Remember the chaos of 2020, when grocery shelves were empty and uncertainty was the norm? On this episode, we revisit those challenging days and share how they ignited a journey toward self-sufficiency for our family. From panic buying a starter garden kit to transforming an old sandbox into a veggie garden, our story is just the beginning. We’re joined by the remarkable Nicky Schauder, a mother of six, who started her own gardening adventure in a small townhouse 15 years ago. Initially driven by her daughter's health issues (failure to thrive), Nicky's journey is filled with both triumphs and setbacks, and she shares how homegrown produce has also significantly lowered her grocery bills.

Nicky’s family faced severe food allergies, leading them to explore "permaculture", a pivotal discovery that changed their lives. We delve into their struggles with managing allergies and how the shift to growing their own organic food improved their children’s health. Permaculture became more than just a gardening method; it deepened their connection to the earth and promoted sustainable living. Nicky breaks down this holistic approach, from zoning garden spaces to embracing natural rhythms, offering insights on how anyone can enjoy its benefits, no matter their experience level.

We wrap up with practical tips and personalized support for those eager to start their own gardening journey. Nicky shares how engaging with her Garden Community, Permaculture Gardens, can provide you with bi-weekly newsletters and direct & personalized email support to address your unique gardening challenges.

Nicky recommends Families of Character to her members, sharing about how they started a Weekly Family Huddle after listening to our show and it has been a game changer for getting them organized and united as a true family TEAM! They even talk gardening during their weekly family huddles!

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, homegrown curious, or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you grow a garden and strengthen your family bond.

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!

https://www.intentioncraft.com/What if you could parent without regrets? Join us this week as we sit down with Jake Wysocki, an expert in Design Thinking and a seasoned workshop facilitator, who shares the secrets behind living a regret-free life as a parent. Jake's innovative Design Your Regret-Free Life Parenting Workshops offer a tactical approach to live with intention and crush the goals you have for your family. In this episode he opens up his treasure trove of wisdom just for you. Learn the practical strategies for intentional living that Jake has honed over years of personal experience and professional expertise.

Jake and his wife, Noelle, took a daring leap by quitting their jobs to embark on a year-long global adventure—a decision that forever changed their lives and their approach to parenting. This episode captures the essence of their journey, filled with thrilling stories from the Swiss Alps to the bustling streets of Japan. Want to learn more about their adventure? Check out their blog.

Jake explains the concept of "memory dividends," where the joy of anticipation and recollection often surpasses the experience itself, and how this mindset can enrich your family's life. Discover how even the smallest, intentional moments can create lasting, joyful memories for you and your children.

From weekly planning meetings that bring structure and harmony to family life, to empowering kids through inclusive goal-setting, Jake's insights are both practical and profound. He shares how adopting these strategies can reduce decision fatigue, foster family cohesion, and enable you to seize meaningful moments. Whether you're contemplating a bold life change or simply looking to optimize your daily routines, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Tune in and start your journey towards a more intentional, regret-free family life today.

Check out Intention Craft & Schedule a free Coaching Call with Jake today.

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!

Imagine uncovering corporate fraud at the highest levels while juggling the complexities of marriage, family life and a high powered corporate job. Join Mark and Ginger Whitacre, the real-life inspirations behind the movie "The Informant," as they recount their extraordinary journey. From junior high sweethearts to facing the perilous role of an undercover informant for the FBI, their story is one of unwavering love and resilience. Mark and Ginger reveal the stark contrasts between their real-life experiences and Hollywood's portrayal, sharing the challenges they faced and the strength they found in each other.

Travel back to the 1980s as Mark and Ginger navigate life in Germany with their growing family, including the unexpected joys and trials of adoption and pregnancy. Hear about Mark's meteoric career rise, his shift from Europe to Decatur, Illinois, and the tensions between accumulating wealth and seeking spiritual fulfillment. Ginger's steadfast faith plays a pivotal role throughout, guiding them through material excesses and moral dilemmas, ultimately steering them toward a more meaningful life together.

Brace yourself for the gripping account of Mark's undercover work with the FBI, exposing widespread corporate corruption while risking his life and sanity. Discover the personal toll this double life took on him and how his journey from despair to redemption was profoundly influenced by faith and love.

During his time in prison, Mark went from making Millions per year to $20/month. Mark's transformation into a spiritually renewed individual, backed by Ginger's relentless support and prayer, underscores the incredible power of grace and second chances. This episode is a testament to the enduring strength of faith, love, and the human spirit in overcoming life's most daunting challenges.

Check out the Investigation Discovery Documentary

Learn more about Mark & Ginger's story on his website.

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!

Can self-care be the key to serving others more effectively? Join me as I reconnect with Sara Paxton, a childhood friend from rural Nebraska, who transitioned from a Pharmacist to a Certified Health Coach. Sara shares her unique perspective on self-care, challenging the common misconception that it's selfish. By prioritizing self-care, Sara explains, we can better serve our families and communities. Her heartfelt anecdotes from her health coaching sessions reveal how taking care of oneself can significantly improve patience and overall well-being, weaving together the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.

Ever wondered how gut health impacts your overall wellness? We explore the transformative journey of a busy mom who overcame gut health issues like fatigue and brain fog through a holistic approach. Sara dives into the critical role of gut health, discussing how imbalances in gut bacteria can manifest as mood swings and mental clarity issues. She highlights the importance of addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms, offering practical tips for incorporating whole foods into a hectic lifestyle while avoiding ultra-processed foods and excessive sugar. Sara also touches on the effects of modern agricultural practices, especially concerning wheat and gluten.

For Sara, faith and spirituality play a significant role in health coaching, especially for women striving to improve their lifestyles. Sara shares her holistic approach to health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of hormone balance, gut health, and blood sugar levels. She discusses the power of community support and spiritual health in achieving overall wellness. This episode is rich with practical advice, from making small, sustainable lifestyle changes to involving the entire family in healthier eating habits.

Find Sara on TikTok @sara.paxton8, FB @sarapaxtonhealthcoach and Instagram @sarapaxtonnourish

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!

Did you know that new fathers often face emotional hurdles that go unspoken? We explore the profound feelings of isolation, loss of control, and resentment many men encounter but rarely discuss. Kurt and Kristen Luidhardt, a powerhouse couple who have founded twelve companies and profitably exited three, join us to share their remarkable journey from business partners to parents. Hear the moving story of how Kurt’s father's passing catalyzed their decision to expand their family, leading to the births of their daughter and son. From dealing with the heartbreak of an unsuccessful first pregnancy to managing multiple business ventures, the Luidhardts offer a raw and honest look into their lives.

Kurt opens up about his experience with male postpartum depression (also known as paternal postnatal depression) particularly after the birth of their second child, and how societal expectations often leave fathers feeling neglected. Kristen adds her perspective on the importance of strong communication and the role of faith in overcoming such personal struggles. Learn how they managed to find balance and prioritize family time amidst their entrepreneurial hustle.

Parenting is no walk in the park, and the Luidhardts emphasize the importance of faith, intentionality, and teamwork. They share insights into this new passion project — bringing to light the reality of what fathers go through when having children — paternal postnatal depression. The Luidhardts have hearts of gold and feel like if sharing their experience can help others, they are grateful to be able to serve.

The Luidhardts can be found at libertyspenders.com.

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!

What if you could transform your approach to discipline and foster a sense of belonging and significance in children? We have an enlightening conversation lined up for you with Chip DeLorenzo, a seasoned Montessori educator and co-author of "Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom." Chip shares his personal journey from struggling with traditional classroom management techniques to embracing positive discipline, a method that marries kindness with firmness. This episode is packed with practical insights for both parents and teachers who aim to cultivate good character and social skills in children through respectful and effective discipline strategies.

Join us as we delve into the roots of children's misbehavior and the pivotal role that effective discipline plays in their development. Learn how to reframe misbehavior as a learning opportunity rather than a personal affront, maintaining the dignity and respect of both children and adults. Chip and our host explore the nuanced balance between being kind yet firm, highlighting the significance of modeling positive behavior and the value of motivational curiosity questions. These tactics not only foster cooperation but also encourage self-motivation and resilience in children.

Discover how understanding children's perspectives can revolutionize your parenting or teaching approach. Chip discusses the impact of different parenting styles and the importance of having a prepared strategy for managing frustrations. We also explore the cultural shifts from authoritarian to permissive parenting, and how finding a balanced approach is crucial. Tune in to learn how parents can operate as a united front, modeling constructive discipline and repair, and ultimately elevating their authority and respect. This episode promises to be a transformative guide for anyone committed to nurturing well-rounded, self-regulated children.

For more on Positive Discipline, visit www.positivediscipline.com

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!

Navigating the turbulent waters of pediatric health, this episode features Dr. Brittany Todd, Clinical Pharmacist and seasoned captain of motherhood, who shares her treasure map for managing sick children. With Brittany's expert guidance, you'll grasp the finer points of fever-fighting, master the art of medication dosing, and learn how to stay anchored through the stormiest of nights. Her innovative dosing guide is the lifeline every parent needs to deliver accurate care while preserving their sanity.

When the clock strikes midnight and your little one's fever spikes, Brittany's insights are the beacon of light that will guide you through. Her practical strategies, including a meticulously crafted dosing guide and a medication log, empower parents to confidently administer remedies like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. This episode will equip you with the knowledge to accurately convert weights, calculate doses, and alternate medications, ensuring your child's ship sails smoothly through illness.

As we set sail from our enlightening conversation, Brittany, from Sacred Heart CPS, leaves us inspired by her dedication to demystifying medication dosing for caregivers. Her passion for helping others is woven into every aspect of her work, offering solace and support to families navigating the choppy seas of parenting. Brittany loves helping adults who are questioning whether they are on the right medications, are having side effects from their meds or just want to find some less expensive meds that are equally effective. Visit her website to book a consultation.

Grab a copy of her dosing guide and pair it with your infant and children's pain meds, a thermometer and some hand sani and you'll be set for the next round of illness! Grab a few extra for the next Baby Shower, to give to Grandma and Grandpa and an extra for your car, too!

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!

Tired of hearing airy & abstract references to your "mindset"? We get it! The last thing you feel like you can hear when you're in the thick of parenting is "You just need to work on your mindset." What even IS mindset? And how can you practically "work on" it? Andy Hickman returns to the Families of Character show to do a deep-dive with Jordan. In this episode, you will learn exactly what mindset is & how to practice it. In addition to feeling clear & confident about developing your own mindset, you'll learn an easy and super positive way to empower your children to develop the health of their own mindset.

Exclusive offer for Families of Character listeners: Andy is offering a 60% discount on his private 2hr Discovery Sessions for the first three people who use this link! Do a deep dive into your own stories and experience healing and clarity around your past. This is a rare opportunity to work directly, 1-1 with the founder of hēl, Andy Hickman. This offer is strictly limited to the first three people who sign up.

What others are saying: "I feel so much awe. This feels like a conclusion to a long saga. Everything is okay. It's under control. I have so much peace. I don't have to be weighed down by all this stuff. This is a revelation."

"I was able to process feelings about things that were deeper than I even knew."

"This was an incredible experience for me. I've discussed a lot of painful moments with spiritual directors, counselors, & mentors over the years, but this was something different. I hadn't realized how much I (and how easy it is to) 'skip over' these memories, thinking it was addressed and healed. I really appreciated how gentle and intentional this experience was for me and how you led us through it. I never felt forced to dive deeper, but you constantly were offering to go deeper, and I really appreciated that balance. I experienced the love of God and His soft voice reminding me He has always been there for me, and especially in these memories."

Schedule your discovery session using this promo link to get 60% off: https://art-of-workflow.ck.page/products/discovery-session?promo=FOC (limited to the first three people).

For more information about Andy Hickman and the hēl community, check out their

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the Show.

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.

Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!

our website | our Private FB community!