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. 1d ago

    Theology Isn't Just for Scholars: Teaching Kids Who God is with Lisa Harper

    Long theological terms and phrases can be intimidating and seem unconnected to daily life. Not many viral reels about anthropomorphism! Enter beloved Bible teacher and author Lisa Harper and her new book,Theology for the Rest of Us. Lisa explains theological terms in a way you (and your kids) will understand. As you understand more about the Bible, your heart and gratitude towards God will grow. Whether she's breaking down the Trinity or the hypostatic union, you'll love this fun conversation with master storyteller and proud mama of Missy. You'll learn how theology is meant for everyday life with God, not only for scholars, but for all of us. Lisa says it's not about being smarter.  It's about growing closer to God.  1:30 Arlene's name and the meaning of pelican (who knew???)  4:00 Adopting Missy from Haiti and one animal she was afraid of  8:25 Why theological words feel distant, and what “theology” means 9:50 Anthropomorphism: describing God in human terms 15:40 How Lisa explains the Trinity to a child  17:42 The women’s conference story and that infamous hug  21:45 The hypostatic union in plain terms 23:38 Teaching Missy about God while looking at the stars Learn more about Lisa Harper, her Back Porch Theology podcast, and new book, Theology for the Rest of Us at LisaHarper.org  Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com    More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

  2. Oct 19

    The Ladder of Love: Growing Closer to Jesus with Stasi Eldredge

    Many of us long for a deeper, more experiential life with Jesus. Might God be inviting us higher up and closer still?  In today's episode, Stasi Eldredge, author of The Ladder of Love: A Pathway to Emotional Healing and Spiritual Intimacy with Jesus, joins Arlene to talk about emotional healing and spiritual intimacy with Jesus. Stasi shares how she came to faith at 21 after a turbulent childhood, and what helped her through the early years of motherhood, including prayer, a Christian counselor, and friendship. She explains the ladder of love, which moves from clay and sheep to child, friend, and bride, and why she took a sabbatical instead of quitting her work. She also covers daily quiet time at home, playing with your spouse, and becoming the supporting cast in your adult children's lives. Join us for an encouraging and inspiring conversation centered on God's character and our relationship with Him.    03:39  Stasi's story: a broken family and coming to Jesus at 21 09:06  First step in healing: invite Jesus into your pain 11:33  Why Stasi sought out a Christian counselor 14:02  Surviving the hidden years of young motherhood 15:56  What the ladder of love is and why it's a ladder 22:10  Rest, don't quit: Stasi's sabbatical 29:21  Play with your spouse: ping pong and cribbage 31:11  Becoming the supporting cast in your adult children's lives   Find out more about Stasi Eldredge and her book, The Ladder of Love: A Pathway to Emotional Healing and Spiritual Intimacy with Jesus at WildatHeart.org   Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com    More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

  3. Oct 12

    Grace is Not Permissiveness: Raising Spiritually Strong Kids with Dr. Charles Fay

    Bringing up spiritually strong kids in today's world can seem like a daunting challenge.  Dr. Charles Fay, a psychologist and president of the Love and Logic Institute, joins Arlene to discuss his book Raising Spiritually Strong Kids. He explains Ephesians 2:8-10, the difference between grace and permissiveness, and how rescuing kids from every problem interrupts the trust cycle. He describes the Love and Logic approach of setting limits with few words and letting empathy and consequences teach, along with a five-step process for helping older kids with problems. He also covers parenting without shame, staying connected with kids, and what to do when spouses disagree about discipline.   1:15 – A toddler meltdown in a restaurant and a neighbor’s advice: “be loving and strong” 5:18 – Ephesians 2:8-10: saved by grace, saved to do good works 10:12 – A candy lesson: letting kids make affordable mistakes 18:18 – The “parenting prosperity gospel” and why doing everything right doesn’t guarantee results 20:00 – The trust cycle, why rescuing kids stunts it, and the five steps for helping with big problems 25:01 – Love and Logic in a nutshell: set limits with few words, let empathy and consequences teach 26:50 – How modern psychology has encouraged idolizing children 29:12 – Parenting without shame and building connection at home 32:25 – When spouses disagree on discipline Learn more about Love and Logic, and Dr. Charles Fay's book, Raising Spiritually Strong Kids Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com    More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

  4. Oct 5

    Helping Kids Through Grief with Sissy Goff

    Because kids experience and express grief differently than adults, we can feel unprepared to handle our kids' emotions. We hardly know how to grieve ourselves, so how can we help our kids through the death of a loved one or divorce?  Arlene talks with counselor and New York Times Bestselling Author, Sissy Goff about her new book, Helping Kids Through Grief: A Parent's Guide for Making Sense of Death, Processing Loss, and Finding Hope. As a therapist with over 30 years of experience, Sissy has seen firsthand the impact of grief on kids and families, and she's here to offer guidance and hope. Sissy discusses the importance of understanding the grieving process, how to validate a child's emotions, and the value of creating memories to honor loved ones who have passed away. We'll also explore the differences in how boys and girls grieve, and how to support kids through various types of loss, from the death of a loved one to the end of a sports season. 03:00 – Why Sissy wrote the book and the sixth stage of grief: meaning 06:10 – Anger and "all feelings are okay, but not all behaviors" 07:12 – What to say to a grieving child: "It won't always feel like this" 10:32 – Kids grieve in doses 11:57 – Answering "When is Papa coming back?" 13:18 – How boys and girls grieve differently 14:44 – Divorce and secondary losses 20:21 – Keeping memories alive with memory boxes 23:00 – When the parent is grieving too: accepting help from community   Get Sissy Goff's book, Helping Kids Through Grief, and learn more at RaisingBoysandGirls.com  Push back against too much screen time and read Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

  5. Sep 28

    Can't Turn Off Video Games: Dr. Richard Freed on Persuasive Design

    For many kids (especially boys), life revolves around video games. "Wake me when it's the weekend" is the attitude of many kids who aren't interested in school, responsibility, or family bonding when there are video games to be played.  Child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Richard Freed joins Arlene to explain why video games are so sticky. He breaks down persuasive design, the science tech companies use to keep kids on screens. You'll understand BJ Fogg's behavior formula and how games like Fortnite are built by psychologists and AI to exploit boys' instincts for hunting, fighting, and status. Dr. Freed discusses why boys are falling behind academically and socially, and why family and school connection matter more than peer or online community.  You won't be left helpless against the gaming console. We'll share practical steps to delay the addicting power of smartphones, social media, and video games. Dr. Richard Freed is the author of several books including Better Than Real Life: How Silicon Valley's Secret Science of Persuasive Design is Stealing Childhood.   02:15 – Why girls started self-harming at age 10-11 in the early 2000s 03:56 – Video games as "sophisticated psychological conditioning chambers" 06:12 – BJ Fogg's persuasive design formula: B = MAT (motivation, ability, triggers) 10:19 – Fortnite's lead designer and the "Skinner box" behind the game 13:25 – When limiting a teen's screen time becomes dangerous 20:11 – Debunking the myth that video games build real-world skills 30:06 – The three things kids need most: family, school, physical activity 36:04 – Where to find Dr. Freed and his book, Better Than Real Life Connect with Dr. Richard Freed and grab a copy of Better than Real Life at RichardFreed.com   Push back against persuasive design and read Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families.  Free while supplies last from Summit Ministries TechResetBook.com  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

  6. Sep 21

    Why Nature Teaches What AI Slop Can't with Eryn Lynum

    If exposed regularly to AI, how will kids tell the difference between the real world and what is artificial?A tech reset is needed - moving from a screen-based childhood to a play-based childhood. Going into nature instead of sitting on a couch.  Author Eryn Lynum knows a lot about the benefits of being in God's creation. She's the host of the Nat Theo podcast, but even her family needed to reestablish limits. She read Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset, during a three-week road trip. Lynum describes the family meeting that followed, how her four kids responded, and how nature became the replacement for screen time rather than just a restriction. We'll talk about AI, rest, and Eryn's experience with Addison's disease. Eryn has two new books to help your children embrace the wild outdoors and God's creation: a children's book Where Wonder Leads and the family devotional Made to Marvel.   02:36 – Why the Lynum family needed a tech reset 05:11 – How her four kids reacted to new tech limits 08:16 – Replacing tech with nature instead of just restricting it 10:29 – Nature vs. AI: teaching kids what's real 13:45 – How to start engaging with nature as a family (even in a condo) 20:21 – What "wonder" means in Where Wonder Leads 23:15 – Living with Addison's disease and why rest matters 29:40 – Made to Marvel: the new 52-week family devotional Find out more about Eryn Lynum's ministry and her new books, Where Wonder Leads and the family devotional Made to Marvel, at https://nattheo.com/ Get Arlene's new book The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families for FREE while supplies last from Summit Ministries.  More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

  7. Sep 14

    My Parents Didn't Let Me Have a Smartphone - and I'm Glad with Noelle Pellicane

    Arlene's children were not allowed to have social media, play video games, or have personal phones or tablets until their senior year of high school. What did the kids think about this??? Noelle (the middle child of three) is here to represent the kids! Was she left out of friend groups at school because she wasn't on social media? Did she struggle with anxiety as a result? Noelle addresses common concerns parents raise, including whether kids need phones to stay connected with friends, whether delaying phone access affects academic performance, and whether it leaves children unprepared once they leave home. She describes how her parents explained their reasoning rather than simply withholding technology, and how that shaped the boundaries she set for herself once she did get a phone. Noelle also discusses her current use of AI as an engineering student at Oral Roberts University, and how her faith shapes how she spends her time. Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families is available for FREE while supplies last. Request your copy at TechResetBook.com and begin your do-over with screen time.  02:19 — Noelle introduces herself: senior year at Oral Roberts University, mechanical engineering 03:15 — What she actually did as a kid without video games, tablets, or cable 05:21 — Addressing the myth that kids need phones to stay connected with friends 09:05 — The "time pit" and what she avoided seeing online — comparison, body image, bad news 12:33 — Phone use in the classroom and its effect on attention span 16:04 — Why she didn't "go crazy" once she finally got a phone senior year 18:11 — Her deliberate process for delaying social media after getting a phone 22:47 — How going without a phone gave her more freedom, not less 29:19 — Balancing being a "tech optimist" and AI enthusiast with caution about addictive technology   More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families (free while supplies last!)  Check out Noelle's art on Instagram  SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's other BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

  8. Sep 7

    Reclaiming Childhood: The Great Tech Reset

    Technology promises to make life better, boost productivity, connect us, and help us learn. But what does it do to childhood?  Where is the evidence that a screen-based childhood is best for kids?  We all know that sitting still, staring at screens, watching who-knows-what is not good for healthy child development. And it's time for parents to rebel against this tsunami of technology.  Arlene shares the story behind her new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families published with Summit Ministries (release date September 29). The most unusual thing about the book? For a limited time, it's free!  Just request your copy at techresetbook.com Arlene will walk you through statistics on rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screen use, then explain how her family avoided phones, social media, and video games through most of her kids' childhood. She addresses three common parenting fears — that kids need social media to make friends, that limiting tech will make kids hate their parents, and that it's too late to change course — and offers practical steps towards healthier tech use. Plus, she addresses the spiritual ramifications of too much tech.  What if our kids feared God more than they feared losing followers?   00:01 – A heart-to-heart about phones and tablets in the home 00:59 – Announcing The Great Tech Reset, a free print book, order at techresetbook.com 02:02 – The statistics: rising teen depression, anxiety, and declining literacy tied to screens 03:53 – How the book came about: stepping back from the Parents Rising Conference to write with Summit Ministries 08:49 – Lie #1: Kids need social media to make friends 12:41 – Lie #2: Limiting tech will make your kids hate you 18:59 – Lie #3: It's too late to change course 24:42 – A pop quiz for listeners: do you reach for your phone to relax? 27:15 – Closing scripture from Luke 12 and prayer for families   Order Arlene Pellicane's new book, The Great Tech Reset, now! TechResetBook.com More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

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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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