Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs
454 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 893 ratingsWire Talk was created to encourage and equip moms throughout the challenging and life-changing journey of motherhood. Each week on Wire Talk Karen Stubbs offers godly, practical advice on the topics every mother has questions about: mom guilt, our children’s faith, potty-training, divorce, our teenagers dating, and more! Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Episodes
321: Sex and Motherhood with Dr. Mike Sytsma [RE-AIR]
July 05, 2022 08:00 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBDr. Mike Sytsma joins us to answer your questions about sex and motherhood. Dr. Mike is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, a Certified Sex Therapist, and a Certified Sexual Addictions Specialist. He is also an ordained minister who is passionate about marriage and helping couples grow in their marriage! We are so glad he is here to provide expert level advice and answers to your questions. Learn more about the Survive Retreat for Moms of Teens Take a second to t...
320: Tackling Fear in Motherhood
June 28, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBFear in motherhood is a very real thing. It starts when they're young: are they hungry, are they hurting? And never stops, even when they are adults! Many of us are worried we’ll mess something up and mess up our kids in the process. Today Karen reminds us what is true and where to keep our focus when fear threatens to take us down. Get the New Mom's Baby Box: boaw.mom/babybox Join our private FB community of moms seeking godly wisdom: facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
319: Pick Your Battles!
June 21, 2022 08:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBWe've all heard the advice to "pick your battles" as a mom. But which battles are the right ones to pick? We asked you to send in the battles you're frustrated by in your home and Karen is going to weigh in with whether or not it's worth the fight. Play along as you listen, can you guess what Karen's answer will be?? Take a second to tell us what you love about BOAW! Grab our New Mom's Baby Box Save the Date - Survive: A Retreat for Moms of Teens registration opens July 10th!
318: Newborn Mom Isolation
June 14, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThere are all kinds of books and podcasts that aim to prepare you for childbirth or breastfeeding, but one thing that’s hard to prepare for is the isolation you’ll experience in those early days as a newborn mom. From how to "get out there" with a newborn to overcoming FOMO because you're breastfeeding all the time, on today's episode, Karen shares wisdom for the newest moms in our community. Mentioned on today's episode: Start a BOAW Group and go through Mom Core together New Mom’s ...
317: How to Survive Summer With Kids At Home
June 07, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBWhether you love or loathe summer, no one can deny that longer days, soaring temperatures, and no school routine means a change of pace around the house. Today we're tackling questions about how to keep your kids fed, how to manage work from home life when the kids are around, and how to inject FUN into summer as a red mom. Mentioned on today’s episode: New Mom’s Baby Box Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!
316: Transitioning to An Empty Nest
May 31, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBWe spend decades trying to figure out how to parent them well, and then all of a sudden, they are grown ups and we are staring at an empty nest. Today we're talking about how to handle the loneliness that sometimes accompanies a quiet house, how to prepare yourself for this stage of life, and how to move into your new role as mom to an adult child! Find all the show notes at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode316
315: Transitioning Your High Schooler into Adulthood
May 24, 2022 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBJust when you think you’re getting a handle on motherhood, your child moves into a new season of life and you’ve got to relearn everything! Today we're talking about high schoolers on the verge of adulthood. Karen shares her thoughts on how to let go without giving up, how to guide without pushing and how to handle college students when they come back home.
314: Transitioning Your Tween into Adolescence
May 17, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBAhhhhh adolescence. Everyone’s favorite time of life. Today’s episode is about that transition from almost teen to full blown teenager. From pushing boundaries to pulling away emotionally, Karen offers wisdom for how to help your child when they still have one foot in both worlds. Find the shownotes at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode314
313: Transitioning Your Toddler to More Independence
May 10, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBToday’s episode is about that season when your toddler is growing more independent. From using the bathroom, to getting dressed, this is the "I do it myself!" phase of life. You’d think that means life gets easier for a mom, but each new season comes with its own difficulties. Listen in as Karen offers advice for keeping little escape artists safe, moving toddlers to a "big kid" bed and letting go of control so your little one can learn.
312: How Do I Respectfully Deal With My Difficult Mother?
May 03, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBIf you had a difficult relationship with your mom as a teenager, you may be shocked to find that the relationship gets even more complicated when you become a mom. On today’s episode, we are answering questions about boundaries, passive-aggressive behavior, expectations and we even have a question that a teen emailed us… a first for Wire Talk!
311: Walking Through the Book of James: James 5
April 26, 2022 08:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBWe are wrapping up our time in the book of James today by reading and talking through chapter 5. I pray that this month has made you more confident and comfortable in sitting down with your own Bible to study the Word. James 5:16 NLT "...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
310: Walking Through the Book of James: James 3-4
April 19, 2022 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBWe are continuing our journey through the book of James this week. Today Karen is reading and teaching through chapters 3 and 4- focusing on the power of the tongue and seeking God's wisdom.
309: Walking Through the Book of James: James 2
April 12, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBWe're back in the book of James this week! Join us as Karen reads and teaches through the second chapter of this highly practical book and shares truths that apply to our world today.
308: Walking Through the Book of James: James 1
April 05, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBAs Easter approaches, many of us feel like we should be getting into the Word and reading our Bibles, but if we're honest, a lot of times we don't know how to study the Bible! This month, Karen is going to walk us through the book of James, verse by verse, and share the nuggets of wisdom she takes away from this very practical book. Join us today as we walk through chapter 1 together.
307: When Mom is the One Who Needs an Attitude Adjustment
March 29, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBAt times we all need someone to tell us how to think about things differently, and that’s something Karen does really well. On today's show, we’ve gathered questions from moms who are burnt out, disheartened, or just plain TIRED! With loads of encouragement and a little tough love, Karen help us all adjust their attitudes in this conversation.
306: Faith, Family, and Loss with Bryant and Kristin Young
March 22, 2022 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBAll month long, we've been sharing conversations about the 'battles we don’t always see.' We’ve talked about raising a special needs child, anxiety, struggling with a chaotic marriage, and today we are going to hear from NFL hall of famer, Bryant Young, and his incredible wife Kristin, as they share their testimony of walking with the Lord through cancer, grief, and loss. From the prayer they prayed when they received the news of their son's diagnosis, to the way they walked this road wi...
WT 305: Finding Peace in Chaos with Jenny Boyett
March 15, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36 MBToday you’re going to hear from dear friend and long time BOAW mom, Jenny Boyett, as she joins Karen to share what it has been like to walk through a marriage that did not turn out the way she dreamed. Unless you have a friend walking through this season of life, or you are going through a situation like this yourself, you may never otherwise know what it’s like to be faced with this scenario. All month long, we are sharing these stories so we can grow in empathy and compassion alongside our...
WT 304: Anxiety in Moms with Dr. Chinwé Williams
March 08, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBWe've talked about the anxiety epidemic our kids are facing these days, but there are a ton of moms battling chronic anxiety as well. Today, Dr. Chinwé Williams joins Karen to give us practical ways to combat anxiety and shares how to know when we need extra help.
WT 303: Raising a Special Needs Teenager with Cady Dugger
March 01, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBCady Dugger joins us in the studio to talk about raising her daughter, Christine, who was born with a rare chromosomal disorder. All month long we want to pull back the curtain on the battles moms in our community are facing, battles that many of us know little to nothing about. Our hope is that today’s conversation will inspire empathy and grow your compassion for the moms in your world who are facing unseen battles of their own.
WT 302: Hormonal Health with Dr. Sharon Marcanthony
February 22, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBDr. Sharon Marcanthony joins Karen and Sunny today to talk about the changing hormones women experience throughout our lives. We’re asking Sharon your questions about menopause, sexual health, postpartum depression, and managing PMS. Sharon reminds us of the importance of having a comfortable relationship with our health care providers as well as how critical community is in helping us navigate the changing seasons of our lives (i.e. don’t menopause alone!)
WT 301: Prioritizing Self Care
February 15, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBA lot of moms put their needs on the sideline when their children are young- but when those children get older, a mom can’t even recognize what her needs are anymore. Self care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health, and it’s something we need to make time for as moms.
WT 300: Prioritizing Your Marriage (Over Your Kids!)
February 08, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBIt’s natural that our kids try to “trump” their dad and become the priority in a mom’s world, but your husband came first! And like Karen always says, you want him to be there after the kids leave home! Join the conversation today as we tackle your questions about keeping your spouse #1. Find links to all the resources Karen shared in this episode at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode300
WT 299: Getting Your Priorities Straight: Friendship
February 01, 2022 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBAll month long we are talking about getting our priorities straight. Many of us try to do this going into the new year, but come February, we’ve already given up on many of the changes we said we wanted to make. So, think of this whole month like a priorities pep talk! We’re going to cover marriage, self-care, and even hormonal health with a guest later this month, but today we are kicking things off talking about friendship.
WT 298: Limiting Negative Influences in Your Teen's Life
January 25, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBParenting a teen in today’s world is not for the faint of heart! Join us today as we answer your questions about raising teenagers and dealing with tough topics like pornography, low self-esteem, smartphones, and social media. Moms of littles, please listen! Looking down the road a few years can help you make choices today that will make your tomorrow easier. Find show notes at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode298
WT 297: How Can I Help Foster My Teen's Faith?
January 18, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBOne of our primary roles in our child's life is to point them toward God, but their relationship with God is just that, it's their relationship. Your child is not an extension of you, and for better or worse, you are not in control! In this conversation we talk about the importance of being a prayer warrior for your child and how to approach them in a winning way.
WT 296: Disciplining Your Teenager
January 11, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBConsistency is Karen’s key word for discipline and on today’s episode we are talking about what that looks like in the life of a teenager. From how to pick your battles and knowing which topics aren’t worth the fight, today’s episode gives practical tips and encouragement to stay the course and be consistent during the teenage years.
WT 295: Dealing with Teenage Drama
January 04, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBWe’re baaaaack! And we’re kicking off the New Year with a month of episodes focused on teenagers. Whether you’re the mom of multiple teens or you’re still in toddler world, you’ll benefit from tuning into today’s practical wisdom for dealing with drama. Grab a copy of Karen's 365 day devotional for moms HERE.
WT 294: Real Life, Real Moms sneak peek with Ann Mason
December 14, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBToday we’re giving you a peek into our Patreon podcast - Real Life, Real Moms! Ann Mason and I have been friends for a while, and I've been so impressed by the God-honoring way she parents. She has three children, one of whom is special needs and non-verbal. We talk a little about that and the isolation and grieving that often comes alongside having a special needs child. We also chat a little about boundaries and freedoms as kids get older. Become a Patron today and hear the rest of A...
WT 293: Preparing to Blend with author Ron Deal
December 07, 2021 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBBlended family expert Ron Deal joins Wire Talk today to answer questions from moms in our BOAW community and offer his unique perspective from decades of ministry with stepfamilies. Ron tackles everything from how to prepare your child's heart to accept a new relationship to disciplining stepchildren. This episode is packed with great advice, and no matter what kind of family you have, listening will leave you with a nugget of wisdom you can put into practice today. Mentioned on today's ep...
WT 292: BOAW Advice That Worked For Me!
November 30, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBWe love how this show has enabled the Birds ministry to grow and impact families across the world. Today, Karen and Sunny share emails from listeners with BOAW advice that is making a difference in their lives today. What BOAW advice has worked for YOU lately? Find show notes (and that family values pic) HERE.
WT 292: BOAW Advice That Worked For Me!
November 30, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBWe love how this show has enabled the Birds ministry to grow and impact families across the world. Today, Karen and Sunny share emails from listeners with BOAW advice that is making a difference in their lives today. What BOAW advice has worked for YOU lately? Find show notes (and that family values pic) HERE.
WT 291: Handling Disappointment at the Holidays
November 23, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBWhen expectations collide with reality, especially around the holidays, disappointment can be the inevitable result. Today Karen shares how the holidays will be different for her this year with four married children and gives us practical ways to keep our heart in the right place no matter what the season looks like this year. Become a Patreon supporter today and get immediate access to two years of Real Life, Real Moms episodes!
WT 290: How To Give Dating Advice Your Teens Will Actually Listen To
November 16, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBHelping our teens navigate the world of dating can be tricky. In this episode, Karen offers fantastic, practical advice for keeping the lines of communication open and speaking truth in love into your teen’s life. Pick up a copy of Karen's Prayer Journal in the BOAW shop today!
WT 289: Liar, Liar!
November 09, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBLying wreaks havoc on family relationships, whether your child is a toddler or a tween. Today Karen shares her thoughts on disciplining a habitual liar and reminds us of the importance of dealing with lying early and consistently, so our children's hearts do not get hardened to this sin. You might also enjoy this episode: How Do I Handle My Sweet Little Liar?
WT 288: Good For Her, Not For Me
November 02, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBMoms make all kinds of magic happen for our families. And these days, it’s easy to look around and see the awesome ways other moms love on their families and feel like you fall short by comparison. So today, we are celebrating some of the fun traditions BOAW moms have started in their families and at the same time, releasing you from any pressure to do the same things! You do you, because you are enough for your own family!
WT 287: Finding Consequences that WORK
October 26, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBDisciplining children is both a science and an art. What works at one age doesn’t work at a different age and just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, they throw something new at you and you’re back to square one. Today we are talking about disciplining lying, how to handle a child who runs from confrontation, and bickering siblings. As Karen reminds us in this episode, children learn through repetition (and so do we!) so join us today and learn a few nuggets to help you out next t...
WT 286: How Do I Lead My Kids Well When I'm So Overwhelmed?
October 19, 2021 08:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBFrom chaos in your newsfeed to chaos in your living room...there's plenty to be overwhelmed by in a mom's world. Today we're talking about how to have hope in the midst of a depressing season, how to stay sane despite bickering kids, how to manage the overwhelm of 3 kids under 3, and how to keep your home from falling apart on top of it all. Loads of grace and encouragement in this conversation, moms! It's a good one to share with a friend who may be feeling overwhelmed right now. Don't...
WT 285: How Do I Handle Divisive Discussions with Friends and Family?
October 12, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBWhether it’s an issue surrounding family choices, politics, or religion, it’s not easy to know when to speak up and when to let something go. Today Karen offers wisdom for moms facing difficult conversations, and reminds us that as Christ-followers we can find a way to maintain personal boundaries and also be peacemakers in this world. Register TODAY for SURVIVE: A Retreat for Moms of Teens
WT 285: How Do I Handle Divisive Discussions with Friends and Family?
October 12, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBWhether it’s an issue surrounding family choices, politics, or religion, it’s not easy to know when to speak up and when to let something go. Today Karen offers wisdom for moms facing difficult conversations, and reminds us that as Christ-followers we can find a way to maintain personal boundaries and also be peacemakers in this world. Register TODAY for SURVIVE: A Retreat for Moms of Teens
WT 284: Worth the Fight with Karen and Abby
October 05, 2021 08:00 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBListen in as Karen and her youngest daughter, Abby, open up about the highs and lows their relationship has gone through over the years. From sweet preschool memories to going to counseling when Abby was in high school, this authentic conversation will encourage you to fight for your relationship with your child, no matter where it's at today. As Karen says, it's never too late to start building a bridge toward a better relationship with your child. Register for SURVIVE: A Retreat for Moms...
WT 283: Understanding Your Child's Temperament (Their "Color")
September 28, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBWe get more questions about how to parent according to your child's personality than anything else! In today's show, Karen and Sunny answer your questions about kids with each of the temperament colors. As always, Karen offers practical tips that will help you better understand your child TODAY!
WT 282: I Am At My Wit's End With My 4 Year Old!
September 21, 2021 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBAny moms with a “4nager” listening out there? Have we got a show for you! Today, Karen offers advice for moms wondering what on earth to do about disrespectful back talk, defiant behavior, and non-stop talking from their sweet little four year olds. We also tackle a poop question and Karen reminds us that it’s sometimes smart to call in the big guns (aka the pediatrician!) Tune in and share with a friend who may be at their wit’s end with their little angel. :) Shownotes at: birdsonawiremo...
WT 281: Addressing Issues At School
September 14, 2021 08:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIf you have a school-age child, odds are good you’ve come up against one or more of the situations we’re talking about today. Whether it’s homework, teachers, relationships with classmates, or the behavior of your own child, knowing how to handle these issues can be tricky. Tune in today to hear Karen and Sunny’s advice for helping get school off to a great start this year! Have a middle or high schooler in the house? Don't miss our SURVIVE retreat just for moms of teens. Join Karen (in pe...
WT 280: Marriage is Good, Hard Work
September 07, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBBetween Karen and Sunny, we've got 54 years of marital wisdom coming your way in this episode! In this episode, they tackle questions about helping your husband prepare to be a dad, dealing with extended family issues as a couple, how to handle disagreements about the number of children in your family, and we even talk about the "s" word (yep, submission). Tune in and share with a friend who might need encouragement during a hard season in their marriage!
WT 279: Teaching Our Kids to Wait (Whether They Are Toddlers or Teens!)
August 31, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBLearn to wait patiently is a life skill we all need to work on, but man, is it hard to teach to our kids! Today Karen and Sunny offer tips for helping your toddler wait at the doctor's office and practice patience when you're having an adult conversation as well as tips for teaching your teen to wait for a phone, or to begin dating. As Karen says, it's always going to be easier to give in, but consistency will pay off in the long run as you work diligently to teach these skills!
WT 278: Addressing Conflict with Siblings and Friends
August 24, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBConflict is inevitable! As Sunny says, this is one of those episodes that applies to every family. Today, Karen tackles your questions about sibling conflict, a neighborhood cold war, toddlers who bite, and an only child who struggles to cope when she doesn't get her way. Be sure to check our show notes for links to everything we talked about on the show! birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode278
WT 277: Finding Your Back to School Rhythm
August 17, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBToday we're answering your questions about all things back to school! How to set yourself up for success on crazy mornings, when to ask for help, and questions you can ask to find out how their day really went. We also commiserate with you about packing lunches and Karen and Sunny share their love for a good, old-fashioned school lunch. Soar is THIS WEEKEND! Grab your ticket HERE and snag a group pass for $50 off using code BOAWGROUP.
WT 276: A Mother's Guide to Raising Herself with special guest Sarah Bragg
August 10, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBLongtime podcaster and author Sarah Bragg joins us in The Nest to share a few lessons she’s learned about herself as she’s worked to raise her two daughters. We discuss how good and hard can run parallel to one another, why sometimes we have to say no to good things, and how to shut down the “shoulds” in our life and run our own race. Sarah’s new book, A Mother’s Guide to Raising Herself is out soon, be sure to pre-order your copy today! And check out episode 41 of Sarah's podcast featu...
WT 275: Go to Bed, Kids!
August 03, 2021 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBWhether it’s going to sleep, staying asleep, or dealing with fears at bedtime, nighttime can become a battleground when young kids are in the home. Today Karen offers tips and practical advice for taking back your evenings and helping your children get the rest their little growing bodies desperately need! Find links to everything mentioned on today's show at birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode275
WT 274: Talking With Your Kids About Sex
July 27, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBWhether your child is 7 or 17, talking with them about sex and sexuality is often a little bit awkward. Today Karen offer no-nonsense advice on how to approach these conversations without going too deep or avoiding the topic altogether. We cover periods, puberty, TV, and TMI today's show, so pop in your earbuds and join us for a good one! ;) Find links to all our recommended resources in today's show notes.