It’s our second Christmas episode, and this week we’re talking all about the Magi, Mary & Joseph, unexpected guests, and what real hospitality looks like when you’re a mom with a busy house and a messy life.

Spoiler: it’s not candles, curated charcuterie, or having your pillows karate-chopped just right.

• The part of the Christmas story we hardly ever talk about
• What actually might’ve happened when a whole camel caravan showed up in tiny Bethlehem
• Why biblical hospitality feels totally different from “Pinterest hospitality”
• Small, everyday ways to “make room” for others (even in the grocery store aisle!)
• Why your kids aren’t a barrier to hosting — they can be your little hospitality team
• The freedom to set healthy boundaries during the holidays
• A reminder that you, mama, have God-given agency to protect your family
• The blessing that comes when we choose generosity and welcome
  

• Be a “There you are!” person, not a “Here I am…” one
• Imperfection is actually a gift — nobody needs your fake perfect
• Hospitality isn’t about a spotless house… it’s about a spacious heart
• Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is let someone merge in traffic
• And yes, even Mary didn’t have a Ring doorbell or a clean house ready
  

Decide now that your value this season is hospitality over hurry and people over perfection. Jesus always makes room for us — and we get to do the same for others. Merry Christmas, mamas. You are one of our favorite gifts.

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Middle school: just hearing the words can make moms nervous. The awkward years, the big emotions, the constant change—it’s a lot. But what if this season could actually be one of the most meaningful and transformative for our kids?

In this episode, Rebecca Bradford (teacher, author, and mom of three) shares her heart for middle schoolers and the lessons she’s learned both in the classroom and at home. With humor, honesty, and plenty of practical wisdom, Rebecca helps moms see that the middle school years don’t have to be something to fear—they can be a season of growth, connection, and confidence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why “new is normal” in middle school—and how to help your child embrace change
• The power of creating safe spaces where kids feel free to talk about anything
• How to build confidence in kids by valuing effort over outcomes
• Why middle school struggles look different today (social media, sports, and YouTube culture)
• How to keep building bridges so your kids keep coming back to you—now and in high school
  

Rebecca also introduces her new book, Here Comes the Sun: A Guide to Embracing Change and Building Confidence in Middle School Girls, written to help tween girls navigate this pivotal stage with faith and courage.

If you’ve got a child entering or already in middle school, this conversation will encourage you, equip you, and remind you that you are exactly the mom your kids need.

Link to her newest book here.

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Infidelity, widowhood, and single momming.

We’re talking with Retha Nichole — coach, speaker, mom of three, and founder of Walk Me Through That. Her story is almost unbelievable: a young mom, pregnant, caring for her husband in a coma, only to discover his multiple affairs — and yet it became the place where God met her and began to transform everything.

In this powerful conversation, we cover:

• How Retha discovered betrayal in the middle of her husband’s coma and kept going
• The raw prayers she prayed when she wanted to give up
• What God taught her about suffering, shame, and redemption
• Why moms so often feel stuck living only for kids or spouses — and how to reclaim your life
• The importance of boundaries, hobbies, and modeling responsibility for our kids
• Practical wisdom on chores, wake-ups, and why kids need to carry their own weight
  

Retha doesn’t hold back. She’s funny, bold, and deeply rooted in the hope of Jesus. Her message is clear: You can walk through the unthinkable and still create a life you love.

Whether you feel overwhelmed, betrayed, or just burned out in motherhood, this episode will meet you right where you are and give you courage to keep going.

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Pornography isn’t an if anymore—it’s a when. Our kids are growing up in a digital world where harmful images and predators are only one click away.

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, to talk about how moms can confidently prepare their kids to recognize and reject pornography. Kristen shares practical tools, real-life stories, and the “SMART Plan” every parent needs when (not if) their child is exposed.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The shocking average age of kids’ first exposure to porn
• Why “waiting until they’re older” is the most dangerous parenting mistake
• How to teach kids an age-appropriate definition, warning, and plan
• Signs your child may have been exposed—and what to do next
• The tech tools and boundaries that really work in 2025
  

This is one of the most important parenting conversations you’ll ever have.

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Anxiety is talked about a lot these days — but what does it really mean? And why does it feel like it’s showing up everywhere, for both moms and kids?

This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, our very own Kate Henderson steps into the expert seat. After walking through her own struggles with anxiety and helping her daughter navigate worry, Kate dove deep into research, counseling tools, and Scripture to understand what’s happening in our minds and homes.

In this honest and practical episode, Kate shares:

• The difference between stress and clinical anxiety (and why it matters)
• Why postpartum anxiety is just as real — and common — as postpartum depression
• The rise of anxiety in moms and kids (with stats you need to know)
• How anxiety shows up differently in children — and why girls are hit the hardest
• Tools to create an “emotionally smart home” (think feelings charts, breathing exercises, calming routines)
• The truth about genetics, guilt, and why your child’s anxiety isn’t your fault
• Powerful Scriptures and truths to replace lies when panic sets in
  

Kate reminds us that we don’t have to stay stuck in fear or isolation. God meets us in our overwhelm, offers us His peace, and equips us to coach (not rescue) our kids through anxious moments.

If you’ve ever felt sweaty, nervy, or paralyzed by “what ifs,” this episode will give you hope, tools, and freedom. You are not alone, mama — and healing is possible.

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Sex after kids-let’s talk about it.

This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Juli Slattery, clinical psychologist, author, and host of Java with Juli. With warmth, honesty, and practical wisdom, Juli helps us normalize a conversation that too often stays hidden: intimacy in marriage.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why sex often feels harder after kids (and why that’s normal)
• The impact of purity culture, shame, and body image on intimacy
• The surprising science of oxytocin and why sex makes you feel closer
• Initiating vs. responsive desire — and why most women need a different kind of lead-up
• Why scheduling sex isn’t unromantic (it might actually save your marriage)
• Small, intentional steps to move from “dreading it” to enjoying intimacy again
• How God uses our differences in desire to grow deeper love and character in marriage
  

Juli reminds us that a healthy sex life isn’t just about meeting needs — it’s about creating connection, laughter, intimacy, and even spiritual growth with your spouse.

If you’ve ever felt too exhausted, ashamed, or just “not in the mood,” this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with hope, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on why sex really is God’s good gift for marriage.

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Comfort is nice but boring. We want to live for something bigger and bring our kids with us. Seeing our lives as a mission with our neighborhood as our mission field. This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, we sit down with Shauna Pilgreen — mom of four, church planter in San Francisco, Alpha leader, and author of Love Where You Live and Translating Jesus. With 15 years of experience living on mission in one of the most diverse cities in the world, Shauna shares how ordinary moms can live extraordinary lives right where they are.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why comfort is a gift — but not a guide
• How to slow down and see Jesus in your everyday routines
• Practical ways to “neighbor well” (even if you’re an introvert)
• How to involve your kids in mission without overwhelming them
• Simple invitations that change lives (and why most people are more open than you think!)
• How prayer walking and small acts of kindness can unlock gospel conversations
  

Shauna reminds us that you don’t have to move across the country to live on mission. God has already placed you exactly where He wants you — in your city, on your street, and in your season.

Whether you’re new to your city, longing for deeper connections, or just ready to see your neighborhood differently, this episode will inspire you to live sent and love where you live.

Check out here page here: https://shaunapilgreen.com/

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