HomeWord with Jim Burns

*Listener discretion is advised: This episode contains discussions of adult themes. If parents are silent about sex and sexuality, their children will be discipled by the culture. On this episode of HomeWord , Dr. Juli Slattery joins Dr. Jim Burns to talk about how parents can intentionally disciple their kids in biblical sexuality rather than simply providing sex education. Dr. Slattery—wife, mom...

What if the key to deeper intimacy in marriage isn’t trying harder—but learning to partner better? In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Jim Burns is joined again by Kevin Thompson—speaker, author, and married-life pastor at Bayside Church—to unpack what real partnership and intimacy in marriage looks like. They discuss shared responsibility, mutual respect, and why honoring differences actually str...

Strong marriages don’t happen by accident—they’re built. In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Kevin Thompson—speaker, author, husband, father, and married-life pastor at Bayside Church in California—for an honest conversation about what actually builds a strong marriage. Together, they explore the importance of intentional investment, course-corrections along the way, and why...

“How do I influence my child who no longer believes in God?” “What do I do when my adult kids won’t let me talk about faith with my grandkids?” These are painful questions—but in this episode, Dr. Jim Burns offers hope and practical guidance. He begins by breaking down the stages of drifting from faith, then shares five key steps for walking with someone who is deconstructing, and explains why lov...

In this episode of HomeWord , Dr. Jim Burns welcomes back psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Morgan Cutlip. They dive into the true weight of the “mental load” in marriage, unpacking how this hidden burden shapes daily life and breaking down its three layers—physical, mental, and emotional—while highlighting why that final layer tends to fall heaviest on women. Dr. Cutlip offers practical gui...

Many moms quietly carry the weight of everyone else’s needs — often at the expense of their own. In this episode of HomeWord , Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip, a psychologist, bestselling author, and sought-after relationship expert who is passionate about helping women feel supported and connected in every season of life. Together, they dive into the common guilt moms experience wh...

Can humor help kids connect with Bible truths? Dr. Jim Burns welcomes back Wayne Rice — co-founder of Youth Specialties, Legacy Coalition member, veteran youth ministry leader, author of over 30 books, and bluegrass enthusiast — for a lively conversation on using humor to teach kids about God’s Word. Wayne shows how laughter can open doors for kids and teens, making Biblical lessons both memorable...

Even from miles away, grandparents can play a powerful role in helping their grandkids grow in faith. Today, Dr. Jim Burns welcomes Wayne Rice — co-founder of Youth Specialties, member of the Legacy Coalition, longtime youth ministry leader, author of over 30 books, and bluegrass enthusiast — for a meaningful conversation on intentional grandparenting. Wayne shares practical ways grandparents can...

What does it mean to be an intentional grandparent in today’s world? Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Dudley Chancey, long-time youth pastor, educator, and founder of the Intergenerational Faith Center at Oklahoma Christian University, for a powerful conversation about building a legacy of love, faith, and values. Dr. Chancey offers encouragement to grandparents who didn’t grow up with a faith fou...

In this second part of Understanding Your Teen , Dr. Jim Burns dives deeper into how parents can shape their child’s character and responsibility—without crushing their spirit. He shares how to set clear expectations, establish healthy boundaries, and guide your teen toward independence, including practical tools like the ABC’s of ending the homework hassle. Dr. Burns also unpacks what it means to...

Do you ever feel confused—or even frustrated—by your teenager’s behavior? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns unpacks why teens act the way they do and how parents can come alongside them with greater understanding. He explains how adolescence is a season of identity formation and that the brain isn’t fully developed until around age 24. Jim reveals how teens shape culture, values, an...

Did you know your attachment style can shape—or shake—your closest relationships? In this episode of HomeWord , Dr. Jim Burns talks with Marc and Amy Cameron—founders of How We Love . Marc is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Amy is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Together they unpack the five attachment styles, how they influence connection and conflict...

Blended families can feel messy and overwhelming, but with patience and grace, those challenges can transform into a thriving, love-filled home. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns talks with speaker, author, and stepfamily expert Laura Petherbridge about the unique challenges and opportunities of stepfamily life. Drawing from her own experience growing up with stepparents and later becoming a stepmom,...

Many parents feel anxious or unequipped to talk about gender and identity with their kids—but Dr. Kathy Koch shows how biblical wisdom and simple, honest conversations can build confidence and discernment. Christian author and speaker Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., joins Dr. Jim Burns for a powerful conversation to equip parents with biblical wisdom and practical tools for guidin...

When the kids leave home, it’s easy to feel a mix of sadness, uncertainty, and even excitement. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns unpacks the reality of empty nest syndrome and offers practical steps to help you thrive—not just survive—this new season. With wisdom, humor, and compassion, he shares survey questions to gauge where you’re at emotionally, plus guidance for rekindling passion in your marr...

Healthy conflict isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to grow through. On this episode, Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Haven Weits, host of the podcast Haven! and co-leader of the couples’ e-course Pillow Talk . She vulnerably shares how her parents’ divorce shook her the same year she got married, and how it fueled her passion to help couples build marriages that last. Together with her husband an...

Few things are more painful than seeing an adult child walk away from the faith and values you raised them with. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Dr. Rob Rienow—pastor, speaker, author, and founder of Visionary Family Ministries—to talk about how parents can respond with faith and love. Dr. Rienow shares practical ways to encourage your adult child’s spiritual journey, while also emphas...

Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Discover how faith and science can help you find peace and resilience. In this episode, Dr. Charles Stone—author, pastor, and leadership coach with 40+ years of experience—shares his journey through health struggles and his research on stress and neuroscience. Together with Dr. Jim Burns, they unpack how stress is at the core of most doctor visits, the importance of...

School is back in session—and at HomeWord, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Teaching is one of the most demanding and impactful professions, shaping the lives of children and young adults every day. Today, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Kevin Leman—renowned psychologist, best-selling author of over 50 books, and trusted voice on parenting and family—and Kristin Leman O’Reilly, Director of Curricu...

Parenting teens and young adults in today’s world can feel like navigating a maze—with social media, mental health, faith questions, and major life transitions all in the mix. In this episode, Jim Burns is joined by licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author Michelle Nietert to talk about helping our kids grow strong and secure in a confusing world. They unpack how to disciple your child...

How do we protect and strengthen our marriage when life takes an unexpected turn? How do we stay rooted in the truth that God is in control—even in seasons of suffering? On this episode of HomeWord , Jim Burns is joined by Ryan and Laura Dobson for a candid and powerful conversation. Laura opens up about her journey through cancer—how it affected her personally, impacted her marriage and parenting...

Your role as a parent doesn’t end when your kids grow up—it pivots. Steve and Julia Cummings—authors of The Parent Pivot and hosts of The Parent Pivot Podcast —join Jim Burns on HomeWord   to talk about the “parent pivot” that occurs when young adults leave the home and the role of a parent changes. They unpack the emotional challenges of watching kids leave home and the hard truth that clinging t...

Life is messy—but we can trust God through the mess. On this episode of HomeWord , Jim Burns is joined by Cynthia Yanof—wife, mom, blogger, podcast host of MESSmerized , and author of Life is Messy, God is Good . Together they talk about redefining success and failure from a Kingdom perspective, the power of community and friendships, and the importance of parenting with eternity in mind. Cynthia...

You asked—Jim answered…again! In Part 2 of this special listener Q&A, Jim Burns returns with producer Mike to continue addressing tough, honest questions from HomeWord   listeners about navigating relationships with adult children. Jim tackles real-life concerns like: Is it ever okay to ask our 26-year-old son to move out? Should we require our adult child to attend church if they live at home...

You asked—Jim answered! In this special listener Q&A episode, Jim Burns is joined by producer Mike to tackle real-life questions submitted by HomeWord listeners. From navigating estranged relationships to managing financial boundaries, Jim offers heartfelt, practical advice rooted in decades of experience and his bestselling book Doing Life with Your Adult Children . What do you do when your a...