Don't Mom Alone Podcast

As moms, we are like a life support system for our kids. To keep our families healthy, we need to be healthy. A key part of our overall well being is setting healthy boundaries. 
But boundaries are hard. They require uncomfortable, direct conversations. We may need to put a limit on really good things or draw a line in the sand with our in-laws or parents. 
My guest, Dr. John Townsend literally wrote the book on boundaries and he shares some deep wisdom on how to set healthy boundaries while honoring our family members and others. 
“You've got to take care of your energy, your heart and your emotions. You've got to take care of yourself and your health. If you don't guard that heart, then the wellsprings of life won't come out from it. Boundaries are basically about how to set healthy, loving limits in our life. So we have something to offer to our children.”
Townsend answers your tough questions about setting limits with in-laws, making healthy boundaries for the holidays and even models having a tough conversation with a parent about a boundary. 
This is an episode packed with great information and Townsend has several books and resources available if you want to go deeper. Let’s make setting healthy boundaries a priority and guard our hearts and our time to bring life to our family!
Connect with John Townsend: 

Instagram: John Townsend (@dr.john_townsend)

Facebook: Dr. John Townsend

Website: Home - Dr. John Townsend

Links Mentioned: 

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: By John Townsend

Relational Nutrients (new layout) - Dr. John Townsend

People Fuel: By John Townsend

Related Episodes:

Parenting a Spicy Child: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Keep the Connection :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 558]

Good Boundaries and Goodbyes :: Lysa TerKeurst [Ep 387]

Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543]

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How do you parent your kids through a story they didn’t choose?
In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Vaneetha Risner shares her journey of raising two adolescent daughters as a single mom after divorce. She opens up about the pressure to “hold everything together,” the tension of co-parenting with different values, and the deep questions kids ask about God in the middle of pain.
This episode offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for all moms, reminding us that while we can’t control our children’s stories, we can faithfully shepherd their hearts—and trust God to restore what has been lost. Here is some of what we cover: 

The balance between sharing too much vs. hiding your emotions

Navigating co-parenting with different rules and values

The importance of community when you feel alone

You don’t have to have all the answers—sometimes “I don’t know” is enough

Parenting is a long game—trust God with the outcome

Connect with Vaneetha Risner: 

Website: Vaneetha Risner

Facebook: Vaneetha Rendall Risner

Instagram: Vaneetha Risner (@vaneetharisner)

Links Mentioned: 

This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce: By Vaneetha Rendall Risner

Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption: By Vaneetha Risner

The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering: By Vaneetha Risner

Related Episodes:

How to Never Miss Out :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 402] RWYB Series wk 1

Walking Thru Divorce :: Lara Williams [Ep 324]

How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193]

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In part two of my interview with Nadya Dickson, we dive deeper into how Christian moms can lead their families with clarity by identifying their values and creating a vision. 
Values and vision go hand in hand. Whether we’ve named them or not, every family operates from a set of values. Nadya explains that when we take the time to identify and name the values that matter most to us, they become a powerful lens for making decisions, setting priorities, and shaping the atmosphere of our homes.
We also talk about creating a yearly vision for your children, focusing more on character than performance, and asking God to reveal who each child is becoming. In a world filled with competing messages about what motherhood should look like, a clear vision can help moms filter out the noise and focus on what is truly fruitful.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by expectations or unsure how to prioritize your time as a mom, this conversation will help you rediscover peace, purpose, and intentionality in your parenting. Here is some of what we cover: 

The power of naming your top 5 values

How moms can filter out cultural pressure and expectations

Why clarity helps us determine what is fruitful versus wasteful

You can’t change people, but you can control the atmosphere

Connect with Nadya Dickson: 
Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson

Links Mentioned: 

50 I am statements 

CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment

5 Values Exercise

Annual Vision Process - Children

2026 One-Year PowerSheets® Goal Planner

Related Episodes:

Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112] 

Motherhood Is an Assignment, Not Your Identity | Clarity Series (Part One) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 563]

Learning to Listen to God’s Voice :: Kelsey Phillips [Summer of Mentorship wk 3]

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Many women today are running at full speed—balancing motherhood, work, leadership, and countless responsibilities—yet still feel like they are barely surviving. In this powerful conversation, purpose strategist Nadya Dickson shares how women can move from survival mode into clarity and confidence by rediscovering their God-given identity.
One of the most powerful reminders from this episode: motherhood is an assignment, not your identity. When women understand who God says they are, everything else—leadership, family, work, and influence—begins to align.
If you’ve ever wondered Who am I beyond my roles? or Where should my time and energy really go? This conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God, and rediscover your purpose. Here is some of what we cover: 

Starting with the prayer: “God, who do You say I am?”

Understanding your identity as a daughter of the King of Kings

Recognizing the unique personality and wiring God gave you

The parable of the four soils and why busyness is not the same as fruitfulness

The influences around us are constantly forming and shaping us.

Connect with Nadya Dickson: 
Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson

Links Mentioned: 

50 I am statements 

CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment

Free Personality Test | 16Personalities

Related Episodes:

Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112] 

Healing Past Wounds for More Freedom :: Jennifer Barnett [Summer of Mentorship wk 4]

Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508]

If You’re Tired of Feeling Like You Don’t Measure Up… :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538]

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In this episode, Suzanne Stabile, internationally recognized Enneagram expert and mom of four adult children, shares her personal story and how the Enneagram has shaped her approach to parenting. She explains that the Enneagram isn’t about changing who we are, but about understanding how we see the world and choosing how to act with intention. She reminds us that there’s no one right way to parent; motherhood requires recognizing differences, extending grace, and embracing our own authentic path.
Suzanne dives into the practical applications of the Enneagram in family life, showing how it can transform relationships with your children, your spouse, and other moms. She explains the energy and tendencies of different Enneagram types—from aggressive and dominant types to dependent and withdrawing types—and how understanding these patterns can bring unity instead of conflict. Parenting is never easy, and mistakes are inevitable, but Suzanne emphasizes that grace covers our shortcomings. By using the Enneagram as a tool, we can parent with more awareness, respond with empathy, and honor our own authentic selves while guiding our children with love. Here is some of what we cover: 

Enneagram Types as Animals: Ones are Worker Bees, Twos are Kangaroos, Threes are Eagles, Fours are Butterflies, Fives are Owls, Sixes are Bunny Rabbits, Sevens are Monkeys, Eights are Lions, and Nines are Turtles.

Grace covers the places we fall short

Set appropriate priorities: You can’t do it all.

Be mindful in child-centered families: When the focus is entirely on the children, much can get overlooked, and it often reflects a broader cultural expectation.

Connect with Suzanne Stabile: 

Instagram: Suzanne Stabile (@suzannestabile)

Website: The Enneagram Godmother

Facebook: Suzanne Stabile | Facebook

Links Mentioned: 

The Road Back to You: By Suzanne Stabile

The Journey Toward Wholeness: By Suzanne Stabile

Related Episodes:

How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193]

Enneagram and Stress :: Ian Cron Recap [Bonus Episode]

The Enneagram, Marriage and the Gospel :: Beth McCord [Ep 259]

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