Unlikely Housewives: Real Talk For Worn Out Christian Women

Unlikely Housewives
  • 4.9 (52)
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Feeling like a frazzled, coffee-reheating, “I’ve got this” mom who’s actually barely holding it together? You’re not alone. Welcome to Unlikely Housewives — the Christian mom podcast where two real women (and moms) trade people-pleasing for freedom, self-care for soul-care, and “the hustle” for a life of purpose. Tracy and Tori are Christian moms who met after moving their families across the country and realized they were both faking it, lonely, and tired of comparison. We’re recovering people-pleasers and straight shooters who believe God calls the unlikely — and that you were made for more than just surviving motherhood, marriage, and the daily grind. On this show, we talk real about: Christian parenting with purpose (and the mess that comes with it)Marriage, faith, and the hard conversations no one wants to haveWomen’s health, emotional baggage, and ditching cultural liesHow to stop pretending and start living with hope as a Christian momIf you’re a busy, isolated Christian mom looking for encouragement, laughter, and a reminder that you’re not alone — this is your tribe. Pull up those high-waisted yoga pants, tighten your top knot, reheat your coffee (again), and let’s rise together in faith, motherhood, and marriage. Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives

  1. 1d ago

    Why Mom Advice Is Making You Doubt Everything | EP 176

    Are you tired of second-guessing every parenting decision? If you have ever wondered, “Am I missing something?” or “What if I choose wrong for my child?”—this conversation is for you. We’re talking with Jessica Brassington, founder of Mama Bears Rising, about why mom advice can leave us more anxious than informed, how to quiet the noise, and how to protect our kids without letting fear lead our homes. Jessica helps moms stay informed, not influenced on the issues that matter most to their families. In this honest conversation, she reminds us that we can seek wisdom without surrendering the God-given role we have as our children’s mothers. The Pressure We HideMany moms carry questions they are afraid to say out loud: “What if I choose the wrong school, activity, boundary, or doctor?”“Am I overreacting—or not doing enough?”“How do I protect my kids without letting fear run our home?”Jessica names a tension many of us feel but rarely admit: we can seek guidance without abdicating our motherhood to an outside voice, algorithm, expert, or trend. What We Talk AboutWhy constant access to information can leave moms more confused, anxious, and paralyzed than ever.The difference between being informed and being influenced by fear, comparison, or conflicting voices.How to quiet the noise, pray through decisions, and ask, “What is best for my family at this time?”Why moms need trusted mentors and safe community—not just more scrolling.How to have age-appropriate “micro conversations” with kids so they feel safe bringing bigger questions to us later.What it looks like to protect our children without making fear the leader of our homes.Jessica’s personal story of learning to speak up, answer to God rather than man, and model courageous faith for her daughters.If you have been quietly carrying fear, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like everyone else has the parenting answers you do not, this conversation is for you. You do not have to hide your worry from God—or pretend you have it all together here. Listen If You…Feel overwhelmed by conflicting parenting advice.Second-guess decisions about your kids’ safety, education, health, or future.Want to parent from faith and peace rather than fear.Keep ListeningIf this conversation stirred up the pressure you feel to make the “right” choices for your kids, these past episodes are a natural next listen: “For the One… Who Is Impacted by Addiction” — A raw, hope-filled conversation about parenting through fear, staying in communication with your child, and finding support rather than carrying the weight alone.“For the One… Who Is Burdened by a Secret” — Dr. Zoe Shaw’s story explores shame, hidden pain, healing, and God’s redemption. It reminds moms that the fears and regrets they hide do not disqualify them from God’s love or from wise, faithful parenting.Connect with JessicaWebsite: Mama Bears RisingInstagram: @jessicabrassington

  2. Oct 27

    Is Protecting Your Peace Making You Lonely? | EP 175

    Is Protecting Your Peace Making You Lonely?You needed space. But somewhere along the way, did protecting your peace turn into carrying everything alone? Sometimes we pull back because life is heavy. Other times, we stay withdrawn because letting people see the unfinished story feels harder than handling it ourselves. We can love Jesus, trust His goodness, and still struggle to admit we’re lonely, disappointed, grieving—or unsure how to ask for what we need. This week, writer and mom Rachel Grace Vick joins Tori and Tracy for an honest conversation about the difference between healthy boundaries and the walls that keep us from being known. Through her experience with breast cancer, ongoing medical decisions, and parenting a child with additional needs, Rachel shares what it means to welcome people into a story that doesn’t have a tidy ending. This isn’t a conversation about abandoning boundaries or staying in harmful relationships. It’s about recognizing when a necessary season of pulling back has become a permanent place to hide—and discovering that meaningful community can be uncomfortable without being unhealthy. The Unspoken Places We’re Bringing Into the Light“Everyone thinks the hard part is over, but I’m still carrying it.” Rachel opens up about the losses that remain after treatment ends and a procedure goes well—the grief, uncertainty, and daily decisions others may never see.“I love my kids. That doesn’t mean motherhood has been easy.” We make room for the complicated feelings women can carry when their experience of motherhood doesn’t match what they think they’re supposed to feel.“I wanted someone to show up, but I didn’t know how to ask.” Rachel shares the disappointment of unmet expectations in friendship—and the vulnerable work of telling people what support actually looks like.“I’m protecting my peace—but am I shutting people out?” We explore the difference between honoring our limits and avoiding the inconvenience, vulnerability, and messiness of relationships.“I trust God, and I still don’t know what comes next.” Faith doesn’t require a polished testimony. We talk about finding God’s companionship in the ordinary days, not just the crisis or the breakthrough.[You don’t have to choose between gratitude and grief, trust and tears, or loving your family and admitting you need help. Jesus meets you in the unfinished middle—and you don’t have to walk through it alone. One Small StepTell one safe person what you need this week: a check-in, a meal, prayer, or someone to sit beside you. And if someone came to mind while you listened, offer one specific way to show up—not only during the crisis, but in the quiet days afterward. Our Episode Scripture“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” — Psalm 62:8, the verse shared in this episode. Connect With RachelFind Rachel Grace Vick’s weekly letters on Substack at My Dearest Friend. You can subscribe with your email address—no app required. Find her on Instagram under My Dearest Friend for more reflections on faith, motherhood, and noticing God in ordinary life. Listen NextEpisode 109: “Iron Sharpens Iron, Yet Where is The Iron?” — A conversation about deeper friendship, genuine connection, and the people who help us grow.“For the One...Who Is Grieving” with Dr. Amanda McNeil — An honest conversation about grief, hope, and supporting someone when you don’t know what to say.If this conversation put words to something you’ve been carrying quietly, share it with a friend. It might be the beginning of an honest conversation neither of you knew how to start.

  3. Oct 20

    Getting Older—or Losing Yourself? | EP 174

    You can love the life you have and still miss the woman you used to be. Your body feels different. Your kids need you differently. Friendships that once felt effortless now take six weeks of planning—and sometimes still don’t happen. Somewhere in the middle of it all, you start wondering: Is this just getting older, or am I losing myself? In this week’s Unspoken conversation, Tracy and Tori get honest about the changes that don’t always feel comfortable admitting out loud—especially when you feel pressure to be grateful, stay strong, and trust God without acknowledging that the transition hurts. From reading glasses and sleepless nights to shifting friendships and grieving earlier seasons of motherhood, this episode makes room for laughter, tenderness, and the reassurance that changing doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. The feelings we don’t always say out loud“I’m grateful—but I miss my old life.” You can be proud of your growing kids and still grieve the little-kid years, familiar routines, and the version of yourself who lived there.“Everyone sees me showing up. Not everyone sees how lonely I feel.” A full calendar, busy family, and active group chat don’t always add up to feeling connected.“I know my friends are busy, but it still hurts.” Giving grace for someone else’s season doesn’t mean pretending you aren’t disappointed when plans fall through or friendships drift.“I used to care about everything. Now I don’t—and that scares me.” Letting go of opinions, expectations, and one-sided relationships can feel unfamiliar before it feels freeing.“I trust God. I just don’t know who I am in this season.” Faith and honest questions can share the same space. You don’t have to hide the discomfort of change to believe there is still purpose ahead.Encouragement for your changing seasonYou don’t have to turn every hard feeling into a grateful statement before you’re allowed to name it. You’re allowed to need rest, miss a friendship, grieve a chapter, and ask someone, “Don’t forget to check on me.” This conversation is a reminder that you are not disappearing. You are becoming—and you don’t have to pretend every part of that process is easy. Scripture for this episodePsalm 71:18 anchors our conversation in the reminder that growing older does not mean growing beyond God’s care or purpose. There is still wisdom to share, love to give, and a story worth passing on to the next generation. If this conversation puts words to something you’ve been keeping unspoken, share it with a friend. It might be the opening you both need to say, “Me too.” ********************* 🎙️Are you wanting to share your message with thousands through podcasts? PodMatch is the place you need to be. Join here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/unlikelyhousewives  🧖‍♀️Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely  Save up to $1700! 🗣️Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!  ⭐️Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!  🇺🇸Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine 💌Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

  4. Oct 13

    Why You Keep Having the Same Fight in Your Marriage | EP 173

    It’s not the laundry. It’s feeling like you have to notice it, remember it, and ask—then wondering why the person you love most doesn’t seem to see what you’re carrying. You love your husband. But you can love him and still feel lonely, frustrated, or tired of having the same conversation. Those feelings can be hard to admit, especially when you feel pressure to be a patient, gracious Christian wife who shouldn’t need to ask for more. This week we welcome Dr. Ricky Arenson for an honest, humor-filled conversation about the misunderstandings underneath recurring marriage conflicts. Together, we explore what happens when one spouse wants to talk and the other withdraws, when support turns into unwanted solutions, and when family life leaves little room to connect. The question underneath: Is this really about the unfinished task—or about wanting to feel seen, understood, and on the same team? “The same old fight may be pointing to something you haven’t been able to say or hear yet.” You don’t have to solve your whole marriage today. Start by getting curious about what’s underneath, telling the truth with care, and taking the next healthy step. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19, NIV Meet Our GuestDr. Ricky Arenson is an endocrinologist, geriatrician, author, educator, and speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. In this episode, he draws on his clinical and teaching experience to discuss relationships, parenting, and human behavior. His books include Why Couples Drive Each Other Crazy, Spaceship Parenting, and Cracking the God Code. Find him at drrickyaaronson.com or look for his books on Amazon. ********************* 🎙️Are you wanting to share your message with thousands through podcasts? PodMatch is the place you need to be. Join here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/unlikelyhousewives  🧖‍♀️Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely  Save up to $1700! 🗣️Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!  💙 Support the Unlikely Housewives!  Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch   🎙️Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives⭐️Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!  🇺🇸Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine 💌Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

  5. Oct 6

    Why Self-Care Is Making You More Overwhelmed | EP 172

    What if your self-care routine is not actually caring for you? What if it is quietly becoming another job—another list to manage, another set of rules to follow, another place to spend money, and another way to feel like you are falling behind? Christian women often feel pressure to hide how exhausted they really are. We can say “I’m fine,” keep showing up, take care of everyone else, and still privately wonder why we are so tired—even while trying to do all the “right” things. Drink more water. Eat more protein. Take the supplements. Move your body. Get sunlight. Journal. Pray. Go to therapy. Sleep eight hours. Keep the house clean. Be present for your family. Stay grateful. And somehow do it all peacefully. No wonder we feel overwhelmed. In this episode, we are talking about the quiet pressure so many women carry: the belief that taking care of ourselves has to look productive, perfectly consistent, and Instagram-worthy. From supplement drawers and complicated routines to decision fatigue, guilt, and the pressure to “fix” every part of our lives, we are naming the wellness overwhelm that often goes unspoken. This is your permission slip to stop treating wellness like a performance. You do not need to become a more optimized woman to be worthy of care. You are allowed to have limits. You are allowed to seek help. You are allowed to choose the kind of care that helps in this season—even if it looks like an easy dinner, paper plates, a walk without turning it into a workout, going to bed before the dishes are done, or simply saying, “I don’t have the capacity for that right now.” Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble” ********************* 🎙️Are you wanting to share your message with thousands through podcasts? PodMatch is the place you need to be. Join here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/unlikelyhousewives  🧖‍♀️Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely  Save up to $1700! 🗣️Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!  💙 Support the Unlikely Housewives!  Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch   🎙️Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives ⭐️Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!  🇺🇸Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine 💌Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

  6. Sep 29

    How to Stop Rescuing Your Kids Without Feeling Like a Bad Mom | EP 171

    How to Stop Rescuing Your Kids Without Feeling Like a Bad Mom An Unspoken conversation with parenting educator Jody Hill What if the hardest part of letting your child struggle is not their discomfort—but what it makes you believe about yourself as a mom? When your child gets a bad grade, misses a deadline, loses playing time, has friendship drama, or simply has to face a consequence, it can activate the thought Christian women often feel pressure to hide: “If I were a better mom, I would have prevented this.” In this week’s Unspoken conversation, parenting educator, bestselling author, and self-described “parent sidekick” Jody Hill helps us unpack the rescue reflex—the urge to jump in, fix it, email the teacher, smooth over the problem, or carry the consequence for our kids. Not because we do not love them, but often because their struggle feels personal to us. Jody offers a more hopeful path: be your child’s champion, not their savior. You can stay close, validate that something is hard, coach them through the next step, and still allow them room to build the confidence that comes only from doing hard things themselves. “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” — James 1:4 (NIV) This verse is not permission to enjoy our children’s pain or leave them alone in it. It is a reminder that perseverance has a purpose. When we remove every obstacle, consequence, and uncomfortable feeling, we may interrupt the very process through which our children develop resilience, maturity, and trust in God. Your child’s struggle is not proof that you are failing. They need your love, guidance, and steady presence. But they also need the space—with your support—to discover that they can do hard things. Before you rush in this week, pause and ask: “Do they need me to fix this—or do they need me to believe they can take the next step?” Find Jody Hill on Instagram at @JodyHillParenting. Learn more about her book, The Parent’s Secret Superpower: 7 Simple Strategies to Raise Confident, Capable Kids With the Power of Your Words, and download her confidence “boosters and busters” resource at mysecretsuperpower.com. ********************* 🎙️Are you wanting to share your message with thousands through podcasts? PodMatch is the place you need to be. Join here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/unlikelyhousewives  🧖‍♀️Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely  Save up to $1700! 🗣️Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!  💙 Support the Unlikely Housewives!  Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch   🎙️Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives⭐️Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!  🇺🇸Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine 💌Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

  7. Sep 22

    3 Emotions Hiding Behind "I'm Fine" | EP 170

    You say "I'm fine" so often you almost believe it. But behind those two words is a woman carrying anger she renamed "being direct," sadness she buried under a packed calendar, and fear she disguised as "just being prepared." And if you're a Christian woman, the pressure to keep it together is even heavier — because nice Christian women aren't supposed to be angry, jealous, or overwhelmed. We're supposed to trust the Lord and be grateful. So we pray the polished prayer. "Thank you, Lord, I'm so grateful." While inside we're thinking: Why did that fall through? I'm scared. I'm disappointed. I'm exhausted. Here's the surprise: Jesus felt every one of those emotions. He wept knowing He was about to raise Lazarus. He felt righteous anger, deep sorrow, anguish, and compassion — all without sin. So why do we keep bringing God the edited version of ourselves? In this episode, we're naming the three emotions Christian women feel the most pressure to hide — anger, sadness, and fear — and the masks we give them so we don't have to admit they're there. Because buried emotions don't disappear. They show up as a fight about the dishwasher. They show up as the nightly glass of wine that used to be occasional. They show up as the sarcasm you think is just your personality. It's time to stop renaming what you're feeling and start naming it. Feel it. Name it. Bring it to God. In this episode: • The three patterns every woman falls into: communicating, concealing, and controlling — and why controlling is the sneakiest • The emotions Christian women feel the most pressure to hide: anger, sadness, and fear • How childhood messages like "stop crying" and "you're too sensitive" shaped the way you handle emotions now • Why your coping mechanism — wine, Netflix, organizing, sarcasm — is lying to you • The polished prayer vs. the unfiltered heart: why God doesn't need the edited version of you • What Jesus's emotions teach us about our own Faith Anchor: Psalm 62:8 — "Pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us." This week's question: What's the emotion you've been renaming instead of feeling?  If this episode hit home, go back and listen to: • For the One...Who Feels Shame • For the One...Who Is Grieving Visit us at unlikelyhousewivesofjoco.com ********************* 🎙️Are you wanting to share your message with thousands through podcasts? PodMatch is the place you need to be. Join here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/unlikelyhousewives  🧖‍♀️Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely  Save up to $1700! 🗣️Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!  💙 Support the Unlikely Housewives!  Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch   🎙️Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives

  8. Sep 15

    Why “Choose Joy” Isn’t Working When Life Gets Hard | EP 169

    What if the fear you keep trying to hide is not proof that your faith is failing? In this week’s Unspoken conversation, we sit down with author, former cardiac nurse, and cancer survivor Jenna Schutt to talk about the things many Christian women feel pressure to keep quiet: anxiety, fear, mom guilt, exhaustion, disappointment, and the ache of trying to look “fine” when life feels anything but. After being diagnosed at 30 with a rare, incurable bone-marrow disease—while raising two boys in diapers—Jenna learned that knowing the right Bible verses is not always the same as knowing how to access faith when fear hits. Through chemotherapy, a stem-cell transplant, and long hospital stays, she discovered what she calls the Joy Reflex: training faith, peace, and joy to become a first response rather than a last resort. This is not a conversation about toxic positivity, ignoring painful circumstances, or pretending every hard moment is okay. It is an invitation to name what is really happening beneath the surface—and then choose truth over the fear trying to take the lead. You do not have to cover your fear with a smile, a spiritual cliché, or an “I’m fine.” You can acknowledge that life is hard. You can feel scared. You can admit you are overwhelmed. And you can still choose not to let fear lead you. As Jenna says, “Faith doesn’t deny the reality that you’re in, but it does determine how you’re going to walk in that reality.” Follow Jenna and learn more about the Joy Reflex: Website: https://www.jennaschutt.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyreflex/?hl=enBook/resources: Joy Reflex Training Guide jenna-schutt-7kfmcu.subscribepage.io Youversion Bible Plan: Anchor Before Panic: A 3 Day Peace Practice  http://bible.us/r/JoZ ********************* 🎙️Are you wanting to share your message with thousands through podcasts? PodMatch is the place you need to be. Join here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/unlikelyhousewives  🧖‍♀️Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely  Save up to $1700! 🗣️Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!  🎙️Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives⭐️Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!  🇺🇸Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine 💌Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

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Feeling like a frazzled, coffee-reheating, “I’ve got this” mom who’s actually barely holding it together? You’re not alone. Welcome to Unlikely Housewives — the Christian mom podcast where two real women (and moms) trade people-pleasing for freedom, self-care for soul-care, and “the hustle” for a life of purpose. Tracy and Tori are Christian moms who met after moving their families across the country and realized they were both faking it, lonely, and tired of comparison. We’re recovering people-pleasers and straight shooters who believe God calls the unlikely — and that you were made for more than just surviving motherhood, marriage, and the daily grind. On this show, we talk real about: Christian parenting with purpose (and the mess that comes with it)Marriage, faith, and the hard conversations no one wants to haveWomen’s health, emotional baggage, and ditching cultural liesHow to stop pretending and start living with hope as a Christian momIf you’re a busy, isolated Christian mom looking for encouragement, laughter, and a reminder that you’re not alone — this is your tribe. Pull up those high-waisted yoga pants, tighten your top knot, reheat your coffee (again), and let’s rise together in faith, motherhood, and marriage. Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives

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