Episodes
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! Today, we’re diving into the delicate balance of parenting and family life in a fast-paced, social-media-driven world. Together, we’ll explore the joys and challenges of raising children while juggling work and other commitments, focusing on building strong family rhythms, authentic communication, and a culture of forgiveness. You’ll hear practical advice on prioritizing quality time, fostering real connections, and embracing faith as a guide through the ups and downs of parenting. Let’s talk about creating a home that thrives on love, connection, and spiritual foundation—but as always, we ask the question: who's holding the match?
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Chapters
00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Work Life
02:53 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting
05:47 Prioritizing Family and Spiritual Guidance
09:02 Quality vs. Quantity in Parenting
11:45 Finding Rhythm in Family Life
15:07 Cultivating Connection Within the Family
17:51 Creating a Family Culture of Communication
21:08 The Importance of Authentic Apologies and Forgiveness
23:55 Embracing the Parenting Journey with God
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! Today, we’re diving into how election seasons impact mental health, relationships, and our faith foundations. Anxiety and stress tend to spike during politically charged times, but this episode is all about reclaiming peace. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to identify stress, lean into prayer and reflection, and build love-driven connections even in divisive moments. Let’s uncover how our faith can anchor us when life feels unsteady, so we can approach challenges with grace and confidence. But as always, we ask the question: who’s holding the match?
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Elections
06:25 The Impact of Election Seasons on Mental Health
12:09 Navigating Relationships During Election Season
18:07 Fear vs. Love in Political Discourse
24:04 Recognizing Stress and Anxiety in Daily Life
30:49 Finding Peace Through Prayer and Reflection
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Missing episodes?
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! Today, we’re diving into some tough but essential conversations about parenting, sexuality, and the realities our kids face in a world of early exposure to things like pornography. Together, we’ll explore the impact of shame and secrecy, and why open communication and a safe space are crucial for children as they navigate these challenges. I’ll share insights on how parents can recognize signs of struggle, lean on community support, and ultimately trust God’s guidance in every part of the parenting journey. Join us for an honest look at building strong foundations for our families—but as always, we ask the question: who's holding the match?
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Match and Its Significance
02:49 The Impact of Early Exposure to Sexuality
06:02 Understanding Shame and Secrecy in Parenting
08:51 The Journey of Addiction and Recovery
11:59 The Power of Community and Shared Testimonies
14:49 Creating a Safe Space for Conversations
18:07 Recognizing Signs of Struggle in Children
20:59 Proactive Parenting Strategies
24:11 Trusting God in Parenting Challenges
27:04 Conclusion and Resources for Parents
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Welcome back to part two of Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! In this episode, we dive into the power of the "Mama Mafia" – a close-knit community of moms who support each other, share values, and hold one another accountable in the parenting journey. Susan explores the strength that comes from a genuine support system, the vital role of accountability, and how conflict resolution skills impact both friendships and family life. With real-life stories and practical advice, we’re reminded of the importance of open communication, the courage to face hard conversations, and teaching our kids how to handle conflicts with grace. But as always, we ask the question: who's holding the match?
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! In this episode, we dive into the power of community in parenting and how building a strong support network can make all the difference. I share personal stories about the 'Mama Mafia' – a group of moms who lean on each other through the highs and lows of raising kids. Together, we explore how these friendships not only shape our children but also help us navigate the tough parenting moments with trust and confidence. The episode is all about creating a village that empowers you as a parent, reminding us that we’re not in this alone. But as always, we ask the question: who's holding the match?
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the beautiful and sometimes challenging world of parenting. We’ll explore the importance of creating strong family bonds, understanding your child’s development, and staying grounded in your faith amid cultural pressures. I’ll also share practical tips on how to carve out quiet moments to connect deeply with your kids and how listening to God’s voice can guide you in this journey. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, this conversation offers encouragement and wisdom to help you navigate parenting with confidence. But as always, we ask the question: who's holding the match?
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Welcome back to *Who’s Holding The Match*! Today, I’m sitting down with my two beautiful daughters, Ava and Elle, for a real, honest conversation about parenting. As a mom, I know firsthand the ups and downs of managing emotions—both mine and theirs—and we talk about what that’s looked like in our family. We dig into the power of intentional communication, the weight our words can carry, and how important it is to really understand what our kids are going through. Parenting is a journey, and some days it’s tough, but staying connected and hopeful is key. But as always, we ask the question: who’s holding the match?
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Chapters
00:00 Navigating Parenting Challenges
03:08 The Dynamics of Mother-Daughter Relationships
05:56 Emotional Growth and College Transitions
09:11 Understanding and Managing Emotions
12:00 The Power of Words in Relationships
14:49 Parenting Through Conflict
18:08 The Importance of Intentional Conversations
20:53 Recognizing Behavioral Symptoms
24:13 The Long Game in Parenting
27:01 Finding Hope in Parenting
29:57 Strength in Passionate Parenting
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Welcome back to *Who’s Holding The Match* with Susan Thomas! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the heart of parenting and explore the true meaning of discipline as a gift from God. I’ll be sharing how discipline isn’t about punishment, but about guiding and protecting our children with love and dignity. We’ll talk about how to approach it effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and implement practical strategies that bring peace and structure into our homes. Parenting can be tough, but together, we can create a nurturing environment where our children can thrive. But as always, we ask the question: who’s holding the match?
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! We’re continuing our conversation on family culture and the intentional choices we make to shape a home filled with love, communication, and faith. We’ll dive into how culture can either happen by default or by design, and why it’s so important to choose love, discipline, and honor in our parenting. We’ll also look at how faith and community influence our family dynamics, and how creating space for fun and connection can bring life into your home. But as always, we ask the question: who's holding the match?
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Family Culture
01:02 Culture by Default vs. Design
03:00 The Importance of a Culture of Love
06:24 Defining Love in Family Dynamics
10:44 Discipline as an Expression of Love
14:54 Creating a Culture of Affection
19:09 Honesty and Communication in Family
24:17 Establishing a Culture of Honor
29:10 The Role of Faith and Community
35:44 The Culture of Fun in Family Life
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Create a personal and engaging podcast summary for the 'Who’s Holding The Match Podcast' with Susan Thomas. Start with 'Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas!' Keep it to one concise paragraph, making it sound reflective and encouraging, as if it's coming directly from Susan. Capture the essence of the episode, highlighting key insights or advice that Susan shares in a personal and relatable way. Use warm and direct language, avoiding corporate jargon and impersonal terms. End the summary with the phrase, 'but as always, we ask the question: who's holding the match? Remove any mention of Tywon Burnom:
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! Today, we're diving into the topic of letting go of the labels that try to define us. I share some personal stories, like navigating food allergies in my family, and how reading ingredient labels isn't just about food—it's about the labels we let shape our identity. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us of the power of our words, and I challenge you to reflect on the labels you've accepted, whether it's "good kid" or "bad kid," and how those words shape who you see yourself as. We'll explore how our birth order or even personality tests can impact us, but it’s essential to filter everything through God’s truth, not just what society says. As parents, friends, or individuals, let’s be intentional about the labels we wear and give to others. Remember, God is the one who truly defines our identity
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! In today's episode, we’re diving into the world of parenting through our kids' friendships. We'll explore why friendships are so crucial for our children and how, as parents, we can help them navigate the ups and downs of these relationships. From the joy and pain of friendships to the biblical truths that guide us, I'll share practical tips on modeling healthy connections, choosing the right friends, and teaching conflict resolution skills. Let’s tackle these challenges together and empower our kids to thrive in their friendships!
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Importance and Challenges of Parenting Children Through Their Friendships
03:21 The Role of Parents in Training Children to Be Friends
07:40 Understanding the Biblical Perspective on Friendship
17:35 The Pain and Normalizing the Challenges of Friendship
28:15 Practical Tips for Modeling Healthy Friendships and Teaching Conflict Resolution
43:41 Being a Safe Place and Supporting Children in Their Friendships
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! As parents, we all worry about whether our kids will be okay. In this episode, I dive into that very question, exploring the fear and uncertainty we often feel. Whether you’re the parent who tries to control everything or the one who feels overwhelmed and detached, I’m here to remind you that you’re not alone. We’ll talk about the importance of understanding the challenges we face in this broken world, how our relationship with Jesus can guide us, and why creating a culture of prayer in your family is so powerful. Join me as we navigate this journey together, and let’s find peace in knowing we don’t have to have it all figured out.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Is My Kid Going to Be Okay?
06:45 The Two Extremes of Parenting
23:37 Understanding the Enemy and the Broken World We Live In
28:24 Relying on Jesus and Picking Up the Weapons God Has Given Us
35:07 The Power of Prayer in Parenting
42:13 Focusing on Spiritual Health as a Starting Point
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! Today, I’m sitting down with my daughter Ava to reflect on our journey together, the lessons we’ve learned, and how God’s love has guided us every step of the way. We dive into the challenges of leaving home, the importance of supporting each other, and the life-changing power of discipline and grace. Ava’s story of overcoming anger and addiction is a powerful testament to the strength of family and faith. Join us for this heartfelt conversation that I hope inspires and encourages you in your own walk with your family.
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas! Today, I’m diving into the often-heard advice to "follow your heart" and why it might not be as sound as it seems. I’m sharing some personal stories where following my own heart led to difficult outcomes and discussing how our hearts, though well-intentioned, can sometimes mislead us. I’ll also be talking about the importance of guiding our children away from cultural misconceptions and towards the truth found in God’s Word. It's an honest and heartfelt conversation that I hope brings you clarity and encouragement!
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding the Match with Susan Thomas! In this episode, I dive into the importance of understanding and shaping our identity, especially as parents. We'll explore the contradiction between the fact and feeling of identity, emphasizing the powerful impact we have on our children's sense of self. I'll also warn against the dangers of speaking negative words over our children and the unintentional harm labels can cause. Together, we'll discuss various identity thieves, such as societal and cultural influences, trauma, and personal beliefs, and I'll encourage you to find your true identity in God's truth.
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding The Match with Susan Thomas. In this episode, I discuss the reality of social media and its impact on the mental health of children and adults. While social media can offer education and inspiration, it also brings challenges like false relationships, comparison, unwanted or unsafe access, and addiction. It's important for parents to be aware of these threats and have open conversations with their children. We'll explore the physical, mental, and social implications of social media use, and how excessive use is linked to mental health problems and a decline in social engagement. Remember to be mindful of who is holding the match in your life and prioritize a healthy relationship with God over the worship of created things like social media.
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Welcome back to Who’s Holding the Match with Susan Thomas! In this episode, I explore the profound questions of what's wrong with us and how we can get better. These questions have plagued humanity for centuries, affecting our relationships, families, and personal struggles. I'll examine various psychological theories, from Freud's focus on unconscious desires to Adler's emphasis on socialization, and Beck's belief in the power of thoughts. However, I ultimately conclude that the true answer lies in a biblical worldview, recognizing that sin is the root problem and that true healing and freedom can only be found in a relationship with Jesus.
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Welcome to Who’s Holding the Match with Susan Thomas! I'm thrilled to kick off this journey with you as we dive into the heart of family and parenting, and explore how we can help our families thrive. As a licensed professional counselor, church leader, and mother of four, I’ll be sharing my own experiences, struggles, and the powerful ways God has brought healing and transformation into my life. Together, we'll navigate the ups and downs of family life, and I invite you to start or deepen your relationship with God as we grow and learn together.
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