The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

A happy home doesn't happen by accident, but it can be created with love, intention, and good family habits. If you need encouragement and guidance as a parent and/or spouse, this show is for you!  Arlene will help you bridge the gap between your present reality and ideal family. Your host Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of several books, including Making Marriage Easier, Screen Kids and Parents Rising. She and her husband James have been married for more than 27 years and have three children. Inside this podcast, you’ll meet some of the kindest and smartest experts when it comes to marriage and parenting. Get ready for fun, Biblical insights, and practical conversations that will change your thinking, give you hope, and spark positive change.  Let's do this together! 

  1. 3D AGO

    Dr. Gary Chapman - Loving Your Teen, Even When You're Not Getting Along

    Does your teen get angry? The answer is probably yes--leaving you with the question, "What do I do about it?" Dr. Gary Chapman joins us to talk about his new book, A Teen’s Guide to Conflict: How to Deal with Drama, Manage Anger, and Make Things Right. Tune in for practical ways parents can guide teenagers through anger, disrespect, and lack of motivation. It turns out you can show up in a loving way even if your teen doesn't. Dr. Chapman emphasizes using loving consequences, modeling honor and responsibility, distinguishing healthy vs. unhealthy anger, building connection through shared experiences, and using books/discussion to help teens mature emotionally and relationally.  We'll talk about:  01:37 Why rules & consequences are loving  04:38 Handling disrespect and teaching honor  11:35 Anger management, good vs. bad anger, confronting wrong kindly 17:50 Escaping victim mentality & returning good for evil 28:04 How to motivate withdrawn teens & the importance of dialogue  Pick up a copy of A Teen's Guide To Conflict and Dr. Chapman's other books including The Love Language That Matters Most at 5lovelanguages.com. More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE) Learn more about Every Woman's Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q0427v7r0   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    33 min
  2. FEB 9

    The Four Steps That Saved Our Marriage with Ron and Nan Deal

    Struggling to break free from the same old conflicts in your relationship?  When Ron and Nan Deal suffered the devastating loss of their child, their marriage could have collapsed. For decades, Ron and Nan were stuck in destructive cycles, experiencing ruptures without repair. They sought help from Dr. Terry and Sharon Hargrave whose transformational Restoration Therapy has helped millions. Now for the first time, Ron and Nan share their journey from a marriage on the brink of collapse to complete transformation. It happened for them and it can happen for you. Their new book is "The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself."  On today's episode, they open up about how they kept repeating negative patterns—despite loving God and each other—until they learned to manage themselves rather than trying to fix each other. Let's listen in as Ron and Nan give practical tools to find peace through humility and Biblical truth. 02:42 The crisis point: when their marriage was coming apart  06:21 Ruptures vs. repair in relationships  09:12 Am I "dysregulated"? 13:09 The shift from fixing your spouse to fixing yourself  18:56 How seeking help and humility can change everything  21:23 These four steps transformed our marriage   30:14 Why saying the steps out loud is critical  33:36 What to do when past trauma gets triggered  37:12 Surviving amidst devastating loss: The story of losing their son Connor    Stay connected with Ron and Nan Deal and their ministries at rondeal.org. More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE) Learn more about Every Woman's Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q0427v7r0   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    42 min
  3. FEB 2

    It's Not More Talking, It's Better Words: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs on Love and Respect

    Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, bestselling author of Love and Respect (2.3+ million copies sold), shares fresh insights from his new book Lightbulb Moments in Marriage. Drawing from his work with over 4,000 couples and 52 years of marriage to his wife Sarah, Dr. Eggerichs reveals why couples often feel miles apart when they're really just inches away from breakthrough. In this episode, we'll discover the biblical foundation of the love and respect connection, uncover practical ways to get out of the "Crazy Cycle," and learn how to establish our marriages in Christ first and foremost.  02:15  How to begin transforming a marriage (miles vs. inches) 06:25  Doing marriage unto Jesus even when it's hard 09:40  Why marital satisfaction flows from spiritual satisfaction 17:58  The facts: men feel disrespected, women feel unloved in conflict 20:49 – How to believe your spouse has goodwill (1 Cor 7 insight) 23:54 – The 80/20 principle & not defining your spouse by snapshot moments 25:11 – Women tend to rehearse negatives → practical steps on shifting mindsets 28:40 – Speak his language: "I need your strength" vs. criticism Learn more from Dr. Emerson Eggerichs at loveandrespect.com and buy his new book Lightbulb Moments in Marriage anywhere books are sold.  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    32 min
  4. JAN 26

    Your Kids' Spiritual Growth Matters More Than Harvard: Gary Thomas on Parenting for Eternity

    Gary Thomas (bestselling author of Sacred Marriage, Sacred Parenting) is back on the podcast to discuss his latest book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies About Remaining in God's Love. Gary challenges common parenting myths that Christians often fall into, and offers practical ways on how to live life God's way, not the world's. Let's learn together how to create Christ-centered homes, prioritize God's kingdom over family idols, and embrace spiritual adventure over control. 05:21 - Creating a Christ-centered home (Colossians 3: compassion over conflict) 08:12 - Renewing your mind against worldly lies (Romans 12) 09:06 - Finding pride in spiritual growth over worldly success  14:25 - Why prioritizing God, even above family, is most important 21:53 - Being spiritually adventurous: The adventure Jesus calls us to 25:13 - Parenting on offense: Expecting God to use your kids 26:04 - Powerful testimony: When obedience can save a life 27:51 - Turning your "chair out" toward community 30:00 - Practical tips for isolated teens: Remove comforts, invite fellowship Check out Gary's substack at connecttogary.com and buy his new book The Life You Were Reborn to Live anywhere books are sold. Find out more at garythomas.com.  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE). Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    32 min
  5. JAN 19

    How to Create Physical Habits that Shape Your Spiritual Life - Justin Whitmel Earley

    Justin Whitmel Earley, bestselling author of The Body Teaches the Soul, is very familiar with the consequences of ignoring the body. As a young lawyer, he collapsed into anxiety and insomnia. He learned that the healthy and unhealthy habits shaping his life weren't physical or spiritual; they were spiritual AND physical. Justin reveals why the body isn't separate from the soul—it's an important part of loving God. Tune in for practical wisdom on topics like: Why we can't stop eating the whole box of cookies, why social media leaves us feeling rage and jealousy, and why exercise might be the most spiritual thing you do all week.    02:31 Justin's Mental Health Collapse & Discovery 08:36 Don't Ignore or Idolize the Body 12:51 Food: From Indulgence/Shame to Dependence/Delight 21:13 Technology & The Embodiment Ladder 28:29 How to Use Exercise as Spiritual Training   Find out more about Justin Whitmel Earley and his book The Body Teaches the Soul at justinwhitmelearley.com and on Instagram @justinwhitmelearley. More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    35 min
  6. JAN 12

    A Mother-Son Guide to Overcoming Teen Anxiety - Amber and Ollie Lia

    Host Arlene Pellicane welcomes back bestselling author Amber Lia alongside her teenage son Ollie for an inspiring conversation about their new devotional, You Are Seen: 90 Devotions to Encourage Stressed Teens. Ollie opens up about his freshman-year battles with depression, anxiety, and perfectionism after a major life transition, offering a real-life view of what your kids may be going through. Together with Amber, they reveal faith-centered strategies—like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, box breathing, scripture memorization, and surrendering to God's plan—that helped him find peace and purpose. From miraculous physical healing (Ollie's torn rotator cuff) to building family support systems involving dads and siblings, this duo offers hope and actionable advice for parents and teens navigating mental health struggles --all in this episode.  05:09 | Ollie's Story: Freshman-Year Struggles with Anxiety, Depression, and Transition 07:58 | Amber's View: Spotting Anxiety in Teens and Starting Empathetic Conversations 10:42 | The Turning Point: Counseling, Spilling It All, and Building Trust 12:10 | Practical Tool: The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique to Stop the Anxiety Spiral  15:08 | Solo Strategies for School: Box Breathing, Prayer, and Sensory Grounding 19:45 | Real-Life Wins: Texting Mom for Support and Mapping the Day 20:16 | Tackling Perfectionism: Why Teens Compare and How Faith Shifts the Mindset  24:37 | Testimony of Healing: Ollie's Miraculous Rotator Cuff Recovery  27:46 | Dad's Role: Building Bonds, Mentoring, and Asking "What's Going On?" 30:43 | Sibling Support and Navigating Quality Time for All Kids   Connect with Ollie on Instagram @walkin.with.ollie. Connect with Amber on Instagram @therealamberlia and on amberlia.com. Pick up a copy of their new devotional, You Are Seen. More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel  Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE).   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    34 min
  7. JAN 5

    Max Lucado - 3 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Thinking

    Bestselling author and beloved pastor Max Lucado returns to the Happy Home to talk about his latest book, Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life. Drawing from Scripture and personal stories, Max shares how you can manage negative thought patterns (even if you've carried it around for years).  Perfect for parents, you'll learn how to battle anxiety personally and how to help your kids, especially in this world of constant digital noise. On today's episode, you'll learn:  1:00 The importance of thought management  2:20 Tool #1: Practice picky thinking  10:00 The helmet of salvation does this  13:50 UFO: Untruth, False Narrative, Overreaction  17:10 Even Max's dog can apply the UFO  21:00 How Scripture meditation uproots untruths  WATCH THE VIDEO on YOUTUBE  Max Lucado is a bestselling author with more than 150 million books in print. He's a teaching pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, TX.  He and his wife Denalyn have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.  Learn more about Max Lucado and his book Tame Your Thoughts   More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.  Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.  Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook  Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel  How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.    Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast?  Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child?  Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE).      Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    27 min
  8. 12/08/2025

    Kim Botto - Understanding Your Neurodivergent Child

    Visit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this. Need help understanding your neurodivergent child? Maybe your child has ADHD, autism, or another challenge. Author Kim Botto is here to give us the gift of understanding this Christmas. She knows how to create spaces where every child feels heard, valued, and loved. She's the author of Boundless Hope for Every Child and specializes in trauma-informed, disability ministry at home and in the church.   On today's episode, you'll learn: 2:30 How to understand the needs behind your child’s big behavior  4:20 Helpful correction strategies that actually work  7:20 What steps to take in order to establish a routine  12:00 Why making your kids feel safe is so important  18:50 Don’t be afraid to go back to church, even with a neurodivergent child 23:40 How to encourage your kids by speaking to their potential  27:30 How screen time affects kids with ADHD or autism  Kim Botto has worked with children and teens for over three decades through churches, schools, nonprofits, and adoption and foster care initiatives. She has a Masters in Family Ministry and is a frequent speaker on trauma, disability, and neurodivergence.  Learn more about Kim Botto, her podcast Every Child Belongs, and her book, Boundless Hope for Every Child on her website https://kimbotto.com/ Subscribe to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the 25 Days of Christmas activity and devotional guide. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    35 min
4.6
out of 5
96 Ratings

About

A happy home doesn't happen by accident, but it can be created with love, intention, and good family habits. If you need encouragement and guidance as a parent and/or spouse, this show is for you!  Arlene will help you bridge the gap between your present reality and ideal family. Your host Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of several books, including Making Marriage Easier, Screen Kids and Parents Rising. She and her husband James have been married for more than 27 years and have three children. Inside this podcast, you’ll meet some of the kindest and smartest experts when it comes to marriage and parenting. Get ready for fun, Biblical insights, and practical conversations that will change your thinking, give you hope, and spark positive change.  Let's do this together! 

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