The Thriving Family

Focus on the Family Canada
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. This brand new show brings you episodes on marriage, parenting, faith and culture from a Christian perspective. We also share conversations with Canadian ministry and community leaders. This is the space where family, faith and culture intersect. All of this is made possible by generous donors across our vast country who are passionate about supporting Canadian families.

  1. 1d ago

    Fern Buszowski: Holding on to Hope in a Cancer Diagnosis

    The grief, pain, and shock of a cancer diagnosis is a heavy burden to carry – whether it’s you or a loved one. In today’s episode, you’ll hear a personal story of how one woman leaned on God. Today’s episode features Fern Buszowski, a cancer survivor who faced a challenging diagnosis with stage 3 oral cancer in 2020. In addition to being a cancer survivor, Fern is a retired pastoral counsellor as well as the author of an award-winning book “Embrace Life, Embrace Hope: Cultivating Wholeness and Resilience through the Unexpected”. She has been married to her husband, Steve, for 46 years and she is the mother of two married adult daughters and 5 grandchildren. Fern also is featured in the video series Embrace Hope, produced by Focus on the Family Canada.  Episode notes: Embrace Life, Embrace Hope by Fern E.M. Buszowski Embrace Hope video series Chronic Health Challenges digital booklet Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    Fern Buszowski: Holding on to Hope in a Cancer Diagnosis

  2. Oct 27

    Disappointing, Difficult, and Destructive Marriages: What’s the Difference?

    Many couples struggle in their marriage at one time or another. But what’s the difference between a marriage with understandable challenges, and one with destructive qualities?  Today’s episode explores the differences between a disappointing marriage, a difficult one, and a relationship that’s destructive. Please note that this episode discusses abuse. Listener discretion is advised.   Episode notes: The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick Hope Restored Journey to Us 8 truths to hold on to in a destructive marriage Understanding Abuse in Marriage video series Understanding Abuse Digital Booklet Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    Disappointing, Difficult, and Destructive Marriages: What’s the Difference?

  3. Oct 20

    Lori Patrick: When Someone You Love Is in Recovery

    While addiction is a tragic cycle for the individual who suffers from the disease as well as for their loved ones, these seemingly hopeless cycles can be broken and replaced with hope and healing. For today’s episode, I’m joined by Lori Patrick, executive director of Adeara Recovery Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. She counts it a privilege to make a way for women who are often dismissed or forgotten. Lori is joined by Natasha Varma, clinical lead at Adeara. Please note that due to the subject matter of this interview, listener discretion is advised. Episode notes: Healing the Scars of Addiction by Gregory L. Jantz Ph.D. Understanding and Navigating Addiction PDF booklet Celebrate Recovery Adeara Recovery Centre Freedom Session Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    Lori Patrick: When Someone You Love Is in Recovery

  4. Oct 13

    Divorce, Hard Hearts, and the Image of God

    God’s heart is with the brokenhearted, and that includes those who are struggling with the pain of divorce. Today’s episode explores the topic of divorce, hard hearts, and being made in the image of God. If you or someone you know is struggling in this area, this episode explores only the scriptural understanding of divorce. For practical support on this topic, we have other resources available or you can contact our in-house counselling team to book a free one-time phone consultation. Please note that due to the content of this episode, listener discretion is advised.  Episode Notes: One More Try by Gary Chapman Hope Restored Journey to Us Understanding Abuse in Marriage video series Unpacking Biblical Separation and Divorce video series Focus on the Family Canada’s position on marriage and divorce Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving Sources and further reading C. John Collins, “Malachi 2:16 again,” Covenant Theological Seminary, accessed February 26, 2024. Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb, “Does the Bible say women should suffer abuse and violence?” author’s blog, September 4, 2014. David Instone-Brewer, Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context, Eerdmans, 2002. Douglas Jacoby, “Instone-Brewer on divorce and remarriage,” author’s blog, accessed February 26, 2024. Sharon James, “Divorce and remarriage in the Bible: The social and literary context (book review),” Themelios, Volume 29 Issue 1, September 2003. Russell Moore, “Divorcing an abusive spouse is not a sin: Not only is it morally justified, it also aligns with Christ’s heart for the vulnerable,” Christianity Today, March 24, 2022. Kyle Pope, “‘He hates’ or God hates (Malachi 2:16),” Focus Online, February 4, 2020. Daniel R. Watson, “Who hates . . . divorce? A text-critical examination of Malachi 2:16,” Midwestern Journal of Theology, Volume 10 Issue 1, Spring 2011. © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    Divorce, Hard Hearts, and the Image of God

  5. Oct 13

    The Thriving Family Season 5: Tough Talks

    Welcome to The Thriving Family: a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. I’m your host, Jean-Paul Beran. This is the space where family, faith, and culture intersect.  Whether you’re new to the show or have followed since the beginning, I’m so glad you’re here. As a follower of Christ, I’m thankful for the hope we have that one day our heavenly father will wipe away every tear and restore everything that has been broken. At the same time, this side of heaven can be incredibly difficult, and God created us with a wide range of emotions to be able to process our very human experiences. For this new set of episodes, we are having tough talks. To help us tackle these topics, we brought in guests who can speak into the realities of ministry challenges, life-altering diagnoses, addiction recovery, pregnancy loss, single parenthood, the unexpected death of a child, divorce, sexuality, familial estrangement, and more.  These talks are indeed tough, but each episode will leave you with hope for a brighter future.   Episode notes: Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    The Thriving Family Season 5: Tough Talks

  6. Sep 15

    The Story of Esther, Where Sacred and Secular History Meet

    Esther plays a pivotal role in the Bible. But who is the woman behind the story? Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we will look at Esther, one of the better known names from the Bible. While the story of Esther is compelling, it brings confusion with it. Since God isn’t explicitly mentioned, many are left to wonder what to do with this book of the Bible. As you listen, you’ll understand how it plays a crucial role in our understanding of God’s sovereign nature.  Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2018 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    The Story of Esther, Where Sacred and Secular History Meet

  7. Sep 8

    Dr. Laura Lewis: Supporting Women and Families Through Pregnancy Care Canada

    Unexpected pregnancies can leave women and their partners with questions, fears, and feelings of isolation. Today’s guest saw this, which is why she’s so passionate about her role in which she walks alongside those who need this support.  Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. Today’s episode features Dr. Laura Lewis. Dr. Lewis served as the Executive Director of Pregnancy Care Canada from 2016 to 2026, a national, faith-based network of over 80 pregnancy care centres and online support. A former family physician with 22 years of experience, she observed first-hand the need for compassionate care, clear information, and practical support for those facing unexpected pregnancies. She remains passionate about equipping individuals and communities to respond with both truth and grace. This episode addresses the sensitive subject of abortion. Listener advisory is advised. Pregnancy Care Canada Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    Dr. Laura Lewis: Supporting Women and Families Through Pregnancy Care Canada

  8. Sep 1

    Paul at Athens: A Model for Engaging a Secular World

    As followers of Christ, it can sometimes feel like we are a minority in a secular world, and struggle to engage culture. But we can learn a great deal from someone who walked this road: the apostle Paul. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we are taking a look at an example of evangelism in a highly secularized culture – the apostle Paul’s address in Athens. We can learn a lot from him to understand how best to engage people with the Gospel in a culture that’s much like our own. Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free The Good News of the Gospel booklet Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast Sources from today's episode: Darrell L. Bock, Acts, (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Baker Academic, 2007. F.F. Bruce, The Book of the Acts, (New International Commentary on the New Testament), Eerdmans, 1988. R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, (Preaching the Word), Crossway, 2014. I. Howard Marshall, Acts, (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), IVP Academic, 1980. Ben Witherington III, The Acts of the Apostles, (Socio-Rhetorical Commentary), Eerdmans, 1997. © 2025 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

    Paul at Athens: A Model for Engaging a Secular World
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. This brand new show brings you episodes on marriage, parenting, faith and culture from a Christian perspective. We also share conversations with Canadian ministry and community leaders. This is the space where family, faith and culture intersect. All of this is made possible by generous donors across our vast country who are passionate about supporting Canadian families.

Information

  • Creator
    Focus on the Family Canada
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Focus on the Family Canada
  • Show Website
    The Thriving Family

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