The Rooted Home

Jeremy & Lauren Mefford

The Rooted Home is a faith-centered podcast for families who want to build intentional, fruitful homes that are rooted in scripture. Join husband and wife co-hosts Jeremy and Lauren Mefford for honest, biblical conversations about faith, family, and the rhythms of home life. Each episode, we talk about what matters most in the home: biblical wisdom for everyday life, practical homemaking and family systems, rhythms that honor God without burning anyone out, and the kind of intentional, present family life the world isn't selling you. We'll talk about marriage, parenting, homeschooling, countering cultural pressure, and the beauty of choosing a slower, Christ-centered way of living together. Subscribe wherever you listen--and join us every other week in our living room!

  1. 4d ago

    We Got Addicted to Being Off Screens — Here's What Happened to Our Family | Ep. 17

    ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode of The Rooted Home Podcast, Jeremy and Lauren Mefford have an honest conversation about something a lot of families are wrestling with — screens. This is not a "we went cold turkey and it was fine" story. These are just two people, with very different screen histories, talking about what it actually looks like to raise six kids who know how to play, be bored, and live in the present without constantly reaching for a device. Together, they dig into why screens aren't neutral tools — why they're far closer to cigarettes than to hammers — and how the dopamine cycle of scrolling quietly robs families of the ability to enjoy the slow, the mundane, and the real. They also get honest about the spiritual layer underneath it all: how discontentment quietly grows when we're always consuming and never creating. But this episode is less about fear and more about freedom. Jeremy and Lauren share what intentional screen stewardship actually looks like in a home with six kids: family-only screen time, books in every room, long hours of outdoor play, and children who go outside and build things in the woods because nobody handed them an iPad. They also talk about the hope — that brains can be retrained, attention spans can be rebuilt, and the life God put in front of us is meant to be enjoyed. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory — referenced ("mud pies in the slums"): The Weight of Glory — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com TIMESTAMPS 00:59 Understanding Screen Addiction 04:16 Personal Experiences with Screens 07:14 The Impact of Screens on Children 10:08 Screens as Tools vs. Addictions 13:01 The Importance of Enjoying the Mundane 16:17 The Dangers of Constant Stimulation 19:06 Training Children for a Healthy Relationship with Screens 22:00 Practical Tips for Reducing Screen Time 25:15 Fostering Creativity and Imagination 28:06 The Role of Parents in Managing Screen Time 31:15 Embracing Life Beyond Screens

    40 min
  2. Jun 25

    Why Habits Fall Apart When Life Gets Hard (& What to Do Instead) | With Reagan Rose | Ep. 16

    ✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training What does it actually look like to steward your time well — without burning out, without hustle culture creeping in, and without losing sight of what actually matters? In this episode, Jeremy and Lauren sit down with Reagan Rose, founder of Redeeming Productivity, for a rich conversation about biblical productivity, building good habits, and what it means to be fruitful — not just busy. Reagan has been teaching personal productivity through a biblical worldview for over ten years, and the parallels between his work and Lauren's approach to homemaking make for a conversation you'll want to listen to more than once. CONNECT WITH REAGAN ROSE Reagan runs the ministry Redeeming Productivity, where he teaches personal productivity through a biblical lens. He is the author of Redeeming Productivity and hosts a podcast and membership community by the same name. He lives in southeast Michigan with his wife Kim and their three children. Find Reagan at: http://redeemingproductivity.com Read Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose: https://amzn.to/3QAlxCD Become a Member of the Redeeming Productivity Academy: https://redeemingproductivity.com/academy/ — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website: http://www.laurenmefford.com TIMESTAMPS: 02:12 - How Reagan went from struggling student to biblical productivity ministry 03:05 - What stewardship actually has to do with your time 05:00 - Why there is so little Christian content on productivity 08:13 - The catch-22 of being too busy to fix being too busy 10:47 - Stop adding habits — start making what you do more routine 13:27 - Why the home to-do list will never be done (and that's okay) 15:11 - What happens when your schedule has no cushion 17:46 - The quarterly check-in that keeps priorities from drifting 21:17 - What faithful stewardship looks like when you are exhausted 25:30 - Reagan's POWER morning routine 27:55 - You are not just building a habit — you are building character 36:01 - Habits in the hard seasons: postpartum, depleted, running on empty 42:12 - Holding your plans loosely when God redirects them 43:25 - What it looks like when rest counts as productivity 45:33 - Rolling with the curveballs without everything falling apart 51:26 - How to know if you are being flexible or just avoiding the work 57:45 - The habits your kids are watching you build right now 58:44 - Painting the picture of an orderly home before you hand out chore charts 66:30 - Discipline is not a burden — it is what sets you free

    1h 8m
  3. Jun 18

    How Katie & Elisha Voetberg Homeschool, Run a Business & Still Have Margin | Ep. 15

    Discover how Elisha and Katie Voetberg balance building a strong family culture with pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, all rooted in faith and intentional living. They share practical insights on family traditions, managing flexible schedules, and creating a legacy through music, homeschooling, and more. ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training —CONNECT WITH KATIE & ELISHA— Check out Voetberg Music Academy: https://www.voetbergmusicacademy.com/courses?affiliate_code=29079aListen to their podcast: Now That We’re a Family https://www.nowthatwereafamily.com/podcastSubstack: https://elishaandkatievoetberg.substack.com/Magazine: https://www.nowthatwereafamily.com/Magazine —TIMESTAMPS — 02:00 - Going smartphone-free 6 years ago (and writing a book about it) 04:30 - What growing up in a family of 10+ kids actually looked like 10:00 - Practical tips for homeschooling and family teamwork 12:34 - Why we stopped trying to do ALL the activities with our kids 16:00 - Choosing entrepreneurship after watching our own parents do it 21:02 - What "flexible schedule" really looks like with 6 kids at home 26:43 - The importance of focusing and avoiding burnout 30:23 - Watching our kids fall in love with music (fiddle, piano + more) 32:26 - The advice we'd give any couple wanting business + big family 42:25 - "Begin with the end in mind" - the question we wish we'd asked sooner 44:19 - Cultivating joy and margin within a busy family life 48:25 - Counting the cost before you build & living intentionally —CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/   Website/Contact Us:http://www.laurenmefford.com

    56 min
  4. Jun 4

    What Christians Often Get Wrong About Standing Up to a Godless World | Ep. 14

    Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode, we explore how Christians can best respond to cultural challenges and godless influences by staying rooted in Christ. We emphasize the importance of humility, discernment, and biblical faithfulness in navigating societal issues while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. — TIMESTAMPS — 02:14 - The Trap of Dancing to the Culture's Tune (And How to Stop) 04:23 - What Happens When "Standing for Truth" Becomes Your Identity 08:25 - Real Church Examples of Getting It Wrong (In Both Directions) 13:43 - How to Address Hard Cultural Issues From the Pulpit Without Losing Your Footing 14:47 - The Difference Between Christ-Like Strength and Just Being Harsh 18:35 - Walking by the Spirit When the Culture Pulls Hard 22:30 - Why Virtues Aren't Actually in Tension (In Christ) 24:26 - The Subtle Pride of Feeling Like You've Finally Figured It Out 25:19 - The Trad Wife Pendulum: When the Overcorrection Becomes Another Law 28:07 - Walking in Freedom Instead of Trading One Yoke for Another 28:59 - Final Encouragement: Follow Christ, Stay Rooted, Enjoy Your Coffee CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us_:http://www.laurenmefford.com

    31 min
  5. May 28

    Q&A: Mom Guilt, Repentance, Money & the Theology Shaping Our Home | Ep. 13

    ✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training — SHOW NOTES — In this Q&A episode, Jeremy and Lauren answer some of the most common questions they've received from listeners — covering mom guilt, their faith background, how they manage finances as a family, how Lauren studies the Bible and teaches scripture to the kids, and practical tips for keeping the home going in the thick of a newborn season. It's a candid, encouraging conversation straight from the trenches of real family life. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ GET 50% OFF THE CORE PLAN YOUR FIRST YEAR with Monarch budgeting software: https://monarch.com/referral/t6wahuoizr?r_source=copy ✨ Simply Charlotte Mason scripture memory system: https://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/ ✨ I Belong to God: A Catechism for Covenant Children By Richard Lusk: https://amzn.to/4unNAE6 ✨ Ploductivity by Doug Wilson: https://amzn.to/4dGVTDI — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website: http://www.laurenmefford.com ✨ Check out our podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube ✨ Learn how our family went from being run down and sick to more energetic and healthier: https://www.laurenmefford.com/wellness ✨ Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/laurenmeffordphdfnp-bc If this episode was helpful, we would love it if you'd leave a review and rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps more families find this content. Thank you so much for being here. 🌿 TIMESTAMPS 0:26 - Mom Guilt: When to Repent, When to Let Go4:40 - The Importance of Modeling Repentance for Children9:27 - Our Faith Background (Reformed Baptist → Presbyterian)12:34 - How We Manage Our Money17:49 - How Lauren Studies the Bible in Every Season of Life24:24 - How We Protect Our Sabbath (and Why It's Worth It)30:07 - Surviving & Managing the Home With a Newborn & Toddler36:44 - Keep the Questions Coming: How to Reach Us

    37 min
  6. May 21

    What 16 Years Homeschooling + 10 Kids Taught Me About Daily Rhythms | With Sheri Renno | Ep. 12

    ✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training Sheri Renno has been homeschooling for 16 years, has 10 kids ages 3 to 21, and came in as a former public school teacher convinced she had to meet every standard. This conversation is full of the kind of perspective that only comes from being in it for the long haul — and it's exactly what most of us need in the thick of the little years. We talked about her daily rhythm, how she uses checklists without being married to them, why she treats chores as part of the curriculum, when kids' interests start to surface, and why protecting family-first isn't just a value — it's something you have to actively fight for. CHAPTERS 00:15 Meet Sheri — Homeschooling Mom of 10 for 16 Years 00:30 How She Started (And What She'd Do Differently) 01:01 Why She Created a YouTube Channel to Help Other Moms 02:21 The Charlotte Mason Approach — What It Actually Looks Like 02:51 Living Books, Narration, and Why She Ditched the Standards Mindset 04:15 The One Thing She Focuses on Instead of Grade Levels 07:19 How Her Kids Built Real Businesses From Home Skills 11:10 The Age When Everything Shifts — and What to Watch For 16:29 What a School Day Actually Looks Like With 10 Kids 20:04 The Four-Part Rhythm That Holds Their Day Together 21:14 Why Chores Are Part of the Curriculum, Not an Obstacle to It 23:03 How She Manages Independent Work Across Every Age 36:29 The Checklist System That Keeps Things Moving Without the Pressure 50:21 What "Family First" Actually Means With Homeschool 52:18 Where to Find Sheri + Her New Course for Homeschool Moms CONNECT WITH SHERI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurLifeHomeschooling Blog: http://ourlifehomeschooling.com Her Free Homeschooling Masterclass: https://ourlifehomeschooling.com/the-home-education-breakthrough-sign-up/ CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

    52 min
  7. May 14

    An Honest Conversation About Family Priorities When Life Gets Too Full | Ep. 11

    How to realign family priorities when life throws you a curveball. ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? Lauren’s free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training Life has a way of stopping you in your tracks and making you ask: is this actually what matters most? In this episode, Jeremy and Lauren are having a conversation they've been living in real time — one that started with grief, loss, and the kind of moment that makes you drop everything and recalibrate. They talk about why having clearly defined family priorities isn't just a productivity strategy — it's a biblical framework that protects your home, your marriage, and precious time with your family. When you and your husband are already on the same page about what matters most, the hard decisions get a lot less hard. They also get personal about changes coming to the channel, something exciting on the horizon, and why pruning the good things is sometimes the most faithful thing you can do. If you've ever felt like you're being consistent but still have no margin — and something's got to give — this one is for you. Grab a warm drink or your basket of laundry, and come hang out with me for a bit. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a rating on Apple, Spotify, or wherever it is that you listen. It helps get the word out to other families ❤️ CHAPTERS 00:00 When Life Makes You Stop and Recalibrate 07:08 How We Decide What Gets Our Time When Life Gets Loud 13:35 Why You Need This Conversation Before a Crisis Hits 21:35 When People Don't Agree With Your Family's Decisions 32:26 Pruning the Good Things — And What's Coming Next #ChristianHomemaker #ChristianMom #FamilyPriorities #RootedHome #HomeschoolMom #BiblicalWomanhood #ChristianMarriage #HomemakingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFamily #GodHonoringHome #MarriageGoals #ChristianWomen #PrioritiesInLife #SimpleLiving CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_:http://www.laurenmefford.com

    38 min
  8. Apr 30

    Stop Saving Your Best for Guests — Hospitality Starts With Your Family | Mystie Winckler | Ep. 10

    ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training ✨Discover how biblical hospitality extends beyond outward appearance to foster genuine connection, growth, and family life. Mystie Winckler shares practical insights on establishing a hospitable environment rooted in scripture, emphasizing the importance of the home's mission—to nurture thriving families and communities. TIMESTAMPS  02:24 - What Does "Convivial" Mean — And Why It Matters to the Home 03:49 - The Three Circles of Hospitality Many Christian Moms Have Never Heard Of 06:50 - Why Your Family Life Is the Foundation That Makes Any Hospitality Possible 09:29 - Are You Hosting for Them — Or for What They Think of You? 10:53 - How Pinterest and Instagram Are Quietly Distorting Your View of Your Home 13:39 - The One Question That Reveals Whether Your Home Is Truly Hospitable 14:30 - How to Be Fully Present With Guests (And Teach Your Kids to Do the Same) 17:17 - What to Do When Guests Arrive and Dinner Isn't Ready 18:46 - The Simple Meal Prep Habit That Makes Hosting Feel Easy 20:29 - How to Actually Teach Your Kids Conversation Skills Before Company Comes 26:19 - Beauty, Order, and a House Full of Kids — How Do You Hold That Tension? 28:19 - The Parable of the Talents and What It Has to Do With Your Messy House 36:43 - Are You Decluttering Your Children's Childhood Without Realizing It? 45:44 - Why Homemaking Feels Meaningless (And the Lie Behind That Feeling) 52:03 - Who You Follow Online Is Shaping How You Feel About Your Home CONNECT WITH MYSTIE WINCKLER: YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@simplyconvivialHome is for Hospitality - BookSimplified Organization - BookConvivial Circle Community CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/   Website/Contact Us_:http://www.laurenmefford.com

    54 min
5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

The Rooted Home is a faith-centered podcast for families who want to build intentional, fruitful homes that are rooted in scripture. Join husband and wife co-hosts Jeremy and Lauren Mefford for honest, biblical conversations about faith, family, and the rhythms of home life. Each episode, we talk about what matters most in the home: biblical wisdom for everyday life, practical homemaking and family systems, rhythms that honor God without burning anyone out, and the kind of intentional, present family life the world isn't selling you. We'll talk about marriage, parenting, homeschooling, countering cultural pressure, and the beauty of choosing a slower, Christ-centered way of living together. Subscribe wherever you listen--and join us every other week in our living room!

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