The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering: Recent Episodes
Andrea Fortenberry
This is a podcast is about finding freedom from perfectionism to show up for the life God has for you. Mom life is messy, unpredictable and just plain hard sometimes, but isn’t it also amazing? I believe God uses it all to grow us into the women He wants us to be.
Welcome to Episode 101 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! In this episode, I'm interviewing my friend Stacey Morgan. We chat about her current season and have a follow-up conversation to our friendship series from a few summers ago.
A few handy links include:
- The Perfectionist's Guide to Friendship - E51
- Stacey's website: staceymorgan2000.com
- Stacey's book, The Astronaut's Wife*
- Find Stacey on Instagram @staceymorgan2000
- The MomCo
- Marco Polo
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
- Subscribing to my email list
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 100 of The Perfectionist's Guide toMothering! For this celebration, we have a special host, Stacey Morgan, who is interviewing Andrea all about the podcast, what she's learned, who her dream guest is and more!
A few handy links include:
- The Perfectionist's Guide to Friendship - E51
- Stacey's website: staceymorgan2000.com
- Stacey's book, The Astronaut's Wife*
- Find Stacey on Instagram @staceymorgan2000
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
- Subscribing to my email list
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Happy Mother's Day and welcome to Episode 99 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I have the pleasure of sharing my friend, Colleen Engle, and her words with you. Grab a tissue because you're likely going to need it!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 98 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today we're talking about battling burnout.
Some of the resources I mention in this episode include:
- Maycember by The Holderness Family
- It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping by Lisa-Jo Baker*
- Out of the Ordinary Podcast
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
- Subscribe to my email list
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 97 of The Perfectionist’s Guide toMothering! Today I’m chatting with my friend BeckyBeresford. Becky lives in North Carolina and is happily outnumbered by her husband and three wonderfulboys. She is an author, speaker, and coach with a master's certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Moody Theological Seminary. Becky loves encouraging God’s daughters to embrace Christ-centered empowerment through the truth found in the gospel. Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- Becky's new book, She Believed He Could, So She Did*
- The Pause App
You can connect with Becky via:
- Her Website: beckyberesford.com
- Instagram: @becky.beresford
- Facebook: facebook.com/beckyberesfordauthor
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
- Subscribe to my free monthlyish magazine, Restore.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 96 of The Perfectionist’s Guide toMothering! Today we're talking about contentment.
Some of the resources I mention in this episode include:
- Philippians 4:11-13
- Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere*
- The MomCo Leader Podcast
- The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman*
- The Next Right Thing Podcast
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
- Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 95 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m chatting with my friend Megan Wright. Megan believes that her assignment from God is to help women find confidence in Christ. Her exuberant passion for scripture has brought the Bibleto life in a fresh way for audiences across the country. She boldly teaches how to experience life transformation through real talk for real women.
Megan is a speaker, a popular author on the YouVersion Bible app, a full-time seminary student, and a Bible teacher at her local church. We chat about her latest You Version plan: Full of It! Living a Life FULL of Faith.
You can connect with Megan via:
- Her website: meganwrightspeaks.com
- Instagram: @meganwrightspeaks
As always, you can connect with me via:
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 94 of The Perfectionist’s Guide toMothering! Today I’m chatting with Kendra Roehl and Julie Fisk. Kendra and Julie are Central Minnesota authors and collectively, they are mom to seven kids between the ages of 10-32. They believe in the immense power of authentic community and of intentionally living one’s faith out loud through kindness and friendship.
They have several published books, including the One Year Daily Acts of Kindness devotional, One Year Daily Acts of Friendship: 365 Days to Finding, Keeping, and Loving Your Friends, 100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls: A Devotional, One Good Word A Day and their newest, the One Year Daily Acts of Gratitude.*
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- Susie Larson
- Heaven by Randy Alcorn*
- N.T. Wright on YouTube
- You Bet Your Garden Podcast
- Cooks Illustrated Pancake Recipe
You can connect with Kendra and Julie via:
- Their website: theruthexperience.com
- Instagram: @theruthexperience
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
- Subscribe to my free magazine, Restore.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Just a reminder that my application for interns is still open until January 31st, just a few more days! Head to andreafortenberry.com/intern
Some of the resources I mention in this episode:
- Power Sheets
- Erin Condren Monthly Planner
- Winnie's Great War by Lindsay Mattick*
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
Instagram@andreafortenberry
Mywebsite
Subscribe to my free monthlymagazine, Restore.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 92 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m replaying an episode from last year with my friend Sarah Martin.
Just a reminder that my application for interns is still open! Head to andreafortenberry.com/intern
Sarah Martin is a wife, mom, author, and a Certified FASTer Way Health & Wellness Coach. She is passionate about gathering purpose-driven women and coaching you in health and wellness to love God heart, soul, mind, and strength to be fit for the call He has on your life. Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:The YouVersion Bible App
The Last Dance ESPN DocumentaryReduce Insulated TumblerSarah's book, Higher Pursuits: Positioning Yourself for Everyday RevivalYou can connect with Sarah via: Instagram: @sarahmartinvibrantlife Her websiteJust a reminder that you can connect with me via: Instagram @andreafortenberry My websiteSubscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 91 of The Perfectionist’s Guide toMothering! Today I’m answering your questions!
Here are links to some of the resources I mention:
- The MomCo by MOPS International
- Citrus Pear
- My application for interns
- My Insider Team Facebook Group
- My amazing agent, Barb Roose
- Toastmasters International
- E67: Start Slowly
- The MomCo Leader Podcast
- Subscribe to Restore Magazine
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My Website
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 90 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! I'm continuing the conversation all about the holidays with my friend, Jennifer Iverson. Find her at jenniferiverson.com and on Instagram @ivymamma.
In this episode we dive into the practical: activities and traditions, gift giving, budgeting and saving money, food, and some of our favorite holiday hacks.
Don't forget that my application for interns is open now through December 31st! You can find all the details and the application at andreafortenberry.com/intern.
Some of the resources Jennifer and I mention in this episode include:
- Advent cards: I've searched and can't find the pin or the file on my computer. :( I'll keep looking and will update when I find it.
- Board Games: Qwirkle, Azul, Pass the Pigs, Throw Throw Burrito, Killer Bunnies*
- Kiwi Co. Subscriptions*
- Soundtracks by Jon Acuff*
- Your New Playlist: The Student's Guide to Tapping into the Power of Mindset by John Acuff with L.E. Acuff and McRae Acuff*
- Domino Masters Show
*Affiliate Links
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 89 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! We are officially in the Christmas season and it’s such an exciting time of the year!
To help you for your holidays, I’m replaying two of my most popular episodes, Part 1 and 2 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to the Holidays that I recorded with my friend, Jennifer Iverson. Find her at jenniferiverson.com and on Instagram @ivymamma.In this episode, I also mention that I'm accepting applications for interns for 2024! You can find all the details at andreafortenberry.com/intern. The deadline is December 31st.
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 88 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m sharing my conversation with Jodi Kinasewitz. Jodi is a previous guest of the podcast, you can check our conversation on Navigating Mental Health Issues in Episode 31.
She is the author of Soulful Surrender: Learning to Do Less So God Can Do More,* which we chat about in this episode. We also talk about how to stop striving and hustling through our days, and how to to slow down to enjoy the holidays.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Called Creatives
- Thrivers by Michele Borba, Ed.D.*
- "All the Light We Cannot See" on Netflix
You can connect with Jodi on:
- Instagram @jkinasewitz
- Her website
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 87 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m sharing my conversation with Laura Haver, author of Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connection & Mindfulness.*
Laura Haver is obsessed with uncovering the secrets of how to live an unstoppable and joyful life. She is a mom, life coach, author, speaker and athlete. She has helped hundreds of individuals to experience more play, adventure, growth and inspiration in their lives and businesses. She has been featured on the Today Show, CBS, Fox, Parents and more. Laura holds a master’s degree in International Communication and has been coaching for over 25 years in leadership, life design and tennis.
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connection & Mindfulness.*
- Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner*
- The Calm App
You can connect with Laura via:
- Her website: laurahaver.com
- Instagram: @lauramhaver
- Author Mom Community
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- My website: andreafortenberry
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
Subscribe to my monthlyish magazine,Restore here.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 86 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I want to talk to you about something I’ve been hearing about lately: limiting beliefs.
In this episode we talk about:
- What are limiting beliefs?
- What are your limiting beliefs?
- How changing your limiting beliefs can change your life
Resources I mention in this episode include:
- The Global Leadership Summit
- Soundtracks by Jon Acuff*
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser*
- "1,000 Names" by Phil Wickham
- The Microdelivery Vitamin C Resurfacing Peek Kit by Philosophy*
- The MomCo by MOPS International
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- Facebook: @andreabfortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
Subscribe to my monthlyish magazine, Restore. Yay for happy email!
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 85 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! I'm so excited to be chatting with my very funny friend, Noelle Rhodes, all about strategies for the sports mom. We are both moms of kids in sports and have some insight and tips to help you if you are a sports mom or if you become one in the future.
In case you don’t know her, Noelle Rhodes is a comedian, a pastor, and a previous guest of the podcast. We chatted all about Trusting God’s Timing in Episode 28 and she was also on Episode 65, Five Loaves and Two Fish.Some of the resources we mention in the episode include:
- Voxer
- doTERRA Purify essential oil for stinky sports equipment.
- Gear you need: visit my Amazon store* where I have links for the wagon that saves my life, stadium chairs for bleachers, a canopy for outdoor shade, a first-aid kid, and instant ice packs.
You can connect with Noelle on:
- Instagram @yourfriendnoelle
- Tik Tok @noellephrhodes
- Her website: noelleprhodes.com
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month. Yay for happy email!
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 84 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m sharing my conversation with Molly DeFrank, author of Digital Detox: The Two Week Tech Reset for Kids.* Molly is a mom to six children, three boys and three girls, ages six to thirteen. She spends most of her time telling them to put on their shoes. She helps parents get back in the driver’s seat to better navigate the stress of screen time in the home.
We chat all about her book and I share my experience with our family's digital detox we implemented over the summer.
You can connect with Molly via:
- Her website, where she has some amazing goodies that complement her book: mollydefrank.com
- Instagram: @mollydefrank
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 83 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! I am so excited to share this episode. I had the privilege of interviewing my high school biology teacher, Rick Cole.
We talk about what moms can do (and stop doing) to help their kids' educational journey, how we can love and support teachers, and much more! He offers such great wisdom and insight.
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
· Hawaii by James A. Michener*
· John Grisham Novels
You can connect with Mr. Cole via email: rtcoleclan at msn.com
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 82 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I'm so excited to welcome my mentor and friend, Alli Worthington, back to the podcast. (You can listen to Episode 9: Standing Strong with Alli here.)
This time, we're chatting all about her new book, Remaining You While Raising Them.* We talk about how modern motherhood is broken, mom guilt, the greatest gift a mom can give her kids, and more.
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- Remaining You While Raising Them*
- Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes, PhD*
- Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Moisturizer*
You can connect with Alli through:
- alliworthington.com, where you can take her "What's Your Superpower?" Quiz
- Instagram @alliworthington
- The Alli Worthington Show
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 81 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! This is the last episode of our Body & Soul Summer Series. It's been fun to chat through topics to help us as moms, body and soul.
Today I'm talking about mom overwhelm: why we feel it and the cure for it from Psalm 23.
Some of the resources I mention in this episode include:
- Psalm 23:1-4 NASB
- 2 Corinthians 9:8
- God Knows by Lisa Whittle*
- The Hard Good by Lisa Whittle*
- Called Creatives*
- The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
- Lead Like It Matters by Craig Groeschel*
- The Grove Collaborative*: Get a free gift set with my link.
- Kitch Satin Sleep Scrunchies
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 80 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Right now we’re right in the middle of our Body & Soul Summer Series and today’s episode is about the body, particularly pelvic floor health. I think we’ve all heard of the pelvic floor, but maybe aren’t sure what it is or how to take care of it. That’s why I invited Dr. Kate Palmer to join us on the podcast.
She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in women’s health, specifically pregnancy, postpartum, dancers, and pelvic health, and wellness. She believes in a holistic, whole-body approach to treating musculoskeletal issues.
We chat about what the pelvic floor is, why it's important for us to pay attention to these muscles, and much more!
Some of the resources we mention in this episode:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry*
You can connect with Dr. Kate via:
- Instagram: @flourishconciergept
- Facebook: @flourishconciergept
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram: @andreafortenberry
- My website: andreafortenberry.com
Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 79 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m chatting with Sarah Hauser. She is a writer, speaker, mom of four, and a very loud rescue dog. She is the author of All Who Are Weary: Finding True Rest by Letting Go of the Burdens You Were Never Meant to Carry.*
We chat about some of the soul-crushing burdens Sarah mentions in her book, one of which is perfectionism. We also chat about how unpacking the things we carry can help us be better moms and how we can let go of our burdens to carry something better instead.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Bearing God's Name by Carmen Joy Imes*
- Bearing God's Image by Carmen Joy Imes*
- Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
- Focus on the Family: Counseling
- Biblical Hope Counseling: Arizona
- Living Hope Counseling: Arizona
You can connect with Sarah via:
- Instagram: @sarah.j.hauser
- Her website
- Her newsletter
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 78 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
We’re in our Body & Soul Summer series. I’m chatting with my friend Sarah Martin. Sarah Martin is a wife, mom, author, and a Certified FASTer Way Health & Wellness Coach. She is passionate about gathering purpose-driven women and coaching you in health and wellness to love God heart, soul, mind, and strength to be fit for the call He has on your life.
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- My friend Noelle's prayer challenge for your kids' friendships
- Reach Noelle on Instagram: @noellerhodescomedy
- The YouVersion Bible App
- The Last Dance ESPN Documentary
- Reduce Insulated Tumbler*
- Sarah's book, Higher Pursuits: Positioning Yourself for Everyday Revival*
You can connect with Sarah via:
- Instagram: @sarahmartinvibrantlife
- Her website
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 77 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Right now we’re currently in our Body & Soul Summer series and I’m excited to share the conversation I had with my friend Courtney Lowman about spending time with God.
Courtney is a wife, mom, speaker and podcast host. Because she believes that everyone has an absolute need for discipleship and mentorship, Courtney created The Journey of Ruth Discipleship Podcast where episodes reflect her mission to help women Love Jesus, Read His Work, and Reach Others. Alongside serving her global audience, Courtney enjoys living out her mission closer to home as a volunteer alongside her husband in their church’s college ministry, as a speaker, and as a discipler of young women.
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- Wake Up Light for Kids*
- So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation) Podcast
- Lectio 365 App
- The Bible Journal for Busy Women
- Jesus Calling for Kids by Sarah Young*
- Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science by Louie Giglio*
- The Gospel Comes with a Housekey by Rosaria Butterfield*
- Smart Money Happy Hour
- Courtney's Favorite Milk Frother*
- Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee*
You can connect with Courtney via:
- The Journey of Ruth Podcast
- journeyofruth.com
- Instagram @journeyofruth
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 76 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! This episode is kicking off our Body and Soul Summer Series!
Today I’m talking with my friend, writer, and speaker, Jessica Carey about body confidence. Jess Carey is a wife and mother of two teenagers, who has moved more than eight times across more than 11,000 miles in the past decade, including a stint internationally. From acting in New York to running a business overseas, she has consistently sailed into the unknown. She is open, honest, and vulnerable in her writing and her speaking. She gives her audience permission to dream again, to forgive the past, and hope to launch into a bright new future.
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- Episode 6 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering with Jess
- Psalm 139
- Body Image Study
- I Mom So Hard: I Swimsuit Season So Hard
- Buzz Feed: Photoshopping Real Women Into Cover Model
- Try Softer by Aundi Kolber*
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
- Tarte Pressed Setting Powder
You can connect with Jess via:
- Her website: jessicacarey.co, where she has a Five Quick Habits to Build Body Confidence video series
- Instagram @jess_careyaz
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 75 of the Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Also, happy May! It’s a new month and a busy one for most of us, as the school year is winding down. This means lots of extra things for our kids and us by default: concerts, recitals, school projects, field trips, class parties, teacher appreciation, and more! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all there is going on. But I don’t want us to feel overwhelmed, I want us to take some time now on the front end of the month to help our future selves. Let's not just survive this month, let's thrive!
A few of the resources I recommend in this episode include:
- Restore Magazine: May 2022 Issue with Mother's Day Gift Ideas
- Episode 4 with Amy Carney
- Dangerous Prayers by Craig Groeschel*
- Call the Midwife
- YouVersion Bible App
- Greenlight App: Earn $30 when you sign up for Greenlight with this link. With the money app and debit card for kids and teens, you can send your kids money instantly, assign chores, and teach them to earn, save, and invest.*
- Sign up for Restore Magazine here. New issues will hit your inbox on the first Friday of every month. Yay for happy email!
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 74 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! In this episode, I talk about hitting the milestone of 10k downloads. Thank you so much!
I also chat about becoming, discouragement, waiting, and what to do when we feel disappointed.
Here are some of my questions for you:
- What did you enjoy doing as a child? What made you happy?
- How has God used those things in your journey to becoming? What dots can you connect from your life now that you couldn’t see as you lived through them?
- What are you waiting for? How can you grow your roots down deep in this waiting season?
Some of the resources I mention include:
- “Nobody wants to show you the hours and hours of becoming. They’d rather show the highlight of what they’ve become.” - Angela Duckworth
- Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.”
- Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
- Psalm 1:1-3 says, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers, But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night, And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”
- “Don’t waste the waiting. A waiting season isn’t a wasted season if you continue to seek and push into God.” - Pastor Craig Groeschel
- Marmee by Sarah Miller*
- Next Level Chef and Farmer Wants a Wife
- Jireh by Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music
- Calendly
- Episode 20, Rest for Weary Moms, of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering
- Julie and Julia
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
You can support this podcast financially by clicking here.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 73 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with my friend, Rebecca George.
Rebecca is the founder of Radical Radiance® - a podcast community where listeners are equipped to blend what they love with the Jesus who makes them shine. She is a podcaster, speaker, and author whose greatest joy in life is discipling others to pursue their passions in a way that builds the Kingdom. In her free time, you can find her running outside, writing, or trying a new recipe with Garth Brooks playing in the background.
In this episode, we talk about the inspiration for Rebecca's new book, Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl*, striving, how to say no, and the pace of grace.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- James 1:5
- Called Creatives
- Full Focus Planner
You can connect with Rebecca via:
- Her website
- The Radical Radiance Podcast
- Instagram @rebeccageorgeauthor
Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:
- Instagram @andreafortenberry
- My website
You can support this podcast financially by clicking here.*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 72 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with my amazing friend, Jackie Kelley. Jackie is a stay-at-home mom to two wild boys based in Arizona. She is a self-proclaimed “maker” who loves to dream big. She has served with her local MOPS chapter for five years and has a passion for young moms and young families.
Along with her husband of eight years, she is on a mission to show the world that having intentional fun with your spouse is possible regardless of what season of life you are in.
We chat all about Hot Date Night: the why, the rules, and how you can implement hot date night into your marriage today.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Hot Date Night on Instagram: @hotdatenight
- Oh Crap Potty Training*
- MinimaList
- Aqua Notes*
You can connect with Jackie via:
- Instagram: @stayathomejackie
- Hot Date Night on Instagram: @hotdatenight
You can support this podcast financially by clicking here.
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 71 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with the very funny and insightful, Amberly Neese. Amberly is a popular speaker/teacher, comedian, author, and all-around encourager dedicated to helping you become the joyful person you were created to be.
Amberly is a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally.
She and her husband have two adult children and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars. She is also a previous guest of the podcast in Episode 50, What I Wish I’d Thought Of.
In this episode, we chat about untangling our faith, holy uncertainty, and how our struggles and questions about faith can actually draw us closer to God.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Amberly's new Bible study, Untangling Faith, which releases April 18th. When you pre-order you get amazing bonuses!
- Jeremiah 29:13
- 1 Peter 5:10
- James 1:2-5
- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers*
- Google Calendar
- Miss Jessie's Hair Products
You can connect with Amberly via:
- Her website: amberlyneese.com
- Her free newsletter: amberlyneese.com/join
- Instagram @amberlyneese_comedian
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 70 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with the amazing Crystal Paine.
Crystal is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, and a New York Times bestselling author. Her desire is to help women across the globe live with more joy, purpose, and intention in their everyday lives. She lives with her husband and six kids in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, where she is actively involved in her local church.
Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, going on adventures with her family (locally, domestically, and internationally), finding great deals at the grocery store, having heartfelt conversations, and trying to read too many books at one time!
We chat all about her new book, The Time-Saving Mom, which releases on March 7th.* In this episode shares her four-step system, her time-blocked to-do list, and many other great time-saving tips!
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Off the Clock by Laura Vanderkam*
- 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam*
- Mind Your Mindset by Meghan Hyatt Miller and Michael Hyatt*
- Soundtracks by John Acuff*
- Libby App
- Hoopla App
- The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson*
- Clean Angel Miraculous Cleaner*
- Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen*
You can connect with Crystal through:
- Her website: moneysavingmom.com
- Her podcast: The Crystal Paine Show
- Instagram: @themoneysavingmom
- The new book: The Time-Saving Mom
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 69 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with my friend and MOPS coworker, Kelli Jordan.
Kelli Jordan is a mom, grandma, mentor and MOPS International staffer living in the Kansas City area. She loves a good story, especially the stories of real people doing good things in the world every single day. She is committed to helping others find and share the hope of Jesus and embrace the good all around them. Read more from her at kellijordan.blog.
In this episode, we talk all about decision fatigue. As moms, we make so many decisions daily! Kelli shares these amazing tips and much more on how to handle decision fatigue:
- Make your most important decisions earlier in the day
- Set up some routines
- Simplify
- Focus on momentum
- Know when it’s time to stop
- Set a deadline
Some of the resources we mention:
- God Has a Name by John Mark Comer*
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer*
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus*
- Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo*
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 68 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with my friend, Lain Ehmann. Lain is a radio show host, journalist, best-selling author, and consultant. Her superpower is creating clarity from confusion and helping her clients get their voices heard in a noisy world. A sought-after public speaker and coach, Lain loves leading retreats, facilitating masterminds, and bringing women together who want to change the world one conversation at a time.
She is the mom of three amazing kids and lives with her husband and family in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:
- Lain's book, Start Small: Tiny Shifts to Boost Your Relationships, Simplify Your Day, and Life a Happier Life*
- The True Vine by Andrew Murray*
- Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Documentary
- Scribd*: Use Lain's link to get two months free
- Subscribe to my digital magazine, Restore
- Support the podcast here
- Send me an email or DM me on Instagram
You can connect with Lain through:
- Her website: fastlain.com
- Instagram: @ lain.ehmann
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 67 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
In this episode, I share how and why we should start this year out slowly. In a world that’s focused on hustle and going harder, starting slowly is very counter-cultural, but I think it’s the pace our souls were designed for.
Here are some of the resources I mention in this episode:
- Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
- Episode 20 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering: Rest for Weary Moms
- Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee*
- Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott*
- Soundtracks by Jon Acuff*
- Citrus Pear
- Subscribe to my digital magazine, Restore
- Support the podcast here
- Send me an email or DM me on Instagram
*Affiliate Link
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Now that December is almost over and Christmas has passed, you might find yourself feeling burned out and a little weary.
This message my dear friend Ginger Ciminello gave at Restore: Soul Care for Moms, is the perfect thing for us to hear as we recover from the activities of the holiday season.
Ginger is a dear friend, she’s a speaker, author and a previous guest of the podcast. You can find our previous conversation about Remembering God’s Faithfulness in Episode 7.
Last thing: If your church is interested in bringing Restore: Soul Care for Moms to your church in 2023, let me know! I can produce the event at virtually cost to your organization.
Contact me here:
- Website Contact Form
- DM on Instagram
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 65 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
In our last episode I shared the replay of my message from Restore: Soul Care for Moms 2022 with you. Today I’m going to share the replay of my friend Noelle’s message. Although it was recorded in June, I think her message is so poignant for us as moms in the Christmas season.
If case you don’t know her, Noelle Rhodes is a comedian, a pastor, and a previous guest of the podcast. We chatted all about Trusting God’s Timing in Episode 28. She is truly one of my favorite people on Instagram, so go find her! Be prepared to laugh and be encouraged by my very funny friend, Noelle Rhodes.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 64 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
I’m excited to share today’s episode with you, it is a recording of the message that I gave this summer at an event I host annually, Restore: Soul Care for Moms.
If your church is interested in bringing Restore: Soul Care for Moms to your church in 2023, let me know! I can produce the event at virtually cost to your organization.
Contact me here:
- Website Contact Form
- DM on Instagram
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 63 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Lisa Appelo. Lisa Appelo is a speaker inspiring women to cultivate faith in life’s storms and author of Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart. When life shatters and you're navigating a life you didn't sign up for, Lisa provides compassionate, Biblical insight to help you find your footing, process raw emotion, and anchor your threadbare hope to see you won’t merely survive this, but that life can be good again.
A former litigating attorney, Lisa is passionate about rich Bible teaching. She writes at the popular site LisaAppelo.com, founded a team of writers at hopeingrief.com, administers the Facebook group Widow Mama Collective, and serves on the Executive Team for COMPEL with Proverbs31Ministries. As a single mom of seven, Lisa’s days are filled with parenting, ministry, and long walks to justify lots of dark chocolate.
In this episode, we talk about Lisa's story of loss, what has helped her and her family grieve, how we can help others going through grief, and how we can find hope that life will be good again despite our circumstances.
You can connect with Lisa through:
- LisaAppelo.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 62 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! I'm continuing the conversation all about the holidays with my friend and MOPS coworker, Jennifer Iverson.
Jennifer Iverson is a speaker, wife, mom and efficiency expert. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer loves helping women develop as leaders and accomplish their goals. She believes that communication is the key that unlocks healthy relationships and that anything can be accomplished with a good cup of coffee. Jennifer is mom to six children, now ages 16-26, and truly does organize closets for fun. Find her at jenniferiverson.com and on Instagram @ivymamma.
In this episode we dive into the practical: activities and traditions, gift giving, budgeting and saving money, food, and some of our favorite holiday hacks.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Advent cards: I've searched and can't find the pin or the file on my computer. :( I'll keep looking and will update when I find it.
- Board Games: Qwirkle, Azul, Pass the Pigs, Throw Throw Burrito, Killer Bunnies*
- Kiwi Co. Subscriptions*
- Soundtracks by Jon Acuff*
- Your New Playlist: The Student's Guide to Tapping into the Power of Mindset by John Acuff with L.E. Acuff and McRae Acuff*
- Domino Masters Show
*Affiliate Links
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 61 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I’m chatting with my friend and MOPS coworker, Jennifer Iverson.
Jennifer Iverson is a speaker, wife, mom and efficiency expert. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer loves helping women develop as leaders and accomplish their goals. She believes that communication is the key that unlocks healthy relationships and that anything can be accomplished with a good cup of coffee. Jennifer is mom to six children, now ages 16-26, and truly does organize closets for fun. Find her at jenniferiverson.com and on Instagram @ivymamma.
We chat about holiday expectations, travel, balancing family plans, grief, boundaries, and more! Be sure to tune in for our next episode where we share practical tips, tricks, and hacks for the upcoming holiday season.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 60 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Scott and Vanessa Martindale. The Martindales founded Blended Kingdom Families (BKF) in 2020 with a passionate desire to equip and encourage blended families and married couples as well as to help the local church cultivate community among blended families. Through faith and radical obedience, Scott and Vanessa have partnered with God to better equip the local church to reach blended families. BKF exists to break the generational cycle of divorce by equipping marriages and uniting blended families with the truth of God’s Word.
In this episode we chat about their story of being a blended family, how we can come alongside and support blended families, some of their best tips for a thriving marriage and family, and more!
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Blended Kingdom Families Website
- Blended Kingdom Families Podcast
- BKF Podcast Episode with Andrea Fortenberry
- Blended and Redeemed
- The Creative Marriage by Ed and Lisa Young*
- Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans*
- The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 59 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Brittany Ann, who is a repeat guest of the podcast. If you want to hear our previous episode, it’s Episode 18.
Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author of Fall in Love with God’s Word and Follow God’s Will** and the founder of EquippingGodlyWomen.com, a popular Christian-living website dedicated to helping busy Christian moms find practical ways to go "all in" in faith and family. Her work has been featured on CBN, The Christian Post, Crosswalk, and more.
In this episode we talk about if God has a specific plan for your life, common myths we have about God's will, the checklist mentality, and more.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- "Jireh" by Maverick City Music
- Dangerous Prayers* by Craig Groeschel
You can connect with Brittany Ann through EquippingGodlyWomen.com
*Affiliate Link
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 58, aka Part 8 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Friendship. Today we’re wrapping up our summer series. It has been so fun to focus on friendship these past few months!
We’ve been soliciting your input and questions on social media and today we share your thoughts about this series, a story, and answer your questions. Thank you to everyone who connected with us and helped us with content for this episode!
Although this series is over, we’d still love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends and rate and review the podcast wherever you listen. Our hope is that you take what you learned this summer and go out and invest in yourself and in your friendships.
~xoxo
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andreafortenberry/support
Welcome to Episode 57, aka Part 7 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Friendship! In this episode, we chat about how to help our kids navigate friendships and how to set them up for success. We talk about how to discern when to jump in a friendship struggle and when to step back. We talk about the importance of sharing our friendship stories and how a lot of what they learn about friendship is caught, not just taught.
We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and Stacey @staceymorgan.com.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.
Welcome to Episode 56, aka Part 6 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Friendship! In this episode, we chat about friendship lifecycles and seasons. We talk about how to revive a friendship and how it's important to grieve when a friendship dies.
We mention The Four Seasons of Marriage book by Dr. Gary Chapman.
We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and Stacey @staceymorgan.com.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.
Welcome to Episode 55 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering, aka Part 5 of our Summer Series, The Perfectionist's Guide to Friendship. Today we're chatting about when friendship hurts. As much as we'd like to ignore this topic, the truth is that we're all sinful, broken people and sometimes we will hurt our friends or they will hurt us. We talk about: some healthy things we can do when we face friendship hurt, the friendship bus, how to handle conflict, and more.
In this episode, we mention:
- Proverbs 27:6
We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and Stacey @staceymorgan.com.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.
Welcome to Episode 54 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering, aka Part 4 of our Summer Friendship Series!
Today we're chatting about vulnerability in friendships. We discuss what vulnerability is and how vulnerability helps our friendships grow. As usual, we also tell some personal stories to help us think about vulnerability and friendship in a new way.
Some homework from this episode is to think about which friend you can be vulnerable about and what will you be vulnerable about?
We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and Stacey @staceymorgan.com.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.
Welcome to Episode 53 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering, aka Part 3 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Friendship! Today we're talking about how to make friends as an adult woman. This is one of those things that isn't as simple as it seems.
We chat about why it's so hard, how many close friends someone should have, and our best suggestions for how to go out and make friends.
We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and Stacey @staceymorgan.com.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.
Welcome to Episode 52 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering, aka part 2 of our summer series!
Today we talk about five friendship myths women struggle with:
- That friends should be easy to find
- That friendships should last forever
- That they will naturally get deeper with just time
- That good friends will never cause you pain
- That friendship is easy to maintain
We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and Stacey @staceymorgan.com.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.
Welcome to Episode 51 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today we're starting something new! We're kicking off a summer series all about friendship and my friend, Stacey Morgan, is joining me!
In this episode, we chat about:
- Why a mothering podcast is spending the summer talking about friendship
- Why we need friends
- Some of our not-so-great friendship origin stories
We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and Stacey @staceymorgan.com.
We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.
We also mention in this episode that we work for MOPS, one of the greatest places a mom can make friends. Find a group near you here.
Also, my event, Restore: Soul Care for Moms, is coming up on June 21st in Arizona! I'd love to see you there! Get your tickets here.
Welcome to Episode 50 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Before we dive into today’s conversation, I want to let you know about two things:
-
May 20th is the second birthday of the podcast! As a quick birthday gift, could you hop over to Apple Podcasts and rate and review the podcast? It means so much and will help more moms be able to find it.
-
Just a reminder that Restore: Soul Care for Moms is coming to Arizona on Tuesday, June 21st at Rock Point Church, 6:30-9 PM. Tickets are on sale now, link is in the show notes. I really hope to see you there!
Now, on to today’s episode:
Today I’m talking with Amberly Neese. I met Amberly earlier this year at an event here in Arizona and she’s amazing. Amberly Neese is a popular speaker/teacher, comedian, author, and all-around encourager dedicated to helping you become the joyful person you were created to be.
Amberly is a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally. She is the author of The Belonging Project: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive, *Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences, and The Friendship Initiative: Connecting and Loving Like Jesus.**
She and her husband have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Deva Curl
- Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller*
- The Bible Binge Podcast
- Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown*
- MAS*H
- The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi*
You can connect with Amberly via:
- Her website: amberlyneese.com
- Her free newsletter: amberlyneese.com/join
- Instagram @amberlyneese_comedian
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 49 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Before we dive into today’s interview, I have some announcements:
-
I have a new digital magazine, Restore. You can subscribe here.
-
Get your tickets to Restore: Soul Care for Moms in Arizona on Tuesday, June 21st
Now, on to today’s conversation:
Today I’m talking with Jaclyn Weidner. Jaclyn is the self-proclaimed former president of the Hot Mess Mom's Club. After God pulled her out of a pit of anxiety and depression she has been on a mission to help other overwhelmed moms thrive! She lives just outside of Vancouver Canada with her husband Brendan and their 3 talkative girls. She hosts the Ready to Thrive Podcast and is the author of Tangled: A Soul Care Revival Guide. She loves creating content that helps women experience transformation in her life and she started the Ready to Thrive school where she hosts e-courses for women to get the tools they need to thrive.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Jaclyn's Instagram post about Mother's Day
- Jaclyn's Course: Mama Get Your Life Back. Use coupon code MAMA50 for 50% off!
- Waymaker by Ann Voskmap*
- Baby Steps Millionaires by Dave Ramsey*
You can connect with Jaclyn via:
- Her website: jaclynweidner.com
- Instagram: @jaclyn.weidner
- Her Mama Get Your Life Back course: Use coupon code MAMA50 for 50% off!
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 48 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Renee Swope. Renee is an award-winning author, a popular national conference speaker, and a former radio cohost and executive director with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her most recent book is A Confident Mom: Simple Ways to Give Your Child What They Need Most.*Renee and her husband, J.J., have been married for 29 years and have three children ranging from middle school to married + two daughter-in-loves and two fur babies.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Renee's new book: A Confident Mom: Simple Ways to Give Your Child What They Need Most*
- This is Us
- Waymaker by Ann Voskamp
- Thistle Farm Lip Smoothie
- Psalm 25:4-5
You can connect with Renee through:
- Her website: reneeswope.com
- Instagram: @reneeswope
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 47 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Caris Snider. Caris is a Christian Communicator who shares the hope of God through speaking and leading worship. She is the best-selling author of Anxiety Elephants: A 31 Day Devotional and Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girlsand Boys*. Her passion for the Lord comes through as she shares her experiences of overcoming depression and anxiety. Her desire is to help women of all ages with their faith and mental health journey.
We chat about how to detect symptoms of anxiety in our tweens and how to help them. We also chat through tips for us as moms navigating anxiety and our favorite Bible verses that help us.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Psalm 94:19
- 1 Peter 5:7
- Philippians 4:8
- Psalm 91:11
- Philippians 4:4-6
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Follow Me by David Platt*
- Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine Pittman*
- The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris*
- Batiste Dry Shampoo*
- GroupMe App
You can connect with Caris via:
- Her website: carissnider.com
- Instagram @carissnider
- Her books: Anxiety Elephants: A 30 Day Devotional to Help Stomp Out Your Anxiety, *Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girls and Anxiety Elephants for Tween Boys**
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 46 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Becky Kopitzke. She is a wife, mom of two, author, speaker, and writing coach. She’s the author of three books including The Cranky MomFix: How to Get a Happier, More Peaceful Home by Slaying the "Momster" in All of Us.*** Becky and her family are living the dream in northeast Wisconsin, where they share precious space with two lazy dogs, and tables stacked with homework and craft supplies.
I loved this conversation with Becky, we are kindred spirits! We talked about crankiness triggers, how to handle blunders that happen despite our best intentions, Becky's three family rules, and more.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Becky's Book, The Cranky Mom Fix***
- All Creatures Great and Small on PBS
- A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell*
You can connect with Becky via her:
- Website: beckykopitzke.com
- Instagram @beckykopitzke
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 45 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I'm sharing a story, encouraging you to ask for help, and asking for your help.
Could you please help me with these five things?
- Subscribe to my email list! I recently refreshed the format of my monthly emails to a new monthly magazine, Restore, and I think you’re going to love it! New issues will appear in your inbox every first Friday of the month.
- Share the link to subscribe to Restore with your friends!
- If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends! Send them the direct link to your favorite episodes. Ask them to subscribe.
- Leave a quick rating and review over on Apple Podcasts so when moms search for motherhood podcasts, the mysterious algorithm will make it appear to more moms.
- Lastly, follow me over on Instagram @andreafortenberry.
Some of my recommendations in this episode include:
- The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
- Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee
- The Most Excellent Way to Lead by Perry Noble
- The Celebrations Passport
- Uncommon Perks Membership
Welcome to Episode 44 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today’s guest is a familiar friend, Nicole Zasowski, who was with us for Episode 13. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the author of two books, including What If It’s Wonderful?,*which releases on March 8th. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three young children.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Nicole's new book, What If It's Wonderful?*
- The Way of the Heart by Henry Nouwen*
- The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray*
- Eucalyptus Shower Steamers*
You can connect with Nicole through:
- Her website: nicolezasowski.com
- Instagram @nicolezasowski
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to episode 43 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today’s guest is my favorite person, my husband, Will Fortenberry. We’ve been married for 17 years, we have two kids, ages 13 and 10. I could not do all that I do without him. Since it’s February and Valentine’s Day is this month, I thought it would be fun to have him on the show.
We talk about how we knew we were meant for each other, how we handle disagreements, how we balance family and ministry, and more.
You can connect with Will:
- On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillFortenberryRealtor
- On his websites: https://willfortenberry.exprealty.com and https://willfortenberry.exprealty.careers
Welcome to today’s episode, friends, you’re in for a treat! My friend and MOPS coworker, the amazing Stacey Morgan, is back with us today. We recorded Episode 19 together on friendship and it is still my most listened to episode. If you’ve not listened, I encourage you to do that, just click here.
Today we’re going to hear all about Stacey’s book, The Astronaut’s Wife*, which launches into the world on February 22nd! (There has been a supply chain issue, so the book will launch a few weeks later than we mentioned in the episode.)
Some of the things we talk about include:
- Adele's new album, 30
- That Sounds Fun Podcast
- Storytellers Live Podcast
- Masterpiece Mystery
- Poldark on Masterpiece
- Poldark Novels by Winston Graham*
- Stacey's favorite face masks: No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense*
You can connect with Stacey on Instagram at @staceymorgan2000 or her website staceymorgan2000.com. Find out all about her book at theastronautswife.com.
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 41 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Amy Debrucque. Amy is a wife, mom of four, cancer survivor, and co-author of Embolden.* She is the founder of the Life On Purpose Movement and host of the Life On Purpose Podcast where she encourages women to live on purpose instead of fear.
We talk about how to embolden our daughters, differences in raising daughters and sons, how to care for yourself, and much more!
Some of the resources we mention include:
- The Hard Good by Lisa Whittle*
- Advent 2021 from She Reads Truth
- Elemis Pro Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm
You can connect with Amy via:
- Her website: https://www.amydebrucque.com/
- Instagram: @amydebrucque
- Her podcast: Life on Purpose
- Her book, Embolden*
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 40 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Karen Ehman. Karen is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and the author of 17 books and Bible studies. You may also know her from the popular First 5 app or Encouragement for Today online devotionals from Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is married to her college sweetheart Todd. They are the parents of five adult children, three biological and two in-laws by marriage, although she forgets which are which. Her passion is to help women to live their priorities and love their lives as they serve God and others.
We chat all about her new book, When Making People Happy is Making You Miserable: How to Break the Pattern of People Pleasing and Confidently Live Your Life.*You're going to love what Karen shares about how to say yes to relationships and no to requests, how to establish and maintain boundaries, and much more!
Some of the resources we mention include:
- The Unsolved Mysteries Podcast
- Picture This App for Plants
You can connect with Karen through:
- Instagram: @karenehman
- Her website: karenehman.com
- Her new book: When Making People Happy is Making You Miserable: How to Break the Pattern of People Pleasing and Confidently Live Your Life*
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 39 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Kathy Howard. Kathy is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate and richest coffee. She searches for cherished stories of faith that still impact hearts. And, she digs deep into God’s Word, mining His eternal truths for herself and to share with others. She is the author of 10 books, including the Deep Rooteddevotional series and her latest book, Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith (October 2021).
We talk about her what is means to leave a spiritual legacy and what the Bible has to say about it. Kathy gives practical tips on how busy moms can incorporate faith for their family into everyday life and during the holiday season.
In this episode we mention:
- Kathy's latest book: Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith
- Deuteronomy 6
- Psalm 78
- Episode 7 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering with Ginger Ciminello
- Operation Christmas Child
- The World and Everything In It Podcast
You can connect with Kathy via:
- Instagram: @kathyhhoward
- Facebook: @kathyhowardunshakeablefaith
- Her Website: kathyhoward.org
In today's episode, I'm sharing my best strategies for not just surviving the holidays but enjoying them along the way.
Some of the resources I mention include:
- MOPS Blog: Thrifty Christmas Gifts
- Mom Personality Quiz
- My Instagram Profile: @andreafortenberry
- Chains, Ashes, and Forge by Laura Halse Anderson*
- The Hard Good by Lisa Whittle*
- "Joyful" by Dante Bowe
- The Grove Collaborative: Use this referral link to receive a free $35 gift basket with your first order.
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 37 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Lori Wildenberg. Lori is a friend of mine I met through Called Creatives. Her passion is helping families build connections that last a lifetime. She is a licensed parent-family educator, speaker and author of six parenting books. Her most recent title is called Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression or Suicidal Ideation.* She and her husband have four adult children, three bonus in-laws and three grandchildren.
We talk about why we need to impart our kids with hope, how to help our kids who are struggling, Hope Busters, and practical ways to infuse hope into our homes.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Love Does* by Bob Goff
- Everybody Always* by Bob Goff
- All That Is Secret* by Patricia Raybon
You can connect with Lori via:
- Her website: loriwildenberg.com
- Instagram: @loriwildenberg
- Instagram: @momstogether
- Facebook: @momstogether
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 36 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with Leah Wacek. Leah is a teacher, wife and mom of four who lives in Minnesota. Leah and I met on Instagram, where a friend of mine, Sarah Wood (who was on Episode 34 of the podcast) shared about something she won from Leah’s account @a.generous.life. Leah is here today to talk about how to live a generous life.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Feed My Starving Children
- Leigh's Blankies/Leigh's Mission
- The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel*
- Seinfeld
You can connect with Leah on:
- Her website and blog: A Generous Life
- Instagram: @a.generous.life
Today I’m talking with my friend, Dena Dyer. Dena loves Jesus, her family, all things literary, coffee, and British television. She’s an author of ten books and many articles, a professional speaker, and a book proposal coach who’s been married to her hubby Carey for 26 wonderful years. They have two young adult sons. She spends too much time online or in the fast food drive-through--but she and the Lord are working on it.
We talk about how Dena has navigated motherhood and chronic illness. She tells us how she had to let go of perfectionism early on and how accepting her limitations allowed her to focus on what truly matters.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- MOPS
- Jenn Fulwiler
- The Chosen
- The Repair Shop
- Brit Box
- Soap and Glory Heel Genius Foot Cream
- Soap and Glory Hand Food
- KLOVE
- Air1
- Dena's Grace for the Race: Devotions for Busy Moms
- Dena's Free Bible Study: Weary Women of the Bible
You can connect with Dena on:
- Instagram: @denadyer
- Facebook: @denadyerauthor
- Her website: denadyer.com
Welcome to Episode 34 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!
Today I’m talking with my amazing friend, Sarah Wood. Sarah is a wife, mom, sister and friend, living on the sunny east coast of Florida. She is the Editor in Chief at Mom Mentor, and fiercely believes in the purpose and power of encouraging Moms in their everyday lives. An evangelist at heart, she loves to blaze new creative paths to share the love and saving grace of Jesus.
In this episode, we talk about what discipleship is and why it's important for us and our kids. Sarah shares her wisdom and experience of how she learned how to disciple her three children. She gives practical tips and encouragement for moms of every step in their faith journey.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Mama Bear Apologetics*** by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
- Parenting* by Paul David Tripp
- The Hard Good*by Lisa Whittle
- Turner and Hooch on Disney+
- Music by Mack Brock, Brandon Lake, and Vertical Worship
You can connect with Sarah through:
- Instagram @sarahwoodwrites
- Mom Mentor
- Instagram @mommentor
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 33 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with Megan Dahlman. Megan Dahlman is a certified trainer and nutrition coach whose passion is helping moms discover what it feels like to thrive in their God-given bodies. She knows what it feels like to struggle and have negative feelings about your body, and she knows exactly how to help you move forward. Megan has the unique ability to graciously lead moms toward being fit, strong, and healthy, while staying focused on what truly matters. Through her immensely popular podcast, The Strong Mommas Podcast, and online training programs and courses, she is committed to coaching women along a grace-filled journey so they can achieve lasting strength and health.
We talk about some of the common issues she sees moms face with health, true indications of health, and how to break unhealthy cycles and create a legacy of health and a new narrative for our families.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Megan's Jumpstart 30 Program*: Registration closes September 2nd. The program begins September 6th.
- Essentialism by Greg McKewon
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer*
- Phil Wickham's New Worship Album: Hymn of Heaven
- Megan's Body Type Quiz
You can connect with Megan through:
- The Strong Mommas Podcast
- Vigeofit.com
- Instagram @strong_mommas
Welcome to Episode 32 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! In the first half of today’s episode, I’m sharing a recording of a talk I gave for my MOPS group about momming to our strengths. Sometimes it’s so easy for us to look around at other moms and think they’ve got this mom gig figured out. We compare their strengths to our weaknesses and it’s never a fair comparison.
But what if we changed our mindset and mommed to the unique strengths God has given us? I talk all about how to do that in this episode.
Here are links to the resources I mention:
- StrengthsFinder*
- 16 Personalities
- The Enneagram
- A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman*
- The Next Right Thing Podcast
- The Global Leadership Summit
- The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
- Julie and Julia
- Lactose Defense Probiotics*
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 31 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with Jodi Kinasewitz.
Jodi lives in Mason, Ohio, with her husband of almost 20 years, Matt, and their four children. Jodi is a woman of many talents: She is an elementary level Reading specialist and a certified yoga instructor. She is passionate about sharing her struggles with, and victory over, seasons of mental health battles. Jodi also loves leading Christian inspired yoga classes, reading, and writing. She has been published by Milk & Honey Books in the Milk & Honey Women Devotional Journal***. She enjoys traveling with her family, and she spends any time she can outdoors.
We talk about how Jodi navigated the mental health challenges of anxiety and depression. She shares her story and how God used that time to teach her many things. She shares strategies that have helped her and offers encouragement for moms also facing these challenges.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Called Creatives*
- He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado*
- Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge*
- The Pause App
- Thieves Household Cleaner
You can connect with Jodi on:
- Instagram @jkinasewitz
- Her website
*Affiliate Link
Today's episode is short and sweet. I am sharing a devotion I wrote eight years ago called, Good Morning, Mommy. I hope it encourages you in the midst of your busy summer days.
Welcome to Episode 29 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I'm talking with my amazing friend, Erica Wiggenhorn.
Erica is the author of several in-depth Bible studies including Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew.* Her newest book Letting God Be Enough is now available for pre-order at www.getericasbook.com. Erica loves to teach God’s Word through conferences, seminars and retreats, and around her own kitchen table. She lives in Phoenix with her husband and two children. For more information about Erica’s Bible studies and writing/speaking ministry, visit www.EricaWiggenhorn.com.
We talk about Erica's newest book, imposter syndrome, how to tell when we're striving and much more.
A few of the resources we mention include:
- Erica's free e-books, including 50 Days to Feel Closer to Godand A Busy Woman's Guide to Praying for Friends and Family
- The Chosen
- Stitch Fix*
You can find Erica on:
- Her Website: ericawiggenhorn.com
- Instagram @ericawiggenhorn
You can pre-order Erica's latest book, Letting God Be Enough here.She has some great pre-order incentives if you order early. The book releases September 7, 2021.
*Affiliate Link
**Erica's Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 28 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with the amazing Noelle Rhodes.
Noelle is a writer, podcaster and comedian who will win you with her bold, Jersey style and irresistible humor, all the while pointing you to Jesus. She is the host of the Friending Show, a podcast that helps women have meaningful female friendships in this modern age. Noelle is also a comedic performer who enjoys creating sketches for the internet, using humor to talk about the Bible. When she isn't podcasting and writing scripts, Noelle is living life in New Jersey, eating bagels with her two awesome children and husband.
We talked about how she got into comedy, being a late bloomer, and trusting God's timing. It was such a great conversation!
A few of the resources we mention include:
- The Chosen
- Amazon Prime
- Voxer
- Morning Pages Journal*
You can find Noelle on:
- Instagram @yourfriendnoelle
- Tik Tok @noellephrhodes
- Her Podcast: Friending
- Her website: noelleprhodes.com
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 27 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with the hilarious Jason Earls. If you tuned in for my Restore: Soul Care for Moms conference last year, you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting him. But if not, here’s a little about Jason.
This comedian from Virginia’s Eastern Seaboard doesn’t live to make you laugh; he makes you laugh to help you live. As a husband and the father of six children, Jason’s got a thing or two to say about how to navigate life. Jason has performed throughout the country and abroad, and when he’s not on stage, he’s most likely with his wife, Terri, at one of their amazing kid’s ridiculous sports events in his home city of Dallas, TX.
We had an amazing conversation about Jason's new comedy special, why we all need to laugh and how to make time to do it, where Jason gets his comedy ideas, and a lot about people pleasing. I really think you'll enjoy our conversation!
Resources we mention include:
- Jason's new comedy special: Seven Jokes I Couldn't Tell at Church
- The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster*
- Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Marc C. Winters*
- Dark Sky Weather App
You can connect with Jason through:
- His new comedy special: Seven Jokes I Couldn't Tell at Church
- His website: jasonearls.com
- Instagram: @jasonearls
- Facebook: @jasonearlscomedy
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 26 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with my friend, Alana Dawson.
Alana is a podcast editor, producer, & coach. She is the host of The Podcasting Party and previously was the creator and co-host of The Mom Wants More Podcast. Alana is a military spouse, mama to two daughters & one French Bulldog, and a coffee fanatic. When she’s not podcasting you can find her sipping strong, hot coffee, reading a good book, or dancing in the kitchen.
We talk about how Alana juggles all the things: being a military spouse, solo parenting, podcasting, and running her own business. She gives great insight on how to thrive, not just survive the busy years of mothering. She gives great advice on how to pursue your creative calling in the midst of motherhood.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Emily P. Freeman
- The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst***
- Book of the Month Club**
- Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation*
- The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh-Cobble
- Shelly Miller’s Rhythms of Rest*
You can connect with Alana on:
- Instagram @alanapdawson
- https://alanadawson.com/
- The Podcasting Party Podcast
- The Mom Wants More Podcast
*Affiliate Link
**Alana’s Referral Link
Welcome to today’s episode! In honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, I’m sharing five things I know about motherhood. I hope you enjoy it! I’m not going to give recommendations today at the end of the episode, because I have some other things to share:
Here they are:
· On May 15th, The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering turns one year old! Thank you so much for listening in, it means the world to me that you spend time with me during your month.
· Be sure you’re following me on Instagram @andreafortenberry because starting on May 15th, we’re having some fun birthday giveaways!
· I have a brand new offering on my website, andreafortenberry.com, a mom personality quiz! Take it and let me know what you think.
Welcome to Episode 24 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with Heather Creekmore.
Heather is a pastor’s wife, a homeschooling mom of four, a failed Netflix baker (season 1, episode 1 of Nailed It!), an author, podcaster, and speaker. Most of all, she’s a woman who loves Jesus but knows what it feels like to struggle with body image and comparison. Her passion is to see Christian women set free from the all-consuming worry over the scale, mirror, or lure of comparison so they are free to pursue God’s purpose for their lives.
We talk about Heather's story with body image and comparison, and why women struggle with these issues. She gives practical steps we can take to be at peace with the body God gave us.
Some resources we mention include:
Heather's books: Compared to Who? and The Burden of Better* The Chosen TV Series Heather's Free Body Awareness Quiz and 30 Minute Prayer Walk
You can connect with Heather through:
Her website: comparedtowho.me Instagram: @comparedtowho Her Podcast: Compared to Who
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 23 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with Simi John.
Simi is a speaker, author and a full time physical therapist. She has been married to her best friend Jayson John for 10 years and they have two beautiful children. Currently she lives in Oklahoma and serves with her husband who is the lead pastor of New Life Bible Church in Norman. Her calling is to the local church and her passion is to empower women to live in the abundant life Jesus offers them. Last year Simi released her first devotional book I Am Not: Break Free From Stereotypes and Become the Woman God Made You to Be.*
We talk about how to celebrate who we are, how to be authentic, how to fight burn out, and more!
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Enemies of the Heartby Andy Stanley*
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
- Simi's Free Gift for Mamas
- Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
You can connect with Simi:
- On Instagram: @simijohn
- On her website: simijohn.tv
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 22 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with my friend, Amy Wicks.
Amy is a faith-based Enneagram Coach, workshop creator and speaker who lives in Kansas City with her family. She is the voice of the weekly Simply Wholehearted Podcast and has co-authored The Unseen Way, a book study created for Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World that Loves to be Noticed* (Sara Hagerty, Zondervan, 2017).
We talk about what the Enneagram is, how it can be helpful in our lives, and how each type has its own unique struggle with perfectionism.
Resources we mention include:
- The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile*
- Simply Wholehearted Episode 191: The Orphan Mindset
- Simply Wholehearted Episode 37: Should Christians Use the Enneagram
- The Enneagram Guide for Moms
- Enola Holmes on Netflix
- "Forever Amen" by Steffany Gretzinger
You can connect with Amy on:
- Her website: simplywholehearted.com
- Instagram: @simplywholehearted
- Clubhouse: @simplywhole
*Affiliate Link
Today I’m talking with my friend, Sherri Crandall, who is also my boss at MOPS International.
Sherri Crandall is the Vice President of Global Ministries and Leadership Experience for MOPS. She is also a blogger and speaker for women’s events where she shares her passion for encouraging women to live life to the fullest. Sherri loves to garden, read historical fiction, play tennis and most of all, hang out with family and friends in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Sherri has been married for 34 years and has four young adult children.
We talk about how to trust God with our ordinary lives, how to be content, and how it's sometimes a good thing when things don't work out the way we planned.
Some of the things we mention include:
- "Good Thing" by Spencer Crandall
- Truths I Never Told Youby Kelly Rimmer*
- That Sounds Fun*** by Annie F. Downs and That Sounds Fun Podcast Episode with Stacey Morgan
- The Post-Quarantine Churchby Thom S. Rainer*
- Psalms in The Message* translation
- The Alli Worthington Show
- Jo Saxton's Podcast
- The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
- The Open Door Sisterhood
You can connect with Sherri on Instagram @sherricrandall or her website, sherricrandall.com.
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 20 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking all about rest for the weary mom.
Do you wish you could stop your hectic schedule? Do you need time to refresh but can’t figure out how to make it possible? I’d love to share with you how to experience rest and peace during your busy week through practicing Sabbath rest.
I talk about five reasons we should observe Sabbath rest:
- To Replicate: Genesis 2:2-3
- To Remember God and His Commandments: Exodus 20:8
- To Revere God: 1 Chronicles 16:29
- To Rest in His Presence, Physically and Mentally: Psalm 46:10
- To Renew Our Minds: Romans 12:2
I also give seven practical tips on how to incorporate Sabbath rest into our lives:
- Don't Be Legalistic
- Mom Guilt Not Allowed!
- Pick a Day/Time of the Week That Works for You
- Use a Sundown to Sundown Practice
- Everybody Rests on Sunday
- Keep Things Simple
- Do What Refreshes You
Matthew 11:28-30: The Message “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Recommendations:
- Episode 7: Remembering God's Faithfulness with Ginger Ciminello
- Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton*
- The Mandalorian
- Last Man Standing
- I Dream of You - Volume 3 by JJ Heller
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 19 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with my friend and MOPS teammate, Stacey Morgan.
Staceyis on staff with MOPS International as an Executive Leadership Coach and is a frequent writer for MOPS. She lives in Friendswood, Texas and has four children, ranging from high school to elementary school, and is married to Drew, a NASA astronaut. Her newest project is writing a book for Tyndale Publishing called The Astronaut’s Wife, which will be released next year.
We talk about how to make female friendships as an adult and why we need them. You’ll love hearing Stacey’s story and how she learned to stop waiting for friends to come to her and how instead, she stepped out to find her people.
Some of the things we mention include:
- The Amazing Race
- Brene Brown’s Podcast: Unlocking Us
- Jock Jams
- Lisa Whittle’s Jesus Over Everything***
- Charles Stanley’s Success God’s Way***
You can connect with Stacey on Instagram at @staceymorgan2000 or her website staceymorgan2000.com.
*Affiliate Link
Today I’m talking with author and speaker, Brittany Ann. She is the owner of EquippingGodlyWomen.com, where she challenges, encourages, and equips Christian women to be "all in" in faith and family.
Brittany is married and has three adorably energetic little ones. She is about to release a book called Fall in Love with God’s Word: Practical Strategies for Busy Women*** on February 1st.
We talk about Brittany Ann's story of reading the Bible, five misconceptions we have when it comes to reading the Bible, how busy moms can make time in their busy schedule to be in God's Word, and more.
A few of the resources we mention include:
- Get Your Life Backby John Eldredge*
- Fall in Love with God’s Word: Practical Strategies for Busy Women***
You can connect with Brittany Ann through EquippingGodlyWomen.com and fallinlovewithgodsword.com.
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 17 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Happy New Year! It’s great to be back with you.
Today I'm talking about daring to hope, even as we navigate difficult times. Just a quick note that when I say Tuesday several times in the episode, I actually meant Wednesday of last week. Just got my days a little mixed up!
Some of the things I mention include:
- Romans 15:13 NIV 1984: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Lamentations 3:20-24 NLT: “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh every morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him.”
- James 1:2-5 NIV: "Consider it pure joy, y brothers and sister, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
- The Little House Books*** by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- "Last Man Standing"
- Our Daily Bread Ministries
- "Promises Never Fail" by Bethel Music and Emmy Rose
- "Hope Has a Name" by River Valley Worship
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 16 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with author and speaker, Crystal Stine.
Crystal loves encouraging women to live the best life God has designed for them. She is the author of two books, Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life and her most recent book, Quieting the Shout of Should: How a Life of Less Can Lead to More. She is also releasing *The Holy Hustle Planner next month.
We talk about some common "shoulds" moms struggle with both now and during the holidays, how to quiet those voices, creativity, and much more.
You can connect with Crystal here:
- crystalstine.me
- Instagram: @crystalstine
Crystal has graciously offered to giveaway a signed copy of Quieting the Shout of Should: How a Life of Less Can Lead to More*! To enter, take a screenshot of this podcast episode while you're listening and tag us on social media: @crystalstine and @andreafortenberry.
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to Episode 15 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m talking with Brooke French.
Brooke is a nurse, writer, and an encourager to moms. She is a wife and mom to two teenagers and lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Brooke has a passion for empowering moms to simplify, slow down, and find joy in their everyday life.
We talk about: how she became passionate about simplifying, practical tips for the holidays and year round, and the importance of rest.
Some of the things we mentioned include:
- Brooke's Free Resources: 20 Simple Ways to Restore Your Soul, Simplify Meal Planning, 4 Steps to Journaling and More
- Virgin River
- The Crown
- Burn Out: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle*
You can connect with Brooke here:
- brookefrench.com
- Instagram: @brookefrench
- Facebook: @brookeafrench
*Affiliate Link
Today I share how we can choose joy this holiday season. I discuss my definition of joy, three joy stealers, and give antidotes for each. While choosing joy this holiday season may not come easy because of the pandemic and other circumstances, it’s still possible! Having a flexible attitude, determined to choose joy no matter what happens, is the best way to handle the holidays.
I hope you have great ones, my friends!
Some of the other things I mention in this episode include:
- The Little House Series*
- The Great British Baking Show
- The Crown
- Chris Tomlin and Friends
*Affiliate Link
Today I’m talking with my friend, Nicole Zasowski. Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of From Lost to Found: Giving Up What You Think You Want for What Will Set You Free.*** As an old soul who wears her heart proudly on her sleeve, she enjoys writing and speaking on topics that merge her professional knowledge and personal experience. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two young boys and has a baby girl on the way! We talk about why a lot of women struggle with perfectionism and its related p-word cousins (people-pleasing, performing, and pride), how we can let go of what we want for what God has for us, and practical ways to be authentic in our daily lives.
Some of the things we mention include:
- Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan*
- The Social Dilemma on Netflix
You can connect with Nicole here:
- nicolezasowski.com
- Instagram @nicolezasowski
- From Lost to Found***
***Affiliate Link
Today I’m talking with my friend, Kimberly Amici. Kimberly is the host of The Build Your Best Family Podcast and is a writer, speaker and Family Culture Coach. She’s the mom of three children, ages 13, 15 and 17. We talk about what it means to create a family culture, how culture is different than atmosphere, and how knowing your why allows you to make day-to-day decisions with courage and confidence.
Some of the things we mention include:
- Our Pact
- Psych
- Family Matters
- Gortimer Gibbons' Life on Normal Street
- The Bible Recap App
You can connect with Kimberly here:
- kimberlyamici.com
- buildyourbestfamily.com
- Instagram: @kimberlyamici and @buildyourbestfamily
- The Build Your Best Family Podcast
In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend Alison Wallwork. Allison is a wife, mom, author, speaker, and encourager. She has been in ministry for more than 15 years and she and her husband are the campus pastors of Dream City Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is the mom of four energetic boys, who range in age from 7-13.
We chat about some of the best advice Alison received from a mentor, "Be Where Your Feet Are." You can connect with Alison on her website and on Instagram @alison_wallwork.
Some of the resources we mention include:
- Francine Rivers
- Karen Kingsbury
- Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
- "Yes Song" by KB
You can find Alison's books here:
- Living Freedom: Losing a Spiritual Ten Pounds*
-
Momlife Devotional Study: An Invitation to Catch Your Breath*
*Affiliate Link
In this episode, I'm answering your questions about motherhood, marriage, the podcast, and the pressure of perfectionism. Listen in for my answers to these questions:
- What is the most challenging thing as a parent?
- What advice would you give to a mom earlier in her motherhood journey?
- Is there anything you changed your opinion or approach on along the way?
- What is your best encouragement to give a friend who wrestles with perfection pressure?
- How do you ask your non-parent friends for help? (We love to do so!)
- How do you get your pre-teen to stop acting like one?
- What's the most challenging thing you've been through as a wife and how did you get through it?
- What tips do you have for strengthening and prioritizing your marriage while parenting?
- How do you stay connected to community in times of COVID?
- How do you choose who you'd like to speak with on podcasts? Are you topic-driven?
- How do you stay positive in the most negative situations?
Some of the resources I mention include:
- Liz Taylor Creative
- The Five Love Languages* by Dr. Gary Chapman
- Anatomy of the Soul* by Dr. Curt Thompson
- Voxer
- Marco Polo
- When God Rescripts Your Life* by Jaci Velasquez
- Standing Strong* by Alli Worthington
- "Good Thing" by Spencer Crandall
- MOPS International
The Bible verses I mention in this episode include:
- 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
- Romans 8:28
- Philippians 4:6
- James 1:2-5
As always, you can connect with me on Instagram @andreafortenberry or at andreafortenberry.com
*Affiliate Link
In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend, Alli Worthington. Alli is the author of four amazing books, a speaker, and a business coach. She is the mom of five boys and she and her family live outside of Nashville, Tennessee. I love being part of Alli’s intern team, I learn so much from her, I’m sure you will too!
We talk about how to stand strong as a mom, our desire for control, where our true identity lies, self-care, and more!
Some of the things we mention in this episode include:
- Standing Strong***
- Breaking Busy***
- Fierce Faith***
- The Year of Living Happy***
- The Hamilton Soundtrack
You can connect with Alli through:
- alliworthington.com
- Instagram @alliworthington
- The Alli Worthington Show
- Text Superpower to 55444 to take a fun quiz to find out your secret superpower!
When you pre-order Standing Strong*, you'll receive some amazing free bonuses, including a six-week Bible study and a masterclass on finding your calling and living with confidence.
*Affiliate Link
Today I'm chatting with my friend, Becky Baudouin. Becky is a speaker and the author of a brand-new book called Enjoy Every Minute and Other Ridiculous Things We Say to Moms. She is the mom of three daughters, ages 21, 19 and 15. She and her family live outside of Chicago, IL. We talk about how to receive and give mom advice, mom guilt, and how God uses our parenting mistakes for good.
Some of the things we mention include:
- Fledge: Launching Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind* by Brenda Yoder
- Counter-Cultural Parenting* by Lee Nienhuis
- Human(Kind)* by Ashlee Eiland
- Survivor
Connect with Becky through:
- Her website: beckybaudouin.com
- Instagram: @beckybaudouin
- Her book: Enjoy Every Minute and Other Ridiculous Things We Say to Moms***
Would you please take a quick minute to subscribe, rate and review The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering in Apple Podcasts? It would mean so much to me and will help other moms be able to find the podcast.
Also, in a few weeks I'll be doing a special Q&A Episode and I need your questions! Send me a direct message over on Instagram @andreafortenberry.
*Affiliate Link
Today I’m talking with my friend, writer, and speaker, Ginger Ciminello. Ginger is the mom of two girls, a second grader and a preschooler. I’m so grateful to be her friend and have her on the podcast. We talk about how to remember God's faithfulness, how false stories put us in bondage, and practical ways we can intentionally remember God's faithfulness in our lives.
Some of the things we mention include:
- EMDR
- The Next Right Thing Podcast with Emily P. Freeman
- Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God's Word Today* by David R. Helm
- Prince Caspian* by C.S. Lewis
- Vintage by Shane & Shane
Connect with Ginger through:
- Her website: gingerciminello.com
- Facebook: @gingercim
- Instagram @gingercim
- Her book, Forget the Corsage: Life Starts Now***
*Affiliate Link
In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend, Jessica Carey, about how to keep dreaming as a mom. We also discussed how to persevere, praise, and give yourself grace as a mom.
Some of the things we mention include:
- Waymaker
- Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments* by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler
- Fervent* by Priscilla Shirer
- The Armor of God* by Priscilla Shirer
To connect with Jess, you can find her:
- On Instagram @jess_careyaz
- On her website: jessicacarey.com
After we stopped recording, Jess reminded me of some awesome FREE resources on her website about dreaming. Click here to access.
*Affiliate Link
Today I’m talking about how to have peace through a pandemic. Life has certainly been interesting since March and things are constantly changing, but we can still have peace!
Some of the things I mention in today's episode include:
- My 2016 Blog Post: Either Way
- Psalm 146:1-2
- Psalm 52:9
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*** by J.K. Rowling
- The Winding Ways Quilt*** by Jennifer Chiaverini
- Family Reunion
- Family Matters
- My Faith and Summer Playlists on my Pinterest Board
- Beach Body on Demand
- Proverbs 19:21
- James 4:13-15
- 2 Corinthians 5:7
- My Instagram Feed
*Affiliate Link
In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend, Amy Carney, about how to parent on purpose, not for perfection. Amy is the mom of five teenagers and is a speaker and the author of Parent on Purpose.***
Some resources we mention in our conversation:
- Amy's Summer of Significance 2020 Pack (It's just $9!)
- Have More Fun by Mandy Arioto*
To connect with Amy, you can find her on Instagram @amylcarney and on her website amycarney.com.
*Affiliate Link
In this episode, I interview my friend, Melissa Stutz. Melissa is the owner of The Neat and Tidy Space, a professional organizing business. We talk about:
- Two common ways perfectionist moms approach cleaning and organizing and helpful strategies for both
- How to ask for help and accept it
- How to create practices
- How to stay focused
- The 30-Minute Hustle
Melissa's recommendations include:
- Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone*
- Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix*
- Jesus Calling*
- The Year of Living Happy*
To connect with Melissa, head to her website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook: @theneatandtidyspace.
*Affiliate Links
In this episode, I interview my mom, Brenda Fuentes. We talk about:
- What it was like to raise a perfectionist
- How she chose faith over fear as a mom
- How we can trust God with our kids and our mistakes
- How to make confident choices for your family
Great things she recommends include:
- "Rising Strong" by Brene Brown*
To connect with Brenda, head to the I Am Huruma College Fund website or Facebook page.
Hope you enjoyed this episode! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you're listening.
xoxo,
Andrea
*Affiliate Link
Welcome to The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! In this first episode, I share:
- My story with perfectionism and why I started the podcast
- What we'll talk about in future episodes
- What God is teaching me in this season
I also shared some recommendations:
- "Rejection Proof" by Jia Jang*
- The Great British Baking Show
- Spend time with your kids, but also spend time away on you.
- Spend time in God's Word
*Affiliate Link
