CHRISTIAN MOTHERHOOD: The REAL Conversation | Honest conversations about faith, family, & marriage, Christian Women Podcast,

Michelle Castro and Elyse Rooney
  • 4.8 (124)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation is a faith-centered podcast for Christian moms who want to seek the Lord first in motherhood, marriage, and everyday life. If you’re an overwhelmed Christian mom trying to balance faith, family, and the mental load of motherhood — you’re not alone. Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also leave you exhausted, striving, and wondering if you’re doing enough. Christian marriage after kids can feel stretched. Intimacy in Christian marriage can feel complicated. And prioritizing your relationship with Jesus in busy seasons can feel nearly impossible. This podcast helps you return to what matters most: Christ at the center. Hosted by Elyse, a Christian mum of three in her 30s in Australia, and Michelle, a Christian mum of three in her 50s in the U.S., Christian Motherhood brings two generations together for honest conversations about: • Christian motherhood and faith in everyday life • Christian marriage after kids • Intimacy in Christian marriage without shame or pressure • Moving from striving to surrender as a Christian mom • Overcoming mom guilt, comparison, and burnout • Building spiritual rhythms in busy seasons Each episode equips you to: • Strengthen your Christian marriage through communication and connection • Rebuild intimacy after dry seasons or mismatched desire • Reduce overwhelm and mental load through intentional rhythms • Grow deeper in your faith as a wife and mother • Seek the Lord first — even when life feels loud This isn’t about being the perfect Christian mom. It’s about spiritual formation over performance. Surrender over striving. Faithfulness over pressure. If you long for a stronger Christian marriage, a deeper relationship with Jesus, and a motherhood rooted in biblical truth instead of burnout — pull up a chair. Let’s seek the Lord together. New episodes release every Wednesday (U.S.) and Thursday (Australia).

  1. 2D AGO

    Christian Marriage & Desire: The Lies Women Believe About Sex and What the Bible Actually Says // 23

    What Does God Actually Think About Desire? For many Christian women, desire feels confusing. We were told “no, no, no” growing up — and then suddenly, after marriage, it’s supposed to be “yes, yes, yes.” But what does God actually say about intimacy, pleasure, and desire in Christian marriage? In this honest and faith-centered episode of Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation, Michelle and Elyse unpack the lies many Christian women carry about sex, shame, and holiness — and how Scripture reframes intimacy as something God created, called good, and designed with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered: Is desire selfish? Does God tolerate sex… or delight in it? Why does intimacy feel complicated? Is something wrong with me? This conversation is for you. Because seeking the Lord first doesn’t stop at your quiet time — it includes your marriage bed too. In This Episode, We Talk About: What purity culture got right — and what it left out Why understanding God as Creator changes everything The biblical truth that pleasure was designed intentionally How shame distorts what God called “very good” Why inviting God into conversations about intimacy matters The difference between sexual intercourse and deeper intimacy How fear, control, and past experiences shape desire Why curiosity (not condemnation) leads to healing The Core Truth God did not accidentally design your body. He did not tolerate intimacy as a concession. He created marriage, desire, bonding, and pleasure intentionally — and called it very good. When we remove shame and bring our questions before the Lord, intimacy becomes less about performance and more about connection, trust, and covenant. If This Episode Encouraged You If this conversation stirred something in your heart, take a few quiet minutes this week and bring it before the Lord. Ask Him to reveal any lies, fear, or shame you may be carrying — and invite Him into your marriage fully. ➡️ And if this episode helped you, share it with a friend or leave a review. That’s how more Christian moms find this space. Join the Conversation We love hearing from you. Message us on Instagram or share your thoughts — your stories matter. Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro If this episode encouraged you, leaving a review helps other Christian moms find this space.

    27 min

  2. FEB 11

    Why Intimacy Feels Like Pressure — and 3 Ways to Stop Performing and Start Talking // 22

    If intimacy in Christian marriage feels more like pressure than connection—like something you should want instead of something you genuinely enjoy—you are not alone. Many Christian moms quietly carry this tension, wondering if something is wrong with them or their faith. In this episode of Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation, we talk about the hidden weight that can build around intimacy after kids. Between mental load, exhaustion, vulnerability, and unspoken expectations, what God designed for unity can slowly start to feel heavy or transactional. And often, the issue isn’t lack of love—it’s lack of honest communication. We gently explore how fear, overthinking, poor modeling, and silence can shift intimacy from life-giving to stressful—even in strong Christian marriages. This conversation isn’t about blame. It’s about moving from performance to connection. As Christian moms seeking the Lord first, we’re invited to bring even this part of our marriage into the light—with grace, truth, and courage. If you’ve been performing instead of communicating, this episode offers practical steps to rebuild safety, reduce pressure, and rediscover intimacy as connection—not obligation. YOU’LL LEARN Why intimacy pressure often comes from caring deeply—not from failing as a wife How fear and vulnerability are connected in intimacy in Christian marriage Why silence and duty-based intimacy slowly erode emotional connection Three practical ways to stop performing and start talking: Choosing the right time for hard conversations Naming your own experience without blaming your husband Reassuring love and commitment while still being honest How ongoing conversations reduce pressure over time Why God never designed intimacy after kids to feel heavy or transactional A reframing of intimacy as connection and privilege within Christian marriage GO DEEPER (CTA) 👉 Share anonymously here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus (You can answer one question or all of them. No names, no pressure—just real conversation.) CONNECT Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com HELP OTHER MOMS FIND THE SHOW If this episode encouraged you, leaving a short review helps other Christian moms find honest conversations about faith, Christian motherhood, and intimacy in Christian marriage.

    25 min

  3. FEB 4

    Why Intimacy Feels Hard (and What No One Told Us) // 21

    You said “I do,” but no one fully prepared you for this part. If intimacy in Christian marriage feels more confusing, complicated, or exhausting than you expected, you are not alone. In this episode of Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation, we create a safe space to talk about intimacy after kids, purity culture baggage, and the quiet struggles many Christian moms carry but rarely say out loud. Christian motherhood doesn’t cancel your identity as a wife. And yet, between mental load, touch exhaustion, shifting hormones, and unrealistic expectations, intimacy can feel overwhelming instead of life-giving. Add in years of “don’t think about sex” messaging, and it’s no wonder so many women feel unprepared—even if they waited. In this honest, grace-filled conversation, we gently unpack the emotional, spiritual, and physical layers of intimacy in Christian marriage. This isn’t about pressure or performance. It’s about moving from confusion to clarity, from striving to understanding, and learning how seeking the Lord first transforms even this area of your marriage. If you’ve felt disconnected, unsure where to begin, or quietly discouraged, this episode brings those hidden questions into the light. YOU’LL LEARN The surprising reason intimacy in Christian marriage often feels harder than expected Why many Christian women felt unprepared for sex—even after choosing purity The difference between physical sex and true emotional and spiritual intimacy How purity culture shaped what we didn’t learn about our bodies and pleasure The impact of mental load and touch exhaustion on intimacy after kids Why scheduling intimacy can actually support connection instead of harming it How faith and honest communication can rebuild safety and closeness in marriage GO DEEPER (CTA) 👉 Share anonymously here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus (You can answer one question or all of them. No names, no pressure—just real conversation.) CONNECT Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com HELP OTHER MOMS FIND THE SHOW If this episode encouraged you, would you leave a short review? It helps other Christian moms find honest conversations about faith, Christian motherhood, and intimacy in Christian marriage.

    30 min

  4. JAN 28

    Striving vs Surrender: Why Trying Harder Isn’t Working for Christian Moms // 20

    Are you an overwhelmed Christian mom who feels bone-tired from trying to do it all — be the perfect wife, the present mama, and the faithful woman of God? In this episode of Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation, we speak directly to the striving heart that’s exhausted from holding everything together. Christian motherhood can quietly become a performance — trying harder, doing more, praying better, keeping the house, managing the kids, nurturing your Christian marriage — all while feeling like it’s still not enough. But what if the answer isn’t more effort? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, we talk about striving vs surrender and why so many Christian moms are running on empty. We gently unpack how control often masks fear, and how seeking the Lord first — instead of managing everything ourselves — creates space for peace, trust, and real transformation. If your faith feels heavy and motherhood feels overwhelming, this episode is an invitation to lay it down and let God carry what you were never meant to hold alone. YOU’LL LEARN Why so many Christian moms feel exhausted from constantly trying harder The subtle but life-changing difference between striving vs surrender How control can be fear dressed up as responsibility Why performance-based faith leads to burnout in Christian motherhood What it practically looks like to seek the Lord first in everyday motherhood How surrender strengthens your faith and impacts your Christian marriage Simple shifts that move you from pressure and guilt into peace GO DEEPER (CTA) 👉 Share anonymously here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus (You can answer one question or all of them. No names, no pressure—just real conversation.) CONNECT Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com HELP OTHER MOMS FIND THE SHOW If this episode encouraged you, leaving a short review helps other Christian moms find this safe space and be reminded to seek the Lord first in their motherhood journey.

    21 min

  5. JAN 21

    If Nothing Changed This Year, Would You Be Okay? A Wake-Up Call for Christian Moms // 19

    If nothing changed in the next 365 days, would you be okay with that? In this honest and reflective conversation, Elyse and Michelle invite Christian mums to slow down, examine their priorities, and consider what God might be asking them to release so He can bring real rest and transformation — not hustle, guilt, or pressure. What We Talk About The question that stops you in your tracks: If nothing changed, would you be okay? Why reflection isn’t about shame, but honesty The difference between “glamour rest” and the real rest Jesus offers Removing excess so God can transform (REST redefined) Why good things can still crowd out God things Boundaries with phones, calendars, commitments, and expectations Letting go of control and fear to make room for peace How small, faithful changes over 365 days can reshape your life 3 Key Takeaways Real rest isn’t found in escape — it’s found in Jesus. Transformation requires letting go, not adding more. Small, faithful changes over time matter more than big emotional resets. A Gentle Invitation This question isn’t meant to pressure you — it’s meant to clarify you. As you look ahead, ask God what needs to stay, what needs to go, and where He’s inviting you into deeper rest and trust. We Want to Hear From You 💛 This podcast is shaped by real mums walking real life with God. If there’s an area you’re longing to see change, a topic you want us to cover, or a question you want to ask — we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Share anonymously here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus Join the Conversation Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes as we keep unpacking faith, rest, priorities, and real transformation in motherhood. Connect with us and tell us what God is stirring in you this year. Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    25 min

  6. JAN 14

    Why You’re Still Overwhelmed in January (and How to Change That) // 18

    Still feeling overwhelmed even though it’s a new year? You’re not doing it wrong. In this honest follow-up conversation, Elyse and Michelle unpack why January pressure doesn’t work for mums — and share practical, faith-filled ways to create rhythms, priorities, and peace at home and in marriage without burning out. What We Talk About Why “new year motivation” fades so quickly for mums The problem with unrealistic expectations and all-or-nothing goals Why rhythms work better than resolutions Simple home rhythms that reduce daily mental load Habit stacking and small changes that actually stick Creating margin and priorities that protect peace Staying connected in marriage when life feels full Why consistency matters more than perfection 3 Key Takeaways You’re overwhelmed because the pressure is unrealistic — not because you’re failing. Small, repeatable rhythms create more peace than big, emotional goals. Change that lasts is built slowly, with grace, not guilt. A Word of Encouragement January doesn’t need more hustle — it needs honesty. You don’t have to fix everything at once. Pick one area, one rhythm, one small step, and let consistency do what motivation never could. We Want to Hear From You 💛 This podcast is shaped by real mums walking real life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have a question, or want us to cover a specific topic, we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Tell us here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus Join the Conversation Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode as we keep talking about faith, motherhood, marriage, and creating margin in real life. Connect with us and let us know what area feels most overwhelming for you right now. Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    26 min

  7. JAN 7

    You Don’t Need a Word for the Year: New Year, No Pressure // 17

    You don’t need a word, a vision board, or your life together to start the new year well. In this grace-filled conversation, Elyse and Michelle remind Christian mums that January isn’t a spiritual deadline — and invite you to release pressure, resist hustle, and make room for God in a way that fits your real life. What We Talk About Why January 1st isn’t a magical reset button The pressure of words of the year, planners, goals, and vision boards Letting go of “new year, new you” expectations for mums Quality vs quantity when it comes to Bible reading and devotionals How busyness quietly crowds out prayer Creating margin, boundaries, and space to hear God Holding dreams lightly and trusting God’s timing in 2026 3 Key Takeaways You don’t need a word for the year to walk faithfully with God. Busyness is not spiritual maturity — margin is where prayer grows. God’s mercies are new every morning, not just on January 1st. A Gentle Word for the New Year Fresh starts are a gift — but pressure and guilt are not from God. Whether you’re still unwrapping presents or just trying to catch your breath, this episode is permission to begin slowly, intentionally, and with grace. We Want to Hear From You 💛 This podcast exists because of you. If there’s a topic you’d love us to cover, a question you want answered, or a story you want to share, we’d love to hear it. 👉 Tell us here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus Join the Conversation Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next this year — honest conversations, unapologetic faith, and real motherhood. Tell us: are you choosing a word this year… or choosing rest? Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    28 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    Christian Motherhood Year in Review: Lessons, Gratitude & God’s Faithfulness in 2025 // 16

    As 2025 comes to a close, Elyse and Michelle reflect on the highs, lows, lessons, and unexpected gifts God brought this year. From weddings and anniversaries to mental load, motherhood, and trusting the Lord’s provision, this honest year-end conversation invites Christian mums to pause, reflect, and move into 2026 with gratitude and wisdom. What We Talk About Why 2025 felt both long and fast all at once The unexpected fruit of starting Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation Weddings, anniversaries, and trusting God with finances Mental load, hormones, and why mums feel so stretched Walking through a child’s diagnosis and carrying it as a mum Family dynamics, estrangement, and God’s grace in reconciliation Letting go of pressure and entering the new year with wisdom, not guilt 3 Key Takeaways God is faithful in provision, even when the numbers don’t make sense and fear feels loud. Mental load is real — naming it helps us create margin and breathe again. Reflection isn’t about regret; it’s about learning wisely so we don’t repeat what God has already taught us. A Gentle Invitation As you finish this year, take a moment to thank God for what He’s done — and to notice the lessons He’s been faithful to teach you. You don’t need perfect resolutions to step into a new year with grace. We Want to Hear From You 💛 This podcast exists for real mums walking real life with God. If there’s a topic you’d love us to cover, a question you want answered, or something God taught you this year — we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Share with us here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus Join the Conversation Subscribe so you don’t miss our first January episode — giving you permission to rest, reset, and release the pressure. Connect with us and tell us what God taught you in 2025. Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    21 min
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4.8
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About

Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation is a faith-centered podcast for Christian moms who want to seek the Lord first in motherhood, marriage, and everyday life. If you’re an overwhelmed Christian mom trying to balance faith, family, and the mental load of motherhood — you’re not alone. Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also leave you exhausted, striving, and wondering if you’re doing enough. Christian marriage after kids can feel stretched. Intimacy in Christian marriage can feel complicated. And prioritizing your relationship with Jesus in busy seasons can feel nearly impossible. This podcast helps you return to what matters most: Christ at the center. Hosted by Elyse, a Christian mum of three in her 30s in Australia, and Michelle, a Christian mum of three in her 50s in the U.S., Christian Motherhood brings two generations together for honest conversations about: • Christian motherhood and faith in everyday life • Christian marriage after kids • Intimacy in Christian marriage without shame or pressure • Moving from striving to surrender as a Christian mom • Overcoming mom guilt, comparison, and burnout • Building spiritual rhythms in busy seasons Each episode equips you to: • Strengthen your Christian marriage through communication and connection • Rebuild intimacy after dry seasons or mismatched desire • Reduce overwhelm and mental load through intentional rhythms • Grow deeper in your faith as a wife and mother • Seek the Lord first — even when life feels loud This isn’t about being the perfect Christian mom. It’s about spiritual formation over performance. Surrender over striving. Faithfulness over pressure. If you long for a stronger Christian marriage, a deeper relationship with Jesus, and a motherhood rooted in biblical truth instead of burnout — pull up a chair. Let’s seek the Lord together. New episodes release every Wednesday (U.S.) and Thursday (Australia).

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