Raising Rock

Motherhood is beautiful, messy, and—let’s be honest—overwhelming. Whether you’re home full-time, working 9-5, or somewhere in between, the responsibility of shaping your child’s heart can feel heavy.

That’s why we created the Raising Rock Podcast—a space for honest, grace-filled conversations that equip you to raise children with respect, obedience, courage, and kindness.

Each episode tackles the real challenges of motherhood—faith, discipline, values, daily rhythms, friendship, extended family, lifestyle choices, and everything in between.

Let’s build homes where virtue takes root.

Latest Episodes:

Why the Ordinary Moments of Motherhood Matter to God | Busyness, Interruptions & Faithfulness Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

Motherhood is beautiful. It's also exhausting. Between the laundry, school pickups, meals, interrupted conversations, sleepless nights, and endless to-do lists, many moms wonder if they're missing what God has for them. What if He's been there all along?

In this episode, I'm joined by author Chelsey DeMatteis to discuss her new devotional, Mercy in the Margin, and how God meets mothers in the ordinary moments, unexpected interruptions, messy mistakes, and daily limitations of motherhood.

We talk about one of the greatest lies modern moms have been told: that we should be able to do it all. Chelsey reminds us that God never asked us to be limitless. Instead, He invites us to bring our limitations to Him, where His mercy is more than enough.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with mom guilt, constantly busy, or simply longing to experience God's presence in everyday life, this conversation offers practical encouragement and biblical hope.

We discuss:

Finding God in the ordinary moments of motherhood
Why busyness has become a badge of honor
The difference between being busy and being faithful
Why it's okay to have limits
Letting go of the pressure to do everything
How God meets us in interruptions
Mom guilt and God's grace
Discovering mercy in the middle of mistakes
Practical encouragement for overwhelmed Christian moms
Resting in God's faithfulness during every season of motherhood

If you've ever wondered whether God sees you in the dishes, diapers, carpools, or daily routines, this conversation is for you.

How to connect with Chelsey:

Follow Chelsey on Instagram

Visit Chelsey's website

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

At Raising Rock, we thoughtfully and prayerfully vet the guests we invite onto our podcast. While we are unlikely to feature guests whose beliefs or values stand in direct opposition to the mission and principles of Raising Rock, we also recognize that no two individuals or ministries align perfectly on every issue.

Some of our guests may hold differing opinions, have varying approaches to certain topics, or share content on their personal platforms that does not fully reflect all of Raising Rock's views and convictions. Featuring a guest on our podcast should not be interpreted as a full endorsement of every belief, opinion, product, or piece of content they have shared.

Our desire is to engage in meaningful conversations that encourage families, promote wisdom, and point parents toward raising children with strong character and faith. As always, we encourage our audience to thoughtfully consider all content through the lens of Scripture and with discernment.

Raising Girls in Today's Culture | Identity, Modesty, Crop Tops, Makeup & More (with Nancy Wilson) Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

How do we raise daughters who know who they are in Christ when the world is constantly telling them who they should be?

In this episode, I'm joined by bestselling author Nancy Wilson to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing Christian parents today: raising girls with a secure identity rooted in Jesus instead of culture.

We talk about why a daughter's confidence begins long before the teenage years, how mothers can cultivate security from childhood through high school, and why feeling deeply loved at home changes everything.

We also tackle many of the questions parents are asking today:

Crop tops
Makeup
Fake nails
Spray tans
Two piece bathing suits
Modesty
Friendships
Social media
"Snoopervising"
Preparing daughters for the teenage years
Building confidence without pride
Helping girls find their identity in Christ

Rather than offering a list of rules, Nancy shares biblical wisdom for raising daughters whose hearts are anchored in Christ and whose confidence isn't determined by culture. Whether you're raising a preschooler, elementary-aged daughter, tween, or teenager, this conversation will encourage you with practical wisdom for every stage.

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Missing Conversation in Hormone Health: A Biblical Perspective Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Hormone health has become one of the biggest conversations among women today. From cortisol and cycle syncing to nutrition, supplements, and hormone balancing, there's no shortage of advice.

But what if we're asking the wrong first question? In this episode, we're stepping away from the typical hormone health conversation to ask something even more foundational - what does the Bible actually have to say about our health?

Joining me is Anna Melendez of The Fresh Pursuit to discuss how Scripture shapes the way we pursue wellness, steward our bodies, manage stress, embrace rest, and trust God in every season.

This isn't an episode about the newest supplement or the latest hormone protocol. It's about building a biblical foundation that influences every health decision we make.

Whether you're struggling with hormone imbalance, chronic stress, burnout, fatigue, or simply want to honor God with your body, this conversation will encourage you to pursue health with wisdom instead of striving.

In this episode we discuss:
• What the Bible says about caring for our bodies
• Stewardship versus making health an idol
• Why Jesus' pace matters for our health
• The connection between stress, rest, and women's health
• How Christian women can pursue wellness without anxiety
• Practical encouragement for building healthy rhythms that glorify God

How to connect with Anna:

Follow Anna on Instagram @the.fresh.pursuit

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to Know What's a Biblical Command... and What's a Family Preference Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

As Christian parents, it's easy to give every issue the same weight. Screen time. Bedtimes. Music. Smartphones. Lying. Stealing.

But should they all be treated the same?

In this episode, we're introducing a simple framework that's changing conversations in our own home: Is this a moral issue... or is this our family's preference?

We'll talk about the difference between God's clear commands in Scripture and the ways individual families faithfully apply biblical wisdom. More importantly, we'll discuss why that distinction matters and how confusing the two can unintentionally shape the way our children think about God, sin, and obedience.

Our goal isn't to raise children who simply follow our family rules. It's to raise children who know how to seek the Lord, understand His Word, and faithfully apply it throughout their lives. We also created a free discussion guide to help your family continue the conversation together.

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

⁠⁠ ⁠

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to Help Someone Who Is Grieving (Without Saying "Let Me Know What You Need") Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Grief touches every one of us, yet so many of us feel completely unprepared when someone we love experiences a devastating loss. We want to help. We want to say the right thing. But too often, our words unintentionally place even more weight on the person who is already carrying so much.

In this episode, we sit down with Pam McConnell, former Vice President at Nike. After walking through the heartbreaking loss of her husband and other profound personal losses, Pam has dedicated her life to helping others navigate grief with compassion, wisdom, and practical care. She challenges one of the most common phrases we say to grieving people—"Let me know what you need"—and offers a more thoughtful, Christlike way to come alongside those who are hurting.

Whether you're grieving yourself or simply want to love someone else well, this conversation will equip you with practical ways to show up, meaningful encouragement rooted in empathy, and a better understanding of what people experiencing loss truly need. This is one of those conversations every person should hear—because sooner or later, every one of us will either grieve or walk alongside someone who is.

Check out Pam's new podcast

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Divorce, Remarriage & Blended Families: A Christian Guide to Helping Your Kids Thrive Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Divorce changes a family forever, but it doesn't have to define its future. Whether you're walking through a divorce, raising children in a blended family, co-parenting with an ex-spouse, or considering remarriage, this conversation offers biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and realistic expectations for the road ahead.

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Petherbridge, author of The Smart Stepmom and a trusted voice on stepfamilies, remarriage, and divorce recovery. Together, we talk honestly about how divorce impacts children, why blended families are often more challenging than people expect, common mistakes couples make when entering remarriage, and practical ways to build stronger, healthier relationships. Laura's wisdom is compassionate, realistic, and deeply rooted in Scripture.

Whether you're a child of divorce, a single parent, a stepparent, remarried, dating after divorce, or simply want to better understand and support families walking this road, this is an episode you'll want to save and share.

How to connect with Laura:

Visit her website The Smart Stepmom

Follow her on Instagram

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

⁠On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Should Parents Post Their Kids Online? A Conversation About Sharenting Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Every photo, funny story, milestone, and parenting moment can now be shared with the world in just a few seconds. But just because we can post something about our children, should we? In this episode, we sit down with Leah Plunkett, author of Sharenthood, for one of the most thoughtful conversations we've had about raising kids in a digital age. Rather than telling parents what they should or shouldn't post, this conversation invites us to think more intentionally about how we steward our children's stories.

Together, we explore what it means to protect not only our children's physical privacy, but also their emotional, spiritual, mental, and digital privacy. We discuss the lasting digital footprints we create for our kids, how to think critically before sharing online, and practical questions every parent can ask before hitting "post." Whether you're someone who shares often or rarely, this episode offers biblical wisdom and thoughtful perspective for navigating social media in a way that honors both our children and the responsibility God has given us as parents.

How to connect with Leah Plunkett:

Follow Leah on Instagram

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

⁠⁠ ⁠

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Truth About Reading Struggles: What Every Parent Should Know Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

John Corcoran’s story is almost unbelievable. He graduated from college, became a high school teacher, and spent 17 years in the classroom, all while unable to read. He finally learned to read as an adult, and what happened next turned his greatest struggle into his life’s work.

In this episode, we sit down with John, author of The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read and founder of the John Corcoran Foundation, along with his granddaughter Kayla Schiedler, who has spent years working alongside him in literacy. John has shared his story on 20/20, 60 Minutes and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and has spent decades advocating for people who struggle to read. His foundation works to prevent and eradicate illiteracy by helping children and adults learn to read and supporting effective literacy instruction.

Kayla grew up around that mission and has made it her own, finding so much joy in helping struggling readers and their families, including ours.

This is a fascinating conversation about John’s incredible story, the reading crisis in America, what we misunderstand about kids who struggle to read, and the hope that comes when they finally receive the instruction they need.

If you have a child who struggles with reading, or you simply want to better understand how children learn to read, don’t miss this one.

How to connect with John and Kayla:

Watch The Truth About Reading documentary

Follow The John Corcoran Foundation on Instagram

Follow The Truth About Reading on Instagram

Follow Kayla Schiedler on Instagram

For more on the politics and influences that have shaped how reading is taught in America, listen to Sold a Story by journalist Emily Hanford.

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How Genesis Shapes Your Child's Identity (And Why It Matters More Than Ever) Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

What if the first few chapters of Genesis shape far more than just what our children believe about creation?

In this episode, we're joined by children's author Hannah Pierrou to talk about why Genesis lays the foundation for a child's understanding of identity, purpose, truth, and ultimately the gospel itself.

Together we discuss:

• Why every child needs a biblical foundation beginning in Genesis

• What it means that our children were created on purpose and for a purpose

• How the gospel is woven into the story of creation

• The true meaning and significance of the rainbow

• Helping children understand God's design in an age of confusion

• Practical ways to make biblical truth come alive through books, conversations, and everyday moments

• Building meaningful bedtime routines that disciple our children

Whether your kids are toddlers or elementary-aged, this conversation will encourage you to intentionally lay a biblical foundation that can shape the rest of their lives. If you've ever wondered where to begin when teaching your children a biblical worldview, this episode is a great place to start.

How to connect with Hannah:

Follow Treehouse Storyteller on Instagram

Visit the Treehouse Storyteller website.

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to Do Devotions With Your Kids? Start With 3 Minutes a Day Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

You want to disciple your kids. You want God's Word to be part of your family's everyday life. But between school, sports, dinner, bedtime, and everything else competing for your attention, family devotions can feel like one more thing you're not doing well enough.

What if you started with just three minutes?

In this special episode of the Raising Rock Podcast, Ann and Elise introduce Pebbles: A Daily Devotional for Kids, a new Monday-through-Friday audio devotional designed to help families bring biblical truth into the ordinary moments of everyday life.

But Pebbles didn't begin as a podcast idea. It began with more than 5,000 devotionals handwritten over fifteen years by Ann's father and Elise's grandfather, Pastor Dick Dresselhaus. Just days before he passed away, an idea emerged: What if the biblical truths he had spent years praying over and sharing with adults could be carried forward to the next generation?

That idea became Pebbles.

Each episode is less than three minutes and takes a biblical truth, principle, or idea from one of his original One for the Road messages and reshapes it for children, ending with a simple question families can use to keep the conversation going.

Listen during breakfast. Turn it on during the drive to school. Play it on the way to practice. Three minutes. One biblical truth. One opportunity to start a conversation that might matter far beyond today.

In this episode, Ann and Elise share the story behind Pebbles, why they created it, how families can use it, and why discipling our kids doesn't always have to mean adding something big to an already-full day.

Pebbles: A Daily Devotional for Kids is available Monday through Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Find Pebbles on Spotify

Find Pebbles on You Tube

Find Pebbles on Apple

⁠⁠How to connect with Raising Rock:

Learn more about ⁠Raising Rock⁠.

Follow Raising Rock on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Pinterest⁠.

⁠⁠ ⁠

On our website, you’ll find our products and merch, parenting tools and resources, and a deeper look into who we are and the heart behind Raising Rock.

On the Resources page, you’ll also discover free downloads created just for families—practical tools to help you raise a ROCK, a Playlist For The Heart, and more.

As a thank-you for being a podcast listener, enjoy 20% off your first order with code PODCAST20 (one-time use per customer).

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.