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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

• 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.

Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

From postpartum to perimenopause, what do you do when your body feels foreign, squishy and nothing like it “used to be”? In this honest conversation, Elyse and Michelle talk mumbods, hormones, comparison, bounce-back culture, and how to see your changing body through a biblical lens instead of shame.

They unpack the pressure to “bounce back,” the mental health side of body obsession, and why stewarding your health as a Christian mum is about serving your family and honoring God—not chasing a certain jean size.

• Why “bouncing back” after babies is a toxic and unrealistic expectation for most Christian mums.

• How a biblical view of health and beauty (hello 3 John 1:2) helps you care for your body without obsessing over it.

• Practical encouragement: from movement and hormones to finding clothes that actually fit your current body, not the one you had at 18.

• If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who’s struggling with her changing body.

• Tell us your mumbod story or what hit home for you—DM us on Instagram or send an email. We love hearing from you.

Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Two imperfect people, one sacred covenant: Elyse and Michelle get real about what they’d tell their younger wife selves—expectations, prayer, intimacy, and communication. From peacekeeping vs. peacemaking to timing hard talks, counseling, and making marriage a yearly “work-on-it” priority, this is tender, practical, and unfiltered.

• Your spouse can’t complete you—only Jesus can; unrealistic expectations sabotage connection.

• Pray (together if possible), communicate honestly, and pick wise timing—think side-by-side walks.

• Intimacy gets better with safety, questions, and practice; invite trusted older women into the convo.

• Subscribe and share a 5-star review so more mums and wives find honest, faith-filled encouragement.

• Tell us: What do you wish you’d known as a new wife?

Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Ever wish you could go back and encourage your younger mom self? In this episode, Elyse and Michelle open up about guilt, grace, and the impossible standards we set for ourselves as mothers. From toddler chaos to quiet-time guilt, they share what they’ve learned about letting go, finding identity in Christ, and trusting God to gently lead you—right where you are.

Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.

• Let go of “supermom” expectations—examine whether choices elevate you or honor God.

• Your greatest ministry happens at home; motherhood is holy and refining (Isaiah 40:11).

• Surround yourself with wise counsel, pick your battles, and remember: grace over guilt.

• Love what you’re hearing? Subscribe, rate, and share with a friend.

• Tell us what topics you’d love next—DM us or email below.

Connect Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Christian motherhood podcast, mom guilt Christian, biblical motherhood, identity in Christ for moms, grace over guilt, motherhood encouragement, faith-based parenting, Christian mom advice, letting go of perfection, motherhood sanctification

Is Halloween harmless fun or a doorway to darkness? Elyse (AUS) and Michelle (USA) share candid childhood stories, current convictions, and practical ways to guard little hearts while keeping family peace—without shaming other parents. Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.

3 Key Takeaways

• Discernment over default: Take Halloween (and media choices) to the Lord; let the Holy Spirit shape your family’s convictions—and feel free to change as He leads.

• Guard little eyes: Be mindful of what enters your home and kids’ imaginations; use post-movie chats to process themes and choices together.

• Offer bright alternatives: Consider church “light nights,” Reformation Day fun, dress-up without the dark, or a family night out to sidestep scary content.

Join the Conversation

• If this stirred something in you, bring it to prayer—and tell us what you’re deciding for your family this year.

• Subscribe and share this episode with a friend who’s wrestling with Halloween, too.

Connect with Us Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Christian parents and Halloween, should Christians celebrate Halloween, faith-based parenting Halloween, guarding kids’ hearts, spiritual warfare and family, Halloween alternatives church, Reformation Day for families, Christian motherhood podcast

Pregnancy loss isn’t a sidebar—it’s part of many mothers’ stories. Michelle shares seven pregnancies, three live births, and the stillbirth of her son, Jackson, while Elyse opens up about endo, fertility grief, and near-loss—offering honest, faith-filled ways to grieve, talk about it, and love families walking through it.

• Permission to lament: why grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, and infertility is real—and how Scripture steadies us without platitudes.

• How to help: what to say (and not say), practical support that truly serves, and the quiet power of presence and prayer.

• Community matters: how the Church, friends, and husbands can show up with meals, messages, and long-haul care.

• Subscribe for unfiltered stories, unapologetic faith, and real motherhood every week.

• Connect with us and share your story—we’re listening and praying.

JACKSON CHRISTOPHER BLOG

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Contact Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

pregnancy loss; miscarriage; stillbirth; Christian motherhood; grief and faith; infant loss awareness; support after miscarriage; lament

Elyse (AUS) and Michelle (USA) pull back the curtain on the invisible mental load moms carry—endless schedules, meal plans, school forms, and everyone’s emotions—while confessing the funny, messy bits (hello, mystery music tab). Together they offer practical ways to declutter your home and calendar, train kids, ask your husband for help, and surrender the extras God never asked you to carry.

Key Takeaways (3):

1. Declutter on purpose: stuff and schedule—fewer bins and fewer commitments calm your mind.

2. Delegate + train: age-appropriate chores and clear instructions reduce rework and resentment.

3. Decide your “yes”: every yes is a no to something else—ask, “Did God actually ask me to carry this?”

Join the Conversation: • Subscribe for unfiltered stories, unapologetic faith, and real motherhood every week. • DM us your favorite mental-load hacks or the chore your kids finally mastered!

Connect: Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

SEO Keywords (5–8): Christian motherhood podcast, mental load of moms, mom burnout and decision fatigue, Christian parenting tips, decluttering for moms, sharing household chores, emotional labor motherhood, boundaries and saying no