Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Making Hesstory
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 53 | Is Tithing Still for Christians Today? | 18 Jul 2025 | 00:34:28 | |
Do Christians have to tithe? Short answer: no. But should we? Yes—but probably not for the reason you think... In this episode, we’ll unpack why tithing isn’t a “rule” for Christians under the New Covenant to avoid being cursed by God (as many teach), but why it might still be a wise and helpful practice. Jesus warned how easily money can become the object of our love and trust—and giving regularly can help us fight that. Think of tithing less like a law and more like a rhythm—a way to routinely remind ourselves that God is our provider and worthy of our trust. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 52 | Is Your Money a Blessing or a Burden? | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:29:09 | |
In the church, wealth is often seen as a blessing from God. But what happens when that wealth becomes the object of your trust? In this episode, Brian and Katie unpack the biblical tension between wealth, worship, and trust. The ease with which we can grow to love and rely on money shouldn’t be overlooked—or taken lightly. Whether you have a lot or a little, this conversation will challenge you to ask: Is the money you have a blessing used to love others and worship God, or has it quietly pulled you away from the ways of Jesus and His Kingdom? Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 51 | Two Reasons Parents Don't Apologize to Their Kids | 04 Jul 2025 | 00:22:39 | |
When parents never apologize to their kids, it’s either because they're perfect or prideful. And since we know that every parent makes mistakes, that leaves us with only one option: pride. In this episode, Brian and Katie explore the process of rupture and repair, and why humility, not perfection, is what builds lasting connection with your kids. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 50 | When Parenting Becomes a Competition, Everyone Loses | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:28:25 | |
Matthew 12:25 —“...a house divided against itself will not stand.” In this episode, Brian and Katie explore what division looks like in parenting—from “good cop / bad cop” roles to decisions made behind each other’s backs. Whether it’s driven by insecurity, resentment, or different parenting styles, disunity sends the wrong message to your kids. You’ll learn why unity matters, how to handle disagreements without undermining each other, and why parenting needs to be a team effort. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 49 | Are We Blaming Our Kids for Our Own Immaturity? | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:34:00 | |
"Kids will be kids," as they say — immature, loud, defiant, and sometimes downright disrespectful. But what if their behavior — especially the frustrating kind — is actually an attempt to communicate something deeper? In this episode, Brian and Katie consider the normalcy and nature of childhood immaturity and challenge parents to take responsibility for their own emotional responses. Rather than reacting with frustration or demanding a level of maturity from our kids that we haven’t yet modeled ourselves, what if we saw these moments as invitations for our own continued growth? Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 48 | What the Garden of Eden Teaches Us About Parenting | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:28:30 | |
Have you ever wondered why God created both the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? In this episode, we explore the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, and take a biblical look at God’s design for relationship, freedom, and the human will—and how it all connects to the way we lead and love our kids. You’ll learn:
Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 47 | How to Have Your Kids’ Attention, Respect, and Cooperation (Without Using Force) | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:31:48 | |
Why do kids push back, resist, or seem downright defiant when we try to get them to obey? In this episode, we explore the concept of counterwill—the instinctive resistance to being controlled—and how it plays a critical role in your child's development, autonomy, and attachment. You’ll learn:
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of conflict, this episode will help you shift from control to connection—and rediscover the real power of relationship-based parenting. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 46 | How Words Shape Our Brains and Bonds | 30 May 2025 | 00:30:32 | |
Words have power — not just emotionally, but neurologically. In this episode, we explore how the words we use impacts brain development, emotional connection, and relational safety. Whether you're a parent, spouse, educator, or friend, understanding the science of words can transform how you communicate and connect. In this episode we covered:
Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 45 | Whose Kingdom are You Building? | 23 May 2025 | 00:30:03 | |
The shift that needs to happen in the life of every believer is from worship of self to worship of God. The values that the culture of the world is built upon are generally selfish in nature, and will result in people being the lord of their life, seeking to build their own kingdoms. The values that the culture of God's Kingdom is built upon are generally focused on learning to love like Jesus and build His Kingdom. Join Brian and Katie as they continued the conversation on the reality that much of our lives have been shaped by the values of the world, and why we need to be internal in orienting ourselves towards the ways of Jesus and His Kingdom. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 44 | Is Your Family Being Formed by Jesus, or the World? | 16 May 2025 | 00:45:48 | |
Right now you are either intentionally being discipled by Jesus, or you are unintentionally being discipled by the world. The same will be true for your kids, and there is no third direction. Jesus didn't ask His followers to make converts - He asked them to make disciples. A convert is willing to trust Jesus as their Savior, but sees little growth and waits to die to experience God's Kingdom. A disciple, on the other hand, is willing to trust Jesus as both Savior and Lord, and works towards creating a lifestyle that reflects the ways and practices of Jesus in an effort to bring the Kingdom of God here and now. Join Brian and Katie as they talk about why we'll never accidentally become more like Jesus, and why we need to be intentional in how we choose to live. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 43 | Tips for Discipling Your Kids | 09 May 2025 | 00:55:15 | |
In many parts of the world, words like "Christian" and "disciple" have nearly lost their meaning. For countless believers, actively practicing the ways of Jesus is optional and typically reserved for the few "radical" Christians. But this mindset will only lead to a weak and powerless church consisting of people who believe in the existence of God while lacking love, power, and authority. In this episode, Brian and Katie discuss what it truly means to be a disciple (apprentice) of Jesus and share some practical ways to bring discipleship into your home. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 42 | Love is Joyful, Not Happy (pt. 2) | 02 May 2025 | 00:39:14 | |
God is good and He does good things, but He also allows us to experience difficult circumstances in life in the interest of helping us grow up and become people of love, hope, and joy. In this episode Brian and Katie discussed the nature and source of the trials we face, why we might need to revisit our definition of "good," why joy can be found in the difficulties of life, and how this all relates to raising kids. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 41 | Love is Joyful, Not Happy | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:43:17 | |
It's normal to want our kids to be happy...but what if the goal of "happiness" is robbing us and our kids of something better? Happiness is good, but it's fragile and circumstantial. Joy, on the other hand, is lasting, and is something that we can choose even when life gets hard. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss the difference between happiness and joy, and why loving our kids well requires that we aim higher than to simply make them happy. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 40 | Love is Kind, Not Nice (pt. 2) | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:44:59 | |
Sometimes the nice things we do for our kids are, in all seriousness, very unkind. Love is kind, and kindness is motivated by what you can do for the good of someone else. Niceness, on the other hand, does not typically regard what is good for someone else, and is more selfishly motivated. Join Brian and Katie as they talk about what they believe to be simultaneously one of the nicest and most unkind things parents do for their kids in the society we live in today - give them their own smartphone. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 39 | Love is Kind, Not Nice | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:41:09 | |
This may come as a surprise, but it's possible that your efforts of being nice are coming at the expense of your ability to be kind. The Bible describes kindness as an expression of love. And if love means to "will the good of another" then kindness means to regarding the needs of others for their sake and benefit. Niceness, on the other hand, is often manipulative. It may look like kindness on the outside, but the difference is that being nice means elevating our own desires and interests above the needs of others. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss why being kind is superior to being nice, and why parents need to understand this. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 38 | Love is Patient, Not Passive | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:35:20 | |
Love is many things, but passive is not one of them. God disciplines those that He loves, and in the interest of trying to become the best parents we can be for the sake of our kids, we're actively learning how to discipline well. Discipline, as opposed to punishment, considers the long-term goals and ramifications of different forms of correction, and involves instructing, equipping, and empowering. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss the necessity of disciplining kids in love, and a lesson Brian recently learned through a time he "didn't get it right" with the kids. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 37 | What Forgiveness is (and isn't) | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:41:42 | |
In light of our previous episode, which is all about the necessity of forgiving our fathers for any ways that they weren't who we needed them to be, we thought it would be helpful to talk a little bit about what forgiveness is and what it isn't. Join us on this episode as we hope to clear up a few possible misconceptions in the interest of helping our listeners experience the freedom that comes through forgiving others. Brian's message on Worship, Money, and Lordship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGphil1NYwU Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 36 | The Six Father Types | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:42:57 | |
Every father in the world has one thing in common: they aren't perfect. But there's one who is - our Heavenly Father - and our task as parents and Christians is to perceive Him as clearly and accurately as possible, model His methods and ways in our. parenting, and lead our kids to Him. The problem is that there is a tendency that many people have to project the image and character of their earthly father onto God, which usually results in a distorted image that doesn't reflect the truth and reality of who He is. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss six different father types, and talk about the importance of forgiving our fathers for any ways that they weren't who we needed them to be in the interest of experiencing healing, freedom, and restoring our view of God. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 35 | Do People Project Their Father's Character onto God? | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:33:05 | |
Everything in our lives has the potential to influence what we think about God and the quality of His character. Everybody faces their own set of circumstances in life, and the challenge for us is to develop an unwavering belief that God is good, even when life is not. While our beliefs about God are formed throughout our lifetime, there's a subconscious tendency that people who believe in the existence of God have to project the quality of their earthly father's character onto God as their Heavenly Father. It's important to bring this to light, because who you believe God to be will determine how you approach Him, and it may play a role in determining the quality of your parenting. Join Brian and Katie as they begin to unpack the idea that you may be projecting the image of your father onto God, and why that could be problematic. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 34 | Avoiding the Extremes of Authoritarian and Permissive Parenting Styles | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:36:33 | |
Have you ever wondered why you parent the way you do? Sometimes we do what our parents did because it's all we know and we turned out okay. But sometimes we do the opposite of what our parents did because, well, our experience wasn't ideal. In this episode Brian and Katie talked about how neither of the two extremes of the parenting pendulum (authoritarian and permissive) are ideal, and some ways to think about what a healthy balance might look like. Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 33 | The Lies We Believe: "Violence is Power" | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:41:47 | |
The third lie in this mini-series is that violence is power. The world we live in is training us to demand comfort, convenience, ease, and the instant gratification of our desires. It's no surprise that this has crept its way into our parenting. Often when parents want to see a behavioral shift in their kids, they'll do whatever they deem necessary to achieve that goal, including fear, intimidation, and violence. Join Brian and Katie as they dismantle the fallacy that violence is power, and how connection is a superior goal to parenting than compliance. Here's the sermon on apathy mentioned by Brian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1C0Kf09a0k Want to connect with us? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 32 | The Lies We Believe: "Anger is Power" | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:34:56 | |
The second lie in this mini-series that is so easy to believe with regard to our relationships with others (especially our kids) is that anger is power. Our kids won't always do what we want them to. In fact, professional "limit tester" and "boundary pusher" would be on their business cards if they had them. As parents this has potential to be anger inducing, because we can feel disrespected when our kids don't do what we want them to when we want them to do it. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss the fallacy that anger gives us more power in our relationship with our kids, and why the key to teaching self control is modeling self control. Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 31 | The Lies We Believe: "It's My Job to Control My Kids" | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:56:36 | |
If something you believe is untrue, would you want to know? In our relationships with others, and most likely with our kids, there are a few lies that we can easily fall into the trap of believing. It may not happen on a conscious level, but our beliefs have a way of showing up in the way we behave. So, if you have the fruit, you have the root. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss the commonly believed lie that "it's our job to control our kids," why this isn't true, and how to live in the balance of freedom and boundaries. | |||
| Ep 30 | Are You Underestimating the Power of Self-Control? | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:33:22 | |
The meaning of self-control is as profound as it is simple. With it we're able to control ourselves and choose how we'll think, feel, and act towards other people. Without it, other people will be able to choose how we'll think, feel, and act towards them. Join Brian and Katie as they unpack the power of self-control, and how it brings with it the ability to love the way God loves. Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Order our books: https://makinghesstory.com/shop Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 29 | Shift Your Mindset From Victim To Victorious | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:56:04 | |
Few things can keep you stuck in life the way that a victim mentality can. This episode is not directed to people who have actually been a victim of the actions of others, but to those who are playing the role of the victim in life unnecessarily. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss how to identify a victim mentality, the pitfalls of developing one, and how Jesus can be looked to as a model of living victoriously in all circumstances. Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly email updates! Order our children’s book: https://mailchi.mp/makinghesstory/8lk1lhsrxa Order Brian’s book: https://a.co/d/bO34iAU Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 28 | Questions That Will Help Your Kids Develop Response-Ability | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:46:20 | |
Responsibility is best understood as response-ability. When we develop responsibility and work towards managing our own behavior and emotions, we develop the ability to formulate thoughtful and intentional responses to the unforeseen events, problems, circumstances, and undesirable behavior from the people around us. When we lack responsibility, we lack the ability to respond, leaving us with only the ability to react. Reactions lack thoughtfulness, intentionality, and vision. They relegate our behavior to serve as a reflection of our immediate surroundings and circumstances, and we'll end up being a slave to the emotions that those circumstances produce in us. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss the role and necessity of responsibility, and what they consider to be absolutely essential questions to routinely ask your kids in an effort to help them become more responsible. Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly email updates! Order our children’s book: https://mailchi.mp/makinghesstory/8lk1lhsrxa Order Brian’s book: https://a.co/d/bO34iAU Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingHesstory Learn more about our church's Company Emphases (as mentioned in the episode): https://beloveco.org/1319-2/ | |||
| Ep 27 | Sickness, Routine, and Learning to Trust Yourself | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:47:24 | |
This week we're back on the topic of finding ways to implement new habits and routine in a way that works. When we try to do too much too quickly and fail after a short period, the byproduct is that we may end up teaching ourselves that we can't be trusted when it comes to making changes and implementing new habits and disciplines. Join Brian and Katie as they talk about how our lives are changed not just by the big events of life, but by what we choose to cultivate in the mundane of daily life. Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, buy our books, or subscribe to our weekly email updates! Order our children’s book: https://mailchi.mp/makinghesstory/8lk1lhsrxa Order Brian’s book: https://a.co/d/bO34iAU Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 26 | Are You As Mature As You Want Your Kids To Be? (Ep 4 throwback) | 10 Jan 2025 | 00:45:36 | |
Bad news - we've been really sick this week! We should be back up and running next week, but in the mean time here is one of our earlier episodes. On this episode we explored what makes kids so good at being kids, and what they need from their parents in order to grow up and mature out of their childish ways. Unfortunately, there are many parents who hold their kids to a higher standard of maturity than they're willing or capable of modeling themselves. For the sake of our kids, we need to become as whole and healthy as we possibly can so that, rather than demanding unrealistic expectations, we are prepared to model the very behavior we wish to see in them. | |||
| Ep 25 | New Year, New You? | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:43:12 | |
We thought this episode would be a good time to share an unpopular opinion - we don't love the idea of New Year's resolutions. We do, however, believe in discipline, habit forming, and creating rhythms, all of which have a more profound impact on who we are and who we become than the switching of the calendar from December to January. Join us as we discuss some practical ways to think about changing and implementing new ways of living without being overwhelmed by the pressure to revolutionize your life every January. | |||
| Ep 24 | What Does God Think About You? | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:36:55 | |
Do you believe that God exists? If so, what do you believe He thinks about you? Do you believe that He thinks you're unlovable? Disappointing? A failure? Or do you believe that He loves you unconditionally, and that He's proud do call you a friend? Throughout our lives we're presented with innumerable opportunities to learn to believe things about God, and unfortunately not everything we learn to believe about Him is true. It can be easy to develop belief about God's character and nature that is based on unvalidated assumptions, but the truth is that the only way to know for sure what He's like is to get to know Him personally. Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, or subscribe to our weekly email updates! Order our children’s book: https://a.co/d/2ruBRiD Order Brian’s book: https://a.co/d/bO34iAU Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingHesstory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 23 | We Wrote A Children's Book! | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:39:18 | |
Kids generally have their core beliefs about their identity formed by the time they're seven years old. For this reason, we need to be intentional in choosing how we speak to and about our kids. In this episode, Brian and Katie talked about their newly published children's book titled What Does God Say About Me?: Declarations For Kids, from A-Z, and their motivation behind writing it. Speaking declarations like those found in this book with your children is an easy and practical way to help them learn to believe the truth about who God says they are. Buy it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/95i5jOn Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, or subscribe to our weekly email updates! Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingHesstory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 22 | Punishment vs. Discipline (part 2) | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:54:06 | |
Most parents have two things in common... First, they want obedient kids who listen and respond well. Second, they keep a few "hammers" in their parenting tool belt with which they can intimidate and coerce their kids into compliance when faced with resistance. The problem with this method is that it pursues instant results at the expense of long-term teaching and equipping. As our kids grow up, the tools that they have and use to manage their relationships, handle difficulty, solve problems, and respond to the unforeseen events and circumstances of life are the very tools that we equip them with. Join us on this week's episode as we continued the conversation on the importance of choosing discipline over punishment for the sake of equipping our kids with self-control and responsibility. Want to connect? Use the links below to find us on social media, send us an email, or subscribe to our weekly email updates! Send us an email: brianandkatie@makinghesstory.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinghesstory/ Website: http://www.makinghesstory.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingHesstory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550195135910 | |||
| Ep 21 | Punishment vs. Discipline | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:34:13 | |
Too often parents make the mistake of assuming that punishment and discipline are the same thing. But in the interest of developing healthy relationships and connections with our kids (and, honestly, everybody else around us), it is absolutely necessary that we draw a distinction between them. Punishment is a tool of the world. Its motivation is fear and its goal is compliance. Discipline, on the other hand, is a tool of God's Kingdom. Its motivation is love, and its goal is connection. Kids need proper discipline if they are to grow up, mature, and develop a value for personal responsibility and self-control. Unfortunately, kids who are punished typically don't learn how to think critically, take responsibility, and make good choices. Rather, they learn how to hide and avoid punishment. In this episode we begin to break down the difference between punishment and discipline in the interest of helping parents everywhere think about the long-term ramifications of their reactions to their child's poor behavior and mistakes. | |||
| Ep 20 | Raising Kids You Enjoy Being Around | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:45:36 | |
By the time our kids are around four years old they'll be able to begin differentiating between socially desirable and undesirable behavior. At this point they'll start recognizing which kids they like (or don't like) to be around. This doesn’t mean that we begin teaching them when they turn four. Rather it means that the behavior that we either confront or condone up until that point will play a role in their long-term socialization. Believe it or not, kids will respect parents who are both loving and firm. Kids will respect parents who understand their authority and use it to set limits and standards. By default kids are selfish and immature, and they'll need our help growing out of those childish tendencies. In this episode we discussed the importance of intentionally helping our kids sort out the difference between socially desirable and undesirable behavior, and how to use our authority lead and serve them well. | |||
| Ep 19 | Kids & the Supernatural | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:49:19 | |
The Bible is filled with some really fun and, if we're being honest, weird events and experiences. God has always had a way of getting things done while not being overly concerned with whether or not we would find His methods “normal” or “logical.” When Jesus came on the scene He both taught and demonstrated the ways of God's Kingdom. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, and He also heard people's thoughts and walked on water. Simply put, Jesus wasn’t bound by the laws of nature, logic, and reason that we observe in what we would consider to be the natural order of things in our daily lives. While the topic of the “supernatural” and the Holy Spirit’s continued (or discontinued) active involvement in our lives is one of debate in the church today, we wanted to share some of the amazing experiences we’ve had. Specifically, with our kids. Who better to experience the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit than sweet, innocent, and wonder-filled kids. Join us as we share real life stories of the times we’ve seen the Holy Spirit do amazing, fun, and supernatural things with our kids. | |||
| Ep 18 | Renewing the Mind (part 2) | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:46:26 | |
The mind, which contains our thoughts (ideas, beliefs, opinions, images, and memories) also contains our feelings (emotions, sensations, and desires). Too often our feelings are allowed to dictate the direction of our life, our decisions, our habits, and our identity. This is unfortunate, because while feelings can be great servants, they make terrible masters. In the interest of pursuing a transformation of character and becoming more like Jesus, we need to give great consideration to our feelings, particularly our desires. Join us as we discuss what seems to be very timely and relevant, given the US presidential election and all the big feelings that come with it. In this episode we also covered the potential we have to become people whose joy and peace are not reliant upon the quality of our circumstances, which can fluctuate from day to day, but on the quality of the character of Jesus, who is always good and always faithful. | |||
| Ep 17 | Renewing the Mind | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:44:45 | |
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." - Romans 12:2 Your mind is caught in a battle between two opposing Kingdoms; the Kingdom of God and that of the world. Either of these kingdoms will, if you allow them, be the influence that shapes how you think and feel. One difference is that the influence of the Kingdom of God only comes through intentional focus and pursuit. In the absence of intentionality to be discipled by Jesus and learning the ways of His Kingdom, our minds will be, by default, relegated to the influence of the world. In the interest of living the life Jesus calls us to live, we need our minds to be a product of His teaching and leading. We need our minds to be centered around God - His truth, His Word, His presence, and His character, His values, and His ways. Join Brian and Katie as they discuss the importance of leaning into God and His Word for the shaping of our mind and our understanding of truth. | |||
| Ep 16 | Chris Dupré | 25 Oct 2024 | 01:03:43 | |
Brian had an opportunity to sit down with Chris Dupré and hear his story - one of love, redemption, forgiveness, restoration, and grace. His story is also one of meeting Jesus, but not in the way most people do. He met Jesus face to face, and, well, everything changed for him after that. Hopefully this piqued your interest, because this is a story that everyone needs to hear. Chris Dupré is also an author, and has written several amazing books, a few of which can be found by clicking the links below. | |||
| Ep 15 | The Gospel, Transformation, & Parenting (part 2) | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:34:35 | |
Brian and Katie continued the conversation on the need for continued growth and transformation that comes by the power of the gospel of Jesus. It can be easy to feel stuck in a way of existing and behaving, wanting to change and see growth, but not knowing how to go about it. Behavior modification is typically the go-to method. And while it might work as a short term solution to the problem of our own undesirable behavior, the only long term solution is to sit at the feet of Jesus and allow ourselves to be transformed by His love. Join us as we continue bridging the gap between the truth that in Christ we are new creations with a new nature and the reality that we don't always act like it. Correction from this episode: Jesus was not questioned by His disciples, but by the religious leaders regarding paying taxes to Caesar. Links form this episode: https://music.apple.com/us/album/lord-of-the-rings-but-its-lofi-ep/1611229750 | |||
| Ep 14 | The Gospel, Transformation, & Parenting | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:39:33 | |
Do you ever find yourself, like so many others, trapped in a cycle of shame - feeling inadequate, wanting to change and grow - but not knowing how? Often we're told, whether by family, friends, or social media influencers, what it is that we need to do. If you're a parent, you need to be (patient, kind, peaceful, gentle, etc...). The problem is, few people are actually telling us how to go about this transformation. Behavior modification and sin-management isn't the answer, because it has proven to fail for as long as people have been alive. Our behavior is a manifestation of the content of our heart and mind, both of which are needing to be tended to and cared for. If we're going to become the people we dream we can be, living the life we dream we can live, one of true and lasting peace and joy, then need to tap into something greater than our own power. We need Jesus. We need His gospel. We need His Kingdom. Join Brian and Katie as they share their own experience of desiring change and growth, and coming to the realization that it is only through the power and grace of God that it is truly possible. | |||
| Ep 13 | When Good Comes at the Expense of Best | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:24:36 | |
This week Brian and Katie continued the conversation on goals, and discussed the possibility that by aiming for the good things in life we'll miss out on experiencing the best things. Machiavelli is often quoted for saying that "the ends justify the means." While he isn't exactly a role model of ours, it got us thinking about these two questions: 1. Is it true that the ends justify the means? Is it true that we'll typically feel justified in doing whatever we need to in achieving the success of our goals? 2. If it's true that the ends justify the means, then what justifies the ends? In other words, what is our method for determining what our goals ought to be in each area of life, and what is our method for determining the health of our goals? Join Brian and Katie as they unpack some of the goals that are often set up in people lives based on what is believed to be good, but will often come at the expense of what is best. | |||
| Ep 12 | How healthy are your goals? | 27 Sep 2024 | 00:26:14 | |
When we have a goal in life, whether it's having a healthier marriage, making more money, or raising obedient kids, we need to keep in mind that the action we take will be easily justified, so long as it appears to lead to the success of achieving that goal. The more you want to have more money, the less you'll worry about whether or not your methods come at the expense of the well-being of other people. The more you want to raise obedient kids, the easier it will be for you to justify the use of fear, threat of punishment, and shame, as long as it ends with your kids doing what you want them to do. Join Brian and Katie this week as they explore the possibility that the things we often pursue in life are not inherently bad things, but they would better serve us as an outcome of a more excellent, Kingdom-minded goal. | |||
| Ep 11 | Creating a Culture | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:36:13 | |
Culture exists everywhere. Every place - from restaurants, to doctor's offices, to homes, and everything in between has a culture. The creating of a culture cannot be escaped. Where you find people, you'll find values, and where you find values you will find culture. Join Brian and Katie on this episode as they discuss the importance of understanding how cultures are developed, and how to avoid accidentally creating an undesirable culture in your home. P.S. We mentioned out church in this episode - here's a link to the website in case you're curious! | |||
| Ep 10 | Identifying Your Values | 13 Sep 2024 | 00:33:58 | |
This week Brian and Katie continued the conversation on the purpose of boundaries. Boundaries exist to protect values, and values are revealed by what we say "yes" to. Therefore, the goal is not to establish boundaries, because every day we say "yes" to spending our time, energy, and money. Rather, the goal is to evaluate the boundaries that have already been established, and reassess whether or not changes need to be made. And in order to understand whether or not changes need to be made to our hierarchy of values, we need to consider whether or not our values and boundaries are existing to support the vision of who we want to become and the direction we want our lives to go. | |||
| Ep 09 | The Purpose of Boundaries | 06 Sep 2024 | 00:55:14 | |
This week Brian and Katie discuss the purpose and necessity of establishing boundaries in our relationships. Boundaries can either be a life-giving, relationship-strengthening, and resource-protecting tool, or it can be something that we construct for the sake of building a life that is centered around selfish desire and an unwillingness to be inconvenienced or uncomfortable. Join us this week as we identify the nature and purpose of boundaries, and how to use them effectively to improve the quality of our lives and relationships. | |||
| Ep 08 | Developing Healthy Belief & Expectation | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:48:09 | |
Have you ever considered the relationship between our thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and experiences? On this episode Brian and Katie discuss something called the belief-expectation cycle, and why it's important that we actively pursue the development of healthy beliefs and expectations. Too often people allow their beliefs to be formed solely on the basis of their experiences, but if we're to live the life that God is inviting us to live then it is necessary that we learn to submit our thoughts, beliefs, and expectations to God's Word and align ourselves with truth as He sees it. | |||
| Ep 07 | God's Design for Childbirth | 23 Aug 2024 | 00:53:09 | |
This week Brian and Katie discussed a potentially sensitive topic - childbirth. Katie shared her experience with giving birth to all three of their kids, and they discussed their belief about God and what they believe was His intended design for childbirth. The purpose of this episode is not to shame or minimize the reality of anybody's experience in childbirth. Rather, it is an invitation for women everywhere to explore the realm of God's Kingdom, His goodness, His faithfulness, and what is now made possible through the finished work of Christ. Jesus made a way for us to live a life that is free from the power and dominion of all that accompanied the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, including sin and it's affects on the human experience. Join Brian and Katie as they look back to the Garden of Eden and consider the reality that through Christ we are being restored to fulfill the role He originally intended us to fulfill - to be carriers of His presence and authority, and to be His representatives to the rest of creation. | |||
| Ep 06 | Freedom & Boundaries | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:48:35 | |
Two things that our kids desperately need are freedom and boundaries. The trick is finding the right balance between the two, because too much of one without the other will create problems. Too much freedom without boundaries and your home will become a place of chaos, where the parents are weak and permissive and the kids are in charge. Too many boundaries without freedom and your home will become a place of totalitarianism, where the parents are angry and controlling and the kids are afraid. What would it look like to create an environment where kids are given space to exercise their God-given freedom while being shown where the boundaries of that freedom lie? Join Brian and Katie as they share their experience in finding ways to navigate this with their own kids—with one who thrives on the safety of boundaries and another who thrives on the testing of boundaries. Subscribe at makinghesstory.com for updates, announcements, and more content! Intro & Outro music: Lion by Khozie | |||
| Ep 05 | Requiring vs. Demanding | 09 Aug 2024 | 00:52:17 | |
Join Brian & Katie as they discuss the difference between demanding and requiring certain behavior from our kids. The temptation is to demand that which we desire, but the problem with this approach is that it leads to fear, control, and intimidation. The alternative to demanding desirable behavior from our kids is to require it from them. It's not bad to want kids who are respectful, responsible, and obedient, but the value of each of those is found in knowing that they only truly exist in our relationships as a product of freedom and desire, not coercion under threat of punishment. In this episode you'll learn how to require what you need from your kids without the tension and power struggle that comes with demanding it. | |||
| Ep 04 | Are you as mature as you want your kids to be? | 02 Aug 2024 | 00:44:59 | |
Join Brian and Katie Hess as they explore what makes kids so good at being kids, and what they need from their parents in order to grow up and mature out of their childish ways. Unfortunately, there are many parents who hold their kids to a higher standard of maturity than they're willing or capable of modeling themselves. For the sake of our kids, we need to become as whole and healthy as we possibly can so that, rather than demanding unrealistic expectations, we are prepared to model the very behavior we wish to see in them. | |||