The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering with Andrea Fortenberry

Welcome to Episode 155 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Nathan Graham.He is the author of Why Won’t He Just Log Off?, a speaker, coach, entrepreneur, AI consultant, and father. His work sits at the intersection of technology, human behavior, family connection, leadership, and personal growth. Through his work with families, parents, partners, communities, and business owners, Nathan helps people better understand the growing challenges of video game addiction, excessive screen time, digital dependency, and our increasinglycomplicated relationship with technology.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 154 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Elizabeth Berget. Elizabeth is a speaker and author of Love Like a Mother: How the Sacred Work of Motherhood Reveals the Maternal Heart of God. Her work has appeared in Christianity Today, Coffee + Crumbs, Mothering Spirit, and other online spaces where mothers gather to find meaning in the mundane.

She shares her thoughts in her Substack newsletter, Back of the Flock, where she explores the image of God in the everyday work of motherhood. She has lived in Africa and Asia but now resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, three kids, and one mischievous dog.

Some of the resources we mention include:

Welcome to Episode 153 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Dr. Ioana Popa. She is a national board-certified life and leadership coach, spiritual care provider, physician-psychiatrist, speaker and trainer, with a Master In Theology. She is the co-founder of Team For The Soul® and the host of the 'Thriving In Christ' podcast and Youtube show.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 152 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Lauren McLaughlin. Lauren is a wife and mom of three, and the founder of Change Up Kids, a portable changing room designed to give kidsdignity and privacy wherever life takes them. Driven by her faith and a deeply personal story, Lauren built her business with a mission that goes beyond the product. Through her work, she supports families on-the-go while donating a portion of every purchase to help fight child trafficking. Lauren is passionate about encouraging women to pursue God first, trust His timing, and walk boldly in both motherhood and their calling.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 151 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I'm talking all about my best back-to-school tips for moms.

The resources I mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 150 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Melissa Schulz. Melissa is a parenting coach and behavior analyst who helps parents of strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiversekids turn daily struggles into calmer, more connected moments. Melissa has been recognized as the "Best Parenting Coach in the United States for 2025" by Evergreen Awards.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 149 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!  

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Pam Fields. Pam Fields is the host of The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith, a podcast that shares honest, hope-filled conversations with women navigating real life. She is a mom of nine, Gramma to six, and has over 25 years of homeschooling experience. Through storytelling and encouragement online, Pam creates space for women to feel seen, supported, and reminded that they are not alone.

In this episode, we talk about practical prayer tips for busy moms.

Some of the resources we mention include:

Welcome to Episode 148 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Welcome to Episode 147 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Nichole Suvar. As a coach, writer, and speaker, Nichole helps Christian women embrace the unfolding of God’s work in them, finding peace and purpose through intentional living. Together, they lean into His quiet leading, discovering strength and clarity in the refining spaces of grace. Nichole’s passion is to equip women to release overwhelm and walk with confidence in thelife God has called them to. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three children.

Welcome to Episode 146 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Jody Hill. She is abestselling author, speaker, and parent educator who helps parents become the loudest and most positive voice in their child’s life by harnessing the power of their everyday words. With a BA in Speech Communication, Executive Coaching Certification, and over a decade of hands-on parenting experience, Jody combines practical insight with relatable, real-life stories and easy-to-apply strategies that help parents shift how they speak, support, and show up for their children.

Welcome to Episode 145 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Emma Donaldson. Emma is the founder of Joyful Mama Wellness and a licensed professional counselor and perinatal mental health specialist who supports Christian moms in the postpartum season. She helps new mothers understand postpartum anxiety and depression, emotional overwhelm, and intrusive thoughts—offering support that honors both their mental health and their faith.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 144 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!  

Welcome to Episode 1 43 of the Perfectionist Guide to Mothering!

Welcome to Episode 141 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Jennifer Dukes Lee. Jennifer is a bestselling author, speaker and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She wants to live her life in such a way that you can’t help but want more of Jesus.

Welcome to Episode 140 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with my friend, Tiffany Snow. Tiffany is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher passionate about helping women, especially moms, find God’s goodness in the midst of everyday life. She is the author of Seek the Goodness, a devotional rooted in faith, grace, and the realities of special-needs motherhood. She also serves as a contributing writer for Proverbs 31 ministries First 5 team.

Tiffany lives in Arizona with her husband and three children and loves encouraging women to walk closely with Jesus in every season.

Some of the resources we mention include:

Welcome to Episode 139 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with my friend, Laurie Davies.

Laurie is a writer, speaker, and lay counselor who helps women deal with their “emotional accumulation,” letting go of things like regret, grudges, bitterness, and shame.

Welcome to Episode 139 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Welcome to Episode 137 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! I'm talking about my favorite productivity practices.

Welcome to Episode 136 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Emily Stroud. As a Christian Financial Advisor and bestselling author of Faithful Finance, Emily knows firsthand how finances can weigh onfamilies, and how grace can transform even the busiest seasons. She is also cohost of the Faithful Finance Podcast.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

For this episode of the podcast, I thought it would be fun to share some things I found life-giving in 2025 that improved my life or brought me joy. I’m a firm believer that real friends tell each other when they have food in their teeth and they tell each other about their favorite things.

Some of the resources I mention in this episode include:

Apps

Welcome to Episode 134 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I have the privilege of chatting with Rachel Marie Kang.

Rachel is a New York native, born and raised just outside New York City. A writer and poet, Rachel writes in poignant prose on themes of culture, art, faith, and loss. Her writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Hallmark. Rachel is author of Let There Be Art and The Matter of Little Losses. She lives in the New York metro with her husband and two sons.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 132 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Welcome to Episode 131 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, and I thought it would be timely for us to have a conversation with a woman who has walked this road and found hope. 

My guest for today is Nichole Thompson. She is a faith-based writer and the author of The Miscarriage Journal. A wife and mom of two, she lives in North Carolina and is passionate about creating Christ-centered content and co-authoring Bible studies. When she’s not writing, you can find her skiing, coaching middle school volleyball, or spending time with her family, including their beloved dogs. P.S. She’ll never say no to a gummy bear, they’re her weakness.

Some of the resources we mention include:

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Sherri Crandall.Sherri is an amazing lady and I’m so privilege that I get to work with her at The MomCo, where she is the Vice President of Global Ministries and Leadership Experience for The Mom Co. She is also an author and speaker for women’s eventsacross the country and internationally where she shares her passion for encouraging women to live life to the fullest.

Welcome to Episode 129 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!  

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Cindy Manko. She is an author, podcast host of The Listen-Love-Launch Podcast and is a life coach for moms of high school seniors. She has raised three children and has great wisdom and resources. Even if you’re momming little ones and senior year seems a long way off, listen in and tuck her wisdom into your mom toolbox for when you need it.  

You can connect with Cindy via:

Welcome to Episode 128 of The Perfectionist’s Guide toMothering!

I originally had different content planned for this episodebut after the events of last week, felt compelled to record this episode instead. I hope you find it helpful and encouraging!

You can connect with me via:

Welcome to Episode 127 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! In this episode, I’m sharing another best of replay episode.

Welcome to Episode 126 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

Welcome to Episode 125 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

For this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing another episode from the friendship summer series my friend Stacey Morgan and I recorded a few years ago. This episode is aboutHow to Make Friends as an Adult Woman. Something that seems like it would be easy, but it can actually be quite a challenge! I love this conversation I have with Stacey and I think you will too!

Welcome to Episode 124 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering!

For the next two months I’m going to replay some of the most popular episodes we’ve had over the past five years.

Welcome to Episode 122 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I have the privilege of chatting withJen Kacin.

Jen is a speaker, writer and content creator on topics that promote confidence and healthy decision making for teensand tweens. As a social worker of 20+ years and support coach in a middle school, she is on a mission to equip parents and teachers with tools to help them engage in meaningful and relevant conversations surrounding the emotionalissues their children face.

Some of the resources we mention include:

Welcome to Episode 121 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I have the privilege of chatting withKristen Strong.

Kristen Strong, whose authored books include Girl Meets Change and When Change Finds You, also compiled the 90-day devotional, Praying Through Loneliness. She writes as a friend walking alongside you in your lonely season to a more helpful, hopeful destination.

She loves sharing laughs, long talks, and meaningful stories with family and friends while holding a cup of strong black tea. She and her US Air Force veteran husband, David, have three beloved adult children.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 120 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering!  Today I have the privilege of chatting with MollyDeFrank. Molly is mom to three boys and three girls, ages eight to 15. She spends most of her time telling them to put on their shoes.

Welcome to Episode 119 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! We are entering a busy time of year as the school year is winding down. This means lots of extra things for our kids and us by default: concerts, recitals, school projects, field trips, class parties, teacher appreciation, and more! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all there is going on. But I don’t want us to feel overwhelmed, I want us to take some time now on the front end of the month to help our future selves. Let's not just survive this month, let's thrive!

A few of the resources I recommend in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 118 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today’s episode is going to be a little life update and recommendations at the end.

Here are some of the resources from this episode:

Welcome to Episode 117 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! In this episode, I'm giving 13 tips for raising a strong-willed child.

Some of the resources I mention include:

• James 1:5
• Proverbs 14:4

Welcome to Episode 116 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I have the privilege of chatting with Tina Haisman. She is a Certified Life Coach, Speaker and Podcaster.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 115 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I have the privilege of chatting with Lisa-Jo Baker. She is a bestselling author, lapsed lawyer, and a current acquisitions editor for W Publishing.

In this replay episode, I share how and why we can start this year out slowly. In a world that’s focused on hustle and going harder, starting slowly is very counter-cultural, but I think it’s the pace our souls were designed for.

Here are some of the resources I mention in this episode:

Welcome to Episode 113 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering!

Today, I'm going to share the recording of the talk I gave at Restore: Soul Care for Moms back in September.

As I was thinking about and planning what I would chat about today as we are approaching the middle of December, right in the throes of the Christmas season, I thought back to this talk, and I think this message will really resonate with all of us this time of year.

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via: ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to Episode 112 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! In today’s episode, I am sharing five practices to help us thrive this holiday season.

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via: ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to Episode 111 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m chatting with Katie Trent.

Welcome to Episode 111 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! November is Military Family Appreciation Month and today I’m chatting with Ashley Ashcraft.

Ashley is a seasoned military spouse, homeschool mom, Down syndrome advocate, and nationally recognized educator. She serves as a military program director at her church, teaches Bible studies, and writes for Military Spouse magazine. After twelve military moves, Ashley's family is currently stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Tim, and their four sweet (and extraordinarily spirited) children.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! In this episode, I’m going to talk about the power of your vote as a mom.

Before we dive in, here’s what I’m not going to do in this episode: I’m not going to tell you who to vote for. I’m not even going to bring up specific candidates.

Here’s what I will do: I will share with you why I’m passionate about voting and ensuring that I use my vote to make a difference. I hope it will encourage you to do the same! I will also share some tips with you as you research and decide who to vote for.

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

Welcome to Episode 108 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today's episode is short and sweet, with a mini-life update and my encouragement on making lists.

Some of the resources I mention include:

Welcome to Episode 107 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m chatting with Barb Roose.

Barb is an author, and speaker at conferences such as the Aspire Women’s Event Tour, Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference, UMC Leadership Summit and other national platforms.

She is a regular contributor to (in)courage, Crosswalk, and iBelieve. Barb is the author of multiple books and Bibles. She is the host of the Bold, Brave & Beautiful Podcast and writes a weekly Happy Monday devotional. 

She is also a literary agent at Books & Such, and I’m privileged to be one of her clients.

Welcome to Episode 106 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m chatting with Lori Schumaker. I do want to let you know that in today’s episode we are talking about a hard topic that isn’t for little ears. So if your kids are around, hit pause and come back to it when you get a chance.

Here’s a little bit about Lori: Her life story embodies the phrase “unveiled hope.” As both a Life and Mental Health Coach, as well as a writer, speaker, teacher, and creator, she gently guides women through the complexities of life with grace, hope, and resilience. Her own journey through the pain of abortion, and the subsequent cycle of shame and insecurity that followed, left her feeling shattered and unable to move forward. Yet, anchored by her faith in Christ and armed with practical strategies, Lori has found strength and redemption. The adversities that once sent her spiraling are now her testimony to the power of Jesus.

A few of the resources we mention include: