The Connected Mom

Latest Episodes:

Wake Up Your Faith Dec 11, 2025

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In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling welcomes actress and author Jen Lilley, who shares her journey of motherhood, faith, and her new devotional, 'Wake Up Your Faith.' Jen discusses the challenges of balancing her acting career with raising four children, the importance of prayer in decision-making, and her personal struggles with an eating disorder. The conversation emphasizes the need for daily encounters with Jesus and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, Jen Lilley shares her personal journey of overcoming bulimia and the importance of trusting God in the healing process. She discusses the role of counseling, the balance between boldness and gentleness in faith, and the significance of living out love in daily life. Jen emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to health and the importance of support systems for those struggling with eating disorders. She encourages listeners to focus on Jesus as the standard for love and boldness in their lives.

Jen’s book: Wake Up Your Faith

Advent For Your Kids Dec 04, 2025

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In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling welcomes author Julie Lavender to discuss her journey in writing children's books, including her latest works focused on Advent. Julie shares her experiences as a writer, the joy of collaborating with her husband, and the importance of creating meaningful connections through literature. The conversation highlights the significance of instilling a love for reading in children and the role of faith in their upbringing. Julie's books aim to engage young readers and encourage family traditions, making them valuable resources for parents.

Julie’s Book: Children’s Advent Stories For Bedtime

https://mitchelllanepub.com/

https://thecreativecompany.us/

Happy Thanksgiving 2025 Nov 27, 2025

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Blending Reading and Outdoor Adventure Nov 20, 2025

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Becky and Amanda Cleary Eastep continue the series on children’s books.

AMANDA CLEARY EASTEP is an award-winning children’s author and a book editor. She works in a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, but she has lived most of her life in the suburbs of Chicago, the home of the Tree Street Kids. Amanda and her husband, together, have eight grown children and a border collie named Annie who wakes Amanda up early every morning to write.

Tree Street Kids Set

The Heart of Parenting: Teaching Kids About God Nov 13, 2025

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In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling engages with Sue Schlesman, co-author of the Compassion Storybook Bible. They discuss the importance of teaching children about God's compassion, understanding sin and grace, and the role of empathy and peacemaking in family dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional parenting and the significance of explaining spiritual concepts in a simple, relatable manner. They also touch on the idea of heaven and how to help children understand it without fear. The episode concludes with resources for parents to foster a compassionate and faith-filled environment for their children.

Sue's book - The Compassion Storybook Bible

Cultivating a Love of Reading With Your Child Nov 06, 2025

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In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky discusses the importance of cultivating a love of reading in children. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares strategies for parents and grandparents to encourage reading, including reading to children from a young age, understanding their interests, and modeling a love for books. The episode emphasizes the joy and connection that reading can bring to families, and invites listeners to join in the journey of fostering a love for reading in their children.

Fierce Self-Advocacy for Moms Oct 30, 2025

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In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host discusses the often-taboo topics of mental health, particularly in the context of motherhood and the church. Guest Jennifer Renee Watson shares her personal journey with PTSD, self-advocacy, and the importance of emotional support. They explore the challenges of navigating toxic relationships, the impact of gaslighting, and the realities of seasonal depression. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the role of counseling, and the importance of breaking the cycle of shame surrounding mental health issues.

Her book - What If You're Doing Better Than You Think? Finding Courage and Confidence When Life Gets Messy

Hope In Impossible Odds Oct 23, 2025

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In this heartfelt episode of The Connected Mom, host Becky engages in a profound conversation with Ash Ruddy, a mother who shares her incredible journey of faith and resilience after giving birth to a premature baby. They discuss the challenges faced in the NICU, the power of worship in bonding with her child, and the miraculous experiences that shaped their lives. Ash emphasizes the importance of surrendering control to God and recognizing the supernatural in everyday life, offering encouragement to mothers navigating their own difficult journeys.

Ash’s book: Twenty-Four + One: A Mother’s Story of Faith, Love, and Miracles

The Importance of Patience in Raising a Child with Special Needs Oct 16, 2025

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In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host discusses the journey of Shari Bailey, a mother of twin girls, one of whom has Jacobsen syndrome. Shari shares her experiences of caregiving, the challenges she faced, and how she found purpose in her journey. She talks about the creation of Laila's Gift, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting families with special needs children, and the development of the Zigglebee's Imagination Book and an Infomate device to foster creativity and safety for children with special needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, hope, and the unique gifts that special needs children bring to their families.

Shari Bailey, co-founder of Zigglebee whose mission is to thoughtful tools for connection, creativity, and safety.

https://zigglebee.com/about/our-story/

Chaos and Community: Parenting in Real Life Oct 09, 2025

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In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky engages in a heartfelt conversation with Paul Gutacker about the journey of parenting, the importance of community, and the Brazos Fellows program. They discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, the significance of inviting others into family life, and how shared experiences can foster spiritual growth and connection. Paul emphasizes the need for grace in navigating different parenting styles within community and the value of commitment in relationships, especially in today's culture of opting out. In this conversation, Paul Gutacker discusses the importance of community life as exemplified by St. Benedict, the significance of stability in relationships, and how to engage children with the church calendar. He emphasizes the need for cultivating curiosity and wonder in kids, as well as the spiritual discipline of listening in parenting. The discussion highlights practical ways to incorporate these themes into family life and the importance of doing life together in a community.

Paul’s book: Practicing Life Together: A Common Rule for Christian Growth

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