Advertise on podcast: IMbetween Podcast on Marriage, Parenting, Faith, and Everything In Between

In Episode 198,  Daniel and Christina connect with David Sunde, author of Homegrown Disciples, about parenting and disciple making in the family. David shares practical wisdom and personal stories, emphasizing vulnerability, creativity, and relationship over rigid rules. He introduces the idea of parents as “tour guides” in their children’s faith journeys and discusses hands-on activities to nurture compassion and generosity. The conversation offers encouragement and actionable ideas for parents to foster authentic faith, highlighting the importance of grace, presence, and shared spiritual rhythms at home. Meet David Sunde: David Sunde has been involved in local church and non-profit leadership for over twenty years from mega church to church start-up. David holds a doctorate in semiotics, culture, and the church through George Fox University and the author of Small-Batch Disciplemaking. David and his wife, Laurel, are at home in Austin, TX, with their kids Bjorn and Annika. For the full show notes go to https://imbetween.org/episode198/

We interview Chris Janssen, an author, life coach, and sobriety advocate. Chris shares her personal journey to sobriety, discusses her new book Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want, and explores how addiction extends beyond substances to behaviours and thought patterns. She offers practical coaching tools for self-reflection and change, emphasizing self-compassion and the importance of defining sobriety individually. The conversation highlights the costs of numbing behaviours, the value of choosing growth over comfort, and encourages us to pursue authentic, fulfilling lives with grace and resilience. Meet Chris Janssen: Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is a leading results coach in performance and mindset and a bestselling, award-winning author. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. In addition to her academic achievements, Chris trained with and worked on Tony Robbins’ team of results coaches at the #1 personal development and peak performance strategy company in the world. As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counseling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage and rewrite narratives. Through her successful and sustainable Living All In methods, clients learn to attach meaning to life events and circumstances beyond their control. A California native, Chris and her husband, Scott have been married for nearly 30 years. Together, they raised three children, now thriving young adults. Chris and Scott split their time between Los Angeles and Colorado and love to ski, golf, be with their horses and adventure outside. For the full show notes go to IMbetween.org/epsiode197 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview Sarah Boyd, author of Turn Down the Noise, about overstimulation as an invisible epidemic impacting children, parents, and educators. Sarah explains how sensory overload affects mental health and family dynamics, distinguishing between tantrums and sensory overwhelm. She offers practical strategies for building resilience, including intentional downtime, playful family moments, and screen-free periods. Our conversation emphasizes understanding individual sensory needs, managing parental stress, and creating supportive environments. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Overstimulation as an invisible epidemic affecting mental health in children and families. The rise of anxiety, depression, and attention-related diagnoses in children and adolescents. The importance of environmental factors in supporting mental well-being. Sensory sensitivity as a personality trait and its prevalence among neurodivergent individuals. Differentiating between tantrums and sensory overwhelm in children. The impact of parental stress and emotional regulation on children's behavior. Strategies for increasing sensory capacity and managing overstimulation. The role of humor and lightheartedness in fostering resilience within families. The significance of creating intentional downtime and media-free periods for families. Practical tools for parents to create supportive environments and improve family dynamics. Meet Sarah Boyd: Sarah Boyd is a writer, child and adolescent development expert, and founder of educational company Resilient Little Hearts. She holds a Masters degree in Educational Psychology and a Diploma in the Neuroscience of Leadership. A native Australian, she now lives in California with her husband and two children.  For the full show notes, including journal prompts and discussion questions for couples, go to IMbetween.org/episode196 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 195 is one you won’t want to miss. Cassandra Speer—co-author of Ready As You Are—joins us for a powerful conversation on growth, purpose, and faith. Cass opens up about her journey from feeling completely unqualified tostepping into her calling as a Bible teacher and author. Her story is a reminder that God often calls us into spaces we never thought we could step into. We also discuss the courage it takes to navigate seasons of change, the beauty of supportive partnerships, how to foster unity in marriage, and what it means to silence feelings of inadequacy. Cass’s words will leave you encouraged to trust God’s provision and step boldly into your own calling—because you are more ready than you think. In This Episode, You'll Hear The Following:  The concept of being "ready" for one's calling Overcoming limitations and fear in pursuing purpose Discussion of imposter syndrome and its impact Discerning God's purpose versus personal pride Navigating relationships and callings in different life stages Importance of supportive partnerships in pursuing dreams Challenges of navigating change and uncertainty in life transitions Necessity of unity and communication in marriage Encouragement for personal growth and embracing one's unique path Meet Cassandra Speer:  Cassandra is a bestselling author, dynamic Bible teacher, host of the Hard and Holy podcast, and vice president of Her True Worth, a global ministry encouraging women to find their identity and validation in Christ alone. With a deep passion for the weary and wounded, Cass writes to offer hope and practical biblical encouragement to those searching for faith in the midst of life’s challenges. In addition to her writing and ministry work, Cass is pursuing a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies at Denver Seminary. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and their three rowdy and wonderful children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Daniel and Christina delve into the topic of emotions, especially in the context of parenting, with their guest Alicia Michelle, a certified Christian life coach. Alicia provides insights from her book "Emotional Confidence: Three Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture," where she underscores the importance of acknowledging, discerning, and deciding how to respond to emotions. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of understanding and managing emotions for personal development and fostering healthier family dynamics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daniel and Christina chat with Shannon Brink, a nurse practitioner and author. The episode delves into the theme of waiting, particularly through personal struggles and relationships. Shannon shares her battle with insomnia and the lessons she has learned about waiting on God, emphasizing empathy and support for loved ones in similar situations. The discussion highlights the emotional and spiritual dimensions of waiting, its impact on personal growth, and the importance of community and genuine connection during challenging times. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: The theme of waiting in life and its emotional impact. Personal struggles, particularly insomnia, and their influence on faith. The importance of empathy in relationships during waiting periods. Supporting loved ones who are also experiencing waiting. The dual nature of hope: for the present and the future. The challenges faced by couples during prolonged suffering. The significance of community and shared experiences in times of waiting. The role of vulnerability and honesty in relationships and parenting. The transformative potential of waiting for personal growth. Trusting in God's timing and presence amidst uncertainty. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Waiting is the Night: Finding Hope When You’re Stuck on the Other Side of Dawn by Shannon Brink Shannonbrink.org Meet Shannon Brink: Shannon Brink is a Nurse Practitioner living on the Canadian West Coast. She has 4 children and spent 5 years recently as a missionary nurse in East Africa. She writes on Shannonbrink.org and you can follow her various publications there including free devotionals and real conversations with others waiting on God. For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to: IMbetween.org/episode193 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daniel interviews Mindy Caliguire, the leader of Soul Care and author of Ignite Your Soul, to discuss the state of people's souls in today's culture. Mindy shares insights from a "listening tour," highlighting a growing awareness of the inner life and a rejection of hustle culture. We explore the challenges of soul care, skepticism around spiritual formation, and the need for an integrated approach to well-being. Mindy uses wildfire metaphors to illustrate the fragility of the soul and emphasizes the importance of practices like journaling, prayer, and embracing hobbies to nurture one's inner life. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: The current state of people's souls in the cultural climate. Insights from a "listening tour" about the importance of inner life and soul care. The rejection of hustle culture and its impact on well-being. The rise of skepticism regarding spiritual formation and soul care. The need for an integrated approach to mental, physical, and spiritual health. The metaphor of wildfires to illustrate the fragility of the soul. The significance of personal reflection and journaling for soul care. The importance of nurturing joy and interests in children for their soul health. The role of spiritual practices in cultivating a healthy soul. Resources: Ignite Your Soul: When Exhaustion, Isolation, and Burnout Light a Path to Flourishing by Mindy Caliguire Soul Care Meet Mindy Caliguire: Mindy Caliguire is the co-founder and president of Soul Care, an organization dedicated to helping leaders both personally flourish and achieve missional impact. Her latest book, Ignite Your Soul: When Exhaustion, Isolation, and Burnout Light a Path to Flourishing, is a powerful guide for recovering soul health in any and all circumstances.  For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to: IMbetween.org/episode192 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview Christa Hardin, a relationship expert, author, and podcaster about the role of Enneagram types in intimacy and sexual relationships within marriage. Christa explains how understanding each type's natural tendencies can help couples navigate conflicts and enhance their intimate lives. She offers specific advice for every Enneagram type, emphasizing the importance of open communication, vulnerability, and emotional connection. The episode provides practical insights for couples to foster deeper connections and improve their intimate relationships by leveraging the Enneagram framework. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Understanding the Enneagram and its relevance to intimacy in marriage. Natural states of intimacy for different Enneagram types and potential conflicts. Creating a safe environment for open communication about intimacy. Navigating differences in sexual desires and preferences between partners. Insights into the strengths and growth areas of each Enneagram type regarding intimacy. The importance of vulnerability and emotional connection in intimate relationships. Strategies for addressing and overcoming intimacy challenges specific to each Enneagram type. Encouragement for couples to explore deeper connections through understanding their Enneagram types. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing + Link for Bonus Chapter by Christa Hardin Enneagram and Marriage Listen to our previous Enneagram episodes: 155: THE ENNEAGRAM FOR UNDERSTANDING YOUR SPOUSE WITH DANI COOPER 134: ENNEAGRAM AND PARENTING: TIPS FOR CULTIVATING A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR KIDS BASED ON YOUR TYPE 121: NINE ENNEAGRAM QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MAKE WISER DECISIONS WITH DR. DREW MOSER 98: HOW THE ENNEAGRAM CAN DEEPEN YOUR MARRIAGE CONNECTION WITH JEFF AND BETH MCCORD 70: RESOLVING CONFLICT WITH THE ENNEAGRAM WITH LAUREN GRAY 69: ENNEAGRAM AND COMMUNICATION STYLES WITH LAUREN GRAY 51: THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY ENNEAGRAM TYPE WITH DR. DREW MOSER Take a look at our Enneagram printables. They are completely free! E-Book: The Perfect Gift For Every Enneagram Type The Enneagram Guide To Better Relationships Looking for an Enneagram test to find out your type? For a free Enneagram Test, please click here  For a paid Enneagram Test (which will be more accurate), check out The Enneagram Institute Testing Center Meet Christa Hardin: Christa Hardin, MA is a relationship expert, author, as well as host of the popular Enneagram & Marriage Podcast. Christa has been working with and researching marriage for two decades, providing hope for couples struggling to find their light, love, and mission together in any relationship season. Her most recent Amazon best-selling title, "The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing," is now available wherever you buy books. You can catch up with her on the podcast at @enneagramandmarriage on Instagram, Substack at "Of Light and Joy". You can find her website, blog, and Enneagram & Marriage podcast links at www.enneagramandmarriage.com. For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to: IMbetween.org/episode191 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trillia Newbell, the author of Celebrating Around the Table, unpacks the book's themes of food, fellowship, and faith. Trillia shares how her family's tradition of exploring different cultures through meals inspired her book. She highlights key figures like Elizabeth Freeman and Ruby Bridges, emphasizing courage and resilience. The conversation underscores the importance of intentional family time, even with simple meals, and the educational value of learning diverse histories. The episode concludes with encouragement for families to cultivate deeper connections and celebrate their unique stories through shared experiences. In This Episode, You'll Hear About:  The importance of food, fellowship, and faith in celebrating cultural stories. Impact of cultural exploration on family dynamics and appreciation for diversity. Highlighting significant figures in Black Christian history, such as Elizabeth Freeman and Ruby Bridges. Discussion of courage, resilience, and faith as central themes in the stories. Encouragement for families to engage in meaningful conversations around the dinner table. Practical advice for simplifying family meals while prioritizing connection. Resources Mentioned In The Episode: Celebrating Around the Table: Learning the Stories of Black Christians Through Readings, Fellowship, Food, and Faith trillianewbell.com Meet Trillia Newbell: Trillia Newbell is the author of several books including, 52 Weeks in the Word, A Great Cloud of Witnesses, Sacred Endurance, If God is For Us, Fear and Faith, and the children's books Creative God, Colorful Us, God's Very Good Idea, and Jesus and the Gift of Friendship. She is the host of the podcast 52 Weeks in the Word and hosts the weekly radio program Living by Faith from Moody Radio. When she isn’t writing, she’s encouraging and supporting other writers as the Acquisitions and Editorial Director at Moody Publishers. Trillia is married to her best friend, Thern, and they reside with their two children near Nashville, TN where they enjoy hiking and eating lots of bbq.  For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to: IMbetween.org/episode190 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 189, Daniel and Christina chat with Caroline Fausel, a health coach and wellness expert, about her newly released book, Simply Healthy Life. Caroline discusses the concept of a thriving life, emphasizing a holistic approach to health that includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The episode covers practical steps for making healthy changes, the emotional connections people have with food, and the importance of sleep and exercise. Caroline also shares tips for developing consistent habits and the significance of Sabbath practices for overall wellness. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Definition of a thriving life and its multi-dimensional aspects (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). The emotional connections people have with food and how it affects eating habits. Practical steps for making healthy lifestyle changes, including the "magic wand exercise." The importance of creating a healthy home environment and understanding toxins in household products. The concept of "all the time" foods versus "sometimes" foods to promote a balanced diet. Strategies for improving sleep hygiene and its critical role in overall health. The significance of exercise and developing consistent habits for physical well-being. The role of self-awareness in understanding eating habits and emotional triggers. Incorporating Sabbath practices as a means of reconnecting with oneself and loved ones. The holistic approach to health that encompasses food, exercise, sleep, and emotional well-being. Links Mentioned In This Episode: A Simply Healthy Life: Your Guide to Cultivating a Happy, Connected, and Intentional Life by Caroline Fausel Olive You Whole Episode 111: What Your Doctor Wishes You Knew About Rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Mini Episode 4: When You Can't Sleep, Try This Meet Caroline Fausel:Caroline Fausel is the owner and blogger behind Olive You Whole, a successful clean-eating and lifestyle blog. She is passionate about helping women live healthier, more intentional lives. As a nationally certified health coach, she has developed a loyal community of followers who love her recipes and guidance on living a toxic-free lifestyle. Caroline is married to her college sweetheart, Chaz, and they have two precious kiddos, Ella Rae and Owen. For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to IMbetween.org/episode189 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daniel and Christina talk with Steve Carter, who shares his journey through grief and insights from his new book, "Grieve, Breathe, Receive." Steve discusses his complex relationships with his adoptive and biological fathers, emphasizing the importance of processing grief with hope. He introduces a framework for navigating grief, encouraging listeners to honour their feelings and remain open to the beautiful surprises that life can bring. The episode offers valuable perspectives on healing, reconciliation, and the transformative power of hope. In This Episode, You'll Hear About The Following: Exploration of grief and its complexities. Personal experiences of loss, particularly related to adoptive and biological fathers. A framework for processing grief. Navigating forgiveness in the context of loss. The role of hope and reconciliation in healing relationships. The impact of societal expectations on emotional expression, especially for men. The significance of community and support during grief. The relationship between grief, faith, and the anticipation of God's goodness. Meet Steve Carter: Steve Carter hosts Craft and Character, a Preaching Today podcast for pastors and communicators focused on developing powerful communication and strong character. Each episode features conversations with ministry leaders on balancing skill with integrity. Steve is a personal and executive coach, mentoring communicators to find their voice and guiding organizations through transitions. Passionate about bringing the way of Jesus into every setting, he teaches, writes, and crafts messages to inspire others in their faith journey. Steve serves as a teaching pastor at Forest City Church and speaks globally, based near Chicago with his wife and two kids. For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to IMbetween.org/episode188 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 187, Daniel and Christina chat with Erin Loechner—once a social media influencer with over a million followers—who made the radical choice to step away from the digital spotlight and embrace a low-tech lifestyle. Erin reflects on the impact of social media on her mental health, identity, and parenting, sharing how the constant pressure to stay “connected” was eroding what mattered most. In this conversation, she offers practical tips for reducing tech dependence, from simplifying devices to creating meaningful offline moments with loved ones, all while reminding us that true connection thrives in real life, not on screens. In This Episode, You'll Hear About The Following: The impact of social media on mental health and personal relationships. The decision to opt out of social media for family well-being. The evolution of social media from sharing to attention-seeking platforms. Experiences and benefits of living without social media. The importance of community and real-life connections. Practical steps for families to create a healthier relationship with technology. The role of parental controls and intentional tech use. The dangers of social media algorithms, especially for young users. The significance of authentic relationships over digital interactions. Encouragement for families to reflect on their technology use and its implications. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Pick up a copy of Erin's latest book, The Opt-Out Family: How To Give Your Kids What Technology Can't Read Erin's first book, Chasing Slow: Courage To Journey Off The Beaten Path Erin's Website Listen to our other episodes about raising kids in this tech era:  Parenting In Our Digital Age Unplugging for Connection: How To Break The Distracted Parenting Cycle Netiquette: Teaching Our Kids Online Manners Breaking Up With Our Phones Meet Erin Loechner: Founder of global tech-free movement The Opt-Out Family, Erin Loechner is a former social media influencer who walked away from a million fans to live a low-tech lifestyle—and is now teaching others how to do the same. Her cutting-edge work has been praised in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Huffington Post, and the Today Show. When she’s not scrawling on her trusty steno pad, Erin, her husband, and their three kids spend their days chasing alpenglow, reading Kipling, and biking to town for more tortillas. For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to: IMbetween.org/episode187 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 186, Daniel and Christina Im engage in a profound conversation with Chuck De Groat, a licensed therapist and author of "Healing What's Within." The discussion centers on themes of loneliness, healing, and the integration of spiritual and psychological insights. Chuck shares his journey in writing his book and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with oneself. The episode explores practical tools for self-examination and highlights the significance of understanding and addressing deeper longings for connection and fulfillment. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Exploration of themes of loneliness and disconnection. Discussion on the healing process and its significance. Integration of spiritual and psychological insights. The importance of self-awareness and introspection. The role of community in the healing journey. Examination of internal conflicts and desires. Reflection on the biblical concept of "coming home to oneself." Practical tools for self-examination based on biblical questions. Encouragement to engage in contemplative practices and connect with God. Meet Chuck DeGroat: Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he also serves as the founding executive director of the clinical mental health counseling program. He is a licensed therapist, spiritual director, author, retreat leader speaker, and faculty member with the Soul Care Institute.  As a therapist, he specializes in navigating issues of abuse and trauma, pastoral (and leadership) health, and doubt and darknights on the faith journey. He trains clergy in handling issues of abuse and trauma, conducts pastor and planter assessments, and facilitates church consultations and investigations of abuse.  Before transitioning to training and forming pastors, Chuck served as a pastor in Orlando and San Francisco. He and his wife, Sara, have been married for 30 years and have two adult daughters. For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to IMbetween.org/episode186 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview Dr. Charles Fay, president of the Love and Logic Institute, about parenting strategies from his book "Raising Mentally Strong Kids." Dr. Fay emphasizes allowing children to experience and learn from mistakes, fostering resilience, confidence, kindness, and responsibility. He discusses the negative side effects of overprotective parenting and introduces practical techniques for encouraging problem-solving and independence. The episode also explores the role of mental hygiene, highlighting the need to challenge automatic negative thoughts and promote truthful thinking to support children's mental health. In This Episode, You Will Hear About The Following:  Parenting strategies for building resilience in children and teens. The importance of fostering confidence, kindness, and responsibility in youth. Current trends in youth mental health and their implications for parenting. The significance of allowing children to experience small failures for growth. The role of empathy in effective parenting and problem-solving. Differentiating between healthy and unhealthy struggles for children. The concept of "mental hygiene" and managing negative thoughts. Encouraging open discussions about parenting challenges and strategies. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Pick up a copy of Dr. Charles Fay's book Raising Mentally Strong Kids Listen to our previous episode about Why We Need To Teach Our Kids to Fail Listen more about the importance of joy in your children's lives: The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids Meet Dr. Charles Fay:Dr. Charles is an internationally recognized author, consultant, and public speaker. He is also president of the Love and Logic Institute, which became part of Amen Clinics in 2020. Millions of educators, mental health professionals, and parents worldwide have benefited from Dr. Fay's down-to-earth solutions to the most common and frustrating behaviors displayed by youth of all ages. These methods come directly from years of experience serving severely disturbed youth and their families in psychiatric hospitals, public and private schools, homes, and other settings. For more information, visit loveandlogic.com For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple, go to IMbetween.org/episode185 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it possible to recover from an affair? Can you learn to trust your spouse again? Josh and Katie Walters candidly discuss their journey through betrayal and the rebuilding of trust in their marriage. Katie opens up about her emotional affair and the subsequent guilt and self-reflection she faced. Josh shares his initial shock and the struggle to process the betrayal, highlighting the importance of his decision to forgive and stay committed to the marriage. They explore the emotional cost involved in healing, the role of their faith in guiding them towards forgiveness and restoration, and the beauty that awaited them on the other side of the betrayal. It's not just their story; it's an invitation to anyone wrestling with forgiveness to find solace in the shared experience and redemptive power of grace.  In This Episode, You'll Hear About: What is an emotional affair and its impact on a marriage Emotional journey and reevaluating priorities in marriage Process of forgiveness and rebuilding trust Complexity of forgiveness, trust, and transformative power of love and grace Highlighting a different narrative of hope and staying in a relationship despite challenges For the full show notes, including discussion prompts for you as a couple about this episode, go to IMbetween.org/episode184 Connect with us on: Facebook | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices