Chained No More

Author Sarah Hamaker discusses the familiar subject of sibling rivalry. She shares the differences between rivalry and conflict, how parents can help prevent rivalry and also how they can reverse it in their home. She gives many practical tools for parents and also discusses the impact that rivalry can have on families now and in the future.

Stephen Scoggins, developer of "The Journey Principles," and motivational speaker, tells his story of going from a traumatic childhood, to a suicide attempt, to being the owner of a multi-million dollar corporation. He shares his passion of helping others realize their life can be all they want it to be. He talks about realizing the "six areas of lack" in their lives and taking practical steps forward, using his practical tools. Dynamic show that can change lives!

Author, speaker, and blogger, Michelle Van Loon shares her personal story and how she had to learn to forgive herself and others. She also explains the difference between regret and remorse, how they can freeze us, why it is important to step out of them, and exactly how to do that. Her book, "If Only: Letting Go of Regret" is available for purchase at amazon.com. With the holidays here and family gatherings happening, this is an excellent topic to consider.

Gordon and Carri Taylor use their vast amount of personal and ministry experience to share about the many challenges stepfamilies experience during the holidays and how to enjoy have joy and peace during the holidays. This dynamic couple talks about being flexible, thinking ahead, making a plan, listening to how the kids feel, and so much more.

Author, speaker, and teacher, Nancy Guthrie, discusses the challenges of going through the holidays after you have lost a loved one. She discusses things like "emotional ambushes," struggling with invitations, family gatherings and isolation. She also has advice for those of us who try to help those who are grieving and things not to do. Excellent and timely topic for this time of year and Nancy is the perfect guest to address it all.

Dave Weinkauf, founder of "The Bridge," an affective curriculum for men seeking answers in their lives today is our guest. He discusses men; what distracts them, what challenges them, and how they can become better husbands, fathers, friends, and men in general. He discusses practical tools about their relationships with their wives, how to effectively parent with purpose, be men of integrity and be growing men of faith.

Robert Shryoc, owner of Covenant House Treatment Center, talks about addiction, the different kinds, how to spot it in your loved ones, different medications and treatment for addiction, and what families can do to help. Robert shares stories about how a few people were able to get out of addiction and how they are doing now.

Co-Authors, LeeAnn Jefferies and Eva Marie Everson talk about LeeAnn's compelling story about living with Bipolar, being an international Ford Agency model for 16 years, and going in and out of mental hospitals. They also talk about bringing hope to those listeners who struggle with this disorder or have a loved one who does. They share some excellent resources and practical tools to not only survive it, but thrive in it, as well.

Linda Ranson-Jacobs, developer and author of "Divorce Care For Kids", discusses children who go back and forth between their divorced parents' houses. She talks about loyalty issues, parents dating, remarrying, and child custody issues. She gives strong practical tools while connecting listeners by heart to the hurting children. Excellent podcast!

Author and international speaker, Poppy Smith, shares her story of being born in Britain and living in a military family. She talks about what holds us back from living our dreams and living a full life. She also talks about hope and the possibilities that we can have, when we dare to dream again,look back on what the voices from our past are telling us, explore opportunities, anticipate obstacles, and move forward step by step. Very inspiring!

Author and speaker, Natalie Snapp, tells her story and how she was led to write her first book, "Heart Sisters: Becoming the Friend You Want to Have." She discusses the challenges and the joys of having close girl friends, how to find conflict resolution tools to keep the relationship, and the important subject of forgiveness. She also talks about toxic relationships and how to set up healthy boundaries, and what it takes to have close, healthy friendships for life.

Author Deb DeArmond discusses the complicated relationship between mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws. She talks about the many issues, setting boundaries, conflict resolution tools, and so much more. Deb also talks about the "man in the middle"; the son and how he can either add to or ease the conflict between his wife and mother. Excellent conversation!

Michele Howe, author of "Caring For Our Aging Parents: Lessons in Love, Loss, and Letting Go", discusses the many issues involved in caring for older loved ones, whether they are parents, spouses or someone else. She discusses different options, giving emotional support, finding affective resources, and the challenging issue of finances as our loved ones age. Excellent information!

Author,international speaker, and the Director of The Singles Network, Kris Swiatocho, talks about the topic of loneliness vs. being alone. She discusses, from personal experience, the difference between loneliness and being alone, the depth of loneliness, what the effects are, and how to rise out of it one step at a time. She also advises listeners about online dating, healthy relationships,serving in the community,and how a walk with God can help through it all.

Paul Coughlin, from The Protectors, talks about bullying; how kids are targeted, what they can do to prevent it, why certain kids bully and how to stop them, how parents can help prevent their kids from being bullied, and a lot more. Incredibly helpful information for families, schools, churches and youth groups!

Author of 40 books and former Women of Faith speaker, Thelma Wells, (aka Mama T) discusses the things that separate generations and the steps to take to begin to reunite families in a healthy way. She also shares about her new upcoming conferences, "Generation Love" that will help connect families, whether they are single, married, step, foster, or adoptive. Her warmth and sense of humor, combined with her wisdom and years of experience, will inform, encourage, and educate listeners.

Dave Mertz is the program director of Camp Harlow, a summer camp in Oregon. He discusses the process of staffing a camp, what parents should look for when selecting a good camp, the challenges and the joys, as well as how his camp walks alongside their campers and counselors through the camping experience. He is humorous, shares stories, and his passion for reaching kids for God in this harsh world.

Larry Fowler, the Awana Executive Director of Global Networking and founder of the Legacy Coalition, talks about the changing world of grandparenting in the 21st century. He discusses the different types of parenting, how to maneuver through family conflicts and how to be the most effective grandparent you can be. Lots of helpful information and encouragement.

Author and inspirational speaker, Tracey Casciano, shares her story of being raised by an abusive father and an alcoholic mother. She says that she kept it hidden and didn't even begin to deal with the issues from her childhood until the age of 41! She shares how she came to a place of forgiveness and healing from the past and how God has used her to help others find healing.

Dr. Michelle Bengtson uses her own personal experiences and her strong education to address the subject of depression. She discusses the causes, diagnosis, and treatments of depression. She also talks strongly about suicide and what family and friends should and should not do to help. Excellent program that will change lives!