Elevating Motherhood

Latest Episodes:

185. A Bible for Dyslexia and ADHD: Making Scripture More Accessible with Laura Bartlett Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

If you’ve ever wanted to read the Bible more consistently but struggled to stay focused — or if you have a child who getsfrustrated, distracted, or overwhelmed by reading — today’s episode is especially for you.

In our last conversation, we talked about dyslexia for the first time on the show. And one of the questions that came up again and again was, What does support actually look like in everyday life? Not just in schoolwork — but in faith, too.

Today, we’re continuing that conversation in an interview with Laura Bartlett, Associate Publisher for ZondervanBibles, about a Bible designed specifically for readers withdyslexia and ADHD: the Clear Focus Bible.

This Bible uses Bionic Reading typography — a research-based layout that highlights parts of words to help the brain recognize them more easily, guiding the eyes across the page and improving focus and comprehension. For many readers, this removes the constant friction that makes reading feelexhausting or discouraging.

The Clear Focus Bible is being released throughZondervan, and it represents something really important to me: the idea that struggling to read doesn’t mean someone is less spiritual, less disciplined, or less capable of connecting with God’s Word.

This isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about accessibility. It’s about removing unnecessary barriers so more people — kids and adults alike — can engage with Scripture with confidence instead of frustration.

This episode is part of an ongoing commitment on this podcast to talk honestly about learning differences, faith, and motherhood — and while this conversation started with dyslexia, it certainly won’t end there.

Buy the Clear Focus Bible for Kids Here: https://amzn.to/3ZGgPEs

Buy the Clear Focus Bible for Adults Here:

https://amzn.to/40apTlc

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

184. Dyslexia in Children: Signs, Questions, and What Moms Need to Know (with Jen Parra) Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

Dyslexia touches so many families. And so many of us quietly wonder if our own child might have dyslexia. My kid wrote a letter backwards…now what?

For the first time on the Elevating Motherhood Podcast, we’re having a dedicated conversation about dyslexia — and while this is our first episode on the topic, it definitely won’t be the last. This is a conversation many moms are already having in their heads, often without clear answers or support.

I’m joined today by Jen Parra, who brings clarity, experience, and a calm, grounded approach to a topic that can feel overwhelming. We talk about what dyslexia actually is,how it can show up in kids, and what moms can do next — without panic, labels for the sake of labels, or unnecessary fear.

This episode is for moms who are noticing patterns, asking questions, or simply wanting to understand their child moreclearly. My hope is that this conversation offers reassurance, practical insight, and a reminder that struggling doesn’t mean failing — and understanding changes everything.

Jen’s Bio: Jen Parra founded the Multisensory Reading Center in 2015 and has over 20 years of experience working with children who have learning disabilities including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and SLD. Her passion is using science-based interventions to unlock literacy for all students. Jen has anM.Ed. from Midwestern State University with an emphasis in dyslexia and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida. Jen is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) through the Academic Language TherapyAssociation and a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS) with the International Dyslexia Association.

Dyslexia is a neurobiological difference in the way the brain attempts to read and spell our written language. Through the use of research-backed learning practices, we can build the literacy capacity of struggling readers and writers so they canreach their academic goals.

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

Jen's Links:

Website: www.dyslexiasite.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msrcenter
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/jenparra/
Instagram: @multisensoryreadingcenter37

183. Simplify Your Homeschool: Lessons from Carrie De Francisco Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Homeschooling is rewarding — but it can also feelmessy, overwhelming, and full of pressure. Choosing curricula, scheduling lessons, balancing priorities — it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in decisions. It’s common for homeschool parents to question whether they are doing enough or even if they are doing it right.

Today, I’m talking with Carrie De Francisco, author, podcaster, homeschool coach, and “retired” home educator. Carrie knows firsthand how chaotic homeschooling can feel, and she’s written A Home Education Handbook: NineQuestions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning to help parents cut through the clutter and focus on what truly matters.

Carrie helps parents simplify homeschooling onestep at a time, without losing the joy or the faith-centered foundation that matters most. She’s the voice behind the Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Help podcastand the author of multiple homeschooling guides, including Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee) and Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education.

In this conversation, we dig into her approach toasking the right questions, embracing balance, and creating a homeschool that actually works for your family — not someone else’s. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about next steps, this episode is packed withpractical insights and encouragement to get you moving forward confidently.

Get Carrie’s Book Here: ⁠https://amzn.to/4c9TFO7

Join me for my next homeschool planning retreat! www.elevatinghomeschool.com

Homeschool Moms...imagine getting away for a fewdays at a 9,000 sq ft lodge on Lake Coeur d’Alene in beautiful North Idaho where you can walk along the lake, hike nearby trails, or relax in the lodge’s private hot tub. That’s exactly what I’m offering at the Elevating Homeschool SpringRetreat this May 15-17th, 2026. I’m hosting a small group ofhomeschool mamas at Lutherhaven Lodge where you’ll enjoy a 2 night vacation, 5 meals you don’t have to cook, threehomeschool planning workshops, fireside chats, a game night, and two live worship music sessions.

The Elevating Homeschool Spring Retreat is for moms who are ready to step back, breathe, and plan their upcoming homeschool with confidence, surrounded by other moms who truly understand the journey.

Spots are limited, so grab your homeschool besties,reserve a room together, and head to www.elevatinghomeschool.com to sign up!

182. Why I Created a Homeschool Planning Retreat for Moms Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

SIGN UP FOR THE RETREAT HERE

In this episode, I’m sharing the heart behind the Elevating Homeschool Spring 2026 Retreat I’m hosting — why it exists, who it’s for, and what makes it different from other events.

This retreat was created for homeschool moms who are doing the work, loving their kids, and showing up daily — but who need space to pause, reflect, and plan with intention. Not to hustle harder. Not to overhaul everything. Just to think clearly again.

We talk about why planning matters, the power of stepping away from everyday noise, and how thoughtful connection with other moms can be just as impactful as the workshops themselves.

If you’ve been craving clarity, confidence, and a reset as you head into your next homeschool season, this episode is for you.

Why this homeschool retreat exists
Who the retreat is for (and who it’s not)
What makes this retreat different from typical homeschool events
The heart behind the homeschool planning workshops
Why getting away from daily life changes everything
The role of meaningful community and conversation
What I hope moms feel when they leave

You’re committed to homeschooling but feeling scattered or stretched
You want thoughtful planning, not pressure or comparison
You need space to reflect, pray, and think without interruption
You’re craving clarity, connection, and renewed confidence

My hope is that moms leave this retreat feeling lighter, steadier, and more confident — with a clear sense of direction and excitement for the season ahead.

If this episode resonates and you’ve been feeling that nudge to step away and plan with intention, I’d love to invite you to join us.

Retreat Info: www.elevatinghomeschool.com

181. Words Like Honey: Why the Way We Talk to Our Kids Matters So Much with Author Amy Hughes Jan 25, 2026

Show notes

Today’s conversation is a special one.

I’m joined by Amy Hughes, author of Words Like Honey,a book that gently reminds us of the power our words carry, especially in our closest relationships. Amy writes with honesty and tenderness about how our speech shapes the atmosphere of our homes, the hearts of our children, and eventhe way we see ourselves. (And she does it in such a way that she doesn’t make moms feel like jerks when our words aren’t like honey).

This isn’t a conversation about saying everything perfectly or getting it right all the time. It’s about becoming more aware, more intentional, and more compassionate with the words we choose, especially on the hard days.

In this episode, Amy and I talk about motherhood, faith, grace, and what it looks like to let our words be a source of life rather than pressure. If you’ve ever wished you could rewind amoment and speak differently, or if you’re longing for a softer, more peaceful tone in your home, this conversation is for you.

Amy’s Bio: Amy Hughes is a mother of nine, a writer, a speaker, and a parenting coach living on the central coast of California. A featured writer for Wild + Free, Amy is a sought-after keynote and conference speaker and has been published in Scary Mommy, (in)Courage, Simplify Magazine, The Fallow House, The Natural Family, Rhythm of the Home, Christian Unschooling, and more. She reads too many books and drinks too much coffee, plus she thinks she’s incredibly funny.

I’m so grateful to share Amy and her work with you today.

Get Amy’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4rSlZsU

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

180. Marriage Transformed: A Story of Redemption with Tim & Kathy Bush Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

Last week, we began a conversation about marriage—not the highlight-reel version, but the honest, complicated, sometimes fragile reality that so many couples live inside of. And today, we’re continuing that conversation in a deeper way.

Tim and Kathy Bush join me to share their story —a marriage that began on shaky ground and nearly ended in complete destruction. Their relationship was marked by infidelity, trauma, addiction, and secrets that stayed hidden for years. And yet, this is not a story that ends in heartbreak. It’s a story of what can happen when the truth is brought into the light, when pretending stops, and when hope arrives in a way no amount of effort could manufacture.

Their book, Sex on the First Date, is raw, courageous, and deeply redemptive — and this conversation reflects that same honesty. Whether your marriage feels like it’s barely holding together, quietly drifting, or strong but still growing… orwhether you’re not married at all, there is wisdom here for every relationship and a reminder that no story is too broken to be transformed. Buy the book here: https://amzn.to/3Zh0HZJ

The Bush Bios: Tim and Kathy Bush are the authors of Sex on the First Date: A Story of a Broken Beginning to a Radically Transformed Marriage. They have been married since 1982 and are the proud parents of three children, three in-law children, eight grandchildren and one dog. They are speakers as well as FamilyLife affiliate staff, who share their story at marriage conferences and retreats across the country. They founded War Room Ministries (warroomministries.com), which has served to strengthen men, marriages, families and churches and to develop Christian character through redemption, relationships and resilience. Tim and Kathy have received countless responses of gratitude for openly discussing the shame that comes from searching for happiness in all the wrong places.
Tim is retired from thirty-five years in the automobile business and is an entrepreneur in real estate and business development, having owned businesses since just out of high school. Kathy has been a homemaker and esthetician who studied at Euro Institute of Skin Care and is retired from running her own spa and skin care business. They both enjoydrinking coffee, walking and traveling. They love spending time with their kids and grandkids, praying and reading God’s Word and worshiping God and going to churchtogether. They also stay very busy serving together at marriage events, and partnering with other couples who have a passion for marriages. And you might be interested to know they also recently moved to North Idaho.

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Please visit our sponsors:

www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

179. How to Speak Life to Your Husband (When All You Want to Do is Yell at Him) with Ann Wilson Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

Today’s episode might surprise you — especially if you’ve ever thought, “If my husband would just change, our marriage would be easier…” (You're not alone in this thought...)

I’m sitting down with Ann Wilson, speaker, author, and co-host of FamilyLife Today, to talk about her latest book How toSpeak Life to Your Husband —a book born out of real-life frustration, honest mistakes, and a total shift in how she used her words at home. Ann doesn’t sugar-coat anything. She shows us how encouragement, respect, and truth-filled communication can actually reshape our marriages — not by pretending, but by learning how powerful our voices really are. If you’ve ever felt stuck, misunderstood, or just tired ofrepeating the same arguments… this conversation is going to give you hope, tools, and a whole new perspective.

Ann’s Bio: Ann Wilson has served with her husband for more than twenty-five years, co-founding Kensington Community Church, speaking at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember®, and hosting their own marriage conferences across the country. They live in the Detroit area, and have three grownsons, CJ, Austin, and Cody; three daughters-in-law; and seven grandchildren.

Ann’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveannwilson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveAnnWilson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveAnnWilson

Her Book: https://amzn.to/49fPXAM

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge

Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

178. 12 Things I’m Doing Differently Next Christmas Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

Every year December sneaks up on moms — the traditions, the sugar, the sickness, the parties, the pressure. This episode is all about what I’m doing differently next Christmas to create a calmer, healthier, more intentional holiday season for our family. From planning ahead and simplifying gifts to supporting our kids’ immune systems and downsizing expectations, I’m sharing practical changes that reduce stress, protect our peace, and let us actually enjoy Christmasagain. If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to do the holidays,” this conversation is for you.

Things I’mdoing different next Christmas/December:

1. I’m going to create a bin in the garage that I store gifts in

2. I’m going to buy gifts throughout the year

3. Order Christmas jammies in September/October

4. Start probiotics for the kids in August

* Immune probiotic chewable from Dr. Elisa Song of Healthy Kids Happy Kids

* Link to probiotics: https://healthykidshappykids.com (Dr. Song Probiotics)

5. Start Vitamin D in September

* Favorite Vitamin D: https://amzn.to/3YTMVvV (MaryRuth’s)

6. I’m going to plan for the holidays at the beginning of October and order what I need to order and place celebrations on the calendar. This includes:

* My son’s birthday party (find the balance with holidays + December birthdays!)

* St Lucia Day

* Martinmas (lantern walk)

* Christmas Eve Eve party (do we want to host for an 11th year?)

* I’m not going to host homeschool group at my house in December…we’ll plan outdoor outings & adventures instead

8. Use bleach wipes when I hear about norovirus (I’m semi crunchy, okay?)

* Favorite non-crunchy wipes: https://amzn.to/3YV0bjX(Clorox Free & Clear)

9. Have grape juice, activated charcoal, and grapefruit seed extract on hand for stomach stuff

* Favorite grape juice: https://amzn.to/4sql5VF (Organic Grape Juice)

* Favorite activated charcoal: https://amzn.to/4q8CdxM(Activated Charcoal)

* Favorite GSE: https://amzn.to/4plY2IO (Grapefruit Seed Extract)

10. Have pineapple juice & gelatin on hand for coughs

* Favorite pineapple juice: https://amzn.to/49mqrsk (Pineapple Ginger)

* Favorite gelatin: https://amzn.to/3LdfqSg (Gelatin Powder)

11. Limit sugar to outings and parties only (instead of giving in to all the sugar temptations & offerings of December)—make sugar a sometimes habit instead of a daily habit

12. Open windows as a daily habit—make this a daily habit instead of a sometimes one

To summarize, we’re going to continue to downsize Christmas & aim for less stress and better health. I feel like there is an undercurrent in American motherhood culture that is leaning that direction…and I’m going to ride that undercurrent!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge

Please Visit Our Sponsors:

www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

177. The Children’s Literature Conversation Every Parent Needs to Hear with Kiri Jorgensen Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

This episode is a true meeting of the minds. Kiri Jorgensen and I both bring years of passion and experience in children’sliterature to the table—and this conversation might just change the way you see your family’s bookshelf.

The world of children’s publishing has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. What once felt simple and safe is now layered with hidden social agendas and stories thatoften work against the virtues we’re trying to nurture in our kids.

If you’ve ever been told that “as long as they’re reading, it’s fine,” this episode will gently challenge that idea. Not every book deserves a place in your child’s hands, and discernment matters more than ever.

We’re diving deep into how to spot truly good books, why quality matters more than quantity, and what you can do to raise thoughtful, well-read kids in today’s publishing climate.

Parents—you do not want to miss this one.

Kiri’s Bio: Kiri Jorgensen is the Publisher andSenior Editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, and most importantly wife and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans almost three decades with perspective from many angles—writer, editor, organization leader, and writing instructor forboth kids and adults. She also taught school for 16 years where she specialized in gifted and rural education. She loves all books middle grade, but in her heart, she is a teacher. Chicken Scratch Books lets her combine all her passions. Besides the world of teaching and story, Kiri loves gardening, sewing quilts, being in nature, and bragging about her four amazing kids. She lives with her husband and a plethora of animals in rural Montana, where she cooks her meals on a wood-burning cookstove and is grateful every day for being right where she is.

In this episode, Kiri & I talk about:

* Chicken Scratch Books: middle grade fiction without hidden social agendas

* Traditional American values

* Why Kiri started Chicken Scratch Books

* The drastic shift in children’s publishing world—and why we should be concerned as parents

* Quality, clean literature for kids

* How motherhood changed my perspective

* Writers are required to bring liberal agendainto their

* The political agenda in children’s literature

* Kids don’t naturally connect over demographics

* Relatable motives are what connects kids to a character

* How my degrees in children’s literature are for my kids more than anything else

* Podcast Docu-series: Sold A Story

* Books are competing with short attention spans

* Parents are so desperate for their kids to readanything that they’ll hand them anything regardless

* Don’t choose books based on what is most popular

* Character development in books affects our children’s budding character

* Children are vulnerable and impressionable—the children’spublishing world takes advantage of this

* Practical things parents can do to seek out decent children’s literature* “Books and media can be really powerful tools toteach and reinforce the virtues that you want instilled in your kids”

* Have a kid who doesn’t want to read? Doread-alouds!

* Every parent has power“Embrace who you are, where you are, and lookfor ways to be grateful for each of the experiences that you’re having alongthe way because they do culminate into what you become.” -Kiri Jorgensen

* AND MORE!

Chicken Scratch Books Links:

https://chickenscratchbooks.com

@chickenscratchbooks on IG and FB@CSBooks4 on X

Elevating Motherhood Links:

www.elevatingmotherhood.com

www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Please Visit Today’s Sponsors:

www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

176. Toothpillow: How It Works, Why It Matters, & My Honest Mom Review Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Guest: Brianna Reiser, Vice President of Experience at Toothpillow

Overview: In this episode, we explore the incredible impact of Toothpillow, a comprehensive airway health program for kids, with Brianna Reiser—an experienced dental professional whose personal journey led her to this work. We dive into the “why” behind Toothpillow, how it works, and my personal experience using it with my daughter.

In This Episode:

Meet Brianna Reiser

14+ years in dentistry
Lost her mother to sleep apnea, which led to her passion for airway health
Now VP of Experience at Toothpillow, working to make airway care accessible

Why Airway Dentistry Matters

Underdeveloped jaws: a growing epidemic
Root causes of crooked teeth (not just cosmetic!)
Cultural factors: diet, breastfeeding challenges, and lack of support for oral development
The danger of “band-aid” approaches (like wisdom teeth removal without cause investigation)

What Toothpillow Is & How It Works

A two-year, app-supported airway health program
Includes myofunctional exercises, nasal hygiene, and tongue tie assessments
Guides kids through face muscle training and jaw development
Three current competitors: Healthy Start Habit Corrector, MyoBrace, and Vivos Guides
Toothpillow is a full program—not just a single device

What Makes It Different

Every child is assigned a dentist and a virtual dental assistant through the app
Personalized coaching and ongoing support available to parents
Not every child is a fit (about 30% are not recommended to proceed)
Compliance is supported through encouragement and tracking

Common Signs of Airway Struggles in Kids: