Growth Against the Grain, Christian Moms, Kingdom Entrepreneur, Christian Entrepreneur, Biblical Mindset, Christian Marriage and Family

About Growth Against the Grain, Christian Moms, Kingdom Entrepreneur, Christian Entrepreneur, Biblical Mindset, Christian Marriage and Family

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.

Publisher

Michelle Castro and Elyse Rooney

Category

kids & family · religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Apr 2021

Latest episode

10 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

14 of 394 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   10 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Santa, the “Perfect Christmas Mom,” and Keeping Jesus at the Center // 13

   Is Santa okay for Christian families? And why does Christmas make mums feel like they have to be magical, matchy, and endlessly cheerful? Elyse and Michelle get honest about Santa stories, Pinterest pressure, over-gifting, and the myth of the “perfect Christian Christmas mom.” They talk pajamas, presents, Hobby Lobby hauls, and then gently pull it all back to Luke, the incarnation, and simple ways to invite Jesus into the chaos instead of trying to perform your way to a picture-perfect December. Key Takeaways Santa isn’t the savior—Jesus is.You can handle Santa differently in each family, but the non-negotiable is that Christmas is about Christ, not a man in a red suit or a pile of presents. The “perfect Christmas mom” does not exist.Social media, magazines, and movies sell a styled, staged version of Christmas that doesn’t include toddlers, tight budgets, or perimenopausal mood swings—so stop holding yourself to that standard. Simplifying is deeply spiritual, not lazy.Fewer gifts, experience-based presents, realistic traditions, and less “stuff” can ease the mental load and make more room for Scripture, prayer, and actually enjoying your family. Join the Conversation Subscribe to the podcast for more unfiltered chats about faith, family, and navigating big expectations in ordinary, imperfect homes. Share this episode with a mum who feels behind on shopping, decorating, or “doing Christmas right” and remind her that Jesus, not her performance, holds this season together. Connect with Us Elyse – @wholesomemummaMichelle – @itsmemichellecastroEmail – christianmotherhood@gmail.com Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.

2. 

   3 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Hormones, Holidays, and Holy Chaos // 12

   Hormones flaring, Christmas coming, and everyone’s one comment away from tears? Elyse and Michelle get honest about PMS, perimenopause, stress, sleep, and why the holiday season can tip even the most “chill” mum over the edge. From farmer’s market cry sessions to the mental load nobody sees, they unpack what’s hormones, what’s attitude, and what’s actually an invitation from God to slow down and pay attention. Key Takeaways Hormones matter—but they’re not the whole story.PMS and perimenopause are real, but so is the fruit of the Spirit. The tension between the two? That’s where growth happens. Stress hides in plain sight.Christmas planning, finances, family tension, toxic products, relational strain, and the constant “mum mental load” all spike cortisol and impact sleep, mood, and hormone balance. You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.Bloodwork, naturopathic support, removing synthetic fragrance, better sleep, real nutrition, and talking to a safe friend can all bring clarity and peace in hormone-heavy seasons. Join the Conversation Subscribe for more unfiltered stories and faith-filled encouragement in every messy season of motherhood. Share this episode with a mum friend who’s wondering why she’s suddenly crying, snapping, or not sleeping—especially heading into the holidays. Connect with Us Elyse – @wholesomemummaMichelle – @itsmemichellecastroEmail – christianmotherhood@gmail.com Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.

3. 

   26 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Gratitude in the Chaos: Marriage, Motherhood & a Different Way to See Your Life // 11

   What if gratitude isn’t fluffy Pinterest quotes but actual warfare against overwhelm, bitterness, and resentment in your home? In this episode, Elyse and Michelle talk about choosing gratitude in the real chaos of marriage, motherhood, laundry piles, and holiday pressure. From Thanksgiving reflections to PTSD recovery, negative-thinking ruts, and husbands who “miss” the sink, they unpack how simple gratitude habits can rewire your brain, soften your heart, and shift the atmosphere in your home—without pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Key Takeaways Gratitude is not toxic positivity; it’s a biblical, practical weapon against bitterness, anxiety, and constant negativity. Simple practices (like three things you’re thankful for about your husband or kids) can reframe your day and your marriage. How shifting from “have to” to “get to” in chores and motherhood changes your posture toward your home and your people. Join the Conversation Love this episode? Follow the show and leave a quick review—your words help more mums find unfiltered stories, unapologetic faith, and real motherhood. Share your own “gratitude in the chaos” moment—tag us in your stories or send us an email so we can cheer you on. Connect with Us Elyse – @wholesomemummaMichelle – @itsmemichellecastroEmail – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Inside a recent episode

Santa, the “Perfect Christmas Mom,” and Keeping Jesus at the Center // 13

Published 10 Dec 2025 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Well, either one, the answer is the same. There isn't one. There's not one. There's not a perfect Christian mom. There's not a perfect Christmas mom. She does not exist. So we can just alleviate that worry for you. But it's real. Like, did you guys grow up getting like matching Christmas pajamas every year? Neither did we. But we started it. Well, so we haven't, but we have probably the only people that we know that don't do it because I, my husband is very, very, very good with money. I'm not. So it was up to me. We'd all have like the five of us would have matching pajamas every year, but yeah. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

125 ratings

Spotify

4.6 / 5

13 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

85

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

92

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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