Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

In this third part of our series on Karen's new book, "Survival Guide to Motherhood," Karen and Emily discuss the importance of raising kids with a strong foundation in biblical principles, even when it goes against the grain of today's world. They chat about how teaching kids to obey their parents leads to a more peaceful home in the long run. Don’t miss Karen’s prayer at the end of the episode a...

How do you make sacrifices for your kids without sacrificing yourself in the process? In today’s conversation, Karen and Emily explore this question and Karen offers wisdom on knowing when it’s time to prioritize yourself. We'll dig into taking care of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health because a healthy mom equals healthy kids!  Episode Recap: (3:31) There is a difference betw...

Today we’re cracking the spine of Karen’s newest book, Survival Guide to Motherhood . Karen shares insightful excerpts from the opening chapters, exploring the ideas that kids develop like Crock-Pots, joy is a choice, and moms are the CEOs of their homes. Grab your copy of Survival Guide today. Check the show notes for the link. Episode Recap: 3:17 Survival Guide to Motherhood is available for pre...

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges moms face: determining when to address a child's behavior and when to let things slide. Today Karen is answering your questions about managing high expectations, handling stress-induced blow-ups, guiding toddlers through tantrums, fostering honesty in kids, and navigating family dynamics with your less disciplined relatives. We hope tod...

Want to know the secret to being happily married for 37 years? Listen and learn from Karen in today’s episode! We’re exploring how to navigate differences, keep the love alive, and build the strong, united front that benefits your kids. With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs, this episode is all about celebrating the joys and quirks of married life. Tune in and learn from the...

In this episode, Karen and Emily share practical tips for creating a fun and memorable summer for your family. From nostalgic ice cream runs and imaginative backyard play to volunteering and fostering independence in kids, they offer ideas for keeping summer simple and enjoyable. Don’t miss Karen’s nuggets on balancing work with quality family time! Share your own summer ideas with us on YouTube,...

In this episode of "The Summer Before...", Karen and Emily discuss the summer before college and answer your questions about preparing for this big transition. They talk about fostering independence, celebrating your Senior, and teaching essential life skills. Emily shares some hilarious advice on dorm room safety, and Karen reminds moms to lower our expectations when it comes to phone calls. As a...

As your kids transition to a new season in their school journey, summer presents a unique opportunity to support and celebrate them. In this episode, we discuss the developmental changes happening at this stage and the importance of letting your middle schooler discover their identity. We also tackle preparing your daughter for dealing with mean girls and how your child evolves during high school...

In this episode, Karen and Emily answer questions about helping prepare your child for their big Kindergarten transition. From building essential skills to creating lasting memories, we've got you covered with tips to make summer fun and to ease you into a new routine this fall. Don’t miss Karen’s life hack for getting those adorable first day of school pictures and her assurance that God goes bef...

Whether you’re parenting toddlers or teens - these 5 books will give you the tools you need to create a healthier family. Join us as we dive into Karen's top recommendations for parenting books that offer invaluable insights, practical strategies, and wisdom to navigate the ups and downs of raising children. From building strong connections to setting boundaries with love, this episode is packed w...

In today’s episode, we’re fielding questions about the situations you are facing in your relationship with your own mom. Whether it’s a conflict over parenting style, a strained relationship, or a concern about childcare, Karen has the practical answers you’re looking for so you can honor your mother while still maintaining your boundaries.  Episode Recap: 2:31 - Honoring your mom can be difficult...

Fear and anxiety among moms today is rampant. In the emails we receive, the churches we visit, and with the moms Karen speaks to- fear is a big deal. Today Karen teaches us a powerful verse and reminds us to fight fear with the truth of God’s Word. Episode Recap: 5:32 - Generally speaking, moms these days are incredibly fearful 6:23 - If fear does not come from God, where is it coming from? 8:27 -...

May is coming moms - and it’s full of school commitments, parties, end of year events and more. Today we’re talking about what you can do before the chaos begins to prepare yourself and your family for a more peaceful May.  Episode Recap: 7:36 - You can’t do everything for everybody 10:58 - Find the beauty in letting your Senior go 12:50 - Stay present and enjoy it! 16:25 - Find time for self-care...

Today Courtney DeFeo, host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and a dear friend of Karen’s joins us to talk about raising her daughters. They talk about the season when Courtney felt God calling her to take a break from the professional world - which turned into a 3 year pause. Courtney shares what God did in her world during those years and the new season she is moving into now. She and Karen also sh...

Today we’re answering Bible questions you might feel silly asking out loud! This episode is full of insights across a breadth of biblical topics. Be sure to check out the show notes for every scripture reference Karen mentions! We hope this one encourages you to pick up your Bible, pray for wisdom, and get reading this week!   Episode Recap: 1:45 - Emily’s confusion over multiple James and Johns i...

Danielle from Intentional Marriages joins us today to share insights from over a decade of working with married couples. She offers practical ways couples raising young kids can connect with one another on a daily and weekly basis and shares hope for couples who are struggling in their marriage. We hope you pick up one practical tip that helps you be intentional about prioritizing your marriage re...

Our strong-willed children can drive parents up the wall with their forceful opinions! In today’s episode Karen gives advice for any mom locked in a battle with her “red” child. She reminds us of the needs our strong-willed children have, and offers encouragement for coming alongside them without giving in to their demands.  Episode Recap: 4:28 - Why Karen Loves Her Reds 5:30 - Strengths and Weakn...

Today Karen is sharing a simple way to talk with your kids about the meaning of Easter. Listen as she walks us step-by-step through the Easter story using Resurrection Eggs. This may be a great new tradition you can start with your family this year!  Episode Recap: 11:00 - Karen walks through the Resurrection Eggs 14:30 - Old Testament prophecy Jesus fulfilled (Zec. 9:9) 22:10 - Don’t try to sugar...

Moms face conflicting priorities daily. From little things, like: do I wake up early to get a workout in or catch extra sleep because the baby was up last night to bigger questions like, do we have another baby or do I prioritize going back to work? The answers aren’t always black and white, but today Karen offers up wisdom to help guide you when you’re caught between two good choices. Episode Rec...

Today's episode rides the emotional rollercoaster ride of defiance, particularly with red/blue personality kids. Karen shares insights, encouragement, and practical tips for parents who are facing defiance head-on. Episode Recap: 08:26 - Red and Blue Temperament Combination 10:16 - Seeking God's Wisdom 19:41 - Addressing Defiance in Children 24:56 - Gaining Respect from a Defiant Child 27:54 - Let...

Today we’re answering your questions about the challenges of potty training. We cover dealing with frequent bathroom trips during outings and handling stubborn three-year-olds and Karen shares practical tips for creating routines and staying patient through the ups and downs of potty training. Tune in for helpful advice, encouragement, and reassurance that you’re not alone on this messy adventure!...

Taylor joins Karen and Emily in the studio today to answer your questions about creating a healthy relationship with your son. We answer questions about what experiences bonded Taylor’s heart to Karen early on in life and how Karen being a student of Taylor’s (blue/melancholy) personality helped him to feel known growing up in a house full of girls. This conversation is full of nuggets that will b...

As moms, making time to prioritize friendship can feel difficult or downright impossible depending on your situation. In today’s episode, Karen answers questions about friendship from the new mom in town, working moms, introverted moms, and the mom who feels out of place with others in her peer group. Episode Recap: 4:17 - The Loneliness of Motherhood 7:15 - Finding New Friends After Moving 9:15 -...

If the church has hurt you - this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Today Karen is answering questions about what to do if your teens don’t enjoy the church you attend, seeking a new church family, when church hurts, and how to respond to a church that seems to be slowly dying. We hope this conversation encourages you to persevere in your efforts to be a part of a local church and remind...

We’re talking teens and their faith on today’s show. Join us as Karen answers your questions on everything from choosing a Bible for your teen to navigating difficult life situations and even to questioning God. Our prayer is that this episode gives you the encouragement and the resources you need to help guide your teens along their faith journey. Check out today’s show notes for links to all the...