Don't Mom Alone Podcast
Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Don't Mom Alone Podcast

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Episodes

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Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, connects you the listener with people and resources to help you feel less alone. Consider it an invitation to "withness".

Recent Episodes

Parenting Through Divorce: Helping Kids Heal, Co-Parent Well & Trust God :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 565]
MAR 23, 2026
Parenting Through Divorce: Helping Kids Heal, Co-Parent Well & Trust God :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 565]
<div> <p>How do you parent your kids through a story they didn’t choose?</p><p>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.</p><p>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: </p></div><ul> <li>The balance between <strong>sharing too much vs. hiding your emotions</strong> </li> <li>Navigating co-parenting with different rules and values</li> <li>The importance of community when you feel alone</li> <li>You don’t have to have all the answers—sometimes “I don’t know” is enough</li> <li><p><strong>Parenting is a long game</strong>—trust God with the outcome</p></li> </ul><div>Connect with Vaneetha Risner: </div><ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.vaneetha.com/">Vaneetha Risner</a> </li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vaneetharisner">Vaneetha Rendall Risner</a> </li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vaneetharisner/">Vaneetha Risner (@vaneetharisner)</a> </li> </ul><div>Links Mentioned: </div><ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/40IIpS4">This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce: By Vaneetha Rendall Risner</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4d0hhFr">Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption: By Vaneetha Risner</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/40JOVIb">The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering: By Vaneetha Risner</a></li> </ul><div>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2023/03/27/how-to-never-miss-out-vaneetha-risner-ep-402-rwyb-series-wk-1/">How to Never Miss Out :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 402] RWYB Series wk 1</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2021/04/26/walking-thru-divorce-lara-williams-ep-324/">Walking Thru Divorce :: Lara Williams [Ep 324]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2018/02/12/how-god-personally-pursues-redeems-jenn-jett-ep-193/">How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193]</a></li> </ul><div><p>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Wayfair:</strong> Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to <a href="http://wayfair.com">Wayfair.com</a> right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home. </li> <li> <strong>Cozy Earth</strong>: Discover how care in every detail transforms simple routines into moments of true comfort and ease. Head to <a href="http://cozyearth.com">cozyearth.com</a> and use my code DMA for up to 20% off. Experience the craft behind the comfort, and make every day feel intentional.</li> </ul>
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53 MIN
Vision and Values | Clarity Series (Part two) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 564]
MAR 16, 2026
Vision and Values | Clarity Series (Part two) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 564]
<div> <p>In part two of my interview with <strong>Nadya Dickson</strong>, we dive deeper into how Christian moms can lead their families with clarity by identifying their values and creating a vision. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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: </p></div><ul> <li>The power of <strong>naming your top 5 values</strong> </li> <li>How moms can filter out cultural pressure and expectations</li> <li>Why clarity helps us determine what is fruitful versus wasteful</li> <li>You can’t change people, but you can control the atmosphere</li> </ul><div>Connect with Nadya Dickson: </div><ul><li>Website: <a href="https://www.nadyadickson.com/">Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson</a> </li></ul><div>Links Mentioned: </div><ul> <li> <a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/50-I-am-Statements.pdf">50 I am statements</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx">CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/5-Values-Exercise.pdf">5 Values Exercise</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Annual-Vision-Process-Children.pdf">Annual Vision Process - Children</a></li> <li><a href="https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/products/2026-one-year-powersheets-goal-planner-navy-blooms">2026 One-Year PowerSheets® Goal Planner</a></li> </ul><div>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li> <a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2016/03/21/goals-roles-superpowers-bruce-heather-macfadyen-ep-112/">Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2026/03/09/motherhood-is-an-assignment-not-your-identity-clarity-series-part-one-with-nadya-dickson/">Motherhood Is an Assignment, Not Your Identity | Clarity Series (Part One) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 563]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2025/07/28/learning-to-listen-to-gods-voice-kelsey-phillips-summer-of-mentorship-wk-3/">Learning to Listen to God’s Voice :: Kelsey Phillips [Summer of Mentorship wk 3]</a></li> </ul><div><p>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li>Written by Tim and Mark Shoemaker, a father and son duo who have spent years walking with guys through real questions, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Questions-Answers-About-Becoming-Designed/dp/0802436234?maas=maas_adg_41C76F4E31B9C02E5680EA347D590CC2_afap_abs&amp;ref_=aa_maas&amp;tag=maas">72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be</a> tackles the issues they’re facing, porn, dating, purpose, fear, and spiritual dryness, with clear, biblical direction.</li> <li> <strong>Warby Parker:</strong> Warby Parker gives you quality &amp; better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our listeners get 15% off + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at <a href="http://warbyparker.com/DMA">WarbyParker.com/DMA</a>. </li> <li> <strong>Cove</strong>: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at <a href="http://covesmart.com/DMA">covesmart.com/DMA</a> or use code DMA at checkout for up to 60% off your first order!</li> </ul>
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59 MIN
Motherhood Is an Assignment, Not Your Identity | Clarity Series (Part One) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 563]
MAR 9, 2026
Motherhood Is an Assignment, Not Your Identity | Clarity Series (Part One) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 563]
<div> <p>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, <strong>purpose strategist Nadya Dickson</strong> shares how women can move from survival mode into clarity and confidence by rediscovering their <strong>God-given identity</strong>.</p><p>One of the most powerful reminders from this episode: <strong>motherhood is an assignment, not your identity.</strong> When women understand who God says they are, everything else—leadership, family, work, and influence—begins to align.</p><p>If you’ve ever wondered <em>Who am I beyond my roles?</em> or <em>Where should my time and energy really go?</em> This conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God, and rediscover your purpose. Here is some of what we cover: </p></div><ul> <li>Starting with the prayer: <em>“God, who do You say I am?”</em> </li> <li>Understanding your <strong>identity as a daughter of the King of Kings</strong> </li> <li>Recognizing the unique personality and wiring God gave you</li> <li>The parable of the four soils and why <strong>busyness is not the same as fruitfulness</strong> </li> <li>The influences around us are constantly forming and shaping us.</li> </ul><div> <br>Connect with Nadya Dickson: </div><ul><li>Website: <a href="https://www.nadyadickson.com/">Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson</a> </li></ul><div>Links Mentioned: </div><ul> <li> <a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/50-I-am-Statements.pdf">50 I am statements</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx">CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test">Free Personality Test | 16Personalities</a></li> </ul><div>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li> <a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2016/03/21/goals-roles-superpowers-bruce-heather-macfadyen-ep-112/">Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112]</a> </li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2025/08/04/healing-past-wounds-for-more-freedom-jennifer-barnett-summer-of-mentorship-wk-4/">Healing Past Wounds for More Freedom :: Jennifer Barnett [Summer of Mentorship wk 4]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2025/02/03/generational-healing-becoming-the-mom-you-needed-melanie-shankle-ep-508/">Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2025/09/01/if-youre-tired-of-feeling-like-you-dont-measure-up-hosanna-wong-ep-538/">If You’re Tired of Feeling Like You Don’t Measure Up… :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538]</a></li> </ul><div><p>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Hiya Health</strong>: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to <a href="http://hiyahealth.com/DMA">hiyahealth.com/DMA</a>. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.</li> <li> <strong>Branch Basics</strong>: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, <a href="http://Target.com">Target.com</a>, Amazon, and of course, <a href="http://BranchBasics.com">BranchBasics.com</a>. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at <a href="http://branchbasics.com">BranchBasics.com</a> with our code DMA. </li> <li> <strong>Honeylove</strong>: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at <a href="http://honeylove.com/DMA">honeylove.com/DMA</a> . </li> </ul>
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54 MIN
Finding Your Purpose and Authentic Self in Motherhood with the Enneagram :: Suzanne Stabile *top 10 episode* [Ep 562]
MAR 2, 2026
Finding Your Purpose and Authentic Self in Motherhood with the Enneagram :: Suzanne Stabile *top 10 episode* [Ep 562]
<div> <p>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.</p><p>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: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Enneagram Types as Animals:</strong> 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.</li> <li>Grace covers the places we fall short</li> <li> <strong>Set appropriate priorities:</strong> You can’t do it all.</li> <li> <strong>Be mindful in child-centered families:</strong> When the focus is entirely on the children, much can get overlooked, and it often reflects a broader cultural expectation.</li> </ul><div>Connect with Suzanne Stabile: </div><ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzannestabile/">Suzanne Stabile (@suzannestabile)</a> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://suzannestabile.com/">The Enneagram Godmother</a> </li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EnneagramSuz">Suzanne Stabile | Facebook</a> </li> </ul><div>Links Mentioned: </div><ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4aKoFDw">The Road Back to You: By Suzanne Stabile</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4724fDy">The Journey Toward Wholeness: By Suzanne Stabile</a></li> </ul><div>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2018/02/12/how-god-personally-pursues-redeems-jenn-jett-ep-193/">How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2020/04/17/enneagram-and-stress-ian-cron-recap-bonus-ep/">Enneagram and Stress :: Ian Cron Recap [Bonus Episode]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2019/09/30/the-enneagram-marriage-and-the-gospel-beth-mccord-ep-259/">The Enneagram, Marriage and the Gospel :: Beth McCord [Ep 259]</a></li> </ul><div><p>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Green Chef</strong>: Head to <a href="http://greenchef.com/50ALONE">Greenchef.com/50ALONE</a> and use code 50ALONE to get fifty percent off your first month then 20 percent off for two months with free shipping. </li> <li> <strong>Cove: </strong>Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at <a href="http://covesmart.com/DMA">covesmart.com/DMA</a> or use code DMA at checkout for up to 60% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast.</li> <li> <strong>Thrive Causemetics</strong>: Amplify your Spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to <a href="http://thrivecausemetics.com/DMA">thrivecausemetics.com/DMA</a> for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. </li> </ul>
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61 MIN
School Choice Series: Public School Options with Emily Fenlaw:: [Ep 561]
FEB 23, 2026
School Choice Series: Public School Options with Emily Fenlaw:: [Ep 561]
<div> <p>In <strong>part</strong> <strong>three of my School Choice Series</strong>, I sit down with my friend Emily Fenlaw to talk about all things public school. With four children who have experienced everything from traditional public school to the talented and gifted program, an all-girls school, and an arts-focused school, Emily has navigated the many options and transitions that public education can offer.</p><p>She also shares candidly about parenting children with ADHD — walking through 504 plans, medication decisions, and the ongoing process of learning how to support executive functioning at home. Through it all she learned to be a student of her child to discover the best path for them. </p><p>My hope with this series is to <strong>share a variety of school choice stories</strong> so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to <strong>pray and seek God’s guidance</strong>, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk <strong>hand in hand with you, year by year</strong>, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: </p></div><ul> <li>The beauty of building relationships with families from all walks of life</li> <li>How introverts and extroverts can uniquely flourish in public school environments</li> <li>You can only make the best decision you can with the information you have</li> <li><p>The challenges of public school and navigating relationships with other parents</p></li> </ul><div>Connect with Emily Fenlaw: </div><ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emfenlaw/">@EmFenlaw</a> </li> <li><a href="https://hautebonmot.com/password">Get notified when her tshirt business launches</a></li> </ul><div>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2026/02/16/school-choice-series-private-to-public-school-with-misty-persefield-ep-560/">School Choice Series: Private to Public School with Misty Persefield:: [Ep 560]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2026/02/09/school-choice-series-homeschool-to-private-school-with-kris-habashy-ep-559/">School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2019/03/25/the-school-of-dependency-school-choice-wendy-speake-ep-240/">The School of Dependency on Christ :: Wendy Speake [Ep 240]</a></li> </ul><div><p>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Inspire Bible for Kids</strong>: The latest Bible in the bestselling Inspire Bible line, packed with activities for boys and girls ages 7 to 12. With over 400 ready-to-color line-art illustrations, wide margins for creativity, devotional readings and trivia questions, journaling prompts, memory verse prompts, fun facts–and more–all to bring God’s Word to life for young hearts. Discover more at <a href="https://hubs.ly/Q042NqSb0">www.InspireBibleforKids.com</a> </li> <li> <strong>Barefaced:</strong> If you want to see results and find a skincare routine you’ll actually stick to, this is where I recommend starting. Head to <a href="http://barefaced.com">barefaced.com</a> and use code<strong> DMA</strong> for 15% off at checkout plus free shipping. Barefaced: less steps, better skin.</li> <li> <strong>Cozy Earth</strong>: Discover how care in every detail transforms simple routines into moments of true comfort and ease. Head to <a href="http://cozyearth.com">cozyearth.com</a> and use my code DMA for up to 20% off. </li> </ul>
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52 MIN