As Christmas approaches, we are turning our focus to love this final week of Advent. In this episode, Karen and Emily unpack what it looks like to love like Jesus in everyday moments: choosing presence, serving quietly, pausing before reacting, and remembering that we love others because Christ first loved us. If the holidays have stretched your patience thin, we hope this conversation will help you refocus your heart on what truly matters!
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Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5 (NIV)
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
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Joy doesn’t just happen, our hearts have to be tuned to it. In this third week of Advent, Karen and Emily talk honestly about how hard it can be to find joy in the middle of exhaustion, family stress, and the very real unmet expectations of the season. Using the picture of tuning an instrument, they unpack how joy comes when we continually refocus our hearts on Jesus, not on our circumstances. If you’re longing for a steadier joy this Christmas season, this conversation is for you!
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Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
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It’s easy to find ourselves in the middle of December with a packed calendar and an unprepared spirit, carrying bitterness, comparison, or disappointment into every day. Drawing from Matthew 3:3, Karen talks about what it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” so we don’t miss Jesus in the middle of our own expectations. You’ll come away with simple, practical ways to prepare your heart for Christmas, no matter what your circumstances are like.
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Scripture: Matthew 3:3 (NIV) – ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’
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Today we’re kicking off our Advent series with a focus on hope. December fills up fast with activities, expectations, and pressure for a picture-perfect holiday, making it easy to place our hope in circumstances, schedules, and our spouses. But what do we do when Christmas doesn’t go as planned?
In this episode, Karen invites us to ask a powerful question: Where am I placing my hope this Christmas? If you’re craving a calmer, more Christ-centered Christmas, this conversation will help you anchor your hope in Him alone.
(Psst! If you’re listening with littles, you may want to skip to 3:30, we talk about Santa early on.)
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Scripture: Micah 7:7 (NIV)
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
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Today Karen is tackling your questions about navigating the teenage years, from motivating strong-willed teens to handling independence, changing relationships, and the ever-present “that’s not fair!” Karen shares what worked in her home, including how to stay connected to strong-willed teens, helping boys who are pulling away, and parenting through the ever-changing norms of phones, jobs, and freedom.
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Scripture: James 1:5 (NIV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
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If you’re staring down the potty training season with dread, this one’s for you! Karen and Emily are joined by Christine Clark—a mom, preschool teacher, and pro who’s successfully potty trained 17 children. From handling accidents with grace to dealing with fear, regression, or defiance, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for moms in the potty-training trenches.
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Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
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This week, Karen tackles listener questions on navigating everything from over-involved mother-in-laws to family disagreements and unmet expectations. Karen shares wisdom from her 39 years of marriage about when to speak up, when to set boundaries, and how to keep your marriage strong even when extended family drama threatens your peace!
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Scripture: Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
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When it comes to raising independent kids, doing less can actually mean loving more. Karen and Emily welcome back mom of eight, Elizabeth Pehrson, whose last Wire Talk clip went viral with over 7.6 million views! In this powerful conversation, Elizabeth unpacks the long-term value of letting kids struggle, take responsibility, and learn from consequences. From packing lunches to doing laundry, she shares age-appropriate ways to teach kids ownership and why moms need to resist the urge to over-function.
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Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
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The moms we’re hearing from today are facing questions that feel big; from whether to move our families, to when to say yes at church, to how we pray, parent, and pass down faith to our children. Karen is tackling listener questions that cover everything from culture and church life, to leading your child to Christ. We hope you’ll come away from listening encouraged that God’s wisdom is available to you in every decision, big or small.
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
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Between ages 6 and 10, kids are learning big lessons about honesty, responsibility, and gratitude…and those moments don’t always feel peaceful. Today Karen and Emily are talking about shaping character during these years. From handling bad attitudes and entitlement to teaching kids about truthfulness and contentment, they share practical ways to mold your child’s heart without losing your cool.
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Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
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From setting boundaries to tackling tough topics, today’s episode is all about navigating the hard parts of parenting with truth and grace. In this conversation, Karen shares practical wisdom for protecting your home, teaching empathy, and leaning on the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do, change hearts. Whether you’re navigating big emotions, sensitive subjects, or family boundaries, this conversation will help you parent with confidence and compassion.
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Scripture: James 1:5 (NASB)
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
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How do you discipline your kids without damaging your relationship? Today Karen and Emily are talking about what it looks like to set boundaries, correct behavior, and still be your child’s safe place. From toddler tantrums to teenage independence, they share wisdom that will help you the next time you’re doling out discipline.
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Scripture: Proverbs 3:12 (NIV)
“Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
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Between toddler tantrums, potty training battles, and endless power struggles, the preschool years can feel like the wild west of parenting. Today Karen is answering your preschool questions with her trademark practical tips, reminding us that structure, consistency, and patience go a long way. Above all, your daily walk with the Lord is what will sustain you during these exhausting and beautiful years!
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Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
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What if a better marriage starts not with more work, but with changing the way you think? This week we’re sitting down with author and speaker Ted Lowe to talk about his book Us in Mind and the simple things that separate happy couples from struggling ones. From celebrating small wins to practicing empathy and taking thoughts captive, Ted unpacks practical ways to renew your mind and see your spouse differently. Whether your marriage feels stuck or just needs a little spark, we hope this conversation leaves you encouraged and equipped to do the next right thing.
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Scripture:
Romans 12:2 “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble… think about such things.”
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Download the companion study guide in the BOAW store: boaw.mom/parentingtogether
When one mom asks a hard marriage question, we know hundreds more are wondering the same thing. Today, Karen and Emily tackle your vulnerable questions about jealousy, mismatched sex drives, and resentment at home. Karen reminds us that fighting for our marriages is worth it, even when it means doing the hard work like going to counseling, seeing a doctor, or having the tough conversation. We hope this episode will encourage you to keep investing in your marriage no matter the season you are in!
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Scripture: Colossians 3:13–14
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
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Marriage doesn’t have to feel heavy or complicated, sometimes we just need a gentle nudge to see where we’ve let things slide. In this conversation with Arlene Pellicane, author of Making Marriage Easier, Karen and Emily unpack the four practical shifts that can strengthen your relationship: play by the rules, speak kindly and listen well, practice gratitude, and take fun seriously. Whether you’re in the trenches with little ones or looking ahead to the golden years, this episode will encourage you to invest in your marriage today!
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
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Moms, you don’t want to miss this conversation! Karen and Greg pull back the curtain on nearly four decades of marriage—the good, the hard, the early years, and the season they’re in now. Their honesty will inspire you to invest in your own marriage now so you can reap the rewards later. This heartfelt episode will make you smile, and maybe even tear up, as they remind us that we serve a good and faithful God who wants the best for us and our marriages.
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Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
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No matter where your kids are in school this year, every mom will take away encouragement and wisdom from this conversation about homeschooling. In this episode, Karen and Emily sit down with Wire Talk producer (and homeschool mom of four) Katie Leipprandt, who shares the truths she’s learned over 15 years of parenting and schooling at home. From choosing relationship over results, to leaning on community, to remembering your “why” when days get hard, Katie’s wisdom applies to every mom—no matter how your kids are educated.
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Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
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School today looks a lot different than when we were kids, and moms often feel stuck between supporting their children and not piling on more pressure. In this episode, Karen and Emily sit down with longtime educator and principal Jerome Huff to share how parents can help their kids thrive during their middle and high school years. We loved the reminder that your child’s school still needs you! Your prayers and presence can make a lasting impact, not only on your child but on the entire school community.
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Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…”
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you balance encouraging your child to do their best but not overwhelming them with pressure?
2. Jerome mentioned the importance of letting kids advocate for themselves—what opportunities could you give your child this week to practice independence?
3. Jerome emphasized the role of balance (school + outside interests) in thriving kids. How can you help your child find that healthy balance this year?
4. What’s one way you can support teachers or administrators at your child’s school in a tangible way this semester?
5. How can you begin praying more intentionally for your child’s school, teachers, and classmates?
Resources:
- Grab a pad of Lunchbox Notes to start your year off strong! https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/gifts/products/lunch-box-notes
- Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community
- Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
If you’re parenting an elementary-age child, this episode is for you! Today Karen and Emily sit down with elementary school principal Amber Lamb to share practical ways you can partner with teachers, encourage independence, and help your child navigate friendships during these formative years. With 20+ years in education, Amber offers encouragement and practical tips to set your family up for a strong and connected school year.
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Scripture: Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
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