Shows
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsThe mental load of motherhood and how to stay afloat with Emily JensenHave you ever heard the term “mental load” as it relates to what we carry as moms? It's the same as carrying every single thing up the stairs as your arms give way to the overload. Our minds do the same. We just snap because our minds aren’t meant to carry so much. So what do we do? How do we keep our care and responsibility high for our kids without drowning?I was delighted to talk about this issue with Emily Jensen, founder of Risen Motherhood. She’s a mom of 5, author, speaker...2025-05-0836 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids3 core needs for every kid with Sissy Goff and David ThomasThey are back! Sissy Goff and David Thomas are back to equip us with “3 core needs for every kid.” They are always so encouraging and so very practical. The work they have done in their counseling offices has helped thousands of parents just like me. I cling to their perspective and biblical encouragement. We talk about our kids’ need for resilience, courage and relationship. We also talk about the health benefits for your kids when they have a dog. I couldn't agree more and I was the most anti-dog person in our family until we got...2025-05-0129 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFried food, friendship and self acceptance with Melissa RadkeGet ready to laugh! We all need some more Melissa Radkes in our lives. Melissa is not just funny - she’s a mom that is immensely talented. She’s a best-selling author, speaker and television personality. She reminds me of Seinfeld in the ways she observes everyday life and finds the amusement in it all.I don’t know about you, but I need to have moments in my everyday life to simply lighten up and enjoy it. This episode will allow you to pause and enjoy a chat about all things women. She shares the most h...2025-04-2436 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids3 ways to help your tweens thrive with Alena Franklin and Jonathan PittsDo you have a tween? This episode is for YOU! Jonathan is one of my very favorite dads on the planet. He’s a pastor, husband, dad of one young adult, 3 teens and a one year old! You’ve heard him on Pardon The Mess before with his beautiful wife Peta Pitts as they have navigated loss together. Alena Pitts is Jonathan’s oldest daughter and someone I admire and respect so much. This father-daughter conversation is incredibly rich and entertaining. Today’s episode is a very practical one. Alena and Jonathan offer 3 ways we can he...2025-04-1738 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsI feel broken. Could God even fix me? With Meshali MitchellHave you ever felt like you are too far gone? That some things in your life are too broken for God to fix? In this week’s episode with Meshali - we start out talking ranch and pimento cheese and then dive into the freedom that she has experienced with her painful story and God’s glory. Meshali is a photographer, speaker, author, amazing aunt and friend to many. Dive in and enjoy a really honest chat about restoration. When you meet Meshali, you might assume she’s always been so lighthearted and delightful and ful...2025-04-1042 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsPriorities for families with Kirsten WatsonHappy April Pardon The Mess Family!Do you have a fellow mom that always calls you higher? I have been friends with Kirsten for over 20 years and she is that kind of mom friend. When we catch up, we get to our priorities fast. And that’s what you hear about today - her priorities and how to make some progress in those.Kirsten is a wife to retired NFL player Benjamin Watson, mom of 7 beautiful children, advocate, speaker, author and dear friend. Benjamin and Kirsten have been on be...2025-04-0337 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsCancer, cooking and career rollercoaster with Dina Deleasa-GonsarFrom the reality TV show “Married to Jonas” to becoming a mom to postpartum to a viral blog and recently a cancer journey - Dina’s story reminds us all that God will never leave us. I’m so thankful I had the chance to get to know Dina and her incredible story. She feels like a mom I would meet at the park and then I’d want to sit for hours and laugh and cry. Dina is the REAL deal! Although, I booked her on this podcast to chat about cooking and the power o...2025-03-2744 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsIs it possible to disconnect? with Carlos WhittakerIt’s not everyday you get to interview someone that disconnected in an extreme way. Carlos Whittaker wanted to really test his attachment to his phone and learn from the power disconnecting. So he went to live in an Amish community, in a monastery, and then did life at home without a device. His lessons are so powerful about how to reconnect with the ones we love most.When we recorded this episode, Carlos had just recently lost his father and was about to speak at his funeral. Many people have grown to love hi...2025-03-2032 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFriendship struggles and raising girls with Grace ValentineGrace Valentine is BACK! You all absolutely loved the first episode and you will love this one even more. Grace is a firecracker for Jesus. That’s what a grandma would say - but it’s so true. She comes in with such energy and truth that will just fire you up.She is a speaker, author and podcast host and is impacting thousands of young women around the world. On today’s episode we talk about all things FRIENDS. Friendships are just hard, not just for young girls for us as women. Grace has bib...2025-03-1336 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to stop “overthinking” with Jon AcuffDo you spend time overthinking? I sure do, but can honestly say it’s gotten way better over the years. This episode is dedicated to my small group of senior girls. They were telling me that “overthinking” is taking them down for so many days. That conversation had me pondering about the topic and I wanted to help them with this struggle. So, I got Jon Acuff back on the podcast to help me wrestle through it.Jon Acuff writes the most relatable books with common struggles in our daily lives. He’s an entrepre...2025-03-0637 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFor the parents of special needs kids with Jessica HurlbutDid you know that Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network? There are 29 podcasts for Christian parents within our network. Our guest today, Jessica Hurlbut, is the co-host of the popular Full Spectrum Parents podcast, a faith-based podcast for parents who are raising kids with autism.I learned so much from Jessica today and I know you will too. Whether you are raising a child with autism, down syndrome, learning disability or any other special needs diagnosis - you will be so encouraged by her story. ...2025-02-2739 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsMean Girls & Mom Wounds with Melanie ShankleDo you have daughters? Do you have some mom wounds? Are you facing some “mean girl” moments as you raise your daughters? Then, you cannot miss this one.I’m always amazed at the way Melanie Shankle cuts through the clutter of life and gets to the core of the issue. She’s one of my very favorite moms out there - I have always read her books, learned from her journey, admired her faith and soaked up her wisdom. It can be really tricky to walk through your own junk...2025-02-2040 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to talk to your kids about sexual integrity with Jim Burns and Erin MashawRaise your hands if you are excited about talking with your teen about sexual integrity? Not me. These are hard, but necessary conversations we must have with our kids. I have the very best voices in this area, Jim Burns and Erin Mashaw, on the podcast today.In this episode, we discuss the complexities of parenting, particularly in relation to sexuality and communication. We talk about the importance of early education on sexual integrity, the challenges posed by the purity culture and the need for open dialogue between parents and children. 2025-02-1340 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsAre you overparenting? With Steph ThurlingThis week’s episode is packed with insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenting during the middle school years. I’m joined by Steph Thurling, and together we dive into balancing love, independence, and the continuous learning process of parenting.Here are four key takeaways from this episode:Parenting evolves as children grow, and middle school years often require creative ways to re-engage with your kids. Allowing children to experience failure helps them develop responsibility and confidence. Overparenting can hinder independence—parents should guide their children through problems, not shield them from them. Self-care fo...2025-02-0642 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow can I stay consistent in parenting this year? with Drew & Michelle ShermanHave I mentioned lately how much I love my church and pastor? Ron and I feel really grateful that we found a home at Compass Church. Drew Sherman (lead pastor at Compass) and his amazing wife Michelle are on the podcast today. It all started with a sermon that he preached at the beginning of the year that was SO GOOD! Even Larson remarked that it was her favorite sermon he has ever done. We are talking about the idea or the issue of: CONSISTENCY. And more specifically, how can we be consistent in o...2025-01-3042 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow do I balance sports, family and faith? with Elisabeth and Sarah HasselbeckAre you raising athletes? Are you struggling with how to best support them? Are you thinking about how their faith impacts their sport - or informs their sport? We have two experts today on the podcast, Elisabeth and Sarah Hasselbeck - both are wives of former NFL players and moms of D1 athletes. Listen to this episode with the entire family. Maybe sports is a place of disagreement in your family and this could open up some healthy dialogue with your spouse and children. Sarah and Elisabeth share such practical tips for you as y...2025-01-2339 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsDevices, Dopamine and how to help our families with Niro FelicianoI took a break from social media in December, and I could not believe the difference in my mood and clarity. This episode is not here to guilt us as parents - but to equip us! My guest, Niro Feliciano, is a psychotherapist, mom of four kids and regular contributor on The Today Show. She speaks in a language we can understand. She shares about brain science and how the dopamine high/low pattern is really impacting the moods and wellbeing of our children (and us). I saw Niro’s reel on the “dopamine defic...2025-01-1635 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsNavigating health and hormones with Dr. Edie WadsworthThis summer, I ran into a Pardon the Mess listener and asked her how I could support her parenting journey on this podcast. She said, “All of my friends talk about health and hormones every day. It’s a real struggle.” I did not disagree. Maybe it’s middle age or the fact that we have TONS of information overwhelming us on social media - but the topic of women’s health is often overwhelming. For many years, I have run on empty and taking care of myself last. Anyone else relate to this approach? Today’s c...2025-01-0950 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to avoid parent burnout with Drew McClureHappy New Year!!!I cannot believe it’s 2025. I've been thinking about this year for a long time because it’s the year my first child graduates from high school. Well, that went fast!Today’s episode is a special one for me, but also insanely practical for all of us. We have my brother, Drew McClure, on the show today to talk about “parent burnout.” Is it just the life of a mother to feel utterly exhausted all the days of our lives? Is there a way to have more...2025-01-0254 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHeartfelt encouragement for every mom with Courtney DeFeoMerry Christmas friends!!!!I wanted to end the year with some heartfelt encouragement to each of you. Try to get away from all the noise and distractions when you listen to this one. Sit with your eyes closed or go on a walk - and pray God would encourage your anxious and weary heart.It’s so easy to get to the end of a year and only think about the few things you didn’t do right or mistakes that were made. I want to remind you of the MANY things you are doing well...2024-12-2620 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsPractical products and tips for the mom life with Dana SheheaneHappy December!!! I am so very delighted to introduce you to one of my favorite moms on the planet - Dana Sheheane! This episode is a simple, rambling and lighthearted chat with one of my real life mom friends. You will LOVE her! She’s one of us folks.I feel like we can raise amazing Christian kids - if we are wearing the right bra and our coffee stays warm. Amen? So let’s dive into some practical ideas and a girlfriend chat. The ma...2024-12-1956 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsBest & worst parenting advice with Lisa ClarkI crave mentors and wisdom! I feel like I can spot wise women in any room. Lisa Clark is one of those mentors and I’m delighted to share her with you today. You will absolutely love hearing her “best and worst parenting advice” as she thinks back over her 35 years of parenting. As a grandmother now, she is at a place in life where she can look back and assess what was true and what wasn’t. Some advice is helpful and some is not. Some advice is biblical and some is not. Lisa share...2024-12-1242 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to BE YOU with Bob GoffWhat an absolute delight! If I could have dinner with 5 people (dead or alive) - it would be Jesus, Princess Diana, my grandmother, Mother Teresa and Bob Goff. What about you? Are there people in the world that have shaped your mind and heart? Bob’s first book, Love Does, had a significant impact on my faith and the way I parent my kids. So, you can imagine it was PURE JOY to have this conversation today.He sprays wisdom, inspiration and joy like confetti - so you will not be short on takeaways fo...2024-12-0535 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhat Matters Most: GenerosityHappy Thanksgiving!I hope you are having a beautiful day with your friends and family. I am so very thankful for each of you. I got to meet several of you in person at a recent retreat - and you were so kind to stop me and tell me the impact this podcast is having on your life. I care about each of you so much and it was so refreshing to meet you in person and hug you tight. Today’s episode is just ME! I decided to pau...2024-11-2842 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsAuthentic faith in the college years with Louie GiglioThis episode was incredibly special to me. I have long admired Pastor Louie Giglio and the work he has done through Passion Conferences and Passion City Church. I invited Amelia McBrayer, one of my favorite college kids, to join me in chatting about how to find authentic faith in the college years. This episode is packed with wisdom on how to help encourage our kids (and all of us) to not just know ABOUT God, but to really KNOW God.Since 1997, Passion Conferences has gathered over one million collegiate-aged young people in events across...2024-11-2138 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhy serving as a family matters with Chris and Jan WoodruffI am so fired up about this episode with Chris and Jan Woodruff. I believe serving together is one of the very best things you can do as a family. As I look back over 18 years as a mom, I can truthfully say that the times we have served together has deeply impacted each of us. We always see the best version of our family.Many times, the service opportunities are only available for teens and older. When we discovered Lighthouse, we found a way for our kids to serve as young as 4 years...2024-11-1445 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsBoys vs Girls (Part 2): The Dating YearsMy friend, Heather MacFayden, is a mom of four boys and I am a mom of two girls. We have two very different (but equally enjoyable) parenting experiences. We are both podcasters, but we are also real life friends. We have had many conversations over the last 10 years about the unique differences between raising boys and girls. We decided to take our offline conversations online for you! Part 1 is over at her podcast, Don’t Mom Alone - Boys vs Girls (Part 1): The Early Years. And today, you will hear Part 2 which is all abo...2024-11-0742 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsDiscipline, Consequences and trust in parenting with Dr. David and Amanda Erickson (Part 2)These two episodes with Dr. David and Amanda Erickson are packed with practical ideas for the little years. Truthfully, it can be overwhelming to determine how to discipline, redirect, manage chaos while not breaking the spirit of your child. I see a cultural shift from one extreme (punishing behavior out of kids and using fear) to another extreme - letting the kids run the house with no rules. This couple has an approach that I really believe in - they combine child development with scriptural truth. I wish I had had them when my ki...2024-10-3129 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsDiscipline, Consequences and trust in parenting with Dr. David and Amanda Erickson (Part 1)These two episodes with Dr. David and Amanda Erickson are packed with practical ideas for the little years. Truthfully, it can be overwhelming to determine how to discipline, redirect, manage chaos while not breaking the spirit of your child. I see a cultural shift from one extreme (punishing behavior out of kids and using fear) to another extreme - letting the kids run the house with no rules. This couple has an approach that I really believe in - they combine child development with scriptural truth. I wish I had had them when my ki...2024-10-3128 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsCreative storytelling in parenting with Dallas JenkinsI couldn’t wait to have a chat with the founder, producer and director of The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins. Although that’s super cool - I also wanted it to be practical for us as parents. He was fantastic!My kids are very visual learners and I am sure many of your children are as well, so I wanted to hear his thoughts on creative storytelling. Some kids cannot read the Bible and get what they need right away. They don’t understand the context around the stories. Dallas is a master at providing contex...2024-10-2431 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsOvercoming abuse & finding identity in ChristIn this week’s episode, I have the honor of chatting with Reese - a college-aged friend that I adore. She bravely shares her testimony - one that involves abuse by a coach, a “not guilty” jury decision and God’s faithfulness through it all. Reese wanted to come on and share her story so that parents see that an authentic faith is often born from life’s toughest struggles. When I asked Reese’s mom about this journey, this was her text to me.“My daughter’s journey reminds us that G...2024-10-1733 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsBroken trust & healing tough relationships with Lysa TerKeurstIt’s an absolute delight to have my dear friend Lysa TerKeurst on the podcast today. Lysa has been sharing her deepest struggles through writing books, devotionals and bible studies for decades. She has a beautiful way combining biblical truth and heartfelt empathy that makes us all feel less alone. In today’s episode, we discuss TRUST and DISTRUST. She shares that when you starve a relationship from trust - it’s like not giving a human air to breathe. I can imagine that many of you are working through some trust issues - we all...2024-10-1040 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsI feel far from God with Jeannie CunnionDo you ever feel far from God? This week, we get to dive into a crucial conversation with Jeannie Cunnion. She helps us unpack this very common feeling amongst believers. She has so much encouragement around why God desires us to get closer and closer. And then, she also gives us practical ways we can grow closer to God. There isn’t a finish line for growing closer to God. We are all on our own journey with God. It’s personal and it takes time and it’s never-ending. However, we so often compare...2024-10-0336 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsTrying to do it all and be all with Alyssa BethkeI hope you are finding a theme on this podcast. I am always trying to bring you conversations about real-life problems that us moms face on a daily basis. Also, I want to always point us back to Jesus as well as practical ideas to move forward. Today’s episode is one of those issues we face on a regular basis: Alyssa Bethke is passionate about this idea of “being all and doing all.” She really digs into why women struggle with this. My intentions aren’t always bad as a “doer” - they just aren’t s...2024-09-2636 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFaith, family, and bracelets with founder of enewton, Elizabeth NewtonDo you have a brand you love in your house? My girls have been obsessed with all the beautiful jewelry pieces of enewton for many years. I am always intrigued when I see a mom running a massive business. My hunch was that Eizabeth Newton was a faithful, generous and fun CEO. I learned that she is even more than that!Elizabeth shares her story of raising triplets (and a 2-year-old) in the beginning years of enewton. She shares about her passion for generosity and how that has stayed with the company through the...2024-09-1934 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWomen, leadership, and insecurities with Sophie HudsonSophie Hudson aka “Boo Momma” is one of the funniest speakers and podcasters I have ever been around. Sophie has a way about sharing truth and encouragement in this most relatable way. Today, we cover key topics from Peepers (readers you need) to why Birmingham women are so classy and then we spend most of our chat time discussing women and leadership.In this episode, she shares the hard truth that our churches and communities have not always prepared women for leadership. As moms, we so often wonder if we even have gifts? And we o...2024-09-1249 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsAre my kids on track? with Sissy Goff and David ThomasI didn’t know “swap” was a thing in podcasting. Who knew? It was an immediate YES when we got the opportunity to swap episodes with my dear friends Sissy Goff and David Thomas. You will get to hear one of their actual episodes from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast - to get a glimpse of how they support parents across the world. These two have helped raise my kids in some ways. I have read every book they have written and listened to every episode of their podcast. Sissy and David, with Raising Boys and Girls...2024-09-0539 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsMother-Daughter Relationships with Sandra Stanley and Allie Stanley CooneyThe mother-daughter relationship can be the most special bond out there. However, it can also be tough in many seasons. The mother-daughter duo of Sandra Stanley and Allie Stanley Cooney are on the podcast today to give us very practical tips on ways to build, maintain and strengthen our relationships with our daughters.As we think about the mother-daughter relationship, we can often jump to the things we need to add to our plate. We feel guilty that we aren’t doing enough. Sandra shares that we may need to actually eliminate things. We ma...2024-08-2934 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsInfertility, miscarriage & finding joy again with Nicole Zasowski - Story 10We are finishing our Summer of Stories with Nicole Zasowski. She is a counselor, author and speaker that shares her painful story of infertility and miscarriage. Many of you know too well what it’s like to embrace joy when you’ve walked through so much loss and disappointment. Nicole bravely encourages us all that it’s possible. It’s possible to find joy and practice thanksgiving even when mourning and grief is very present.Make sure you follow along this week on Pardon The Mess Instagram page. I will share the picture of all of h...2024-08-0841 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsParenting alone & isolated with Karen Stubbs - Story 9Welcome to Week 9 of our Summer of Stories series! This Summer we have been featuring stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments. In this week’s story, you will hear from the hilarious and wise Karen Stubbs. How many people can say they married a Top Gun fighter pilot? Well, Karen married that guy we saw in the movies. However, she very quickly realized that the cute uniform wasn't that cute...2024-08-0145 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhen your child suffers with Cleere Cherry Reaves - Story 8Welcome to Week 8 of our Summer of Stories series! This summer we have been featuring stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments. In this week’s story, you will hear from the extraordinary Cleere Cherry Reaves. It’s very likely that you have one of her beautiful products and didn’t even know it. Her massive heart for Jesus pours right into her beautiful company. I have enjoyed so many of her bo...2024-07-2551 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsAdopting kids & traveling the world with Erin Burchik - Story 7Welcome to Week 7 of our Summer of Stories series! This Summer we have been featuring stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments. In this week’s story, you will hear from the delightful, creative and intentional Erin Burchik. She is a family friend and I have long-admired her approach to parenting. She desperately wants to enjoy each of her kids and embrace the “good ole days” of kids in the home. She...2024-07-1838 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsDo I have a drinking problem or thinking problem? With Jenn Kautsch - Story 6When I engage with young moms, I often get asked a lot about alcohol. These women are wanting me to give them an “official answer” about how a Christian woman should handle alcohol. And I often don’t have the specific answer they want - because it is so often in the gray area. And only the person asking the question knows what’s going on under the issue.Today’s story is about a mom that got curious about her relationship with alcohol in her early 30s. As you hear her story, you will be in...2024-07-1142 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsThe hard truth about loneliness with Stacey Morgan - Story 5Happy July 4th!This week’s story features my friend, Stacey Morgan, who is an astronaut’s wife! Her life is truly fascinating. Her family is currently living in the Marshall Islands which is 5 hours south of Hawaii. Stacey honestly shares the truth about loneliness. She has had to start over multiple times as a military spouse. I love her hard truth about loneliness: we have to make the first move. She also shares how her kids are thriving as they were uprooted from the cultural norm in Texas, and n...2024-07-0444 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFrom blindness to healing with Kylie White - Story 4If she wasn’t one of my best friends, I don’t know if I would believe this story. However, it is true and real and incredibly powerful. My friend, Kylie White, was fully healed from near blindness. Her story and her miracle has exploded my faith the last several years. It has given me courage to pray bigger prayers. I will never be over what God did for Kylie. Even though I’ve heard this story many times, I heard even more details during this conversation which exploded my faith yet again. God is so g...2024-06-2747 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsOne unplanned pregnancy and the God-sized story that followed with Amy Ford - Story 3Welcome to Week 3 of our Summer of Stories series! For the next 10 weeks, you will hear one powerful story after another. We are featuring 10 stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments.I need everyone to take a massive deep breath before listening. And listen to the entire episode, not just the first few minutes. This is not a political episode. This is a story of one incredible mom, Amy Ford, th...2024-06-2039 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsDoes my child need a therapist? Navigating anxiety with our kids with Dr. Cassie ReidWhen our children hurt (emotionally or physically), we simply hurt. One of the hardest jobs as a parent is to discern when to step in and when to let them live through hard seasons. I am so thrilled to introduce you to my very own therapist, Dr. Cassie Reid. Cassie has counseled me and my own children through many seasons. It’s taken me years to find a good fit and I am beyond thankful for her wisdom and direction for our family. It is not always clear if our kids are just being kid...2024-05-1644 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhen you want more for your life, but feel stuck with Farrell MasonIf you are a parent, you know the feeling of just “making it through” each day. So often, we want more for our lives. However, we feel stuck and are not sure how to do that when there are children depending on us every day.My guest this week, Farrell Mason, shares about a time when she felt that her life was running her ragged. She decided to do something about how she lived her one precious life. She took action to create a more soulful life in the midst of raising six kids. Farr...2024-05-0939 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsConfession Time: 3 Parenting Regrets with Kari KampakisDo you have regrets as a parent? We all do! I have a long list myself. I thought it would be encouraging and super helpful for me to share just a few of my own regrets in the last 17 years of parenting. I asked Kari Kampakis to share her own regrets in this podcast episode. I have always loved Kari’s relatable and authenticity as a writer, podcaster and speaker. When I read her encouragement for moms - I feel like she has read my mind. She has a real gift for walking with mom...2024-05-0243 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsIs private school better than public school? With Terry Ann KellyPardon the Mess is sponsored by BetterHelp.Are you struggling with where your child should go to school? This common fear and worry can grip us all. We want so desperately to make the right choice for each of our kids. It can also be confusing when your friends all have different opinions on the matter or maybe your spouse is in disagreement with your plan. You will feel extremely encouraged by today’s episode with Terry Ann Kelly. She has practical advice for these decisions as well as gro...2024-04-2539 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow can our kids keep their faith in college? with Campbell StitesPardon the Mess is sponsored by BetterHelp.It’s not often you get to interview a college kid about growing up as a Christian. The Stites are family friends of ours and a family we admire and respect so very much. I am often asking them for advice since they are ahead of the game by a few years. Today’s episode is a chat with their son, Campbell, who is studying political science at Texas A&M University. He has always been a leader and I have absolutely loved...2024-04-1824 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to approach God when you have anger, doubt and frustration with Adrienne CampWhat a treat to talk to Adrienne Camp about how she is trusting God with her kids. Adrienne “Adie” Camp, a South African singer and songwriter, was the lead singer of the Christian rock band The Benjamin Gate before launching her solo career. She is married to fellow musician Jeremy Camp, whom she met on tour in 2002. They have been married since 2003 and have two daughters, Bella and Arie, and one son, Egan. Throughout this entire episode, you will hear Adrienne’s heart to connect people in a very tangible way with Jesus. However, she ackn...2024-04-1133 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhen you are beyond tired (soul exhausted) and don’t know how to get rest with Jess ConnollyI am taking a guess that 100% of us are exhausted. And this is beyond the physically tired feeling. You all will love the encouragement and wisdom on today’s episode by Jess Connolly. I have always loved her teaching and preaching - because she balances compassion and truth so well. She doesn’t leave us sitting in the challenges - she provides biblical, practical and realistic ways we can move forward in this issue.This idea of burnout and an unsustainable pace is not new information. We know we are in it but are not...2024-04-0432 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhat do I do with my life? How to pursue your gifts while feeling trapped and unseen with Brooke WarnockThere’s not a day that goes by that I do not hear these same sentiments from a mom. And I have been there many times.I feel so lost.I don’t know what to do with my life.I feel overlooked and unseen.I feel like I don’t dream or use my gifts.In this episode, I get the pleasure of having a real life heart chat with my friend (and my Life Plan Coach) Brooke Warnock. She shares about her journey of raising 5 kids on a ranch - whil...2024-03-2855 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to find JOY in the everyday moments with Jenna GriffithAs soon as I heard about Jenna’s passion for JOY in the home - I knew I wanted to have her on the podcast. Parenting is hard, but there is a way to still bring joy into the everyday messes of motherhood. I absolutely loved her encouragement on how to get intentional about redirecting our attitudes, conversations and outlook to one that is joy. She reminds us we do have control of our mind - and we can reframe how we see all the tiny annoyances and messes. This doesn’t mean we never...2024-03-2137 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to raise world changers with Carlos WhittakerIf you know Carlos Whittaker, you love him. I have long admired his work in the world. He is honest, brave, vulnerable and simply loves walking with people. I find myself frustrated with the evangelical world when I see such divisiveness around tough topics and a dogmatic stance on every issue. Carlos encourages us that it’s possible to hold your belief and disagree with others in a way that draws people in.My favorite part is when we talk about his approach to parenting. His desire is that we have more conversations of ho...2024-03-1433 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsCommon misconceptions about faith and theology with Jen WilkinI am still thinking about this episode and this thought-provoking conversation with Jen Wilkin. I wish I could bribe every single one of you (and your spouse and small group) to listen to this episode. Jen is a self-taught theologian that speaks about the Bible and Christianity in a way that we can all understand. I believe you will be motivated to dive into your Bible and engage in more conversations about it. She challenges us to go beyond the one-way conversation that is Sunday morning and sermons. I learned so much from her b...2024-03-0729 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to teach your kids about hard topics - from diversity to bullying to loneliness With Trillia NewbellDo you ever get overwhelmed with how to talk to your young kids about hard topics? I have been there. And sometimes, I actually disengage or ignore important topics because it feels too hard. I don’t want to say the wrong thing at the wrong time.Diversity is one of those topics that matters. It matters to God and it matters to me. Trillia Newbell is the perfect guest for this conversation. She was looking for a resource to guide her discussions with our own kids and couldn’t find it. So, she wrot...2024-02-2930 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to move forward when you are crushed and devastated with Laney ReneI have long admired Laney Rene online and was so thrilled to get a chance to know her through this interview. She is beyond her years in wisdom and her faith has always inspired me. She’s a young mom so those of you with littles will definitely relate to our episode.She shares so tenderly about the loss of her son and how she experienced God in a new way through her pain. So many of you have gone through or are enduring tremendous pain. Painful parts of our story can feel so ve...2024-02-2236 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow do I manage emotions as a parent? with Jennie AllenWell, it makes perfect sense that I have a minor cryfest on this episode. In this conversation with Jennie Allen, we dive into our feelings and emotions and what to do with those. You may have many feelings (like myself) or you may lean towards suppressing your emotions. Either way, we ALL have emotions and it’s important to understand how we handle those as faith-filled parents. I get super teary as we talk about our mutual friend, Wynter Pitts, and how her death really sent me for a loop. In that season, I felt...2024-02-1530 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhat’s the secret to happy couples? Let’s talk marriage with Ted LoweEither you’re happy in your marriage and want to remain that way, or you are not that happy in your marriage right now and feel frozen on how to fix it. My guest today is Ted Lowe who is an author, speaker and podcast host who has been helping to strengthen marriages for over two decades. You’ll love his relatable and doable approach to marriage and leave this conversation feeling encouraged, not ashamed.In this episode, we talk about the secret to happy couples. Spoiler alert - it’s our thought life. Join u...2024-02-0836 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsLet’s end the mommy wars - working vs stay-at-home? with Paula FarisStay-at-home and working-moms: Embrace the season you're in with Paula FarisAs moms, we all work. We know that. However, our culture wants us to find a camp and defend it. We find ourselves in a “stay-at-home” world or a “working moms” world. Paula Faris is a dear friend of mine and is just who we needed on this podcast topic. Like many of us, Paula has worked in many lanes since becoming a mom. She has worked full-time on Good Morning America and The View. She has also had a sea...2024-02-0145 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhat is the God-sized calling on my life? With Cynthia YanofShe’s baaaccckkkk!!! Did you know that Cynthia Yanof was the first host of Pardon The Mess? She passed the podcast baton to me in May and through this process has become a dear friend. I’m absolutely thrilled to catch up with her today.We talk about how to find and follow the God-sized calling on your life. She shares about her personal journey with foster care and adoption and what that step of faith did for their family. It will get you so excited and expectant to look for what God is call...2024-01-2540 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFor all parents of sons! Is there a boy crisis? with David ThomasDavid Thomas never disappoints! As a counselor with decades of experience, David has counseled thousands of families of boys. He brings powerful insight, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement. You may be wondering if you are failing at this parenting thing or if there might be something wrong with your son. After this episode, I think you will feel much better about your parenting and your amazing son. David agrees with the assessment that there is a “boy crisis” happening, as this article suggests. Reach out to us on social media...2024-01-1849 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids3 ways to stop wasting your time and money with Shawna SullivanHappy New Year!!!Do you love the reset that comes with a New Year or does it stress you out? Either way, I think you’re going to find this conversation refreshing. It’s simple. It’s practical. And very doable.On Pardon The Mess, we talk a lot about being intentional with our families. We talk about our values and how we are going to instill those into our kids. The truth is that all of that takes time and money - which is not an endless pot. I wish...2024-01-1136 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to pursue your passions during the seasons of motherhood with Ruth Chou SimonsHappy New Year!!! Let’s take a big sigh together. The New Year can be intense and overwhelming right out of the gate. I don’t know if you’re entering 2024 with a lot of shame or excitement. This episode is such a breath of fresh air that made me feel hopeful.I did this interview live at my church (Compass Church Colleyville) when Ruth was the guest speaker at our Christmas women’s event. It was so fun to do this in person and get to meet and sit with someone I have long adm...2024-01-0437 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsSimple Skin Care & Beauty Secrets with Heidi Miller and Lindsay HarrisonI am so excited about this month’s episodes. They are designed to be lighthearted and very practical - like we all sat down and had coffee. Today, we are headed into a chat about simplifying our style and skin care with two of my besties.Get fired up for some lighthearted banter about jeans, winter shoes, budget ideas, places to shop, aging skin care, drugstore favorites and much more. I hope you will feel practically equipped and slightly amused with our real life friend chat. Heidi is a pas...2023-12-2842 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to read the Bible when it feels overwhelming with Tara Leigh CobbleWhat a delight to chat with Tara Leigh Cobble - founder of The Bible Recap that has reached over 320 million people. I know we all want to read God’s word and believe it’s important. However, the majority of folks experience the feelings of being overwhelmed and lost during that process. Tara has so much encouragement because she has also been there.You will just love her encouragement and disarming nature as it relates to reading our Bibles. I feel so ill-equipped sometimes to lead my kids when I am stumbling through myself. As y...2023-12-2135 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsSimple Ways To Gain Peace in Your Chaotic Home with Krista Gilbert and Wendy TrigstedI am so excited about this month’s episodes. They are designed to be lighthearted and very practical - like we all sat down and had coffee. Last week, we got to chat about simplifying traditions around Christmas. And this week, we have two more of my dearest friends to talk about all things HOME & SYSTEMS.You are going to wish these two could come over and sort your entire house. They are both super gifted at making homes practical, functional and beautiful. I got so many new ideas during our conversation (and laughed of...2023-12-1445 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsSimple Christmas traditions and the pressure to make it all magical with Katie Douglas and Kylie WhiteYou are in for a treat! Courtney brings two of her very best friends on to get real about Christmas traditions. These three have been friends since their kids were babies and now they can look back over 18 years of parenting and share perspective. In addition to some fun and simple ideas, they also share about the unnecessary pressure we put on ourselves during the Christmas season. They talk about everything from Santa, to the elf, and most importantly Jesus. They share some of the favorite traditions that their kids really remember.2023-12-0748 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to show kids they are never alone with Levi LuskoI have long admired Pastor Levi Lusko and his ability to portray the absolute power and sovereignty of God in a way that we can all understand. He is a gifted pastor, teacher and communicator that always leaves me feeling seen, known and inspired.I first heard Pastor Levi at Passion Conference and have followed his teachings since that time. Today’s conversation centers around how to marvel at God’s creation and how to remind kids they are never alone in this big world. Our kids naturally look up at the moon and the...2023-11-3029 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsLiving through deep loss and wrestling with God with Jonathan and Peta PittsTissue alert! This one was incredibly special to me - a tearful and honest check in with Jonathan and Peta Pitts during a deeply painful season of their lives.Although, those in the midst of grief will absolutely resonate - I do believe this episode is for every single one of us. Somewhere in our stories, we endure deep loss and are left standing with many questions for God. This week of Thanksgiving can be really hard for many families and I pray this message touches you in a profound way. We talk about J...2023-11-2340 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to heal while broken with Toni CollierThis is a big statement, but accurate: Toni might be our funniest guest so far. I was so highly amused by her experiences with krumping and twerking in the club. And I was deeply moved by her passion to help broken women find hope and healing. Toni is a returning guest to Pardon The Mess because you all LOVED her so much the first time. She is the founder of an international women’s organization called Broken Crayons Still Color and helps women process through brokenness and get to healing and hope. Toni is a...2023-11-1635 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhen parenting is so hard - that you don’t have the words to pray with Kayla CraigIt didn’t take me long to hear that Kayla Craig is a peaceful, gentle soul. You can absolutely tell she is a parent bathed in prayer and has a heart to help parents in the midst of really painful journeys. Kayla speaks about her child with Down Syndrome and shares about a time that a “book of prayers” helped her find the words when she didn’t have any.My favorite part is towards the end when we are talking about when kids have hard questions about faith, and being okay with some of the u...2023-11-0927 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsParenting in a tech world with Titania JordanThis is a big one. Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer and CMO of Bark, is with us today. Please don’t miss this conversation and share it with friends. You likely have the feeling of fear rising up in you as you see the topic. As parents, we have to face the beast of technology. The safety and overall health of our kids is on the line. The good news is that you are NOT ALONE in the struggle, and Titania is one of the experts in this field providing amazing resources to help us in the journey. 2023-11-0244 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsAm I too far gone? with Max LucadoWhat an honor to chat with Max Lucado! Max is a pastor, speaker, and bestselling author with more than 145 million products in print, which have been translated into 56 languages and distributed across 80 countries worldwideWe talk about my favorite book written by Max, You Are Special, which I believe every family should own and read often. We also spend some time talking about the story of Jacob and how his life can encourage all of us. His story points us to a crucial truth we can know and understand about God - that he...2023-10-2628 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhen Your Words & Anger Impact Your Family with Sarah MolitorI LOVED this conversation with Sarah Molitor from Modern Farmhouse Family. We talk through the way words, anger and lashing out can be a pattern we despise in our homes. Just reading that may bring up some shame in your heart, and if so, this episode is for you. She is filled with such grace as she shares about her own experience with this struggle. We also take time to remember how powerful words can be in a positive way. She encourages us to look for opportunities to speak life over our kids and f...2023-10-1940 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsLet’s Define “Influencer” in a Biblical Way with Dr. Jonathan MurphyIt’s not everyday we learn from the Department Chair and Professor of Pastoral Ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary. You will love hearing his wisdom and encouragement for us everyday folks as we live in a world of many “influencers.”Influencing is not bad. Our world has just fallen off course in how we go about leading others. And some of the way we do it - is often fake and inauthentic. Jonathan reminds us that influencing was God’s idea way before the Kardashians owned it. Influencing is so much more than social media. He...2023-10-1237 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsEmpty Nester Wisdom (and life coaching) from Krista GilbertThis one was difficult to title, because it is PACKED with wisdom and practical ideas. We cover topics from empty nesting years, to codependency issues with moms and kids, to living with no regrets, to practical ideas around traditions and celebrations. Krista is an author, speaker, life coach and podcaster that feels like your best friend. You will hear her tenderness as she relates to all of us as moms and the real challenges we face. You will also hear her wisdom and encouragement to keep growing as a woman and mom. I love h...2023-10-0544 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsEmpty-Nester Wisdom with Jeff & Wendy HendersonYou guys LOVED the Empty Nester Wisdom series - so we’ve got another one to add to that list. This time, it’s a couple I LOVE and adore. My former pastor and my mentor - they just happen to be married. The Hendersons have encouraged my life and helped guide me through some of the biggest decisions in my life, and I don’t say that lightly. They are often my first call when making a choice that would impact my family.In this episode, we discuss their current life stage as empty...2023-09-2837 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsThe Parents Behind a Worldwide Name with Lauren & Chris TomlinSpoiler alert: these two are as normal as all of us. They are raising kids in the midst of a tough world and chaos at home - they just happen to minister to a worldwide audience. There is an authentic faith in both of them that is so refreshing. You will see why so many of us have been blessed by Chris’s songs throughout many years. I have so many favorite parts from this conversation. I get to catch up with my long time friend, Lauren. Together, they share such wise and practical par...2023-09-2139 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsHow to Pass on a Legacy of Faith with Korie and Willie RobertsonTrue confession: I was absolutely nervous on this one because I am such a fan of Korie and Willie Robertson. My admiration isn’t because they are famous - it’s because of the way they handle that fame. From afar, they feel so real and genuine and committed to honoring God with all they have and do. They were absolutely genuine and so much more!In this episode, we talk about their parenting advice for all of us. We talk about kids having free will and how to handle when they make poor choi...2023-09-1431 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhy are goals so hard? With Jon AcuffRaise your hands if you have goals? And sometimes, way too many goals? Me too! I have MANY goals and accomplish very few of them. It can be super frustrating to keep missing the mark on your personal and professional goals in the season of raising kids. Jon Acuff to the rescue! I was so delighted to interview a New York Times bestselling author and INC Top 100 Leadership Speaker about the idea of goals.I have always been drawn to the way Jon communicates in the business space and we can learn so much f...2023-09-0736 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsPractical Parenting Tips & FAQs with Monica SwansonParents, you will love listening to this episode together. Monica doesn’t just encourage moms - but brings an important message to dads as well. Although we definitely discussed parenting boys (because she has 4 of them), we also cover topics that all parents can appreciate.From sibling relationships to their faith to their hobbies - Monica is so practical yet wise. She has a passion for how we can help draw out the amazing potential that each child was born with. Each child was created by one amazing Creator and we get to help in...2023-08-3131 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsReal Talk for Moms of Girls with Grace ValentineCalling all moms of girls, high school girls, college girls and young adult girls - trust me when I say “PRESS PLAY” and “SHARE!” I was blown away by this 27-year-old young woman who simply gets it. She is so honest, hilarious, inspiring and challenging. Your girls need to hear her story and how God has used her.From being bullied to battling an eating disorder to partying in college - God drew her back to himself and has exploded her influence in the most beautiful way.I have heard ab...2023-08-2432 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsRethinking Adversity with Mike ErwinIf you look next to “DeFeo family” in the dictionary - you will not find words like “grit” or “adversity” next to us. Although all families endure some really hard things, we are generally not actively looking for opportunities to experience hardship.My time with Mike Erwin was fascinating. He really opened my eyes to all the ways we can introduce adversity to our kids and why “comfort” is a really dangerous pursuit as American families.Mike Erwin is a husband and father living on a 32-acre farm. He is also one of o...2023-08-1731 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsBalancing Work & Mom Duties with Cynt MarshallAs I hung up with Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, I had this urge to cry. The conversation was so touching and inspiring. I really wish every company out there was run by this woman. We talk about everything from faith to parenting to basketball and her great glasses.You will fall in love with her during this episode, too. My favorite part is at the end when she gives practical advice to us as parents. She reminds us that it truly takes a village. That we should never try to go...2023-08-1040 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFinding Your Identity with Jamie WinshipJamie Winship is quite possibly the most interesting and fascinating person I’ve ever interviewed. From his career in law enforcement to his work in the CIA to raising his kids in some of the most dangerous cities in the world - he has seen evil in a way most of us will never understand. He’s also seen God at work in profound ways. Jamie will share stories that will expand your faith and also make you shake your head in awe.In the beginning of the episode, Jamie shares about learning to hear...2023-08-0340 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsEmpty Nester Wisdom with Sharon MankinHave you ever wished you had a mentor or life coach? Sharon Mankin is a mentor to many and one of the most incredible coaches I’ve ever been around. She is dedicated to her beautiful family including her precious grandkids.Sharon is a speaker, coach, and mentor from the DFW area. When she isn’t loving on her people, she is helping others learn how to lead themselves and lead others well. I treasure her wisdom and you will treasure each moment of this conversation. You’ll feel seen and encouraged through her words...2023-07-2740 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsEmpty Nester Wisdom with Jennifer ScottWhen I was a young mom (yes, before social media took off) - I LOVED reading blogs. They made me feel seen, understood and more normal in my parenting journey. I have followed Jennifer Scott and her blog for almost 15 years. And every time she shares something, I read it and re-read it and try to absorb her wisdom. You are going to LOVE her heart for her kids, her vulnerability on where she’s still growing and her obvious relationship with Jesus that oozes out of her heart. You will feel like you grabbed coffee with a best fr...2023-07-2035 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsEmpty Nester Wisdom with Kristen HattonSo many of us parents are fearful about the “teen years”, but are so hungry for advice. That’s exactly why I had Kristen on today to give us encouragement around this topic. We want to prepare and be intentional without taking control of our kids’ entire story. You will love her practical tips while feeling a major sense of peace that God has got it!Be sure to get to the end and enjoy my favorite part. Kristen opens up honestly with her struggle with perfection and how it impacted her daughter. She explains...2023-07-1333 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsRaising Kids to Know & Love God with Steph ThurlingGet ready for an episode today with the Executive Director of Christian Parenting, Steph Thurling. I got to know Steph pretty well throughout my entire journey of becoming the new host of Pardon The Mess, and I can totally see why she is in a leadership position at this organization. She’s not just highly capable - she has a massive heart for parents to help raise kids that know and love God. That seems overwhelming at times, and she gets it. In this episode, we go stage by stage (toddler years to teens) and cha...2023-07-0642 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsWhy Should We Journal? with Jennifer Dukes LeeI have long admired and respected the work of author and speaker, Jennifer Dukes Lee. It was such a treat to meet Jennifer during this interview and ask her all about the idea of “journaling.” In this episode, we discuss the benefits of being honest with God, how to encourage your kids to journal, and how to look back and assess our lives in a way that brings healing and hope. My favorite part of the episode is when she shares how difficult it can be to be vulnerable before God. She recognized the difficulty while...2023-06-2933 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsStop parenting in your own strength with Jeannie CunnionThis week Jeannie Cunnion and I talk about how often we try to parent in our own strength. We discuss how our relationship with the Holy Spirit can change the game of parenting and why this idea feels super spiritual or super strange. Jeannie encourages us to access this unbelievable power and learn how to recognize God’s voice in this way. We can feel like we have to earn this level of faith, but Jeannie reminds us how available the Holy Spirit is - and challenges us to lean in and be active in this...2023-06-2238 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsFamily Non-Negotiables - with Kirsten and Benjamin WatsonIt’s not every day we get to hear from an NFL football player and his wife about raising 7 children - while trying to honor God, stay married AND do ministry together. Kirsten and Benjamin are the Directors of the NFL for Pro Athletes Outreach. In addition to this important work, they also spend time equipping and encouraging families through speaking and writing. You will enjoy hearing these UGA Bulldogs (both former college athletes) chat a little about football, and we get to hear Kirsten affirm Benjamin ahead of this Father’s Day weekend. 2023-06-1537 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsTrusting God in the dark with Elisabeth HasselbeckThis week, we get to hear from one of my all-time favorite moms and leaders - Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She has worn many hats over the years - from Survivor contestant to co-host of The View to shoe designer to carpool mom and NFL wife and now author and speaker. In this episode, we get into specifics around how to trust God. And how to teach our kids to trust God in prayer even when he feels silent or absent. This idea can be really tough because we often don’t get the answer we hope for...2023-06-0842 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsSissy Goff and David Thomas on raising children in a world this hardThis week, Sissy Goff and David Thomas with Daystar Counseling are here! Each of them have been counseling kids for over 30 years. I cannot think of two individuals that have impacted my parenting in a more practical and profound way. In this episode, we talk about a few of the challenges with raising our kids in a scary and sometimes dark time. From anxiety to school shootings - we’ve never felt more anxious or ill-equipped to raise children. David shares some encouragement and tips on raising an emotionally strong boy. Sissy...2023-06-0140 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids📣 Part 2 of our BIG Announcement with Cynthia Yanof and Courtney DeFeo 📣This week is a big week for Pardon the Mess! If you missed last week’s show, go back and hear the announcement about our new host, Courtney DeFeo. In this episode, Courtney and Cynthia talk about how this decision unfolded and the challenges of obeying God even when it’s messy and unclear. Our show today is a super-fun conversation with Cynthia and Courtney giving a deep dive into these exciting changes. Join in as Courtney interviews Cynthia about her favorite Pardon the Mess moments. You can also hear the who, when, where, what, and why behi...2023-05-2527 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian KidsThe Key to Walking with GodWe did it! We’ve made it to last week of our 2022-2023 prayer journal and praying our kids through the school year. 🙌🏼 I can’t think of a better way to wrap things up than to pray for our kids to walk with God. Today we’re talking very practically about ways to do that, and how the Psalms give a roadmap for weathering the ups and downs of our everyday faith. On a personal note, I want to thank each of you for joining me each Monday thi...2023-05-2217 min
Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids📣 A BIG Announcement with Cynthia Yanof and Courtney DeFeo 📣Today is a big day for Pardon the Mess! We’ve got an announcement that we’re so excited to share with you. At the end of May, Cynthia will be leaving Pardon the Mess and passing the mic to our dear friend Courtney DeFeo. Courtney is a wife, mom, author, speaker, and 100% the authentic and hilariously real friend we all need. Our show today is a super-fun conversation with Cynthia and Courtney giving a deep dive into these exciting changes at Pardon the Mess. You will get to know (and love) Courtney DeFeo as well a...2023-05-1837 min