Building Strong Homes: Blueprints to Strengthen Your Faith and Family podcast

Carol Roper
  • 5.0 (56)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Bimonthly

Best 100 Christian Family Podcasts in the US. Welcome to Building Strong Homes, the podcast where faith meets family in the most practical and powerful ways. I'm your host, Carol Roper, wife, mom and former home designer who used to spend my days drafting floor plans and designing details, but now I help wives and moms design lives based on God's word. This podcast is for women who want more than survival mode. You want clarity. You want purpose. You want a home that stands strong—not just physically, but spiritually. Inside each episode, you'll find practical tools that include: *How to strengthen your marriage and motherhood through biblical truth *Candid conversations with men and women who've faced real challenges and found God's grace *Encouragement to stand firm, even when culture says otherwise *Actionable ways to bless your home and influence your community If you've ever wondered how your ordinary days could build something extraordinary, you're in the right place. Discover biblical blueprints for shaping a legacy that reflects God's design—one brick of faith at a time.

  1. 3h ago

    How to Know if it's God or Just a Crazy Idea with Brittany Bruce Ep. 179

    There's a moment in every woman's story where she wonders if she's lost her way — where the calling she once felt so clearly suddenly feels confusing, heavy, or out of reach. I know that moment well. In fact, when I first met today's guest, I was standing right in the middle of it. I was discouraged, frustrated, and honestly ready to give up on the dream God had put in my heart. But God met me through a woman who has walked her own winding path of obedience, surrender, and calling — Brittany Bruce. She's a business and ministry coach, the founder of Well Done Women, and the author of the brand‑new book You're Not Crazy, You're Called. In this conversation, Brittany shares how God asked her to leave her million‑dollar business, move her family away from everything familiar, and step into a calling that made absolutely no sense on paper. She talks about fear, confusion, wilderness seasons, and the difference between a "crazy idea" and a God‑given assignment. Brittany is one of our speakers at the Flourish Retreat, and what she shares today is exactly the kind of clarity, courage, and spiritual direction we'll be diving into together in Charleston. If you've been feeling stuck, unsure, or quietly wondering what God is asking of you next… this episode is your invitation to lean in. Preorder Brittany's book, You're Not Crazy You're Called Find out more about The Flourish Retreat I'd love for you to become part of the Building Strong Homes Community by signing up for my weekly newsletter You can also click to sign up to become part of my free Facebook community. Watch on YouTube How to Know If It's God or Just a "Crazy Idea" with Brittany Bruce

    How to Know if it's God or Just a Crazy Idea with Brittany Bruce Ep. 179

  2. Sep 8

    Inside Ground Zero: A 9/11 Firefighter's Story of Courage, Loss, and Faith with Niels Jorgensen Ep. 178

    In this special live episode, retired NYC firefighter Niels Jorgensen shares his firsthand account of serving at Ground Zero on 9/11. Niels reflects on the courage of first responders, the loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives, and his own battle with a rare leukemia caused by toxin exposure during the recovery efforts. Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation also honors our local Fountain Inn fire, police, and EMS departments, who attended in their Class A uniforms. You'll hear powerful stories of sacrifice, resilience, and faith — and why remembering 9/11 matters for the next generation. Watch the full interview on YouTube to see Niels and our local heroes. A link to Alan Jackson's Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning music video (referenced in the episode) is included in the show notes. Niels 20th anniversary of 9/11 20 for 20 Podcast Video Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning? Join us at The Flourish Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15-18 I'd love for you to become part of the Building Strong Homes Community by signing up for my weekly newsletter You can also click to sign up to become part of my free Facebook community. Watch on YouTube Inside Ground Zero: A 9/11 Firefighter's Story of Courage, Loss and Faith with Niels Jorgensen

    Inside Ground Zero: A 9/11 Firefighter's Story of Courage, Loss, and Faith with Niels Jorgensen Ep. 178

  3. Sep 1

    Her Childhood was Broken. Her Legacy Isn't with Sam Navarro Ep. 177

    She grew up in a home marked by addiction, instability, and zero faith influence. When a friend invited her to church at fifteen, everything changed — except her parents' response. They kicked her out, leaving her alone on the streets with nowhere to go. But God wasn't done writing her story. With the help of a local church who gave her a place to live, she finished high school, went to college, and built a life rooted in faith, stability, and purpose. Today, she's a homeschooling mom of four, married for fifteen years, and walking in a freedom her childhood never offered. She refused to become a victim of her circumstances. She chose forgiveness over bitterness. And she reconciled with both of her parents — even experiencing healing with her mom before her dad passed away. This conversation is for every woman who has ever wondered if her past disqualifies her from a hopeful future. Her story proves: God can redeem what felt impossible, restore what was broken, and rewrite what was painful. Join us at The Flourish Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15-18 You're invited to my first live interview on September 3, Faith Through the Fire: A 9/11 Firefighter's Story of Survival with Niels Jorgensen I'd love for you to become part of the Building Strong Homes Community by signing up for my weekly newsletter You can also click to sign up to become part of my free Facebook community. Watch on YouTube Her Childhood was Broken. Her Legacy Isn't with Sam Navarro

    Her Childhood was Broken. Her Legacy Isn't with Sam Navarro Ep. 177

  4. Aug 25

    Duck Dynasty's Untold Redemption Story: Phil Robertson's Past and Phyllis' Miracle Discovery Ep. 176

    In this powerful episode, Phyllis Robertson Thomas — daughter of Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty — shares the incredible story of discovering her biological father through a DNA test, a revelation that led her into a family she never knew she had and a redemption story only God could write. Phyllis opens up about navigating identity, healing from long‑buried wounds, and experiencing God's grace in the most unexpected places. Her testimony is honest, hope‑filled, and deeply encouraging for anyone walking through seasons of uncertainty, transition, or restoration and proves God can turn our painful past into a beautiful blessing. You'll be amazed how God brought both of these stories full-circle. Preorder Phyllis' book I Never Knew  Find a trusted counselor at Psychology Today Find out more about The Flourish Retreat in Kiawah Island, October 15-18 Watch on YouTube Duck Dynasty's Untold Redemption Story: Phil Robertson's Past and Phyllis' Miracle Discovery Ep. 176 Listen to Megan Phillips interview Discovering the Dad Who Raised Her Wasn't Her Biological Father

    Duck Dynasty's Untold Redemption Story: Phil Robertson's Past and Phyllis' Miracle Discovery Ep. 176

  5. Aug 11

    How to Defend Your Faith without Losing Your Cool with Liz Cobo Ep. 175

    Liz Cobo says that nothing has deepened her faith and changed her walk with Jesus like studying the Bible. Studying God's Word literally changed her life. Things that were once important priorities aren't anymore. Things that were once afterthoughts are now at the top of her list.  Scripture is God's self-revelation and is available to anyone willing to take the time and make the effort to read and study. Liz understands that now. God promises in his Word that he will give us greater understanding of His Word when we read it.  Liz always believed in God, but didn't always know Jesus and lived a lot of her life not knowing what the Bible says and doesn't say. Maybe you've experienced (or are experiencing) the same thing? We know what it means to be an unbeliever or to be unchurched. But what about believers who don't know God's word? She describes them as soldiers who take no weapons or no armor into war.  Liz wants women to become educated believers and shares practical ways to learn. Her passion is to help them understand, study and apply the word of God in their daily lives. And to share God's truth with grace to unbelievers and the unBibled. We talk about all of this and more in this episode. Find Liz at LizCobo.com and take her Bible Study Quiz, find her podcast UnBibled, and check out her new Bible Basics Course Sign up for The Flourished Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15-18 Sign up for my weekly newsletter and receive a helpful tip for building a strong family along with podcast updates and upcoming events Watch on YouTube How to Defend Your Faith without Losing Your Cool with Liz Cobo

    How to Defend Your Faith without Losing Your Cool with Liz Cobo Ep. 175

  6. Jul 28

    Breaking Free from Shame: Pregnant at 15, Redeemed by Faith with Christy Braddock Ep. 174

    In this episode of Carol sits down with Christy Braddock to share a powerful redemption story that proves no mistake is too big for God's grace. At just 15 years old, Christy discovered she was pregnant and spent years carrying the weight of shame, believing she had permanently disqualified herself from a blessed life and a strong family. But God had a completely different plan for her future. If you've ever struggled with shame from your past, wondered whether God can redeem your story, or are parenting a child who feels broken by their choices, Christy's testimony will speak directly to your heart. Her journey from fear and regret to freedom and restoration is a reminder that God is a master at rebuilding what feels ruined. You'll hear: Christy's story of teen pregnancy Her decision to have 3 subsequent abortions and why How God began rewriting her story after the shame that followed The turning point that changed everything Encouragement for parents walking with hurting teens Hope for anyone who feels "too far gone" This is a real, raw God story — the kind that reminds us that redemption is always possible. Find Christy on Instagram at The Shine Collective with Christy B and find her podcast at The Shine Podcast with Christy B. Watch Christy's story on YouTube Breaking Free from Shame: Pregnant at 15, Redeemed by Faith with Christy Braddock 🌿 If you're craving clarity, healing, or a fresh sense of purpose, join us at the Flourish Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15–18. You'll experience powerful teaching, intentional community, and space to rediscover the story God is writing in your life. Learn more: www.carolroper.org/flourish

    Breaking Free from Shame: Pregnant at 15, Redeemed by Faith with Christy Braddock Ep. 174

  7. Jul 14

    The Power of an Underdog Story: Faith, Grit, and Becoming Who You're Called to Be with Mary Marantz

    Mary Marantz knows how fear can hold us back. Even though she was able to leave the musty single-wide trailer of her childhood in West Virginia and make her way to Yale Law School, she always carried the fear that she would be found out. Even though she had worked hard and earned every grade and scholarship she received she thought others saw her as an imposter. So, she strove to be the best at everything she did, and she was. But the life of perfection has a way of draining the joy out of you. Mary finally realized that fear was holding her hostage to a life that didn't provide freedom and that he is a boring liar. In this episode she shares part of her fascinating story of growing up in rural West Virginia, which is the topic of her first book, Dirt, with a dad who was a proud eighth generation logger, a mom who cleaned houses and her amazing grandma Goldie. In her newest book, Underestimated, she shares how she overcame perfectionism, procrastination, people-pleasing and more. She understands the drive to prove others wrong and show everyone just how far you've come, while also doubting yourself at every turn. Mary has learned that we all must own the muddy parts of our stories so we can move forward in the purpose God has for us. Because, as Mary says, God does His best work in the muddy, messy, and broken if we'll only learn to dig in. Watch on YouTube The Power of an Underdog Story: Mary Marantz on Faith, Grit, and Becoming Who You're Called to Be with Mary Marantz  Find our more about The Flourish Retreat or Contact Carol with any questions

    The Power of an Underdog Story: Faith, Grit, and Becoming Who You're Called to Be with Mary Marantz

  8. Jul 7

    Why Your Story Matters — And Why the Flourish Retreat Could Be Your Turning Point with Carol Roper Bonus Episode

    If you've ever wondered whether your story really matters — or questioned how your past, your personality, and your experiences fit into God's calling for your life — this episode is for you. I'm sharing the behind‑the‑scenes story of how I stepped into women's ministry, the unexpected ways God used my past to shape my purpose, and why I believe so deeply in helping women discover their own calling. Many Christian women love God, love their families, and genuinely want to be obedient… but still feel unsure, unqualified, or unclear about what God is asking them to do next. If that's you, you're not alone — and your story is far more important than you think. In this episode, I'm also inviting you to the Flourish Retreat, a four‑day, set‑apart space designed to help you uncover your gifts, understand your wiring, connect your past to your purpose, and step confidently into the calling God has for you. If you've been craving clarity, direction, or community, Flourish may be the turning point you've been praying for. Your story matters. Your calling matters. And God is already weaving it together. Let's talk about how. Find our more about The Flourish Retreat Contact Carol with any questions Listen to my episode with Julie Bagwell Unsure What's Next? Start Here: Bonus Episode with Julie Bagwell Watch on YouTube Why Your Story Matters — And Why the Flourish Retreat Could Be Your Turning Point with Carol Roper Bonus Episode

    Why Your Story Matters — And Why the Flourish Retreat Could Be Your Turning Point with Carol Roper Bonus Episode
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About

Best 100 Christian Family Podcasts in the US. Welcome to Building Strong Homes, the podcast where faith meets family in the most practical and powerful ways. I'm your host, Carol Roper, wife, mom and former home designer who used to spend my days drafting floor plans and designing details, but now I help wives and moms design lives based on God's word. This podcast is for women who want more than survival mode. You want clarity. You want purpose. You want a home that stands strong—not just physically, but spiritually. Inside each episode, you'll find practical tools that include: *How to strengthen your marriage and motherhood through biblical truth *Candid conversations with men and women who've faced real challenges and found God's grace *Encouragement to stand firm, even when culture says otherwise *Actionable ways to bless your home and influence your community If you've ever wondered how your ordinary days could build something extraordinary, you're in the right place. Discover biblical blueprints for shaping a legacy that reflects God's design—one brick of faith at a time.

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