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 with Elyse and Michelle is the podcast for Christian moms who are tired of pretending everything’s perfect. Motherhood is beautiful — but it’s also messy, exhausting, and often nothing like we imagined. Here, we pull up a chair and have the honest conversations that don’t always happen in church. From mom guilt, comparison, and the invisible mental load to marriage struggles, intimacy after kids, raising children in faith, and finding God in the chaos — we talk about it all. With laughter, tears, and biblical truth, Elyse (a Christian mum of three in her 30s in Australia) and Michelle (a Christian mum in her 50s in the U.S.) bring two unique seasons of motherhood and life experience to the table. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I the only Christian mom who feels this way?” — you’re not. This is the safe space for unfiltered stories, unapologetic faith, and real motherhood. Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. ✨ New episodes release every Wednesday in the U.S. and Thursday in Australia.

  1. 3D AGO

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

    You said “I do,” but no one told you this part would be so confusing. What if the struggle isn’t because you’re doing something wrong—but because no one ever gave you the full picture? This is the episode that brings the quiet questions into the light. 🎧 Episode Summary: Welcome to February on Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation—and friends, we’re diving straight into the stuff most people avoid. If you’ve ever felt like intimacy in marriage is harder than it should be, you are NOT alone. In this honest and grace-filled episode, Elyse and Michelle open up about the emotional, spiritual, and physical layers of intimacy that Christian women wrestle with—from purity culture baggage to mental overload, from body confusion to unrealistic expectations. We’re not handing out step-by-step bedroom checklists—this is about reclaiming connection, curiosity, and compassion in the marriages God has called us to. And yes, we’ll talk about sex—but also so much more than that. Whether you're feeling exhausted, disconnected, or just unsure where to even begin—this episode is for you. 💡 In This Episode: The surprising reason intimacy often feels harder than we expected Why most Christian women weren’t prepared for sex (even if they waited) Understanding the difference between sex and true intimacy How purity culture shaped what we didn’t learn about our bodies Scientific truths about female pleasure and why they matter Real talk on mental load, touch exhaustion, and timing Why scheduling intimacy is actually sacred, not sterile Hope for every wife—whether you’re thriving or barely hanging on We Want to Hear From You 💛 This podcast exists for real mums walking real life with God. If this episode stirred something in your spirit — or you’re walking through something heavy right now — we’d truly love to hear from you. 👉 Share anonymously here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus (You can answer one question or all of them. No names, no pressure — just real conversation.) Join the Conversation Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes as we keep talking about faith, motherhood, marriage, rest, and real transformation. If this episode blessed you, leaving a review helps other mums find this space. Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    30 min

  2. JAN 28

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

    Sis, are you bone-tired from trying to do it all — the perfect wife, present mama, and faithful Christian? If you’re exhausted, stretched thin, and still feeling like you’re not enough, this episode is a breath of fresh, holy air. Elyse and Michelle invite Christian mums to stop striving, release control, and trade exhaustion for intimacy with God. In this heart-to-heart conversation, they unpack the hidden pressure Christian women carry to do more, be better, and hold everything together — and why that kind of striving leaves no room for God to move. With honesty, wisdom, and gentle humour, they show how surrender creates space for peace, trust, and real transformation in motherhood, marriage, and faith. This is your permission slip to rest — not because you’ve earned it, but because Jesus already has. What We Talk About Why Christian moms are exhausted from trying harder The subtle but dangerous difference between striving and surrender How control is often fear dressed up as responsibility The guilt and pressure Christian women feel to “do more” Why striving leaves no room for God — and surrender invites Him in What trusting God looks like in everyday motherhood Moving from performance to peace, one small surrender at a time 3 Key Takeaways Striving drains you — surrender anchors you. Control often reveals fear, but trust opens the door to peace. God isn’t asking you to perform; He’s inviting you to rest in Him. A Word for the Weary Mama If you’ve found yourself thinking, “I just can’t anymore,” this episode is for you. God is not disappointed in you. He’s not waiting for you to try harder. He’s inviting you to lay it down and let Him carry what you were never meant to hold alone. We Want to Hear From You 💛 This podcast exists for real mums walking real life with God. If this episode stirred something in your spirit — or you’re walking through something heavy right now — we’d truly love to hear from you. 👉 Share anonymously here: https://bit.ly/cmtellus (You can answer one question or all of them. No names, no pressure — just real conversation.) Join the Conversation Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes as we keep talking about faith, motherhood, marriage, rest, and real transformation. If this episode blessed you, leaving a review helps other mums find this space. Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    21 min

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 12/24/2025

    Surviving Christmas Without Losing Your Joy (or Your Marriage) // 15

    Surviving Christmas Without Losing Your Joy (or Your Marriage) If Christmas feels more like pressure than peace, this episode is for you. In this honest Christmas Eve conversation, Elyse (Australia) and Michelle (USA) talk about expectations, stress, family dynamics, and how Christian mums can survive the holidays without losing their joy—or snapping at the people they love most. Drawing from Colossians 3:17, they gently reframe Christmas as an opportunity to live, serve, and love as representatives of Jesus, not performers of perfection. In this episode, we talk about: Why Christmas Day itself isn’t stressful—but expectations are The pressure cooker of family dynamics, travel, and mental load Doing everything “as a representative of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17) Letting go of Pinterest pressure and unrealistic standards How simplifying traditions protects your joy and your marriage Practical ways to care for yourself during the holidays 3 key takeaways Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Expectations create stress; grace creates peace. Your attitude matters as much as your actions. Even small moments reflect who (and what) we’re living for. Simplifying isn’t failure—it’s wisdom. Especially for mums carrying the mental load. We want to hear from you (completely anonymous) Have a question, story, or topic you want us to cover—but want to stay anonymous? We’ve created a 100% anonymous Google Form where you can share freely: 👉 bit.ly/cmtellus Join the conversation Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a mum who needs permission to breathe this Christmas. Contact Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    18 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Christmas Traditions Moms Actually Love (and the Ones We’re Ditching This Year) // 14

    If Christmas traditions are starting to feel like a second job, this episode is your permission slip to simplify. Elyse (Australia) and Michelle (USA) talk about what they keep, what they skip (yes, Elf on the Shelf), and how to build meaningful memories without the Pinterest pressure. In this episode, we talk about: The traditions we actually enjoy vs. the ones that quietly drain us Elf on the Shelf (why it’s a hard pass for many moms) Aussie Christmas culture: beach mornings, seafood, carols in the park Staying home Christmas morning: slow, cosy, and kid-friendly “Something you want, something you need, something to read” gift idea Why simple can be more spiritual (and more joyful) 3 key takeaways If it’s making you stressed and snappy, it’s not serving your family. Simple can still be special. Traditions should make memories—not add mental load. You don’t need to keep up with imaginary Pinterest mums. Ask “why are we doing this?” Is it drawing you closer to Jesus and each other—or just pressure? 💥 We want to hear from you (completely anonymous) Have a story, question, or topic you want us to talk about—but don’t want your name attached? We’ve created a 100% anonymous Google form just for that. 👉🏻 bit.ly/cmtellus Join the conversation Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood. Come tell us: what tradition are you keeping… and what are you joyfully ditching this year? Contact Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

    28 min
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4.8
out of 5
124 Ratings

About

Christian Motherhood: The Real Conversation with Elyse and Michelle is the podcast for Christian moms who are tired of pretending everything’s perfect. Motherhood is beautiful — but it’s also messy, exhausting, and often nothing like we imagined. Here, we pull up a chair and have the honest conversations that don’t always happen in church. From mom guilt, comparison, and the invisible mental load to marriage struggles, intimacy after kids, raising children in faith, and finding God in the chaos — we talk about it all. With laughter, tears, and biblical truth, Elyse (a Christian mum of three in her 30s in Australia) and Michelle (a Christian mum in her 50s in the U.S.) bring two unique seasons of motherhood and life experience to the table. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I the only Christian mom who feels this way?” — you’re not. This is the safe space for unfiltered stories, unapologetic faith, and real motherhood. Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. ✨ New episodes release every Wednesday in the U.S. and Thursday in Australia.

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