The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

Latest Episodes:

The Love Language That Matters Most with Dr. Leslie Parrott Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

Did you know Dr. Gary Chapman has teamed up with Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott to write a follow up book to his bestselling 5 Love Languages book?

Dr. Leslie Parrott joins Arlene today to talk about the new book, "The Love Language That Matters Most." While most of us know the five love languages, Leslie reveals that each language has specific "dialects" that can make or break how love is received. You will learn how to personalize love so your spouse, child, family member, or friend can really feel it.

Leslie explains why the love language that matters most is the OTHER persons (not yours), how to stay curious, and the power of asking, "What is one thing I could do to fill your love tank this week?"

04:12 - The love language that matters most is THEIRS, not yours

05:28 - The role of curiosity in loving well

10:08 - How to understand and best utilize love language "dialects"

19:25 - Loving your children in their love language

22:04 - How to adjust when your child becomes a teenager

24:37 - The power of brief connections with adult children

25:47 - Sometimes space and time ARE love

26:10 - The heart behind the book: Helping people deeply feel loved

Connect with Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott at lesandleslie.com and grab their new book with Dr. Gary Chapman The Love Language that Matters Most anywhere books are sold or at 5LoveLanguages.com

Take the Premium Love Language Assessment here

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the FREE CHECKLIST to find out the 7 warning signs of screen overload.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

Learn more about Every Woman's Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q0427v7r0

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. Gary Chapman - Loving Your Teen, Even When You're Not Getting Along Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Does your teen get angry? The answer is probably yes--leaving you with the question, "What do I do about it?" Dr. Gary Chapman joins us to talk about his new book, A Teen’s Guide to Conflict: How to Deal with Drama, Manage Anger, and Make Things Right. Tune in for practical ways parents can guide teenagers through anger, disrespect, and lack of motivation.

It turns out you can show up in a loving way even if your teen doesn't. Dr. Chapman emphasizes using loving consequences, modeling honor and responsibility, distinguishing healthy vs. unhealthy anger, building connection through shared experiences, and using books/discussion to help teens mature emotionally and relationally. We'll talk about:

01:37 Why rules & consequences are loving

04:38 Handling disrespect and teaching honor

11:35 Anger management, good vs. bad anger, confronting wrong kindly

17:50 Escaping victim mentality & returning good for evil

28:04 How to motivate withdrawn teens & the importance of dialogue

Pick up a copy of A Teen's Guide To Conflict and Dr. Chapman's other books including The Love Language That Matters Most at 5lovelanguages.com.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

Learn more about Every Woman's Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q0427v7r0

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Four Steps That Saved Our Marriage with Ron and Nan Deal Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Struggling to break free from the same old conflicts in your relationship?

When Ron and Nan Deal suffered the devastating loss of their child, their marriage could have collapsed. For decades, Ron and Nan were stuck in destructive cycles, experiencing ruptures without repair. They sought help from Dr. Terry and Sharon Hargrave whose transformational Restoration Therapy has helped millions.

Now for the first time, Ron and Nan share their journey from a marriage on the brink of collapse to complete transformation. It happened for them and it can happen for you. Their new book is "The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself."

On today's episode, they open up about how they kept repeating negative patterns—despite loving God and each other—until they learned to manage themselves rather than trying to fix each other. Let's listen in as Ron and Nan give practical tools to find peace through humility and Biblical truth.

02:42 The crisis point: when their marriage was coming apart

06:21 Ruptures vs. repair in relationships

09:12 Am I "dysregulated"?

13:09 The shift from fixing your spouse to fixing yourself

18:56 How seeking help and humility can change everything

21:23 These four steps transformed our marriage

30:14 Why saying the steps out loud is critical

33:36 What to do when past trauma gets triggered

37:12 Surviving amidst devastating loss: The story of losing their son Connor

Stay connected with Ron and Nan Deal and their ministries at rondeal.org.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

Learn more about Every Woman's Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q0427v7r0

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's Not More Talking, It's Better Words: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs on Love and Respect Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, bestselling author of Love and Respect (2.3+ million copies sold), shares fresh insights from his new book Lightbulb Moments in Marriage. Drawing from his work with over 4,000 couples and 52 years of marriage to his wife Sarah, Dr. Eggerichs reveals why couples often feel miles apart when they're really just inches away from breakthrough.

In this episode, we'll discover the biblical foundation of the love and respect connection, uncover practical ways to get out of the "Crazy Cycle," and learn how to establish our marriages in Christ first and foremost.

02:15 How to begin transforming a marriage (miles vs. inches)

06:25 Doing marriage unto Jesus even when it's hard

09:40 Why marital satisfaction flows from spiritual satisfaction

17:58 The facts: men feel disrespected, women feel unloved in conflict

20:49 – How to believe your spouse has goodwill (1 Cor 7 insight)

23:54 – The 80/20 principle & not defining your spouse by snapshot moments

25:11 – Women tend to rehearse negatives → practical steps on shifting mindsets

28:40 – Speak his language: "I need your strength" vs. criticism

Learn more from Dr. Emerson Eggerichs at loveandrespect.com and buy his new book Lightbulb Moments in Marriage anywhere books are sold.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Your Kids' Spiritual Growth Matters More Than Harvard: Gary Thomas on Parenting for Eternity Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Gary Thomas (bestselling author of Sacred Marriage, Sacred Parenting) is back on the podcast to discuss his latest book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies About Remaining in God's Love. Gary challenges common parenting myths that Christians often fall into, and offers practical ways on how to live life God's way, not the world's.

Let's learn together how to create Christ-centered homes, prioritize God's kingdom over family idols, and embrace spiritual adventure over control.

05:21 - Creating a Christ-centered home (Colossians 3: compassion over conflict)

08:12 - Renewing your mind against worldly lies (Romans 12)

09:06 - Finding pride in spiritual growth over worldly success

14:25 - Why prioritizing God, even above family, is most important

21:53 - Being spiritually adventurous: The adventure Jesus calls us to

25:13 - Parenting on offense: Expecting God to use your kids

26:04 - Powerful testimony: When obedience can save a life

27:51 - Turning your "chair out" toward community

30:00 - Practical tips for isolated teens: Remove comforts, invite fellowship

Check out Gary's substack at connecttogary.com and buy his new book The Life You Were Reborn to Live anywhere books are sold. Find out more at garythomas.com.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How to Create Physical Habits that Shape Your Spiritual Life - Justin Whitmel Earley Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Justin Whitmel Earley, bestselling author of The Body Teaches the Soul, is very familiar with the consequences of ignoring the body. As a young lawyer, he collapsed into anxiety and insomnia. He learned that the healthy and unhealthy habits shaping his life weren't physical or spiritual; they were spiritual AND physical. Justin reveals why the body isn't separate from the soul—it's an important part of loving God.

Tune in for practical wisdom on topics like: Why we can't stop eating the whole box of cookies, why social media leaves us feeling rage and jealousy, and why exercise might be the most spiritual thing you do all week.

02:31 Justin's Mental Health Collapse & Discovery

08:36 Don't Ignore or Idolize the Body

12:51 Food: From Indulgence/Shame to Dependence/Delight

21:13 Technology & The Embodiment Ladder

28:29 How to Use Exercise as Spiritual Training

Find out more about Justin Whitmel Earley and his book The Body Teaches the Soul at justinwhitmelearley.com and on Instagram @justinwhitmelearley.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Mother-Son Guide to Overcoming Teen Anxiety - Amber and Ollie Lia Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

Host Arlene Pellicane welcomes back bestselling author Amber Lia alongside her teenage son Ollie for an inspiring conversation about their new devotional, You Are Seen: 90 Devotions to Encourage Stressed Teens.

Ollie opens up about his freshman-year battles with depression, anxiety, and perfectionism after a major life transition, offering a real-life view of what your kids may be going through. Together with Amber, they reveal faith-centered strategies—like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, box breathing, scripture memorization, and surrendering to God's plan—that helped him find peace and purpose. From miraculous physical healing (Ollie's torn rotator cuff) to building family support systems involving dads and siblings, this duo offers hope and actionable advice for parents and teens navigating mental health struggles --all in this episode.

05:09 | Ollie's Story: Freshman-Year Struggles with Anxiety, Depression, and Transition

07:58 | Amber's View: Spotting Anxiety in Teens and Starting Empathetic Conversations

10:42 | The Turning Point: Counseling, Spilling It All, and Building Trust

12:10 | Practical Tool: The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique to Stop the Anxiety Spiral

15:08 | Solo Strategies for School: Box Breathing, Prayer, and Sensory Grounding

19:45 | Real-Life Wins: Texting Mom for Support and Mapping the Day

20:16 | Tackling Perfectionism: Why Teens Compare and How Faith Shifts the Mindset

24:37 | Testimony of Healing: Ollie's Miraculous Rotator Cuff Recovery

27:46 | Dad's Role: Building Bonds, Mentoring, and Asking "What's Going On?"

30:43 | Sibling Support and Navigating Quality Time for All Kids

Connect with Ollie on Instagram @walkin.with.ollie.

Connect with Amber on Instagram @therealamberlia and on amberlia.com.

Pick up a copy of their new devotional, You Are Seen.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Max Lucado - 3 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Thinking Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Bestselling author and beloved pastor Max Lucado returns to the Happy Home to talk about his latest book, Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life. Drawing from Scripture and personal stories, Max shares how you can manage negative thought patterns (even if you've carried it around for years).

Perfect for parents, you'll learn how to battle anxiety personally and how to help your kids, especially in this world of constant digital noise. On today's episode, you'll learn:

1:00 The importance of thought management

2:20 Tool #1: Practice picky thinking

10:00 The helmet of salvation does this

13:50 UFO: Untruth, False Narrative, Overreaction

17:10 Even Max's dog can apply the UFO

21:00 How Scripture meditation uproots untruths

WATCH THE VIDEO on YOUTUBE

Max Lucado is a bestselling author with more than 150 million books in print. He's a teaching pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, TX. He and his wife Denalyn have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Learn more about Max Lucado and his book Tame Your Thoughts

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kim Botto - Understanding Your Neurodivergent Child Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Visit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this.

Need help understanding your neurodivergent child? Maybe your child has ADHD, autism, or another challenge. Author Kim Botto is here to give us the gift of understanding this Christmas. She knows how to create spaces where every child feels heard, valued, and loved. She's the author of Boundless Hope for Every Child and specializes in trauma-informed, disability ministry at home and in the church.

On today's episode, you'll learn:

2:30 How to understand the needs behind your child’s big behavior

4:20 Helpful correction strategies that actually work

7:20 What steps to take in order to establish a routine

12:00 Why making your kids feel safe is so important

18:50 Don’t be afraid to go back to church, even with a neurodivergent child

23:40 How to encourage your kids by speaking to their potential

27:30 How screen time affects kids with ADHD or autism

Kim Botto has worked with children and teens for over three decades through churches, schools, nonprofits, and adoption and foster care initiatives. She has a Masters in Family Ministry and is a frequent speaker on trauma, disability, and neurodivergence.

Learn more about Kim Botto, her podcast Every Child Belongs, and her book, Boundless Hope for Every Child on her website https://kimbotto.com/

Subscribe to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the 25 Days of Christmas activity and devotional guide. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sharon Hodde Miller Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Visit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this.

We live in a culture obsessed with self-care and personal branding. But what if freedom and happiness is found more in forgetting ourselves and remembering God instead? Sharon Hodde Miller shares from her new devotional, Gazing at God: A 40 Day Journey to Greater Freedom from Self. On today's episode, you'll learn:

3:25 What does it mean to gaze at God

10:36 How to help your kids avoid being self-centered

15:57 How to avoid harming your children with your own insecurity

22:10 Why we should practice self-forgetfulness

25:30 The journey of getting out of a scarcity mindset

Sharon Hodde MIller PhD is the co-founder and leader of Bright City Church in Durham, North Carolina. She teaches about faith, culture and the Bible, and her books include Nice, The Cost of Control, and Gazing at God.

Learn more about Sharon Hodde Miller on her website https://sheworships.com/

Follow Sharon on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharonhmiller/

Subscribe to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week". https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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