to decide which bank is right for you.
It's important to process difficult emotions, rather than trying to stuff them away, but at the same time, rumination over hurts of the past can be very unhealthy. So what's the right balance, and what should the goal be when processing emotions? Dr. Heidi has some advice.
This was Jen's last week at Life 107.1. We enjoyed conversations about phone destruction and annoying the people you love, and then wrapped it all up with one last taste test Friday (38:10), AND...we made an announcement about the future of mornings on Life 107.1 (46:45).
If you have an HSA through your work, it can be so much more than an account to help you pay for medical expenses. Michele shares some tips on how to make your HSA do the most work for you.
Church should be a place where people feel safe to share their struggles, but so often, we feel pressured to put on our best face, and we don't even learn about the issues our friends are facing until the issues have become full-blown crises. Dr. Hedi shares some advice on how to become the kind of safe person that friends trust with their struggles, no matter how big they are.
Pulled it out of the trash / Generations with the worst menu anxiety / "I can't fall asleep unless..." (From the archives)
It can be a tricky conversation, but it's an important one: What should be done with your parents' money as they get older? Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some advice on how to approach this situation. (From the archives)
One of the best tools available to care for your mental health is going to therapy; however, sometimes things may get worse before they get better as you dig up past trauma and examine the difficult things you're facing. Dr. Heidi shares some tips on coping when therapy is hard. (From the archives)
The simple gifts your kids loved / Good reasons to stop the car / What's the bigget thing you've lost?
According to Compass Financial's Guy Lehman, a piece of paper can change the world. Here's why.
How many people know you - the REAL you? It can be hard to share the messes and deep hurts of our lives, but if you want deep, authentic relationships, it's an important step to make. If you're struggling to open up, Dr. Heidi has some helpful tips.
One of the most common areas married couples find themselves in conflict is with finances. Whether you're working with a shared bank account or two separate accounts, there can be potential for problems. Michele from Compass Financial Services shares some advice on how to decide which arrangement might be right for you.
Throughout your parenting journey, chances are you'll face several moments where you have to decide whether to make sure your child does the right thing or to let them make their decision and live with the consequences. According to Dr. Heidi, this is the difference in parenting with practice or training. She explains the value of each and gives advice on finding which one to use in a given moment.
Coming up with a budget - and sticking to it - can be hard or scary, but it doesn't have to be. Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some small steps to simplify the process and make your budget work for you. (From the archives)
What do you have planned this summer? How does it measure up to all the other summer plans you hear about from your friends, family, and Facebook feed? It can be easy to get caught up in the summer comparison game, and Dr. Heidi says this is a surefire way to rob your own summer of joy. She shares some simple tips on how to get the most out of your summer vacation and break free from the comparison trap. (From the archives)
In a special Father's Day episode, Taylor and Jen chat with Jordan St. Cyr (Fires, Weary Traveler, Rescue) about advice for fathers and his new album My Foundation.
You may have heard it's important to have life insurance. You may even have a policy. But what's the difference between all the different kinds? Guy from Compass Financial Services explains the distinctions between term and whole life insurance, and how to learn which is right for you. (From the archives)
If you're a parent, you probably fight a never-ending battle with your children and screen time. If you've had trouble keeping your kids off their phones and devices, Dr. Heidi has a new strategy to train your kids to meet their needs in better, healthier ways.
Bring your child to work gone wrong / Wedding surprises / What cake and coffee teach us about grief
It's important to teach children wise and Biblically-based lessons about money, but what's the right way to go about it? Guy shares some suggestions with Taylor and Jen. (From the archives)
Loneliness has been called an "epidemic" by many experts in the past few years, and it's hard to disagree. But what is the solution? Dr. Heidi shares how thinking of connection in a bigger way can help.
Jen's strong feelings about vanilla / What does "mom clean" mean? / What the woman at the well teaches us about Jesus
If you or someone you love has had a baby, chances are you've heard about postpartum depression or seen its effects. Dr. Heidi Vermeer-Quist, Clinical Director at Heartland Christian Counseling, chats with Taylor and Jen about signs to watch for, as well as some strategies for coping.
You don't have to be an economist to see the effects of inflation, whether you're at the grocery store or the gas pump. Michelle Bjorkren shared some encouraging thoughts on inflation, including things you can do in response to rising costs.
It's a trait that more often gets associated with children and kittens, but Dr. Heidi says curiosity is valuable no matter what age you are. She shares what curiosity can do in your relationships, and how to foster it in your children.
Your stuck story / Strategies for eating untasty foods / What happened when were you super late to something?
It's Mental Health Awareness Month, so we spent some time chatting with Dr. Melissa Mork, author of Mental Health Matters: How Ten Psychological Principles Will Enhance Your Mental Health, about how purpose, wonder, and awe can be helpful tools to care for your mental health.
For most of us, one of the biggest expenses of parenthood will be our children's post-high school education. It may seem like a daunting task to save all the money you need, but Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some simple principles that take some of the scary out of saving.
You may have all the tools in the world to handle and resolve conflict well, but you may still encounter someone who insists on fighting. Dr. Heidi shares some helpful tips on how to approach this difficult situation.
What is grandma candy? / The impact a teacher can have / Why Iowa should be the #1 state
We first met Joel Vander Molen by phone when he called to share during a Life 107.1 Day of Stories. After a car accident left him unable to breathe independently or control anything below his shoulders at three years old, he's gone on to become a disability awareness speaker in Iowa.
We invited Joel to come share his powerful story - as well as an excerpt from his book The Quad Life - for a special episode of The Taylor and Jen Podcast.
It's graduation season, and if you have a high school senior preparing to leave for collge, one of your concerns may be about how they handle their finances when they're away from home. Michele from Compass Financial Services shares some financial temptations and pitfalls college students should be prepared for.
Sometimes, conflict in a relationship comes beause of a simple miscommunication, and there's a clear resolution to the issue. Other times, you may find there is no common ground between you and the other person - even if the other person is also a well-meaning Christian! Dr. Heidi shares some tips on how to have healthy, God-honoring conflict in situations like this.
Elevator pitch your mom / Unsung mothers / What does it really mean to "cast your anxieties" on God?
If you have children, one of your biggest financial commitments could end up being their post-high school education. There are a variety of tools to help you save for college, and Guy breaks down how to approach them and what the advantages are to using a 529 plan. (From the archives)
Generally, we don't think of conflict as a good thing. It's a sign of division and disunity. But what if conflict could become something that points people to Jesus? Dr. Heidi shares why healthy conflict can be good, and how to have those kinds of conversations.
Do you have strong feelings about kale? Taylor and Jen do, and the feelings are not great. But their friendly food expert Clara thinks she can change their minds - she spent some time in the studio defending kale and sharing why it's worth trying.
"One of the greatest gifts you can give your parents is to let them spend the money they have worked so hard to earn." Michele shares this bit of wisdom and more when talking to Taylor and Jen about the delicate conversations about money you may have with your parents as they enter retirement.
You want to be there for your friends, but what happens when the thing they're facing is beyond your ability to understand or solve? Dr. Heidi says that while you may not be a professional in the issue your friend is facing, there are actually simple things you can do that help them heal and come back stronger.
Online order fails / Stealth health operations / What's your psych up chore? (from the archives)
With a higher standard deduction on your yearly taxes, you may have noticed you aren't seeing as much of a tax break from giving to churches and other ministries. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains why it's still worth it to donate money.
Even as churches have been more open to talking about mental health, there are still disagreements on the place of therapy in the life of a Christian. Dr. Heidi shares why she believes therapy and Christianity are not incompatible - and why a trained therapist with a Biblical worldview might even be more effective. (From the archives)
Tattle solutions / Why you should pray your emotions / What's on your kitchen table? (From the archives)
You may not spend a lot of time thinking about your credit score, but any time you need to take out a loan, that little number suddenly becomes very important. So what do you do when that number is lower than you'd like? Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some practical tips on how to quickly and effectively raise your score. (From the archives)
Deciding to go to therapy to work on your mental health is a big decision - but once you've made it, what do you talk about? Dr. Heidi shares some helpful direction on things you can be prepared to discuss. (From the archives)
After speaking at the Iowa Prayer Breakfast, Danny Gokey stopped by the Life 107.1 studios to chat with Jen about being a boy dad, downgrading to a small dog, and the next phase of his career as a speaker.
In case you haven't noticed, it's an election year, which means we're getting all kinds of messages from all ends of the political spectrum about what will go wrong if the "other side" wins. One place that it's natural to be concerned is the area of your finances, but Guy from Compass Financial Services shares why you don't have to be worried, and what you can do instead.
Chances are, you're not sitting around wishing you spent MORE time on your cell phone. We know that spending too much time on social media or other technology can ultimately be damaging, but it's also incredibly hard to let go. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to break free.
The "Counting My Blessings" singer chats with Taylor and Jen about having a tricky last name, life as a newlywed, and how he messed up his hair by sharing the gospel.
Whether it happens through death or divorce, the end of a marriage can be devastating on many levels. Michele joins Taylor and Jen to talk about how women can cope with the financial impact of the end of a marriage.
Hearing passive-aggressive comments from someone you love can be frustrating. They can be hard to respond to and leave you feeling disoriented. Dr. Heidi shares with Taylor and Jen some healthy ways to respond to these kinds of comments.
From the archives: God's response to depression / The right way to open cereal / Where is your kitchen stuff hiding?
Rhett Walker chats with Taylor and Jen about his song "Man On The Middle Cross," the simplicity of the gospel, and the large yellow cloud in his back yard.
Your credit score may be something you never think about until you have to take out a loan, but it's something impacted by your decisions every day, and it can affect more parts of your life than you expect. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains where your credit score comes from and why it matters.
You know it's important to rest, but sometimes it's not enough to just stop doing the things to exhaust you. Sometimes you need to recharge. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to regularly stay recharged.
Taylor and Jen's friendly food expert Clara returns! This time, she shares the surprising origins of the clementine as well as other fun facts and reasons why it's the perfect spring snack.
If you've ever had to finance an appliance or a piece of furniture, chances are you've seen the option for zero percent financing for a limited amount of time. It seems like a good deal...or is it too good to be true? Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some tips on how to best make use of a promotion like this.
Have you ever come home after a long day and tried to rest, but after taking a break with the TV or your phone, you find yourself more exhausted and anxious? Dr. Heidi explains how some of our ideas of rest have shifted away from what will really help, and how we can rest more effectively.
Talking about retirement funds can feel like you're speaking in a different language. If your eyes glaze over when you hear about Roth, 401(k), IRA, 403(b), and other abbreviations, Michelle from Compass Financial Services is here to help simplify things.
One of the best things you can do for your kids is to make sure they never make any mistakes, right? Not so fast, says Dr. Heidi. She shares why mistakes are important as your child grows into adulthood and gives some advice on how to handle the process.
As seen while driving / You didn't think you'd say it, and then you had kids / What was your big hair decision?
Depending on who you talk to, you may hear that the US economy is doing great, or that it's in bad shape. Guy talks about why you may be hearing conflicting reports, and what you can do in a time like this.
You may not even realize it, but you have expectations for your relationships. There's nothing wrong with that, but if you - or your loved ones - aren't aware of those expectations, it can lead to hurt feelings and tension. Dr. Heidi explains what would make an expectation harmful and what to do to keep them from harming your relationships.
The "Jesus Can" singer caught up with Taylor and Jen to chat about family pranks, the food rules he breaks, and his dog's inner voice.
You know the warning signs to look for, you take all the necessary precautions, but sometimes you still may find yourself the victim of a financial scam. Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some practical steps you can take if you find yourself in that situation.
How can a personal song of lament help you be kinder to yourself? Dr. Heidi shares how laments work in the Bible and what writing your own could do for your inner monologue.
"I was so tired that..." / What the Samaritan woman teaches us about Jesus' priorities / What has your pet defended you from?
Before her concert at the Pella Opera House, Hope Darst ("Peace Be Still," "If The Lord Builds the House") catches up with Taylor and Jen to talk about her experience with opera and how she saw God use her song during the pandemic.
When is the last time you got an email offering too-good-to-be-true prices on premium items? How about a letter warning you that your vehicle warranty is about to expire? Scams are all around us, and some are more obvious than others. Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some tips on how to spot scams, and what to do when you encounter one.
You don't mean for it to happen, but sometimes it just happens before you even realize it. When your children become adults, it can be easy to let passive aggressive comments sneak into conversations. Dr. Heidi talks about why we fall into passive aggression, what to do about it, and what to do if you're on the receiving end of passive aggressive comments.
It can be a tricky conversation, but it's an important one: What should be done with your parents' money as they get older? Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some advice on how to approach this situation.
If you've never gone to therapy to work on your mental health before, it can be intimidating. Dr. Heidi takes the mystery out of therapy by talking through what someone's first appointment with her might look like.
The three "S"s of the Super Bowl / Duh moments / What's your wedding invite philosophy?
Coming up with a budget - and sticking to it - can be hard or scary, but it doesn't have to be. Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some small steps to simplify the process and make your budget work for you.
Deciding to talk to a professional about your mental health is an important step, but there are so many different people you can talk to. If you're having trouble knowing the difference between counselors, psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists, Dr. Heidi helps straighten them out and shares how to decide which one is right for you.
Continuing their earlier conversation about term and whole-life insurance policies, Taylor and Jen chat with Guy from Compass Financial Services about the pros and cons to different kinds of policies.
We invite our friends to a lot of things - our homes, our social gatherings, even big events in our lives. But what about inviting friends into our limits? Dr. Heidi explains how to do this and why it's a powerful way to build for your relationships with your friends and with God.
What will it take to have better, more God-honoring relationships in 2024? Christian psychologist Dr. Heidi Warner shares some simple steps you can take to move forward into healthy and fulfilling relationships.
You may have heard financial people use the phrase "pay yourself first," but what does it actually mean, and why should you do it in the first place? Guy and Michelle help explain.
There's a good chance the people you love are not exactly like you. And while differences can be valuable, it's also easy to turn those listeners into lies about your loved one's character - whether by assuming your introverted friend doesn't care about you because they don't want to go out and do things all the time, or by interpreting your sibling's external processing as being self-centered. Dr. Heidi explains why these lies pop up and how to combat them.
The grief of losing a loved one is hard any time of year, but something about turning the calendar with a hole in your heart can be especially difficult. Lynne Hoeksema, author of The Honest Griever and God, I Hate This...But I Trust You shares how you can find hope and healing in your New Year's grief.
Have you ever felt like there just isn't enough time in the day to do all the things you need to do? Dr. Heidi explains how this tension can teach us to steward our limits.
The holidays can wreak havok on your finances. If you're starting 2024 with financial regrets and are hoping to do better in the new year, Guy and Michelle from Compass Financial Services have some advice on how to control your money rather than letting your money control you.
The CAIN vocalist shares with Taylor and Jen what he's learning as a new dad, what it's REALLY like to tour with Crowder, and which Avenger CAIN would be.
You may have heard it's important to have life insurance. You may even have a policy. But what's the difference between all the different kinds? Guy from Compass Financial Services explains the distinctions between term and whole life insurance, and how to learn which is right for you.
When trying to heal from trauma or difficult situations, we often come out the other side carrying lies and false narratives about our identity. Dr. Heidi explains how confessing these lies can help free us from the ways trauma can continue to harm us.
A new year can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. And if you add that stress to an anxiety disorder, January can become a very difficult month. Jean Holthaus, author of Managing Worry and Anxiety and When Anxiety Roars shares some practical tips for people who struggle with anxiety and for people who love someone with an anxiety disorder.
It's important to teach children wise and Biblically-based lessons about money, but what's the right way to go about it? Guy shares some suggestions with Taylor and Jen.
The Bible says Christians are supposed to be "the aroma of Christ." It's a pretty word picture, but what does it actually means? Dr. Heidi explains what it means to be the aroma of Christ, and what that means for our relationships.
Coming up on his appearance in Des Moines for WinterJam 2024, Crowder caught up with Taylor and Jen about his mom's weird Christmas side dish, his go-to Christmas present hiding spot, and tips on growing a big, full beard.
With a higher standard deduction on your yearly taxes, you may have noticed you aren't seeing as much of a tax break from giving to churches and other ministries. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains why it's still worth it to donate money.
You've probably heard the familiar quote: "Comparison is the thief of joy." But hearing the quote and even believing it doesn't make it much easier to avoid comparing yourself to others. Dr. Heidi explains why this battle is so important and offers helpful advice on how to fight back.
Best places to hide Christmas gifts / When the kids should've been sleeping / Where did you lose your keys?
Some of your most treasured Christmas memories likely involve a special gift that you received. Chances are, what makes the memory so special isn't the "stuff" that you got, but the love that came from the person giving the gift. But at a time of year when things are expensive and budgets are stretched thin, how can you still create a lasting memory like that for your children? Guy from Compass Financial Services shares a tradition his family began that has helped.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, filled with bright lights, joyful songs, and tons of parties - but that doesn't mean it isn't also difficult. If your life is touched by grief, chances are the holidays can also be very difficult. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to cope with your grief this Christmas season.
Sometimes, the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most expensive time of the year. Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares a few tips on how to keep your holiday spending under control.
It's a conflict that comes up every holiday season - where are you going for the holidays, and who are you spending them with? If you feel yourself being pulled in all kinds of different directions (even if all the places you're being pulled are good places!) Dr. Heidi has some advice for you.
What Christmas teaches us about waiting / Wouldn't be Christmas without it / What food tastes better burnt?
Life 107.1 artist Jeremy Rosado became a father at 22 when he adopted his 13-year-old niece. The decision meant he had to put his dreams of pursuing a record deal as a Christian singer, but he knew God was calling him to do it. He shared his story with Taylor and Jen as part of National Adoption Month in November.
You may not spend a lot of time thinking about your credit score, but any time you need to take out a loan, that little number suddenly becomes very important. So what do you do when that number is lower than you'd like? Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some practical tips on how to quickly and effectively raise your score.
It's good to try to avoid pride. The Bible is filled with verses about how much God opposes arrogance. However, Dr. Heidi says the solution is not to go to the other extreme and be so hard on yourself that you miss the image of God that's been stamped on you. She shares some advice on how to avoid pride without falling into unhealthy self-deprecation.
The world of insurance can be overwhelming. With policies available for everything from vehicles to kitchen appliances, how do we decide which policies are the wisest investments? Guy shares some helpful ways to think about insurance with Taylor and Jen.
The emotions you feel are real, but sometimes they're being fueled by something you don't expect. Dr. Heidi shares helpful tips on evaluating your emotions and learning what deeper parts of ourselves they're revealing.
Taylor and Jen know what you're going to eat / Your family's hall of fame story / Thanksgiving near-disasters
You'll most likely see it on your Thanksgiving table...but will you eat it? Cranberry sauce has been one of the most polarizing Thanksgiving side dishes, and Taylor's friend Clara - a food and garden educator - stopped by to defend the humble cranberry.
Your credit score may be something you never think about until you have to take out a loan, but it's something impacted by your decisions every day, and it can affect more parts of your life than you expect. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains where your credit score comes from and why it matters.
We want the holidays to be happy and carefree, but it seems like there's always some part of it that can be a little anxiety-inducing. Maybe it's interacting with that one person who always pushes your buttons. Maybe it's going to that one event that's always stressful. And as you think about these things, you may already be feeling anxious. Dr. Heidi calls this "anticipatory anxiety," and she shares what you can do about it.
Highlights from the morning show: Exercising your gratitude muscles / The fluffy apocalypse / What's your Christmas shopping personality?
Talking about retirement funds can feel like you're speaking in a different language. If your eyes glaze over when you hear about Roth, 401(k), IRA, 403(b), and other abbreviations, Michelle from Compass Financial Services is here to help simplify things.
It's November. You've seen all the Thanksgiving decorations and you've heard how thankful you're supposed to be...and even though you know all the things you can be thankful for, you just don't feel it. Dr. Heidi shares what some barriers to gratefulness are and how you can overcome them.
Does the heel count? / Peter and your greatest failure / How to make the holidays merry and not scary
When Jen's friend passed away, his family found a red folder in his desk. Inside the folder was a list of all the financial information the family would need, as well as instructions on how he would want his funeral to look. While it may be hard to think to the time you leave your family behind to be with Jesus, it's important to make sure your family has what they need when you're gone. Guy from Compass Financial Services shares some advice on what to put in your "red folder."
One of the best tools available to care for your mental health is going to therapy; however, sometimes things may get worse before they get better as you dig up past trauma and examine the difficult things you're facing. Dr. Heidi shares some tips on coping when therapy is hard.
The most random fact about you / How Jesus calms the storm / Have you ever been in your own attic?
It can be a tricky conversation, but it's an important one: What should be done with your parents' money as they get older? Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some advice on how to approach this situation.
The Holiday season is nearly upon us. For some, it truly is the most wonderful time of year filled with opportunities to connect with friends and family. For others, it can be the most lonely time of year. Dr. Heidi shares some tips on making friends as the time demands of adult life pile up.
Coming up with a budget - and sticking to it - can be hard or scary, but it doesn't have to be. Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some small steps to simplify the process and make your budget work for you.
You may have heard the phrase before - "Find your identity in Christ." You probably even agree that it's the right thing to do. But what does it actually mean, and why does it matter? Dr. Heidi breaks down practical ways to apply this concept to your life.
Kale science / Does your pet have a pet? / What Jesus teaches us about unanswered prayers (From the archives)
Continuing their earlier conversation about term and whole-life insurance policies, Taylor and Jen chat with Guy from Compass Financial Services about the pros and cons to different kinds of policies.
It's good to want to do things well, but sometimes that desire can turn into a paralyzing obsession with perfection. If you find yourself stuck in your own head because you're too afraid to make mistakes, Dr. Heidi has some advice for you.
You may have heard it's important to have life insurance. You may even have a policy. But what's the difference between all the different kinds? Guy from Compass Financial Services explains the distinctions between term and whole life insurance, and how to learn which is right for you.
Fall is beginning, which means before long the days will be getting shorter and colder. If you deal with seasonal affective disorder, this could be a difficult time of year. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to care for yourself and prepare for the season before it begins.
You may have heard financial people use the phrase "pay yourself first," but what does it actually mean, and why should you do it in the first place? Guy and Michelle help explain.
When life gets busy, it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially if there's nothing you can cancel on your calendar to give yourself time to breathe. So how do we cope with these seasons of busyness? Dr. Heidi shares a shift in attitude that may help.
The story behind your name / Exclamation point rules / Weird ways to meet your neighbors
It's important to teach children wise and Biblically-based lessons about money, but what's the right way to go about it? Guy shares some suggestions with Taylor and Jen.
While it may feel good in the moment to vent to a friend about your frustrations with someone else, Dr. Heidi says the way you share your frustrations can only strengthen the barriers between you and the other person. She shares the psychology behind why venting isn't always helpful, and how we can talk through our frustrations in a healthier way.
It can be easy to feel shame over your finances. You feel like you haven't saved enough, haven't started early enough, or you've done all the wrong things - and now it's too late for your future. Michelle talks to Taylor and Jen about how it's never too late and how to take control of your finances no matter where you are. (From the archives)
Do you have any bad habits that you've been struggling to stop? Maybe it's snacking too much. Maybe it's getting angry with the kids too easily. Whatever the habit is, Dr. Heidi says it may be telling you something about something deeper. She explains how to find out what that might be and how to deal with it. (From the archives)
Darren Mulligan from We Are Messengers (Come What May, Wholehearted) chats with Taylor and Jen about his first bike, going on tour with Ben Fuller and Cochren and Co, and why he thinks Christians should be less cool.
With a higher standard deduction on your yearly taxes, you may have noticed you aren't seeing as much of a tax break from giving to churches and other ministries. Guy from Compass Financial Services explains why it's still worth it to donate money.
Bitterness is a difficult emotion to address, because often it comes from real, heartbreaking pain. But holding onto it can damage our relationships and our souls. Dr. Heidi shares how we can let go of our bitterness without minimizing our pain. (From the archives)
My dog ate it / Are you really wearing that? / Have you ever had to dig through the trash? (From the archives)
Throughout your parenting journey, chances are you'll face several moments where you have to decide whether to make sure your child does the right thing or to let them make their decision and live with the consequences. According to Dr. Heidi, this is the difference in parenting with practice or training. She explains the value of each and gives advice on finding which one to use in a given moment.
Sometimes, the challenges your child faces in a school year catch you by surprise. Other times, you see them coming, but you still can't stop them because these challenges have been the same issue year after year. How do you help a child face a school year when you know things will be difficult? Dr. Heidi Warner has some advice. (From the archives)
Your most teenagery story / "That's not my car!" / How to ruin a recipe with just one ingredient
Life never goes as planned. You get in a fender-bender and have to pay for repairs. Your air conditioner goes out in the summer and you have to buy a new one. But what happens when the unexpected thing that happens is the sort of event that completely turns your life upside down? Michelle from Compass Financial Services has had personal experience with this, and she shares some advice on what to do both before and after the unexpected happens.
Luke from for KING & COUNTRY (Love Me Like I Am, God Only Knows, Relate) chats with Taylor and Jen before his performance at the Iowa State Fair, and shares how farming cattle has been good for his soul.
Abuse can manifest in many different ways in a marriage, but one thing that many of those ways have in common is how hard it can be to recognize when it's happening. It can be easy to brush off troubling behavior with statements like "well, marriage is hard," or "friendships take work." Doctor Heidi talks with Taylor and Jen about signs to watch for that help define whether your relationship is abusive or just difficult.
Maybe you've read it in the news or heard it from a friend: interest rates are going up. You know that will probably have an impact on your life, but just what will that impact be? Guy from Compass Financial Services walks Taylor and Jen through the good news, the bad news, and how to adjust to the change.
If you're a parent, you probably fight a never-ending battle with your children and screen time. If you've had trouble keeping your kids off their phones and devices, Dr. Heidi has a new strategy to train your kids to meet their needs in better, healthier ways.
You may already know about triggers - different things that you come across in your day that sparks an intense negative emotional response. While it's important to recognize what triggers you may come across during your day, Dr. Heidi shares the importance of also looking for glimmers - the opposite of triggers.
When you faced your irrational fear / How do you choose where you sit? / Doubt can bring you closer to Jesus (From the archives)
If you have a bad habit or a dysfunction you're trying to stop, there's a chance that it's meeting some sort of legitimate need in your life. Dr. Heidi shares how recognizing when something is meeting a legitimate need in an illegitimate way can be the key to breaking free.
Pulled it out of the trash / Generations with the worst menu anxiety / "I can't fall asleep unless..."
The world of insurance can be overwhelming. With policies available for everything from vehicles to kitchen appliances, how do we decide which policies are the wisest investments? Guy shares some helpful ways to think about insurance with Taylor and Jen.
Good friendships are special. When you find people who are life-giving to be around and who you know you can trust, it's a blessing. But how are we supposed to make and keep friends when life gets so busy? Dr. Heidi shares some thoughts and advice.
Food crimes / Getting to know God when your life falls apart / Taylor hasn't seen THIS movie (From the archives)
You can believe all the right things: God loves you, he wants the best for you, and he works all things for your good. And yet with all that knowledge, you can still end up feeling a lot of anxiety. Dr. Heidi explains how we can move our head knowledge of God into a heart belief that leads us to live out our faith.
Talking about retirement funds can feel like you're speaking in a different language. If your eyes glaze over when you hear about Roth, 401(k), IRA, 403(b), and other abbreviations, Michelle from Compass Financial Services is here to help simplify things.
You know it's important to rest, but sometimes it's not enough to just stop doing the things to exhaust you. Sometimes you need to recharge. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to regularly stay recharged.
Food tastes better when you touch it / The unexpected benefit of unity / Who's the boss of your hair?
If you have children, one of your biggest financial commitments could end up being their post-high school education. There are a variety of tools to help you save for college, and Guy breaks down how to approach them and what the advantages are to using a 529 plan. (From the archives)
Have you ever come home after a long day and tried to rest, but after taking a break with the TV or your phone, you find yourself more exhausted and anxious? Dr. Heidi explains how some of our ideas of rest have shifted away from what will really help, and how we can rest more effectively.
Coming up with a budget - and sticking to it - can be hard or scary, but it doesn't have to be. Michelle from Compass Financial Services shares some small steps to simplify the process and make your budget work for you.
What do you have planned this summer? How does it measure up to all the other summer plans you hear about from your friends, family, and Facebook feed? It can be easy to get caught up in the summer comparison game, and Dr. Heidi says this is a surefire way to rob your own summer of joy. She shares some simple tips on how to get the most out of your summer vacation and break free from the comparison trap.
You may have heard financial people use the phrase "pay yourself first," but what does it actually mean, and why should you do it in the first place? Guy and Michelle help explain.
Nothing damages a relationship with your child quite like telling them "I told you so"...even when you did tell them so. So what do you do when your child is set on making a decision that you know won't work out well for them? Dr. Heidi Warner has a place to start. (From the archives)
It sounds crazy, but it works / I can't believe I ate the whole thing / What did your grandparents let you get away with? (From the archives)
Anxiety can look a lot of different ways to a lot of different people. For some, the response to anxiety may be to freeze: because of how bad your anxiety is, accomplishing even the smallest tasks can seem impossible. Dr. Heidi Warner explains how to break out of this "anxiety freeze." (From the archives)
It's important to teach children wise and Biblically-based lessons about money, but what's the right way to go about it? Guy shares some suggestions with Taylor and Jen.
Even as churches have been more open to talking about mental health, there are still disagreements on the place of therapy in the life of a Christian. Dr. Heidi shares why she believes therapy and Christianity are not incompatible - and why a trained therapist with a Biblical worldview might even be more effective.
Critter encounters / Stepping into each other's pain / What's your adventurous breakfast? (From the archives)
It can be easy to feel shame over your finances. You feel like you haven't saved enough, haven't started early enough, or you've done all the wrong things - and now it's too late for your future. Michelle talks to Taylor and Jen about how it's never too late and how to take control of your finances no matter where you are.
Deciding to go to therapy to work on your mental health is a big decision - but once you've made it, what do you talk about? Dr. Heidi shares some helpful direction on things you can be prepared to discuss.
How do I know it's time to go to counseling? What are things I can do for my mental health while waiting for a counseling appointment? What can I do to help my children and their mental health? If you've ever asked any of these questions, you're not alone. Dr. Melissa Mork, host of the podcast Mental Health With Dr. Melissa Mork, answers these questions and more in a conversation with Taylor and Jen.
If you're a homeowner, chances are your last property tax assessment caught you by surprise. Taylor and Jen talk to Guy from Compass Financial Services about what that assessment means and what you can do about rising property taxes.
If you've never gone to therapy to work on your mental health before, it can be intimidating. Dr. Heidi takes the mystery out of therapy by talking through what someone's first appointment with her might look like.
If you have a child preparing to leave for college, there's a good chance you're thinking about the price tag for that education. You may be asking questions like "How much of this should my child be responsible for paying?" or "What can I do to make student loans more manageable?" Taylor and Jen talk to Michelle from Compass Financial Services about some possible approaches.
Deciding to talk to a professional about your mental health is an important step, but there are so many different people you can talk to. If you're having trouble knowing the difference between counselors, psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists, Dr. Heidi helps straighten them out and shares how to decide which one is right for you.
Next-level frugality / Who thought that would be a good idea? / What true healing looks like
Rend Collective's lead singer chats with Taylor and Jen about why he needed a worship song that didn't feel so victorious, life as a father of twins, and his thoughts on matinee concert times.
You may have heard that it's helpful to show your children that you struggle, too. You want them to know that you're not a superhero, and that you can relate to the pain and difficulties they experience. At the same time, you might worry that sharing too much could be overwhelming. How do you find the right balance? Dr. Heidi has some advice. (From the archives)
Where do you see yourself in five years? If that's a question that stresses you out or even just stumps you, you're not alone. Life can be so unpredictable, but there's still a part of ourselves that wants to map a course to reach our goals. How do we balance intentionally working toward life goals with Biblical commands like "do not worry about tomorrow?" Dr. Heidi Warner explains. (From the archives)
Does it ever feel like you're doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? You've seen relatives go down the same destructive path, and you're worried the same might be happening to you. Dr. Heidi says you can find generational freedom.
No family is perfect. Maybe you even have certain family members who are difficult or even toxic to be around. It's complicated enough to navigate that relationship as an adult, but how do you talk to your kids about these family members? Dr. Heidi Warner shares some advice.
How to take a serious nap / Your grocery store personality / That thing you really should've thrown out (From the archives)
Sometimes you have more than just one thing breaking your heart. You may have multiple things that need to be grieved in multiple ways and for multiple reasons...so how do we cope with this form of complex grief? Dr. Heidi Warner shares some advice.
When trying to heal from trauma or difficult situations, we often come out the other side carrying lies and false narratives about our identity. Dr. Heidi explains how confessing these lies can help free us from the ways trauma can continue to harm us.
God's response to depression / The right way to open cereal / Where is your kitchen stuff hiding?
We invite our friends to a lot of things - our homes, our social gatherings, even big events in our lives. But what about inviting friends into our limits? Dr. Heidi explains how to do this and why it's a powerful way to build for your relationships with your friends and with God.
There's a good chance the people you love are not exactly like you. And while differences can be valuable, it's also easy to turn those listeners into lies about your loved one's character - whether by assuming your introverted friend doesn't care about you because they don't want to go out and do things all the time, or by interpreting your sibling's external processing as being self-centered. Dr. Heidi explains why these lies pop up and how to combat them.
The project that got out of hand / ISU's 169 baby tarantulas / What's your utility word?
Have you ever felt like there just isn't enough time in the day to do all the things you need to do? Dr. Heidi explains how this tension can teach us to steward our limits.
Smells that remind you of your grandparents' house / Weird things in your coffee / What's your horn philosophy?
By now, you may have read the news about a special chapel service at Asbury University. Some people are calling it a revival, some are calling it an awakening, but whatever it's called, Taylor and Jen wanted to know: what's going on? Meridith from The Unfolding podcast - and a former on-air host at Life 107.1 - traveled to see for herself, and called Taylor and Jen to share her takeaways.
You've heard the saying before, and maybe you've even said it to someone else: "We weren't meant to do life alone." And yet, so many of us struggle to ask for help when we need it. Dr. Heidi Warner explains why it can be so hard and why it's important to share your burdens with your loved ones. (From the archives)
Day of stories recap / You THOUGHT it was broken / Should Taylor finish Les Miserables?
If you have a teenager, chances are they have friends they care about deeply. They want to be there for them when things get hard, but what happens when your teen's friends are going through something so big that your teen isn't qualified to help? Dr. Heidi explains how teenagers can love their friends while building boundaries around what they're able to help with and what needs the help of someone more qualified. (From the archives)
Before his Winter Jam appearance, Jeremy Camp chatted with Taylor and Jen about how he's seeing God move in his daughter's life and confirmed Taylor and Jen's theory that everyone has a bear story.
The Bible says Christians are supposed to be "the aroma of Christ." It's a pretty word picture, but what does it actually means? Dr. Heidi explains what it means to be the aroma of Christ, and what that means for our relationships.
Whether it's at work or home, if you're in a position to make decisions, chances are one of those decisions has gotten pushback. Dr. Heidi shares how to respond to the pushback in a way that deepens your relationships rather than building up walls.
To celebrate the new year, we collected our absolute favorite moments from 2022 on Mornings with Taylor and Jen!
Taylor learns something new about tin foil / Creative gift wrappers / What's the most fun you've had in the snow?
Food can be functional. It can be flavorful. It can even be fun. But it doesn't always make the best friend. Dr. Heidi shares how to keep your relationship with food in a healthy place during the holidays.
From the archives: Noisy Christmas presents / Embarrassing first impressions / Have you ever had to change your pet's name?
Empathy - or being able put yourself in someone else's shoes rather than making knee-jerk reactions - is a powerful tool for any relationship, whether it's a close bond or one filled with tension. Dr. Heidi lays out barriers to empathy and how we can overcome them to have healthier and more godly relationships.
Your unconscious habit that annoys others / A surprising lost keys story / Who crashed your nativity?
You've probably heard the familiar quote: "Comparison is the thief of joy." But hearing the quote and even believing it doesn't make it much easier to avoid comparing yourself to others. Dr. Heidi explains why this battle is so important and offers helpful advice on how to fight back.
How to get food off your plate / Travel mishaps / Do you talk to your dog in a special voice?
It's November. You've seen all the Thanksgiving decorations and you've heard how thankful you're supposed to be...and even though you know all the things you can be thankful for, you just don't feel it. Dr. Heidi shares what some barriers to gratefulness are and how you can overcome them.
From the archives: What science knows about you based on your coffee / What depression looks like and how to cope / What’s burning?
The emotions you feel are real, but sometimes they're being fueled by something you don't expect. Dr. Heidi shares helpful tips on evaluating your emotions and learning what deeper parts of ourselves they're revealing.
From the archives: The zero inbox lifestyle / Your best bad jokes / What movie quotes do you communicate with?
You may have heard the phrase before - "Find your identity in Christ." You probably even agree that it's the right thing to do. But what does it actually mean, and why does it matter? Dr. Heidi breaks down practical ways to apply this concept to your life.
While it may feel good in the moment to vent to a friend about your frustrations with someone else, Dr. Heidi says the way you share your frustrations can only strengthen the barriers between you and the other person. She shares the psychology behind why venting isn't always helpful, and how we can talk through our frustrations in a healthier way.
Kale science / Does your pet have a pet? / What Jesus teaches us about unanswered prayers
When life gets busy, it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially if there's nothing you can cancel on your calendar to give yourself time to breathe. So how do we cope with these seasons of busyness? Dr. Heidi shares a shift in attitude that may help.
Life 107.1 artist Blanca (The Healing, Even At My Worst) talks to Taylor and Jen about her new album, and about what she's learned and how she's grown in the healing process after a challenging four years.
God rarely answers our prayers immediately. Most of the time, we have to wait for an answer, and sometimes that waiting can take years. So what do we do in a season of waiting? Dr. Heidi offers some helpful advice.
(From the archives) Home unimprovement / How frugal are you? / The ideal napping conditions
Important pumpkin spice news / Your big mess / Do you remember your first sip of coffee?
This September, Life 107.1 is shining a light on food insecurity: how it impacts your community, who's fighting it, and how you can make a difference. Today, Taylor and Jen chat with Michelle Book from the Food Bank of Iowa.
Do you have any bad habits that you've been struggling to stop? Maybe it's snacking too much. Maybe it's getting angry with the kids too easily. Whatever the habit is, Dr. Heidi says it may be telling you something about something deeper. She explains how to find out what that might be and how to deal with it.
This September, Life 107.1 is shining a light on food insecurity: how it impacts your community, who's fighting it, and how you can make a difference. Today, Taylor and Jen chat with Matt Unger from DMARC.
Rend Collective drummer Gareth Gilkeson chats with Taylor and Jen about bears, Iowa food, and re-learning how scandalous grace really is.
Bitterness is a difficult emotion to address, because often it comes from real, heartbreaking pain. But holding onto it can damage our relationships and our souls. Dr. Heidi shares how we can let go of our bitterness without minimizing our pain.
My dog ate it / Are you really wearing that? / Have you ever had to dig through the trash?
This September, Life 107.1 is shining a light on food insecurity: how it impacts your community, who's fighting it, and how you can make a difference. Today, Taylor and Jen chat with Melissa Stimple from Waukee Area Christian Services.
Sometimes, the challenges your child faces in a school year catch you by surprise. Other times, you see them coming, but you still can't stop them because these challenges have been the same issue year after year. How do you help a child face a school year when you know things will be difficult? Dr. Heidi Warner has some advice.
MercyMe chatted with Taylor and Jen over Zoom from their cabin about bears, marshmallows, and their new album Always Only Jesus.
You know rest is important, and that you weren't designed to go 100 percent day in and day out. But sometimes life is crazy, and you just can't get away for that long recharge vacation. Dr. Heidi explains how finding times for micro-rest can help.
Getting good sleep is important, but it can be hard - especially at the start of a new school year when the kids need to get off the summer sleep schedule. Dr. Heidi Warner shares some tips on how to get good sleep after a disruption to your schedule.
As Megan prepares to launch her first child off to college, she shares with Taylor and Jen how God has prepared her for this moment, how she's handling the emotions, and what she'd tell parents about to go into their child's final year of high school.
Good friendships are special. When you find people who are life-giving to be around and who you know you can trust, it's a blessing. But how are we supposed to make and keep friends when life gets so busy? Dr. Heidi shares some thoughts and advice.
It's one thing for your child to leave for college a few hours away...or even a few states away. But what do you do when your child tells you God is calling them to be a missionary overseas? Lauren and Vernon share the lessons they learned about accepting God's call in the life of their children and how that impacted them.
Chances are, you had some high expectations for this summer. Maybe you had a long list of projects to accomplish, a big vacation to finally unwind, or a whole host of family memories to create. Unfortunately, chances also are that not all of the summer lived up to your expectations. So as summer winds down, Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to process summer regrets.
When you faced your irrational fear / How do you choose where you sit? / Doubt can bring you closer to Jesus
Susan has a lot of experience letting go, now that her third son is off to college. She shares her story with Taylor and Jen of successfully launching three boys (and preparing to launch a fourth!), and also gives some helpful advice to parents going through this journey for the first time.
Going back to school can lead to a lot of anxiety with children and teens - whether it's about classes, friends, or something else. Dr. Heidi shares how we can recognize this anxiety in our children and how to have helpful conversations with them about it.
Food tastes better when you touch it / The unexpected benefit of unity / Who's the boss of your hair?
Lately, reading the news can be a difficult experience - even as an adult with adult emotions and coping skills. But what about for children? Dr. Heidi shares advice on understanding how much your children can handle and how to talk about scary news stories around them.
Colton Dixon (Miracles, The Other Side) chatted with Taylor and Jen about raising twins, his inspiration from Noah's life, and the decoration in his house that needs explanation.
Nothing damages a relationship with your child quite like telling them "I told you so"...even when you did tell them so. So what do you do when your child is set on making a decision that you know won't work out well for them? Dr. Heidi Warner has a place to start.
Food crimes / Getting to know God when your life falls apart / Taylor hasn't seen THIS movie (From the archives)
You can sleep in all you want, take all the vacations you want, and have as much down-time as you want...and still not feel rested. Why is that? Dr. Heidi explains that there's more to rest than just not doing work, and how to feel as rested as possible.
You can believe all the right things: God loves you, he wants the best for you, and he works all things for your good. And yet with all that knowledge, you can still end up feeling a lot of anxiety. Dr. Heidi explains how we can move our head knowledge of God into a heart belief that leads us to live out our faith.
The decoration you always have to explain / A new way to pray through trials / What's the oldest piece of technology you own?
You've just spent some time with friends at lunch, your small group for a Bible study, or your family for a holiday...and then it begins. The post-game analysis. You run through all the times you said the wrong thing, laughed too loud, or told a story that didn't go over well. You know these thoughts are unhealthy, but it's so hard to stop them. Dr. Heidi shares some wisdom on fighting back against this over analysis.
It's hard enough enforcing healthy boundaries with toxic friends and co-workers, but when the toxic person in your life is a family member, there's an entirely new layer of complexity and difficulty to deal with. Dr. Heidi Warner shares helpful advice on how to navigate those relationships in a Biblical and healthy way. (From the archives)
What do your summer plans look like? Maybe you're hoping for some great family memories with a great vacation. Maybe you have a to-do list that you're finally ready to tackle. Maybe you just want to catch your breath after a crazy finish to the school year. But what happens when those expectations don't match the reality of summer? Dr. Heidi Warner has some tips on navigating this tension.
It sounds crazy, but it works / I can't believe I ate the whole thing / What did your grandparents let you get away with?
Taylor and Jen talk to Jeremy Camp about watching his oldest graduate high school, what it's like parenting a middle school boy, and his new song Getting Started.
Anxiety can look a lot of different ways to a lot of different people. For some, the response to anxiety may be to freeze: because of how bad your anxiety is, accomplishing even the smallest tasks can seem impossible. Dr. Heidi Warner explains how to break out of this "anxiety freeze."
If a friend comes to you with a problem, it's natural to want to fix their issue with your advice on how to address the problem. Dr. Heidi says this can have some unintended consequences, and that sometimes, just listening can be more helpful when done correctly. (From the archives)
You may have heard that it's helpful to show your children that you struggle, too. You want them to know that you're not a superhero, and that you can relate to the pain and difficulties they experience. At the same time, you might worry that sharing too much could be overwhelming. How do you find the right balance? Dr. Heidi has some advice.
Critter encounters / Stepping into each other's pain / What's your adventurous breakfast?
If you struggle with anxiety, you know that any time you're experiencing symptoms, all you want to do is escape the thing causing your anxiety. Dr. Heidi says the problem is that running from anxiety can make that anxiety response stronger the next time you face the same situation. She shares how exposure therapy can teach your brain to better recognize real threats.
Your first bike / Creative chore motivation / Can you call your childhood teachers by their first name?
Where do you see yourself in five years? If that's a question that stresses you out or even just stumps you, you're not alone. Life can be so unpredictable, but there's still a part of ourselves that wants to map a course to reach our goals. How do we balance intentionally working toward life goals with Biblical commands like "do not worry about tomorrow?" Dr. Heidi Warner explains.
Does it ever feel like you're doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? You've seen relatives go down the same destructive path, and you're worried the same might be happening to you. Dr. Heidi says you can find generational freedom.
Does your child struggle with anxiety? Jean Holthaus chats with Taylor and Jen about how to recognize when regular worry may have morphed into debilitating anxiety, and how to help your teen cope and thrive. For more information, Jean Holthaus's book When Anxiety Roars: Partnering with Your Child to Tame Worry and Anxietyis available wherever you buy books.
Sometimes you have more than just one thing breaking your heart. You may have multiple things that need to be grieved in multiple ways and for multiple reasons...so how do we cope with this form of complex grief? Dr. Heidi Warner shares some advice.
Tasha Layton (Into the Sea, Look What You've Done) chats with Taylor and Jen about how humor has helped her marriage, and how some of her song titles have come back to bite her.
No family is perfect. Maybe you even have certain family members who are difficult or even toxic to be around. It's complicated enough to navigate that relationship as an adult, but how do you talk to your kids about these family members? Dr. Heidi Warner shares some advice.
The Rend Collective vocalist chats with Taylor and Jen about what it means to play worship songs in front of people again and weighs in on the dog cake dilemma.
As much as you might want to, you can't do everything. All of us have limits, whether they're physical, financial, or emotional. Dr. Heidi explains why emotional limits are important, and how we can honor them.
How to take a serious nap / Your grocery store personality / That thing you really should've thrown out
Parenting is hard enough, but when your family is walking through grief, there is a whole new set of challenges. Dr. Heidi provides helpful advice and hope for families parenting after loss. (From the archives)
Andrew Ripp (Jericho, Rejoice) called Taylor and Jen to talk about why he can find peace in silence and what he learned when he stepped away from music.
You have a lot of demands on your time and emotions. Work, school, doctor's appointments, time with friends...and those are just the things you have on your calendar. When something unexpected comes up, it can throw the whole day off, and when it does, it could be a sign that you need more margin. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to build margin and why it's so important. (From the archives)
Jordan St Cyr (Fires, Weary Traveler) chats with Taylor and Jen about moving to Nashville from Canada, the unexpected impact of his music, and microwave competitions.
Whether your child is graduating from high school, college, or preschool, they're going to face changes. Sometimes, making the transition can be difficult, but Dr. Heidi Warner has advice on how to help them through. (From the archives)
You may notice how harmful too much time with social media can be to your teenager's mental health - and even to your own. But what's really going on? And how can you fight back against that anxiety? Dr. Heidi has some advice. (From the archives)
Josh and Matt from The Afters spent some time in the studio with Taylor and Jen, talking about sentimental clothes and stretching the budget in the early days of marriage.
Whether it's because of a trauma creating feelings too big to confront, or because of a pressure to "have it all together," many of us develop a fear of our feelings. Dr. Heidi says it's important to feel those feelings, and shares how we can do it in a healthy, God-honoring way.
The last couple years have held a lot of big events that may have been hard to process, even without the daily challenges you face. Dr. Heidi says the key to fighting that anxiety is what you're fixing your mind on.
Sometimes, marriage is as easy as breathing. You're clicking, connecting, and feeling as close as ever. Sometimes, it feels more like work than romance. Dr. Heidi says one way to break out of a rut is to learn about the power of yes.
Day of stories recap / Late Christmas presents / Probably should've warned you about that...
If you have a teenager, chances are they have friends they care about deeply. They want to be there for them when things get hard, but what happens when your teen's friends are going through something so big that your teen isn't qualified to help? Dr. Heidi explains how teenagers can love their friends while building boundaries around what they're able to help with and what needs the help of someone more qualified.
An Iowa love song / The blessing of weariness / How many bedsheets per bed do you have?
Grief is always hard, but sometimes February can feel like an especially hard time to grieve. The friends who checked in on you during Thanksgiving and Christmas may seem like they've forgotten about you without the major holidays as markers. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to cope with feeling forgotten in your grief.
Pizza science befuddles Taylor and Jen / Do you move your pet out of your favorite spot? / The beauty and difficulty of male friendship
Ryan Ellis shares with Taylor and Jen how his mother's love language led him to Jesus and talks about his love of Filipino food.
Our teenagers are hearing from so many voices on what gives them purpose and value. Some of those voices come on social media, telling them how to look, how to act, or even how to monetize their hobbies. Some of those voices can come from us asking well-meaning questions about their plans for college and future careers. So how can we help our teens find a healthy source of identity? Dr. Heidi has some advice.
Maybe there's someone in your family who always has something funny to say to lighten the mood. Maybe someone is always dressed stylishly and fashionably. It's good to recognize and celebrate the things that make our family members unique, but Dr. Heidi Warner says to be careful when things turn to unwritten rules and unfair expectations.
Have you ever looked at your to-do list and felt so overwhelmed that you can't even begin? Dr. Heidi explains a simple concept that can help you get started.
Your kid said it, and you knew it meant trouble / The designated getter upper / What's your grandma food?
Maybe you've made a New Year's resolution to lose weight, be more organized, or exercise more...but Dr. Heidi Warner says sometimes a resolution based on relationships rather than self-improvement can have better, longer-lasting results.
It doesn't always feel natural in a heated discussion or other tense situation, but asking more questions and spending more time in silence can be a helpful relationship-building tool. Dr. Heidi Warner explains.
We had so much fun laughing with you this year. This is a collection of some of our absolute favorite moments we shared on Mornings with Taylor and Jen this year. Happy New Year!
We know we're supposed to be wary of allowing toxic people to stay in our lives, but it's only human to ask the question every now and then: "What if I have some toxic traits?" Dr. Heidi gives tips on recognizing those in yourself and on what to do next.
Sneakers, shakers, and waiters / THAT time you borrowed your parents' car / Should pets get Christmas presents?
Tauren Wells calls Taylor and Jen to talk about Winter Jam, Christmas in Houston, and...landscaping rocks?
When you're a child, Christmas is a beautiful, special time. But the older you get, the more hurts you pick up, and you may find that Christmas now doesn't feel as special as it once did. If that's you now, Dr. Heidi Warner has some helpful advice.
Out-of-the-box sandwiches / Christmas brings meaning to waiting / What's on top of your tree?
Chances are, if you're going on vacation with someone, they aren't your clone. You could have different goals for vacations, and that can create stress in a time that should be relaxing. Dr. Heidi has some advice for handling those conversations.
Noisy Christmas presents / Embarrassing first impressions / Have you ever had to change your pet's name?
Maybe it's the first Christmas that the whole family isn't able to gather all in one place. Maybe it's your first Christmas after a divorce. Or maybe it's just the first Christmas that the kids don't want to carry on the tradition of matching pajamas. Holiday transitions can be hard, and Dr. Heidi Warner has advice on how to handle them.
Museum of failure / Sharing your birthday with a holiday / It's weird, but it wouldn't be Christmas without it
Surprises on your Thanksgiving table / Close encounters of the bug kind / The only Thanksgiving dish that ISN'T facing a shortage
Andrew Ripp (Jericho, Rejoice) talks to Taylor about walking through infertility, adoption, and finding hope and healing in the midst of pain.
Lisa Welchel (The New Mickey Mouse Club, Facts of Life) is coming to speak at the Real Life Women's Conference in Des Moines November 19 and 20, and she spent some time on the phone with Taylor and Jen talking about friendship, grace, and her newfound love of video games.
Taylor's Honduras updates / Surprisingly delicious / What's the earliest you've decorated for Christmas?
The zero inbox lifestyle / Your best bad jokes / What movie quotes do you communicate with?
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Taylor, Jen, Dr. Heidi, and Sarah all spent a morning sharing stories of the real pain that comes with that kind of loss, but also of the real hope that can be found afterward.
How do you find hope after losing your baby before even getting the chance to hold him? Laura shares her story of hope after loss with Taylor and Jen.
If you've walked through grief, you know how much it can cast a shadow over different areas of your life. You can't help but be changed by grief, but Dr. Heidi says there are ways to let grief change you in a healthy way.
Curing arachnophobia with smartphones / Your grocery store personality / What truth are you rehearsing?
Parenting is hard enough, but when your family is walking through grief, there is a whole new set of challenges. Dr. Heidi provides helpful advice and hope for families parenting after loss.
You have a lot of demands on your time and emotions. Work, school, doctor's appointments, time with friends...and those are just the things you have on your calendar. When something unexpected comes up, it can throw the whole day off, and when it does, it could be a sign that you need more margin. Dr. Heidi shares some advice on how to build margin and why it's so important.
Let's face it: there are a lot of things in the headlines that can bring anxiety and fear. There is so much brokenness in so many places in the world, and it can feel like too much sometimes. Dr. Heidi shares why Christians are uniquely equipped to handle this level of anxiety in a healthy way.
Important pumpkin spice updates / How to fold a towel / How hard things can be good for you
You may notice how harmful too much time with social media can be to your teenager's mental health - and even to your own. But what's really going on? And how can you fight back against that anxiety? Dr. Heidi has some advice.
The Afters lead singer caught up with Taylor and Jen to talk about how to share your faith, the incredible power of the Gospel, and the proper way to cook a s'more.
It's inevitable. When your child grows up, they're going to make choices you wish they wouldn't. But when your child is an adult, your role in their life as a parent changes. Dr Heidi Warner has advice on how to handle this dynamic.
The unfashionable thing you still wear / Too much of a good thing / What should the new flavor of fall be?
In parenting, it's your goal to train your children to be independent adults...but what if your child thinks they're ready for more independence than you think they are? Dr. Heidi explains how to navigate this tension.
What did you come home to? / Landry surprises / You love it even though people make fun of you
Chad and Cheryl are about to be empty nesters. Their son graduated from high school in May and will join the Coast Guard soon. They talk to Taylor and Jen about what it's been like to let go of graduating kids and the lessons they've learned along the way.
With another school year on the horizon, it can be frustrating to see more scary headlines filled with uncertainty. Dr. Heidi Warner shares how parents can help their kids face the year with hope.
We all carry burdens, and for all of us, there's a limit to how much we can carry. Unfortunately, it can be hard to let go of those burdens. Whether it's because of guilt or a misplaced feeling that you're the only one who can carry those burdens, Dr. Heidi Warner explains how we can think about and acknowledge our limits in a Biblical way.
It's hard enough enforcing healthy boundaries with toxic friends and co-workers, but when the toxic person in your life is a family member, there's an entirely new layer of complexity and difficulty to deal with. Dr. Heidi Warner shares helpful advice on how to navigate those relationships in a Biblical and healthy way.
Medaling in the ordinary Olympics / Unraveling the mysteries of WD-40 / What are you fantastically bad at?
Losing someone close to you is the sort of thing that can turn your whole world upside down, but even as your world feels like it's stopped, life keeps moving on around you. Dr. Heidi Warner shares advice on how to face the mundane, everyday challenges that come up while walking through grief.
Sometimes, you can tell your child has something on their mind that they need to talk about it, but they don't feel like they can share it with you. Dr. Heidi Warner shares helpful advice on how to help your kids feel more at ease sharing hard things with you.
The power of a compliment / "Upon Further Review..." movies / Memorable birthday parties
Anne Wilson talks to Taylor and Jen about how people loved her family through their grief, her love for outer space, and a surprising sick day meal.
While it's true that deep friendship doesn't happen without vulnerability, it's also true that it can be risky to share your deep hurts and insecurities. When you open up to someone you think you can trust, there's always a risk that you could scare them away. Dr. Heidi shares how to respond if your vulnerability backfires and why it's actually freeing to know opening up is a risk.
Food crimes / Getting to know God when your life falls apart / Taylor hasn't seen THIS movie
Crowder calls Taylor and Jen to talk about outer space, hazard gear, and how his new album points to unity.
From your perspective, the thing worrying your child, friend, or spouse may not be a big deal. Even so, the emotions they feel are real and should be addressed. Dr. Heidi Warner shares the value of healthy, biblical validation.
The unwritten rules of life / Interpreting your dog / Mountaintop experiences and depression
When you find yourself going through a rough time that doesn't have a clear end point, it's easy to wonder where God is and why he's not rescuing you. Dr. Heidi Warner shares a passage in the Bible that shows God's heart toward you at times like this.
When you realized they were only human / Wisdom tooth adventures / God brings beauty from our broken stories
Whether it's using snacks to manage emotions, or maintaining a strict diet to manage self-image, food can inspire us to make unhealthy decisions. Dr. Heidi Warner shares some advice on how to recognize when you're doing something for an unhealthy reason, and how to re-think your relationship with food.
When you're in a conflict, it can be really easy to focus on the other person and how they are making things difficult. Unfortunately, you can't control how the other person acts, but you can control yourself. Dr. Heidi Warner shares why owning your part of a conflict can help guide you to resolution and spiritual growth.
Taylor finally tells Matt Maher about how one of his most awkward moments involves Matt himself. Matt talks about how confident he is in his wilderness survival skills, and also about the important lessons he's learned about gathering with other believers.
We know that it's unhealthy to try to measure up to others around us, but it's such a natural instinct. Dr. Heidi Warner shares advice on recognizing the warning signs of comparison, and how to break out of the trap.
Graduation is a time of celebration, excitement, nervousness, uncertainty, and maybe even a little grief. It's a lot of emotion to process, and Dr. Heidi Warner shares how your faith can help you through.
The singer behind "Hallelujah Even Here" caught up with Taylor and Jen to talk about her childhood as one of ten siblings and about what God is teaching her about mental health.
If a friend comes to you with a problem, it's natural to want to fix their issue with your advice on how to address the problem. Dr. Heidi says this can have some unintended consequences, and that sometimes, just listening can be more helpful when done correctly.
The correct way to roast a marshmallow / What "make your path straight" REALLY means / What's the right way to put cups in the cabinet?
The CAIN singer talked to Taylor and Jen about being an oldest sibling, eating psychology, and coming into a surprising season of thankfulness.
It's easy enough to say you can't parent a teenager the same way you parent a toddler, but what does that actually look like? Dr. Heidi has some helpful tips on how to let your parenting "grow up" with your child.
Mom-isms / What your eating habits say about your personality / Important lessons you learned in preschool
Coping isn't always a bad thing. In fact, it can be an incredibly healthy way to deal with the pressures of life. Dr. Heidi Warner explains the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies.
Whether your child is graduating from high school, college, or preschool, they're going to face changes. Sometimes, making the transition can be difficult, but Dr. Heidi Warner has advice on how to help them through.
Designated bug dispatchers / Radical unity in the Bible / What's your creative parenting technique?
Should pickles be an automatic ingredient? / The children's book you have memorized / How many towels should a normal human own?
It's safe to say neither you nor your teen imagined their school year would look like the past couple have. Missing out on rites of passage like prom and graduation may have your teen feeling disappointment, frustration, and even grief. Dr. Heidi Warner shares how you can be an encourager to anyone dealing with these emotions.
The scientific reason you don't like cilantro / Bad time for the giggles / Whose fault is the ketchup shortage?
If you struggle with perfectionism, you might worry that letting go of your perfectionism will lead to a complete lack of standards in your life. This could stem from a belief that your perfectionism is the thing that's holding your life together. Dr. Heidi has freeing advice on how to overcome your perfectionism without overcorrecting.
It's good to want to do things well, but when a desire for excellence turns into unhealthy perfectionism, it's time to make a change. Dr. Heidi Warner explains how to identify when you've crossed into unhealthy territory, and what to do about it.
When you realized YOU were the adult / How Jesus helps us face rejection / The mistake you never corrected
It's one thing to find a group of people that you enjoy hanging out with, but finding people who help you grow, who help point you to Jesus, and who are there for you no matter what is much harder. Dr. Heidi Warner shares some tips on cultivating those authentic friendships.
Saint Patrick and the value of thin places / Video game injuries / "Look, Mom! I helped!"
You've heard the saying before, and maybe you've even said it to someone else: "We weren't meant to do life alone." And yet, so many of us struggle to ask for help when we need it. Dr. Heidi Warner explains why it can be so hard and why it's important to share your burdens with your loved ones.
Would you change peanut butters for someone you loved? / Weird places to fall asleep / A theory about ceiling fans
The "Jericho" singer called Taylor and Jen to talk about terrifying spiders, and the lessons he's learning as he rebuilds his home after a destructive tornado.
Whether you have full-blown insomnia, or if you occasionally have trouble falling asleep, everything gets harder when you aren't getting enough sleep. Dr. Heidi Warner has some helpful tips based in psychology, medicine, and scripture to help you get better sleep.
Creative hiccup cures / Your best dad joke / What does your refrigerator say about you?
2020 was a year that reminded us just how little control we hold over the world around us, so how do we cope when life isn't going as planned? Dr. Heidi says the answer might start with something unexpected.
An argument about balloons / What to do when the world feels out of control / Are you a creature of habit or an agent of chaos?
Parenting firstborns versus lastborns / How did you miss the boat? / The laundry rest stop
Creative obedience / How to put boundaries around your suffering / Seeing more opportunities to show love on Valentine's Day
Luke Smallbone from for KING & COUNTRY called Taylor and Jen to talk about his band's new song Amen...and also shed fresh light on Grape Nuts and pickle bouquets.
There are some weird Valentine's Day promotions going on / What it looks like to let go / There's a shortage of THAT??
Why you should trust people with a limp / Snow mountain solutions / What do you have a ridiculous amount of?
Matt, Abbie, and Brandon from I Am They spent some time chatting with Taylor and Jen about finding peace, in-band competitions, and microwave beeps.
Do you try to beat the beep? / Talking to pets with baby talk / Dr. Heidi's top tips for a healthy new year
People actually disagree on how to brush teeth? / Don't let 2021 rob you of the joy of the present moment / Adventures with roommates
Finding peace in the midst of chaos / The things you put in your dishwasher / Is peanut butter a masculine food?
A collection of our favorite moments we shared with you this year. Strange invitations, honest exercise, and...what's burning?
Should you buy Christmas presents for your pets? / How to find joy in a hard Christmas / Emotional attachments to cars
Is your Christmas tree perfect or personal? / How to navigate grief over the holidays / The weird thing you save
Is Christmas decorating a team sport? / The surprise of the Christmas story / Could you be an astronaut?
How to cope in healthy ways / Do you decorate to movies or music? / Settling a year-old debate
Pre-emptive crying / How did you destroy the turkey? / Handling disagreements with adult children
What science knows about you based on your coffee / What depression looks like and how to cope / What's burning?
Radical unity in the Bible / When is the correct time to change into PJs? / All-time best comfort foods
Jen wants to know if Christmas rules change in 2020. Taylor was a fiscally responsible college student. Dr. Heidi explains how to respond to children and teenagers testing boundaries.
Taylor is famous with plumbers. Jen doesn't understand a new product. Children are picky.
Jen rescues her son from a terrifying invader. Taylor watches a video. Phones suffer terrible fates.
Jen brings an unpopular decoration to the office. Science says cat videos are good for you. Taylor notices the beauty of scars.
Taylor and Jen catch up with Rhett Walker to talk about life as a pastor's kid, self-defense against camels, and the beauty God brings out of our struggles.
Taylor sustains a serious injury. Dr. Heidi gives advice on helping teenagers grow in independence. Jen is in awe of a pen habit.
Jen doesn't understand a nickname. Taylor's mother sends an embarrassing text. A little girl sings the song we need.
People reveal how old they are. Taylor has a great budget-saving dinner idea. Jen shares what she's learned about forgiveness.
Jen has a breakthrough. Taylor isn't a loser. Luke from for KING & COUNTRY explains the unexpected things God used in his life.
Taylor and Jen talk to Luke about drive in movies, raising cattle, and working with Kirk Franklin.
Taylor doesn't understand records. Jen reflects on birthdays. Sweden has weird weather.
Taylor and Jen discover a new breakfast food. Jean Holthaus gives advice on building emotional margin. Forgiveness is hard.
It's stressful enough when your child leaves home for college, trade school, basic training, or whatever the next chapter looks like. But during a global pandemic? There's an extra layer of anxiety involved, and Jean Holthaus, author of Managing Worry and Anxiety: Practical Tools to Help You Deal with Life's Challenges provides wisdom and encouragement to help you make it through this season.
Jen makes a not-so-startling confession. Taylor defends soft cookies. Dr. Heidi shares encouragement to find joy in the present moment.
The Sidewalk Prophets lead singer talks to Taylor and Jen about 3D, pet teeth, and fatherhood.
Learn more about the 3D virtual concert on August 22 at https://life1071.com/event/sidewalk-prophets-virtual-concert/
Taylor has a weird insecurity. Jen's children have a terrifying request. Jean Holthaus provides practical tips to combat anxiety over children leaving for college.
Jen's friend doesn't like donuts. Dr. Heidi helps us process our stress over the Return to Learn plans. A cat falls for an elaborate scheme.
Jen gets defensive about her cereal. Taylor defends his college bedframe. Pets require too much maintenance.
Jen learns basic home maintenance. Taylor explains how a verse in Jeremiah helps him through the pandemic. Cities have weird names.
Taylor has strong feelings about hornets. Dr. Heidi discusses the importance of addressing our loneliness. Jen befriends a squirrel.
Taylor's cat is famous. Jen makes a mess. Crawford Loritts returns with more insight on prayer and love in the midst of COVID-19 and racial tension.
Jen sustains an embarrassing injury. Dads give questionable advice. Pastor Kempton Turner shares practical tips for combating racial injustice.
You can find Kempton Turner's full interview at https://www.joniandfriends.org/a-biblical-understanding-of-justice-for-the-oppressed/
Taylor and Jen learn new sayings. Parents confess their embarrassing failures. Dr. Heidi gives advice on how to handle strong disagreements with people you love.
A message from Dr. Crawford Lorrits helps Taylor and Jen process racial injustice through the lens of the gospel. Taylor discovers a delicious new snack. Jen learns dog science.
Taylor and Jen explore the science of snoozing. Alpacas get in a truck. Dr. Heidi Warner explains how to help a friend going through the same crisis as you.
An office poll horrifies Taylor and Jen. Toddler parents share survival stories. Dr. Heidi Vermeer-Quist breaks down five practical tools to take control of your psychology.
Jen has to give her dog medicine. Taylor has strong opinions about a muppet. Danny Gokey is twinning.
Jen is skeptical of a new ice cream flavor. Taylor performs a great feat of strength. Dr. Mork shares how to navigate grief with humor.
Taylor sets a record in the kitchen. Dr. Heidi explains why we're so tired. Jen finishes a book.